U.S. patent application number 10/076275 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-14 for folding tie.
Invention is credited to Dieterich, Lawrence Stephen.
Application Number | 20030150087 10/076275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27660207 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030150087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dieterich, Lawrence
Stephen |
August 14, 2003 |
Folding tie
Abstract
An improved tie system for organizing and detachably securing
moveable articles comprises a folding tie. The tie includes a
foldable support element (20) having opposing sides and having both
a male fastener patch (22) and a female fastener patch (23) such as
hook-and-loop fasteners, on both opposing sides. Two fastener
patches of complementary gender are located opposite one or more
folding zones (24). The tie folds to enfold one or more articles
(27) and detachably engages male and female fastener elements
located on the same side of the support element. Upon folding the
tie, the fastener elements of the tie engage in a releasable
couple, and an article is thereby held and secured inside the fold.
The folded tie may be collected with others of its own kind, in
weakly-secure clusters, and also may be anchored and labeled.
Inventors: |
Dieterich, Lawrence Stephen;
(Davis, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence S. Dieterich
P.O. Box 72095
Davis
CA
95617-2095
US
|
Family ID: |
27660207 |
Appl. No.: |
10/076275 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/306 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/2708 20150115;
A44B 18/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/306 |
International
Class: |
A44B 018/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A folding tie, comprising: a) a foldable support element having
a plurality of opposing major sides; b) at least two male fastening
members on said opposing major sides of said support element,
respectively; and c) at least two female fastening members on said
opposing major sides of said support element, respectively;
whereby, when said support element is folded, at least one of said
female fastening members, will be detachably joined to at least one
of said female fastening members to form a releasable couple.
2. The folding tie of claim 1, further including a label surface on
one of said opposing major sides of said tie.
3. The folding tie of claim 1 wherein said fastening members
comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
4. The folding tie of claim 1 further including; a) at least one
discontinuity between segments of said support element; and b) at
least one spanning element, spanning said discontinuity, and
interconnecting said segments of said support element.
5. A method for managing at least one moveable article, comprising:
a) providing at least one folding tie, said tie including a
foldable support element having a plurality of opposing major sides
and having at least two male fastening members on said opposing
major sides of said support element, respectively, and having at
least two female fastening members on said opposing major sides of
said support element, respectively; and b) folding said support
element around said moveable article for detachably connecting at
least one of said male fastening members to at least one of said
female fastening members for providing a releasable couple which
holds said support element in folded form around said moveable
article, thereby to enfold and hold said article to effect
organization and detachable securement thereof.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said male and female fastening
members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
7. The method of claim 5, further including a label surface on one
of said major sides of said tie.
8. The method of claim 5, further including; a) at least one
discontinuity between segments of said support element; and b) at
least one spanning element, spanning said discontinuity and
interconnecting said segments of said support element.
9. A folding tie, comprising: a) a foldable support element having
a plurality of opposing major sides; b) said support element having
at least two arms radiating from a common point; and c) at least
two male fastening members on said opposing major sides of said
support element, respectively; and d) at least two female fastening
members on said opposing major sides of said support element,
respectively; whereby, when said support element is folded, said
one of said male fastening members will be detachably connected to
said one of said female fastening members to form a releasable
couple.
10. The folding tie of claim 9 wherein said arms are furcated.
11. The folding tie of claim 9, further including a label surface
on one of said major sides of said tie.
12. The folding tie of claim 9 wherein said male and female
fastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface
fasteners.
13. The folding tie of claim 9 further including; a) at least one
discontinuity between segments of said support element; and b) at
least one spanning element, spanning said discontinuity, and
interconnecting said segments of said support element.
14. A folding tie, comprising: a) a sheet-like foldable support
element having a plurality of opposing major sides; b) each of said
major sides of said support element having at least two male
fastening members on said opposing sides of said support element,
respectively; and c) each of said major sides of said support
element having at least two female fastening members on said
opposing sides of said support element, respectively; whereby, when
said support element is folded, said one of said male fastening
members will be detachably connected to said one of said female
fastening members to form a releasable couple.
15. The folding tie of claim 14, further including a label surface
on one of said opposing major sides of said tie.
16. The folding tie of claim 14 wherein said male and female
fastening members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface
fasteners.
17. A folding tie, comprising: a) a foldable support element having
a plurality of opposing major sides; b) at least one of said
opposing major sides of said support element conveying an image;
and c) at least two male fastening members on said opposing major
sides of said support element, respectively; and d) at least two
female fastening members on said opposing major sides of said
support element, respectively; whereby, when said support element
is folded, said one of said male fastening members will be
detachably connected to said one of said female fastening members
to form a releasable couple.
18. The tie of claim 17, further including a label surface on one
of said opposing major sides of said tie.
19. The tie of claim 17 wherein said male and female fastening
members comprise hook-and-loop touch-surface fasteners.
20. The tie of claim 17, further including a decorative component
on at least one of said major opposing sides of said tie.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] None
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] The present invention relates to apparatus for organizing
and securing articles, and particularly to such apparatus for
organizing and securing flexible elongate articles, such as cables,
cords, tubing, laces, and the like.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] It is well known that users have experienced many
difficulties with tangled and misidentified cables, and other
elongate articles. These difficulties have produced a multitude of
different devices intended to assist in managing such articles.
Examples of such devices in historical and common use are string,
adhesive-backed tape, twist-ties, clips, wraps, ties, holders,
spools, sheaths, etc. Despite the large number of such devices,
none of them have appreciated the advantages of weak securement for
light-duty applications, such as computer cables. Additionally, in
spite of the fact that electronics cables often look identical,
thus raising a question as to their identity and appropriate
connectivity, few of the devices for cable securement could be
labeled to record and convey the identity or purpose of the cables.
Moreover, in spite of the fact that cables are widely considered
ugly, none of the cable-securement devices provided adornment or
otherwise improved the aesthetics of gathered and secured
cables.
[0008] String
[0009] String or twine (often waxed) is commonly used to manage
elongated articles and it has many advantages, such as availability
in bulk lengths, which may be cut to a specific length as needed.
String is also reusable, reversible after untying, and it may be
tied to itself, or joined to other lengths of string.
[0010] However, string suffers from numerous disadvantages. It must
be tied, and knots are often hard to tie, especially in awkward or
constrained locations. They are frustrating and time-consuming to
untie, especially after becoming hardened with time and exposure to
the elements. String is also difficult to use in poor light
conditions, or by someone with bad eyesight. String is wrapped and
knotted, which normally requires two hands and good dexterity.
Knotted string also typically provides an excessive degree of
securement, and may not be released by simply tugging on the cables
it secures. Tugged cables may damage equipment and cause a loss.
Hence, string is largely unsuited to applications such as computer
cables, which need to be lightly secured so they can be loosened by
gentle tugging. An additional problem is that string itself does
not readily provide a label for the article it secures.
[0011] Adhesive-Backed Tape
[0012] Adhesive-backed tape is sometimes used to manage cables and
other elongate articles. Among many other useful features, such
tape may be supplied in bulk, and cut to length as desired. Tape
may be intuitively used by simply folding it onto itself, across
the cable, in such a way that the adhesive surfaces contact and
bind to each other inside the fold. Tape may also be written on to
identify the cables it holds. However, adhesive tape suffers from
numerous disadvantages. Common one-sided tape has adhesive on one
side only, hence it is not reversible. I.e., it will only close
when folded in one direction. Tape is often difficult to remove and
frequently provides excessive securement. Tape commonly leaves a
sticky residue after removal.
[0013] Twist-Ties
[0014] Another device for managing cables is a length of malleable
wire, sandwiched or covered on both sides with adhering strips of
paper or vinyl, commonly known as a "twist-tie." Twist-ties are
easy to use by simply folding them across the article to be held,
and twisting the tie to close it. They are adjustable, reusable,
and may be folded in multiple directions. They may be readily
labeled by marking on the paper cover. Twist-ties can also be
joined together to form longer ties, or joined together in branched
or furcated forms. Twist-ties also attach to other twist-ties,
serving to gather the articles they hold into groups or clusters.
Another feature of twist-ties is that they may be provided in a
long roll, and cut to length as desired. However, twist-ties are
often troublesome to open because this requires more twisting.
Moreover, it is difficult to discern the direction of twisting
required for removal. The wire core can be thin, and thus have
dangerously sharp ends. The wire core can become fatigued and break
after a few uses. Twist-ties also provide excessive securement,
which may not be released by gentle tugging.
[0015] Clips, Brackets, and Guides
[0016] Clips, brackets, guides, and the like, are often used to
secure extended or coiled cables, whereby one or more clips are
attached to an anchoring surface, and the cable is held at one or
more points along its length. One such clip-like device is
sometimes called a cable catch. It is constructed with
hook-and-loop fabric, and has both male (hook) and female (loop) on
the same side of the open device. The two genders are juxtaposed
across an axis of folding, so that the device joins hook to loop
when it is folded. The closure is thus secured by joining the hook
to the loop adjacent the folding axis, thereby holding an article
in the fold. The device uses an adhesive to anchor it.
[0017] When anchored by an adhesive, such clip-like devices provide
excessively secure anchoring, from which the cables may not be
freed by gentle tugging. Moreover, such adhesive devices cannot be
moved with the cables when they are moved to another location, or
when placed in storage. Such devices only have fasteners on one
folding surface. Hence they will close only when folded in one
direction. Such devices are not provided in bulk and hence may not
be made to the desired size and shape; rather they are only
available as discreet devices of limited sizes.
[0018] Knot Securement Devices.
[0019] A securement device utilizing a folding element equipped
with releasable touch-surface fastener as its closure mechanism is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,439 to Riti, 1981. This device is used
to secure a shoelace and to keep the knot from becoming
accidentally untied. The device consists of a flat, foldable strip
with both hook and loop on one side (in co-planar juxtaposition).
The hook and loop members are juxtaposed across a single axis of
folding, so that the device will close when folded, and will enfold
and hold a knot placed in the fold. Riti uses simple folding for
closure, and his device holds an article inside the fold, thereby
securing it. Riti's device is easy to construct, using commonly
available materials, and is simple to operate by folding and
unfolding. The device is anchored by an accessory lace passing
through a hole in a laterally extending integral flap.
[0020] However, Riti's device is not intended to work together with
others of its kind to manage multiple articles, but rather is a
single, stand-alone device intended to secure a single knotted
lace, as on a shoe. Moreover, Riti's device is not provided in bulk
length; rather it is only provided in one size, adequate to
accommodate a knotted shoelace. It requires a structural
modification, in the form of a flap with a hole, and an accessory
lace, to anchor it. Another disadvantage is that it only has
fasteners located on one side. Hence it closes when folded in one
direction only.
[0021] Article Holders
[0022] Re-configurable article holders may be made from flexible
straps having hook-and-loop releasable touch-surface fastener
elements. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,076 to Goodall, 1992,
shows a substantially T-shaped wearable device which may be
selectively configured by wrapping or folding to hold an article,
and secured in the closed form by engagement of hook fastener to
loop fastener.
[0023] Devices such as Goodall's have a complex construction, being
formed as a T-shaped element with complex placement of the gendered
hook and loop fastener members, and also require multiple steps to
close and open the device. Such article holders do not work with
others of their own kind, and do not permit the clustering, or
modular inter-attachability, of held articles.
[0024] Cable Wraps and Bundling Ties
[0025] Numerous different cable wraps, often referred to as
"bundling ties," or simply "ties," are used for managing slack
lengths gathered in looped coils, or arrayed in parallel strands.
Such devices are typically flexible straps which utilize
touch-surface fasteners, such as hook-and-loop, for closure. One
such wrap is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,961 to Cole, 1997, which
uses an elongate strap, with hook fastener elements on one side,
and loop fastener elements on the other side. The strap is wrapped
around an article, and then wrapped onto itself, whereby it is
closed by connecting the hooks on one side of the flat strap, to
the loops on the other side. Thereby wrapping around, and holding,
one or more articles. Such wraps may be provided in bulk form,
consisting of a continuous roll of hook (male) backed with loop
(female), which may be cut to length as desired.
[0026] Such common securement wraps provide excessive securement.
Additionally, such ties are not useful for securing cables in
non-parallel, crossed, or coiled, arrangements, but rather are only
useful for bundling cables together in a parallel array. A
considerable disadvantage to the majority of existing bundling ties
is that few of them utilize folding as the sole operation of
closure; rather they typically require wrapping. This requirement
of wrapping-to-close is a distinct disadvantage. Wrapping, when
compared to folding, is difficult to achieve, since wrapping
requires two hands, and sight. Wrapping-to-close, and
unwrapping-to-open is impractical in the cramped and dimly lit
locations where cables are commonly found.
[0027] Cable wraps and bundling ties have other disadvantages as
well. Some are not reusable. Many are intended only for storage
conditions, and have no ability to manage cables in use. Many are
attached to a single cable only, while others may be used with
separated cables, or with bundles of groups of multiple cables.
Many prior-art devices require a buckle, clasp, cinch-ring, or
other accessory component to secure their closure. Many are of
complicated construction, and require modifications to secure the
device in its closed form. Modifications take the form of slits,
slots, tabs, notches, holes, Y-shaped elements, etc. Such
structural modifications have a complicated and relatively
expensive construction, and the devices are inconvenient to use,
requiring two hands. Multi-step closure mechanisms are typically
difficult to open, because opening requires multiple steps. Few
cable wraps are reversible in their method of closing, i.e., they
close in only one direction of operation, and are not capable of
closing when operated in a generally reverse direction.
[0028] Few of the cable wraps or bundling ties of the prior art
also anchor the articles they hold.
[0029] Few cable wraps provide an easy way to label the articles
they hold. Where labeling is needed, it must be provided by a
separate device, which does not secure the article.
[0030] Few cable wraps or bundling ties are made and distributed in
bulk, but are supplied as discrete devices. This does not allow the
user to easily fashion a device of the desired size and shape.
[0031] Some ties must be dedicated to the cable they secure, while
others are removable for use with a different cable. Most ties that
may be readily secured to a cable are not easily removable.
[0032] Many of the cable wraps or bundling ties of the prior art
must be seen to be used, and so are of limited value for people
with poor eyesight, or where the device cannot be clearly seen for
reasons of lighting, or location. This is a significant
disadvantage of many cable ties, since cables are often installed
in dark or hard-to-reach places.
[0033] Another disadvantage of common bundling ties is that they
will not easily allow the held articles to be releasably
inter-attached to one another, i.e., clustered together, in a
modular fashion. This disadvantage exists because most ties and
wraps do not attach to others of their own kind while they are in
the closed form. In the few instances where a closed tie may be
used with devices of its own kind to form clusters of multiple held
articles, the adjacent ties must be wrapped in reverse directions.
Otherwise they will all present the same fastener gender on the
outside of the closed devices. Hence such wraps may not be
connected to one another while closed. Thereby preventing the
clustering, or inter-attachment, of adjacent closed devices.
[0034] A related problem exists in the general usage of releasable
touch-surface fasteners for anchoring and securement of moveable
articles. In spite of widespread use of two-gender touch-surface
fasteners for anchoring moveable articles, there is no convention
regarding the placement of male and female fasteners in such usage.
Does one put the female gender on the anchoring fixture, or does
one put the female gender on the moveable article? Lacking such
convention, it is commonly found that when an article having only a
single gender fastener thereon is moved to another location, there
is a chance of finding the same gender fastener on the desired
mounting point, thereby preventing coupling, and rendering the
touch-surface fastener useless. There is no way to bridge and
interconnect same-gender devices of the prior art. This lack of
inter-operability is a real, yet unrecognized, problem, since many
devices have same-gender attaching surfaces exposed outwardly and
could be joined in clusters, if the requirement for two different
genders could be transcended. Strict gender-specificity is an
accepted, galling limitation to all of the prior-art devices
utilizing two-gendered coupling members.
[0035] In addition to the strict requirement for complementary
genders on the articles to be joined, another long-accepted
limitation of prior-art devices is the need for direct physical
contact between devices utilizing touch-surface fasteners. The
requirement for contact is problematic, since many articles, such
as bundles of stiff wire, or hanks of rope, may be shaped or sized
so as to interfere with direct surface contact between the bundling
devices that secure them. Accordingly, there is an apparently
unrecognized need for a way of attaching touch-surface fasteners
together, where such fasteners may not touch.
[0036] Further unaddressed is the problem of aesthetics. Wires are
commonly considered to be ugly, yet few prior-art devices are
available for adorning such wires.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0037] Accordingly one object and advantage of the invention is to
provide an improved folding tie, other objects and advantages are
to provide such a tie which:
[0038] (a) will releasably secure one or more articles;
[0039] (b) is reusable;
[0040] (c) is intuitive to operate;
[0041] (d) does not require wrapping to close;
[0042] (e) utilizes folding as the only necessary operation;
[0043] (f) is removable by unfolding;
[0044] (g) may be closed when folded in multiple directions;
[0045] (h) can be easily labeled;
[0046] (i) uses gendered fasteners for anchoring;
[0047] (j) may be used under conditions of bad visibility;
[0048] (k) may be used by persons with impaired dexterity;
[0049] (l) provides weak securement of the articles it holds;
[0050] (m) may be provided in bulk form and made into any size or
shape;
[0051] (n) provides cable management in both storage and use
conditions;
[0052] (o) attaches to identical devices while open or closed;
[0053] (p) attaches to any of common touch-surface fastener;
[0054] (q) permits modular inter-attachability, or clustering, of
articles;
[0055] (r) may be used to secure and discretize individual
articles;
[0056] (s) may be dedicated to the securement of a single
article;
[0057] (t) may be removed for use with other articles;
[0058] (u) groups multiple articles together in a single bundle,
and
[0059] (v) may be used in cramped spaces.
[0060] Further objects and advantages are to provide a folding tie
that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture in any size, shape, and
color; is fun and safe to use; which will readily allow
modifications such as pins, ties, tabs or clips for improved form
or function; adorns or obscures unsightly articles; which will hold
non-elongate articles; and that sparks a synergy with prior-art
devices, thereby providing new uses for existing ties.
[0061] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing drawings and description.
SUMMARY
[0062] An improved article and method for managing articles
comprises one or more folding ties, each comprised of a support
element, having both genders of a releasable touch-surface gendered
fastener, such as hook-and-loop, on both opposing sides, with the
two complementary mating elements located equidistant from one
another across an axis of folding. The device is used by folding
it, to join male fastener to female fastener to form a releasable
couple. In use, the tie enfolds and holds one or more articles. The
tie also attaches to others of its own kind while in the closed
form. The tie can be used to cluster, or modularly interattach
secured articles. The tie forms clusters with like others, and
provides securement, organization, and weak anchoring for the
article or articles it holds.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0063] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment
of a flat, two-sided, multiple interconnected segment and multiple
gender tie (shown partially unfolded) according to the
invention.
[0064] FIG. 2A is a plan view of two interconnected fully unfolded
folding tie segments of FIG. 1 shown in a common plane.
[0065] FIG. 2B is an edge elevational view of two interconnected
and fully unfolded folding tie segments of FIG. 1.
[0066] FIG. 2C is an edge elevational view of two fully unfolded
folding tie segments of FIG. 1.
[0067] FIG. 2D is an edge elevational view of two fully unfolded
folding tie segments of FIG. 1.
[0068] FIG. 3A is a plan view of two independent tie segments
having the same fastener gender arrangement of the tie of FIG. 2A,
and having a discontinuity between segments spanned by a flexible
loop.
[0069] FIG. 3B is an edge elevational view of two independent tie
segments having a fastener gender arrangement similar to FIG. 2B,
and having a discontinuity spanned by a twistable connecting
loop.
[0070] FIG. 3C is an edge elevational view of two independent
interconnected tie segments having the same fastener gender
arrangements as the tie of FIG. 2C, and incorporating a
discontinuity that is spanned by a twistable connecting
element.
[0071] FIG. 3D is an edge elevational view of two independent tie
segments having the same fastener gender arrangement as the tie of
FIG. 2D and flexibly interconnected by a twistable loop spanning a
discontinuity in the backing element located between the
segments.
[0072] FIG. 4 is an edge elevational view of the two-segment
folding tie of FIG. 2B, folded about and holding an article.
[0073] FIG. 5 is an edge elevational view of an eight-segment
folding tie of FIG. 1, repeatedly folded, in accordion-pleat
fashion, for holding multiple articles, as both discrete articles,
and as grouped multiple articles.
[0074] FIG. 6 is an edge elevational view of multiple folding ties
of FIGS. 2 and 3, folded closed, joined in clusters consisting of
others of their own kind.
[0075] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a two-segment folding tie,
being folded about, and holding an article in storage
condition.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of two-segment
folding ties being folded about multiple articles, and cooperating
with one another as part of a system of holding articles in the use
condition.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the folding tie of FIG.
2 folded to hold an article and anchored to a fixture by a single
patch of adhesive-backed, gendered releasable-coupling touch
surface fastener.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the tie used to join
two incompatible cable wraps.
[0079] FIG. 11A is a plan view of the tie with a label added to the
support element.
[0080] FIG. 11B is an edged elevational view of the tie of FIG.
11A.
[0081] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a
tie according to the present invention, having multiple
interconnected segments and multiple genders (shown unfolded) and
having orthogonally repeating elements of the hook and the loop
segments of the tie, with a label added to the support element.
[0082] FIG. 13A is a plan view of a third preferred embodiment of
the invention, having orthogonally repeating segments of the hook
and the loop components of the tie arranged in a pattern suggesting
a butterfly (shown completely unfolded).
[0083] FIG. 13B is a plan view of a reverse side of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 13A, having both orthogonally and obliquely repeating
elements of the hook and the loop segments of the tie, with
multiple labels added to the support element.
[0084] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the tie,
having branched and repeating occurrences of gendered segments of
the tie depicted in FIG. 1, and incorporating multiple
discontinuities in the interconnected segments of the tie (shown
completely unfolded).
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0085] 20 Support Element
[0086] 21 Discontinuity
[0087] 22 Male Fastener Member
[0088] 23 Female Fastener Member
[0089] 24 Fold Zone
[0090] 25 Spanning Element
[0091] 26 Adhesive Layer
[0092] 27 Held Article
[0093] 28 Gendered Cable Wrap
[0094] 29 Label
[0095] 30 Support Element
[0096] 31 Discontinuity
[0097] 33 Decorative Component
[0098] 34 Fold Zone
[0099] 35 Spanning Element
[0100] 36 Fixed Object
[0101] 39 Label
[0102] 40 Support Element
[0103] 41 Discontinuity
[0104] 44 Fold Zone
[0105] 54 Fold Zone
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0106] Snake-Like Embodiment--FIG. 1
[0107] FIG. 1 shows a preferred snake-like embodiment of a folding
tie according to the invention and comprising a generally flat
body, consisting of an elongate support element or strip 20, having
opposing sides. The support element preferably is made of cloth,
such as nylon, but alternatively may be of paper, or other fibrous
materials, or of polymeric material, such as plastic, or of another
woven, twisted, or knitted material, such as, webbing, ribbon, or
rope.
[0108] Opposing sides of strip 20 have repeating independent and
spaced fields, patches, or sections of both male and female genders
of a releasable touch-surface fastener, such as hook-and-loop. Male
(hook) and female (loop) patches 22 and 23 respectively, are
present on both sides of strip 20. Male and female patches 22 and
23 may each be formed as a laminate, which may be joined to strip
20 by adhesive, sewing, welding, or other method of affixing the
patches to the strip. Alternatively, patches 22 and 23 may be
formed as a unitary structure with strip 20. Both male and female
patches 22 and 23 are present on opposing sides of strip 20 in
alternating occurrences.
[0109] Patches 22 and 23, when located on the same side of strip
20, are positioned on opposite sides of one or more fold zones 24,
which are defined by the relative positions of patches 22 and 23,
so that fold zone 24 constitutes the area of strip 20 between
patches. Patches on the same side of strip 20 are approximately
equidistant in relation to a median plane perpendicular to fold
zone 24. The act of folding strip 20 at any fold zone 24 brings
male patch 22 into direct contact with female patch 23, thereby
forming a releasable coupling interface adjacent the fold.
[0110] Fold zones 24 may be created on the area of strip 20 between
adjacent patches 22 and 23. In lieu of providing the material of
strip 20 between patches 22 and 23, a gap or discontinuity 21 may
be provided between two or more patches. Discontinuity 21 is
bridged by one or more spanning elements 25, which flexibly
interconnect separated segments of strip 20 across gaps 21. As
illustrated in FIG. 1 and others, spanning element 25 may be formed
by a loop of knotted string or other flexible filament. Inclusion
of flexible spanning element 25 across gap 21 permits the tie to
twist and fold where spanning element 25 bridges gap 21. Twistable
element 25 also imparts conformational flexibility to the tie (as
shown in FIG. 14). Twisting-spanning element 25 also permits
variability in coupling behavior, since opposite sides of the tie
may differ with regard to the placement and gender of patches 22
and 23. Twisting segments of backing strip 20 at narrow spanning
element 25 may change the same-side gender relations of the tie,
relative to patches 22 and 23, thereby creating variations in
coupling when the tie is folded at discontinuity 21.
[0111] The long, snake-like tie of FIG. 1 may serve as a long
folding fastener, or may be cut into ties of shorter length. This
is illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 3A, and others, where folding ties are
illustrated as shorter sub-units cut from the longer tie of FIG. 1.
The dimensions of the tie are appropriate to the size of the
articles being held, and for cables commonly found on personal
computers, patches 22 and 23 would be approximately two to 20 cm
(one to eight in) in length and from two to 20 cm (one to eight in)
in width.
[0112] Folded Forms
[0113] The snake-like embodiment of the tie has an unexpected and
useful property when it is constructed of a support element having
multiple, regularly spaced segments of repeating fields of male and
female patches 22 and 23 on opposing sides, as illustrated in FIG.
1. When such a tie is repeatedly folded in alternating directions,
at each adjacent fold-zone, it forms an accordion-pleat
arrangement. Such a repeatedly folded form of the tie will grow in
length, to form a semi-rigid, "stack," as illustrated at the bottom
of FIG. 1. If the stack has sufficient length, it will flex and
curve, and can be attached to itself, end-to-end, and form a
circular, ring-like embodiment (not shown) which has useful
applications.
[0114] Folding and Planar Relations--FIGS. 2 and 3
[0115] FIGS. 2A et seq. show the folding and planar relations of
patches 22 and 23 where fold zone 24 is defined in the area of
strip 20, between longitudinally spaced segments or patches of
different gender fastener elements 22 and 23. Fold zone 24 is
approximately equidistant between the two chosen spaced patches 22
and 23. FIGS. 2B through 2D illustrate that patches 23 and 22 can
be located with identical gender type patches back-to-back (FIG.
2B), opposite gender type patches back-to-back (FIG. 2C), or with
blank areas, i.e., just support element 20, backing both gender
type fasteners (FIG. 2D).
[0116] The coupling pair of male patches 22 and female patches 23
on one side of strip 20 can be located without regard to the
placement of the male and female fastener elements on the opposite
side of support element 20, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0117] In FIGS. 3A et seq. strip 20 has discontinuity 21 between
the spaced free ends of support element 20A and 20B. Such ends
adjacent gap 21 are spanned by substantially narrow, flexible
spanning element 25 interposed in discontinuity 21. Flexible
spanning element 25 permits support element 20A to twist freely and
independently of support element 20B, and to fold at discontinuity
21.
[0118] The tie of FIGS. 3C and 3D may be twisted at narrow spanning
element 25 to vary the arrangement of genders of patches 22 and 23
on the same side of strip 20, thereby permitting user-selected
mating surfaces when strip 20 is selectively twisted at narrow
element 25 and folded at discontinuity 21.
[0119] The tie of FIG. 3C will fold at discontinuity 21 to connect
patches of male gender (hooks) 22 to patches of female gender
(loops) 23. However, if discontinuous support element 20A (on the
left side of the tie of FIG. 3C ) is twisted 180 degrees (at narrow
element 25) relative to companion segment 20B (on the right side of
FIG. 3C), the resulting tie will not have both male and female
fastener elements 22 and 23 on both sides. Hence it will not close
when folded.
[0120] Similarly, in FIG. 3D, discontinuous element 20A (on the
left side) may be twisted 180 degrees (at element 25) relative to
discontinuous support element 20B (on the right side) to form a tie
which will not close upon folding at discontinuity 21. Such
user-selectable variability in closing behavior is useful in
applications where it is desired that the tie not close when
folded. Such functionality is uncommon.
[0121] Operation--Folding--FIGS. 4 and 5
[0122] FIG. 4 shows how folding connector strip 20 folds along
fold-zone 24 to bring male patches 22 and female patches 23 into
disengageable contact. The tie is operated by simple folding,
causing direct contact to be made between male and female patches
22 and 23, which are both located on the same side of strip 20.
When backing element 20 is folded at zone 24, the interface of male
and female patches 22 and 23 forms a releasable coupling bond in
the fold, and the tie is thereby closed. Repeated folding and
unfolding at axis 24 results in repeated closing and opening of the
tie.
[0123] The folded tie of FIG. 4 holds a moveable article 27, which
may be a ring, wire, hose, pipe, etc. FIG. 4 also shows the
presence of both male patches and female patches 22 and 23 on the
outside of the folded form. These outside coupling members in FIG.
4 are not shown in use, but can be easily used to attach another
tie (FIGS. 5 and 6) or any patch of hook or loop fastener. A
gendered fastener patch may be affixed to a stationary object 36
(FIG. 9), and thereby provide anchoring.
[0124] FIG. 5 shows a segment of the tie of FIG. 1. The tie of FIG.
5 is repeatedly folded at adjacent fold zones 24 and discontinuity
21, thereby enfolding and holding separate articles 27A through
27E. When the tie is folded at a fold zone 24 or a discontinuity 21
it will hold articles 27 by enfolding and securing them, using the
bond of male-to-female patches 22 to 23, respectively, and
detachably forming a releasable couple inside the fold. Enfolding
holds articles 27, and furthermore provides a way to organize such
articles in an improved fashion; by clustering and anchoring them.
FIG. 5 also shows that a single fold may hold large or small
articles 27 which may be weakly anchored, and easily unsecured by
tugging.
[0125] Operation--Bundling and Discretizing--FIGS. 5 and 6
[0126] FIG. 5 illustrates that multiple articles 27 may be gathered
and held in a bundle by the tie. Additionally, articles 27A, 27B
and 27D may be secured as discrete singles, and held apart,
separated from other articles held by the tie. FIG. 5 also
illustrates that a single tie may be used to secure articles in
groups of multiple articles (27E and 27C). FIG. 6 shows articles
27A, 27C, and 27D held as discrete individuals, in separate
closures of individual ties. FIG. 6 also shows that collected
groups of multiple articles 27B and 27E may be bundled together and
held by a single fold of an individual tie.
[0127] Operation--Clustering--FIG. 6
[0128] FIG. 6 shows several ties similar to the ties depicted in
FIGS. 2A and 3A that are clustered together and holding articles
27. The ties of FIG. 6 are folded, at zone 24 and discontinuity 21,
to hold article 27. When folded closed, the tie has both patches 22
and 23 on the outside of the folded form; therefore the tie will
releasably adhere to others of its own kind while in the closed
form. Patches 22 and 23, which are outwardly exposed, impart
modular inter-attachability between multiple ties, and hence, the
unique ability to cluster together articles 27 that are enfolded
and held by the ties shown in FIG. 6. Clustering provides simple,
weak securement of articles 27. The characteristic clustering
behavior of the tie allows articles 27 to be attached to either
patches 22 or 23 in an easily formed, weakly secure, cluster from
which they may be released by simply tugging on article 27 or by
tugging on the tie.
[0129] Operation--Holding--FIGS. 7 and 8
[0130] FIG. 7 depicts a tie securing cable 27, shown in the coiled
condition, as for storage. So held, cable 27 may be joined to any
occurrence of fastener patch 22 or 23. FIG. 8 depicts two ties
holding multiple cables 27, illustrated as an extended group of
several cables 27 in the in-use condition. So folded, and having
both fastener patches 22 and 23 on the outside of the folded form,
the tie may be joined to any of patches 22 or 23. The cables held
in this fashion my be released by tugging.
[0131] A single long tie will hold a coiled cable (not shown) at
multiple points on a circular coil in such a way that the cable
will retain its neatly coiled form during rough handling. The
securement of a coil at multiple points, using only a single tie,
is believed to be a novel feature in cable management, since such
coils have heretofore been secured at only a single point, as shown
in FIG. 7.
[0132] Operation--Anchoring--FIG. 9
[0133] FIG. 9 shows how the tie anchors articles to a fixture 36.
The presence of both male (hook) and female (loop) patches 22 and
23, exposed on the outside of the folded tie, imparts the ability
to anchor the tie by attaching it to any corresponding patches of
common hook or loop patches 22 or 23. When the tie is folded closed
to enfold and hold one or more articles 27, as shown in FIG. 9, it
may be joined to an anchor point, consisting of a stationary female
patch 23, thereby forming a releasable couple and anchoring article
27. Such anchoring patches may be permanently joined to a fixed
object 36, such as a wall, using adhesive 26, or another fastener,
such as a nail or staple (not shown). By making use of common
hook-and-loop fasteners, the tie provides relatively weak and
easily removable anchoring from which cable 27 may be pulled loose
by simple tugging. FIG. 9 shows female patch 23 as the anchor
attached with adhesive 26 to fixture 36. In practice,
adhesive-backed patch (either male or female) 22 or 23 will anchor
the tie, since the folding tie has both genders on the outside of
the folded form. Tugging will release the cable; the tie need not
be untied.
[0134] Operation--Spatial Bridging and Gender Bridging--FIG. 10
[0135] The tie, having both fastener patches 22 and 23 exposed
outwardly, joins with compatible gendered devices of the prior art,
as well as to others of its own kind, so the folding tie works
synergistically with existing devices, solving prior inoperability
between devices used to manage slack cables and wires.
[0136] In its unfolded form, the tie has both patches 22 and 23 on
both sides of strip 20. FIG. 10 illustrates the ability of the tie
to bridge the space between two gendered fasteners. The tie bridges
the space between common gendered cable wraps 28A and 28B and joins
them. I.e., two prior-art cable wraps 28A and 28B are joined
together without actually touching one another, by making use of
the tie as an intermediary member serving as a spatial bridge.
[0137] FIG. 10 also illustrates the gender-bridging capability of
the tie. Two common gendered cable wraps 28A and 28B, both of which
are wrapped closed, and have the same female gender fastener member
23 on their exposed surfaces. In spite of gender incompatibility,
wraps 28A and 28B are joined together in a modular cluster, by
using the folding tie, in its unfolded form, as a bridge. The
joining of like-gendered cable wraps 28 was formerly considered
impossible, yet is possible with the present tie.
[0138] The trans-gender and spatial bridging utility of the tie
represents an improvement to the usefulness of, and a synergy with,
gendered prior-art ties, and provides an improvement to the art of
managing cables, and other such light-duty applications.
[0139] Operation--Labeling--FIGS. 11A and 11B
[0140] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate that labeling can be readily
provided on and by the tie. Strip 20 may be used to provide a label
29 on the tie. Label 29 can be used to record and convey
information, such as identity, source, destination, time, notes,
etc., and may include conventional lettering or numbering. Such a
label may also utilize machine-readable code, such as bar coding
(shown in FIGS. 12, 13B and 14). The label may be pad-like, with
appropriate indicia, as shown, or it may comprise indicia
integrated, or applied directly to strip 20. The tie of FIGS. 11A
and 11B, having both male and female fastener patches 23 and 22
adjacent fold zone 24, may be used to enfold and hold any article,
and provide all of the useful benefits of the tie, or it may
provide uncommon utility as an easily attachable, and easily
removable, reusable label for another gendered device.
[0141] Sheet-Like Embodiment--FIG. 12
[0142] FIG. 12 shows a sheet-like embodiment of the tie. The tie
comprises a two-dimensional, substantially flat, support element
30, having both male and female patches 23 and 22 on both sides,
arrayed in rows and columns. Sheet 30 utilizes polymeric, woven,
knitted, fibrous or other foldable support material extending in
longitudinal and lateral directions. Sheet 30 has adjacent,
repeating segments or fields of male (hooks) and female (loops)
patches 22 and 23, in a co-planar arrangement on both sides of
sheet 30, with male and female patches 22 and 23 longitudinally and
laterally spaced across adjacent fold zones 34.
[0143] Sheet 30 folds at one or more zones 34 to join male fastener
patches 22 to female fastener patches 23, inside the fold, and so
may hold one or more articles in each fold. When folded, the tie
has both patches 22 and 23 of the gendered pair on the outside.
Hence, the folded, i.e., closed, tie will releasably engage another
patch of either gender 22 or 23.
[0144] The sheet shown in FIG. 12 may be used to secure articles,
and also may be used as a bulk material to create smaller folding
ties, which may be cut from the bulk material to make smaller sizes
and different shapes. The tie illustrated in FIG. 2A may be cut
from the bulk form of the folding tie illustrated in FIG. 12. In
addition to providing material for cutting to smaller size, the
sheetlike embodiment shown in FIG. 12 has all of the
characteristics and useful properties of the tie, including the
ability to secure and manage moveable articles, as previously
described. The tie of FIG. 12 may be folded, at one or more fold
zones 34, to enfold one or more articles. While so folded, and
while enfolding and holding one or more articles, the tie may be
fastened to either patches 22 or 23 to provide anchoring for the
article. The sheet-like tie of FIG. 12 may be of any dimensions, as
it is used to provide bulk source material for making smaller
ties.
[0145] In bulk applications for providing ties for managing
computer cables, backing element 30 may be continuous, and fastener
patches 22 and 23 can be approximately two to 20 cm (one to 8 in)
in length and from approximately two to 20 cm (one to 8 in) in
width. The sheet-like tie of FIG. 12 may be used to secure one or
more articles, and where backing element 30 is of relatively much
greater size than the article it secures, the folded tie may
entirely engulf one or more articles inside a fold. The tie of FIG.
12 also has label 39 added to support element 30.
[0146] Decorative Embodiment--FIG. 13
[0147] A preferred decorative embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B
shows a tie having aesthetic value. The tie of FIG. 13 suggests an
image of a butterfly. Backing element 40 is formed in the shape of
butterfly wings. An additional decorative component 33 is added to
suggest an image of the body and antennae of a butterfly.
Decoration 33 may also provide label 39, as shown in FIG. 13B.
FIGS. 13A and 13B show opposite sides of the same tie in plan view,
illustrating the variability of the back-to-back, and same-side,
arrangement of segments of fastener patches 22 and 23.
[0148] For labeling, securing, and ornamenting cables of the kind
associated with computers, the backing element of the tie shown in
FIG. 13 can be from about 10 to 20 cm (three to 8 in) in width and
from about five to 20 cm (two to eight in) in height. The size and
arrangement of fastener patches 22 and 23 varies with the pattern,
or suggested image, created by the segments of fastener
patches.
[0149] FIG. 13A illustrates an orthogonal pattern, suggesting the
markings on a butterfly's wings, created by placement of patches of
male and female fastener elements 22 and 23, respectively, on
backing element 40. Element 40 folds at zones 24 and 44 to join
patches of male fastener 22 to patches of female fastener 23.
[0150] FIG. 13B illustrates patches of male and female 22 and 23
placed in an oblique and irregular arrangement on the left side of
element 40. The right side of element 40 shows an orthogonal
arrangement of fastener patches 22 and 23. The irregular
arrangement of fastener patches 22 and 23, on the left side of
element 40, causes this tie to have an irregular arrangement of
folding axes 54. The tie of FIG. 13B will join male fastener
patches 22 to female fastener patches 23 when folded at one or more
fold zones 24, 34, 44 or 54 and may selectively enfold and
selectively hold one or more articles.
[0151] FIG. 13B also shows label 39 on backing support element 40
as well as on decorative component 33.
[0152] The tie of FIGS. 13A and 13B may also be attached to an
ordinary gendered cable wrap having either exposed gender, thereby
providing ornamental aesthetic as well as gender bridging, spatial
bridging, anchoring, labeling, and other useful benefits.
[0153] Branched Embodiment--FIG. 14
[0154] FIG. 14 shows a star-like, or branched, preferred embodiment
of the tie. The tie is constructed from materials and components
which are substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, and
has similar dimensions. FIG. 14 shows several lengths of strip 20
including a furcated form, with alternating segments of fastener
patches 22 and 23. FIG. 14 shows that strip 20 may be
discontinuous, as previously discussed relating to FIGS. 3A to 3D,
with discontinuity 21 spanned by flexible element 25. Discontinuity
21, spanned by flexible element 25, permits both folding and
twisting of support element 20. This twisting and folding axis 21
is seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and others. Narrow flexible element 25 is
illustrated as a loop of string, which may be of any length, as
shown by loop 25A, which is a longer loop of knotted string shown
spanning discontinuity 41. Flexible connector 25 may also be made
of two crossed filamentous strands (not shown), or a single
straight filament (not shown), or swivels (not shown), or links, or
any twistable element providing a spanning interconnection of
segments of support elements 20 across gap 21 between segments
20.
[0155] The center of FIG. 14 also shows composite folding twisting
loops 35 interconnecting multiple segments of support element 20
where support element 20 is interrupted by discontinuity 31.
Flexible-twisting loops 35 are shown in the center of FIG. 14 as
several loops of string linked together and joining multiple
converging discontinuous segments or arms of strip 20. Spanning
elements 35 interconnect elongate arms of strip 20 radiating
outwardly from the central point of discontinuity 31 like the legs
of a spider, or the rays of a star.
[0156] FIG. 14 shows that such a furcated tie may be constructed,
in whole or in part, with continuous strip 20 having no
discontinuities. The star-like embodiment folds at zones 24 and at
discontinuities 21, 31 and 41, joining male fastener patches 22 to
female fastener patches 23, forming a releasable couple to enfold
and hold one or more articles. The tie of FIG. 14 will fold
repeatedly at folding axes 24, and at gaps 21, 31 and 41. Each
branch of the tie may form a releasable couple with any other
branch; hence the tie is useful for holding rounded or non-elongate
articles of any size or shape. The tie of FIG. 14 is also useful
for securing together multiple cables which are in non-parallel
arrangement.
[0157] The tie shown in FIG. 14 also has label 39 added to support
element 20, as well as label 39A added to support element 20A. The
tie of FIG. 14 readily provides identification, weak securement,
anchoring, and clustering, as well as a trans-gender bridge, and a
spatial bridge, thereby manifesting unique characteristics.
[0158] Conclusion
[0159] It will thus be seen that the tie folds to hold articles in
storage or use. The tie is simple to construct and use, and
provides holding, clustering, anchoring, and labeling for one or
more articles. The tie may be provided in bulk form, to be sized
and shaped as desired. It is infinitely adjustable to provide for
the weak securement of articles of any size or shape and easily
opens to permit removal or rearrangement of the articles held. The
tie is reusable, has a long lifespan, and is well suited to
temporary or permanent installation in hard-to-reach places.
[0160] In addition to the easy labeling ability it offers, the tie
may be used to provide adornment, and to improve the appearance of
unsightly articles, such as computer cables.
[0161] When constructed with hook-and-loop fasteners, the tie is
easy and inexpensive to make. It is also safe to use, and it makes
a good toy.
[0162] Because it does not need knotting or wrapping to close, the
tie is easy to use in cramped spaces, or in bad lighting
conditions, and may be closed with one hand, even by someone with
impaired dexterity.
[0163] The tie requires only the single, simple, intuitive step of
folding to close. It does not require an additional accessory
component to close, nor does it require special structural
modifications to close. It uses the simplest arrangement of
gendered surface fasteners to close, and also to anchor the tie.
Hence, anchoring the tie requires no structural modifications, or
added accessories, and needs only the single operational step of
touching it to either gender of a touch-surface fastener.
[0164] The tie is useful for grouping multiple articles together in
a single bundle, grouping multiple bundles together, or holding
discrete individual articles apart from one another. Anything the
tie holds may be collected in clusters with other ties. Such
clustered cables need not be arranged in parallel orientation, but
may be arrayed in crossed or coiled orientation.
[0165] In addition to simply folding, the tie can be provided with
a twisting axis comprising a freely-twisting narrow spanning
element crossing a discontinuity in the support element. The
inclusion of this spanned discontinuity in the support element
constitutes a previously unsuggested modification to foldable cable
management devices. The narrow flexible connector joining two
discontinuous adjacent segments of the support element permits the
free twisting of the segments in relation to one another and
imparts conformational flexibility to the tie. The same loop used
to enable twisting also permits users to thread a connecting strand
through such loops of the tie, thereby providing another way to
anchor the tie, or of connecting multiple ties together, or
attaching a label. The tie provides new and unusual capabilities
for the practice of managing moveable articles, providing an
unprecedented ability to easily manage articles such as computer
cables, as well as providing a welcome and much needed addition to
existing materials and practices of slack management. There are
numerous methods for managing slack, elongate articles, however no
known prior-art devices also provide weak holding, clustering,
anchoring, and labeling for such articles.
[0166] In terms of ease of use and utility, the tie may be
considered to combine the usefulness of a twist tie with that of
adhesive tape. The tie goes further to provide other much-needed
capabilities neglected by existing art.
[0167] Even more unusual properties of the tie are manifest in the
repeatedly-folded, ring-like form, which may be handled or stored
by using the open center of the ring, into which an article or
fixture may be inserted. Alternatively, the ring can be releasably
formed around an article or fixture, for easy storage or handling.
Moreover, when the tie is made into the ring-like form, all of the
mating surfaces are occupied, so the ring-like form may be stored
loosely with other hook-and-loop devices, without the fasteners
unintentionally engaging one another. The tie manifests unusual
properties in use.
[0168] The tie works synergistically with currently-installed cable
wraps that utilize common touch-surface fasteners. The unique
property of having both genders on both sides imparts bridging
utility that enables presently impossible uses for common cable
wraps, thereby permitting previously unknown uses of prior-art
devices.
[0169] Because the tie has both genders on both sides, and may be
of any thickness, or shape, or length, it will bridge the gap
between other joining surfaces. The strict and galling requirement
for direct physical contact between touch-surface fasteners is an
unquestioned limitation, and an apparently unrecognized problem,
that is solved by the tie.
[0170] The tie also provides gender-bridging, permitting previously
impossible combinations of hook-and-loop to be used, and solving
another unrecognized problem, i.e., the strict requirement of
gender compatibility between gendered fasteners. The strict need
for gender compatibility makes conventional hook-and-loop fasteners
impractical for many applications. By way of illustration of this
very real, but unrecognized, problem, it is increasingly common to
use conventional adhesive-backed hook-and-loop fasteners to mount
lightweight moveable articles such as remote-control units,
accessories, etc., to a fixture, such as a wall, work bench,
article of furniture, etc. Although it is very handy for
temporarily mounting something, such use is restricted by the
unquestioned and unavoidable requirement for a male fastener
(hooks) to be on one surface, and a female fastener (loops) on the
other. There is no accepted convention regarding the placement of
hook-and-loop on such articles. It is commonly found that when an
article having a single gender fastener member thereon is moved to
another location, there is an equal chance of finding an identical
gender fastener member on the mounting fixture, thereby preventing
the desired coupling and rendering the fasteners useless.
[0171] The folding tie, having both genders on both sides, provides
a gender-positive bridge, thereby transcending a conventional
limitation and enabling uses that are impossible under limitations
that are currently accepted as natural and unavoidable.
[0172] Scope--Variations in Construction
[0173] Several embodiments are shown having variations in shape and
size of the tie. The forms shown should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as
exemplifications of several preferred embodiments. Other
embodiments are possible. The tie may be made of any size or shape,
or any color or likeness. The support element need not be flat, but
may be pillow-like, or rope-like, or like a string of beads. The
backing support element has been shown to be flexible, but a rigid
or semi-rigid support element having a folding zone would also
suffice for the requirements of the present invention. The
embodiments of the tie incorporating a twist/fold zone show a
single flexible connecting loop providing the twisting properties,
but such spanning may also be provided by one or more filamentous
connectors, or by one or more narrow, flexible connectors between
discontinuous segments of the tie.
[0174] The flexible, twisting-spanning element across the gap
between adjacent discontinuous tie segments has been shown joining
adjacent edges, but such a spanning element could just as well
connect adjacent non-contiguous segments of the support element at
their centers, or at the corners, or both, to provide a tie
according to the present invention. The discontinuous segments of
the backing element have been shown spanned by a single spanning
element, but such discontinuous segments may be interconnected by
multiple spanning elements as well. The areas of gendered fastener
members on the support element may be of any size or number, and
may be formed as a laminate joined to the support element by
adhesive, sewing, welding, or any other method of affixing the
layer containing the releasable touch-surface fastener to the
support element. Alternatively, the fields of gendered fastener
members may be formed as a structure unitary with the support
element, or may be twisted as spiral strands in a foldable,
rope-like, support element.
[0175] The tie may be wrapped to close, as well as folded to
close.
[0176] The tie can have infinite variations in form, construction
and components, so long as it has a foldable support element having
a plurality of opposing major sides, and has at least two male
fastening members on respective opposing major sides of the support
element and at least two female fastening members on respective
opposing major sides of the support element. This enables one or
more of the male fastening members to be detachably connected to
one or more of the female fastening members, to form one or more
releasable couples when the support element is folded to place one
or more of the male fastening members in contact with one or more
of the female fastening members.
[0177] The opposing sides of the tie need not be identical, or even
approximate one another. The two joining surfaces on the same side
and divided by the fold need not be identical, or even similar to
one another, but may have greatly different arrangements of the
gendered fastening members, thereby imparting differing interfacial
coupling behavior when the tie is selectively folded across
different folds. The pattern of the fasteners may be arranged in
regular, repeating arrays, or may be arranged freely, or to convey
an image or a pattern. Colors may be added for decoration, or to
create an image or pattern.
[0178] The surface fasteners used for the tie may be male and
female fasteners, as previously outlined, or hermaphroditic as
well, so long as both coupling members are present on opposing
sides of the tie, with the coupling members on the same side
located equidistant from a fold zone.
[0179] The tie may be assigned meaningful variations in color,
size, shape, etc. to provide informational or labeling properties
useful to organizing and managing moveable articles. The label of
the tie may be integral with the support element, or may take the
form of three-dimensional pads attached to the tie. The labels may
convey visible and human-readable code, such as recognizable
images, numbers, or letters, or may also convey machine-readable
code, including such techniques as code imaging, reflectance,
fluorescence, etc.
[0180] In addition to using direct force of fingers to achieve
folding closure, the tie may incorporate, for example, a
spring-like closure mechanism (not shown), providing a self-folding
function. Other modifications, such as folding securement flaps
(not shown), or clips (not shown), may be added to provide for
operation of closure, or securement of closure. Tabs for grasping
(not shown), may be added for use in opening of the tie. Ties,
pins, or clips (not shown) may be added to the tie to provide an
additional way to attach the tie to the held article, or to anchor
the tie, or attach it to another tie. Additional modifications,
such as ornamentation for amusement or aesthetic value, may also be
readily made to the present tie. Tags may be attached to the tie.
The tie may be separate from the article to be held, or it may be
temporarily or permanently affixed to the article.
[0181] The usefulness of the folding tie for electrical wires or
network cables is apparent, but the tie is also useful for any
elongate, flexible article, including hose, tubing, twine, rope,
plants, and the like. In addition to the management of flexible
articles, there is application of the tie to rigid and semi-rigid
elongate articles, such as rods, pipes or poles. Suchlike articles
may be organized, connected, identified, ornamented, and secured
together with one or more folding ties. The ties also hold and
secure easy-to-lose components and accessories, which may be joined
together in clusters and anchored for keeping.
[0182] Being of any size or shape, the tie has the ability to hold
and anchor any and all solid moveable articles, without regard to
their size, shape, or flexibility; hence the uses for the tie are
not limited to electronics, but include medical, entertainment,
industrial, shipping, transportation, construction, apparel, decor,
manufacturing, forestry, farm, military, police, or ranch
applications; wherever moveable articles of any sort need
management and organization including labeling, securement, or
anchoring.
[0183] The tie may be used as a wearable item, such as may be
attached to a belt, and used to hold articles alongside the wearer.
The tie may also be used as a temporary jig for holding articles to
be assembled. The tie may be used for bandaging, or animal
restraint. The folding tie will secure, anchor, and label any solid
thing of any shape or size.
[0184] The usefulness of a foldable surface having both genders of
a touch-surface fastener on opposing sides is previously
unappreciated. The folding tie constitutes a new, double-sided,
pseudohermaphroditic, article management tool which may be made
from common hook-and-loop fasteners. The seemingly obvious need for
weak securement, and clustering, has been unaddressed prior to the
present. The folding tie fulfills these seen and unseen needs with
unusual functionality and ease of use.
[0185] Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be
determined not by the embodiments presented for illustrative
purposes, but rather by the scope of the appended claims and their
structural and functional equivalents.
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