U.S. patent application number 11/162717 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for size-adjustable, self-tightening, attachable, hangable utility strap.
Invention is credited to Stephen Caison.
Application Number | 20070062012 11/162717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882601 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070062012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caison; Stephen |
March 22, 2007 |
SIZE-ADJUSTABLE, SELF-TIGHTENING, ATTACHABLE, HANGABLE UTILITY
STRAP
Abstract
A utility strap includes a pliant strap with an upper hanging
device to be suspended from a surface. An adjustable, noose-like
loop is formed from an upper connector that slidably engages the
pliant strap, a mating lower connector that securely engages the
pliant strap and a section of the pliant strap therebetween. The
lower connector may be fixedly or adjustably connected to the
strap. Optionally, a lower hanging device may be provided.
Inventors: |
Caison; Stephen;
(Jacksonville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark James Young
12086 Fort Caroline Rd.
Unit 202
Jacksonville
FL
32225
US
|
Family ID: |
37882601 |
Appl. No.: |
11/162717 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/266 20130101;
A44B 11/263 20130101; Y10T 24/318 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/302 |
International
Class: |
A44B 21/00 20060101
A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A utility strap comprising an elongate strap of pliant material
having an upper end zone and a lower end zone, a hanging device
attached to the upper end zone of the elongate strap of pliant
material, said hanging device being adapted for suspended
engagement of the strap on an engageable structure, a pair of
spaced mating connectors operably engaged by the strap, said
connectors including a lower connector on the lower end zone of the
strap and an upper connector on the upper end zone of the strap,
said upper connector being configured to slidably engage the
elongate strap between the upper end zone and the lower connector,
said lower connector being adapted to securely engage the pliant
strap, said upper connector and said lower connector and said
pliant strap being configured to form a noose-like loop when said
upper connector mates with said lower connector.
2. A utility strap according to claim 1, wherein the lower
connector and upper connector comprise mating lower and upper
buckle pieces.
3. A utility strap according to claim 2, wherein the lower and
upper buckle pieces comprise side release buckle pieces.
4. A utility strap according to claim 2, wherein the lower and
upper buckle pieces comprise center release buckle pieces.
5. A utility strap according to claim 1, wherein the hanging
devices comprise a D-ring.
6. A utility strap according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the
lower end zone of the pliant strap is fastened to said lower
connector.
7. A utility strap according to claim 1, wherein said lower
connector includes a plurality of slots and a portion of the lower
end zone of the pliant strap is adjustably weaved through said
plurality of slots of said lower connector.
8. A utility strap according to claim 7, further comprising a lower
hanging device attached to a portion of the lower end zone of the
pliant strap, said lower connector being disposed between said
lower hanging device and said upper connector.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to a utility strap, and
more particularly, to a hanger for articles which includes a pliant
strap with a releasable, size-adjustable, self-tightening loop
portion of the strap configured to clutch and hold an article on
the strap, and a hanger.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Adjustable straps are well known in the art. Such straps
typically utilize one or more manually adjustable loops, buckling
devices, ring elements, snap fit arrangements and/or hook and loop
type fasteners. While such straps are generally suitable for their
intended purpose, they have drawbacks relating specifically to
adjustability and/or ease of use. In particular, many of these
designs frequently are difficult to adjust, requiring substantial
dexterity and patience to achieve a desired size. Additionally, the
prior art designs typically lack the range of adjustability to
securely clutch and hold a wide range of articles. Consequently,
such prior art adjustable straps are not be suitable for all users
or for clutching a wide range of articles.
[0003] Thus, a need exists for an adjustable, self-tightening
utility strap that is suitable for hanging and versatile and quick
and easy to use. Such an adjustable strap should be adjustable to
securely clutch and hold a variety of articles.
[0004] The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the
problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an
exemplary implementation of the invention, a utility strap is
provided. The utility strap includes a pliant strap with an upper
hanging device to be suspended from a surface. An adjustable,
noose-like loop is formed from an upper connector that slidably
engages the pliant strap, a mating lower connector that securely
engages the pliant strap and a section of the pliant strap
therebetween. The lower connector may be fixedly or adjustably
connected to the strap. Optionally, a lower hanging device may be
provided.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, the utility strap includes
an elongate strap of pliant material having an upper end zone and a
lower end zone. A hanging device, such as a D-ring, is attached to
the upper end zone of the elongate strap of pliant material. The
hanging device is adapted for suspended engagement of the strap on
an engageable structure, such as a hook. A pair of spaced mating
connectors operably engaged the strap. The connectors include a
lower connector on the lower end zone of the strap and an upper
connector on the upper end zone of the strap. The upper connector
is configured to slidably engage the elongate strap between the
upper end zone and the lower connector. The lower connector is
adapted to securely engage the pliant strap. The upper connector,
lower connector and pliant strap form a self-tightening noose-like
loop when the upper connector mates with said lower connector.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the lower connector and
upper connector comprise mating lower and upper buckle pieces. The
lower and upper buckle pieces may comprise mating side release or
center release buckle pieces.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a portion of the
lower end zone of the pliant strap is fastened to said lower
connector. Alternatively, the lower connector may include a
plurality of slots. A portion of the lower end zone of the pliant
strap may be adjustably weaved through the plurality of slots of
the lower connector.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, the utility strap
may include a lower hanging device. The lower hanging device may be
attached to a portion of the lower end zone of the pliant strap.
The lower connector may be disposed between the lower hanging
device and the upper connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and
advantages of the invention will become better understood with
reference to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings, where:
[0011] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a an exemplary utility strap
with a releasable, self-tightening loop portion and a hanger
according to principles of the invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates a an exemplary utility strap
with a releasable, size-adjustable, self-tightening loop portion
and a hanger according to principles of the invention.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures
are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the
figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention.
The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted
in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or
proportions shown in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The invention relates to a utility strap comprised of a
pliant strap with a releasable, self-tightening loop portion of the
strap configured to clutch and hold an article on the strap, and a
hanger. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary utility strap with a
releasable, self-tightening loop portion and a hanger according to
principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. The
exemplary utility strap comprises an elongate strap 145 of pliant
material that, for reference purposes, may be conceptually divided
into an upper end zone 155 and a lower end zone 160. By way of
example and not limitation, the strap 145 may be comprised of
polypropylene, nylon or polyester webbing or other material
suitable for a support strap. The material is preferably durable,
weather resistant, relatively inexpensive and suitable for use in
conventional manufacturing operations. To prevent fraying, the
edges of the strap 145 may be melted, folded over and sewn into
place, and/or covered with a sewn binding tape.
[0015] The upper end zone of the exemplary utility strap includes a
hanging device 110 for suspending the utility strap from a hook 100
or the like mounted on a wall 105 or other structure. The hanging
device 110 may be comprised of a ring, such as the D-ring shown in
FIG. 1, an O-ring or a ring have another shape. A D-ring 110 is
preferred because it is self-centering on a hook and includes a
straight section for engagement by the strap 145. The straight
section avoids stress concentrations and bunching. As an
alternative, a snap hook, snap ring, swivel hook, pole strap hook,
carabiner, grommets or other device adapted for engaging a hook and
suitable for use with the strap 145 may be used.
[0016] To secure the hanging device 110 to the strap 145, the upper
end 125 of the strap 145 is passed through the D-ring 110 and
folded over and stitched 120 onto the strap 145. Other means of
securement, such as melting, chemical bonding, rivets 115 and or
grommets, could be used in lieu of or in addition to stitching.
[0017] The lower end zone of the exemplary utility strap includes a
connector, e.g., half of a two-piece buckle assembly 140. A mating
connector, e.g., the other half of the two-piece buckle 135 is
slidingly disposed on the strap 145 between the hanging device 110
and the lower end half of the two-piece buckle assembly 140. In a
preferred implementation, the buckle assembly is a center release
or side release snap buckle that is sized appropriate to the
strap.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower end half of the two-piece
buckle assembly 140 is secured to the lower end 150 of the strap
145. To secure the lower end half of the two-piece buckle assembly
140 to the strap 145, the lower end 150 of the strap 145 is passed
through a slot in the buckle piece 140, and then folded over and
stitched onto the strap 145. Other means of securement, such as
melting, chemical bonding, rivets and or grommets, could be used in
lieu of or in addition to stitching.
[0019] In use, an object is inserted in a loop formed by joining
lower buckle piece 140 to upper buckle piece 135. The loop is
comprised of the adjoined buckle pieces 135 and 140, and the
interposed portion of the strap 145. The utility strap is suspended
from a hook 100 by the hanging device 110. The lower buckle piece
140 remains stationary, while the upper buckle piece 135 slides
along the length of the strap 145 under the weight of the suspended
object, causing the loop to tighten around the object in a
noose-like fashion--the heavier the object, the greater the
downward force. Thus, the clutching force exerted on the object is
proportional to the weight of the object.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary utility strap with a
releasable, adjustable, self-tightening loop portion and a hanger
according to principles of the invention is conceptually
illustrated. The exemplary utility strap comprises an elongate
strap 230 of pliant material that, for reference purposes, may be
conceptually divided into an upper end zone 255 and a lower end
zone 260. By way of example and not limitation, the strap 230 may
be comprised of polypropylene, nylon or polyester webbing or other
material suitable for a support strap. The material is preferably
durable, weather resistant, relatively inexpensive and suitable for
use in conventional manufacturing operations. To prevent fraying,
the edges of the strap 230 may be melted, folded over and sewn into
place, and/or covered with a sewn binding tape.
[0021] The upper end zone of the exemplary utility strap includes a
hanging device 210 for suspending the utility strap from a hook 200
or the like mounted on a wall 205 or other structure. The hanging
device 210 may be comprised of a ring, such as the D-ring shown in
FIG. 2, an O-ring or a ring have another shape. A D-ring 210 is
preferred because it is self-centering on a hook and includes a
straight section for engagement by the strap 230. The straight
section avoids stress concentrations and bunching. As an
alternative, a snap hook, snap ring, swivel hook, pole strap hook,
carabiner, grommets or other device adapted for engaging a hook and
suitable for use with the strap 230 may be used.
[0022] To secure the hanging device 210 to the strap 230, the upper
end 220 of the strap 230 is passed through the D-ring 210 and
folded over and stitched onto the strap 230. Other means of
securement, such as melting, chemical bonding, rivets 215 and or
grommets, could be used in lieu of or in addition to stitching.
[0023] The lower end zone of the exemplary utility strap includes a
connector, e.g., half of a two-piece buckle assembly 240. A mating
connector, e.g., the other half of the two-piece buckle 225 is
slidingly disposed on the strap 230 between the hanging device 210
and the lower end half of the two-piece buckle assembly 240. In a
preferred implementation, the buckle assembly is a center release
or side release snap buckle that is sized appropriate to the
strap.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end half of the two-piece
buckle assembly 240 is adjustably attached to the strap 230. To
secure the lower end half of the two-piece buckle assembly 240 to
the strap 230, the lower end 245 of the strap 230 is weaved through
slots in the buckle piece 240. This configuration allows cinch-type
adjustment of the lower buckle piece 240 by sliding motion of the
buckle piece 240 along the length of the strap 230. Other means of
adjustable securement, such as cam locks could be used in lieu of
weaving through slots. Advantageously, the lower piece of the
buckle 240 can be readily moved when the strap 230 is loose, but
will maintain its adjusted length when supporting weight.
[0025] Optionally, the lower end zone of the exemplary utility
strap may include a lower hanging device 250 for suspending an
object from the utility strap. The lower hanging device 250 may be
comprised of a ring, such as the rectangular ring 250 shown in FIG.
2, a D-ring or a ring having another shape. To secure the lower
hanging device 250 to the strap 230, the lower end 245 of the strap
230 is passed through the rectangular ring 250 and folded over and
stitched onto the strap 230. Other means of securement, such as
melting, chemical bonding, rivets and or grommets, could be used in
lieu of or in addition to stitching.
[0026] In use, an object is inserted in a loop formed by joining
lower buckle piece 240 to upper buckle piece 225. The loop is
comprised of the adjoined buckle pieces 225 and 240, and the
interposed portion of the strap 230. The utility strap is suspended
from a hook 200 by the hanging device 210. The lower buckle piece
240 remains stationary, while the upper buckle piece 225 slides
along the length of the strap 230 under the weight of the suspended
object, causing the loop to tighten around the object in a
noose-like fashion--the heavier the object, the greater the
downward force. Thus, the clutching force exerted on the object is
proportional to the weight of the object. The position of the lower
buckle piece 225 may be adjusted to accommodate suspended objects
having various sizes and/or to maintain a suspended object a
determined distance from the hanging device 210.
[0027] Concomitantly, the lower hanging device 250 may be utilized
to suspend one or more additional objects or to engage the same
hook 200 as the hanging device 210. In the latter mode of use, the
lower hanging device 250 carries some load, thereby relieving the
stress exerted on the buckle pieces 225 and 240. This mode of use
is particularly useful for securing a heavy object for an extended
period of time.
[0028] The buckles may be comprised of any material suitable for
carrying the intended loads, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, nylons,
thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal
resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters, as well as
metals, alloys and composites. By way of example and not
limitation, plastics such as acetal resins, nylon, and
polypropylene are suitable for use in quick-snap buckles according
to principles of the invention. Acetal resins such as such as
Dupont's Delrin.RTM. and/or Hoechst Celanese Celcon.RTM. provide
relatively high stiffness and tensile strength and resists moisture
absorption. Consequently, acetal resins perform very well under
humid, freezing and arid conditions. Nylon offers excellent impact
resistance under normal operating temperatures, is light, flame
retardant and provides a softer feel than acetal for side release
buckles. Depending upon the manufacturing process, nylon may
provide a 20-30% increase in tensile strength over acetal. However,
nylon absorbs water and under freezing conditions can become
embrittled. Polypropylene is relatively inexpensive and suitable
for use where load bearing and impact strength are not key
considerations. While many other materials may be used alone or in
combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other
materials, without departing from the scope of the present
invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive and
durable, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an
aesthetically acceptable product. The material may further include
additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors,
structural characteristics, glow-in-the-dark (phosphorescent)
properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to
heat).
[0029] The buckles may be may be produced using any suitable
manufacturing techniques known in the art for the chosen material,
such as (for example) injection, compression, structural foam,
blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques;
vacuum forming; and casting. Preferably, the manufacturing
technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low cost
per unit, and results in an aesthetically acceptable product with a
consistent acceptable quality.
[0030] While the invention has been described in terms of various
embodiments, implementations and examples, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced with
modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims
including equivalents thereof. The foregoing is not intended to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown
and described. Alternative embodiments of the invention, including
variations in size, materials, components, shape, form, function,
manner of operation, assembly and use that are obvious to one
skilled in the art are intended to be encompassed by the invention.
Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *