U.S. patent application number 11/624530 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for tool and gear organizer system with secure hanging method.
This patent application is currently assigned to DESIGN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Stephen J. Plzak.
Application Number | 20070170130 11/624530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284499 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Plzak; Stephen J. |
July 26, 2007 |
Tool and Gear Organizer System with Secure Hanging Method
Abstract
Provided is a system for securing implements such as tools, gear
and the like, comprising: a mountable base adapted to be secured to
a wall or ceiling comprising one or more first coupling
devices/acceptors; and one or more looped tether devices, the
looped tether devices comprising a loop of tether fixed to a second
coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a said first coupling
device/acceptor, wherein the loop of tether is sized to allow the
first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to
enclose and engage one of a range of implements.
Inventors: |
Plzak; Stephen J.;
(Pottstown, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF ARTHUR E. JACKSON
P.O. BOX 88
HOPEWELL
NJ
08525
US
|
Assignee: |
DESIGN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
319 Commerce Court, Suite 106
Pottstown
PA
19464
|
Family ID: |
38284499 |
Appl. No.: |
11/624530 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11223734 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
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11624530 |
Jan 18, 2007 |
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10923951 |
Aug 23, 2004 |
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11223734 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
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60645472 |
Jan 20, 2005 |
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60610314 |
Sep 16, 2004 |
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60590273 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/70.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/04 20130101; B25H
3/006 20130101; A47F 5/0006 20130101; F16B 45/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/070.6 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A method of reversibly securing an implement comprising:
providing a system for securing implements comprising: a mountable
base component comprising one or more coupling acceptors that are
hook-accepting closed loops; and one or more looped tether devices,
the looped tether devices consisting essentially of a loop of a
fixed length of ribbon tether fixed to a coupling device that is a
spring-biased, metal snap hook, the loop of ribbon tether and the
coupling device providing an implement-engaging mechanism
consisting essentially of a lasso formable when the coupling device
is threaded through the loop, wherein the lasso circumference
formable with the looped tether devices is 68 inches or less and
the lasso is effective to enclose and engage with self-tightening
gravity assist a range of implements, wherein in use the looped
ribbon tether provides two courses of material between the snap
hook and the lasso that distribute engaged implement weight between
the two courses, wherein three segments of the ribbon tether are
stitched together to form a single joined segment such that a
sleeve is formed by one fold of ribbon tether coming out of the
joined segment, and the loop of ribbon tether is formed by a second
fold of ribbon tether coming out of the joined segment, the sleeve
tightly fitted to a ribbon-engaging portion of the coupling device;
securing the mountable base to a wall or ceiling; forming a lasso
by threading the coupling device through the loop of ribbon tether;
enclosing the lasso about the implement; and engaging the coupling
device to the coupling acceptor and thereby hanging the implement
with the closure of the lasso assisted by gravity.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein two or more of the looped
tether devices have different formable circumferences.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein a said snap hook comprises: a
metallic single wire serially comprising a hinge connection, two
substantially 90.degree. inward turns, a straight segment for
engaging a sleeve formed in a ribbon tether, two substantially
90.degree. inward turns, and a hook segment; a latch connected to
the hinge connection; and means for a load-bearing reversible
connection between the latch and the hook segment.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the means for reversible
connection comprises a locking tooth and locking tooth acceptor.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/923,951, filed Aug. 23, 2004, which in turn
claims the priority of Provisional Application 60/590,273, filed
Jul. 22, 2004; This application further claims the priority of U.S.
Provisional Application 60/610,314, filed Sep. 16, 2004, and U.S.
Provisional Application 60/645,472, filed Jan. 20, 2005
[0002] Provided is a secure system for the hanging of various
implements, tools, other gear, and the like for storage. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a method of hanging
objects during storage in a secure manner that is simple to use.
This device may be used for storing a wide range gear of all sizes
and shapes ranging from, but not limited to, hand and power garden
tools, ladders, power tools, hand tools, bicycles, canoes, kayaks,
hoses, cords, or keys. The present invention may be used in most
locations where equipment is preferably secured during storage
including, basements, garages, closets, trucks, boats, RVs, and
airplanes.
[0003] Commonly found storage and organizational systems for the
home, marine, transport, industrial settings and the like typically
include a base structure consisting of a threaded or wall mounted
plate from which extends an open support hook or a plurality of
support members for resting gear upon during storage. Such devices
lack a means for positively securing the gear and, allowing
releases of the gear can cause injury and/or damage to nearby
objects and persons. Such releases are easily and often caused by
the contact from adjacently stored objects, children, pets, or the
opening or closing of doors. In addition to these potential
hazards, many common storage hooks are vulnerable, with overloading
or repeated use, to twisting or bending of their support members or
base structure. Furthermore, these devices are typically
constructed of inexpensive grades of metal that is subject to the
deterioration and weakening caused by rust, corrosion, and the
flexing caused by repeated normal use. Also such designs typically
cannot be used to store multiple items in a space efficient
manner.
[0004] Also, commonly found storage and organizational systems
often do not sufficiently secure items to prevent releases due to
ground motion. Accordingly, new designs are particularly useful in
earthquake prone zones and near blast zones such as quarries.
Similarly, release due to motion is a problem on ships, boats,
trucks, rail cars and the like, creating further areas where
secure, convenient storage tools are particularly useful.
[0005] In cases where multiple items are stored on a lengthy
support member, it is sometimes necessary to remove a number of
interfering stored items to access a desired item. In existing
systems where stored items are not stacked on top of each other in
the direction away from the wall using a single support member, an
excessive and undesirable amount of lateral space is required. Both
the stacked and non-stacked variations of such designs are often
incapable of accepting items with larger heads, such as snow
shovels and wide wire rakes because the support hooks frequently
lack either sufficient space between the support members, or
sufficient space above the mounting location of the support
hooks.
[0006] Plastic variations of hook designs typically lack the
required strength to adequately support the resulting moment caused
by the generally long hook lengths. The support members of such
devices extending outwardly from walls at mounted locations are
generally insecure, inefficient with space, incapable of storing a
wide range of tools in a single mounted location, aesthetically
unappealing, and lacking of ideal strength and longevity. Such
support members can often create a hazardous projection.
[0007] A versatile storage system that provides a simple, secure,
and space-efficient alternative is provided by the present
invention. Especially when constructed of high-impact plastics
and/or rust-inhibited metal components, the system of the present
invention is adaptable for a wide range of mounting locations and
stored implements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Provided, in one embodiment, is a system for securing
implements such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: a
mountable base adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling
comprising one or more first coupling devices/acceptors; and one or
more looped tether devices, the looped tether devices comprising a
loop of tether fixed to a second coupling device/acceptor adapted
to engage a said first coupling device/acceptor, wherein the loop
of tether is sized to allow the first coupling device/acceptor to
be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range
of implements.
[0009] Another embodiment provides system for securing implements
such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: a mountable base
adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling comprising one or more
hook acceptors; and one or more looped tether devices, the looped
tether devices comprising a loop of tether fixed to a snap hook,
wherein the loop of tether is sized to allow the snap hook to be
threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of
implements.
[0010] Also provided is a system for securing implements,
comprising: one or more reversibly closable tethers (forming
implement-mounted bases) comprising first coupling
devices/acceptors secured to the closable tethers; and one or more
tether devices, the tether devices comprising a loop of tether
fixed to a second coupling device/acceptor adapted to secure to the
first coupling device/acceptor.
[0011] Further provided is a system for securing implements such as
tools, gear and the like, comprising: one or more looped tether
devices, the looped tether devices comprising a loop of tether
fixed to a first coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a
second coupling device/acceptor that may be fixed to wall or
ceiling, wherein the loop of tether is sized to allow the first
coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to enclose
and engage one of a range of implements; and packaging or
promotional material for the mountable base and looped tether
devices that displays instruction by word or illustration on how
the mountable base and looped tether devices are to be used to
secure implements.
[0012] Further provided is an apparatus for securing implements
comprising: a looped tether device, the looped tether device
comprising a loop of tether fixed to a first coupling
device/acceptor adapted to engage a second coupling
device/acceptor, wherein the loop of tether is sized to allow the
first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to
enclose and engage one of a range of implements; and wherein (i)
the second coupling device/acceptor is incorporated into a
reversibly closable tether that can be secured to an implement,
and/or (ii) the appliance further comprises packaging or
promotional material that displays instruction by word or
illustration on how the looped tether device is to be used to
secure implements.
[0013] Methods of so securing implements are additionally provided.
In the embodiment that secures implements to objects, the looped
tether device need not incorporate the second coupling. For
example, the first coupling can be another loop, and the second
coupling can be a fixture on the object appropriate to engage that
loop.
[0014] Further provided is a snap hook comprising: a metallic
single wire serially comprising a hinge connection, one to two
substantially 90.degree. turns, a straight segment adapted to
engage a sleeve formed in a ribbon tether, one to two substantially
90.degree. turns, and a hook segment; a latch connected to the
hinge connection; and means for a load-bearing reversible
connection between the latch and the hook segment.
[0015] Also provided is a system for securely storing winter gear
such as skis, ski poles, ski or snowboard boots, snowboards,
snowshoes, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1A-D show different aspect of a system for securing
implements.
[0017] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 show features of looped tether
devices that form part of the systems for securing implements.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a ceiling mounted system for securing
implements.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-C and 7 show specific embodiments of the systems
for securing implements.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment that uses reversibly closable
tethers.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment adapted for use with power cords,
hoses, and the like.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a system of the invention as applied to
store winter sports gear.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention provides a method for positively
securing tools and other objects for storage in a space-efficient
manner using a combination of hanging support structures consisting
primarily of tethers (which in some embodiments can be ropes or
cords) with integrated hooking devices (preferably self-closing or
latching), and a mountable base adapted for the secure attachment
of the hanging support structures. The mountable base can be fixed
in a desired wall or ceiling location using any combination of
screws, bolts, adhesives, or the like. In one embodiment, the
mountable base structure includes at least one closed ring
structure that maintains a relatively low profile to the wall. Such
a closed ring structure is of such size as to be engaged by a
hooking device on one end of a hanging support structure or "looped
tether device" comprising a hooking device that is fixably attached
to a looped segment of tether material. In this embodiment, the
looped tether device may be passed, for example, around the shaft
or handle of a secured garden tool under the larger head of the
tool, or through a loop structure of secured gear in the case of
implements such as hoses, ladders, or cords. The hooked end of the
looped tether device is then passed through the looped end and
pulled tight. This looping effectively creates a simple and secure
hold on most objects for storage. The hooking device of the looped
tether device is then attached to one of the closed ring structures
on the mountable base structure. The loop found in the looped
tether device may be of various sizes to accommodate a wide range
of secured items. Varying the size of loops on the hanging support
structures also serves to vertically stagger secured objects on a
single mountable base structure for maximum space efficiency,
accessibility, and storage capabilities, as larger headed items,
such as snow shovels, typically extend farther from their shafts
than do smaller headed items such as sledge hammers or axes. As
indicated further below the hook and closed loop attachment
described here is illustrative, as often coupling devices can be
used.
[0024] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a versatile
storage device that instead of using hooks on the looped tether
device, uses other coupling devices such as a T-shape design, ball
in socket design, or other structure that is adapted for
positioning in the mountable base. In such an embodiment, the
looped tether device is securable to the mountable base structure
by means of a mating receptacle on the mountable base that also
includes, for example a slotted channel providing the required
clearance for the rotation of the hanging support structure as it
is hung on the wall or ceiling.
[0025] As illustrated by the above discussion, coupling devices and
their paired acceptors come in a wide variety of art-recognized
forms. Thus, in some embodiments any of such attachment pairs can
be used, with one half of the pair on the mountable base and the
other secured to the looped tether device.
[0026] In another embodiment, a tether segment is semi-permanently
attached (i.e., removable, but not necessarily to be removed) to an
implement in a location as to not interfere with the object during
normal use. The semi-permanent assembly includes an integrated
coupling device/acceptor, such as an attachment loop, preferably a
D-Ring or an O-Ring. The coupling device/acceptor is securable by a
complementary coupling device/acceptor on one end of a looped
tether device. The tether segment may be attached to the secured
object by a variety of methods including, hook and loop containment
(e.g., Velcro.TM. stitched into or otherwise secured to a tether),
strap or tether fastener assemblies, or by snap button attachments.
One useful tether fastener is that described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,295,700. In this embodiment, the tether segment is engaged by a
looped tether device that is secured to a wall or ceiling. This
embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful for
objects such as ladders or other secured gear whose operation would
not be adversely affected or otherwise limited by interference from
the semi-permanent tether assembly during normal use.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one
segment of tether or rigid material (preferably hinged) is secured
to the mountable base providing a variation of a hanging support
structure. This hanging structure can be attached to a secured
object by using the loop connection or the semi-permanent
attachment methods described above. To allow for the quick release
of secured gear, this embodiment also includes a two-piece,
detachable fastener in the hanging structure that allows for the
separation of secured gear from the mountable base, while still
providing a space efficient method for storage. In this embodiment,
the detachable fastener can be a side-release fastener (which are
well known in the art). Such a fastener allows for length
adjustments to the hanging support structure. This embodiment's of
particular usefulness in storing lightweight objects, particularly
those weighing less than five pounds.
[0028] FIG. 1A shows mountable base 10 secured by fastener 19. The
mountable base 10 incorporates or secures coupling device/acceptor
11, which in this case is a closed loop. Looped tether devices 30
are exemplified by first looped tether device 30A, second looped
tether device 30B, and third looped tether device 30C. The looped
tether devices incorporate coupling devices/acceptors 31 (which in
this case are snap hooks) attached to tethers 32. Tethers 32
connect to loop segments 33. The operation of loop segment 33A is
illustrated in FIG. 2A, which shows coupling device/acceptor 31A
looped through loop segment 33A to form lasso 34A which encloses
and secures implement 40A (which in this case is a sledge hammer
with head 41A and handle 41B. FIG. 1B shows the system in smaller
scale. FIG. 1C illustrates the system mounted on a wall. FIG. 1D
shows the mountable base in more detail.
[0029] FIG. 2A is as described above. FIG. 2B illustrates that loop
segment 133 can encompass most of tether 132. If one loops coupling
device/acceptor 131 through the loop segment 133 and encloses a
relatively narrow object, the result will simply be that a loop
segment portion will thread through the loop. FIGS. 2B and 2C
illustrate how a label or care tag 138 may be incorporated into the
looped tether device. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 2C,
tether 132 (here, for example, a strap) can, for example, be folded
over at one end to make a small loop to engage the coupling
device/acceptor 131, then the other end folded back to a common
segment that can be stitched together, optionally with a label or
care tag engaged by the stitching.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a coupling device/acceptor 231 that is a snap
hook. Coupling device/acceptor 231 has a hook segment 231-1, which
joins to isolating segment 231-2, to isolated straight segment
231-3, to isolating segment 231-4, to hinge 231-5, and to hingably
connected latch 231-6. The hinge 231-5 is spring-loaded by
implements known in the art. Locking tooth 231-8 and locking tooth
acceptor 231-9 provide a mechanical connection such that the hinged
side of the snap hook can bear at least a part of a load from
tether 232 with support from hook segment 231-1. Other connecting
devices can be used so that loads on the hinged side are supported
by hook segment 231-1. For example, the locking spring snaps
described in the McMaster-Carr catalog (www.mcmaster.com) can be
used. These locking spring snaps include those twist lock gates and
screw lock gates. It will be recognized that the snap hook segments
on which the "male" and "female" connecting devices are placed can
typically be reversed.
[0031] By sufficiently tightly looping a ribbon-shaped tether
segment 232D (to form a sleeve), the tether 232 cannot readily be
slid into segments of the snap hook where it can slide out of the
snap hook. Other ways to so isolate the tether 232 include forming
a loop with a bridge 231-7, indicated in dashed lines. Such an
enclosure can be with a pliable insert such as a plastic insert
that snaps into place. If such an enclosure is used, than there is
less advantage to using isolated segments.
[0032] The snap hook of FIG. 3 is advantageously made of a
continuous single wire with hinged latch, and forms one enclosure
within the single wire and latch. The single wire portion is
favorably metallic, contains a straight segment for engaging a
ribbon tether, and on each side of the straight segment one or two
substantially 90.degree. (or more) turns adapted to limit movement
of the engaged ribbon tether away from the straight segment. Such
turns turn sharply enough and to a degree close enough (or beyond)
90.degree. to limit movement of the engaged sleeve of the ribbon
tether. Such turns are illustrated by turns 231.alpha., 231.beta.,
231.gamma. and 231.delta.. By a single wire it is meant that such
portion of the snap hook has linear continuity, even if some
portion changes in thickness or cross-sectional shape. The metal of
the snap hook can be any appropriate metal, including an
appropriate metal composite or metal alloy.
[0033] To the applicant's knowledge, other available snap hooks
that have a straight segment for isolating a ribbon tether are
formed of multiple pieces that interlock or are welded together.
These devices do not provide the strength provided by the current
design.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates that the system can be attached to a
ceiling or roof joist.
[0035] FIGS. 5A-C show an embodiment that uses as the coupling
devices/acceptors 431 a ball or cylinder adapted to fit, as the
matching coupling devices/acceptors 411, a socket. For example,
coupling device/acceptor 431B has cylinder 431-1B, arm 431-2B, and
loop 431-3B. The tether 432B is attached at the loop 431-3B. Arm
431-2B fits into slot 412B to allow the coupling device/acceptor
431B to fit into paired coupling device/acceptor 411. Any number of
clipping devices can provide greater secured connection.
Illustrated in FIG. 5B are clips 414A and 414B. Snap lock lip
surface 415 holds coupling devices/acceptors 431 in the secured
position.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a system for securing an implement. A
reversibly closable tether forming mountable base 610.about. is
attached to the implement. As discussed above, the attachment can
be by reversible closure using hook and loop containment, strap or
tether fastener assemblies, snap buttons, or the like. A coupling
device/acceptor 611.about. on the attached mountable base
reversibly connects to coupling device/acceptor 631 of a tether
device 630. The tether 632.about. of the tether device 630 is shown
looped in hook 640.about., though less reversible connections can
be used in this embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a system for securing implements using, as
coupling devices/acceptors 711 and coupling devices/acceptors 731,
side release fasteners. Mounts 715 and tethers 716 (which can be
rope or cord) to secure the coupling devices/acceptors 711A, 711B
and 711C to the mounting base 710.
[0038] In some embodiments, the systems are sold in packaging that
displays instruction by word or illustration on how the rack and
tether devices are to be used. In some embodiments, the
instructions include exemplification of implements of a size
appropriate for use with the tethers devices. In some embodiments,
the systems are sold on or in conjunction with a display (including
without limitation media containing a video) that includes such
instruction. Where instructional videos, graphics, written
materials or the like are used in the instructing, the instructions
can include directions to a channel of commerce in which the
mountable base and looped tether device(s) may be obtained. Where
the instructional material is displayed next to the mountable base
and looped tether device(s) in a store, such physical relationship
can comprise such directions, since consumers will generally know
how to draw the correct inference. The instructions can also be
relayed by broadcast media, internet ad, internet site, or the
like, in which case the instructions shall direct a consumer to a
website, phone number, store or other channel of commerce at which
the mountable base and looped tether device(s) may be obtained.
[0039] The systems can be sold with two, three, four, five or more
different size of looped tether devices adapted to facilitate
securing implements of different sizes with the implements less
awkwardly seating next to each other.
[0040] Particularly for use with items with awkward centers of
gravity, such as sports rackets or paddles, the looped tether
device can include a rubberized surface for increasing its capacity
to grasp such items. In practice, since the looped tether device
cinches down on the object under the object's own weight, such
modification is often not needed for such items with awkward
centers of gravity.
[0041] The looped tether device can be used, for example, to secure
an electrical cord or hose (such as for a pump, compressor or
vacuum) to an electrical appliance or tool. For example, it can be
used to secure the cord of a vacuum cleaner. In, for example, the
case of an upright vacuum cleaner, the coupling device/acceptor can
be a small loop adapted to slide onto the handle of the vacuum
cleaner (the handle providing the matched coupling device
acceptor). Or, the coupling device/acceptor can be any suitable
coupling device/acceptor, with the appliance or tool, as needed,
modified to include the corresponding coupling device/acceptor. An
example is shown in FIG. 8, where looped tether device 830 is used
to secure implement 840. The implement is secured in a lasso as
above using looped segment 833 (which here is somewhat obscured but
operates as above) of tether 832. To create a second loop (which is
in effect a third coupling device acceptor), coupling
device/acceptor 831 is secured to the tether 832 by another
coupling device/acceptor 835 (which in this example is a D-Ring,
and in similar examples may be a looped segment of any material).
The illustrated device allows the cord or hose (or other implement
associated with the appliance or tool) to be hung on a fixture of
the appliance or tool or on an object such as a hand rail or handle
(such as a rail or handle that does not contain open ends).
[0042] Storing winter sports gear has presented a classic dilemma
for winter sports enthusiasts. The traditional solution for skis
has been the use of pegs placed at an appropriate height and
spacing to allow skis to be leaned into place against and/or within
the pegs. Generally, nothing secures the skis from falling, for
instance if bumped into by dog, child, door or the like. Ski poles
are traditionally placed in these storage areas in a more ad-hoc
manner. Devices to store snowboards typically must be more custom
fitted. As illustrated in FIG. 9, an organizer system 900 of the
invention can be adapted to fit winter gear using a minimum of wall
space for the mountable base 910. For example, a mountable base 910
with three coupling devices/acceptors 911 can for example be
mounted on about 12 inches (30.48 cm) or less, 10 inches (25.4 cm)
or less, 9 inches (22.86 cm) or less, or 8 inches (20.32 cm) or
less. More generally, a system with N+1 coupling device/acceptors
can for example be mounted on about N.times.6 inches (15.24 cm) or
less, N.times.5 inches (12.7 cm) or less, N.times.4.5 inches (11.43
cm) or less, or N.times.4 inches (10.16 cm) or less. The total wall
space used in storing skis and snowboards can conveniently be quite
small since the hanging system allows the gear to securely hang in
an overlapping manner.
[0043] As illustrated, ski 940A, snowboard 940B and ski 940C can be
securely mounted on a wall (or the like), in a manner that allows
facile removal or rehanging. Surprisingly, it has been found that a
snowboard can be mounted as illustrated without the snowboard
slipping through the lasso formed by the respective loop segment.
The cinching action of the lasso, as aided by the weight of the
snowboard, is enough to keep the snowboard secure. The "parabolic"
shape of modem skis and snowboards, and the offset outward bends of
ski tips help further assure a secure engagement. Though not
illustrated, one simple way to include ski poles in much the same
space as illustrated is to hang the looped tethers of the ski poles
over one or more (as convenient) of the tips of the hung skis.
[0044] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2B,
substantially the entire length of tether 132 is made up of at
least two courses of tether material that is stitched and looped to
form a loop segment 133 of substantial length. As illustrated, for
example, substantially all of the length of the illustrative tether
132 is incorporated in a loop segment 133, such that the two halves
of the loop provide the two courses of tether material. Such
embodiments provide two courses of material on which to distribute
the weight of any secured implements. In cases where there is a
frictional grasp of the implement, the two courses can provide
additional material having a friction-providing contact with a
larger surface area of the secured implement. Such looped tether
devices 130 can be made with one length of tether material. For
example, one end can be folded back on itself to form a small loop
that engages the coupling device/acceptor. The other end can be
folded back to meet the shorter piece of folded back material
(thereby forming a looped segment of tether material), and the
three sewn together, for example using a box stitch, sonic weld,
bar tack, rivet, or the like. As illustrated, for example, in FIG.
2C, a label can be sewn into the three layers of tether material at
stitched segment 136.
[0045] When the looped tether devices are used to secure ladders,
for example, two points along the ladder may be engaged with
lassos, for example at points appropriate to roughly balance the
weight of the ladder. Two points of engagement can be used to
secure a bicycle, motorcycle or wheelbarrow, again for example at
points appropriate to roughly balance the weight of the respective
implement. With wheelbarrows, one useful alignment is handles
oriented upwards, bucket facing a wall, and the rear junctions
between the bottom of the bucket and the rear legs engaged by the
lassos.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the looped tether devices are sized
to engage and secure implements of the type typically stored in
garages or other utility rooms in a residence. Accordingly, in some
embodiments the lasso circumference (with coupling device/acceptor
just looped through enough for use according to the invention)
formable with the devices is 68 in. (172.7 cm) or less, 66 in.
(167.6 cm) or less, 64 in. (162.6 cm) or less, 62 in. (157.5 cm) or
less, 58 in. (147.3 cm) or less, 54 in. (137.2 cm) or less, 50 in.
(127 cm) or less, 46 in. (116.8 cm) or less, 42 in. (106.7 cm) or
less, 38 in. (96.5 cm) or less, 36 in. (91.4 cm) or less, 34 in.
(86.4 cm) or less, 32 in. (81.3 cm) or less, 30 in. (76.2 cm) or
less, 28 in. (71.1 cm) or less, 26 in. (66 cm) or less, 24 in. (61
cm) or less, 22 in. (55.9 cm) or less, 20 in. (50.8 cm) or less, 18
in. (45.7 cm) or less, 16 in. (40.6 cm) or less, 14 in. (35.6 cm)
or less, or 12 in. (30.5 cm) or less. In some embodiments, the
lasso circumference (with coupling device/acceptor just looped
through enough for use according to the invention) formable with
the devices is 66 in. (167.6 cm) or more, 64 in. (162.6 cm) or
more, 62 in. (157.5 cm) or more, 58 in. (147.3 cm) or more, 54 in.
(137.2 cm) or more, 50 in. (127 cm) or more, 46 in. (1 16.8 cm) or
more, 42 in. (106.7 cm) or more, 38 in. (96.5 cm) or more, 36 in.
(91.4 cm) or more, 34 in. (86.4 cm) or more, 32 in. (81.3 cm) or
more, 30 in. (76.2 cm) or more, 28 in. (71.1 cm) or more, 26 in.
(66 cm) or more, 24 in. (61 cm) or more, 22 in. (55.9 cm) or more,
20 in. (50.8 cm) or more, 18 in. (45.7 cm) or more, 16 in. (40.6
cm) or more, 14 in. (35.6 cm) or more, or 12 in. (30.5 cm) or more.
In some embodiments, the lasso circumference is from one of the
boundaries in the second of the preceding two lists to one of the
boundaries in the first of the preceding two lists, such as, for
example, from 12 in. (30.5 cm) to 16 in. (40.6 cm).
ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS
[0047] The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this
application, the respective meanings set forth below.
Ceiling
[0048] A "ceiling" is any upper surface suitable to support a
mountable base that, with the invention, can support implements of
the size range suitable for use with the complementary looped
tether devices. Ceilings are typically horizontal, but may be
sloped.
Coupling Device/Acceptor
[0049] As illustrated in part in the application, but as is further
understood by those of skill in the art, any number of devices can
be used to couple the looped tether devices to the mountable base.
As is understood in the art, theses devices take the form of two
reversibly joining elements, one attached to the looped tether
device and one attached to the mountable base or other element to
be joined. All such devices can be coupling devices/acceptors.
Mountable Base
[0050] A "mountable base" is any device that is or can be mounted
on or otherwise affixed to or incorporated into a surface or
ceiling appropriate for hanging implements and include hardware to
which a coupling device/acceptor or lassoed tether may be hung or
coupled. Mountable bases include, without limitation eye bolts.
Reversibly Closable Tether
[0051] A "reversibly closable tether" is a tether that can closed
to form a loop or lasso about a part of an implement and thereafter
and reversibly opened. For example, reversible closure can be by
lasso or using hook and loop containment, strap or tether fastener
assemblies, snap buttons, or the like.
Snap Hook
[0052] A "snap hook" is any hook that provides a secure engagement
via a spring biased closure mechanism. Snap hooks include plastic
or metal clips, carabiners, carbine hooks, and the like.
Tether
[0053] A "tether" is any long, flexible material suitable for
securing implements in accordance with the above discussion.
Tethers can include, for example, straps, ropes, cords, rubbers
cords, and the like.
Wall
[0054] A "wall" is any side surface suitable to support a mountable
base that, with the invention, can support implements of the size
range suitable for use with the complementary looped tether
devices. A "wall" can be any number of support surfaces, including
railings on boats or fences that are suitable for supporting stored
implements.
[0055] Publications and references, including but not limited to
patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in the entire
portion cited as if each individual publication or reference were
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference herein as being fully set forth. Any patent application
to which this application claims priority is also incorporated by
reference herein in the manner described above for publications and
references.
[0056] While this invention has been described with an emphasis
upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary
skill in the art that variations in the preferred devices and
methods may be used and that it is intended that the invention may
be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
claims that follow.
* * * * *