U.S. patent application number 13/788703 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for material collection and identification device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BundeZe, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is BUNDEZE, LLC. Invention is credited to Todd Ireland, Aaron Schradin.
Application Number | 20130232731 13/788703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49112713 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130232731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schradin; Aaron ; et
al. |
September 12, 2013 |
MATERIAL COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE
Abstract
A collection and identification device includes a ball stop, a
slide lock and a pull tab with identification member thereon, each
arranged on an elastic binder line to facilitate flexible, quick,
and secure collection of items, including identification and
potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the ball
stop, slide lock and pull tab are each unitary molded components,
with no internal moving parts. The present device is easily
assembled and is low cost to manufacture and assembly. Also, the
device can be used in several different ways to collect and secure
items, thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and
identifying various items based on a user's preferences and
desires.
Inventors: |
Schradin; Aaron; (Holland,
MI) ; Ireland; Todd; (Spring Lake, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BUNDEZE, LLC |
Grand Rapids |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BundeZe, LLC
Grand Rapids
MI
|
Family ID: |
49112713 |
Appl. No.: |
13/788703 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61608795 |
Mar 9, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/16R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 63/1018 20130101;
Y10T 24/14 20150115; B65D 63/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/16.R |
International
Class: |
B65D 63/10 20060101
B65D063/10 |
Claims
1. A material collection and identification device comprising: a
ball stop; a slide lock; a pull tab; and a binder line attached to
the pull tab and the ball stop, wherein the slide lock slides along
a portion of the binder line to selectively capture captive
material against one of the pull tab and ball stop.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the binder line is made of a
resilient stretchable material.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the pull tab has an
identification member to provide quick identification of collected
items secured by the device.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the ball stop, the slide lock,
and the pull tab are each single unitary moldings that
characteristically do not include internal moving parts.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the binder line is secured to the
ball stop with parallel sections of the binder line extending from
the ball stop.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder line includes a knot,
and wherein the ball stop includes a knot pocket shaped to
frictionally secure the knot in the ball stop.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder line is a continuous
loop and wherein the ball stop includes lateral slots gripping
sections of the binder line extending from the ball stop.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ball stop,
the slide lock, and the pull tab is made of a material with
specific gravity of less than 1.0 so as to float in water.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the ball stop and slide lock and
pull tab are each single unitary moldings and do not include
internal moving parts.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pull tab includes an
identification member.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the identification member is
one of mechanically or adheringly attached to the pull tab.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the identification member is
releasably attached and is replaceable.
13. A kit for use with a stretchable binder line, comprising: a
ball stop component; a slide lock component; and a pull tab
component; the slide lock and pull tab components each including a
through hole shaped to frictionally receive and engage a mating
portion of a stretchable binder line, the ball stop component and
the pull tab component also including a frictional structure for
securely engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended
through the slide lock and pull tab components.
14. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the slide lock includes a
dual strand interference fit pass through opening for receiving the
binder line, and wherein an exterior of the slide lock includes
longitudinal recesses and protrusions for gripping by fingers of a
human hand.
15. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a
binder engagement portion including a binder line dual strand pass
through portion, and at least one circumferential binder line lock
groove.
16. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a
binder engagement portion including at least one binder line single
strand pass-through hole and a circumferential binder line lock
groove.
17. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a
binder engagement portion and further includes an identification
portion, the identification portion including one of an
identification plate or sticker.
18. The kit defined in claim 13, including a second slide lock on
the binder line.
19. A method of assembling and using a material collection device,
the method comprising: passing a binder line through binder line
pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab;
passing a looped end of the binder line through an opening in the
pull tab and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the
pull tab; inserting a captive material into a loop formed in the
binder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and sliding
the slide lock along the binder line and toward the captive
material to secure the material collection device to the captive
material.
20. A method of assembling and using a material collection device,
the method comprising: providing a binder line extending through
binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and
a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder
line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull
tab; and forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spaced
away from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into
frictional engagement with the ball stop, such that the ball stop
traps the slide lock on the binder line.
21. The method defined in claim 21, including attaching an
identification member to the pull tab.
22. A method of assembling and using a material collection device,
the method comprising: passing a binder line through binder line
pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab;
attaching the pull tab to an end of the binder line; inserting a
captive material through a loop formed in the binder line between
the pull tab and the slide lock; and sliding the slide lock along
the binder line and toward the captive material to secure the
material collection device to the captive material.
23. A method of assembling a material collection and identification
device, comprising steps of: providing a plurality of end-defining
components and a plurality of slide lock components, each being a
unitary structure without internal moving parts; providing a binder
line; assembling at least two of the end-defining components and at
least one of the slide locks onto the binder line; and selectively
sliding the at least one slide lock in a first direction or in a
second direction, with sliding in the first direction binding a
captive material against one of the end-defining components and
with sliding in the second direction binding the captive material
against another one of the end-defining components.
24. The method defined in claim 23, wherein the step of assembling
includes assembling at least two of the slide locks onto the binder
line.
Description
[0001] This claims benefit under 35 USC section 119(e) of
provisional application Ser. No. 61/608,795, filed Mar. 9, 2012,
entitled "MATERIAL COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE", the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to material collection and
identification devices useful for releasably securing bundles of
parts and/or products together, and more particularly relates to a
material collection and identification device that is ergonomic,
easy and flexible and intuitive to use, competitive to manufacture
and assemble, very durable and customizable, and which provides
identification features not found in similar existing devices.
[0003] A number of different straps, strips and retaining devices
are commercially available, but known devices have a variety of
limitations and deficiencies. For example, some such devices are
for single-use only, and once used are thrown away, which is
wasteful and not environmentally friendly. Other retaining devices
include components with internal moving parts (such as
spring-biased clamps and/or spring-biased locking members), which
greatly increases manufacturing and assembly cost, and often
reduces reliability and durability leading to field failure. Most
known collection and bundling devices do not include means of
identification, but instead depend on the product itself being the
identifier, which often is not a best solution. Bungee cords with
hooks at each end have been used as retaining devices, but the
hooks can scratch or damage retained goods and/or the hooks may
accidentally release. Most similar devices are not customizable,
such that they are constrained to a particular manner of use and
appearance.
[0004] Thus, opportunities exist for improvement in material
collection and identification devices, particularly where the
improvement minimizes cost, minimizes the number or cost of
individual components and minimizes assembly time, and where the
improvement simplifies use and attachment, especially where the
improvement provides maximum sureness of collecting/fastening
goods, and provides identification means and other characteristics
related to flexibility of use and customized appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a material
collection and identification device comprises a ball stop, a slide
lock, a pull tab, and a binder line attached to the pull tab and
the ball stop, with the slide lock being slidable along a portion
of the binder line to selectively capture captive material against
one of the pull tab and ball stop.
[0006] In a narrower aspect, each of the ball stop, slide lock, and
pull tab are each unitary single moldings that characteristically
do not include internal moving parts.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for use
with a stretchable binder line is provided. The kit includes a ball
stop component, a slide lock component, and a pull tab component.
The slide lock and pull tab components each include a through hole
shaped to frictionally receive and engage a mating portion of the
stretchable binder line, with the ball stop component and the pull
tab component also including a frictional structure for securely
engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended through the
slide lock and pull tab components.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of
assembling and using a material collection device, the method
comprises: passing a binder line through binder line pass-through
portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the
pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the
looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; inserting a captive
material through a loop formed in the binder line between the pull
tab and the slide lock; and sliding the slide lock along the binder
line and toward the captive material to secure the material
collection device to the captive material.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of
assembling and using a material collection device, the method
comprises passing a binder line through binder line pass-through
portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the
pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the
looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; and forming an
enlargement on an end of the binder line spaced away from the
looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictional engagement
with the ball stop, such that the pull tab and ball stop trap the
slide lock on the binder line.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a
collection device that provides on the device a way for the user to
identify the goods/items collected and held together.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
that is relatively simple, easy to assemble, intuitive to use,
reusable, and that uses few components and that uses components not
having moving parts.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a
collection and bundling device where the device can be locked onto
a first item in a hands free manner, allowing the user to collect
and bind other items to the first item.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
where components can be easily adapted for different environments,
such as by material substitution in components.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
that is buoyant and hence floats, thus making it useful in marine
and water environments.
[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
that can be used to secure a collection of items together and to
secure them in a desired storage location, such as via a suction
cup.
[0016] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is perspective view showing a collection and
identification device embodying the present invention and attached
to an electrical cord and plug, either for identification purposes
and/or to retain the plug close to a point of use.
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the present device of
FIG. 1 but used to retain two ski poles together and simultaneously
serving to identify ownership of the ski poles.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present collection and
identification device in a free state.
[0020] FIGS. 3-5 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of
the ball stop in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIGS. 6-8 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of
the slide lock in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIGS. 9-12 are top perspective, bottom perspective, plan,
and side views of the identification pull tag in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative pull tag.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side view an alternative ball stop.
[0025] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
identification/pull tab.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative collection
device.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative method of
assembly.
[0028] FIGS. 18-19 are perspective views of a second alternative
method of assembly.
[0029] FIGS. 20-20B are perspective views of a first procedure for
attaching two ski poles together.
[0030] FIGS. 21-21B are perspective views of a second procedure for
attaching two ski poles together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present collection and identification device 30 (FIGS.
1-2) includes a binder line 31, a ball stop 32, a slide lock 33 and
a pull tab 34 with identification member 35 thereon, the components
32-34 being arranged on the binder line 31 to facilitate flexible,
quick, and secure collection of items 20, including identification
and potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the
components 31-35 are single components, with no internal moving
parts such as an internal biasing spring or plunger. Further, the
present device 30 is constructed for ease of assembly, with the
limited number of single-piece components 31-34 being surprisingly
easy to assemble while also providing multiple ways of securely
retaining items together. In short, the present device 30 is low
cost to manufacture, low cost to assemble,
re-useable/environmentally-friendly, and yet is durable, robust,
long lasting, ergonomic, customizable, and visually attractive.
Further, the present device 30 is particularly well-suited for
identification purposes.
[0032] Notably, the device 30 can be used in several different ways
to collect and secure items, and includes customizable
identification members 35, thus providing a flexible system capable
of securing and identifying various items based on a user's
preferences and desires. FIG. 1 illustrates the present device 30
attached to an electrical power cord and plug 38, with the
identification member 35 identifying the particular cord and plug
38 for the user. It is noted that the cord 38 can be wound into a
storage condition and retained in the storage condition by the
device 30, and/or the device 30 can be used for identifying the
particular electrical device that the cord 38 is supplying
electrical power to. Also, it is contemplated that the device 30
can be used to retain any cord in a wound or wrapped storage
position, including cords such as communication cords, ropes,
wires, and innumerable other elongated flexible items. FIG. 1A
illustrates the present device 30 securing two ski poles 39
together. FIGS. 1A, 20-20B and 21-21B illustrate three of the many
different ways that the device 30 can be used to secure items
together.
[0033] It is noted that each of the ball stop 32, slide lock 33,
and pull tab 34 can be made of a same material or different
materials, and further each can be made of similar or different
sizes and shapes, depending on the physical requirements of a
particular intended use. Accordingly, the description below is
intended to disclose aspects and features of the present invention,
but is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting.
[0034] Binder line 31 (FIG. 2) can be any of a variety of different
cords having linear strength and long term durability for handling
the stress of binding items together. The illustrated binder line
31 is preferably made of a resilient material (preferably cloth
covered) having a diameter that is relatively flexible but
non-collapsible. An outer surface of the binder line 31 has
frictional characteristics relative to components 32-34 yet that
permit slide lock 33 to be slidingly moved along the binder line 31
when desired. In particular, the binder line 31 can be tied in a
knot 42 and frictionally retained within a knot-receiving cavity in
the ball stop 32, as discussed below. Also, the binder line 31 also
permits a smooth sliding movement of the slide lock 33 along the
binder line 31, while also frictionally holding the slide lock 33
in a selected position once the slide lock 33 is released. Also,
the binder line 31 provides sufficient frictional engagement with
the pull tab 34 so that the pull tab 34 reliably engages the binder
line 31 and does not undesirably release after assembly. The
illustrated binder line 31 is longitudinally stretchable, like a
bungee cord, such that the binder line 31 can be stretched and
secured, with a linear stretch/tension of the binder line 31
assisting in fixing the bound connection of the binder line 31
around the components 32 and 34.
[0035] By way of example and not limitation, the illustrated binder
line 31 is commercially available and generally has the following
properties. It is about 1/8'' diameter with a fabric outer layer
and elastic inner cord, and stretches to about double its free
unstretched length (i.e. 100% stretch). The illustrated device 30
is about 41/2'' in total length and stretches to about 9'' length.
However, it is contemplated that the device's length (i.e. the
binder line) can be made longer or shorter for particular
applications, and also can be made a larger (or smaller) diameter,
and can have greater (or lesser) elasticity. When released, the
binder line 31 recovers to substantially its original length, which
results in good retention characteristics even during repeated
use.
[0036] Ball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5) serves the purpose of creating an
anchor point at one end of the binder line 31. Specifically, the
illustrated binder line 31 in FIG. 2 is a single cord, doubled back
and tied at its free end to form a knot 42. During assembly, the
knot 42 slides down and is retained in a knot-pocket cavity 43
defined within a base of the ball stop 32. The knot 42 is too large
to pass through a line-receiving entrance 44 into the cavity 43 in
the ball stop 32, causing an interference-fit when the knot is
pulled into an open side of the cavity 43. It is contemplated that
the binder line 31 can alternatively be a continuous loop with no
free ends. In such case, it is contemplated that a knot (similar to
knot 42) could be tied at a (looped) end. Alternatively, a pin or
anchor member (not specifically shown, but matingly shaped to
frictionally engage the cavity 43) could be attached to the looped
end of the binder line 31 and inserted into the cavity 43, so that
the pin would become lodged in a base of the knot pocket thus
preventing the loop's knot from being pulled through the ball
stop.
[0037] The ball stop 32 is made of an injection molded polymeric
material, and serves the purpose of retention when the binder line
31 (and/or pull tab 34) is looped over the ball stop 32. (See FIGS.
20-20B and 21-21B.) The illustrated ball stop 32 is generally
spherical in shape, and about 3/4'' in diameter, with its spherical
sides facilitating slipping a looped section of the binder line 31
over the ball stop 32 for securement. The ball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5)
includes a through hole defined in part by the knot-receiving
cavity 43, and defined by an interference-fit line-pass-through
entrance 44 (also called an "opening" herein). The illustrated ball
stop 32 is made with multiple external crevices and pockets 45,
which facilitate injection molding by reducing large masses of
plastic material forming the ball stop 32. The existence of
crevices and pockets 45 also reduces the amount of polymeric
material necessary for the ball stop 32, improves its appearance,
and helps with retention of the binder line 31 (and the pull tab
34) on the ball stop 32 by creating a rough outer surface. In
particular, the material and shape of the ball stop 32 provides
lateral and longitudinal lines of grip on the binder line 31,
facilitating securement of the binder line 31 when looped over the
ball stop 32 and when the binder line 31 is simultaneously
tensioned/stretched. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that the ball
stop 32 does not have to be spherical in shape, but instead it need
only be large enough or otherwise shaped to provide a retaining
function to limit release of a looped section of the binder line 31
from escaping toward an exit point, such that it encourages the
secured binder line 31 and/or pull tab 34 from slipping off. Also,
it is contemplated that the ball stop 32 (and slide lock 33 and
pull tab 34) can be made from any material, including many
different polymers (including translucent and fluorescent and
buoyant materials), metal, wood, composite, and other structural
materials.
[0038] The illustrated slide lock 33 (FIGS. 6-8) is also an
injection molded polymeric material, having a cylindrical size of
about 1/2'' in diameter and being about 1/2'' long. Slide lock 33
includes a through hole 47 that shaped to frictionally but
slidingly engage the binder line 31, with the friction being
sufficiently strong so that the lock slide 33 locks into a set
position on the binder line 31 when released, but so that the slide
lock 33 is slidable along the binder line 31 when gripped and
pulled along the binder line 31. Notably, when the slide lock 33 is
being moved, the illustrated binder line 31 stretches and flexes a
small amount within the slide lock 33, thus assisting in release
and sliding of the slide lock 33. When the slide lock 33 is
released, the binder line 31 recovers and again frictionally
engages the slide lock 33 to hold it in a set position. The slide
lock 33 also includes longitudinally oriented recesses 47A and
protrusions 47B to facilitate gripping by fingers of a person's
hand.
[0039] The illustrated pull tab 34 (FIGS. 9-12) is also injection
molded of a polymeric material, and includes an
identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 and a
line-receiving/retaining portion 51. The illustrated finger-grip
portion 50 is about 7/8'' diameter and 1/8'' thick, and includes a
circular rim defining a coin-shaped recess on both side surfaces
(or on a single side) where the identification member 35 is
located. Notably, the finger-grip portion 50 can be any size or
shape sufficient for gripping by a user. The pull tab 34 also can
have a physical shape (such as a particular profile or perimeter
shape) to assist in providing an identifying function. The
line-receiving/retaining portion 51 includes a pass-through opening
52 and a circumferential binder line lock groove 53 extending from
the opening 52. The binder line lock groove 53 has a size and shape
designed to frictionally engage and securely hold the binder line
31 within the groove 53 once friction-fit therein, as described
below.
[0040] It is contemplated that one (or two) identification members
35 are attached to the identification-supporting/finger-grip
portion 50 of the pull tab 34. It is contemplated that the
identification members 35 can be any form of identification,
including indicia, picture, symbol, logo, graphics, lettering,
numbering, QR code, bar code, RFID tag, blue tooth communicating
device, other near-field communication device, and any interpretive
device (visual, tactile, wireless, or other). The identification
member 35 can include a physical protruding structure (domed,
raised, flat, or 3D) or include a recessed structure; and can be
presented in any form, include printing, 3D image, a
clear-domed/covered picture or other physical shape; and that it
can be day-light-visible and/or fluorescent. The identification
member 35 can be integrally formed on the pull tab 34, or can be
separately manufactured and attached by many different means such
as a sticker, adhered panel, snap-in panel, or otherwise
mechanically, chemically, or otherwise attached (including
welding). It can also present a surface capable of receiving
written information. When integrally formed, the identification
member 35 can be integrally formed as part of the pull tab 34 in
the primary molding operation and/or in a secondary manufacturing
operation and/or in a manner so that it can be added later by a
customer/user.
[0041] The line-receiving portion 51 of the pull tab 34 (FIGS.
9-12) includes a through hole 52 (also called "pass through
portion") for receiving the binder line 31 and grooves 53 (also
called circumferential binder line lock groove") extending
transversely on opposing sides of the through-hole's exit. The
grooves 53 are formed by laterally-facing hook-like structures and
shaped with a narrowed side to frictionally receive and securely
hold the binder line 31 when the binder line 31 is pulled into a
bottom of the grooves 53. In one type assembly (FIGS. 16-17), a
looped end of the binder line 31 is pulled through the through hole
52, looped back over the pull tab 34, and then the two line
portions forming the looped end are pulled into the grooves 53
where they are frictionally retained. Like the ball stop 32, the
pull tab 34 is optimally shaped and sized to serve the purpose of
retention when the binder line 31 is looped over the pull tab 34.
The illustrated pull tab 34 is relatively flat with a circular
perimeter, such that it facilitates a looped section of the binder
line 31 slipping over the pull tab 34 for securement.
[0042] It is contemplated that the pull tab 34 can have many
different shapes, depending on its functional requirements and
environment of use. For example, the illustrated pull tab 34 (FIG.
9) has an identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 with a
circular perimeter with outboard recesses forming a rough exterior
(to facilitate gripping) and an interior recess that is smooth
(such as for receiving an identification sticker). The
line-receiving portion 51 is bulbous shaped, and has a thickness of
about half the diametrical size of the finger-grip portion 50 when
viewed from a position in front of the recess, but is about double
the thickness of the finger-grip portion 50 when viewed from a side
edge. It is contemplated that the finger-grip portion can instead
have a square perimeter (see pull tab 34A in FIG. 11) or be
rectangular or otherwise shaped (including 3D non-planar shapes) or
can be longitudinally ridged along its inside/outside perimeter.
Also, it is contemplated that a modified pull tab can be provided
having a circular shape similar to the pull tab 34, but where the
modified pull tab would include an external/outboard-facing channel
around the pull tab 34 shaped to frictionally receive the binder
line 31. The binder line 31 would be frictionally engaged with the
perimeter channel, with the binder line extending from the
perimeter channel to a pull-through opening and grooves (much like
opening 52 and grooves 53 in pull tab 34). Thus, the binder line
would form a bumper around the pull tab.
[0043] In one modification, a suction cup 46 (FIG. 14) is formed on
the ball stop 32 for releasably holding the device 30 (along with
collected materials) on a flat surface, such as for suction-holding
the device 30 and collected items on a flat surface such as a metal
container or wall or panel. For example, the flat surface could be
suction-attached to a household appliance (such as a refrigerator
or washing machine), or to a metal cupboard or rack or building
wall. The suction cup 46 can be a separate member attached to the
ball stop 32, or can be integrally molded therewith (such as by
overmolding or secondary molding). It is contemplated that the
suction cup 46 could be attached to one of the other components,
such as to the pull tab 34 or even the slide lock 33 if desired,
with the suction cup being on the component 32-34 and extending
perpendicularly from a location of the binder line 31 on the
respective component 32-34, or at any other location on the
component 32-34, as desired.
[0044] As noted above, alternative pull tabs can be used (see FIG.
1, 13, 15), such as a square shape or ring shape (with or without a
center hole). Also, the line-receiving portion of the pull tab can
be modified. For example, a pull tab 34B (FIGS. 18-19) does not
have a through-hole 52 like pull tab 34 (FIG. 2), but instead pull
tab 34B (FIG. 18) is made with a center friction hook 56 (FIGS.
18-19) facing a first lateral direction and oppositely-facing
laterally-opposing outboard frictional hooks 57. The hooks 56 and
57 are shaped to frictionally engage and retain a loop portion of
the binder line 31 by placing the loop portion of the binder line
31 over the center hook 56 with parts of the binder line 31
extending between the center hook 56 and the outboard friction
hooks 57. The binder line 31 can be finally assembled by pulling
the binder line 31 tight (FIG. 19), which causes the portions of
the binder line 31 to slide into and frictionally engage the hooks
56 and 57.
[0045] The present components 31-34 provide a kit that assembles
quickly and easily, and that is intuitive to assemble. For example,
the binder line 31 can be pulled through the slide lock 33 and
knotted for frictional retention in the ball stop 32 (see FIG. 2),
and then a loop portion pulled over the pull tab 34 (see FIGS.
16-17) and frictionally retained in the opposing hooks within a few
seconds of starting the assembly.
[0046] There are many alternative ways to use the present device
30. For example, in FIG. 1A, the ski poles 39 are extended between
two parts of the binder line 31 and between the ball stop 32 and
the slide lock 33. Notably, this places the identification member
35 and pull tab 34 in a location where they extend outwardly in a
very visible and easily graspable position. In FIGS. 20-20B, a
first elongated member (such as ski pole 39) is extended between
sections of the binder line 31 (FIG. 20), and the slip lock 33 is
pulled tight (FIG. 20). Then, a remainder of the binder line 31 is
wrapped around a second elongated member (i.e. the second ski pole
39) (FIG. 20A) and pulled over the ball stop 32, with the binder
line 31 being stretched sufficiently to retain the wrapped
elongated members together (FIG. 20B). Alternatively, both sections
of the binder line 31 can be wrapped around the first elongated
member (i.e. ski pole) and looped over the ball stop 32 and then
the slip lock 33 pulled tight (FIG. 21). Thereafter, a remainder of
the binder line 31 is wrapped around the second elongated member
(i.e. second ski pole 39) (FIG. 21A) and looped over the ball stop
32 a second time in tension (FIG. 21B).
[0047] Notably, the present device 30 can be stored and/or shipped
in an elongated/assembled state (like that shown in FIG. 2), or can
be stored and/or shipped in a coiled or bundled state. The device
30 can be nested along with a length of material or with other
similar devices for compact shipment, or can be used to hold goods
together during shipment. The present device 30 is sufficient in
size so that it is not easily lost and also easily grasped, yet is
small and compact enough to not take up excessive space nor to
significantly increase a shipping weight. Components of the present
device 30 can be made of any suitable structural polymeric
material, including buoyant material (i.e. having a specific
gravity of less than 1.0), which makes them useful in marine
environments and for boating since they float and are moisture
resistant. Notably, the components 32-35 can be made in attractive
colors and/or with fluorescent materials and/or with UV resistance
and/or using many weather/environment-resistant materials, making
them useful in outdoor environments and/or for sporting goods
and/or in high wear conditions and/or in other specialized
environments.
[0048] The identification member 35 allows the device 30 to be used
in numerous ways for identification of goods or for identification
of ownership of goods. It is noted that the identifying member 35
(and/or the other components 32-34) can be made with a bright
color, which greatly assists in a user finder their particular
items from an assortment of similar goods (such as when skis are
stored in a ski rack at a ski resort). Notably, the device 30 can
be coupled end-to-end with other similar devices 30 to bind larger
quantities of material (e.g. if the device is "too short"), or can
be wrapped one or more times around a material to provide proper
engagement length and more secure retention (e.g. if the device is
"too long", or if the user wants to provide extra "slip-out
resistance" by using multiple wraps).
[0049] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *