U.S. patent application number 14/515266 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for ratchet strap keeper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Black Mountain Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Buckner, Chris Daniel, James Hagan.
Application Number | 20150136626 14/515266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53172196 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150136626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hagan; James ; et
al. |
May 21, 2015 |
Ratchet Strap Keeper
Abstract
A wraparound portable holder with protective inserts that is
closeable and openable, allowing for the storage or use of a
restraint device. A restraint device is enclosed, and protected, by
the wraparound portable holder. Further, the wraparound portable
holder may be closed or opened during use of the restraint
device.
Inventors: |
Hagan; James; (Bryan,
TX) ; Buckner; James; (Bryan, TX) ; Daniel;
Chris; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Black Mountain Industries, Inc. |
Bryan |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53172196 |
Appl. No.: |
14/515266 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61891215 |
Oct 15, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/0846
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/389 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/672 20060101
B65D085/672; B65D 65/22 20060101 B65D065/22 |
Claims
1. A wraparound portable holder, comprising: a body; a protective
insert disposed within the body; a fixed end guide; and a
connection means.
2. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, further comprising a
closure means and a storage means.
3. The wraparound portable holder of claim 2, wherein the closure
means comprises a hook and loop fastener.
4. The wraparound portable holder of claim 2, wherein the storage
means comprise parachute cord stitched to the body to form a
loop.
5. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the body
further comprises a left flap, a mid-section, and a right flap.
6. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1 ,wherein the left flap
and right flap connect with a closure means, wherein the closure
means comprises a hook and loop fastener.
7. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the fixed end
guide is attached at both ends to the body, forming a loop.
8. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the
connection means is attached to the body.
9. The wraparound portable holder of claim 8, wherein the
connection means further comprises an attachment means.
10. The wraparound portable holder of claim 9, wherein the
attachment means is a grommet.
11. A wraparound portable holder, comprising: a body; a protective
insert disposed within the body; a closure means; a fixed end
guide; a connection means; and a storage means.
12. The wraparound portable holder of claim 11, wherein the body
further comprises a left flap, a mid-section, and a right flap.
13. The wraparound portable holder of claim 12, wherein the
connection means and the fixed end guide are attached to the left
flap.
14. The wraparound portable holder of claim 13, wherein the
connection means and fixed end guide are separated by two
inches.
15. The wraparound portable holder of claim 14, wherein a restraint
device connects to the body through the connection means.
16. The wraparound portable holder of claim 15, wherein the
connection means is a grommet.
17. The wraparound portable holder of claim 13, wherein the fixed
end guide forms a loop.
18. The wraparound portable holder of claim 12, wherein the left
flap and right flap are attached by a closure means.
19. The wraparound portable holder of claim 18, wherein the left
flap and right flap enclose a restraint device.
20. The wraparound portable holder of claim 19, wherein the left
flap and right flap form a circular layer of protection around the
restraint device when closed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. application
Ser. No. 61/891,215 filed on Oct. 15, 2013, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The field of invention is directed to protecting and storing
cargo fasteners, and more specifically protecting cargo, cargo
fasteners, and transportation vehicles from damage during
transportation or storage.
[0005] 2. Background of the Invention
[0006] When transporting goods and other objects, there is a need
to safely secure these items to a transportation device. Fasteners
of all shapes and sizes have been invented to secure such goods and
objects safely. While there are a multitude of fasteners on the
market, the ratchet strap is one of the most heavily used fasteners
for safely securing objects during transportation.
[0007] A ratchet strap typically includes a metal frame that houses
a ratcheting mechanism, which is used to tighten any suitable form
of strap through tension. The strap is placed around goods or
objects and then tensioned along a single direction. Tension
exerted on the strap is transferred as pressure upon the cargo,
holding it in place. Drawbacks to the conventional use of a ratchet
strap in transportation are the mechanisms themselves. Due to their
metal frame and bulky size, the conventional ratchet strap often
inadvertently causes damage to the cargo or the transportation
device (i.e., causes scratches to the vehicle). When not in use,
the operator is usually left with very few options to effectively
store the long straps and ratchet mechanism in a small space.
[0008] Consequently, there is a need for protecting the cargo and
transportation vehicle from damage when using the ratchet strap.
Further needs include an ability to easily handle a ratchet
mechanism as well as an efficient means in which to store the
ratchet mechanism and strap.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] These and other needs in the art are addressed in one
embodiment by a wraparound portable holder comprising a body, a
protective insert, a fixed end guide, and a connection means.
Wherein an attachment means connects a restraint device to the
connection means. Without limitation, the portable holder provides
users with an efficient way to store and use a restraint device.
Further, without limitation, the case provides protection against
damaging cargo or the transportation device. In other embodiments,
a wraparound portable holder comprises a body, a protective insert,
a closure means, a fixed end guide, a connection means, and a
storage means. The protective insert is disposed within the
body.
[0010] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may
be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the
wraparound portable holder in an open position;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment
of the wraparound portable holder in a closed position;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the wraparound portable
holder with a fastening device; and
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a wraparound portable
holder with a fastening device in the storage position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Embodiments of the wraparound portable holder provide the
benefit of efficiently storing fastening devices and protecting
cargo as well as transportation devices from damage. Embodiments
may also lessen wear and extend the operating service of fastening
devices.
[0017] In embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 1, holder 1 is in an
open position. In this position, the distinct parts of holder 1 may
be identified as shown. Holder 1 comprises a body 5, a fixed end
guide 20, a closure means 10, a connection means 15, and a storage
means 40. Body 5 may be made of any suitable materials. Suitable
material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, woven threads,
canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, body 5 may protect restraint devices 30
housed in holder 1 from wear and tear. It may also keep restraint
devices 30 from damaging cargo and/or the transportation vehicle.
For example, body 5 may provide a layer of protection between a
restraint device 30 and the body of a transportation vehicle. This
may prevent restraint device 30 from removing paint, puncturing the
vehicle, denting the vehicle, or harming the vehicle while
restraining cargo. Furthermore, body 5 may comprise flame retardant
and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, body 5 is
coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In
addition, without limitation, the fluid resistant materials protect
contents that are covered by body 5 from fluids (i.e., the fluid
resistant materials protect restraint devices from potential damage
from harmful fluids such as grease or oil). In some embodiments,
body 5 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant
materials. In some embodiments, body 5 is comprised of materials
that reduce ultraviolet light damage and/or may have a coating of
an ultraviolet light protection material. Without limitation,
holder 1 therefore may be suitable for any environmental conditions
and temperatures. To strengthen body 5, stitching 3 may run along
the outside edges of body 5. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited
to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination
thereof. In some embodiments, stitching 3 encloses padded insert
25.
[0018] Padded insert 25 may be placed within body 5. In
embodiments, padded insert 25 is disposed within the entire breadth
and length of body 5. Padded insert 25 may add additional
protection between a cargo restraint device 30 and the cargo
itself. Additional padding may prevent and/or lessen the transfer
of energy between a restraint device 30 and the vehicle and/or the
cargo. Preventing the transfer of energy may prevent the scuffing
of surfaces, denting of surfaces, and/or puncturing of surfaces.
Padded insert 25 may be made of any suitable material. Suitable
material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, wool, fair,
feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, foam, rubber,
and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, padded
insert 25 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant
materials. In some embodiments, padded insert 25 is coated with
flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In addition,
without limitation, the fluid resistant materials protect contents
that are cushioned by padded insert 25 from fluids (i.e., the fluid
resistant materials protect restraint devices from potential damage
from harmful fluids such as grease or oil). Fluid and flame
protection prevent extreme wear and tear from occurring to an
enclosed restraint system.
[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, body 5 may further comprise a left
flap 6, a mid-section 7, and a right flap 8. Stitching 3 may be
used to separate left flap 6 from mid-section 7, and mid-section 7
from right flap 8. Left flap 6 and right flap 8 are attached in a
closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which may form a
protective barrier around a restraint device 30. While illustrated
in FIG. 2 as a circular protective barrier, left flap 6 and right
flap 8 may faun any suitable shape for protection. Suitable shapes
may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, square,
polyhedral, triangular, and the like, or any combination thereof.
Left flap 6 and right flap 8 may form a protective barrier using a
closure means 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, closure means 10
may be, but is not limited to, clasp-locker, clasp, hookless
fastener, snap fastener, button, buckle, hook and loop fastener
(i.e., Velcro.RTM.), grommet, clips, latch, strap, threaded
fastener, or any combinations thereof Please note that Velcro.RTM.
is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries, B.V. Closure means
10 may attach to left flap 6 and right flap 8 by stitching 3, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. A fixed end guide 20 and a connection means
15 may be enclosed by left flap 6 and right flap 8, while attached
to left flap 6.
[0020] Connection means 15 may be used to attach a restraint device
30 to holder 1. Connection means 15 may be free standing material.
Suitable material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, woven
threads, canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination
thereof. Furthermore, connection means 15 may comprise flame
retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments,
connection means 25 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid
resistant materials. Connection means 15 may be of any suitable
shape. A suitable shape may be, but is not limited to, rectangular,
circular, square, polyhedral, triangular, and the like, or any
combination thereof. Furthermore, connection means 15 may be any
suitable length and width. A suitable length my about one inch to
about six inches, about two inches to about five inches, or about
three inches to about six inches. In embodiments, the length of
connection means 15 may be about one inch, about two inches, about
three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six
inches. A suitable width for connection means may be about a
quarter inch to about two inches, about half an inch to about one
and a half inches, or about three quarters of an inch to about
three inches. In embodiments, the width of connection means 15 may
be about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters
of an inch, about an inch, about an inch and a half, about two
inches, or about three inches.
[0021] An end of connection means 15 may be attached to body 5,
while the opposite end of connection means 15 may have a fastening
means 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a
grommet with a screw as fastening means 16. However, in
embodiments, fastening means 16 may be, but are not limited to,
clasp-locker, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, button,
buckle, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro.RTM.), grommet, clips,
latch, strap, threaded fastener, nuts and bolts, and the like, or
any combinations thereof. The end of connection means 15 opposite
of attachment means 16 may be stitched to body 5. Stitching 3 may
be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or
any combination thereof. To strengthen connection means 15,
stitching 3 may run along the outside edges of connection means 15
and around attachment means 16. Furthermore, stitching 3 may be in
any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the bond between body 5 and
connection means 15. Patterns may include a parallel stitching 3
pattern, an "X" stitching 3 pattern, and the like. Adjacent
connection means 15 is a fixed end guide 20. Fixed end guide 20 and
connection means 15 may be used together to restrain, hold, and
guide a restraint device 30.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a restraint device 30 is attached
to connection means 15. A ratchet strap is illustrated as a
restraint device 30. However, restraint device 30 may include but
is not limited to a cam fastener, an over-center fastener, threaded
buckle, or snap buckle. Fixed end guide 20 may be free standing
material that forms a loop. Suitable material may be, but is not
limited to, neoprene, woven threads, canvas, leather, fabric, and
the like, or any combination thereof Furthermore, fixed end guide
20 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials.
In some embodiments, fixed end guide 20 is coated with flame
retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. Fixed end guide 20 may
be of any suitable shape. A suitable shape may be, but is not
limited to, rectangular, circular, square, polyhedral, triangular,
and the like, or any combination thereof In embodiments, fixed end
guide 20 may be any suitable length or width. A suitable length may
be about one inch to about six inches, about two inches to about
five inches, or about three inches to about six inches. In
embodiments, the length of fixed end guide 20 may be about one
inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches,
about five inches, or about six inches. A suitable width for
connection means may be about a quarter inch to about two inches,
about half an inch to about one and a half inches, or about three
quarters of an inch to about three inches. In embodiments, the
width of fixed end guide 20 may be about a quarter inch, about half
an inch, about three quarters of an inch, about an inch, about an
inch and a half, about two inches, or about three inches.
[0023] Illustrated in FIG. 1, fixed end guide 20 may attach to body
5 at both ends of fixed end guide 20, forming a loop, using
stitching 3. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon,
thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof. To
strengthen fixed end guide 20, stitching 3 may run along the
outside edges of fixed end guide 20. Furthermore, stitching 3 may
be in any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the bond between body
5 and fixed end guide 20. Patterns may include a parallel stitching
3 pattern, an "X" stitching 3 pattern, and the like.
[0024] At least a portion of restraint device 30 may fit within
fixed end guide 20, which may guide and restrain the different
parts of restraint device 30. Connection means 15 and fixed end
guide 20 may secure restraint device 30 along mid-section 7.
Furthermore, connection means 15 and fixed end guide 20 may be
placed in parallel with each other and separated by an appropriate
distance. An appropriate distance may be about a quarter inch to
about five inches, about an inch to about four inches, or about two
inches to about five inches. In embodiments, the distance may be
about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of
an inch, about an inch, about two inches, about three inches, about
four inches, or about five inches.
[0025] An embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 shows restraint device
30 in a storage position secured to holder 5 by connection means
15. In a storage position, restraint device 30 is gathered within
holder 1. Left flap 6 and right flap 8 are connectable using
attachment means 10. Please note that FIG. 4 shows left flap 6 and
right flap 8 not connected for illustrative purposes. Once secured,
body 5 may protect the entirety of restraint device 30 from
excessive wear and tear from the outside elements. During storage,
storage means 40 may be used to store holder 1. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4, storage means 40 may be attached to mid-section 7 of
body 5.
[0026] Storage means 40 may be made of any suitable material.
Suitable material may be, but is not limited to neoprene, woven
threads, string, parachute cord, elastic, canvas, leather, fabric,
and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, storage
means 40 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant
materials. In some embodiments, storage means 40 is coated with
flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. Storage means 40
may be free standing material that is circular. In embodiments,
suitable shapes for storage means 40 may be, but are not limited
to, square, triangular, polyhedral, rectangular, and the like, or
any combination thereof In embodiments, storage means 40 may be any
suitable length or width. A suitable length may be about one inch
to about six inches, about two inches to about five inches, or
about three inches to about six inches. In embodiments, the length
of storage means 40 may be about one inch, about two inches, about
three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six
inches. A suitable width for storage means 40 may be about a
quarter inch to about two inches, about half an inch to about one
and a half inches, or about three quarters of an inch to about
three inches. In embodiments, the width of storage means 40 may be
about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of
an inch, about an inch, about an inch and a half, about two inches,
or about three inches. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, storage means
40 may be stitched at both ends to mid-section 7, forming a loop,
using stitching 3. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to,
nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof
Stitching 3 may be in any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the
bond between mid-section 7 and storage means 40. Patterns may
include a parallel stitching 3 pattern, an "X" stitching 3 pattern,
and the like. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon,
thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof.
[0027] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *