US20030167605A1

US20030167605A1 - Fastening strap system

Info

Publication number: US20030167605A1
Application number: US10/094,524
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Schultz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-07
Filing date: 2002-03-07
Publication date: 2003-09-11

Abstract

A fastening strap system, particularly of the hook-and-loop variety (with hooks on one side of the strap and loops on the other side), for selectively and independently binding and/or releasing a plurality of sets of essentially longitudinal objects, such as wires, from one another. Each system includes at least two attached straps which each independently of the other may be used to loopably bind objects. A preferred aperture between the straps permits cinching of each strap. A continuous strip of such two-sided material may be stored on a reel and is designed so that a user may select a preferred length and configuration for a particular use by making a single cut of the material strip from the reel-strip end.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to fastening strap systems using materials of the “Velcro™” kind. More particularly, it relates to such fastening strap systems as may be suited for the securing together of more than one bundle or set of substantially elongated items such as cables, wires, pens, skis, pipe, tent poles, boards, angle iron, golf clubs, etc., and/or tying down such bundle(s) by securing such to an “anchor” such as a computer or table leg, etc.

When addressing the fastening or securing of bundles of substantially elongated items such as cables, wires, pens, skis, pipe, tent poles, boards, angle iron, golf clubs, etc. etc., a need exists to securely fasten all the items to each other in a bundle while still allowing for the selective release of certain members of the bundle. While generic tying or binding materials exist such as string, tape, etc., these materials have many drawbacks related to tape glue residue, the thin material of the material causing cuts into the bound items, and a lack of selective fastening and/or release. Although some fastening materials or systems exist that are constructed of hook and loop fasteners (generally known under the trademark of Velcro™) which address some of the above problems such as tape glue residue and the binding material cutting into the bound material, problems still exist with the prior art hook and loop binding systems and materials.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a prior art fastening strap. Velcro, Inc., makes a fastener material which is a double-sided material with fastening hooks on one surface and fastening loops on the opposite surface, an example of which is shown in FIG. 20. This fastener material is marketed by Velcro Industries under the trade names GET-A-GRIP™ and ONE-WRAP™. The GET-A-GRIP™ straps provide a strap with an aperture at one end and with a pulling end at the other end that allows a user to pull on the free end of the strap and cinch a bundle prior to fastening the hook and loop surfaces together. An example of such a strap might be similar to the strap illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 which show respectively: a prior

art fastening strap

114 with a pulling end 118 and aperture end 116, wrapped around a bundle 112; and a sheet 120 of double-sided fastening strap material apportioned for die cut manufacturing of the fastening straps.

There are however, undesirable limitations to this prior art. For example, the pulling

end

118 of the GET-A-GRIP™ strap has the disadvantage of being extremely short, and thus it is practically incapable of bundling another object to a first object. Given a desire to integrally connect a first set of bundled objects A to a second set B of bundled objects, there is a need for a fastening strap system that permits tightly cinching the first set of objects to achieve a better total fit around all the bundled A and B sets of objects. And it would be desirable to have a fastening strap system that can fasten both a set A and a set B (in a manner not conducive to “normal” loosening by “normal” forces), but then allow the release of either set A or set B while leaving the remaining set fastened intact, which could then be immediately attachable to a third set C. And it would be desirable to have a secure fastening strap system that could release either of two fastened sets, i.e. a cord bundle and its plug, independently at will. Further, it would be desirable to have an improved fastening strap system for securing two items or sets of items together which allows separation of either set immediately with a minimum of manipulation while also maintaining a relatively strong fastening grip when fastened. And it would be desirable to have a self-fastening strap, made of a self fastening material such as hook and loop material, which could be anchored with relative ease without having to unwind the entire strap or unbundle and unwind the entire strap, or which, with relatively less problems of tangling and prematurely self-fastening, could be easily accomplished by a single hand. And it would be desirable to have a self-fastening strap, made of a self-fastening material such as hook and loop material, which could be released without having to unbundle and unwind the entire strap, or which might be released easily from an anchored position with a single hand. It would also be desirable, among a long list of associated needs, to provide a better method of manufacture of fastening strap systems which include desired features and to provide better methods of dispensing, packaging, and use of such fastening strap systems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object and feature of this invention to fulfill the above-mentioned needs and the other needs apparent from the discussion of this specification.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a fastener strap system that can be used efficiently and effectively as an adjustable belt or strap without significant material design changes or functional limitations. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a fastener strap system that provides for the selective and independent binding and release of multiple bundles of items from one another. It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a fastener strap system that is less likely to unintentionally come undone.

It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a fastener strap system that can be easily anchored. It is yet another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a fastener system that can be used to label the bundled object(s). Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a fastener strap system that can be tailored by a user to fit different applications. It is yet another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a fastener system that is efficiently and inexpensively manufactured and efficient to use.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a fastening strap system for selectively removably binding together a plurality of objects, comprising: a plurality of attached fastening strap elements, each such fastening strap element comprising, at least one first side, at least one second side, and at least one strap end portion; wherein at least one first and at least one second respective fastening strap elements each respectively comprise, at least one first surface portion of such at least first side of such at least one strap end portion, and at least one second surface portion of at least one such second side; wherein such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element when such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element comes in contact with such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element; wherein such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element when such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element comes in contact with such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element; wherein each such respective at least one fastening strap element is structured and arranged to removably loopably bind at least one such object; and wherein such fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit at least each such respective at least one fastening strap element, when loopably binding such at least one object, to close with such at least one strap end portion of such each respective at least one fastening strap element in an exterior position.

It also provides such a fastening strap system wherein such fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit each such respective at least one fastening strap element to removably loopably bind such at least one object as an operation independent from a similar operation of each other such respective at least one fastening strap element. And it provides such a fastening strap system wherein such plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises at least three fastening strap elements. It further provides such a fastening strap system wherein such plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises at least four fastening strap elements. It also provides such a fastening strap system further comprising at least one cincher structured and arranged to permit cinching of at least one of such plurality of attached fastening strap elements. It also provides such a fastening strap system wherein: such at least one cincher comprises at least one aperture; and at least one of such plurality of attached fastening strap elements is passable at least once through such aperture. And it provides such a fastening strap system wherein a circumference of such at least one aperture comprises substantially straight transverse edge. Further, it provides such a fastening strap system wherein such plurality of attached fastening strap elements and such at least one aperture comprise one integral piece of fastener material.

Moreover, this invention provides such a fastening strap system wherein such substantially rectangular open center comprises at least one buckle mechanically attached to at least two such fastening strap elements. It also provides such a fastening strap system wherein at least one of such plurality of attached fastening strap elements is at most half the width of at least one other of such plurality of attached fastening strap elements. And it provides such a fastening strap system wherein at least one of such plurality of fastening strap elements is at most half the length of at least one other of such plurality of fastening straps. It further provides such a fastening strap system wherein such plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises one integral piece of fastener material. It also provides such a fastening strap system wherein at least one such fastener strap element comprises a label. And it provides such a fastening strap system wherein such label is comprises a hook-and-loop material upon which indicia can be written. It also provides such a fastening strap system wherein such fastener strap is primarily white. And it also provides such a fastening strap system wherein such fastener strap is primarily off-white.

Yet in addition, in accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a continuous-strap system for allowing a user to create a plurality of custom-sized fastening strap systems for selectively removably binding a plurality of objects, comprising a continuous length of material structured and arranged to permit the user to cut off a user-selected portion of such continuous length of material, wherein such continuous length of material is structured and arranged so that the user may cut off a plurality of adjacent cut-off portions each comprising a custom-sized fastening strap system comprising: a plurality of attached fastening strap elements, each such fastening strap element comprising at least one first side, at least one second side, and at least one strap end portion; wherein at least one first and at least one second respective such fastening strap elements each respectively comprise, at least one first surface portion of such at least first side of such at least one strap end portion, and at least one second surface portion of at least one such second side; wherein such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element when such at least one first surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element comes in contact with such at least one second surface portion of such at least one first respective fastening strap element; wherein such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element and such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element when such at least one first surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element comes in contact with such at least one second surface portion of such at least one second respective fastening strap element; wherein each such respective at least one fastening strap element is structured and arranged to removably loopably bind at least one such object; and wherein such fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit at least each such respective at least one fastening strap element, when loopably binding such at least one object, to close with such at least one strap end portion of such each respective at least one fastening strap element in an exterior position.

Additionally, it provides such a continuous-strap system wherein such continuous length of material comprises a plurality of apertures. It also provides such a continuous-strap system wherein such continuous length of material alternates between wider and thinner widths at regular intervals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art fastening strap wrapped around a bundle. [0014]
FIG. 2 shows a sheet of prior art fastening strap material apportioned for die cut manufacturing. [0015]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an offset-relationship two-ended strap in an embodiment of the present invention, showing a single strap cut from a sheet of material used in embodiments of the present invention. [0016]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the offset-relationship two-ended strap of FIG. 3, shown bundling two separate sets of items together in an embodiment of the present invention. [0017]
FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the offset-relationship two-ended strap of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. [0018]
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, a parallel-relationship two-ended strap. [0019]
FIG. 7 is a side view of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap of FIG. 6 with the two straps formed into loops. [0020]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap of FIGS. 6 and 7 in an embodiment of the present invention. [0021]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap of FIGS. [0022] 6-8, shown in use around two separate cylindrical items in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, a parallel-relationship four-ended strap. [0023]
FIG. 11 is a side view of the opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended strap of FIG. 10 with the four straps formed into loops. [0024]
FIG. 12 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, a parallel-relationship three-ended strap. [0025]
FIG. 13 is a side view of the parallel-relationship three-ended strap of FIG. 12 with the three straps formed into loops surrounding three cylindrical tubular objects. [0026]
FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, a Y-configuration three-ended strap. [0027]
FIG. 15 is a side view of the Y-configuration three-ended strap of FIG. 14 with the three straps formed into different size loops. [0028]
FIG. 16 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, an open-center-configuration two-ended strap. [0029]
FIG. 17 is a side view of the open-center-configuration two-ended strap of FIG. 16 shown with two loops formed with the ends passing through the open-center. [0030]
FIG. 18 is a plan view of another embodiment of the offset-relationship two-ended strap. [0031]
FIG. 19 (on sheet [0032] 5) is a plan view of a plurality of open-center-configuration two-ended straps showing a preferred material saving economical layout of the open-center-configuration two-ended straps upon a sheet of material used in embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a close-up edge view of a hook and loop material as used in embodiments of the present invention. [0033]
FIG. 21 is a close-up edge view of a hook and hook material as used in embodiments of the present invention. [0034]
FIG. 22 is a plan view, showing both front and rear surfaces, of an alternating hook/loop material used in embodiments of the present invention. [0035]
FIG. 23 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an open-center-configuration two-ended strap. [0036]
FIG. 24 is a side partial view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an open-center-configuration two-ended strap. [0037]
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a two-ended strap with a thinner shorter end and a wider longer end with a label. [0038]
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the fastener strap system of FIG. 25, anchored to an object with the small strap. [0039]
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fastener strap system of FIG. 25, anchored to an object with the small strap and binding a second object with the larger strap. [0040]
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a reel of a continuous length of strap material with a plurality of apertures. [0041]
FIG. 29 is a plan view of a portion of the continuous length of strap material shown in FIG. 28, along with indications of a method of efficiently manufacturing such from a sheet of material. [0042]
FIG. 30 is a plan view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an alternative continuous length of strap material with a plurality of apertures. [0043]
FIG. 31 shows a loop binding arrangement. [0044]
FIG. 32 shows a preferred loop binding arrangement.[0045]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. In such discussion reference will be made to hook and loop fasteners. FIG. 20 is a close-up edge view of a hook and loop material [0046] 160 as used in embodiments of the present invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the hook and loop material 160 comprises loop material 162 and hook material 164. Additionally, hook and loop material may also be made, according to the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 22.
FIG. 22 is a plan view, showing both front and rear surfaces, of an alternating hook/loop material used in some embodiments of the present invention. The hook and [0047] loop material 170 comprises on a first side 171 diagonal bands of hook material 172 alternating with diagonal bands of loop material 174. The hook and loop material 170 further comprises on a second side 173 diagonal bands of hook material 176 alternating with diagonal bands of loop material 178. As can be seen the relationship between the diagonal bands on the opposing sides 171 and 173 is such that the diagonal rows are substantially perpendicular to each other.
Additionally, yet a third material used in preferred embodiments of the present invention comprises a hook and hook material as shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a close-up edge view of a hook and [0048] hook material 168 as used in embodiments of the present invention. The hook and hook material 168 comprises rows of hooks 166 on one or, as shown, both sides of the hook and hook material 168. The hook and hook material may be a preferable material for the below described embodiments of the present invention in appropriate circumstances. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the features of all three of the above described fastener materials and the desirability of their usage in appropriate circumstances. Thus, although the below discussion makes reference to hook and loop materials or fasteners, such usage is defined to comprise, in appropriate circumstances, any of the above three described fasteners.
Referring to FIG. 3, a plan view of an offset-relationship two-ended strap [0049] 124 (embodying herein a fastening strap system), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in which the offset-relationship two-ended strap 124 is shown as having been cut from a single sheet 122 of material used in embodiments of the present invention, wherein the layout of the offset-relationship two-ended straps 124 upon the sheet 122 allows an efficient manufacture of a plurality of offset-relationship two-ended straps 124. As shown, the configuration of the straps is such that successive offset-relationship two-ended straps 124 result from the placement and removal of adjacent offset-relationship two-ended straps 124. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that preferred embodiments of the fastening straps, not only as shown in FIG. 3 but in subsequent embodiments further described below of the present invention have features of relatively inexpensive construction, saving both time and material. As shown further, each offset-relationship two-ended strap 124 comprises an end 124 a (embodying herein at least one first fastening strap element comprising at least one first side, at least one second side, and at least one strap end portion wherein such at least one first fastening strap element comprises at least one first surface portion of such at least first side of such at least one strap end portion, and at least one second surface portion of at least one such second side) and an end 124 b (embodying herein at least one second fastening strap element comprising at least one first side, at least one second side, and at least one strap end portion wherein such at least one first fastening strap element comprises at least one first surface portion of such at least first side of such at least one strap end portion, and at least one second surface portion of at least one such second side), each with first side 300 and second side 302, having a parallel, offset, configuration.
It is very especially noted that, when using fasteners comprising VELCRO™-type material to form a loopable binding, the position of the [0050] strap end 222 plays an important role in the strength of the binding, and the likelihood of the binding unintentionally coming undone. When the strap end 222 is fastened inside the loop of the binding as in FIG. 31 it is much more likely to unintentionally come undone, since a force 230 (such as gravity, etc.) working on the bound object will tend to pull apart the leading edge 226 of the bond 224 between the restrained portion 236 and the strap end 222, and such force will tend to “unravel” the loop binding. Similarly an angular twisting force 234 will have a similar unraveling effect. In FIG. 32 an offset (or an aperture through the strap) allows strap end 222 to pass by (or through) the restrained portion 236 near location 231, permitting the loop binding to be closed with the strap end in the exterior position. When the strap end 222 is fastened to the outside of the loop as in FIG. 32 the binding is much less likely to unintentionally come undone, since a force 230 working on the bound object will tend to press the strap end 222 against the restrained portion 236 of the fastening strap element 220, strengthening the leading edge 228 of the bond 224. It is noted that the restrained end 236 is typically restrained by the other object(s) to which the fastening strap system is attached. Also note in FIG. 32 that a twisting force 235 does not unravel the trailing end 229 of the bond 224 since the termination of the strap end 222 is not restrained. It is therefore preferable for a loop binding to be arranged as in FIG. 32 with the strap end 222 in an exterior position.
In a similar vein, it is also noted that it is preferable that loop bindings close by forming a bond between [0051] first side 300 and second side 302, as shown in FIG. 32. Referring to FIG. 33 “Folding” first side 300 back upon another portion of first side 300 (even if the materials provide for such a bond) would result in an arrangement less preferable, since a force 230 acting on an enclosed object would work to pull apart the leading edge 226 of the bond 224.
Thus, it can be seen that the offset, or a passage through an aperture of the strap (as seen in later embodiments), allows each strap to operate independently from the other, and permits each strap to fasten with the strap end in an exterior position (Examples shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 17). Without the offset (or passage), the two (or more) straps interfere with each other, preventing independent operation and proper closure with the strap end in an exterior position. [0052]
Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the offset-relationship two-ended [0053] strap 124 of FIG. 3, such strap is shown bundling two separate sets of items together according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the offset relationship provides the feature of allowing the secure bundling of a first set 126 by end 124 b while also allowing the independent secure bundling of a second set 128 by end 124 a.
Referring to FIG. 5, another perspective view of the offset-relationship two-ended strap of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is shown. The particular arrangement of the offset-relationship two-ended [0054] strap 124 has a feature of being particularly well suited for the bundling of objects where the wrapping motion used to place the two ends 124 a and 124 b around the objects being bundled is best done using opposite direction, or rotation wrapping movements, of the strap ends 124 a and 124 b. As further shown, strap 124 comprises two surfaces, a hook surface 127 and a loop surface 125. Thus, as can be seen, each end 124 a and 124 b will fasten upon itself when looped back such that either of the two surfaces, the hook surface 127 and the loop surface 125, is placed over and then upon the other surface. The gripping action of hook and loop type fasteners is well known in the art.
Referring to FIG. 6, a plan view of a parallel-relationship two-ended strap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The parallel-relationship two-ended [0055] strap 130 possesses similar manufacturing features as previously mentioned. The parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 comprises two parallel ends 130 a and 130 b. Referring to FIG. 7, a side view of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 of FIG. 6 with the two strap ends 130 a and 130 b formed into loops is shown; and referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown. The parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 comprises two substantially similar ends 130 a and 130 b that may be looped back upon themselves to form two binding loops, as shown. As previously discussed in reference to FIGS. 3-5, the front and back surfaces of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 comprise hook and loop fastener components. It can be seen that the design of the parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 provides a feature of a different wrapping action of the two ends 130 a and 130 b than that previously discussed in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in appropriate circumstances, this feature will be more favorable than the features of the offset-relationship two-ended strap 124. Referring to FIG. 9, the parallel-relationship two-ended strap 130 is shown with the end 130a wrapped around an object 132, and the end 130b wrapped around an object 134.
Referring to FIG. 10, a plan view of an opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended strap in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended [0056] strap 140 comprises four ends 140 a-d, in two parallel and opposing sets. The opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended strap 140 comprises hook and loop surfaces in the manner already discussed. Referring to FIG. 11, a side view of the opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended strap 140 of FIG. 10 with the four strap ends 140 a through 140 d formed into loops is shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in appropriate circumstances, the opposed-parallel-relationship four-ended strap 140 features, in terms of flexibility of bundling, may be more favorable than those of the previous fastening straps.
Referring to FIG. 12, a plan view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a parallel-relationship three-ended strap is shown. The parallel-relationship three-ended [0057] strap 144 comprises three parallel ends 144 a, 144 b, and 144 c. The parallel-relationship three-ended strap 144 possesses similar manufacturing features as previously mentioned. The parallel-relationship three-ended strap 144 comprises three substantially similar ends 144 a, 144 b, and 144 c that may be looped back upon themselves to form three binding loops. As previously discussed, the front and back surfaces of the parallel-relationship three-ended strap 144 comprise hook and loop fastener components. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, under appropriate circumstances, the availability of three ends 144 a, 144 b, and 144 c is a feature that may be more favorable than the features of the previous straps.
Referring to FIG. 13, a side view of the parallel-relationship three-ended [0058] strap 144 of FIG. 12 with the three strap ends 144 a, 144 b, and 144 c formed into loops surrounding three cylindrical tubular objects 146 a, 146 b, and 146 c respectively is shown. Just as discussed in regard to the previous embodiments, a feature of embodiments of the present invention is the ability to provide for the selective and independent binding and release of multiple bundles of items from one another. Thus, it can be seen that the parallel-relationship three-ended strap 144 is such a fastening strap, i.e., one that permits either a fastened set A and/or set B to be further fastened to yet a third set C without alteration of the remaining fastened sets. For example, with a set A ski poles and a set B skis, one might decide one wants to keep either the ski poles or the skis bundled and then attach that remaining bundled set to a third set C such as a car roof rack. Thus, the parallel- relationship three-ended strap 144 provides the feature of allowing the fastening of both a set A and a set B, but then further allows the release of either set A or set B while leaving the remaining set fastened intact, which set could then in turn be immediately attachable to a third set C.
Referring to FIG. 14, a plan view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a Y-configuration three-ended strap is shown. The Y-configuration three-ended [0059] strap 148 comprises three ends 148 a, 148 b, and 148 c configured into a Y pattern as shown. The three ends 148 a, 148 b, and 148 c of the Y-configuration three-ended strap 148 may be looped back upon themselves to form three binding loops (as in FIG. 15). As previously discussed, the front and back surfaces of the parallel-relationship three-ended strap 148 comprise hook and loop fastener components. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate circumstances, the availability of three ends 148 a, 148 b, and 148 c in a Y configuration is a feature that may be more favorable than the features of the previous straps.
Referring to FIG. 15, a side view of the Y-configuration three-ended [0060] strap 148 of FIG. 14 with the three strap ends 148 a, 148 b, and 148 c formed into three different size loops is shown. As can be seen, the independent and selectable formation of three fastening loops of adjustable sizing is a feature of this embodiment of the present invention, the Y-configuration three-ended strap 148.
Referring to FIG. 16, a plan view of a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an open-center-configuration two-ended strap is shown. The open-center-configuration two-ended [0061] strap 150 preferably comprises substantially straight transverse edge, preferably substantially rectangular, preferably substantially square, as shown, center portion 154 having a preferably rectangular, preferably substantially square, center aperture 152 or opening. The open-center-configuration two-ended strap 150 also comprises two ends 150 a and 150 b, as shown (the entire end 150 a is like end 150 b). As previously discussed, the front and back surfaces of the open-center-configuration two-ended strap 150 comprise hook and loop fastener components. The two ends 150 a and 150 b are sized in cooperation with the center portion 154, such that the two ends 150 a and 150 b may be passed through the center portion aperture 152 to form loops. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the feature of the two ends 150 a and 150 b that are passable, one or more times, through the aperture 152 of center portion 154 is a feature that will be more favorable than the features of the previous straps, in appropriate circumstances. For example, this embodiment provides a feature of allowing an amount of flexibility between the two loops formed from the ends 150 a and 150 b while also permitting cinching and securely binding the objects fastened with the loops formed by the ends 150 a and 150 b. Additionally, depending on the length of the ends 150 a and 150 b, they may be looped multiple times through the aperture 152 of center portion 154, thus providing for additional binding strength as each successive layer of the hook and loop material will successively fasten upon itself as each loop is wound.
Referring to FIG. 19 (on sheet [0062] 5), a plan view of a plurality of open-center-configuration two-ended straps 150 showing a preferred material-saving economical layout of the open-center-configuration two-ended straps 150 upon a sheet of material used in embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen by those skilled in the art, this layout preserves fastener material and minimizes manufacturing costs as only a single cut is needed between adjacent open-center-configuration two-ended straps 150.
Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an alternative open-center-configuration two-ended strap is shown respectively from the top and from the side. The alternative open-center-configuration two-ended strap [0063] 182 comprises a center buckle 186 to which is coupled to two fastening strap ends 184 and 188. The two fastening strap ends 184 and 188 are sized in cooperation with the center buckle 186 such that the two fastening strap ends 184 and 188 may be passed through the center buckle 186 to form loops. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the feature of the two fastening strap ends 184 and 188 that are passable, one or more times, through the center buckle 186 is a feature that may be more favorable than the features of the previous straps, in appropriate circumstances. For example, this embodiment provides a feature of allowing an amount of flexibility between the two loops formed from the two fastening strap ends 184 and 188 while also securely binding the objects fastened with the loops formed by the two fastening strap ends 184 and 188. The flexibility is due to the length and configuration of the center buckle 186. Additionally, depending on the length of the two fastening strap ends 184 and 188, they may be looped multiple times through the center buckle 186, thus providing for additional binding strength as each successive layer of the hook and loop material will successively fasten upon itself as each loop is wound.
FIG. 25 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention, an alternative two-ended strap comprising a relatively shorter and [0064] narrower anchor strap 200 and a relatively longer wider main strap 202. In this alternate embodiment aperture 204 is preferably sized to allow anchor strap 200 to pass through aperture 204 at least once. Anchor strap 200 provides for convenient anchoring of the strap system to an object without the excessive bulk or hassle of threading a larger strap through an aperture. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 25, preferably anchor strap 200 is at least 90% narrower than the width of main strap 202, and preferably anchor strap 200 is at most half the length of main strap 202. Preferably, anchor strap 200 is bound to one object, while main strap 202 is bound to several objects. This strap system provides the “best of both worlds”, smaller anchor strap 200 which allows the strap system to be quickly and conveniently anchored without excessive threading, and a longer wider main strap 202 to bundle numerous and/or larger, bulkier objects. Under appropriate circumstances main strap 202 may also be pulled through aperture 204, even if main strap is wider then aperture 204, by folding/bending main strap 202 as necessary. Main strap 202 may also comprise a label 206. Main strap 202 may also be made of material which is conducive to being written upon, so that the strap system may labeled by a user, in which case it is preferable that a portion of the material be a light color, preferably white, or off-white, so that there will be contrast (providing better legibility) to the dark ink which is typically used for writing. Label 206 can be located on one side of strap or the other (or both) depending on whether user wants label to show or not when the strap is being used. FIG. 27 shows a strap system with a label 206 on the outside being used to loopably bind two objects together. If the label 206 were only on the other side of the strap, the label could remain concealed until the main strap 202 is unbound, which may be desirable for certain applications, such as for aesthetic reasons.
Referring to FIGS. [0065] 28-30, FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a reel 205 of continuous strap material with a plurality of apertures 204 that can be cut to a length desired by a user, while FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show, in plan view, portions of two alternate preferred embodiments of such continuous strap material. The reel 205 of continuous strap material provides the user with flexibility by allowing a user to select the optimal length of the straps for each particular application. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the continuous length of strap material 205 alternates between wide cross section 208 and narrow cross section 209 (corresponding to the widths of the anchor strap 200 and the main strap 202 that are formed when the material is cut from the reel 205) at regular intervals, as shown. Preferably, apertures 204 are located at regular intervals within the wide cross section 208 of the material, as shown. Preferably, each alternating wide portion is longer (preferably at least twice as long) than each alternating thinner portion. Preferably a user cuts a length of the continuous strap either somewhere in the middle of one of the thinner sections or at an end of one of the thinner sections, thereby creating an anchor strap 200 on at least one end, which can be used as described above. For example, referring to FIG. 30, a user could cut the material at location 210 a or 210 b or 210 c, etc. thereby creating anchor strap 200 a or 200 b or 200 c, etc. respectively, (preferably for use with aperture 204 a or 204 b or 204 c, also respectively). The prior art, such as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 only comes in a fixed length, which is unlikely to be the optimal length for any particular application by a user (imagine Scotch tape only being available in precut two-inch strips). The plurality of apertures 204 in the continuous strap 205 of the embodiment of the present invention, allow a user to select the strap length by cutting the appropriate portion off the reel. It is pointed out that cutting an excessively long strap of the prior art (with only one aperture) down to size would result in a wasted portion of strap (without an aperture), a result avoided by the present invention. It is noted that considerable manufacturing cost may be saved using the configuration of FIG. 25 for the reel in that a relatively infrequent die cut will be able to make the aperture and the thin section. This arrangement embodies herein the continuous-strap system wherein such continuous length of material comprises an aperture adjacent at least one end portion of each such alternating wider width.
FIG. 29 also shows how an alternating [0066] wide cross section 208 and narrow cross section 209 can be patterned to form a preferred material-saving economical layout from a sheet of material 212 to reduce manufacturing costs. This layout preserves fastener material and minimizes manufacturing costs.
It is noted that the present invention, in a described embodiment, provides a simple dispensing mechanism for dispensing straps of variable length determined by the end-user, having been preferably provided the material having been preferably pre-cut by a manufacturer to provide such advantages. The strip is preferably composed of a hook and loop material or similarly constructed reversible fastener material with fasteners on each side that are capable of mating with the other. This material would preferably be provided in a standard self-fastened coiled manner for storage or dispenser. The strips may be preferably manufactured using sheet material with dies that create straps with at least one aperture or perforated apertures per wide strap segment interconnected by a more narrow linking segment. A single strap with at least two ends and two apertures with substantial spacing in between the apertures may preferably be cut along the length of the strip in between two apertures to create, preferably, at least two new straps with two free ends. The advantages of such a strap design have been previously described. [0067]
The strips may preferably have single or multiple apertures or perforated apertures per wide segments interconnected by a more narrow linking segment. Varying the position of the cut will allow the user to tailor the sizing of the straps to his or her needs while achieving economical material-saving advantages. Significant variations of length, shape, design, economy and function may be achieved by a single easily performed cut of the material by a standard cutting instrument. This may preferably include pair of scissors, knife or cutting blade. The straps may have substantially similar strengths and would preferably not be weakened by perforations. [0068]
The strips are preferably die cut or rotary cut from sheets of the reversible material. The straps may be formed in single or adjacent arrays from a single sheet of strap material. They may preferably be formed from a nested or interlocking pattern for economical manufacture. The material may preferably be provided in a roll. The roll may preferably be part of a dispenser. The dispenser may preferably have a cutting mechanism. [0069]
In a preferred embodiment the material would be provided in a coiled roll of a single strap with multiple apertures. The user could unwind the roll to a desired length and cut the strap between apertures to form a new strap of a desired length. The strap formed could have the strap anchoring, bundling and fastening advantages described above including those given by having two independently operable arms. [0070]
It is further noted, for example, if the user had a six-foot strap of a uniform maximal width rolled in a coil with five apertures equally space at [0071] 12 inches apart, the user could choose to cut the material 18 inches from a first end to create a second two armed strap that would have one end six inches and the other end 12 inches. The remaining roll would be a first strap with four apertures and of a total length of 4.5 feet. The user could then cut 9 inches from the shortened tip of the first roll to create a third double-armed strap that had the dimensions of 3 inches and 6 inches. The shortened first strap would now be 3.75 feet in length. The large first strap might, for example, organize a garden hose system; the second strap might, for example, organize a laptop power cord; and the small third strap might, for example, organize wires in an electrical panel.
From the foregoing discussion, it is seen that, if a user wanted to fasten two objects, or sets of objects, together using the prior art fasteners, it would be necessary that the first set of objects be bundled first (set A), followed by the second set of objects (set B). Consequently, a drawback in the prior art is that, when using a single strap fastener (such as the GET-A-GRIP™ strap), the set A objects cannot be cinched together well, as the fastened end of the GET-A-GRIP™ strap is under the loop of the GET-A-GRIP™ strap and the fingers tugging on the pulling end interfere with the fastening action of one layer on another. Thus, a bundled set of objects might not be bound as tightly as desired; and the bundled set might become loose, slip, become repositioned, or even become undone. It is seen that the present invention provides a fastening strap system that permits tightly cinching the first set of objects to achieve a better total fit around all the bundled A and B sets of objects without this tendency to become undone. [0072]
It is further seen that, in the prior art, after the set A objects have been cinched together, with the set B objects then bundled to the set A objects, if a user only wanted to release the set A objects, the user would still be required to first release the set B objects from the fastening strap. And only then could the set A objects be released from the fastening strap. Assume, for example, that set A is a pair of ski poles and set B is a pair of skis. If a user bundled the ski poles together with a large fastening strap of the prior art, such as the configuration of the Get-A-Grip™ strap, the poles of set A would be in the center portion of the spiral wrapped GET-A-GRIP™ strap. And the skis of set B would then be bound next within the outer wraps of the spiral wrapped GET-A-GRIP™ strap. Now assume further that the user wants to free only the ski poles to loan to a friend. In this case, the user would first have to release the set B skis on the outer portion of the spiral wrapped bundle. This would be inconvenient and time consuming and leaves the second set B of the skis unbundled such that the skis might fall on the ground thus causing harm to someone's toes or causing the skis to be damaged by the impact on a non-snowy surface. Or, for example, the user might decide that the user wants to keep either the set B skis or the set A ski poles bundled by themselves and then attach that remaining bundled set to a third set C such as a car roof rack. It therefore would be desirable, as provided herein by the embodiments of the present invention, to have a fastening strap system that can fasten both a set A and a set B but then allow the release of either set A or set B while leaving the remaining set fastened intact, which could then be immediately attachable to a third set C. [0073]
Yet another example: A prior art hook and loop product for power cords has the plug end of a power cord secured through slits in the fastening strap, but only if the plug is properly dimensioned. If the plug is too large, the plug may not fit through the slits. If the plug is too small, then the plug will not be secured. Only if the plug is dimensioned correctly may the plug be secured through the slits of the strap and the remainder of the strap then used to bundle the remainder of the power cord. If the cord and plug are separately bundled, the same kinds of problems as mentioned for the ski example using prior art devices occur. This kind of problem is solved by the embodiments of this invention by providing a secure fastening strap that may release either of two fastened sets, i.e. the plug and the cord bundle, independently at will. [0074]
As another example, a pen and a pencil may be wrapped with a strip of ONE-WRAP™ material by winding one end of the strip around a free and easily manipulated pencil and then twirling the pencil around in consecutive spirals and then repeating the procedure to secure the other end of the strip around a pen. But this procedure will not work if the user wanted to secure the pencil to a desk drawer handle, because the desk would not twirl so easily. Also, if a handbag were secured to a desk drawer handle, the weight of the handbag might easily cause the spiraled material to become unwound as the force pulling the layers of materials apart is aligned in the same general direction as would normally occur to separate the fastening material layers, as discussed elsewhere herein. This invention, as shown and described, provides a fastening strap system for securing two items or sets of items together that allows separation of either set immediately with a minimum of manipulation while also maintaining a relatively strong fastening grip when fastened. [0075]
Some of the functional deficiencies of the prior art are that the strap must often be entirely unwound in order to attach the strap; one cannot, for example, keep one end of the strap coiled in a compact stored configuration and have only a small portion of only one end of the strap unwrapped and exposed to perform the anchoring function. This drawback becomes particularly important as the length of the strap increases. For example, as the length of the reversible fastening strap material increases there is more surface area and weight. The material tends to twist and turn and stick to itself more easily as there is more surface area and more chance the material is much more likely to fasten to itself prematurely and undesirably making it tangled and difficult to manage. This makes the threading process of the free end of a hook and loop strap and particularly a relatively long strap much more difficult, frustrating and time consuming. Also, another clear disadvantage of the prior art is that when using a relatively long strap, it will nearly always require two hands. For example, if the strap length is [0076] 36 inches and therefore longer than the span of a hand between and thumb and two other gripping fingers and one was going to anchor the strap on an object such as a ski pole and then bundle skis, one would need to secure the head region of a strap with one hand P, stretch and straighten out the remaining entire length of the strap with a second hand and then use hand Q to thread the tip though the aperture of the head region P meanwhile trying to make sure the strap material does not twist and turn on itself to tangle fasten and interfere with this process. The present invention provides a self-fastening strap made of a self-fastening material, such as hook and loop material, that can be anchored with relative ease without having to unwind the entire strap or unbundle and unwind the entire strap, or with relatively less problems of tangling and prematurely self-fastening.
It is also noted that the present invention provides a self-fastening strap made of a self-fastening material, such as hook and loop material, that can be released without having to unwind the entire strap, or unbundle and unwind the entire strap, or that might be released easily from an anchored position with a single hand. [0077]
It is further noted that the present invention allows a user the choice to immediately fasten and selectively release only one of a multiple number, two or more, separate objects from the hook and loop fastening strap bundle. It provides for the selective and independent binding and release of multiple bundles of items from one another. [0078]
It is also noted that, while one might choose a material such as the self-fastening Dual Lock™ material made by 3M™ or other similar one-sided self-fastening materials, this material is expensive, it requires a press fit to activate the fastening and it is less well adapted for apparel objects. [FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the present invention using a “hook and hook” material like the above-mentioned one-sided self-fastening materials, but made by applicant as a two-sided material, with all the advantages set out hereinafter.] Furthermore, the goals are the fastening of two objects together while being able to immediately unfasten them. And because the 3M™ material is only one-sided, a strap of such material cannot be merely folded back on itself at both ends to secure and fasten two objects together. [0079]
Also, depending on the density of the gripping appendages that are on the fastening side of the material, the surface might not fasten to itself. Thus, it is preferable to have a second side that has a second surface with different properties than the first surface, such as a second density of the gripping appendages or a different type of gripping appendage that allows the selection of a stronger or weaker fastening. Also, the mentioned 3M™ strap material does not have the soft pile of the hook surface of a hook and loop material strap. Under appropriate circumstances, it is preferable to have a strap with at least one self-fastening surface that has the ability to self engage and fasten a first set, while also having another surface with properties that might include immediate engagement on contact with the first surface, soft pile, or self-engagement with the same or different properties of the first. [0080]
In particular, a disadvantage of a single-sided self-fastening strap is that it does not permit a coiled bundling capability, as a coil of the single-sided self-fastening material does not attach to itself. Coiled bundling capability as provided by the present invention is desirable as sequential coiling of fastening surfaces adds increased fastening strength to subsequent wraps of double-sided fastening material. [0081]
In another usage example of a preferred double-sided strap, given a set of medical tubes, it would be desirable to have a double-sided fastening strap of self-fastening material such that, in a hospital environment, an IV (intravenous) tube could be connected to an IV pole, as is standard in hospitals for holding bags or bottles of IV fluid and their connections. In such an application of a double-sided strap, the material would preferably be wound around the IV pole, set A, in a substantially linearly aligned coil and be stored there in a neat arrangement. Also, when necessary, the coiled double-sided fastening strap would preferably be partially unwound and folded around or coiled around additional IV tubing. And, when necessary, the additional IV tubing would preferably then be released from the fastening grip of the double-sided fastening strap of the present invention, or released from the IV pole, while maintaining the original IV tubing connected to the IV pole. Furthermore, the low particulate composition of the double-sided (non hook and loop) strap of the present invention would benefit clean room and surgical environments over some high particulate hook and loop materials. [0082]
Further, many other objects, features, and advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims. [0083]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A fastening strap system for selectively removably binding together a plurality of objects, comprising:

a) a plurality of attached fastening strap elements, each said fastening strap element comprising

i) at least one first side,

ii) at least one second side, and

iii) at least one strap end portion;

b) wherein at least one first and at least one second respective said fastening strap elements each respectively comprise

i) at least one first surface portion of said at least first side of said at least one strap end portion, and

ii) at least one second surface portion of at least one said second side;

c) wherein said at least one first surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element and said at least one second surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between said at least one first surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element and said at least one second surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element when said at least one first surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element comes in contact with said at least one second surface portion of said at least one first respective fastening strap element;

d) wherein said at least one first surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element and said at least one second surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element are structured and arranged to promote binding between said at least one first surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element and said at least one second surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element when said at least one first surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element comes in contact with said at least one second surface portion of said at least one second respective fastening strap element;

e) wherein each said respective at least one fastening strap element is structured and arranged to removably loopably bind at least one such object; and

f) wherein said fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit at least each said respective at least one fastening strap element, when loopably binding such at least one object, to close with said at least one strap end portion of said each respective at least one fastening strap element in an exterior position relative to said respective at least one fastening strap element.

2) The fastening strap system according to claim 1 wherein said fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit each said respective at least one fastening strap element to removably loopably bind such at least one object as an operation independent from a similar operation of each other said respective at least one fastening strap element.

3) The fastening strap system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises at least three fastening strap elements.

4) The fastening strap system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises at least four fastening strap elements.

5) The fastening strap system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one cincher structured and arranged to permit cinching of at least one of said plurality of attached fastening strap elements.

6) The fastening strap system according to claim 5 wherein:

a) said at least one cincher comprises at least one aperture; and

b) at least one of said plurality of attached fastening strap elements is passable at least once through said aperture.

7) The fastening strap system according to claim 6 wherein a circumference of said at least one aperture comprises at least one straight transverse edge.

8) The fastening strap system according to claim 6 wherein said plurality of attached fastening strap elements and said at least one aperture comprise one integral piece of fastener material.

9) The fastening strap system according to claim 6 wherein said aperture comprises at least one buckle mechanically attached to at least two said fastening strap elements.

10) The fastening strap system according to claim 6 wherein at least one of said plurality of attached fastening strap elements is at most 90% the width of at least one other of said plurality of attached fastening strap elements.

11) The fastening strap system according to claim 6 wherein at least one of said plurality of fastening strap elements is at most half the length of at least one other of said plurality of fastening straps.

12) The fastening strap system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of attached fastening strap elements comprises one integral piece of fastener material.

13) The fastening strap system of claim 1 wherein at least one said fastener strap element comprises a label.

14) The fastening strap system of claim 13 wherein said label is comprises a hook-and-loop material upon which indicia can be written.

15) The fastening strap system according to claim 14 wherein said fastener strap is primarily white.

16) The fastening strap system according to claim 14 wherein said fastener strap is primarily off-white.

17) A continuous-strap system for allowing a user to create a plurality of custom-sized fastening strap systems for selectively removably binding a plurality of objects, comprising a continuous length of material structured and arranged to permit the user to cut off a user-selected portion of said continuous length of material, wherein said continuous length of material is structured and arranged so that the user may cut off a plurality of adjacent cut-off portions each comprising a such custom-sized fastening strap system comprising:

i) at least one first side,

ii) at least one second side, and

iii) at least one strap end portion;

ii) at least one second surface portion of at least one said second side;

i) wherein said fastening strap system is structured and arranged to permit at least each said respective at least one fastening strap element, when loopably binding such at least one object, to close with said at least one strap end portion of said each respective at least one fastening strap element in an exterior position relative to said respective at least one fastening strap element.

18) The continuous-strap system according to claim 17 wherein said continuous length of material comprises a plurality of apertures.

19) The continuous-strap system of claim 18 wherein said continuous length of material alternates between wider and thinner widths at regular intervals.

20) The continuous-strap system of claim 19 wherein each alternating said wider width has a substantially longer length than each alternating said thinner width.

21) The continuous-strap system of claim 20 wherein said continuous length of material comprises an aperture adjacent at least one end portion of each said alternating wider width.