Adjustable strap with carrying handle
An adjustable strap with an integral carrying handle is disclosed. The adjustable strap comprises a handle, a strap for bundling one or a plurality of articles, a lock/release member for locking and releasing the strap, and an extended portion of the handle for anchoring the lock/release member.
This application is a division application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/320,929, filed Dec. 29, 2005.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
REFERENCES TO SEQUENCE LISTINGNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to flexible straps. Specifically, the present invention relates to flexible straps with integral handles and releasable locking members for holding and bundling objects and materials to be carried.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention discloses embodiments of a flexible strap with integral handle including a flexible strap for bundling and tightening objects or material, and a lock/release mechanism, and a handle to carry or hang up the objects or material.
The present invention provides a novel device for tying objects or material down without having to cut, slice or snip it open. The objects or materials to be bundled and handled include, but are not limited to, regular household objects, office or work-site items, particularly items like electric cords, hoses or cables that need to be organized, bundled and hung up. In addition, the objects or materials include, but are not limited to, large items like ladders, tools, wood, pipes, skis, and bicycles need to be strapped down or tightened.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved flexible strap with integral handle and releasable locking member for bundling objects or materials for easy carrying and hanging.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible strap with a handle, which can easily be tightened, released and reused without the application of any tools.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a releasable locking member to easily lock and release the strap which in turn allows tying and untying of objects or materials to be carried.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible strap that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture using readily available materials having an integral handle and releasable locking member wherein the releasable locking member is easily replaced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides for inventive concepts capable of being embodied in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention.
The claims and specification describe the invention presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from the use of such terms in the specification. The same terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is meant.
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The operation of the lock/release member 24 utilizes the elastic and compressive characteristics of the integral connecting part 24D of the lock/release member 24. The pivot point 24E of the anchoring member 24C provides a pivotal point for the push-down rod 24A to function as a fulcrum. When the push-down rod 24A is released (not depressed), the abutting end 24B of the lock/release member 24 abuts to and engages with at least one of the teeth 18A thereby locking the strap 18. When the push-down rod 24A is depressed, the abutting end 24B of the lock/release member 24 is lifted up and disengages with the teeth 18A to unlock the strap 18.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended Claims.
It is therefore, contemplated that the Claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An adjustable strap for bundling and carrying an article or a plurality of articles comprising:
- a handle;
- an extended portion having a housing well and a strap aperture;
- an elongate flat strap connected to the extended portion of the handle wherein the strap comprises a plurality of evenly disposed substantially parallel teeth on a major portion of a first surface of the strap;
- a lock/release member hingeably connected by way of a removable pin to the extended portion of the handle wherein the lock/release member comprises an abutting end and a spring receiving end; and
- a spring having a first end in contact with the spring receiving end of the lock/release member and a second end in contact with the housing well of the extended portion of the handle, thereby when the strap is inserted to the strap aperture of the extended portion of the handle, the spring provides a force to the lock/release member and causes the abutting end of the lock/release member to engage with one of the teeth of the strap thereby locking the strap, and when the lock/release member is depressed, the abutting end of the lock/release member disengages with one of the teeth of the strap thereby unlocking the strap.
2. The adjustable strap according to claim 1 wherein the handle is an oval, circular or rectangular shape adaptable for gripping and carrying.
3. The adjustable strap according to claim 1 wherein the handle, the extended portion of the handle, and the lock/release member is formed of rigid materials selected from a group consisting of nylon, plastic, and metal.
4. The adjustable strap according to claim 1 wherein the elongated flat strap is formed of flexible materials selected from the group consisting of nylon, plastic, and metal.
5. The adjustable strap according to claim 1 wherein the elongate flat strap further comprises a second section having a smooth surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 11, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 5, 2007
Inventor: Patric Bauer (Little Elm, TX)
Application Number: 11/403,110
International Classification: B65D 67/02 (20060101);