Utility strap

Abstract

A utility strap comprising an interactive system of hook-and-loop fasteners, adjustment mechanisms, swiveling assemblies, and quick-release clasp assemblies, wherein the functional relationship or interface between the various features or assemblies of the utility strap effectively enables use of the strap across a broad range of applications.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present United States Non-provisional Patent Application is a Continuation-in-Part of, and hereby claims priority to and the full benefit of, United States Non-provisional Application entitled “Device for Holding and Organizing Items”, having assigned Ser. No. 11/056,070, filed on Feb. 11, 2005, incorporated herein by reference, and United States Provisional Application entitled “Device for Holding and Organizing Items”, having assigned Ser. No. 60/544,457, filed on Feb. 13, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to straps and fasteners, and more specifically to a utility strap comprising an association of various fasteners that endow the strap with unparalleled strength and functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ropes, cables, tie downs and general purpose utility straps are commonly employed to securely bind or maintain an object or combination of objects in a user-selected configuration, orientation or other functional relationship. Unfortunately, the vast majority of known or available straps and related securing devices are functionally and structurally limited in both application and overall performance. That is, most such securing devices are characterized by a simple construction, poor physical performance, and other structural deficiencies that largely render the devices inapplicable to a variety of projects or uses.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a utility strap adapted for use in multiple applications, and thus provides a cooperative system and arrangement of hook-and-loop fasteners, adjustment mechanisms, and interactive clasp and swiveling assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a utility strap comprising an interactive system of hook-and-loop fasteners, adjustment mechanisms, swiveling assemblies, and quick-release clasp assemblies, wherein the functional relationship or interface between the various features and assemblies of the utility strap effectively enables use of the strap across a broad range of applications.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a utility strap comprising an association of webbing, hook-and-loop. fasteners, a threading plate, and a carabiner in cooperative engagement with a closed-loop hook swivelably-engaged to a D-ring.

More specifically, the present invention is a utility strap comprising a length of webbing over which is disposed an arrangement of hook-and-loop fasteners, and wherein opposing terminal ends of the webbing are preferably cooperatively engaged to a threading plate. The threading plate preferably comprises a rotational sleeve that bifurcates the threading plate and, thereby, defines two adjacently disposed slots. The first terminal end of the webbing is preferably fixedly secured to the threading plate, wherein the second terminal end of the webbing is preferably threaded or interwoven through the adjacently disposed slots of the threading plate, wherein the portion of webbing interwoven therethrough is brought to bear against the rotational sleeve of the threading plate.

Accordingly, by feeding a selected length of the webbing through the slots and over the rotational sleeve of the threading plate, the utility strap is preferably brought into a belt-like configuration, the circumference of which may be varied upon selective manipulation of the overall length of webbing fed and pulled through the slots of the threading plate, and over the rotational sleeve thereof. To maintain the selected circumference of the utility strap, the hook and loop fastening portions disposed over the length of webbing extending through the threading plate are engaged to corresponding loop and hook fastening portions disposed over the belt-like portion of the webbing.

Preferably further secured to the webbing is a D-ring from which extends a closed-loop hook swivelably-engaged thereto. A carabiner is preferably cooperatively engaged to the closed loop hook, and thus enables attachment of ancillary ropes, cords, hooks, tie downs, assemblies, and the like, thereto, and/or direct engagement or suspension of objects or assemblies thereto and therefrom.

In use, the utility strap may be engaged or otherwise bound around a support beam or post, a user's waist or other body-part, an object, or a plurality of objects by extending the webbing therearound, securing the second end of the webbing through the threading plate of the strap, and, thereafter, appropriately fastening the associated hook-and-loop fastener portions of the strap. Thereafter, ancillary ropes, cords, tie downs, and the like, may be tied or otherwise secured to the carabiner cooperatively engaged to the closed loop hook of the utility strap. As described more fully hereinbelow, the weight of any object suspended from the strap, in conjunction with the inherent gravitational force acting thereon, causes the rotational sleeve of the threading plate to provide a countering force, and subsequent static force, that effectively reduces or eliminates any slack or play in the webbing extending through the threading plate; thus, further constricting the portion of webbing engaged around the beam/object(s).

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a utility strap comprising a system of webbing, hook-and-loop fasteners, a threading plate, and a carabiner in cooperative engagement with a closed-loop hook swivelably-engaged to a D-ring.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a utility strap comprising a threading plate having a rotational sleeve that functions to increase overall constrictive strength of the strap when in use or when a load is applied to the carabiner.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention its ability to provide a utility strap comprising a carabiner in cooperative engagement with a swiveling hook assembly.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention its ability to provide a utility strap comprising a rotational sleeve that functions to increase overall constrictive strength of the strap when in use, and a carabiner and hook assembly that enables objects or other loads to be directly engaged thereto, and suspended therefrom, or otherwise secured thereto via ancillary ropes, cords, hooks, tie downs, assemblies, and the like.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figure, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary device for holding and organizing items made in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a utility strap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

The present invention is a device for holding and organizing items. With reference to FIG. 1, device 10 generally includes anchor 12, connector 14, and strap 16. Anchor 12 is preferably primarily used to fasten device 10 to an object, for example, a beam or hook on a ceiling or a wall. Connector 14 is preferably primarily used to join anchor 12 to strap 16. Strap 16 is preferably primarily used to secure device 10 to one or more items, for example, a hand tool, an extension cord, a tool bag, a wooden board, or a piece of lawn furniture. It is contemplated that anchor 12 and connector 14 are preferably constructed from a substantially rigid and durable material, for example, metal or a polymer having similar characteristics, while strap 14 is preferably constructed from a substantially flexible and durable material, for example, nylon, leather, or polypropylene webbing.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this exemplary embodiment, anchor 12 preferably includes substantially C-shaped body 18 and gate 20, which is preferably pivotally secured to first end 22 of body 18 so as to rotate about axis 24. When gate 20 is in an open position, shown in phantom and indicated by reference numeral 20′, body 18 of anchor 12 may preferably be attached to or removed from an object. When gate 20 is in the closed position, free end 26 of gate 20 preferably engages second end 28 of body 18, such that anchor 12 may preferably neither be attached to nor removed from an object. Since a spring (not shown), such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, or the like, is preferably provided to urge gate 20 into a closed position, opening gate 20 preferably requires that an individual apply pressure to free end 26 of gate 20. Thus, once anchor 12 has been fastened to an object, it preferably remains fastened thereto until an individual applies pressure to free end 26 of gate 20 and removes anchor 12 from the object.

Connector 14 preferably generally includes two pieces that pivot relative to one another: upper piece 30 joined to anchor 12 and lower piece 32 joined to strap 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, upper piece 30 preferably has a unitary construction, but may be described with reference to its components, including 0-shaped portion 34 defining opening 36 through which body 18 of anchor 12 may be hooked to join connector 14 to anchor 12. Upper piece 30 preferably additionally includes leg 38, extending downwardly from 0-shaped portion 34 and terminating at foot 40.

Lower piece 32 of connector 14 is preferably generally D-shaped, the apex of the curved portion of the “D” defining aperture 42 adapted for receiving leg 38 of the upper piece 30. Aperture 42 is preferably of a size sufficient to allow leg 38 to freely pivot therein, but preferably insufficient to allow foot 40 to pass therethrough. As such, the two pieces of connector 14 are preferably linked to one another, with D-shaped lower piece 32 hanging on foot 40 of upper piece 30. The straight portion of hanging D-shaped lower piece 32 of connector 14 is preferably used for supporting strap 16 of device 10. In the embodiment of device 10 depicted in FIG. 1, strap 16 preferably includes sleeve 44, such as a metal sleeve or a fabric sleeve, which is preferably placed around the straight portion of the “D,” thereby securing strap 16 to connector 14.

Strap 16 may preferably be further described with reference to two integral portions, first band 46 preferably extending from sleeve 44 in one direction and second band 48 preferably extending from sleeve 44 in another direction. Outer surface 50 of first band 46 and inner surface 52 of second band 48 are preferably provided with mating attachment means, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, or a belt-buckling system. In this regard, bands 46, 48 may preferably be wrapped around one or more items, or a portion of the one or more items, and preferably attached to one another, thereby securing the items to device 10. Of course, the size, design and dimensions of strap 14 may preferably be adapted based on the item sought to be secured to device 10; for example, in order to secure several tennis balls, the strap may be designed to be a net that cradles and secures the tennis balls to the device.

Similarly, it should be noted that anchor 12 of device 10 may preferably be designed to be fastened to any substantially fixed object, and strap 16 may preferably be designed to be secured to any item without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The manner in which the device of the present invention is used is further illustrated by the following specific but non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Storing Items Using a Single Device

Several extension cords are being stored in an attic. The extension cords are coiled, bands 46, 48 of strap 16 are preferably wrapped around the coils, and bands 46, 48 are preferably attached to one another. Anchor 12 of device 10 is preferably fastened to a beam on a ceiling of the attic, such as via a tie, a hook, a loop, or the like, thereby allowing the extension cords to be conveniently hung from the ceiling in an organized compacted coiled formation, in plain view via bands 46, 48, while maximizing the use of space within the attic.

EXAMPLE 2

Storing Items Using More Than One Device

Several long wooden boards are being stored in a garage. Bands 46, 48 of strap 16 of a first device 10 are preferably wrapped around one end of the boards, while bands 46, 48 of a second structurally identical device 10 are preferably wrapped around another end of the boards. Anchors 12 of each device 10 are preferably fastened to hooks, pegs, or the like on the wall of the garage allowing the boards to be conveniently stored in plain view, while maximizing the use of space within the garage.

EXAMPLE 3

Storing Items in Tiers Using More Than One Device

Several long and cumbersome ladders are being stored in a facility. Bands 46, 48 of strap 16 of a first device 10 are preferably wrapped around one end of a first ladder, while bands 46, 48 of a second device 10 are preferably wrapped around another end of the first ladder. Anchors 12 of each device 10 are preferably fastened to beams on the ceiling of the facility, such as via one or more hook, peg, nail, screw, loop, strap, tie, or other similar structure.

Bands 46, 48 of strap 16 of a third device 10 are preferably wrapped around one end of a second ladder, while bands 46, 48 of a forth device 10 are preferably wrapped around another end of the second ladder. Anchors 12 of third and fourth devices 10 are fastened to desired portions of the first and second devices 10, respectively, such that the second ladder hangs below the first ladder.

Additional ladders may be hung in a like manner using additional devices 10, allowing the plurality of ladders to be conveniently stored in plain view in a tiered arrangement, maximizing the use of space within the facility.

EXAMPLE 4

Holding Items for Convenient Access Using a Device

Convenient access from a ladder to a variety of tools is desired. Bands 46, 48 of strap 16 are attached to the handle of a case, can, bag, pouch, box, or the like for holding a variety of hand tools, fasteners, paint, writing implements, or the like. Anchor 12 of device 10 is attached to the ladder, thereby allowing access to the tools while working from the ladder. Alternatively, bands 46, 48 may be attached to the ladder and one or more handle of a tool pouch, tool box, or the like may be attached to anchor 12.

EXAMPLE 5

Storing Multiple Items Using an Alternate Device

A grouping of sports equipment, including baseballs and a baseball glove, are being stored in a garage. A device of the present invention is provided, the device having a strap designed as a mesh net having a drawstring opening. The drawstring opening is adjusted to allow the baseball glove and other sports equipment to pass into the net and again adjusted to keep the equipment from falling out of the net. The anchor of the device is fastened to a hook on the wall of the garage, allowing the equipment to be to be conveniently stored in plain view, while maximizing the use of space within the garage.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that further modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring generally now to FIG. 2, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a utility strap 110, comprising webbing 120, hook-and-loop fastener assembly 140, threading plate 160, carabiner 180, closed-loop hook 190 and D-ring 200.

Specifically, webbing 120 preferably comprises terminal ends 122, 124, and sides 126, 128. Preferably disposed over approximately half the length of side 128 is hook portion 142 of hook-and-loop fastener assembly 140, wherein the remaining half length of side 128 preferably comprises loop portion 144 disposed thereover. Although a variety of high-grade materials, fabrics, and other substrates may be utilized to form webbing 120, the present invention seeks to endow strap 110 with high strength and rugged durability and, as such, contemplates the manufacture of webbing 120 from, without limitation, polypropylene webbing (ex., 2″ wide, 1500 lb-test, polypropylene); minimum stretch, sun-resistant polyester; non-slip, abrasion-resistant bulked nylon; nylon variants (ex., double layered 1000 denier DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, nylon yarn N-56, etc.); DUPONT CORDURA; canvas (ex., heavy duck canvas, No. 8 natural canvas, No. 6 natural canvas, etc.); polyester variants (ex., heavy-duty water resistant 600 denier RIPSTOP polyester, double-layered 600×300 denier polyester, etc.); SPUNTUFF water resistant material; fabric-covered metal mesh; polypropylene fabrics; polyethylene fabrics; polyolefin fabrics; plastic blends; and/or combinations of the foregoing. Additionally, in keeping with the spirit of endowing utility strap 110 with high strength and rugged durability, hook-and-loop fastener assembly 140 is preferably an industrial strength hook-and-loop fastener.

Preferably, threading plate 160 comprises side arms 162, 164, 166, 168, wherein rotational sleeve 170, preferably disposed over static pin 172 extending between side arms 164, 168, bifurcates threading plate 160 and, thereby, defines adjacently disposed slots 174, 176. Terminal end 122 of webbing 120 is preferably looped around side arm 166 of threading plate 160, and double-stitched or otherwise fixedly secured back onto webbing 120. However, terminal end 124 of webbing 120 remains free to facilitate engagement or binding of strap 110 around an object or selected objects, when in use. That is, during use of strap 110, terminal end 124 of webbing 120 is preferably threaded or interwoven through slot 174 of threading plate 160, brought over and against rotational sleeve 170, and thereafter brought through slot 176 of threading plate 160; thereby, forcing the portion of webbing 120 disposed over rotational sleeve 170 to bear tightly thereagainst.

With such an assembly, webbing 120 is preferably brought into a belt-like configuration, the circumference of which may be varied upon selective manipulation of the overall length of webbing 120 fed and pulled through slot 174, slidably over rotational sleeve 170, and through slot 176 of threading plate 160. Although final threading of webbing 120 through slot 176 of threading plate 160 functions to prevent unraveling or slippage of webbing 120 from threading plate 160, to further securely maintain the selected circumference of utility strap 110, hook portion 142 disposed over the length of webbing 120, and extending through threading plate 160, is preferably cooperatively and securely engaged to at least a portion of loop portion 144 disposed over the belt-like portion of webbing 120.

Utility strap 110 preferably further comprises D-ring 200 secured to webbing 120, proximate mid-length thereof. Specifically, D-ring 100 is preferably secured between side 126 of webbing 120 and reinforcement webbing portion 130, wherein terminal ends 132, 134 of reinforcement portion 130 are preferably folded and double-stitched, or otherwise secured, to side 126 of webbing 120. Additionally, reinforcement portion 130 is preferably formed from the same material, fabric or substrate utilized in the manufacture of webbing 120.

Preferably extending from, and swivelably-engaged to, D-ring 200 is closed loop hook 190, wherein the swiveling functionality of hook 190 may be provided via swivelable mounting and retention of shaft 192 of hook 190 within a throughhole of D-ring 200, or via bearing surfaces. The present invention further provides carabiner 180 in cooperative engagement with closed loop hook 190, wherein carabiner 180, hook 190 and/or D-ring 200 each enable attachment of ancillary ropes, cords, hooks, tie downs, assemblies, and the like, thereto, and/or direct engagement or suspension of objects thereto and therefrom. It is contemplated that a carabiner, swivelably-mounted to D-ring 200, may be utilized in lieu of, or in conjunction with, hook 190.

In still keeping with the spirit of endowing utility strap 110 with high strength and rugged durability, the present invention contemplates the manufacture of threading plate 160, carabiner 180, closed loop hook 190, and/or D-ring 200 from a substantially rigid, molded or casted substrate, such as, for exemplary purposes only, anodized aluminum, anodized steel, anodized metals generally, powder-coated aluminum, powder-coated steel, powder-coated metals generally, molded rubber, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber-coated metal, and the like.

For purposes of illustrating the broad functionality of the present invention, if utility strap 110 were engaged around a support beam (ex., vertically or horizontally disposed), webbing 120 would preferably be brought around the circumference or general perimeter of the beam, whereupon terminal end 124 of webbing 120 would be fed through slot 174 of threading plate 160, and wherein the length of webbing 120 extending therethrough would be pulled and securely cinched such that the now belt-like configured webbing 120 would be brought to bear tightly against and around the beam. Upon such cinching, terminal end 124 of webbing 120 is then brought over and against rotational sleeve 170, and finally through slot 176, wherein this latter step functions to prevent unraveling or slippage of webbing 120 from threading plate 160. Thereafter, the length of webbing 120 extending through and from threading plate 170 would then be appropriately fastened, via the associated hook-and-loop fastener portions 142, 144, over the body of webbing 120 engaged around the beam. Thereafter, ancillary ropes, cords, tie downs, assemblies, and the like, may be tied or otherwise secured to carabiner 180, hook 190 and/or D-ring 200 of utility strap 110.

Notably, heavy objects or other loads engaged to, and suspended from, any one or more of carabiner 180, hook 190 and/or D-ring 200 (via ancillary ropes or direct engagement), will actually increase overall constrictive strength of webbing 120 around the support beam. That is, the collective weight of the suspended object and inherent gravitational force acting thereon, causes rotational sleeve 170 of threading plate 160 to provide a countering rotational frictional force, and subsequent static force, which collectively reduces or eliminates any slack or play in the portion of webbing 120 extending through threading plate 160; thus, further constricting the portion of webbing 20 engaged around the support beam.

It should be recognized that utility strap 110 may be utilized to securely engage or bind an object or plurality of objects to facilitate storage, suspension or carriage of same (i.e., binding lumber and crane-lifting same via carabiner 180).

It should be further recognized that utility strap 110, or any number thereof, may be employed in a variety of applications. For instance two or more utility straps may be utilized to suspend and support a hammock between two trees, wherein in such an application, conventional anchoring of hooks into the tree trunks may be avoided by simply engaging a utility strap 110 to each such tree and securing opposing ends of the hammock to the respective carabiners 180 of each such utility strap 110.

Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for securing an item, comprising the steps of:

connecting an anchor to the item via a strap; and

attaching said anchor to a structure to secure the item to the structure via the strap and the anchor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of attaching said anchor to a structure comprises the steps of:

opening a gate of said anchor;

disposing at least a portion of the structure within a body of said anchor; and

closing said gate of said anchor, thereby retaining said portion of the structure within said body.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said body comprises a substantially C-shaped body, and wherein said gate is pivotally attached at a first end to a first portion of said substantially C-shaped body, whereby a second end of said gate is removably engageable with a second portion of said substantially C-shaped body, and wherein said substantially C-shaped body and said gate comprise a substantially closed-loop body when said second end of said gate is engaged with said second portion of said substantially C-shaped body.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said gate is biased toward a closed position.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of connecting said anchor to the item via said strap comprises the steps of:

wrapping a first portion of said strap around at least a portion of the item; and

attaching a second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap to retain said portion of said item within a loop formed by said strap.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of attaching said second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap comprises the step of connecting a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener disposed on said second portion of said strap to a second portion of a hook-and-loop fastener disposed on said first portion of said strap.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of attaching said second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap comprises the step of inserting a first portion of a buckle disposed on said first portion of said strap into a second portion of said buckle disposed on said second portion of said strap.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a second anchor to said item via a second strap at a location spaced from said first strap; and

attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of attaching said second anchor comprises attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure at a location spaced from said anchor.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of attaching said second anchor comprises attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure such that the item is secured generally horizontally.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the item is selected from the group consisting of a ladder, a tool, a board, a plurality of boards, an extension cord, a plurality of extension cords, a tool bag, a paint can, and a piece of furniture.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the structure is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a hook disposed on a wall, a hook disposed on a ceiling, and a ladder.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the structure is a ladder and the item is a tool bag, and wherein the step of attaching said anchor to the structure comprises attaching said anchor to a top portion of the ladder such that tool bag is accessible to a user of the ladder.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a net.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of connecting comprises disposing the item within said net.

16. A method of securing an item, comprising the steps of:

attaching an anchor to the item, said anchor including at least one strap attached thereto; and

attaching said at least one strap to a support structure to secure the item to the support structure.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of attaching said at least one strap to a support structure comprises wrapping said at least one strap around at least a portion of said support structure and securing a free end of said at least one strap to one of a second strap and a cinching buckle.

18. A method of storing at least one item comprising the steps of:

disposing an item within a bag, said bag being connected to an anchoring device; and

attaching said bag to a structure via said anchoring device,

whereby the item is retained within said bag for storage.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of closing said bag via a drawstring.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of attaching said bag to a structure comprises the steps of:

opening a gate of said anchoring device;

disposing at least a portion of the structure within a body of said anchoring device; and

closing said gate of said anchoring device, thereby retaining said portion of the structure within said body.