APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RELEASIBLY SECURING A PLURALITY OF ELONGATE MEMBERS TOGETHER

Abstract

An apparatus and method for releasibly securing a plurality of elongate members is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a sheet portion having a length and a width. The sheet portion is flexible at several positions along the width to be rolled about itself and encircle a plurality of elongate members while in a rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a locking portion operable to releasibly lock the sheet portion in the rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical portion being substantially rigid and positioned within the sheet portion when the sheet portion is in the rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a plurality of stanchions extending between the sheet portion and the cylindrical portion when the sheet portion is the rolled configuration. The stanchions separate at least some of the plurality of elongate members from one another.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of FA8650-07-C-2803 awarded by the Department of Defense.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing or holding a plurality of elongate members such as cables together.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

Controlling the arrangement of a plurality of elongate members is desirable in many different operating environments. In vehicles for example, wires can extend between various locations to transmit data and control signals. In a vehicle, it is desirable to control the position of wires to minimize space, prevent abrasive rubbing, and simplify diagnostics and replacement. In occupied spaces such as dwellings and offices, cables extend between computers and peripherals. In such environments, it can be desirable to control the position of cables to enhance safety (to avoid tripping) and to improve aesthetics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In summary, the invention is an apparatus and method for releasibly securing a plurality of elongate members. The apparatus includes a sheet portion having a length and a width. The sheet portion is flexible at several positions along the width to be rolled about itself and encircle a plurality of elongate members while in a rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a locking portion operable to releasibly lock the sheet portion in the rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical portion being substantially rigid and positioned within the sheet portion when the sheet portion is the rolled configuration. The apparatus also includes a plurality of stanchions extending between the sheet portion and the cylindrical portion when the sheet portion is in the rolled configuration. The stanchions separate at least some of the plurality of elongate members from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention in an unrolled configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in the unrolled configuration;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in the unrolled configuration;

FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in the unrolled configuration;

FIG. 5 is a third perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in a rolled configuration;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in an unrolled configuration;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention in a rolled configuration; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the invention in the rolled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

A plurality of different embodiments of the invention is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the invention. Similar features have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide wrapping structures with enhanced crush resistance over prior art. Alternative embodiments of the invention can be practiced to enjoy the same benefit in different operating environments. However, it is noted that any benefits articulated herein may not be realized in all operating environments for all embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, it is noted that the benefits articulated herein are not exhaustive, other benefits may be perceived in the practice of the exemplary embodiment or in the practice of alternative embodiments of the invention. The benefits associated with the exemplary embodiment and described herein are not limitations of the broader invention, but rather demonstrate industrial applicability of the invention through the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for releasibly securing a plurality of elongate members together. The apparatus is a wire wrap 10. It is noted that the term “wire” is exemplary. Embodiments of the invention, including the first exemplary embodiment, can be operable to secure cables, cords, tubes, hoses, or any other kind of elongate member.

The first exemplary wire wrap 10 can include a sheet portion 12 having a length represented by arrow 14 and a width represented by arrow 16. The sheet portion 12 can be flexible or bendable at several positions along the width represented by arrow 16 to be rolled about itself and encircle a plurality of elongate members while in a rolled configuration. This rolled configuration is shown (without elongate members) in FIG. 5. The sheet portion 12 can be resiliently flexible or bendable such that the sheet portion 12 can return to a flat orientation when not in use.

The first exemplary wire wrap 10 can also include a plurality of stanchions, such as stanchions 18, 20, 22. One or more elongate members can be positioned between two of the stanchions. For example, a first elongate member can be positioned between stanchions 18 and 20 and second elongate member can be positioned between stanchions 20 and 22. Alternatively, more than one elongate member can be positioned between stanchions 18 and 20 and a single elongate member can be positioned between stanchions 20 and 22. After the elongate members are received by the wire wrap 10, the wire wrap can be rolled about itself to encircle the elongate members. FIG. 2 also shows the stanchions 18, 20, 22.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first exemplary wire wrap 10 can also include a locking portion 24 operable to releasibly lock the sheet portion 12 in the rolled configuration. In the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking portion 24 can include first and second protuberances 26, 28 and first and second apertures 30, 32. The first protuberance 26 can be received in the aperture 30 when the wire wrap is in the rolled configuration and the second protuberance 28 can be received in the aperture 32 when the wire wrap 10 is in the rolled configuration. The first protuberance 26 and the aperture 30 can define a first locking member and the second protuberance 28 and the aperture 32 can define a second locking member. The first and second locking members can be spaced from one another along the length represented by arrow 14 of the sheet portion 12 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 4 also shows the protuberances 26, 28 of the locking portion 24. Alternative embodiments of the invention can include any number of locking members as well as any shape/configuration of locking members. Locking members can be integral with the sheet portion, as in the first exemplary embodiment, or can be separately formed and attached to the sheet portion.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first exemplary wire wrap 10 can also include a cylindrical portion 34 being substantially rigid and positioned within the sheet portion 12 when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration. The cylindrical portion 34 of the first exemplary embodiment can be formed by distal ends of the plurality of stanchions. For example, the distal ends 36, 38, 40 of the stanchions 18, 20, 22, respectively, can form part of the cylindrical portion 34. The first exemplary cylindrical portion 34 can also be formed from the distal ends of the unnumbered stanchions. Thus, the cylindrical portion 34 can be formed when the sheet portion 12 is rolled into the rolled configuration. A dashed line 66 in FIG. 5 can represent the outer radial limit of the exemplary cylindrical portion 34. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the cylindrical portion can be circular in cross-section, can be a geometric shape having a number of flat sides (such as a hexagon), or can be some combination of flat and/or arcuate surfaces.

The tips of the plurality of stanchions, including stanchions 18, 20, 22 can define a central aperture 64 of the cylindrical portion 34. An elongate member can be received in the aperture 64. The tips of the plurality of stanchions can be concave, resulting in the aperture 64 being circular.

The plurality of stanchions, including stanchions 18, 20, 22 can extend between the sheet portion 12 and the cylindrical portion 34 when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration. As set forth above, the sheet portion 12 can extend the length represented by arrow 16 (shown in FIG. 1) and can therefore extend below the bases of the plurality of stanchions, including stanchions 18, 20, 22. Thus, in the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of stanchions, including stanchions 18, 20, 22, can extend from base at the sheet portion 12 to distal ends, including distal ends 36, 38, 40, which define the cylindrical portion 34.

The intermediate portion of each stanchion, between the base and the distal end, can increase the crush resistance of the wire wrap 10. The distal ends, including distal ends 36, 38, 40, can be shaped with corresponding mating surfaces so that, when abutting one another when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration, the distal ends can cooperate with one another like bricks in arranged in archway.

The first exemplary wire wrap 10 can also include an outer radial seal portion 42 formed when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration. The exemplary seal portion 42 includes a plurality of projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 extending radially from the sheet portion 12 in a direction opposite to the plurality of stanchions. Each projection can extend circumferentially between first and second ends that abut one another when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration. The projection 44 can include exemplary first and second ends 68, 70 that abut one another when the sheet portion 12 is in the rolled configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a gap between opposite ends of the projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 to enhance clarity of the location of the ends relative to other structures; however, embodiments of the invention can be practiced with the ends of the projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 contacting one another. Each of the projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 can seal against a structure in which the wire wrap 10 is contained. Alternative embodiments of the invention can include fewer projections or more projections that the first exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can be practiced without a sealing portion. The projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 can be spaced from one another along the length represented by arrow 14 (shown in FIG. 1) of the sheet portion 12.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the locking members of the lock portion 24 can be positioned between two of the projections 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 of the sealing portion 42. For example, the aperture 30 of the first locking member can be positioned between projections 50 and 52. The aperture 32 of the second locking member can be positioned between projections 44 and 46.

In the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sheet portion 12, the locking portion 24, the cylindrical portion 34, and the plurality of stanchions are integrally formed with respect to one another. However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, one or more of these components can be formed separately from the other components.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for releasibly securing a plurality of elongate members together. The apparatus can be a cable wrap 10a. The second exemplary cable wrap 10a can include a sheet portion 12a having a width represented by arrow 16a and a length (no arrow is shown in the drawing since the wrap 10a is in a bent configuration). The sheet portion 12a can be flexible or bendable at several positions along the width represented by arrow 16a to be rolled about itself and encircle a plurality of elongate members, such as elongate members 54a, 56a, 58a, while in a rolled configuration.

The second exemplary cable wrap 10a can also include a plurality of stanchions, such as stanchions 18a, 20a, 22a. Elongate members 54a, 56a, 58a can be individually positioned between two of the stanchions. For example, a first elongate member 56a can be positioned between stanchions 18a and 20a and second elongate member 58a can be positioned between stanchions 20a and 22a.

The second exemplary cable wrap 10a can also include a locking portion 24a operable to releasibly lock the sheet portion 12a in the rolled configuration. In the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the locking portion 24a can include a protuberance 60a and a slot 62a. The protuberance 60a can be received in the slot 62a when the cable wrap 10a is in the rolled configuration. The protuberance 60a and a slot 62a can extend along the entire length of the sheet portion 12a.

The second exemplary cable wrap 10a can also include a cylindrical portion 34a being substantially rigid and positioned within the sheet portion 12a when the sheet portion 12a is in the rolled configuration. The cylindrical portion 34a of the second exemplary embodiment can be formed as a solid cylindrical rod positioned along a length-wise edge of the sheet portion 12a. The second exemplary cylindrical portion 34a can extend along the entire length represented by arrow 14 of the sheet portion 12a. In comparison, the cylindrical portion 34 of the first embodiment is formed when the wrap 10 is rolled, whereas the cylindrical portion 34a of the second embodiment is in place prior to rolling and can be the structure about which the sheet portion 12a is rolled.

The plurality of stanchions, including stanchions 18a, 20a, 22a extend between the sheet portion 12a and the cylindrical portion 34a when the sheet portion 12a is in the rolled configuration. In the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of stanchions can be radially multi-layered between the radially-outermost area of the sheet portion 12a and the cylindrical portion 34a when the sheet portion 12a is in the rolled configuration. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 7, wherein two radial layers of stanchions are shown. This multi-layered arrangement can allow embodiments of the invention to retain more elongate members and still provide enhanced crush resistance.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the second exemplary sheet portion 12a can be flexibly bendable at every position along the width represented by arrow 16a. In other words, the second exemplary sheet portion 12a can be fabric-like in its capacity to be flexible. As shown in FIG. 8, the second exemplary sheet portion 12a can also be flexibly bendable at every position along its length. In comparison, the first embodiment of the wire wrap 10, shown in FIGS. 1-5, can be substantially rigid along its length.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for releasibly securing a plurality of elongate members comprising:

a sheet portion having a length and a width and being flexible at several positions along said width to be rolled about itself and encircle a plurality of elongate members while in a rolled configuration;

a locking portion operable to releasibly lock said sheet portion in said rolled configuration;

a cylindrical portion being substantially rigid and positioned within said sheet portion when said sheet portion is in said rolled configuration; and

a plurality of stanchions extending between said sheet portion and said cylindrical portion when said sheet portion is in said rolled configuration, said plurality of stanchions separating at least some of the plurality of elongate members from one another.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet portion, said locking portion, said cylindrical portion, and said plurality of stanchions are integrally formed with respect to one another.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sheet portion is further defined as being resiliently bendable at every position along said width.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said sheet portion is further defined as being resiliently bendable along said length.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking portion extends along all of said length of said sheet portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking portion includes a plurality of locking members spaced from one another along said length of said sheet portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical portion is further defined as a solid cylindrical rod.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical portion is integral with and positioned along a length-wise edge of said sheet portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical portion is formed by distal ends of said plurality of stanchions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical portion extends along all of said length of said sheet portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of said cylindrical portion is substantially circular.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of stanchions are radially multi-layered between said sheet portion and said cylindrical portion when said sheet portion is in said rolled configuration.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

an outer seal portion formed when said sheet portion is in said rolled configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said outer seal portion includes:

at least one projection extending radially from said sheet portion in a direction opposite to said plurality of stanchions.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least one projection extends circumferentially between first and second ends that abut one another when said sheet portion is in said rolled configuration.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said at least one projection further comprises:

a plurality of projections spaced from one another along said length of said sheet portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said locking portion includes a plurality of locking members spaced from one another along said length of said sheet portion, at least one of said plurality of locking members positioned between two of said plurality of projections.

18. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 comprising the steps of:

positioning one of a plurality of elongate members between adjacent stanchions;

rolling the sheet portion about itself; and

increasing a crush resistance of the apparatus by positioning the stanchions between the cylindrical portion and the sheet portion.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of:

forming the cylindrical portion during said rolling step.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of:

forming an outer radial seal on the sheet portion by completing said rolling step.