APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BUNDLING AND BINDING ITEMS

Abstract

Disclosed is a securement block, comprising a generally rectangular-sided cuboid structure having a front face 10, a rear face 11, a left sidewall 12, a right sidewall 13, a top surface 14, and a bottom surface 15, and beveling treatment on some surfaces. To facilitate using the securement block 1, the device is fabricated with four correlated through-openings, being a tunnel entry 20, a tunnel exit 21, a channel entry 23(a), and a locking orifice 22. The channel 19 is tapered rearwardly, and culminates in a vertical locking slot 27 proximate the locking orifice 22. The four through-openings of the device work in conjunction with the use of an “encirclement means,” e.g., a cord, which, when routed sequentially into and out of the through-openings, and tied into at least one strategically-placed knot, provides for a taut, firm, fastening about items to be bundled or secured.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority from previously-filed U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 63/474,968, filed on Oct. 4, 2022, and further claims all components, descriptions, and functions of said provisional patent application as fully as though said provisional patent application were appearing herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The field of the present inventive concept relates generally to methods and devices for securing unwieldy bulk items so as to make the resulting bundle easier for a person to lift and/or carry. Specifically, this inventive concept relates to a commercially-named “Bundle Bud,” for the securing of a bundle of materials such as cardboard pieces, construction items, and tree branches. The invention can be used to secure articles to furniture dollies and to securely close shipping cartons.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. Published Patent Application #2020/093292A1; Mar. 26, 2020; Lee, John; A device and method for securing objects of almost any sizes and shapes to a wall is disclosed. A hanger comprising a length of cord suitable for the size of object to be hung a hook shaped block with screw mounting holes, a thru hole, perpendicular and slightly below to the mounting holes for passing the length of cord, and a slot parallel to the thru hole. The thru hole and the slot should be of the same size, slightly larger than diameter of the cord. The block is mounted to wall by screws or other means such as double-sided tape, rail mount system, peg board hook etc. The cord of suitable length for the object is inserted into the thru hole and knotted on both ends. With one of the knots resting against one side of the device, the rest of the cord is then looped on the object to be hung and then inserted into the slot, letting the other knot resting against the other side of the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,876,683B2; Dec. 29, 2020; Muller, H. Embodiments are provided for a securing device that has a housing, one or more securing members, a center protruding member, and a reservoir. Additionally, located between the securing members and the center protruding member is a trough and one or more valleys. A rope member is capable of semi-circling the center protruding member and being secured to the securing device by the securing members. Additionally, a rope member can be secured to the securing device by passing a portion of the rope member through at least one internal channel located within an interior of the securing device.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,315,817B2; Jun. 11, 2019; Martin, E.; Metal straps used to tie or bundle one or more items are provided. The metal strap includes a length of cable and a ferrule. The ferrule is pre-attached adjacent one end of the cable, and the ferrule can receive a free end of the cable, and can secure the cable to the ferrule after the cable is wrapped around one or more items

U.S. Pat. No. 8,321,998B2; Dec. 4, 2012; Warren, R.; A tensioning device that is inexpensive to manufacture and useful for various rope tensioning applications. The rope locking device includes: a body having a first end, a second end, and the side ends; a first bore extending through the body; a second bore extending through the body; wherein the second bore is horizontally aligned and spaced apart from said first bore by a first space, wherein the first and second bore are located proximate to the first end of the body; a third bore extending through the body, wherein the third bore is located proximate to the second end of the body, and wherein the third bore is spaced from the first and second bores; a first slot vertically aligned with the first bore; a second slot vertically aligned with the first bore; a second slot vertically aligned with the second bore; wherein the second is spaced from the first slot by a second space; and a cam element pivotally mounted within the third bore.

U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2008/80110000A1; May 25, 2008; Orr, N. K. A rope tightening and securing device having a base member. A first lobe and a second lobe protrude from a first side of the base member. Each lobe has a first groove for receiving a segment of a rope. The first and second lobes define a slot therebetween. The device may be used to secure rope without tying knots in certain applications, to extend a length of rope, and to bypass a damaged section or rope.

U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/0183245A1; Aug. 25, 2005; Whipple, S.; A system for securing a line securely around an object, the system comprising a main body with holes to receive ends of the line and a plurality of protrusions within the holes allowing the line ends to enter the holes in a first direction and exit the holes in a second direction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a bundling device, referred to herein as a “securement block 1. The securement block 1 comprises a generally rectangular-sided cuboid structure having a front face 10, a rear face 11, a left sidewall 12, a right sidewall 13, a top surface 14, and a bottom surface 15, including beveling treatment on some of the surfaces. The securement block 1 can be fabricated in a variety of sizes, from a front face having a width dimension of 1.0 inch, up to a device having a front face dimension of 6.0 inches or more.

To facilitate using the securement block 1, the device is fabricated with four correlated through-openings, being a tunnel entry 20, a tunnel exit 21, a channel entry 23(a), and a locking orifice 22. Lastly, a vertically-oriented locking slot 27 is fabricated proximate the locking orifice 22 of the device. These operational components work in conjunction with the use of an “encirclement means,” which may be comprised of string, cord, rope, wire, cable, twine, or similarly-constructed article. In the vast majority of applications, the encirclement means comprises at least one cord 2 of an appropriate length.

A user initiates the bundling process by first acquiring a length of cord 2 (the term, “cord” is cited for illustrative purposes only) having a first cord segment 3 and a first cord tip 2(a), a second cord segment 4 and a second cord tip 2(b). In sequence, the user places the first cord segment 3 of the cord 2 in, through, and/or in proximity to, the openings 20, 21, 22, 23(a) and the locking slot 27 of the securement device 1. The user then pulls the first cord segment 3 of the cord 2 slightly taut at the point of its enclosure within the locking slot 27. The second cord segment 4 is placed circumferentially about the objects to be bundled. The securement device 1 is then placed atop the objects and the final adjustments and the tying of cord 2 knots 5, 5(a), are accomplished.

With both cord tips 2(a), 2(b) near each other, the second cord segment 4 of the cord 2 is then arranged to engage the first cord segment 2, enabling the user to tie the first cord tip 2(a) and second cord tip 2(b) into an intractable knot. Simultaneously, the locking slot 27 of the securement block 1 stringently binds and immobilizes the first cord segment 3 such that the entirety of the cord 2 is then securely and firmly wrapped around the bundle or gathering of objects.

Primary Objectives of the Inventive Concept

The primary purpose of the inventive concept is to provide a convenient, simple device to assist in securing loose items into one bundle or bound grouping for ease of a user in carrying or relocating the bundle or grouping.

Another objective of this inventive concept is to introduce a structure of the securement block 1 which provides a simple method of operation by which only requires seven seconds for a user to manipulate into a final binding arrangement, in conjunction with a cord 2, and less than three seconds to release the cord 2 or other means from its clasp of the bundling material.

One objective of the securement block 1 is to vary the dimensions and materials used in the fabrication of its components to ensure that it can accept, through its four openings, almost any size encirclement means. Typical encirclement means includes, but is not limited to, cord, rope, string, wire, twine commonly used by the average consumer.

In the preferred embodiment, the securement block 1 is constructed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other similar substance.

It is also an objective that the securement block 1 may be permanently locked in place by a user, dependent only upon the strength, elasticity, and tension endurance of the cord 2 or other encirclement means. In this manner, a group of bundling material 7 may be stored for an indefinite period of time.

A further objective of the inventive concept is that, by its inherent characteristics of operation, the device will function for literally hundreds of applications, e.g., cardboard bundles for recycling, tree branches, lumber, securing articles to dollies; securing mattresses to cars; dock lines; aircraft tiedowns; and many more.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of the securement block 1, displaying principal components, being a top surface 14, a right sidewall 13, a tapered channel 23, a locking slot 27, a locking orifice 22, and a tunnel exit 21.

FIG. 2 is a planar, downward-looking view of the securement block 1 showing the top surface 14, the locking slot 27 and the open, tapered, or V-shaped channel 23.

FIG. 3 is a direct view of the rear face 11 of the securement block 1, further showing the tunnel exit 21 and the locking orifice 22.

FIG. 4 presents a direct view of the front face 10 of the securement block 1 of FIG. 2, illustrating a left front face 10(a), a right front face 10(b), and also the tunnel entry 20, the channel entry 23, and the crevice formed by the locking slot 27.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of FIG. 2, in which is shown the right sidewall 13 of the securement block 1, with dashed lines showing the locking slot 27 and also the rounded floor 26 of the channel 23

FIG. 6 depicts a securement block 1 having been placed flush against the top layer of a typical bundling item 7, while simultaneously the first segment 2(a) of a cord 2 has been inserted into the tunnel entry 20 of the tunnel 19.

FIG. 6A displays a short segment of the second cord segment 4 and its second cord tip 2(b).

FIG. 7 is a rendering of the near-completion of the bundling procedure using the securement block 1, the final step being a user pulling the second cord segment 4 upwards so as to pull it taut against the narrow confines of the locking slot 27.

FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration in which the final bundling is nearly completed, a user having only to pull the first cord tip 2(a) into the large loop 9 and afterwards, tie a second firm knot.

Table of Nomenclature & Part Numbers of Invention
1. Securement block
2. Cord
2(a) First cord tip
2(b) Second cord tip
3. First cord segment
4. Second cord segment
5. First knot
5(a) Second knot
6. T/B/D
7. Bundling material
8. Small loop
9. Large loop
10. Front face
10(a) Left front face
10(b) Right front face
11. Rear face
11(a) Right rear face
11(b) Left rear face
12 Left sidewall
13. Right sidewall
14. Top surface
15. Bottom surface
16. Upper bevel
17. Left bevel
18. Right bevel
19. Tunnel
20. Tunnel entry
21. Tunnel exit
22. Locking orifice
23. Channel
23(a) Channel entry
24. Left rim
25. Right rim
26. Rounded floor
27. Locking slot
28. Channel left wall
29. Channel right wall
30. Right corner
31. Left corner
32. Top edge
33. Bottom edge
34. Left ridge
34(a) Left footing
35. Right ridge
35(a) Right footing
36. Angular dispersion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling nine figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment or embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used herein, the teen “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The inventive concept disclosed is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the accompanying descriptions and drawings. This inventive concept is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried in ways other than those presented in this document.

A key supporting component of this inventive concept is usage of what is referred to as a “cord 2.” The term, “cord 2,” is not used herein by way of limitation, but entirely for exemplary purposes, and further encompasses string, cord, rope, twine, wire, band, strand, cable, and other similarly-constructed items. The term “bundling material 7” encompasses a wide range of materials, including, but not limited to tree branches/twigs, lumber pieces, cardboard slats, bulky trash items, and others. Further, the securement block 1 is amenable for using as a securement mechanism for articles strapped to dollies, aircraft tiedowns, a docking line for boats, and other varied household or commercial applications.

The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1, which illustrates a perspective close-up view of a cuboid-shaped device referred to as the “securement block” 1. The planar top surface 14 of the securement block 1 features a tapered, open, V-shaped channel 23 shown extending rearward approximately two-thirds of the length of the securement block 1. The left rim 24, left wall 28, and right rim 25 of the channel 23 are in view in FIG. 1. The channel left wall 28 and the channel right wall 29 (not in view) each extend vertically downward, intersecting a rounded floor 26 of the channel 23.

The longitudinal tapering of the channel 23 intrinsically ends with the upper segment of both walls 28, 29. of the channel 23 forming an acute intersection, or wedge, referred to as a locking slot 27. The locking slot 27 is in essence, a vertically-oriented, narrow crevice, oriented mutually orthogonal to the top surface 14 and bottom surface 15 of the securement block 1. The bottom surface 15, not in view, is a flat planar surface.

At the junctions of the lower half of the left and right channel walls 28, 29 with the rounded floor 26 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4), it is to be noted that the rounded floor 26 of the channel 23 continues directly below, and past the locking slot 27 to form the lower arc of a locking orifice 22. The locking orifice 22 is shown to constitute a circular opening on the rear face 11, the lower arc of the channel orifice 22 corresponding to the rounded floor 26 of the channel 23. This construction feature is further illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and also, FIG. 5.

Other structural features shown in FIG. 1 are the right sidewall 13, which transitions to the left bevel 18, the right bevel 18 intersecting with both the rear face 11 and an upper bevel 16. The upper bevel 16 transitions from the top surface 14, and further, the upper bevel 16 extends the width of the top surface 14 to intersect with a left bevel 17 (not in view, but illustrated in FIG. 2). The relative positions of the left bevel 17 and right bevel 18 are shown in FIG. 2. The bevels 16, 17, 18 assist in preventing any fraying or gouging of cords 2 placed in direct contact with the securement block 1, in functional use.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a tunnel exit 21 which functions as an exit orifice for a first cord segment 3 of a cord 2 which a user has previously inserted through a tunnel entry 20 on the front face 10 of the securement block 1. The tunnel entry 20 and tunnel exit 21 are of the same diameter and form the concentric front and rear of a tunnel 19 which runs longitudinally from the left front face 10(a), through to the tunnel exit 21, at the rear face 11 of the securement block 1. It is to be noted that a tunnel entry 20 and the tunnel exit 21, together form part of a U-shaped rounded floor of the channel 23

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the securement block 1, primarily showing the top surface 14, the left rim 24, right rim 25, channel 23, and the channel floor 26. Also shown in FIG. 2 are the upper bevel 16, the edge of the left bevel 17, the edge of the right bevel 18, and the locking slot 27. Dashed lines indicate the internal position of the tunnel 19 as it transitions through the right side of the securement block 1, and the orientation of the locking orifice 22. Further shown in FIG. 2 is the preferred angular dispersion 36 of the channel walls, 27, 28, which, in the preferred embodiment, is thirteen degrees.

In viewing FIG. 3, there is illustrated a direct view of the right rear face 11(a) and the left rear face 11(b) of the securement block 1, further showing the tunnel exit 21, and the locking orifice 22, and the upper bevel 16. In the initial step of functional operation of the securement block 1, a user places a first cord tip 2(a) into the tunnel 19, and then pushes the first cord segment 3 through the tunnel exit 21, then re-inserts the first cord tip 2(a) into the locking orifice 22.

Also indicated in FIG. 3 is the position of the right footing 35(a), which intersects with the bottom surface 15 (not in view) of the securement block 1. Further, the left footing 34(a) is shown at its point of intersection with the bottom surface 15 (out of view). In actual use, the planar bottom surface 15 is always placed in abutment to the bundling materials 7 which are to be bound and stabilized by the securement block 1.

FIG. 4 presents a direct view of the left front face 10(a) and right front face 10(b) of the securement block 1 of FIG. 2. Principal features shown in FIG. 4 are the tunnel entry 20 on the left front face 10(a), which leads into the tunnel 19, and the rounded floor 26 of the channel 23, which begins at the right front face 10(b), extends rearward, and connects with the locking orifice 22 at the right rear face 11(b) of the securement block 1. Also shown are the left wall 28 and right wall 29 of the channel 23. Both walls 28, 29 extend rearward in a tapering manner and culminate in a vertically-oriented intersection at the locking slot 27 (more easily seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a direct view of the right side of the securement block 1 of FIG. 2. Shown in FIG. 5 are the right sidewall 13, the right ridge 35 of the top surface 14 (not in view), the right edge of the upper bevel 16, and the right edge of the rear face 11, and the right footing 35(a) which intersects the bottom surface 15 (not in view). As stated previously, beginning at the channel entry 23(b), the channel floor 26 is shown, by horizontal dashed lines, to extend from the right front face 10(b) to the locking orifice 22 on the left rear face 11(b) of the securement block 1.

In FIG. 5, it is to be noted that the channel 23 terminates (a) in the upper half of its structure, at the locking slot 27 and (b) in the lower half of its structure, at the circular lower half of the locking orifice 22. The locking orifice 22 is the through-hole in the right rear face 11(b) of the device. The vertical dashed lines in FIG. 5 also indicate the relative position of the locking slot 27.

FIG. 6 depicts, for illustrative purposes only, and not by way of limitation, the typical initial steps in using the securement block 1. FIG. 6 shows that the bottom surface 15 (not in view) of a securement device 1 has been placed, by a user, flush against the top layer of typical bundling material 7. Also shown is the first cord tip 2(a) and a first cord segment 3 extending outward from the tunnel exit 21 (out of view). The first cord tip 2(a) has been initially inserted by a user into the tunnel entry 20 and pushed through the tunnel exit 21, just below the upper bevel 16 of the securement block 1. Also visible in FIG. 6 is the rounded floor 26 of the channel 23, beginning at the channel entry 23(a).

The configuration in FIG. 6 results after a user has preliminarily routed the opposite end of the cord 2, termed the “second cord segment 4” underneath the bottommost portion of the bundling material 7. The user has further allowed for a sufficient length of the second cord segment 4 to enable him/her to upwardly route the second cord segment 4 from its encirclement of the bundling material 7. This muting action temporarily positions the second cord tip 2(b) near the securement block 1, as shown in FIG. 6A.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the user must next withdraw an additional length of the first cord segment 3 and then insert the first cord tip 2(a) into the locking orifice 22 (out of view) at the rear of the channel 23 in preparation for engaging the first cord segment 3 with the locking slot 27.

The binding procedure is continued to the next sequential steps, as shown in FIG. 7, which displays the near-completion of the bundling process initiated in FIG. 6. At this stage, the user has created a first knot 5, which may be a “double hitch,” or similar knot, with the previously shown second cord segment 4 and second cord tip 2(b). The creation of the first knot 5 has caused a small loop 8 to be formed.

FIG. 7 additionally shows that the user also has (a) pulled sufficient length of the first cord segment 3 through the small loop 8, and (b) inserted the first cord tip 2(a) into and through the locking orifice 22. A short length of the first cord segment 3 is shown pulled through an effective into and through the channel entry 23, 23(a). These actions have caused the preferred formation of a large loop 9, which can be further used in the bundling procedure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the next sequential configuration in which the final bundling is nearly completed. The remaining task is for the user to forcibly pull upward on the cord first tip 2(a) into the locking slot 27 so that the circumference of the cord 2 is immobilized by the pinching effect of the locking slot 27. The user, if desired, may also readjust the final step by (a) pulling taut the first cord segment 3, which forces the diameter of the large loop 9 to be minimized. Additionally, in the course of minimizing the large loop 9, a user may firmly tie a second knot 5(a) proximate the locking orifice 22.

In practical use, any encirclement means, e.g., a cord 2 used in conjunction with the securement block 1 must be of sufficient length to entirely encompass the perimeter of the bundling material 7 and allow sufficient cord 2 length to complete formation of at least one knot 5.

In the preferred embodiment, the relative dimensions of a commonly-used version of the securement block 1, in millimeters, are as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, where the figures depict the device placed on a horizontal plane, on its bottom surface 15. Dimensions shown are frontal width of 32.0 mm, vertical height of 16.0 mm, and front-to-rear length of 38 mm. There is a distance of 15.0 mm between the longitudinal axis of the tunnel 19 and the longitudinal axis of the locking orifice 22, both these openings having a diameter of 7.0 mm. The length of the V-shaped channel 23 is 30.0 mm, and the longitudinal tapering angle of the channel 23 is thirty-six (36.0) degrees.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive device have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A cuboid-shaped device having rectangular surfaces comprising a front face, a rear face, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a top surface, a left bevel, an upper bevel, a right bevel, and a bottom surface, further comprising (a) a tunnel having a circular cross-section, extending from the left front face to a tunnel exit on the rear right face; and (b) a rearwardly-tapering, open channel having a U-shaped channel floor, a left wall, and a right wall, wherein (i) the upper half of both walls of the channel merge, to form a vertical locking slot proximate the left rear face, (ii) the lower segment of both channel walls intersect the channel floor, and (iii) the channel floor extends longitudinally through the device, forming the lower arc of a circular locking orifice on the right rear face.

2. The cuboid device of claim 1, wherein the left bevel is constructed in a vertical orientation from the left sidewall to the left rear face, the upper bevel is constructed in a horizontal orientation from the rear of the top surface to the upper portion of the rear face, and the right bevel is constructed in a vertical orientation from the right sidewall to the right rear face.

3. The cuboid-shaped device of claim 1, wherein the material of manufacture is recyclable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

4. The cuboid device of claim 1 wherein the relative dimensions of the device comprise a front face width of 32.0 mm, vertical height of 16.0 mm, front face to rear face length of 38 mm, a rear face width of 32.0 mm, a distance of 15.0 mm between the longitudinal axis of the tunnel and the longitudinal axis of the locking orifice, the diameter of the tunnel being 7.0 mm, the width of the channel entry being 7.0 mm, the diameter of the locking orifice being 7.0 mm, the length of the V-shaped channel being 30.0 mm, and the angular dispersion of the channel from the locking slot to the channel entry being thirty-six (36.0) degrees.

5. A device for assisting in the securement of a single item or a plurality of items for the purpose of bundling the items for lifting, transporting, or immobilizing them, comprising:

A cuboid-shaped structure having rectangular surfaces comprising a front face, a rear face, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a top surface, a left bevel, an upper bevel, a right bevel, and a bottom surface, further comprising (a) a circular, cross-sectioned tunnel extending from the left front face to a tunnel exit on the rear right face; and (b) a rearwardly-tapering, open channel having a U-shaped floor, a left wall, and a right wall, wherein (i) the upper half of both walls of the channel merge, to form a locking slot proximate the left rear face, (ii) the lower segment of both channel walls intersect the channel floor, and (iii) the channel floor extends longitudinally through the device to form the lower arc of a circular locking orifice at the right rear face.

6. The cuboid device of claim 5, wherein, wherein the left bevel is constructed in a vertical orientation from the left sidewall to the left rear face, the upper bevel is constructed in a horizontal orientation from the rear of the top surface to the upper portion of the rear face, and the right bevel is constructed in a vertical orientation from the right sidewall to the right rear face.

7. The cuboid structure of claim 5, wherein the structure is manufactured from recyclable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

8. The cuboid device of claim 5, wherein its operational function of bundling is achieved by orienting and placement of the bottom surface such that the bottom surface abuts the upper segment of any gathering of items to be bundled.

9. The cuboid device of claim 5 wherein the relative dimensions of the device comprise a front face width of 32.0 mm, vertical height of 16.0 mm, front face to rear face length of 38 mm, a rear face width of 32.0 mm, a distance of 15.0 mm between the longitudinal axis of the tunnel and the longitudinal axis of the locking orifice, the diameter of the tunnel being 7.0 mm, the width of the channel entry being 7.0 mm, the diameter of the locking orifice being 7.0 mm, the length of the V-shaped channel being 30.0 mm, and the angular dispersion of the channel from the locking slot to the channel entry being thirty-six (36.0) degrees.

10. A method for gathering, bundling, and securing a fixed item or grouping of items for the purpose of lifting, transporting, and/or immobilizing the items as one unit, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a cuboid-shaped structure having rectangular surfaces comprising a front face, a rear face, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a top surface, a left bevel, an upper bevel, a right bevel, and a bottom surface;

(b) constructing, in the cuboid-shaped structure, a circular, cross-sectioned tunnel extending from the left front face to a tunnel exit on the rear right face;

(c) constructing, in the cuboid-shaped structure, a rearwardly-tapering, open channel having a U-shaped channel floor, a left wall and a right wall, wherein (i) the upper half of both walls of the channel merge to form a vertical locking slot proximate the left rear face, (ii) the lower segment of both channel walls intersect the channel floor, and (iii) the channel floor extends longitudinally through the structure, forming the lower arc of a circular locking orifice on the right rear face;

(d) providing an encirclement means, comprising an article of string, cord, rope, wire, cable, or similarly-structured article, the article having a first end with a first tip, a second end with a second tip, and a length sufficient to enclose the vertically-oriented circumference of the subject items with a remaining length of the article at each the first end and the second end; and

(e) placing the first end of the article into the tunnel entry of the cuboid-shaped structure, withdrawing it therefrom, subsequently placing the first end into the channel orifice, drawing sufficient length of the first end of the article upwards so as to engage the locking slot in a firm manner while simultaneously gathering the second cord end and tying both ends into at least one knot so as to bind the article tautly about the circumference of the bundled items.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the relative dimensions of the cuboid-shaped structure comprise a front face width of 32.0 mm, vertical height of 16.0 mm, front face to rear face length of 38 mm, a rear face width of 32.0 mm, a distance of 15.0 mm between the longitudinal axis of the tunnel and the longitudinal axis of the locking orifice, the diameter of the tunnel being 7.0 mm, the width of the channel entry being 7.0 mm, the diameter of the locking orifice being 7.0 mm, the length of the V-shaped channel being 30.0 mm, and the angular dispersion of the channel from the locking slot to the channel entry being thirty-six (36.0) degrees.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the cuboid-shaped structure is manufactured from recyclable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.