Abstract:
An apparatus is proposed that facilitates wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping, as a handle and/or to provide an extension. A flexible structure (e.g., formed of rubber or other suitable material) including a handle portion and a loop engages a target by pulling the handle through the loop and thereby cinch a target into place. In certain embodiments herein, the design may be of unitary construction, for example, a single piece of molded, stamped or cast rubber, and requires no assembly.

Description:
PRIORITY DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/068,865 entitled “Apparatus For Wrapping Around One Or More Target Objects For Gripping, As A Hanging Structure And/Or To Provide An Extension,” filed on Mar. 10, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to the field of gripping and extension devices, and more particularly to an apparatus for wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping, as a handle and/or to provide an extension. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    An apparatus is proposed that facilitates wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping, as a hanging structure and/or to provide an extension. A flexible structure (e.g., formed of rubber or other suitable material) including a handle portion and a loop engages a target by pulling the handle through the loop and thereby cinch a target into place. In certain embodiments herein, the design may be of unitary construction, for example, a single piece of molded, stamped or cast rubber, and requires no assembly. 
         [0004]    The apparatus described herein can have uses other than wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping, as a hanging structure and/or to provide an extension. Therefore, the apparatus is not to be limited by the uses described herein. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a member having a first end and a second end, a pair of flexible extended portions having a gap therebetween along a portion of the length of the member, a locking portion including a shaped aperture contiguous with the gap toward the first end, and a handle portion at or proximate to the second end, or between the extended portions and the second end. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows an overview of the apparatus for wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping and/or as a handle and/or to provide an extension. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a first step in using the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows another step in using the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  shows still another step in using the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5A-5C  show isometric, side and top views, respectively, of an embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping and/or as a handle and/or to provide an extension. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of a locking portion at one end of the apparatus of  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  shows the apparatus of embodiments herein used to carry a bundle of objects. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  shows the apparatus of embodiments herein used to reach an overhead object such as an overhead door. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  shows the apparatus of embodiments herein used to extend the reach of a seat belt in an automobile. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment showing two apparatus joined together. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  illustrates another example of joining two apparatus together. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  illustrates yet another example of joining two apparatus together. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of an apparatus with a swivel connection. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of an apparatus with an open ended hook. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring now in general to  FIGS. 1-4 , an apparatus  10  is provided for securing one or more target objects  12  (an example of which is shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 2 ) for various purposes. In certain applications, apparatus  10  may be secured to a target object(s)  12  for carrying purposes. For instance, using one or more of the apparatus  10  of appropriate dimension, a bundle of elongated targets  12  may include objects such as pipes, sticks, lumber, sporting goods (e.g., skis, sticks, bats) which may conveniently be carried by one or more people without separation of the bundle, and without the need for taping or tying the bundle together. In other applications, apparatus  10  may be used as a hanging structure. For instance, apparatus  10  may be secured to a fixed or relatively fixed target, such as a portion of the interior of an automobile (e.g., a grab handle), a closet rod, or upon a target in any other location where it is desirable to place a hanging structure. The hanging structure may be used by placing one or more hangers or other objects on a handle portion  26  of the apparatus  10 . In yet another application, the apparatus  10  may be used to provide an extension to an object, or an alternative handle. For instance, seat belts, overhead doors and other objects may be desirable target objects. These and other non-limiting examples of applications for the apparatus  10  are further described herein. 
         [0021]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  is a member having a first end  14  and a second end  16 . As shown, two flexible extended portions  18  are provided between the ends  14 ,  16 , having a gap  20  therebetween along a portion P of the length L of the member. Note that, however, in certain embodiments, more than two flexible extended portions  18  may be provided. 
         [0022]    Generally, the gap  20  is elongated, so that its length is much greater than its width when the member is extended end to end (i.e., the width of the combined extended portions  18  and a portion of the gap remaining when the apparatus  10  is substantially taut). For instance, in certain embodiments, the width to length may be about 2 inches to about 36 inches. In other embodiments, the length to width may be about 1 inch to about 6 inches. In still further embodiments, the width to length may be about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches. The ratio of width to length may be, for instance, about 1:30 to about 1:3, preferably about 1:20 to about 1:4, and more preferably about 1:18 to about 1:6. 
         [0023]    A locking portion  22  is also provided near the first end  14 , including a shaped aperture  24  contiguous with the gap  20 . Further, a handle portion  26  is provided at or proximate to the second end  16 , or between the extended portions  18  and the second end  16 . Apparatus  10  may further include a neck portion  28  integral with or between the handle portion  26  and the extended portions  18 . 
         [0024]    To facilitate a secure fit between regions of the extended portions  18  and the locking portion  22 , a locking portion access aperture  32  may be provided, which, in an un-stretched configuration of the apparatus  10 , is narrower than the gap  20  and the shaped aperture  24 , and may include portions of the ends of the extended portions  18  that are adjacent one another, or with a gap therebetween. The locking portion access aperture  32  is contiguous between the shaped locking aperture  24  and the gap  20 . Using elastomeric or other flexible material, the locking portion access aperture  32  may be opened (or further opened, depending on the un-stretched configuration of the locking portion access aperture  32 ) to accommodate the extended portions  18  as described further herein. 
         [0025]    In addition, the shaped locking aperture  24  can have its dimensions and configuration based upon the dimensions and configuration of the extended portions  18 , particularly the cross section of the extended portions  18 . 
         [0026]    In certain preferred embodiments, the shaped locking aperture  24  has an area dimension, interior circumference and configuration that is approximate to or is less than the cross sectional area and configuration, and circumference, of both extended portions  18  (adjacent one another) to be secured therein. For instance, in certain embodiments, for materials with less elasticity, the shaped locking aperture  24  has an area dimension, interior circumference and configuration that is approximate to the cross sectional area and configuration, and circumference, of both extended portions  18  (e.g., within about plus or minus up to about 2%). In other embodiments, where materials having greater elasticity are used, the shaped locking aperture  24  has an area dimension, interior circumference and configuration that is less than the corresponding dimensions of the extended portions, such that the extended portions  18  may compress and the dimensions allow for a very tight fit, where the aperture is expanded and/or the extended portions are compressed to accommodate the smaller dimensions (e.g., wherein the shaped locking aperture  24  is up to about 25% less than the uncompressed dimension of the adjacent extended portions  18  to be situated in the shaped locking aperture  24 ). 
         [0027]    The shaped aperture  24  may be configured as a shape selected from the group consisting of rectangles (having sharp or rounded corners), squares (having sharp or rounded corners), triangles (having sharp or rounded corners), diamonds (having sharp or rounded corners), ovals, ellipses, circles, regular or irregular polygons (having sharp or rounded corners), and regular or irregular closed curves. Accordingly, in certain preferred embodiments, the cross sectional configuration of the extended portions may be correlating shapes (such that when placed adjacent one another the combined shape correlates to the shape of the shaped aperture  24 ). 
         [0028]    The material of construction of all or a portion of the apparatus  10  may be elastomeric in nature, including but not limited to natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, gum rubber, and neoprene rubber. In certain embodiments, other materials may be used, including but not limited to canvas, cotton, bamboo, nylon and leather. These other materials may generally be non-elastomeric material, although the materials may exhibit a certain ability to expand or stretch (although they may not readily return to the original shape without further treatment, such as washing to promote shrinkage). 
         [0029]    The handle portion  26  may comprise a closed loop, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , or some other configuration. As closed loops, the handle portion  26  may comprise a closed aperture  30  configured as a shape selected from the group consisting of rectangles (having sharp or rounded corners), squares (having sharp or rounded corners), triangles (having sharp or rounded corners), diamonds (having sharp or rounded corners), ovals, ellipses, circles, regular or irregular polygons (having sharp or rounded corners), and regular or irregular closed curves. In other embodiments, the handle portion  26  may include or be entirely in the form of a solid portion to facilitate gripping, such as a knob or other projecting component, a T-shaped grip, a cylindrical grip, or an oval shaped grip. In other embodiments, the handle portion  26  comprises an open ended hook as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0030]    The form or method of manufacture of the apparatus may result in a unitary construction or a modular construction. For instance, in a unitary construction, the apparatus  10  and all the various portions and features may be integrally molded or cast, or stamped from a solid piece of material. In other embodiments, where the apparatus is formed of modular construction, an attachment between components is required that has sufficient holding force for the intended use. 
         [0031]    In certain embodiments, the handle portion  26  is attached to the remainder of the member, e.g., where the handle portion  26  is attached with a swivel connection  27  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In these embodiments, the handle portion  26  is connected in a manner to be permanent, i.e., where disconnection requires tools or damage to the apparatus, in contrast to embodiments described below which are intended to be removably attached. 
         [0032]    In other embodiments, a handle portion may be removably attached to the remainder of the member. For instance, in certain embodiments, a connection may be in the form of a compression fitting, for instance, using ball bearings, with a suitable release (e.g., using a spring biased ball in a receiving portion with corresponding detents in an insert portion, or vice versa, similar to a ratchet wrench and socket connection or an air hose connection). Thus, a kit may be provided including the apparatus without the handle portion and a plurality of handle portions, e.g., of different dimensions or configurations. In certain preferred embodiments, the handle portion may be removably attached without the use of tools, and is intended to be attached and detached repeatedly and without damage or substantial wear. 
         [0033]    The apparatus herein may be used to secure to targets of differing and varying sizes and shapes. For instance, an apparatus having an overall length of about 14 inches and a degree of elasticity of about 80 (Shore OO scale) may be used to secure to targets having circumferences of about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches. Structural parameters may be varied, including but not limited to the length of the apparatus, the circumference of the apparatus at the extended portions and the locking portion, and the degree of elasticity, resulting in differing ranges of target circumferences. In general, the maximum target circumference is approximately equivalent to the length of the extended portion (less the thickness of the extended portions) and any additional lengths by stretching that may be imparted thereto due to the elasticity. 
         [0034]    Various embodiments and variations are possible, including different lengths and girths, in all or certain portions of the apparatus. These differing dimensions may or may not be proportional. In other variations, the device can have handles of different shapes or configurations, including detachable and/or interchangeable handles. 
         [0035]    The dimensions of the apparatus may be in various sizes, for instance, for use with targets having various circumferential dimensions. For instance, in certain embodiments, wherein the target object has a circumferential dimension of about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, one or more apparatus may be provided wherein the overall length is about 6 inches to about 36 inches(wherein the length of the extended portions is about 4 inches to about 33 inches), about 8 inches to about 24 inches(wherein the length of the extended portions is about 6 inches to about 21 inches), or about 12 to about 18 inches (wherein the length of the extended portions is about 9 inches to about 15 inches). In addition, the circumference of the various portions may vary, depending, for instance, on the desired load capacity of the apparatus, the strength of the materials of construction of the apparatus, and other factors. For instance, the thickness (e.g., circumference) of each of the extended portions may be about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 2 inches; the thickness (e.g., circumference) of the locking portion may be about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 2 inches. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , isometric, side and top views, respectively, are shown of an embodiment of the wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping and/or as a handle and/or to provide an extension. Additionally,  FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of a locking portion. The apparatus  110  includes a first end  114  having a locking portion  122  (with a shaped aperture  132 ) and a second end  116  including a handle portion  126 . Extended portions  118  are provided generally between ends  114 ,  116 , forming a gap  120  between the extended portions  118 . In certain embodiments, the shaped aperture  132  has dimensions that are approximately equivalent to the combination of portions  118  adjacent one another, i.e., when in the locked configuration as described below. Other features include, for instance, an integrally molded construction. Further, an aperture  134  is provided at the end of the apparatus  10 , e.g., shown through a portion of the locking portion  122 , which may be used for various other applications. For instance, using apertures  134  in the apparatus  110  shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  and  6 , an S-hook or other suitable structure may be inserted through the aperture  134 , and the device may be stretched about a large object or across a span, for instance, in a manner similar to a conventional bungee cord. 
         [0037]    Accordingly, referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , using the apparatus herein, a method of holding a target object includes wrapping  40  the extended portions around the object(s)  12 , inserting  42  the handle portion  26  around the object(s)  12  (where the object(s)  12  (not shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is within the space  43 ) and through the gap  20 , inserting a portion of the member into the locking portion (wherein the portion is the extended portions  18 , a neck  28 , or a portion of the handle portion  26 , which position may be varied to accommodate various dimension objects), cinching  44  the object within the space  45 , and using the handle portion  26  to carry, hang items from, and/or to secure the target object(s)  12 . Further, note that the pair of extended portions  18  may be stretched apart, thus serving to provide additional balance, for instance, when carrying relatively long objects. 
         [0038]    A target object may comprise one or more loose objects, wherein the handle portion is used to carry the target object. For instance, using one or more of the apparatus  10  of appropriate dimension, a bundle of elongated objects such as pipes, sticks, lumber, sporting goods (e.g., skis, sticks, bats) may conveniently be carried by one or more people without separation of the bundle, and without the need for taping or tying the bundle together.  FIG. 7  shows such an application. 
         [0039]    In other applications, the target object may comprise a fixed or relatively fixed target or object, wherein the handle portion is used to support hanging therefrom one or more additional objects. Suitable targets include, but are certainly not limited to, such a portion of the interior of an automobile (e.g., a grab handle, head rest or portion thereof), a portion of the exterior of the automobile (e.g., roof rack, tow hitch), vertical beams, rails, closet rods, or upon a target in any other location where it may be desirable to place a hanging structure, with the apparatus secured to the target. 
         [0040]    In still other applications, the target object may be an object movable between positions along a defined path, wherein the handle is gripped to decrease the required reach otherwise required to grip the target object. For instance, this type of target object may be a portion of a seat belt ( FIG. 9 ), or an overhead object such as doors, shades, windows, and awnings ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0041]    In additional applications, plural apparatus may be adjoined, for instance, whereby the target object is a portion of a second apparatus.  FIGS. 10-12  show some non-limiting examples of applications of plural apparatus as described herein.  FIG. 10  shows one application of plural apparatus shown and described herein, where a portion of the extended portions  18   b  proximate the end  14   b  of the apparatus  10   b  are inserted in a shaped aperture of the locking portion  22   a  of another apparatus  10   a.    
         [0042]      FIG. 11  shows another application of plural apparatus shown and described herein, where apparatus  10   b  is looped through gap  20   a  of apparatus  10   a , and the device is locked such that extended portions  18   b  have a first portion that is within a shaped aperture of the locking portion  22   a  of apparatus  10   a , and a second portion that is locked in a shaped aperture of the locking portion  22   b . The first portion of extended portions  18   b  is more proximate the end  14   b  as compared to the second portion of extended portions  18   b.    
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , another application of plural apparatus shown and described herein, where a portion of a neck  28   b  and/or handle  26   b  of an apparatus  10   b  are secured by a locking portion  22   a  of an apparatus  10   a , and further where portions of the extended portions  18   a  are secured by locking portion  22   b . An object may be positioned in the loop created by apparatus  10   b , and the position of the locking portion  22   b  on the extended portions  18   a  may be varied to accommodate various dimension objects. 
         [0044]    In still further embodiments, a first apparatus may be inserted through a handle of a second apparatus, the first apparatus locked upon itself (e.g., as shown above with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 ). 
         [0045]    Note that in the above embodiments, apparatus  10   a  and  10   b  may be the same or different sizes and/or materials. In certain preferred embodiments, at least the cross sectional dimensions and/or circumference dimensions of the combined extended portions  18   b  of the apparatus  10   b  are within a suitable tolerance compared to the dimension of the shaped aperture of the locking portion  22   a  of apparatus  10   a , for instance, as described above. 
         [0046]    The apparatus herein for wrapping around one or more target objects for gripping, as a hanging structure and/or to provide an extension provides various advantages, including the flexibility to use a particular apparatus of a given dimension with a wide dimensional range of target objects and for a variety of applications. Further, the apparatus herein may be formed of various dimensions for an even wider scope of applications. 
         [0047]    The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.