Abstract:
A device is provided for securing an item comprising a body, a plurality of fingers having a first end secured to the body with the first end having an aperture, a second end, a cavity defined by the interior of the finger that is accessible from the aperture to receive a fluid therein to extend the second end from a first position outwardly from the body to a second position to secure the item, and a plurality of valve elements in fluid communication with the aperture to prevent backflow of the fluid from the cavity.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally related to a securing device, more particularly, to a device for securing items during transportation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Attempts have been made to protect items during transportation. Typically, such attempts generally include containers, straps, netting, and in some cases, inflatable bladders. Unfortunately, such techniques have proven to be unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. 
     For example, rigid containers lack versatility and only function properly when the item fits snugly so that there is no movement or shifting of position as the container is moved. Otherwise, the item is free to shift about within the container, which can cause damage, particularly where the item is fragile. Even when filled, a container requires careful packing to maintain the separation of items therein. Thus, it has been necessary to provide packing material to avoid shifting of the item and potential damage thereto within the container. 
     Netting and straps suffer from similar deficiencies, as they must be tightened around an item to secure it for transportation. However, if the items are fragile and/or have a variety of different shapes, it is difficult to secure properly. In other cases, attempts have been made to secure items with inflatable bags or bladders. However, if the bag is punctured the entire bag will deflate, leaving items unsecured and exposed to damage. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to provide a securing device capable of protecting various items during transportation. The present invention is directed to overcoming the above stated problems and others by providing a unique securing device. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following illustrations: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a securing device in an extended position in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the securing device in a storage position in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a finger in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a schematic view of the securing device in an extended position in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a schematic view of the securing device in a storage position in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the securing device in a storage position in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the securing device in a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device is provided for securing an item comprising a body, a plurality of fingers having a first end secured to the body with the first end having an aperture, a second end, a cavity defined by the interior of the finger that is accessible from the aperture to receive a fluid therein to extend the second end from a first position outwardly from the body to a second position to secure the item, and a plurality of valve elements in fluid communication with the aperture to prevent backflow of the fluid from the cavity. 
     In another aspect, a device is provided for securing an item comprising a body, a plurality of fingers comprising a first end secured to the body and having an aperture, a second end, a cavity defined by the interior of the finger accessible from the aperture to receive a fluid therein, a plurality of valve elements in fluid communication with the aperture to prevent backflow of the fluid from the cavity; and a pump in fluid communication with the cavity for providing fluid to the cavity, wherein the plurality of fingers are moveable from a storage position wherein the cavity has a first fluid pressure, to a securing position wherein the cavity has a second fluid pressure greater than the first fluid pressure so that the plurality of fingers extend outwardly from the body to secure the item. 
     In yet another aspect, a device is provided for securing an item comprising a body, a first arm extending from the body, and a second arm extending from the body and securable to the first arm to define a zone between the body, the first arm, and the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter greater than the first diameter to secure the item within the zone. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention is described herein with reference to several embodiments, it should be clear that the invention should not be limited only to the embodiments disclosed or discussed. The description of the embodiments herein is illustrative of the invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as described or claimed. 
     As generally described herein,  FIGS. 1-11  illustrate embodiments of a securing device  10  (hereinafter referred to as “the device  10 ”). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  may generally comprise a body  30  and a plurality of fingers  35  capable of extending from the body  30  to secure an item  36  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). It is to be understood that the item  36  may include, but is not limited to, groceries, fragile objects, animals, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the body  30  may be substantially rectangular in shape and capable of being secured to, for example, a trunk lid  37  of a vehicle  38 . The body  30  has a first side  40  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) for positioning along a surface and a second side  45  from which the fingers  35  extend from a first storage position (hereinafter referred to as “the first position”) as shown in  FIG. 3 , and a second extended position (hereinafter referred to as “the second position”) as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , sidewalls  50  may be provided to define a chamber  53  inside the body  30 . It is also to be understood that the sidewalls  50  may extend beyond the second side  45  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) so that the fingers  35  do not extend beyond the sidewalls  50  of the body  30  in the first position (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). Accordingly, the sidewalls  50  protect the fingers  35  while not in use. The body  30  may be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, plastic, composites, and the like. In a non-limiting example, the body  30  (or portions thereof) may be constructed of an inflatable material, such as rubber and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second side  45  may have a plurality of apertures  60  through which a fluid, such as air, may be distributed to the fingers  35 . A compressor  65  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be provided to supply the fluid flow (or pressure) to extend the fingers  35  to the second position. For example, the compressor  65  may be mounted on or in the body  30 . In another example, the compressor  65  may be mounted in a vehicle, for example on the trunk floor and operably connected to the device  10  with a tube (not shown). In yet another example, the device  10  may utilize a compressor  65  pre-installed by a vehicle manufacturer. The compressor  65  may be, but is not limited to, a pump compressor, a hand compressor, and the like. The compressor  65  may be powered by a variety of power sources including, but not limited to, disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, and vehicle batteries. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fingers  35  have a first end  70 , a second end  75 , and a sidewall  77  defining a cavity  80  therein. An aperture  82  is provided along the first end  70  for feeding the fluid into the cavity  80 . The first end  70  may be secured to second side  45  so that the aperture  82  is substantially coaxially aligned with the aperture  60 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a manifold  90  may be provided to distribute the fluid to the fingers  35 . When inflated, the fingers  35  extend substantially perpendicularly outward from the body  30  to the second position. The manifold  90  may be constructed from materials including, but not limited to, hoses, tubes, pipes, and the like. 
     One or more valve elements, such as a check valve  95  may be provided in fluid communication with the aperture  82  to prevent fluid backflow from the cavity  80 . Accordingly, if one of the fingers  35  deflates, the check valves  95  will prevent backflow of the fluid from the other fingers  35  so that the other fingers  35  will not lose pressure and will remain in the second position to secure the items  36  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). It is to be understood that the check valves  95  may be positioned anywhere between the compressor  65  and the cavity  80 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a pressure-regulating valve  100  may be provided to regulate the pressure in the fingers  35 . For example, the pressure regulating valve  100  may detect a pressure drop in the fingers  35  and/or a manifold feed line  105  due to a drop in temperature, leaks, punctures in the fingers  35 , and the like. The pressure-regulating valve  100  may be operably connected to the compressor  65  so that, for example, upon detection of a pressure drop the compressor  65  is activated to maintain the manifold  90  pressure so that the fingers  35  remain in the second position. It is to be understood that the pressure-regulating valve  100  may be adjustable to adjust the securing force exerted on the items  36  by the fingers  35 . It is also to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of controls and configurations may be used to maintain the pressure in the fingers  35 . 
     A pressure relief valve  110  may be provided on the body  30  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), the fingers  35 , the manifold  90 , and any combination thereof. The pressure relief valve  110  prevents over inflation of the device  10  to prevent rupturing the fingers  35  and/or damage to the items  36 . In one illustrative example, the pressure relief valve  110  may be adjustable to allow a user to adjust the amount of force exerted on the items  36  by the fingers  35 . 
     The fingers  35  may be formed from a shape memory plastic or rubber so that the fingers  35  return to the first position when deflated. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the fingers  35  may include a coil spring  130 , such as a tension coil spring, positioned therein. The coil spring  130  may be designed to resist stretching to return (or maintain) the fingers  35  to the first position when the fingers  35  are deflated. The coil springs  130  may be formed of metal, plastic, composites, or the like. The fingers  35  may also be provided with a tip  135  on the second end  75 . The tip  135  may be made from a soft material, such as foam, to engage items  36  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) when the fingers  35  are in the second position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fingers  35  may also be provided with a cover  140 . The cover  140  may be mesh or mesh-like and may connect all of the fingers  35 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a release valve  115  is provided for reducing the pressure in the fingers  35  so that the fingers  35  return to the first position. A second manifold  120  may be provided in fluid communication with the fingers  35  via an aperture  125 . The second manifold  120  allows for the pressure in the cavity  80  to be released to deflate the fingers  35 . The release valve  115  may be selected from, but not limited to, a needle valve, ball valve, a gate valve, a solenoid valve, pneumatic valve, and any combination thereof. Accordingly, the release valve  115  may be connected to an activator  55  (shown in  FIG. 9 ), including but not limited to, a switch or button. When the activator  55  is activated, the release valve  115  opens and the fingers  35  retract to the first position. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the fingers  35  may be capable of telescopically extending outward from the body  30  to engage and secure one or more items  36  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ). Accordingly, the fingers  35  may be selectively positioned between the first and second positions with a telescoping mechanism (not shown) including, but not limited to, manual mechanisms, motorized mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, compressed air mechanisms, and the like. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the device  10  may be provided with straps  126  capable of securing the device  10  to the vehicle trunk lid  37 . The straps  126  may be adjustable so that they fit any size of trunk lid. Although shown as secured to the trunk lid  37  with straps  126 , one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the device  10  may be secured to the trunk lid  37  is a variety of different ways. Further, it is to be understood that the device  10  may be secured with straps  126  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) to any part of the vehicle, not just the trunk lid  37 . Illustrative examples include, but are not limited to, car doors, seats, and floor. 
     It is also to be understood the device  10  may be portable, or integral with a vehicle. The device  10  may be powered with any power source. The device  10  may also be used for more than just securing items  36 . For example, the device  10  may be used to dampen road noise. In a non-limiting example, the device  10  may be provided in a trunk and extended to fill the empty space therein. In such an example, the fingers  35  act as a dampener to decrease the road noise during use of the vehicle. 
     Turning to the device  10 , an example of how to use the device  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1-8  is set forth below. The device  10  may be secured to a trunk lid  37 . Items  36  may be positioned in the trunk beneath the device  10 . The trunk lid  37  may be lowered, and a button or switch  54  may be pressed to turn on the compressor  65  to extend the fingers  35  to the second position. The fingers  35  extend and engage the items  36 , thereby providing a custom fit. The construction of the fingers  35  allows the trunk lid  37  to be closed in the first securing position without damaging the items  36 . It is to be understood, however, that the trunk lid  37  may be closed before the fingers  35  are extended. In a non-limiting example, the fingers  35  may be extended to engage the items  36  in the second position automatically after closing the trunk lid  37 , or activated remotely from inside the vehicle. 
     Accordingly, the items  36  are secured during transportation. Upon arriving at the desired destination, the trunk lid  37  may be opened and activator  55  depressed to withdraw the fingers  35  to the first position. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the device  10  may comprise a body  150  and one or more inflatable arms  155  capable of securing an item  36  therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the device  10  may be secured in a vehicle trunk, although it is to be understood that the device  10  may also be secured to the seat of a vehicle  38 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , items  36  may be positioned adjacent the body  150  so that the arms  155  may be wrapped around the items  36  to secure the items  36  in a securing zone  170  (hereinafter referred to as “the zone  170 ”) between the body  150  and the arms  155 . For example, the arms  155  may be provided with connectors for removeably securing the arms  155  together about the item  36 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the arms  155  have a first diameter. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the arms  155  are expandable to a second diameter greater than the first diameter. This in turn decreases the size of the zone  170  to secure the items  36  therein. 
     For example, the arms  155  may be provided with a cavity therein, similar to the fingers  35  described above. The cavity is in fluid communication with, for example, the compressor  65  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The arms  155  may be made from any expandable material so that as the compressor  65  feeds fluid into the cavity of the arms  155 , the arms  155  expand to the second diameter. The arms  155  may be inflated by activating the compressor  65  (as described above) and may be provided with check valves  95  (as described above). 
     It is to be understood that the arms  155  may be inflated either before securing the items  36 , or after. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a portion  160  of arm  155  in contact with the items  36  may be a soft or padded material, including but not limited to, foam. It is also to be understood that the portion  160  may be inflatable or otherwise expandable. For example, the arm  155  (or portion  160 ) may be provided with a chamber therein capable of receiving fluid therein to extend the portion  160  from the body to a second position, as described above with respect to the fingers  35 . In yet another non-limiting example, the portion  160  may include a plurality of fingers  35 , as described above. In such a non-limiting example, it is to be understood that the body  150  may be operated so that only the arms  155  expand, only the portion  160  extends, or both. 
     The embodiments of the invention have been described above and, obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.