Abstract:
A storage case for a plurality of clamping bands is provided. More specifically, a storage case that comprises a cover interconnected to a housing is provided that includes an area with selectively removable tabs that provides increased access to the band clamps stored therein. The storage case of embodiments of the present invention allows for the storage of different types of bands in a pre-defined order to facilitate the use of such bands in a particular work project.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/422,854, filed Jun. 7, 2006, now Published Patent Application No. 2006/0272133, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a container for storing and efficiently dispensing a plurality of banding devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Clamping bands or band and buckle systems have been used extensively to secure or restrain one or more objects. More specifically, it is often desirable to use metal or other semi-rigid materials to restrain large objects or to fix two or more members together. In addition, band and buckle systems are commonly used to bundle items and to interconnect objects to other objects, such as lights or signage to posts, or to secure strakes, insulation, impact protectors, buoyancy elements, saddles and other large objects to drilling platforms. The bands may be cut from a coil or may be pre-cut and include an integrated buckle. After pre-cut bands are wrapped around the items to be bundled or attached, a tool is used to tighten the band and crimp the buckle and/or band, thereby holding the band in place at a secured circumference. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0272133, identified above, describes a pre-cut and preformed free-end band and seal system. 
         [0004]    Carrying containers, or “totes,” as they are sometimes called, are often used to facilitate the transportation of a plurality of bands or a coil of banding material. Some containers also include a storage location for buckles that are used to interconnected the ends of the band. Currently, cardboard boxes are sometimes used to store loose bands. One drawback of cardboard boxes is that they are subject to deterioration from handling, use, and exposure and are not very protective of the stored items. Further, many containers and/or boxes used in the prior art make it difficult for the user to quickly assess the amount of bands or coil remaining in the container. In the context of precut bands, the containers commonly employed fail to maintain any organization of the bands within the container, often times making it difficult to remove bands from the container or causing damage to the bands. Containers are often bulky or awkward to use at a job site. In addition, containers for band clamps of the prior art are not versatile and do not generally permit the storage of different types, lengths, thicknesses and widths, etc. of bands. Further, most containers do not allow for or facilitate quick and easy access to the bands, which will be further described below. 
         [0005]    Thus it is a long felt need to provide a container that allows for visual and manual access to the bands stored therein. It is also desirous to provide a storage container that allows for the storage of a plurality of different types of bands. The following disclosure describes an improved storage container that is adapted to store a plurality of bands that provide the user with enhanced visual and physical access to the items stored therein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a container for securing a plurality of pre-cut clamping bands. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for the coiled storage of a plurality of bands that each include a buckle or other securing mechanism associated with one end thereof. Embodiments of the present invention employ a cover interconnected to a housing that is adapted to store a plurality of bands in a coiled fashion. The container may also include at least one handle to facilitate transportation. Further, the cover and/or housing may include a plurality of viewing areas to quickly provide the worker visual access to the interior of the case so they can assess the amount of bands being stored at any given time. The storage container of embodiments of the present invention allows for quick and simple removal of individual storage bands. In another embodiment, the storage container may include removable tabs to facilitate access to the stored bands. Thus, one advantage of embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein is that they allow for visual identification of the bands stored within the container and enhanced access to those bands. Other advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon review of the following. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the present invention, the contemplated storage container allows for selective customization of the bands stored to suit a worker&#39;s needs that may be related to the particular task being performed. More specifically, a specific task may require the use of different types of bands, i.e. different sizes, styles, lengths, widths, colors, thicknesses, gauges, etc. Thus embodiments are customizable wherein the storage container accommodates the bands needed for any particular job. For example, bands may be stored in a particular order, i.e. with respect to length, size and/or color for a particular task, such as adding signage or lights to a pole. The particular combination of bands as positioned in the container would be in the order of need based upon a particular site requirement. This storage scheme facilitates safety by omitting the need to transport a number of unneeded bands or a continuous coil of banding material up the entire length of a pole wherein the worker is required to cut the bands or find a particular band as he or she progresses up the pole. Similarly, it eliminates the need for the worker to predetermine what bands are needed while in the field, thereby reducing unnecessary trips up and down the pole to accommodate errors in band selection. With embodiments of the present invention, if the worker is adding signage from the bottom to the top of a pole or structure, the weight of the storage case and the items stored therein would be reduced as the worker&#39;s task progresses. Also, the system as described makes the use of bands less apt to errors because the exact number and types of bands for any given project may be pre-assembled in the container. 
         [0008]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage system that allows for quick and easy access to the stored bands. In one embodiment, the bands will be stored in a coiled configuration with quick access, despite the material properties of the bands that tend to expand the bands within the container. That is, the straightening mechanism related to the stiffness or elastic modulus of the clamping bands will expand the stored coils and force inner coils against the outer coils and the outermost coil against an interior wall of the storage container. Thus every band will experience a load from every band positioned inside of it. These loads make it difficult, if not impossible to remove all but the innermost band from the container. Accordingly, the bands may be stored in order of need from the inside to the outside of the container. 
         [0009]    It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide bands that are stored in such a way that an end of the innermost band is located adjacent to an opening provided in the container such that the worker can easily remove the innermost band for use. That is, the band positioned innermost on the coil will have no bands pressing on it and will be relatively easy to remove. Thereafter the second innermost inner band will be able to be removed and so forth because there will be no bands applying a radial force on the band to be removed. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the invention, the ends of the stored bands are positioned along one edge of the container that includes an opening that may be selectively enlarged by removing tabs positioned in the wall of the housing. In this manner, each end of each band may be accessed as the bands are individually removed. This aspect of the present invention will be clear upon review of the figures and the detailed description below. It is contemplated that the tabs of the embodiments of the present invention are selectively removable, i.e. break-away portions of the housing. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a system may be provided wherein the portion of the wall defined by the tabs may be replaced, thereby making the entire system reusable. Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other ways of providing selective access may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention such as selectively openable doors, for example, that would provide additional access to the coiled bands. 
         [0011]    There are many advantages of embodiments of the present invention, which will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. One such advantage is that visual access is provided to the user so they can quickly ascertain the number of bands or amount of banding material stored in the container such that the correct amount of bands are transported to the work site. In addition, the storage container provides predetermined access to the stored bands wherein the bands may be removed in series from inner band to outer band in a predetermined order of need, if applicable. The storage container of embodiments of the present invention is also constructed of materials and using processes known in the art thereby making it cost effective to manufacture. It is envisioned that embodiments of the present invention are constructed of a durable material, such as plastic, which is resistant to deterioration from outdoor environment including, sun, rain, snow, cold, etc., thereby helping to protect the stored bands and provide a longer life to the container, particularly if it will be reused. A container may also be made of recyclable material, such as polypropylene, if it is contemplated for single use only. It could also be made out of cardboard or other materials that are more easily recyclable. 
         [0012]    The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clamping band and preassembled buckle; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a case for storing a plurality of bands of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a housing of the case shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the housing of the case shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a cover of the case shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the cover of the case shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the housing of  FIG. 2  with a plurality of bands are stored therein, the cover has been removed for clarity. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a high strength, pre-cut, free-end band  2  of a predetermined length having a first end  6  and a preformed second end  10  with a seal  14  is affixed adjacent thereto. When subjected to clamping force, the band clamp  2  restrains or secures one or more objects. Preforming the band  2  and providing bands of predetermined lengths prevents wasted material and reduces labor costs. The second end  10  forms a loop of material  18  that contains the seal  14  that facilitates preassembly for packaging, shipping and use in the field. The band clamp also facilitates efficiency in the field by eliminating the need for the worker to cut bands to desired lengths from a continuous coil or to form the loop of material  18  and assemble bands and seals  14 . The band is adapted for storage within the carrying case shown below in  FIGS. 2-7 . One skilled in the art will appreciate however, that other bands known in the art may be stored in cases of embodiments of the present invention. The bands shown and described herein, which are succinctly described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0272133, are used to secure bundles or other items or structures. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many uses for bands of this type, or those similar thereto, and that the efficient storage of the bands helps facilitate their use. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the container  22  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Embodiments of the present invention include a housing  26  that is interconnected to a cover  30  via a wall  34 . In addition, the housing  26  includes a guidewall  38 , which will be described in further detail below. The housing  26  may also include at least one hub  42  that extends from a base  46  portion of the housing  26  that includes at least one détente  50  for interconnection with the cover  30  through aperture  54 . The wall  34  of the housing  26  includes a plurality of selectively removable tabs  58 . The tabs  58  are removed by the end user to increase the size of an opening  62  in the wall  34  to provide increased access to the stored band clamps. Although the tabs  58  are depicted as being interconnected to the housing  26 , it should be appreciated that the tabs  58  may be interconnected to the cover  30 . The cover  30  also may include a plurality of spokes  66  that define viewing areas  70  such that the worker can quickly ascertain the number of band clamps stored in the container  22 . Further, the cover  30  may include a plurality of projections  74  that receive ridges incorporated into the outside of the housing  26 , which will be described below. The projection/ridge interface facilitates storage and transportation of a plurality of containers  22 . For example, projections are adapted to be seated within corresponding ridges, thereby providing an interlocked engagement between containers. Finally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the container  22  may also include at least one handle  78  to ease transportation of the container  22  and may be made of such material to provide location for the incorporation of logos  82  and/or a panel  86  that would include information with regard to the items stored within the container  22 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the internal structure of the housing  26  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the housing  26  generally includes a base  46  with a wall  34  extending therefrom. One portion of the wall  34  is comprised of a plurality of selectively removable tabs  58 . Removal of the tabs  58  increases the size of the opening  62  or provides additional openings within the wall  34  wherein access to the stored band clamps is provided. At least one hub  42 , which may be comprised of a plurality of arms with détentes  50 , may extend from the base  46 . The détentes  50 , along with a plurality of clips  90  positioned about the perimeter of the wall  34 , receive apertures in the cover to secure the cover onto the housing. Since the tabs  58  are removable, the housing  26  of the present embodiment is not reusable. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a housing  26  employing replaceable tabs  58  is within the scope of the invention wherein the housing  26  may be reused. Finally, a spiral shaped guide wall  38  is provided that engagingly receives at least a portion of the stored band clamps. The guide wall  38  maintains the bands in a generally coiled configuration and also prevents excess uncoiling of the individual bands. The guide wall aids in the loading of bands into the container. In addition, without the guide wall  38 , the plurality of bands stored in the housing would uncoil and exert a force against the outside wall  34 . By reacting some of the forces generated by the wound bands, the guide wall helps deform the bands somewhat so that when they are removed they will be bowed in the direction of band interconnection or installation. That is, some embodiments of the invention are used in conjunction with band clamps that must be fastened with the buckle in a particular orientation. By providing a bowed band, the occurrences of incorrect interconnection is drastically reduced. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the guide wall  38  has other advantages such as preventing inner bands from pressing on outer bands, acting as a guide for loading and unloading the bands into the container, and as a strengthening wall to maintain spacing of the top and bottom covers, particularly if multiple containers are oriented in a stack. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the guide wall  38  does not have to be a solid, uniform “wall” in the traditional sense. More specifically, the coiled bands may be supported by a non-continuous wall, a groove positioned in the base  46  of the housing  26 , or a plurality of spaced projections extending from the base  46 , such as a series of pegs. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the outside of the housing  26  is shown. Here, it can be easily appreciated that at least one logo may be incorporated into the housing  26 , such as at location  82  to indicate the manufacturer of the storage container of the type of product and/or items stored within the container. In addition, the ridges  94  are shown that may engage the projections ( FIG. 2 ) of the cover. The plurality of apertures  78  integrated into the surface of the housing  26  provide handles  78  that simplify transportation of the storage case. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 , the cover  30  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cover  30  includes a plurality of apertures  98  positioned about its perimeter for receipt of clips  90  integrated onto the housing portion of the case. The clips  90  engage the edge of the cover  30 , thereby securely fastening the cover  30  onto the housing  26 . The cover  30  is formed of a material such that logos  82  may be easily integrated thereon. In addition, the panel  86  may be provided wherein the information related to the items stored within the case may be located. The cover  30  may also include a plurality of spokes  66  emanating from a central hub aperture  54  to provide a plurality of viewing areas  70  such that the worker may easily ascertain the number of band clamps stored in the container. Further, the plurality of projections  74  are included that are generally positioned on the spokes  66  that receive the ridges  94  positioned on the outer side of the housing to facilitate stackable storage of a plurality of storage containers. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a plurality of clamping bands  2   1  and  2   n  are depicted as being stored in the housing  26 , the cover has been removed and the clamping bands have been partially shown for clarity. The plurality of clamping bands  2  are positioned in a coiled fashion such that the seal  14  of the innermost band  2   1  is positioned closest to or proximate to the opening  62 . The material properties of the clamping band  2  tends to expand them outwardly such that the seal  14  of the outermost band  2   n  is firmly engaged upon the wall  34 . As the number of stored bands  2  is increased, the amount of force acting on the wall  34  as well as the outermost bands is necessarily increased such that removal of the outermost bands  2   n ,  2   n-1  and  2   n-2  is difficult. Conversely, the load acting on the innermost band  2   i , also known as the frictional load, is minimal such that it may be removed with the least amount of force. The shape of the housing  26  and the guide wall  38  may also facilitate the removal of the bands  2 . For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wall  34  has a unique radius of R, the guide wall  38  has an outer diameter of R 2  and an inner diameter R 3 . These radii are dependent on the nature of the material of the bands  2  being stored. That is, for more flexible bands  2 , the radii R 2  and R 3  of the guide wall  38  may be reduced to tighten the coil of bands  2 . For stiffer bands, the radii is often increased, because smaller radii will tend to over deflect the stored bands. The radii of the guide wall  38  thus will dictate the amount of load exerted by the inner bands onto the outer band  2   n . 
         [0028]    In operation, the worker gains access to the innermost band  2   1  via the opening  62  and removes it from the housing  26  by pulling it through the opening  62 . The worker repeats the step, of removing one band  2  and seal combination at a time, until access to the next band  25  for example, becomes difficult due to interference from the tabs  58 . Then, at least one tab  58  is selectively removed to increase the size of the opening  62  to expose additional clamping bands  2 . As the clamping bands  2  are removed, the force exerted by the inner bands on the outer bands is decreased such that the last outer band  2   n  can be easily removed. While the lack of tabs  58  may make the housing less desirable for future use, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a replacement tabbed portion may be provided such that the housing  26  may be used subsequently. For example, the cover may include tabs, or a separate tabbed wall may be inserted between the cover and housing  26 . 
         [0029]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention provide a way to store a plurality of coiled bands in a stacked configuration. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a housing having a base with a guide wall extending therefrom for storing bands in a generally coiled position. As an alternative, a container may be configured to store two or more coils of bands in a tiered configuration. For example, on an upper surface of the guide wall, a secondary base and guide wall may be provided thereby providing a two tiered system for storage of either the same types of bands or different types of bands. In addition, the access to the first and second tiers of bands may be provided by a single tab that increases the opening of the storage container in such amount to provide access to the first and second tiers, or alternatively, a double tabbed system may be provided wherein tabs allow access to the first tier and separate tabs that allow access to the second tier are provided. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that although two tiers have been described, the number of tiers that may be employed may be varied depending on the size and weight of the bands, for example. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-7 , a manner of making one embodiment of the present invention is provided. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many materials may be employed in the construction of the housing  26  and the cover  30 . Preferably, the housing  26  and cover  30  are made of moldable plastic to facilitate construction of each component. Another advantage of utilizing plastics is that they are waterproof, easily moldable, can be made in any color, and are very durable. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, such as wood, composites and cardboard. Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the cover  30  is interconnected to the housing  26  via a system of clips  90  and apertures  98 . However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the cover  30  may be interconnected to the housing  26  via an ultrasonic weld, adhesives, or any other method generally known in the art to secure two components together. For example, embodiments of the present invention use a plurality of fasteners to interconnect the cover  30  to the housing  26  to facilitate initial loading of the container. However, the cover may also be removed for re-loading. It is also envisioned that the portion of the wall  34  that contains the tabs  58  may be completely removable such that a new set of tabs  58  may be integrated into the wall  34 , thereby allowing for the housing  26  to be used repeatedly. 
         [0031]    The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         [0032]    Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g. as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.