Abstract:
A securing device and method for its use suitable for use by persons with impaired dexterity for releasably securing two surfaces together comprising a strap with an easy open and close clasp at each end for attachment to the two surfaces. In a further embodiment, the strap can comprise an advertising medium containing, words, logos and pictorial material. The strap may have varying lengths and adjustment means.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/460,792 filed on Dec. 14, 1999, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,805 on Aug. 27, 2002, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is related to an easy open and close securing device, and more an easy to use securing device suitable for use even for those users with impaired, reduced, or limited manual dexterity. The invention more particularly relates to an easy open and close securing device suitable for use in a wide variety of environments including sterile, marine and other environments. The invention further relates to an advertising medium in the form of a securing device in which the strap functions as an advertising forum.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Securing devices are often difficult to use for persons with impaired, reduced or limited manual dexterity such as children, the elderly, persons afflicted with arthritis, and those suffering diseases or conditions that reduce the strength or dexterity required to operate currently available securing devices.  
           [0004]    A need remains for a securing device readily usable by persons with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age. Such persons often find it difficult or painful to manipulate many securing devices having clasps that require strength to open or buckles requiring the use of both hands to align and insert one component into another to achieve engagement without the assistance of another person. The simultaneous compression of locking lugs to release a buckle can be equally cumbersome and/or painful for persons having these conditions. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved securing device that can be easily operated by persons with impaired manual dexterity yet provides a secure engagement.  
           [0005]    Additionally, many clasps capable of use by those with limited dexterity do not provide sufficient securing power and can often prematurely release the clasp from the surface to which it is secured.  
           [0006]    For example, pillows are used to add comfort to various kinds of elevated surfaces including lounge chairs, recliners, and most notably adjustable beds, particularly of the sort used in hospitals. However, problems have arisen in the utilization of pillows on such elevated surfaces, primarily with preventing the pillow from sliding down or falling off the surface when it is in the elevated position. This is a particular problem in environments where it is desirable to maintain the pillow and bed linens in a sterile environment and where the patients have insufficient strength or flexibility to try to keep the pillow in place.  
           [0007]    Furthermore, many securing devices are not suitable for use in environments that require sterilization of the device, nor are many securing devices suitable for use in marine and other corrosive environments.  
           [0008]    Attempts made in the past in an effort to solve these problems have been ineffective, have required expensive specialized equipment, or have been difficult or impossible to use, particularly by persons with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention overcomes the above obstacles by providing a securing device usable that is easily used, even by users with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity.  
           [0010]    The securing device comprises a single strap with two easy open and close clasps secured to each end of the strap. The easy open and close clasps are particularly suited for use by those persons with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age.  
           [0011]    In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the securing device may contain an adjustment means for lengthening and shortening the strap.  
           [0012]    In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an advertising medium on the strap portion of the securing device. Such advertising may operate to offset the costs of the device to the users in a hospital setting and further is highly effective in that it is shown to a truly captive audience. The advertising medium is also of a benefit to charities and others looking for a quality, low cost, and useful device for providing a service to the users and a space for advertising.  
           [0013]    In use at least one end of the strap is secured by means of the first clasp to a first surface, such as a pillow, and the other end of the strap is secured by means of the second clasp to a second surface, such as an elevated surface.  
           [0014]    Generally, a single device is sufficient to secure the two surfaces. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, multiple devices may be used.  
           [0015]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
       
    
    
     IN THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the securing device of one embodiment of the invention with a fixed strap length;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the securing device of another embodiment of the invention with an adjustable strap length;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the securing device of further embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein the strap comprises an advertising medium;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the easy open and close securing clasps in a closed position; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the easy open and close securing clasp of FIG. 4 in an open position; and 
     
    
       [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the securing device of FIG. 1 in use on a hospital bed to secure a pillow to an elevated surface.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0024]    The present invention provides securing device that is easy to use and which is adaptable to many applications through the selection of components and materials of construction. This securing device is particularly suited for use by persons with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the securing device of the present invention  10  comprises a single strap  30  of a set length with easy open and close releasable clasps  50 A and  50 B securely attached to each end of the single strap  20  so that in use clasp  50 A is attached to a first surface and clasp  50 B is attached to a second surface.  
         [0026]    The strap  30  may be made of any suitable material such polypropylene webbing, canvas and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the strap  30  is capable of withstanding heat, chemical and/or electrical sterilization so that it is suitable for use in a hospital or nursing home environment. In another embodiment of the present invention, the strap  30  is capable of withstanding salt water so that it is suitable for use in a marine environment.  
         [0027]    Clasps  50 A and  50 B are identical and in structure are generally referred to as clasp  50 . Clasps  50 A and  50 B are independently openable and closable so that each of clasps  50 A and SOB may be independently secured to the desired surface and independently released therefrom.  
         [0028]    An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 wherein an adjustment means  70  is provided to adjust the length of strap  30  so as to provide a more customized fit or to be adaptable to a wider range of environments. Any suitable adjustment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art is suitable for use in the present invention. Preferably the adjustment means are made of a sterilization material or a salt or chemical corrosion resistant material such as metals with the desired properties and plastics such as polypropylene, acetal, or nylon.  
         [0029]    Yet another embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, where the securing device  10  comprises an advertising medium wherein the strap  20  contains a logo or other written or pictorial material  25 . In a further embodiment of the invention, the strap functions as an advertising medium and may display writing, pictures, designs, logos and the like. These elements can be incorporated into the strap by a variety of means known to those skilled in the art such as embroidery, weaving, printing, gluing, sewing, fusing, and the like. The elements may be located in a portion of the strap or can form an all over design or a repeating design pattern.  
         [0030]    The clasps  50 A and  50 B are an easy open and shut type as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and referred generally to as clasp  50 . Clasp  50  is suitable for use by persons of impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age. Clasp  50  is depicted in FIG. 4 in the closed position and in FIG. 5 in the open position. In referring to these figures, clasp  50  has an attachment portion  51  for securing the clasp  50  to strap  30 . Any suitable type of attachment portion known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized such as a loop or slot through which the strap is threaded and then secured, a clamping device, and the like. A clamping portion  52  has a base member  53 , preferably with gripping means such as teeth  54  with a releasably clamping member  55  with a pivoting portion  56  and a handle portion  57 . The handle portion  57  is of a sufficient size and shape that it is readily grasped and rotated even by users with impaired, reduced or limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age.  
         [0031]    The clasp  50  can be made out of any suitable material, but is preferably polypropylene, acetal or nylon. The clasp  50  must be sufficiently flexible to be bent into the locking shape, but must also be sufficiently rigid and durable to withstand high amounts of tension. Preferably, the clasp  50  is sufficiently rigid so that its shape is not deformed after the ends are locked together, even under high amounts of tension.  
         [0032]    Construction and operation of the securing device can be understood by reference to the figures and description set forth herein.  
         [0033]    As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 the securing device  10  of the present invention comprises strap  30  having a first end  31  and a second end  32 . The first end  31  of strap  30  is attached or secured to a first clasp  50 A and the second clasp  50 B attached or secured to the second end  32  of strap  30 . The strap  30  may be secured or attached to the clasps  50 A and  50 B by any means known in the art including, but not limited to, sewing, gluing, bonding, welding, fusing, and the like, and combinations thereof.  
         [0034]    In use, clasp  50 A is secured to a first surface and clasp  50 B to a second surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one of the clasps, clasp  50 A is secured to the elevated bed  60  and the other clasp, clasp  50 B, is secured to pillow  80  so as to prevent sliding or dislodging of the pillow  80  from the surface of the elevated bed  60 . In hospitals and nursing homes, this makes the patient much more comfortable to have the pillow secured in place. In particular, patients requiring positioning on their sides feel more secure with the securing device  10  to hold the pillow in place. Likewise, lap robes can be attached to wheel chairs so the patient does not have to constantly hold onto the lap robe or continually grab at it when it slides during transport.  
         [0035]    The securing device  10  of the present invention can be used for securing a golf towel to a golf bar or to a golf cart. This obviates the need for disposal of an expensive golf towel when the grommet wears is out. Furthermore, the securing device of the present invention is not limited to where a metal clip can be attached.  
         [0036]    The securing device  10  can also be used by fishermen to hold their fishing towel handy. It does not have to be stowed away each time the boat is move. The securing device  10  can also be used to keep their hat from flying out of the boat or being squashed underfoot while moving about on board.  
         [0037]    The securing device  10  is also very useful at the beach for holding beach towels, t-shirts, hats and the like to keep them from blowing away or to hang them out to dry to avoid storage of wet items in musty compartments.  
         [0038]    Horseback riders also find the securing device  10  to be handy. With use of the securing device  10 , the horseback rider no longer needs to store their cap in the saddlebag while riding, instead they can secure it to a surface outside of the saddlebag. Likewise, the horseback rider can hold their gloves at rest stops. Thus, the securing device  10  allows the cap to be kept handy while riding the gloves while resting.  
         [0039]    The securing device  10  has many uses for campers. The securing device  10  can hold grocery sacks and trash bags out of reach of animals, particularly bears. Any tree limb can become a clothesline is with the use of the securing device  10 . Furthermore, in an emergency, the securing device  10  can take the place of a tent securing strap.  
         [0040]    The securing device  10  is useful for keeping shop towels handy by securing them to their clothing or to a convenient railing or post. Likewise, work gloves can be kept handy for easy retrieval.  
         [0041]    Towels can be secured to towel racks or other handy surfaces. This is quite useful with children of all ages. Kitchen towels can be held at a central location or to the cook so that it is always handy and at the ready. Housekeepers and others can secure a number of towels for use with the various cleaners, making their work much more efficient.  
         [0042]    For those that like to relax, the pillow will not fall out of the hammock if a securing device  10  is holding it.  
         [0043]    Vinyl signs will stay in place without a rope but with the securing device  10  on cloth backdrops or secured around railings.  
         [0044]    These are some of the myriad of uses for securing device  10 . The uses are only limited by the imagination.  
         [0045]    Although the present invention has been described in specific and detailed terms with respect to the preferred embodiments as set forth above, various other embodiments of this invention including alterations in size, shape, etc., substitutions of conventional elements and other applications will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.