Abstract:
A system of attachment surface structures that find their best use in the form of repeatedly removable straps and bands for securing one object to another. The surfaces are preferably constructed of narrow sheets of flexible polymer plastic materials having generally high tensile strength. A first embodiment includes shaped parallel ridges on one surface that interlock with mating parallel ridges on an opposing surface. These parallel ridges may be double sided (interlocking on both sides of each shaped ridge with the next shaped ridge on either side) or single sided (interlocking with a single ridge oriented 180 degrees from the first). Further embodiments include an array of shaped posts of various regular geometric shapes that interlock with an opposing array of identical posts. Further embodiments include parallel ridge pairs that interlock with parallel post-type ridges that lend themselves to extrusion manufacturing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/800,427, filed: Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/867,548, filed: Aug. 19, 2013, the full disclosures of which are each incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to attachment surfaces, straps and bands. The present invention relates more specifically to an attachment surface structured to allow identical sections of the surface to removably attach together. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Efforts have been made in the past to provide surfaces (most often in the form of straps or bands) that removably and repeatedly adhere to each other for the purpose of securing one object to another. One example of such types of surfaces is a hook surface operable in conjunction with a loop surface, developed and marked under the brand name Velcro®. Hook and loop surfaces suffer from a number of drawbacks. Both surfaces tend to collect fibrous dust, strings, and other material that fowls the surfaces and degrades their ability to adhere to one another. A further disadvantage of hook and loop surfaces is the requirement to manufacture and sell two different types of surfaces rather than a single type of surface that can adhere to another section of the same type of surface. 
     It would be desirable to have attachment surfaces that overcame the problems associated with the more common hook and loop combination surfaces. It would be desirable if a single type of surface could be manufactured and two sections of the single type of surface would adhere to each other. It would be desirable if the surfaces were not prone to become fowled with fibers, dust, threads, and other materials that might degrade their function. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In fulfillment of the above objectives the present invention provides a number of attachment surface structures that find their best use in the form of repeatedly removable straps and bands for securing one object to another. The surfaces are preferably constructed of narrow sheets of flexible polymer plastic materials having generally high tensile strength (bendable but not stretchable). A first set of embodiment includes shaped parallel ridges on one face of strap or band that interlock with mating parallel ridges on an opposing strap or band. These parallel ridges may be double sided (interlocking on both sides of each shaped ridge with the next shaped ridge on either side) or single sided (interlocking with a single ridge oriented 180 degrees from the first). A second set of embodiments includes an array of “umbrella” shaped posts that interlock with an opposing array of identical posts on a second section of strap. The second set of embodiments may be constructed using a variety of regular geometric shapes (square, triangle, pentagon, and hexagon, for example) that permit adherence between the surfaces in other than laterally aligned orientations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a double sided embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, viewed along Section Line A-A′ in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a single sided embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, viewed along Section Line B-B′ in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of two opposing straps implementing the parallel ridge embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, the straps shown separated before attachment. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of two opposing straps implementing the parallel ridge embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, the straps shown overlaid and attached one to the other. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of one strap implementing the post array (square) embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, a second opposing strap shown in broken line form to show the multiple orientations possible with the embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of one strap implementing the post array (triangular) embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, a second opposing strap shown in broken line form to show the multiple orientations possible with the embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector top with attachment slots and alignment bar. 
         FIGS. 7B-7D  are three orthographic views of the connector top shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector bottom with attachment slots and alignment bar. 
         FIGS. 8B-8D  are three orthographic views of the connector bottom shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of a further sew-on embodiment of the present invention showing a connector top. 
         FIGS. 9B-9D  are three orthographic views of the connector top shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of a further sew-on embodiment of the present invention showing a connector bottom. 
         FIGS. 10B-10D  are three orthographic views of the connector bottom shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of a further triangular snap connector embodiment of the present invention showing the inner connector half. 
         FIGS. 11B-11D  are three orthographic views of the triangular snap connector inner connector half shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  is an isometric view of a further triangular snap connector embodiment of the present invention showing the outer connector half. 
         FIGS. 12B-12D  are three orthographic views of the triangular snap connector outer connector half shown in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional side edge view showing the manner of attachment between the top and bottom components shown in  FIGS. 9A &amp; 10A  (for example). 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector bottom component capable of being manufactured using an extrusion process, viewed along Section Line C-C′ in  FIG. 14C . 
         FIG. 14B  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the connector bottom component shown in  FIG. 14A  (Detail A) disclosing the individual connector ridge structure. 
         FIG. 14C  is a top plan view of a section of the extrusion manufactured according to the structures of the connector bottom component shown in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is an end view of a portion of the connector bottom component of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 14A , cut from an extrusion, with holes positioned for attachment to a surface. 
         FIG. 15B  is a top plan view of the portion of the connector bottom component shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of the portion of the connector bottom component shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view of the mateable section of the further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector top component capable of being manufactured using an extrusion process, viewed along Section Line D-D′ in  FIG. 16C . 
         FIG. 16B  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the connector top component shown in  FIG. 16A  (Detail B) disclosing the individual connector ridge structure. 
         FIG. 16C  is a top plan view of a section of the extrusion manufactured according to the structures of the connector top component shown in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17A  is an end view of a portion of the connector top component of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 16A , cut from an extrusion, with holes positioned for attachment to a surface. 
         FIG. 17B  is a top plan view of the portion of the connector top component shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a perspective view of the portion of the connector top component shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the connector top and bottom components shown in  FIGS. 15C &amp; 17C , showing the manner of attachment between the top and bottom components. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  which is a detailed cross-sectional view of a double sided embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention. The cross section shown in  FIG. 1  represents the structure of both a double sided ridge based embodiment and a double (or multiple) sided post embodiment. The structure could, for example reflect a cross section of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  (square post array) as viewed along Section Line A-A′ therein, as well as a double sided parallel ridge embodiment. In either case the flexible material from which the generally flat straps or bands  12  &amp;  14  are constructed to allow the ridges (or posts)  16  from one surface to press into and interlock with the same ridges (or posts) present on an opposing strap or band. This interlock is achieved between what are essentially the same structures positioned in opposition to each other. In  FIG. 1  these structures represent arms  18  &amp;  20  extending off of ridge (or post)  16  that interlock with corresponding arms positioned on the opposing strip. This interlock maintains adherence between the surfaces, especially in the face of longitudinal force. The surfaces may separate relatively easily with a transverse rolling force (see  FIG. 4 ) when the user wants to separate the surfaces. 
       FIG. 2  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a single sided embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, essentially eliminating one interlocking side of each parallel ridge. In  FIG. 2 , flat straps or bands  22  &amp;  24  are constructed to allow the ridges (or posts)  26  from one surface to press into and interlock with the same ridges (or posts) present on an opposing strap or band. In this embodiment, a single curled arm  28  extends from ridge (or post)  26  to interlock with a corresponding curled arm from the opposing strap or band. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  retains the strength of adherence by increasing the degree to which the ridges interlock. While this maintains the hold between the surfaces in one direction it does reduce the hold in the opposing direction. This characteristic may be beneficial where the desire is to secure a strap or band pulled in one direction from being released in the opposite direction. This would be helpful where, for example, a strap is used to tighten or close one component over and against another, such as in a shoe or a tie down, where an opposing force is oriented in the direction that the surface to surface adherence is strongest. 
     The cross section view of  FIG. 2  best represents the parallel ridge structure shown in  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 , as viewed along Section Line B-B′ in  FIG. 4 . Again, orientation of the straps  22  &amp;  24  is such that the force that tends to longitudinally pull the straps apart is most strongly resisted by the interlocking structure. The flexibility of the interlocking “arms”  28  (seen in cross section) on each ridge  26  allows for the structures to coil together as shown in  FIG. 2 . Pulling the straps  22  &amp;  24  apart (in a direction orthogonal to the surfaces) allows these interlocking structures to uncoil and release. Once again, one of the most important features of the present invention is the identical structure of the two opposing surfaces  22  &amp;  24 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of two opposing straps  30  &amp;  32  implementing the parallel ridge  34  embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, the straps  30  &amp;  32  shown separated before attachment. The lower strap  32  (oriented with the rounded end to the left) shows the parallel ridges  36  on its upper face. The upper strap  30  (oriented with the rounded end to the right) shows the hidden parallel ridges  34  in broken line form for purposes of viewing how the ridges  34  &amp;  36  align and interlock. Reference is again made to  FIG. 2  for the best representation of this interlocking action. The arrows in  FIG. 3  show the manner in which the straps  30  &amp;  32  may be pressed together to achieve the interlocking action. 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the two opposing straps  30  &amp;  32  implementing the parallel ridge embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ; the straps  30  &amp;  32  shown overlaid and attached one to the other. The curved arrow in  FIG. 4  shows the manner in which the top strap  30  may be pulled up and back so as to release the interlocking structures and separate the straps. Adjustment of the longitudinal tightness of the straps may be made by pulling one strap further along the other, incrementally moving to the next ridges on the second strap for each of the parallel opposing ridges on the first strap. In this manner, the strength of the longitudinal force (the tightness) may be incrementally increased or decreased. 
     Reference is next made to  FIGS. 5 &amp; 6  for a description of an alternate post array embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the parallel ridge embodiment lends itself to strength of attachment when one strap is oriented parallel to the other (directly overlaying), the post array embodiment allows for non-aligned orientation of the straps. 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of one strap  40  implementing the post array  44  (square) embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, a second opposing strap  42  shown in broken line form to show the multiple orientations possible with the embodiment. With each “umbrella” shaped post  44  (seen from the top in this view) having four interlocking structures (oriented outward 90 degrees to each other) a similar surface may interlock into an opposing space  46  in either a longitudinal or a transverse orientation (as shown in broken line form). Although a strap implementation of this embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 , the post array embodiment lends itself to implementation with larger patches of attachment surfaces that may serve to secure more than one strap, possibly oriented in two directions. 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of one strap  50  implementing the post array  54  (triangular) embodiment of the attachment surfaces system of the present invention, a second opposing strap  52  shown in broken line form to show the multiple orientations possible with this embodiment. With a triangular post structure  54  the attachment orientation may be in 60 degree rotations as shown with respect to an opposing space  56 . Here again, although a strap implementation of this embodiment is shown in  FIG. 6 , the post array embodiment lends itself to implementation with larger patches of attachment surfaces that may serve to secure more than one strap, possibly oriented in two or more different directions. A single larger circular patch of material could, for example, receive and secure three separate straps coming together from three different directions (generally at 60 degrees of rotation from each other). 
     Implementation of the post array embodiment of the present invention may be made also with other regular geometric structures, most notably with hexagonal post configurations. Increasing the number of sides does however decrease the length of each interlocking grip thereby diminishing somewhat the strength of the hold. Nonetheless there are likely applications where increased options with regard to orientation are preferred over the strength of the hold. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  are an isometric view and three orthographic views of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector top  70  with attachment slots  72  and alignment bar  74 .  FIGS. 8A-8D  are an isometric view and three orthographic views of a corresponding connector bottom  80  mateable to the connector top  70  shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D . In this embodiment, attachment slots  72  &amp;  82  are shown in each component  70  &amp;  80  for attaching the components to the materials to be connected (such as straps, panels, or the like). In this embodiment, parallel ridges  76  are positioned on connector top  70  and comprise paired ridges  76  with opposing, inwardly directed, pointed edges as shown in  FIG. 7B . These paired ridges  76  interlock with ridges  86  on opposing connector bottom  80 . Ridges  86  comprise single walled ridges with caps having opposing pointed edges that engage with the inwardly directed pointed edges of paired ridges  76 . Additionally, alignment bars  74  &amp;  84  are disclosed on components  70  &amp;  80  to facilitate the aligned mating of the connector component ridges  76  &amp;  86 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  are an isometric view and three orthographic views of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a connector top  90  designed to be sewn onto a substrate to be connected.  FIGS. 10A-10D  are an isometric view and three orthographic views of a corresponding connector bottom  100  mateable to the connector top  90  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9D . In this embodiment, each component  90  &amp;  100  is sewn onto the materials to be connected (such as straps, panels, or the like). Ridges  96  shown in  FIG. 9B  on connector top  90  are essentially the same as those shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D . Likewise, ridges  106  shown on connector bottom  100  are essentially the same as those shown on connector bottom  80  in  FIGS. 8A-8D . 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  are an isometric view and three orthographic views of a further triangular snap connector embodiment showing strap  110  with the inner connector half  116 .  FIGS. 12A-12D  are an isometric and three orthographic views of a corresponding strap  120  with outer connector half  126  mateable to the inner connector half  116  shown in  FIGS. 11A-11D . With the triangular version shown, the inner and outer halves  116  &amp;  126  may be aligned at 0°, 60°, or 300° (−60°) with respect to each other and still form a secure attachment. This triangular structure may be extended to six sided or eight sided connector structures that will mate at several regular angles. 
       FIG. 13  is a side edge view showing the manner of attachment between the top  130  and bottom  132  components shown in  FIGS. 9A &amp; 10A  (for example). A similar manner of attachment is applicable to the top and bottom components shown in  FIGS. 7A &amp; 8A , although the additional attachment slots and alignment bars therein would be visible. Ridges  134  in top component  130  provide the opposing pair ridges with inwardly directed pointed edges that surround and engage with post ridges  136  on bottom component  132  that include outwardly directed pointed edges. 
     Reference is next made to  FIGS. 14A-14C ,  FIGS. 15A-15C ,  FIGS. 16A-16C , and  FIGS. 17A-17C  for a description of a further alternate embodiment of the present invention capable of being manufactured using an extrusion process.  FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion of plastic material configured with five rows of post-type ridges, viewed along Section Line C-C′ in  FIG. 14C . Connector bottom component  140  comprises a flat substrate  142 , preferably on the order of one inch in width, although larger and smaller sizes are envisioned and possible, that supports (in this example) five post-type ridges  144   a - 144   e . A detailed view (Detail A from  FIG. 14A ) of one of these post-type ridges  144  is shown in  FIG. 14B . Positioned on substrate  142  is post section  148  (essentially a raised ridge that appears as a post in this cross-sectional view) that includes cap  145  having a pair of outwardly directed pointed edges  146 . Edges  146  comprise rounded pointed edges to facilitate the latching and unlatching of the ridge from the opposing component described below. 
       FIG. 14C  is a top plan view of a section of extruded bottom component  140  showing each of the five (in this example) ridges  144   a - 144   e . Those skilled in the art will recognize how the described structure lends itself to manufacture by extrusion techniques. 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  represent a section of the extrusion shown in  FIGS. 14A-14C  cut and modified to be used as a connector component. Bottom connector component  150  is shown to be structured on a section of substrate  152  with a number of attachment apertures  154  drilled or molded therein. Parallel post-type ridge sections  156   a - 156   e  are shown in a top plan view in  FIG. 15B .  FIG. 15C  provides a perspective view showing both the arrangement of post-type ridge sections  156   a - 156   e  on substrate  152 , as well as the placement of the plurality of apertures  154  drilled or molded into section of connector  150 . 
       FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion of plastic material configured with four rows of paired opposing ridges, viewed along Section Line D-D′ in  FIG. 16C . Connector top component  160  comprises a flat substrate  162 , preferably on the order of one inch in width, although larger and smaller sizes are envisioned and possible, that supports (in this example) four paired ridges  164   a - 164   d . A detailed view (Detail B from  FIG. 16A ) of one of these pairs of opposing ridges  164  is shown in  FIG. 16B . Positioned on substrate  162  are first and second opposing ridge walls  165  &amp;  167 . A blocking turret  166  is positioned between the first and second opposing ridge walls  165  &amp;  167  to prevent that paired ridge row from impinging itself onto the ridge rails of the opposing part. In this manner the pointed edges of the respective ridges will always slide properly into the opposing part so that the pointed edges of the post ridge grasp the rail ridges of the opposing part. Angled edges  161  &amp;  163  are provided to facilitate the fingertip attachment and release actions joining and separating the top and bottom components (see  FIG. 18 ). 
       FIG. 16C  is a top plan view of a section of extruded top component  160  showing each of the four (in this example) paired ridges  164   a - 164   d . Those skilled in the art will recognize how the described structure lends itself to manufacture by extrusion techniques. 
       FIGS. 17A-17C  represent a section of the extrusion shown in  FIGS. 16A-16C  cut and modified to be used as a connector component. Top connector component  170  is shown to be structured on a section of substrate  172  with a number of attachment apertures  174  drilled or molded therein. Parallel opposing pair ridge sections  176   a - 176   d  are shown in a top plan view in  FIG. 17B .  FIG. 17C  provides a perspective view showing both the arrangement of opposing pair ridge sections  176   a - 176   d  on substrate  172 , as well as the placement of the plurality of apertures  174  drilled or molded into section of connector  170 . 
     Reference is finally made to  FIG. 18  for a perspective view of the connector bottom and top components  150  &amp;  170  shown in  FIGS. 15C &amp; 17C , showing the manner of attachment between these components. In use, each of the components  150  &amp;  170  would be secured to a strap or belt using the above described holes in each component section. In the view of  FIG. 18 , the angled end edges of component  170  are shown to facilitate the releasing action whereby the user may grip the angled edge with a fingertip to begin the motion of pulling the top component up and away from the bottom component. 
     Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the scope of the present invention. Because of the wide variety of applications for the attachment surfaces of the present invention, the dimensions of the straps, bands, or patch surfaces may be structured as small or as large as required.