Abstract:
An object holding device featuring multiple tabbed diaphragms in embodiments of the invention solves the lack of a previously existing elegant solution to store cleaning rags, cleaning implements and other flexible objects. The preferred embodiment of the present invention features a housing containing multiple tabbed diaphragms, which in the aggregate, when used as intended by the inventor, apply enough force to an object to hold an object within the tabbed diaphragms. Said embodiment also enables its user to easily remove objects from the plurality of tabbed diaphragms without causing damage to either the object or the tabbed diaphragms.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/829,600, filed May 31, 2013. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD 
       [0004]    This invention relates generally to a holding device for securing objects, such as towels, rags and other items, which could benefit from enhanced securing and organization. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates a plurality of diaphragms, each having a plurality of deflectable tabs allowing for displacement of an object through the diaphragms. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    In many fields of use, the lack of an elegant solution to store cleaning rags, cleaning implements and other flexible objects represents a frequent cause of frustration and inefficient work-practice. 
         [0006]    Some devices known in the prior art attempt to solve this problem by utilizing a single diaphragm mechanism with a plurality of deflectable tabs that allow a portion of a flexible object to be inserted between the deflectable tabs. Such an object may also partially insert through the diaphragm. The resiliency of the tabs provides a retaining force that works to secure the object. By pulling axially on the object, said object may be withdrawn from the tabs. However, in such devices, the process of withdrawing such an object from the tabs leads to damage and excessive wear on objects interacting with such devices. When more fragile objects are stored by use of such devices, damage and excessive wear often includes tearing and other un-repairable damage. 
         [0007]    A broad need exists to store and then easily remove from storage Non-Structural Flexible objects, such as plastic bags, towels and rags. As used herein, “Non-Structural Flexible” refers to the properties of an object, which can hold infinite forms with no external strain-inducing load applied to said object. This category of object comprises objects such as plastic bags, towels and rags. Workers in a variety of industries often carry Non-Structural Flexible objects. For example, window washers often carry a towel, while mechanics often carry rags. Other non-workers also often have a need to easily store or hold up Non-Structural Flexible objects on a routine basis. 
         [0008]    Devices known in the prior art often utilize a single diaphragm mechanism to accomplish this task. Considerations relevant to diaphragm materials utilized dictate that the properties of materials used have characteristics to ensure that such materials remain resilient enough to retain an object while permitting enough deflection of diaphragm tabs without plastic deformation to enable release of said object without damage to either said object or said diaphragm tabs. Objects used in conjunction of such a holder vary in thickness and as such it may be desirable that such a device allow for holding objects having differing thicknesses. However, at least partially because of considerations relevant to the properties of materials used, many devices known in the prior art are limited in the size and thickness of the items such devices may retain. 
         [0009]    The use of Non-Structural Flexible objects in conjunction with some existing single diaphragm holding devices known in the prior art poses a number of undesirable problems. Prior art devices typically require the user to partially insert a finger through the diaphragm to insert the object into the device for proper retention. Thus, the user&#39;s finger may become entrapped in the object holder. Given the stiff nature of the deflectable tabs, pulling said finger out creates a further constriction until the tabs deflect outward from the device. This results in painful and potentially injurious consequences to a user of such prior art devices. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, the single diaphragm approach utilized by devices known in the prior art exhibits problems with Non-Structural Flexible object removal. A variety of Non-Structural Flexible objects, such as paper towels and napkins, have a high degree of fragility. As such, said variety of Non-Structural objects has a particular proclivity to tearing. The force required to deflect diaphragm material in prior art devices utilizing a single diaphragm approach may cause damage a Non-Structural Flexible object inserted within during extraction of said object. Such damage may comprise tearing, stretching, or excessive wear on a Non-Structural Flexible object. 
         [0011]    In other applications known in the prior art, holding devices may be utilized in conjunction with the use of Structural Flexible objects to constrain them in an intended configuration comprising a user&#39;s belt, desktop, constrained to a wall or mounted to vehicle. As used herein, “Structural Flexible objects” refers to objects which maintain their intended manufactured form when fully supported with no external strain-inducing load but exhibit elastic deformation under strain inducing loads when operating within the range of intended use of the object. This category of object comprises objects such as writing implements, paint brushes, skis and fishing poles. A variety of problems associated with prior art devices designed to hold Non-Structural Flexible objects also similarly apply to prior art devices designed to hold Structural Flexible objects. In particular, generally speaking, prior art devices do not easily enable a user to store multiple Structural Flexible or Non-Structural objects within the same compartment. In other words, prior art devices generally require subdivided compartments to store multiple items, each subdivided compartment having its own single diaphragm. It follows, therefore, that such prior art devices necessarily suffer inefficiencies with regard to use of space and ease of use. 
         [0012]    The above applications and other known prior art devices also exhibit problems associated with of the size and thickness of the object they can effectively retain. These limitations occur at least partially due to properties associated with diaphragm material used. Devices known in the prior art utilize diaphragms manufactured from plastic (e.g., polyethylene), which typically exhibits at least a minimum shore D Durometer hardness of 55. As a result, the diaphragm may accept only a limited range of effective diameter objects without plastic deformation caused to the tabs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    In a flexible object holder employing the use of a plurality of diaphragms embodying principles of the invention, the device avoids the size and weight limitations associated with other known devices. A key feature of a holding device embodying principles of the invention is that it incorporates a plurality of diaphragms with tabs allowing for ease of acceptance and release of Non-Structural Flexible objects. 
         [0014]    The use of multiple diaphragms in a device embodying principles of the invention allows for doubling, tripling etc. the number of tabs that engage flexible objects, such as a towel. In this regard, even though the retaining force or resiliency of an individual tab of the softer diaphragm material is less than the retaining force of other known prior art devices exhibiting a singular diaphragm, the increased number of tabs engaging an object allows the holding device to securely retain objects of varying effective diameter, weights and flexibility. The use of multiple diaphragms also allows for the storage of multiple objects within the same compartment in an embodiment of the invention. Such a configuration enables a more efficient usage of space associated with the design of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Further, the ability to store multiple Structural Flexible objects, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention, within the same compartment allows for a greater ease of use. A device embodying principles of the invention solves a variety of problems by the use of a plurality of diaphragms. The plurality of diaphragms allows for the use of softer diaphragm material. This softer diaphragm material permits greater tab displacement. The greater tab displacement allows a device embodying principles of the invention to accommodate objects with larger effective diameter. The greater tab displacement also permits the distal ends of the tabs to meet or nearly meet each other in order to engage objects with smaller effective diameter. 
         [0015]    Moreover, a device embodying principles of the invention allows for the holding of fragile items without tearing or causing damage to fragile objects held by the device. Unlike holding devices known in the prior art, which incorporate a singular diaphragm and incorporate a harder diaphragm material, the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes multiple diaphragms constructed of softer material. The multiple diaphragms multiply the strength of a holding device embodying principles of the invention. By incorporating softer material in each diaphragm, however, the device embodying principles of the invention enables the storage of more fragile flexible items, while minimizing the risk of tearing or wear on the flexible objects held up by the said device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art holding device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a prior art holding device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presented holding device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the holding device of  FIG. 3  holding a Flexible Non-Structural object. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the presented holding device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows further views of an embodiment of the holding device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  shows an angular view of an embodiment incorporating principles of the invention holding a plurality of Flexible Structural objects, in this example, brushes. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  shows an angular sectional view of an embodiment incorporating principles of the invention holding a plurality of Flexible Structural objects, in this example, brushes. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows an view of an alternative embodiment incorporating principles of the invention designed to be attached to a wall holding a plurality of Flexible Structural objects, in this example, skis. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A  shows an view of an alternative embodiment incorporating principles of the invention holding a singular Flexible Structural object, in this example, a screwdriver. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9B  shows a sectional view of an embodiment incorporating principles of the invention holding a singular Flexible Structural object, in this example, a screwdriver. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates multiple diaphragms designed to hold a Non-Structural Flexible object  170  or Structural Flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330  or a plurality of Non-Structural Flexible or Structural Flexible objects. It will be appreciated that a device incorporating embodiments of the invention may retain towels, paper towels, fabrics, plastics, or a variety of other Non-Structural Flexible objects. It will also be appreciated that a device incorporating embodiments of the invention may retain toothbrushes  310 , skis  320 , screwdrivers  330 , ink pens, paint brushes, or a variety of other Structural Flexible objects. 
         [0028]    Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which at least assist in illustrating various pertinent features of the presented inventions. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  illustrate one embodiment of an object holding device  100  in accordance with certain aspects of the presented invention. As shown, the device  100  includes a recessed housing  110  that supports at least a first and second membranes or diaphragms  150  over its open end. The diaphragms  150 A,  150 B each includes a plurality of slits  152 A,  152 B that extend there through. Furthermore the individual diaphragms as presented may embody a contiguous membrane or a plurality of individual geometrically shaped tabs to comprise a full diaphragm. 
         [0030]    These slits define first and second sets pluralities of deflectable tabs  154 A,  154 B. As shown, each of the slits  152  intersect at a center of its respective diaphragm  150 . However, this is not a requirement. Referring to  FIG. 5 , it is noted that illustrated holding device  100  utilizes first and second diaphragms  150 A,  150 B. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the presented holding device  100  may utilize additional diaphragms. That is, other embodiments may utilize three, four, five or more diaphragms. 
         [0031]    In use, in a device embodying principles of the invention, a user may displace a Non-Structural Flexible object such as a towel or rag  170  through the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B. See  FIG. 4 . A user may do so by pressing a finger through the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B, a user may press the object between their finger and the diaphragms past the first and second sets of deflectable tabs  154 A,  154 B and into the interior  114  of the housing  110 . It will be appreciated that the design of the device  100  allows a user to grasp the housing and insert a Non-Structural Flexible object  170  through the diaphragm using a single hand. 
         [0032]    As the Non-Structural Flexible object  170  passes through a diaphragm in a device embodying principles of the invention, the tabs  154 A,  154 B flex such that they are pushed inward into the recessed surface  114  of the housing  110 . Distal portions of at least a portion of the tabs engage the flexible object and work to maintain the Non-Structural Flexible object  170  within the device. That is, the resiliency of the tabs  154 A and  154 B when used in conjunction as in the preferred embodiment of the invention provide a retaining force that securely holds the Non-Structural Flexible object  170  within the holding device  100 . However, when a user pulls an object outward, the tabs will release the Non-Structural Flexible object  170 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a user would need to apply only a minimal pulling force to the object to cause said tabs to release said Non-Structural Flexible object  170 . 
         [0033]    Furthermore, a user may displace a plurality of Structural Flexible objects such as skis  320  through the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B. See  FIG. 8 . Alternatively and similarly, a user may displace a singular Structural Flexible object such as a screwdriver  330  through the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B. See  FIGS. 9A and 9B . That is, by grasping the object  330  by one end and pressing the opposite end through diaphragms  150 A,  150 B, a user may press the object past the first and second sets of deflectable tabs  154 A,  154 B and into the interior  114  of the housing  110 . It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment of the invention the varying designs of the device  100  allow a user to insert the Structural Flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330  through the diaphragm using a single hand. 
         [0034]    As the Structural Flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330  passes through the diaphragm, the tabs  154 A,  154 B flex such that they are pushed inward into the recessed surface  114  of the housing  110 . Distal portions of at least a portion of the tabs engage the flexible object and work to maintain the object within the device. That is, the resiliency of the tabs  154 A,  154 B provides a retaining force that securely holds the Structural Flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330  within the holding device  100 . However, by applying a sufficient pulling force, the tabs will release the flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330 . 
         [0035]    It has been recognized that utilization of multiple diaphragms allows for providing adequate retention force for maintaining an object within the holding device while allowing the use of softer materials to form the diaphragms. In this regard, softer diaphragms allow the device to hold objects with very small effective diameters as well as objects exhibiting larger effective diameters. 
         [0036]    The present inventor has discovered that devices known in the prior art are limited with regard to the size and thickness of objects that such devices can retain. These limitations occur at least partially due to properties associated with materials utilized in the construction of the diaphragm. Examples of limitations associated with prior art devices include the following. To hold objects with small effective diameter, the tabs  20  of such a diaphragm  10  may need to meet nearly in the center of the diaphragm. See  FIG. 1 . The close spacing of the distal ends of such tabs  20  limits the thickness of objects that may be displaced through the diaphragm. Use of a softer diaphragm material permits displacement of a thicker object through such a diaphragm but results in a reduced retention force applied by each tab. As used herein, “effective diameter” refers to the measurement across the widest portion of the object as inserted into the device, whereas in the preferred embodiment of the invention a Structural Flexible object  310 ,  320 ,  330 , maintains a consistent effective diameter and that of a Non-Structural Flexible object  170  will depend upon the configuration and portion of the object which is inserted into the device. 
         [0037]    The preferred embodiment of the invention addresses problems associated with size and thickness constraints associated with prior art devices. That is, rather than utilizing a stiffer plastic diaphragm, the diaphragms in a device incorporating embodiments of the invention are typically comprised of an elastomeric material that is considerably more pliable than most plastics. In this regard, it has been found by the inventor that materials having a Shore A Durometer hardness of less than 90 provide a suitable diaphragm for the device  100 . 
         [0038]    Accordingly, use of lower Durometer materials, such as Shore A Durometer  90  and lower in a single diaphragm configuration can result in failure to retain Non-Structural Flexible objects  170  or Structural Flexible objects  310 ,  320 ,  330  within the holding device. Therefore, to hold thicker Non-Structural Flexible objects  170  or Structural Flexible objects  310 ,  320 ,  330 , holding devices typically utilize tabs  20  that are spaced from the center of the diaphragm  10 . See  FIG. 2 . That is, the center of the diaphragm may include an aperture  12  and the tabs  20  extend around the periphery of this central aperture  12 . As will be appreciated, if a holder incorporates a central aperture, it cannot hold Non-Structural Flexible objects  170  or Structural Flexible objects  310 ,  320 ,  330  exhibiting a smaller effective diameter without design changes. 
         [0039]    More specifically, materials having a Shore A durometer hardness of less than 90, more preferably less than 80 and yet more preferably less than about 70 provide diaphragms that allow deflection that is adequate to permit insertion of thick Non-Structural Flexible objects  1  while also permitting the engagement of thin Non-Structural Flexible objects. In one particular embodiment, the device utilizes neoprene rubber diaphragms having a thickness of approximately 1/16 of an inch. In contrast, most plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene etc.) have a Durometer hardness considerably in excess of the claimed range. That is, many plastics are too hard to be measured utilizing the Shore A Durometer scale. For instance, most plastics have a minimum Shore D Durometer hardness of 55, which equates to a hardness that is greater than the maximum measure of Shore A Durometer hardness. 
         [0040]    The use of the multiple diaphragms allows for providing sufficient retention force to maintain a thicker and/or heavier Non-Structural Flexible object within the device. That is, even though each tab of the softer diaphragm material has a reduced resiliency, the increased number of tabs provided by the multiple diaphragms results in a holding device having sufficient retention force for thicker towels and other Non-Structural Flexible objects. Further, the use of a softer diaphragm material reduces the potential of painful or injurious results to a user&#39;s finger that is inserted into the device. That is, prior art devices having hard plastic tabs can result in a situation where a user pushes their finger through the stiffer tabs, which pinch the finger upon removal. Utilization of the more easily deflectable tabs prevents such inconvenience for the user. That is, the pliability of the tab material permits removal of a user&#39;s finger without risk of injurious or painful use. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first and second diaphragms  150 A,  150 B are disposed adjacent to one another (e.g., stacked) and each have a periphery that engages a rim surface  112  of the housing  100 . In this regard, the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B each extend over the open end of the housing  110 . Stated otherwise, the diaphragms extend over the recessed inside surface  114  of the housing  110  such that they may deflect inward upon a Non-Structural Flexible object being displaced through the center portions of the diaphragms. 
         [0042]    The peripheries of the diaphragms  150 A,  150 B are compressed against the rim  112  of the housing  110  by a retaining ring  130 . As shown, the retaining ring  130  is an annular element having a central aperture  132  that is disposed over the central portion of the diaphragms when the device is assembled. See  FIG. 3 . The retaining ring  130  has an inner lip  134  that is smaller than the inside diameter/cross-dimension of the rim  112  of the housing  110 . Accordingly, when the retaining ring  130  is disposed onto the housing  110  the peripheries membranes  150 A,  150 B are compressed between the inner lip  134  and the rim  112  of the housing and thereby secured in place. A sidewall portion of the retaining ring  130  connects to an outside surface of the housing  110 . The retaining ring may be connected to the housing via a friction fit, adhesives or other fasteners. 
         [0043]    In the present embodiment, the housing  100  is formed of generally circular cup having a closed bottom end. However, it will be appreciated that differently configured housings may be utilized. For instance, the housing may comprise any frame that allows for supporting the peripheries of multiple diaphragms such that tabs of the diaphragms may be deflected. Further, the housing need not be circular or annular nor does it need to exhibit a contiguous perimeter. In this regard, will be appreciated that various different geometric shapes, open and closed may be utilized. What is important is that the housing provide a frame that has an open aperture over which multiple diaphragms may be disposed. 
         [0044]    As shown in the preferred embodiment, the diaphragms  150 A and  150 B are disposed adjacent (e.g., stacked) to each other. However, it will be appreciated that said diaphragms are not required to be stacked and may exhibit spacing between diaphragms. It will be further appreciated that in a configuration exhibiting a plurality of diaphragms in excess of two, the diaphragms need not exhibit equidistant spacing. 
         [0045]    As shown in the preferred embodiment, the tabs  154  are formed such of their distal ends each meet at the center of their respective diaphragms  150 . However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may be otherwise configured. For instance, each diaphragm may include a central aperture around which each of the slits radially extend from to define multiple tabs. However, it may be desirable that the distal tips of the tabs meet such that small Non-Structural Flexible objects may be held by the device. 
         [0046]    In an embodiment of the invention, the embodiment further includes a clip  180  that allows the housing  110  to be connected to, for example, a user&#39;s belt. However, it will be appreciated that the housing  110  may also be secured to a supporting structure (e.g., wall) utilizing fasteners such as screws that extends through a bottom surface of the housing  110 . 
         [0047]    This problem also extends to the use of Flexible Structural objects. For instance, a single diaphragm prior holder intended to hold a pen of diameter 0.5″ exhibiting a design of tabs  20  spaced from the center of the diaphragm creating an aperture  12  of size 0.3″ is not able to securely retain an artist&#39;s paintbrush with diameter 0.125″ 
         [0048]    Further embodiments of the invention may exhibit a geometrically shaped housing with open top and bottom ends allowing for insertion and retention of elongated objects such as skis  320  (See  FIG. 8 ) or broomsticks. The preferred embodiment employs the use of a plurality of diaphragms allowing for the elongated objects to be inserted roughly half the length of the object and may be used for vertical storage of elongated objects. Furthermore, other embodiments may exhibit an open perimeter  400  allowing for lateral insertion and engagement of the diaphragms and object multiples of the embodiment may be used in conjunction to allow for secure lateral object retention mounted to mobile or static structures. 
         [0049]    The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described herein-above are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
         [0050]    In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 
         [0051]    Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The terms “coupled” and “linked” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. Also, the sequence of steps in a flow diagram or elements in the claims, even when preceded by a letter does not imply or require that sequence.