Abstract:
An assembly comprising a plurality of linked members configured to inter-operate with a cord member. The plurality of link members are interconnected such that the body of one link member passes through the inner surface defining a void of the other link member. In this way, each link member is connected to its adjacent neighbor. A load-bearing flexible cord member is configured to interoperate with the plurality of link members in such a way that a portion of the cord member passes through the inner surface defining a void of a least one of the link members. This provides an improved attachment method over existing chains, and individual cords.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   1. Field of the Disclosure 
   This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus configured to secure items utilizing a cord and cable combination. As such, the cord element is the load varying element, and the cable element is utilized to secure secondary attachment points along the cord member to maintain the lateral position therein. 
   2. Background Art 
   Other forms of linkages in connecting systems have been utilized such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,821 (Thomas Rosenberg). This application shows a chain for lamps and the like where the chain member has a wire woven therebetween. This patent shows a design of an electrical wire member being woven through a chain for providing current to a light hanging therebelow wherein the chain provides the structural support. 
   SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   In the field of securing elements, both cord members such as cables and chain members are well known in the art and those skilled in the art are well-versed in their application. What is disclosed is a combination cord member and chain element wherein the cord member is the load-bearing member. Prior art references such as the &#39;821 reference by Thomas Rosenberg disclose the opposite application wherein the chain member is the load-bearing member and the cord member is a wire which is woven there-between to provide electrical current to the suspended light. 
   An assembly including a plurality of linked members configured to inter-operate with a cord member is hereby disclosed. The plurality of link members each include an outer perimeter and an inner surface defining a void which are interconnected such that the body of one link member passes through the inner surface defining a void of the other link member. In this way, each link member is connected to its adjacent neighbor. For ease of understanding, these link members are described as being oriented in either a vertical or a horizontal orientation such that the vertically oriented link members have a left side and a right side while the horizontally oriented link members have a top side and a bottom side. The load-bearing flexible cord member is configured to interoperate with the plurality of link members in such a way that a portion of the cord member passes through the inner surface defining a void of at least one of the link members. In one form, the load-bearing flexible cord member passes from a first side to the second side of the link members and in so doing passes through the inner surface defining a void of each other link member and does not pass through the surface defining a void of the alternate link members. 
   In another embodiment of the disclosure, the cord member passes from the first side to the bottom side of every other horizontally oriented link member and passes from the bottom side to the top side of the alternate horizontally oriented link members through the inner surface defining a void of each horizontally oriented link member and does not pass through the surface defining a void of the vertically oriented link members. In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, the load-bearing flexible cord member passes from the right side to the left side of every other vertically oriented link member. The cord member then passes from the left side to the right side of the alternate vertically oriented link members and passes from the top side to the bottom side of every other horizontally oriented link member. From there, the cord member passes from the top side to the bottom side of the alternate horizontally oriented link members to the inner surface defining a void of each horizontally oriented link member. 
   In one form the flexible cord member is comprised of a metal cable. While many other embodiments are envisioned within the scope of the disclosure, such as ropes or plastic cables, etc., in one form the metal cable is at least partially covered by a protective polymer coating. This configuration is often found on sailboats and clotheslines. The protective polymer coating serves to protect users from coming into direct contact with the metal cable and also protects the metal cable from the elements. It may be desirable that the protective polymer coating is comprised of the same material as the material used to produce the link members. 
   A method for using this apparatus is also disclosed which includes several steps. First, providing a chain and flexible cord member combination where the flexible cord passes through several openings within the chain. The second step may include coupling a first end of a securing coupler to least one link of the chain. The third step may include coupling a second end of the securing coupler to a secure element, such as a tree, vehicle, post, or other item. These steps need not be followed in order, nor is this a compete list of the steps which may be taken in the use of the apparatus as disclosed. 
   Additionally, the chain used may be a polymer chain-link, as commonly found in decorative elements of landscaping. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure showing a first woven configuration; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure showing a second woven configuration; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure showing a spiral configuration; 
       FIG. 4  is a view of several connective members; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of embodiment showing a split-link connective member; 
       FIG. 6  is a detail view of a plurality of chain links showing the dimensions of the chain links; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure including a crimp member; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure including an open link; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure including a closed link; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the disclosure including an attachment member and a crimp member wherein the cord member has been tensioned; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the disclosure wherein the cord member has been tensioned; 
       FIG. 12  is an environmental view wherein the chain assembly provides and secures an attachment for a tarp; 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure forming a ladder-like apparatus; 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure configured to attach to a plurality of straps; 
       FIG. 15  is a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of an embodiment configured to form a handle or securing member utilizing a plurality of spacers; 
       FIG. 17  is an environmental view of an embodiment of the disclosure including a retaining pin and protection/securing elements; 
       FIG. 18  is a view of a prior art retaining pin. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For the sake of consistency, the same reference numeral will be used to denote the same element in all the figures and in the description. Furthermore, in order to avoid needlessly cluttering the drawings, certain elements have been purposely omitted. Some of these elements not shown are mentioned in the description or completely omitted if they are only of a very secondary nature with respect to the invention. 
   Using current technology there are at least two options to secure items. The first possible way to secure an item is to utilize a chain consisting of a plurality of linked members which would come in range of weights and strengths from a very light-weight, albeit weak, plastic chain as sometimes found as a decorative element in landscaping, to a heavy metal chain as commonly used to anchor boats, or secure other elements under heavy load. The second possible way to secure an item is by using a flexible member such as a rope, cable, strap, or cord. While these members are conceivably much lighter for their strength than a chain, any element tied along the length of such a member could potentially slide along the length of the member given a force in the longitudinal direction. What is disclosed as a combination assembly  20  wherein a load-bearing flexible cord member is provided in combination with a chain member to combine the advantages of each. The combination of these elements is greater than the sum of the parts, as will now be discussed. 
   Before going into a more detailed discussion, an axis system  10  is utilized (see  FIG. 1 ) to help describe the drawings herein, with the axis indicated at  12  indicating a vertical axis and the arrow pointing in an upward direction. The axis indicated at  14  indicates a horizontal direction. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the axis at  16  indicates a transverse direction. Of course, the axes described below are for general reference purposes and locate directions for ease of description and general orientation of components described herein. 
   An optional embodiment of the disclosure focuses on two general elements: the first being a chain  22  formed of a plurality of links  23 , the second being a load-bearing, flexible cord member  24 . In general, the flexible cord member  24  passes through the chain  22  in such a way as to be movably coupled therewith. The assembly  20  can be used in an array of applications which are not supported by a flexible cord member independently. The disclosure will also be much lighter per unit of length as compared to a load-bearing chain member, as the chain  22  used in the disclosure may consist of a plastic chain or other light-weight material. 
   A first element of an embodiment of the disclosure is a light-weight chain. While each individual chain link is nearly identical, for ease of understanding the disclosure will be described having links of two different orientations as detailed in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 . The first is a first (vertical) orientation  26 , oriented along the plane conforming to the vertical axis  12  and the second being a link  28  in a second (horizontal) orientation, in line with a plane conforming to the horizontal direction  14 . Of course rotating the disclosure to a different orientation does not change the apparatus or its use. Looking at  FIG. 6  it can be seen how the vertical chain-links  26  will have a right side  32  and a left side  34 . While  FIG. 2  shows how the horizontal chain-link  28  will have a top side  36  and a bottom side  38 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each link will further include an outer perimeter  30  circumscribing the link and an inner surface  32  which defines a void. Each vertical chain-link  26  will have at least one horizontal chain-link  28  associated therewith, wherein the body of the horizontal chain-link  28  will pass through the inner surface defining a void  31  of an associated vertical chain-link  26  thus coupling the two links together and in this way forming a chain  22  of links; the exception to this rule being the links  27  and  29  on either end of the chain, which will couple with only one link. Thus a terminus at either end of the chain  22  is formed. 
   A second element of an embodiment of the disclosure is a load-bearing flexible cord member  24 . This cord member  24  can consist of a cable, rope, or any other flexible member having a diameter enabling it to pass through a link in the chain-link inner surface defining a void  31 , and furthermore capable of supporting a load. A metal cable may be utilized. It may be advantageous to use a polymer coated cord member to protect the strands of the cord member from damage as a result of weather, animals, or other objects. This embodiment would also protect other objects from coming into direct contact with a steel portion of the cord member where a metal cable is utilized. While a single cable embodiment is shown in the figures, two or more cables may be utilized as well. 
   It may be beneficial in an embodiment of the disclosure to provide a chain link element composed of the same material as the polymer coating of the cord member. In this embodiment, this would help the cord member and the chain element stretch together. 
   The assembly  20  may also be formed of material that is very inexpensive for use as a disposable assembly. Naturally occurring materials may be used in forming the cord member and the chain member to make the assembly  20  biodegradable. 
   In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1 , it can be seen how the cord member  24  remains on the top side  36  of each horizontal chain-link  28  as it is woven in and out of the surface defining a void  31  of each vertical link  26 . In this embodiment, the flexible cord member  24  passes from the right side  32  of the chain-link  26  at point  40 , through the surface defining a void  31 , and out on the left side  34  of the vertical link  26  at point  42 . The cord member  24  passes this way through each and every vertical link  26 . 
     FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the flexible cord member  24  passes from the bottom side  38  of the horizontal chain link  28  at point  40 ′, through the surface defining a void  31 , and exits the top side  36  at point  42 ′. The flexible cord member  24  then passes along the left side  34  of the vertical chain-link  26 , then passes from the top side  36  at point  40 ″, through the surface defining a void  31 , and exits on the lower side  38  of the horizontal chain-link  28  at point  42 ″. The cord member  24  passes this way through every horizontal link  28 . 
   A third embodiment is disclosed and shown in  FIG. 3  which is basically a combination of the two embodiments listed above. In this embodiment, the flexible cord member  24  passes through each and every chain-link. The flexible cord member  24  generally forms a spiral around the central axis  44  of the chain  22 . This is accomplished by passing the flexible cord member  24  through each vertical chain-link  26  as shown in  FIG. 1 , and furthermore passing the flexible cord member  24  through each horizontal chain-link  28  in the same manner. 
   From these three examples it can be conceived of any number of alternate methods of movably coupling the flexible cord member  24  to the chain  22 , such as a combination of the methods shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , which operates to form a separate attachment method. 
   In one form, a fastener member  41  can be applied, such as a zip tie, key ring (plastic or metal), wire tie, or another type of circumferential frictional member. The purpose of this fastener  41  is to bind the cord member  24  to one of the chain members. The reason for such a fastener is that in an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , the frictional forces between the cord member and the outer surface of the chain may be lower than another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12  and described further herein. Therefore, some sort of attachment member or adhesive fastening system which in one form is the member  41  can be employed at various locations, perhaps every two rungs or every three feet, and ranges therebetween. Further, the cord member  24  can become loose in various embodiments. The fastener, as shown in  FIG. 2 , is employed to keep the respective lengths between the cord member and the link members at a relative of orientation with one another to property function. In other forms, the cord member  24  may deliberately slide with respect to the chain members and reposition such that the cord member can be repositioned outwardly and rotated to form a half hitch type of connection to connect a cylindrical-type member. The fastener, which in one form can be a zip tie member, could perhaps be a flat headed zip tie or other type of cinching mechanism. 
   The chain assembly in one form may also be comprised of a unitary structure wherein the flexible cord member is integral to the chain links. 
   Shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  is a possible embodiment of the disclosure, where a cord member  24  is tensioned. The orientation of the chain portion  22  will be aligned as shown. This does not interfere with the operation of the apparatus  20 , but is shown for understanding and could result is easier attachment of connecting members  50 . The connecting members  50  could be ropes, bungee, cables, rods, boards, or any other connecting members. 
   Once the assembly  20  is constructed, the assembly can be used for any number of purposes. Looking at  FIG. 4 , it can be seen how a connecting member  50  could be connected to a link  23  of the apparatus  20 , thus receiving the benefit of the strength of the cord member  24 , and the benefit of the position stability of the chain portion  22  in that any element connected through the link will not accidentally reposition along the length of the assembly  20 . Alternatively, a hook  52  could be utilized, as often found on the end of bungee cords, strapping mechanisms, or coat hangers in the same manner. It is conceived that the securing member whether it be a bungee, cord, or hook-like member could couple to the chain utilizing a portion of the chain as a load-bearing member (as shown at  100  of  FIG. 12 ), or alternatively could couple to the apparatus  20  around the cord member  24  such that the chain portion  22  would not be a load-bearing member but would act to maintain in the longitudinal position of the securing member along the apparatus  20  (as shown at  102  of  FIG. 12 ). 
   In one form as shown in  FIG. 13 , the chain assembly  20  may further include loops  108  on alternate sides of the assembly  20  generally forming rungs  110  of a ladder-like apparatus  106 . The cord member  24  adds rigidity to the assembly, while the chain member  22  substantially prevents the assembly from rotating and provides a more stable location for supporting a user&#39;s weight without slipping. In one form, the rungs  110  are substantially 14 inches apart on alternate sides of the main assembly  20 . 
   It should be noted that this embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3  provides greater friction where there is a more circuitous path of the cord member  24 . Therefore, this embodiment has one advantage in that the cord member  24   a  is substantially within an outer circumference cylindrical surface defined by the outer dimension, seen at  93  in  FIGS. 6 and 93   a  in  FIG. 3 . This, in one form, protects the outer surface of the interior cord member  24   a . Further, as noted above, the circuitous path provides a greater frictional engagement between the two structures. 
   In one form, as shown in the various figures, the cord member  24  can have an outer coating, which in one form is generally a plastic-type coating around the metallic woven interior portion, made of the same material as the links. Any quick links, hooks, or other fasteners make likewise be coated for identification, or to protect objects near the assembly. Coatings or materials may also be used to provide weather resistance to the assembly. A think like such as the line commonly found in grass cutting tools may also be utilized. This thin plastic line may be utilized to keep the assembly  20  from bunching up and collapsing. Further, in one form, the member  24  can be integrally formed with the link member  22  there is an assembly of links a chain portion  22  to integrally form each member so both members operate as a single unit. For example, in one form, even the outer contours of the weaving can be formed right into the outer surface of the plurality of links of the chain portion  22 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , a tarp  90  includes a plurality of grommets  92 . A chain assembly  20  is provided coupled at each end to a stable element  53 ′. A plurality of connecting members  50  are provided which couple at one end to the chain assembly  20 , pass through the grommets  92 , and return to the chain assembly  20 . The connecting members  50  can be tied, hooked, or crimped at a plurality of locations along the chain assembly  20 . They may alternatively couple at a first end to the tarp  90 , or the stable element  53 ′, and then passed between the chain assembly  20  and the grommets  92  multiple times to terminate at a stable location. This embodiment will stabilize the connecting members  50  along the chain assembly  22  limited in the lateral repositioning. As can be seen at points  100  and  102 , lateral motion of the connecting members  50  along the chain assembly  20  is substantially prohibited by the chain-link  22 . 
   The assembly  20  of one embodiment could also be very beneficial to those wishing to secure an animal to a general location. A cord member formed of a hard material such as for example steel when used alone could possibly injure an animal should the animal attempt to chew its way through the cord member, thus damaging its mouth or teeth. A load-bearing flexible cord member  24  woven through the light-weight malleable chain  22  would protect the animal, as the animal&#39;s mouth and teeth would encounter the malleable chain, rather than the cord member. While many substances can be used to form the links of this embodiment, such as a polymer, plastic chain is a very common product and could have additional cost-saving benefits. This embodiment also has the benefit of structurally protecting the flexible cord member  24  from an animal&#39;s teeth and claws, or other damage. 
   A hook  112  maybe utilized to form one end of the assembly  20  into a chocker-style assembly. For example, the cord member  24  may be passed through the eye  114  of a hook  112 , which is configured to be permitted to slide along a length of the cord member  24 . The gap  116  of the hook  112  is then coupled to an eye  118  formed in the end of the cord member  24 , or alternatively onto one of the chain link members. A sister style hook may also be utilized to further secure the cord member wherein a first  120  and second  122  hook are adapted to rotate about the eye  114  to open the gap  116  and allow passage of the eye  114 . Then the first  120  and second  122  hooks are rotated to a closed position (as shown) wherein they retain the eye  114  within the gap  116 . Thus any longitudinal force will tend to close the loop formed by the hook  112 , tightening around any element within the loop. 
   Another embodiment is disclosed where in at least one of the chain link elements is a link known as a split link  60  (see  FIG. 5 ) which allows the link to be positioned around a closed circle element, and then closed to secure said close circle element to the remainder of the chain  22 . Such split links are common and thus a detailed description of their use is omitted. 
   Another embodiment is disclosed in  FIG. 8  wherein at least one of the chain link elements is a quick-link  68  having a receiving area  74 , and a nut  78  positioned about the receiving area  74  which can be then be re-positioned, opening the gap  72 . A threaded portion  70  of the quick-link  68  is provided such that the nut  78  can be secured in a position bridging the gap  72 . This operation closes the quick-link  68  to secure an element to the remainder of the chain  22 . This is further facilitated by an optional surface  76  configured to increase friction between a users fingers and the nut  78 , or optionally between a tool, such as a pair of pliers, or an open-ended wrench and the nut  78 . 
   A crimp  80  could also be provided in one embodiment of the disclosure to secure the assembly  20  to a stable element  53  (see  FIG. 10 ), or alternatively, a link  22 . This is accomplished as shown in  FIGS. 7-10  by passing the cord member  88  through the crimp  80 , forming a loop  86 , and then returning back into or through crimp  80 . This forms a convenient loop  86  to couple to. It is also possible to secure the apparatus  20  to a stable element  53  by passing the cord member  88  through the crimp  80 , exiting the crimp  80  as first strand  82 , passing the first-round  82  around a portion of a link  22 , reentering the crimp  80  as second strand  84 , and securing the crimp  80 . This embodiment would secure the apparatus  20  to the stable link  22 , to a terminal link  27 , or a stable element  53 . 
   In another embodiment, the apparatus described above can be utilized to partially enclose the rear opening of a truck bed, replacing what is commonly known as a tailgate. Whereas a solid unit tailgate significantly disrupts the flow of air through the truck bed as the vehicle progresses at speed, options which allow more airflow, and thus reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency are desired. By creating an apparatus  20  as described above, and coupling it to either side of the rear opening of a truck, large items would be secured from exiting the rear of the truck and airflow would not be significantly reduced. 
   In an alternative embodiment, the device  20  is used as a tool retaining device. As such, the device  20  is suspended by a plurality of securing members  51  and tools are inserted through the surfaces defining voids  31  in the chain portion, or alternatively between the apparatus  20  and a workshop surface such as a wall, or alternatively between the chain portion  22  and the cord portion  24 . 
   In one embodiment, the chain links  22  have a length  91  of 2 1/16″, a width  93  of 1 3/32′, a thickness  96  of 9/32″, a shot diameter  98  of 5/16″, and the central void area has a width  94  of 7/16″. Possible cord member diameters  99  are ⅛″ or 5/32″ to 3/16″, ±20%. 
   Another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 14  shows a tube  132  having a plurality of end caps  134  disposed on either end of the tube  132 . In one embodiment an spacer  136  may be provided. The cord member  24  passes through the end caps  134  and through the spacer  136  which, as previously mentioned, may be disposed within the tube  132 . A plurality of clips  137  for retaining the cord member  24  may also be provided to limit the transverse motion of the cord member  24  in relation to the tube  132 . The end caps  134  may be provided with a flange  138  which limits the transverse motion of the flange of the end cap  134  in relation to the tube  132 . In one form, the chain  22  is arranged such that the tube  132  and those elements within the tube  132  passes through a first ring  138  adjacent to a second ring  140  and through a third ring  141 . As can be seen, the remainder of the apparatus can be arranged similarly to any of the previously discussed embodiments. In this way the tube  132  provides a secure anchor point for a strap  142  or loop and alternately (or additionally) a strap  144 . Either one of the straps  142  or  144  may be replaced by a flexible cord member, cable, or other elements. By using a different orientation of the second ring  140  or possibly utilizing more than one ring parallel to the tube  132  as shown in the second ring  140  a much wider strap  144  may be utilized. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the spacer  136  may be formed of a plurality of spacers  136 ′. 
   Now looking at  FIG. 15 , the interior spacer  136  as shown in  FIG. 13  is comprised of a plurality of interior spacers  136 ′. These interior spacers  136  or  136 ′ operate to reduce the motion of the cord number  24  within the tube  132 . Alternatively, the tube  132  can be provided such that the longitudinal hole  135  is only slightly larger than the flexible cord member  24  thus reducing the motion and thereby reducing wear and tear on the cord member  24  as well as the tube  132 . 
   Another embodiment, as shown in the  FIG. 16 , provides a plurality of spacers  160  disposed upon the cord member  24  between a first chain member  148  and a ninth chain member  150 . The chain member  22  is configured around the cord member  24  at the first chain member  148  and also around the ninth chain member  150 . The second through eighth chain members referenced  151 - 157  are disposed substantially parallel to the cord member  24  and the spacers  160 . This provides a gap  128  which provides an easy handle or connection point for the for the assembly  20 . A user may grasp the handle portion  162  defined by the spacers  160  which forms a convenient and comfortable handle. Alternatively, the handle portion  162  may be covered by a flexible member such as a section of hose or fabric. 
   The retaining clip  137  may be one of many retaining clips known in the art.  FIG. 18  shows one prior art example of a retaining clip  137 . This retaining clip has a loop portion  164 , a straight portion  166 , a gap  168 , and in opening  170 . The opening  170  is generally at the engaging end  172 . Opposite the straight portion  166  is a W-shaped portion  174  which provides only the opening  170  but also the gap  168 . The gap  168  is configured such that a cord member  24  as shown in  FIG. 17  is secured therewith and is substantially hindered from repositioning along the straight portion  166 , or being removed from the retaining clip  137  via the opening  170 . 
     FIG. 17  shows the retaining clip  137  having a cap  178  fitted around the opening  170 . The cap  178  accomplishes the several advantages; the first advantage is that the engaging end  172  may have a sharp or substantially pointed portion which could scratch or damage softer objects or materials it encounters such as a person, furniture, or a vehicle. Furthermore the cord member  24 , while substantially secured by way of the dough U-shaped portion  174  is further secured a utilizing the cap  178 . A tie  180  such as a wire or tie or zip tie (commonly known in the art) can be utilized to further secure the cap  178  to the engaging end  172  of the retaining clip  137 . 
   While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.