Patent Publication Number: US-2013232731-A1

Title: Material collection and identification device

Description:
This claims benefit under 35 USC section 119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61/608,795, filed Mar. 9, 2012, entitled “MATERIAL COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to material collection and identification devices useful for releasably securing bundles of parts and/or products together, and more particularly relates to a material collection and identification device that is ergonomic, easy and flexible and intuitive to use, competitive to manufacture and assemble, very durable and customizable, and which provides identification features not found in similar existing devices. 
     A number of different straps, strips and retaining devices are commercially available, but known devices have a variety of limitations and deficiencies. For example, some such devices are for single-use only, and once used are thrown away, which is wasteful and not environmentally friendly. Other retaining devices include components with internal moving parts (such as spring-biased clamps and/or spring-biased locking members), which greatly increases manufacturing and assembly cost, and often reduces reliability and durability leading to field failure. Most known collection and bundling devices do not include means of identification, but instead depend on the product itself being the identifier, which often is not a best solution. Bungee cords with hooks at each end have been used as retaining devices, but the hooks can scratch or damage retained goods and/or the hooks may accidentally release. Most similar devices are not customizable, such that they are constrained to a particular manner of use and appearance. 
     Thus, opportunities exist for improvement in material collection and identification devices, particularly where the improvement minimizes cost, minimizes the number or cost of individual components and minimizes assembly time, and where the improvement simplifies use and attachment, especially where the improvement provides maximum sureness of collecting/fastening goods, and provides identification means and other characteristics related to flexibility of use and customized appearance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a material collection and identification device comprises a ball stop, a slide lock, a pull tab, and a binder line attached to the pull tab and the ball stop, with the slide lock being slidable along a portion of the binder line to selectively capture captive material against one of the pull tab and ball stop. 
     In a narrower aspect, each of the ball stop, slide lock, and pull tab are each unitary single moldings that characteristically do not include internal moving parts. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for use with a stretchable binder line is provided. The kit includes a ball stop component, a slide lock component, and a pull tab component. The slide lock and pull tab components each include a through hole shaped to frictionally receive and engage a mating portion of the stretchable binder line, with the ball stop component and the pull tab component also including a frictional structure for securely engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended through the slide lock and pull tab components. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprises: passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; inserting a captive material through a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and sliding the slide lock along the binder line and toward the captive material to secure the material collection device to the captive material. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprises passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; and forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spaced away from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictional engagement with the ball stop, such that the pull tab and ball stop trap the slide lock on the binder line. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a collection device that provides on the device a way for the user to identify the goods/items collected and held together. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a device that is relatively simple, easy to assemble, intuitive to use, reusable, and that uses few components and that uses components not having moving parts. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a collection and bundling device where the device can be locked onto a first item in a hands free manner, allowing the user to collect and bind other items to the first item. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a device where components can be easily adapted for different environments, such as by material substitution in components. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a device that is buoyant and hence floats, thus making it useful in marine and water environments. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to secure a collection of items together and to secure them in a desired storage location, such as via a suction cup. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view showing a collection and identification device embodying the present invention and attached to an electrical cord and plug, either for identification purposes and/or to retain the plug close to a point of use. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view showing the present device of  FIG. 1  but used to retain two ski poles together and simultaneously serving to identify ownership of the ski poles. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present collection and identification device in a free state. 
         FIGS. 3-5  are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the ball stop in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 6-8  are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the slide lock in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 9-12  are top perspective, bottom perspective, plan, and side views of the identification pull tag in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of an alternative pull tag. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view an alternative ball stop. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative identification/pull tab. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative collection device. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative method of assembly. 
         FIGS. 18-19  are perspective views of a second alternative method of assembly. 
         FIGS. 20-20B  are perspective views of a first procedure for attaching two ski poles together. 
         FIGS. 21-21B  are perspective views of a second procedure for attaching two ski poles together. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present collection and identification device  30  ( FIGS. 1-2 ) includes a binder line  31 , a ball stop  32 , a slide lock  33  and a pull tab  34  with identification member  35  thereon, the components  32 - 34  being arranged on the binder line  31  to facilitate flexible, quick, and secure collection of items  20 , including identification and potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the components  31 - 35  are single components, with no internal moving parts such as an internal biasing spring or plunger. Further, the present device  30  is constructed for ease of assembly, with the limited number of single-piece components  31 - 34  being surprisingly easy to assemble while also providing multiple ways of securely retaining items together. In short, the present device  30  is low cost to manufacture, low cost to assemble, re-useable/environmentally-friendly, and yet is durable, robust, long lasting, ergonomic, customizable, and visually attractive. Further, the present device  30  is particularly well-suited for identification purposes. 
     Notably, the device  30  can be used in several different ways to collect and secure items, and includes customizable identification members  35 , thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and identifying various items based on a user&#39;s preferences and desires.  FIG. 1  illustrates the present device  30  attached to an electrical power cord and plug  38 , with the identification member  35  identifying the particular cord and plug  38  for the user. It is noted that the cord  38  can be wound into a storage condition and retained in the storage condition by the device  30 , and/or the device  30  can be used for identifying the particular electrical device that the cord  38  is supplying electrical power to. Also, it is contemplated that the device  30  can be used to retain any cord in a wound or wrapped storage position, including cords such as communication cords, ropes, wires, and innumerable other elongated flexible items.  FIG. 1A  illustrates the present device  30  securing two ski poles  39  together.  FIGS. 1A ,  20 - 20 B and  21 - 21 B illustrate three of the many different ways that the device  30  can be used to secure items together. 
     It is noted that each of the ball stop  32 , slide lock  33 , and pull tab  34  can be made of a same material or different materials, and further each can be made of similar or different sizes and shapes, depending on the physical requirements of a particular intended use. Accordingly, the description below is intended to disclose aspects and features of the present invention, but is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting. 
     Binder line  31  ( FIG. 2 ) can be any of a variety of different cords having linear strength and long term durability for handling the stress of binding items together. The illustrated binder line  31  is preferably made of a resilient material (preferably cloth covered) having a diameter that is relatively flexible but non-collapsible. An outer surface of the binder line  31  has frictional characteristics relative to components  32 - 34  yet that permit slide lock  33  to be slidingly moved along the binder line  31  when desired. In particular, the binder line  31  can be tied in a knot  42  and frictionally retained within a knot-receiving cavity in the ball stop  32 , as discussed below. Also, the binder line  31  also permits a smooth sliding movement of the slide lock  33  along the binder line  31 , while also frictionally holding the slide lock  33  in a selected position once the slide lock  33  is released. Also, the binder line  31  provides sufficient frictional engagement with the pull tab  34  so that the pull tab  34  reliably engages the binder line  31  and does not undesirably release after assembly. The illustrated binder line  31  is longitudinally stretchable, like a bungee cord, such that the binder line  31  can be stretched and secured, with a linear stretch/tension of the binder line  31  assisting in fixing the bound connection of the binder line  31  around the components  32  and  34 . 
     By way of example and not limitation, the illustrated binder line  31  is commercially available and generally has the following properties. It is about ⅛″ diameter with a fabric outer layer and elastic inner cord, and stretches to about double its free unstretched length (i.e. 100% stretch). The illustrated device  30  is about 4½″ in total length and stretches to about 9″ length. However, it is contemplated that the device&#39;s length (i.e. the binder line) can be made longer or shorter for particular applications, and also can be made a larger (or smaller) diameter, and can have greater (or lesser) elasticity. When released, the binder line  31  recovers to substantially its original length, which results in good retention characteristics even during repeated use. 
     Ball stop  32  ( FIGS. 3-5 ) serves the purpose of creating an anchor point at one end of the binder line  31 . Specifically, the illustrated binder line  31  in  FIG. 2  is a single cord, doubled back and tied at its free end to form a knot  42 . During assembly, the knot  42  slides down and is retained in a knot-pocket cavity  43  defined within a base of the ball stop  32 . The knot  42  is too large to pass through a line-receiving entrance  44  into the cavity  43  in the ball stop  32 , causing an interference-fit when the knot is pulled into an open side of the cavity  43 . It is contemplated that the binder line  31  can alternatively be a continuous loop with no free ends. In such case, it is contemplated that a knot (similar to knot  42 ) could be tied at a (looped) end. Alternatively, a pin or anchor member (not specifically shown, but matingly shaped to frictionally engage the cavity  43 ) could be attached to the looped end of the binder line  31  and inserted into the cavity  43 , so that the pin would become lodged in a base of the knot pocket thus preventing the loop&#39;s knot from being pulled through the ball stop. 
     The ball stop  32  is made of an injection molded polymeric material, and serves the purpose of retention when the binder line  31  (and/or pull tab  34 ) is looped over the ball stop  32 . (See  FIGS. 20-20B  and  21 - 21 B.) The illustrated ball stop  32  is generally spherical in shape, and about ¾″ in diameter, with its spherical sides facilitating slipping a looped section of the binder line  31  over the ball stop  32  for securement. The ball stop  32  ( FIGS. 3-5 ) includes a through hole defined in part by the knot-receiving cavity  43 , and defined by an interference-fit line-pass-through entrance  44  (also called an “opening” herein). The illustrated ball stop  32  is made with multiple external crevices and pockets  45 , which facilitate injection molding by reducing large masses of plastic material forming the ball stop  32 . The existence of crevices and pockets  45  also reduces the amount of polymeric material necessary for the ball stop  32 , improves its appearance, and helps with retention of the binder line  31  (and the pull tab  34 ) on the ball stop  32  by creating a rough outer surface. In particular, the material and shape of the ball stop  32  provides lateral and longitudinal lines of grip on the binder line  31 , facilitating securement of the binder line  31  when looped over the ball stop  32  and when the binder line  31  is simultaneously tensioned/stretched. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that the ball stop  32  does not have to be spherical in shape, but instead it need only be large enough or otherwise shaped to provide a retaining function to limit release of a looped section of the binder line  31  from escaping toward an exit point, such that it encourages the secured binder line  31  and/or pull tab  34  from slipping off. Also, it is contemplated that the ball stop  32  (and slide lock  33  and pull tab  34 ) can be made from any material, including many different polymers (including translucent and fluorescent and buoyant materials), metal, wood, composite, and other structural materials. 
     The illustrated slide lock  33  ( FIGS. 6-8 ) is also an injection molded polymeric material, having a cylindrical size of about ½″ in diameter and being about ½″ long. Slide lock  33  includes a through hole  47  that shaped to frictionally but slidingly engage the binder line  31 , with the friction being sufficiently strong so that the lock slide  33  locks into a set position on the binder line  31  when released, but so that the slide lock  33  is slidable along the binder line  31  when gripped and pulled along the binder line  31 . Notably, when the slide lock  33  is being moved, the illustrated binder line  31  stretches and flexes a small amount within the slide lock  33 , thus assisting in release and sliding of the slide lock  33 . When the slide lock  33  is released, the binder line  31  recovers and again frictionally engages the slide lock  33  to hold it in a set position. The slide lock  33  also includes longitudinally oriented recesses  47 A and protrusions  47 B to facilitate gripping by fingers of a person&#39;s hand. 
     The illustrated pull tab  34  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) is also injection molded of a polymeric material, and includes an identification-supporting/finger-grip portion  50  and a line-receiving/retaining portion  51 . The illustrated finger-grip portion  50  is about ⅞″ diameter and ⅛″ thick, and includes a circular rim defining a coin-shaped recess on both side surfaces (or on a single side) where the identification member  35  is located. Notably, the finger-grip portion  50  can be any size or shape sufficient for gripping by a user. The pull tab  34  also can have a physical shape (such as a particular profile or perimeter shape) to assist in providing an identifying function. The line-receiving/retaining portion  51  includes a pass-through opening  52  and a circumferential binder line lock groove  53  extending from the opening  52 . The binder line lock groove  53  has a size and shape designed to frictionally engage and securely hold the binder line  31  within the groove  53  once friction-fit therein, as described below. 
     It is contemplated that one (or two) identification members  35  are attached to the identification-supporting/finger-grip portion  50  of the pull tab  34 . It is contemplated that the identification members  35  can be any form of identification, including indicia, picture, symbol, logo, graphics, lettering, numbering, QR code, bar code, RFID tag, blue tooth communicating device, other near-field communication device, and any interpretive device (visual, tactile, wireless, or other). The identification member  35  can include a physical protruding structure (domed, raised, flat, or 3D) or include a recessed structure; and can be presented in any form, include printing, 3D image, a clear-domed/covered picture or other physical shape; and that it can be day-light-visible and/or fluorescent. The identification member  35  can be integrally formed on the pull tab  34 , or can be separately manufactured and attached by many different means such as a sticker, adhered panel, snap-in panel, or otherwise mechanically, chemically, or otherwise attached (including welding). It can also present a surface capable of receiving written information. When integrally formed, the identification member  35  can be integrally formed as part of the pull tab  34  in the primary molding operation and/or in a secondary manufacturing operation and/or in a manner so that it can be added later by a customer/user. 
     The line-receiving portion  51  of the pull tab  34  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) includes a through hole  52  (also called “pass through portion”) for receiving the binder line  31  and grooves  53  (also called circumferential binder line lock groove”) extending transversely on opposing sides of the through-hole&#39;s exit. The grooves  53  are formed by laterally-facing hook-like structures and shaped with a narrowed side to frictionally receive and securely hold the binder line  31  when the binder line  31  is pulled into a bottom of the grooves  53 . In one type assembly ( FIGS. 16-17 ), a looped end of the binder line  31  is pulled through the through hole  52 , looped back over the pull tab  34 , and then the two line portions forming the looped end are pulled into the grooves  53  where they are frictionally retained. Like the ball stop  32 , the pull tab  34  is optimally shaped and sized to serve the purpose of retention when the binder line  31  is looped over the pull tab  34 . The illustrated pull tab  34  is relatively flat with a circular perimeter, such that it facilitates a looped section of the binder line  31  slipping over the pull tab  34  for securement. 
     It is contemplated that the pull tab  34  can have many different shapes, depending on its functional requirements and environment of use. For example, the illustrated pull tab  34  ( FIG. 9 ) has an identification-supporting/finger-grip portion  50  with a circular perimeter with outboard recesses forming a rough exterior (to facilitate gripping) and an interior recess that is smooth (such as for receiving an identification sticker). The line-receiving portion  51  is bulbous shaped, and has a thickness of about half the diametrical size of the finger-grip portion  50  when viewed from a position in front of the recess, but is about double the thickness of the finger-grip portion  50  when viewed from a side edge. It is contemplated that the finger-grip portion can instead have a square perimeter (see pull tab  34 A in  FIG. 11 ) or be rectangular or otherwise shaped (including 3D non-planar shapes) or can be longitudinally ridged along its inside/outside perimeter. Also, it is contemplated that a modified pull tab can be provided having a circular shape similar to the pull tab  34 , but where the modified pull tab would include an external/outboard-facing channel around the pull tab  34  shaped to frictionally receive the binder line  31 . The binder line  31  would be frictionally engaged with the perimeter channel, with the binder line extending from the perimeter channel to a pull-through opening and grooves (much like opening  52  and grooves  53  in pull tab  34 ). Thus, the binder line would form a bumper around the pull tab. 
     In one modification, a suction cup  46  ( FIG. 14 ) is formed on the ball stop  32  for releasably holding the device  30  (along with collected materials) on a flat surface, such as for suction-holding the device  30  and collected items on a flat surface such as a metal container or wall or panel. For example, the flat surface could be suction-attached to a household appliance (such as a refrigerator or washing machine), or to a metal cupboard or rack or building wall. The suction cup  46  can be a separate member attached to the ball stop  32 , or can be integrally molded therewith (such as by overmolding or secondary molding). It is contemplated that the suction cup  46  could be attached to one of the other components, such as to the pull tab  34  or even the slide lock  33  if desired, with the suction cup being on the component  32 - 34  and extending perpendicularly from a location of the binder line  31  on the respective component  32 - 34 , or at any other location on the component  32 - 34 , as desired. 
     As noted above, alternative pull tabs can be used (see  FIG. 1 ,  13 ,  15 ), such as a square shape or ring shape (with or without a center hole). Also, the line-receiving portion of the pull tab can be modified. For example, a pull tab  34 B ( FIGS. 18-19 ) does not have a through-hole  52  like pull tab  34  ( FIG. 2 ), but instead pull tab  34 B ( FIG. 18 ) is made with a center friction hook  56  ( FIGS. 18-19 ) facing a first lateral direction and oppositely-facing laterally-opposing outboard frictional hooks  57 . The hooks  56  and  57  are shaped to frictionally engage and retain a loop portion of the binder line  31  by placing the loop portion of the binder line  31  over the center hook  56  with parts of the binder line  31  extending between the center hook  56  and the outboard friction hooks  57 . The binder line  31  can be finally assembled by pulling the binder line  31  tight ( FIG. 19 ), which causes the portions of the binder line  31  to slide into and frictionally engage the hooks  56  and  57 . 
     The present components  31 - 34  provide a kit that assembles quickly and easily, and that is intuitive to assemble. For example, the binder line  31  can be pulled through the slide lock  33  and knotted for frictional retention in the ball stop  32  (see  FIG. 2 ), and then a loop portion pulled over the pull tab  34  (see  FIGS. 16-17 ) and frictionally retained in the opposing hooks within a few seconds of starting the assembly. 
     There are many alternative ways to use the present device  30 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , the ski poles  39  are extended between two parts of the binder line  31  and between the ball stop  32  and the slide lock  33 . Notably, this places the identification member  35  and pull tab  34  in a location where they extend outwardly in a very visible and easily graspable position. In  FIGS. 20-20B , a first elongated member (such as ski pole  39 ) is extended between sections of the binder line  31  ( FIG. 20 ), and the slip lock  33  is pulled tight ( FIG. 20 ). Then, a remainder of the binder line  31  is wrapped around a second elongated member (i.e. the second ski pole  39 ) ( FIG. 20A ) and pulled over the ball stop  32 , with the binder line  31  being stretched sufficiently to retain the wrapped elongated members together ( FIG. 20B ). Alternatively, both sections of the binder line  31  can be wrapped around the first elongated member (i.e. ski pole) and looped over the ball stop  32  and then the slip lock  33  pulled tight ( FIG. 21 ). Thereafter, a remainder of the binder line  31  is wrapped around the second elongated member (i.e. second ski pole  39 ) ( FIG. 21A ) and looped over the ball stop  32  a second time in tension ( FIG. 21B ). 
     Notably, the present device  30  can be stored and/or shipped in an elongated/assembled state (like that shown in  FIG. 2 ), or can be stored and/or shipped in a coiled or bundled state. The device  30  can be nested along with a length of material or with other similar devices for compact shipment, or can be used to hold goods together during shipment. The present device  30  is sufficient in size so that it is not easily lost and also easily grasped, yet is small and compact enough to not take up excessive space nor to significantly increase a shipping weight. Components of the present device  30  can be made of any suitable structural polymeric material, including buoyant material (i.e. having a specific gravity of less than 1.0), which makes them useful in marine environments and for boating since they float and are moisture resistant. Notably, the components  32 - 35  can be made in attractive colors and/or with fluorescent materials and/or with UV resistance and/or using many weather/environment-resistant materials, making them useful in outdoor environments and/or for sporting goods and/or in high wear conditions and/or in other specialized environments. 
     The identification member  35  allows the device  30  to be used in numerous ways for identification of goods or for identification of ownership of goods. It is noted that the identifying member  35  (and/or the other components  32 - 34 ) can be made with a bright color, which greatly assists in a user finder their particular items from an assortment of similar goods (such as when skis are stored in a ski rack at a ski resort). Notably, the device  30  can be coupled end-to-end with other similar devices  30  to bind larger quantities of material (e.g. if the device is “too short”), or can be wrapped one or more times around a material to provide proper engagement length and more secure retention (e.g. if the device is “too long”, or if the user wants to provide extra “slip-out resistance” by using multiple wraps). 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.