Patent Publication Number: US-8535082-B2

Title: Apparatus for providing a secure connection between different devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/710,069, filed on Feb. 22, 2010, pending, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus having first and second securing members, and a connecting member extending therebetween, for holding and gripping at least two devices together, such as, but not limited to, plugs, cords, extension cords, power strips, or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The popularity of using electrical and/or electronic devices, such as televisions, toasters, media players, phones, computers, coffee machines, etc., has increased over time. As the popularity of such electrical and/or electronic devices has grown and increases to grow, challenges related to the use of such devices have emerged. 
     Electrical devices typically are connected to, or are connectable to, some type of power cord and/or electrical plug to function properly, e.g., for recharging a battery of the device, to provide a constant supply of power, etc. Power cord(s) and/or electrical plug(s) of an associated electrical device usually connect to other power cords, plugs, power strips, or the like to provide electrical energy to the associated device. A power cord may include a plug that mates with a corresponding plug and/or electrical socket of another cord, extension cord, power strip, etc. to provide the electrical energy needed to power any associated device. 
     Devices that typically employ a plug, a power cord, or a power cord with an associated plug, have no way of securing and maintaining the connection between the first cord and/or plug and a second corresponding electrical plug and/or cord. As such, when environmental forces act upon one or more traditional devices, the cord and plug of the one or more traditional devices are susceptible to disconnection from the second corresponding plug, cord, power strip, etc. For example, when a user of a television moves a piece of furniture, on which the television rests, away from an electrical socket (e.g., to clean behind the furniture, redesign the layout of the room, etc.), the cord and/or plug of the television may become disconnected from a power strip connected to the socket, an extension cord connected to the cord of the television, etc. Typically a cord has a plug which attaches to another plug of another cord. 
     Forces acting on the plugs/cords can not only disconnect the plugs/cords, but can also damage or destroy the structural and electrical connection between the plugs and their respective cords. For example, if a user pulls on a cord with a predetermined force, the user may accidentally break the cord from the plug, thereby rendering the cord inoperable without repairing the connection between the cord and its plug. Alternatively or additionally, the damaged cord and/or plug may leave electrical wires exposed, which could harm the user or another near the device. 
     One of the ways users have previously attempted to prevent such disconnection was to tie a knot at the end of a cable (e.g., near the plug of the cable) with another cable and plug. For example, contractors may employ various types of cables running through a building, and may tie a knot with such cables together to avoid disconnection due to various workplace conditions (e.g., a worker kicks the cables, construction material pushes/knocks into the cables, cables extend vertically to different floors/ceilings, etc.). However, such knots damage the device, e.g., cables, cords, plugs, etc. because the device bends in a way that is unintended for use of the device when manufactured. Indeed, the knotting of the device leaves the device susceptible to unintended forces acting thereon, which may lead to the aforementioned risks of exposed wires and electrical shock. As such, there is a need in the art to prevent disconnection, inoperability, and other harmful aspects of electrical devices. 
     Many other times, to prevent the aforementioned disconnection, inoperability, or other harmful aspects of electrical devices, users may employ, or makers of the devices may install, longer cords to compensate and account for any forces that may pull on the cords, plugs, etc. Even though additional cord length may reduce some problems associated with electrical cords/plugs, this solution does not prevent all occurrences. Additionally, merely increasing cord length can result in inefficiencies, such as increased cost, inefficient use of space, or the like, during manufacture, installation, and/or operation. This can also result in discomfort for the user (e.g., due to cables under a computer desk occupying foot space), or can simply result in an unappealing aesthetic in a living space (e.g., too many cables/cords sticking out from behind the television stand, too much space occupied, cables/cords of different sizes, etc.) Providing ergonomic characteristics, such as increased space availability, fewer movements for moving, connecting, disconnecting cords/plugs, etc., are important for effective and comfortable user interaction. 
     Thus, it would therefore be desirable to provide an apparatus that preserves the connection between an electrical cord, plug, power strip, etc. There is also a need in the art to preserve the connection such that the cord, plug, power strip, etc. does not become inoperable or an electric shock risk is not created (e.g., due to an exposed wire resulting from damage to the cord, plug, etc.). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for securing a connection between two devices is provided with first and second members for securing at least one respective device, such as a power cord, plug, cable, power strip, coaxial cable, hose(s), tube(s), etc., and a member for connecting the first securing member to the second securing member. The apparatus is used to preserve the connection between at least two devices by gripping and securing the devices, such as, but not limited to, an electrical cord, plug, power strip, etc. Such preservation avoids inoperability of, or an electric shock risk (e.g., due to an exposed wire(s), broken plug-cord connection, etc.) of, the at least two devices. The present invention of the instant application allows for cost reduction associated with employing long wires, cables, plugs, cords, etc., and provides for efficient use of space (e.g., because less overall cord, wire, plug length is needed for making the connection). 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for holding at least two devices together, the apparatus includes: a first securing member including an elongate member having first and second ends, the elongate member having a length between said first and second ends sufficient to wrap around one of the at least two devices, and the first end of the first securing member having securing means that operates to connect the first end to the second end; a second securing member operating to receive at least one other of the at least two devices, the second securing member having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles, each receptacle operating to receive the at least one other of the at least two devices; and a connecting member coupled to, and extending from, said first securing member to said second securing member. 
     The second securing member may include a base having first and second ends; and a pair of first and second fingers, each having first and second ends, the first and second fingers being connected to the base at first ends thereof and extending away from the base, wherein the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles are located therebetween. The base and the pair of fingers may be integral. 
     The first and second fingers may be opposed to, spaced apart from, and springingly biased toward, one another. An edge of each finger facing the other finger may be an inner edge. The inner edges of the first and second fingers may include at least two adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. A second end of each of the fingers may be movable against a force of the spring bias of each of the fingers. Each of the fingers may have a respective cantilevered attachment to the base, thereby forming a spring loaded grip that operates to hold the at least one other of the at least two devices therebetween. 
     The base may include two levers, each lever extending from the first and the second ends of the base away from each other, such that the fingers operate to be opened and/or moved away from each other when the two levers are both pulled away from the fingers; and the fingers may operate to: (i) substantially return to their original configuration and/or a rest position when the two levers are released and/or substantially return to their original configuration and/or rest positions and when the at least one other of the at least two devices fits within, and/or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and (ii) substantially grip, and clamp, the at least one other of the at least two devices when the at least one other of the at least two devices has a diameter that is substantially the same or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     The first and second portions of the at least two receptacles may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of the at least one other of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. A diameter of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least: about 2 mm-about 12 mm; about 4 mm-about 10 mm; and about 7.5 mm-about 9 mm; about 0.320 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.345 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.375 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.320 inches; about 0.345 inches; about 0.375 inches; and about 0.445 inches. 
     The inner edge of each finger may include at least three adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The adjacent arch portions may be concave. The first and the second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The first and second portions of the at least three receptacles may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of the at least one other of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a third of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The first, the second, and the third of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The at least one portion of the at least one other of the at least two devices may have substantially the same or a larger diameter than a diameter of the receptacle, when in a rest position, in which it is held. 
     The securing means may operate to releasably close the first securing member around an outer surface of the one of the at least two devices. 
     The connecting member may include at least one of: an adjustment element that operates to increase and/or decrease a length thereof such that the first securing member and the second securing member can be located at a predetermined position on the one and the at least one other of the at least two devices, respectively; and stretchable, flexible, and/or elastic material. 
     The elongate member of the first securing member may include a tie-wrap having a tie-wrap grabbing member at one end of the elongate member and a tie cable connected to, and extending from, the tie-wrap grabbing member such that the tie-wrap grabbing member operates to releasably connect to the tie cable, thereby securing the one of the at least two devices therein. The elongate member of the first securing member may include a tie-wrap grabbing member at one end thereof and a tie cable at the other end thereof such that the tie-wrap grabbing member operates to releasably connect to the tie cable, thereby securing the one of the at least two devices therein. 
     The connecting member may include a bridge or loop at one end thereof that is sized and shaped such that the bridge or loop defines a channel therethrough. The channel may be sized and shaped to permit at least a portion of the elongate member to be disposed therein. 
     In accordance with at least another aspect of the present invention, one or more embodiments of an apparatus for holding at least two devices together may include a first securing member operating to receive at least one of at least two devices, the first securing member having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles, each receptacle operating to receive the at least one of the at least two devices; a second securing member operating to receive at least one other of the at least two devices, the second securing member having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles, each receptacle operating to receive the at least one other of the at least two devices; and a connecting member coupled to, and extending between, said first securing member and said second securing member. 
     The first and second securing members may each include a base having first and second ends; and a pair of first and second fingers, each having first and second ends, being connected to the base at first ends of the first and second fingers and extending away from the base, wherein the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles thereof are located therebetween. The base and the pair of fingers of the first securing member may be integral and the base and the pair of fingers of the second securing member may be integral. 
     The fingers of the first and second securing members may: (i) each have a respective cantilevered attachment to their respective base, thereby forming a spring loaded grip that operates to hold a respective one of the at least two devices therebetween; (ii) operate to be: (a) at least one of opened and moved away from each other; and (b) substantially returned to at least one of their original configuration and a rest position when the respective one of the at least two devices fits within, or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles therebetween; and (iii) substantially grip, and clamp, the respective one of the at least two devices when the respective one of the at least two devices has a diameter that is substantially the same size, smaller or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     The base of the first and second securing members may each include two levers, each lever extending from the first and the second ends of the base away from each other, such that the fingers operate to be opened and/or moved away from each other when the two levers are both pulled away from the fingers. The fingers may operate to: (i) substantially return to their original configuration and/or a rest position when the two levers are released and/or substantially return to their original configuration and/or rest positions and when the respective one of the at least two devices fits within, and/or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and (ii) substantially grip, and clamp, the respective one of the at least two devices when the respective one of the at least two devices has a diameter that is substantially the same size or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     The first and second fingers may be opposed to, spaced apart from, and springingly biased toward, one another; an edge of each finger facing the other finger may be an inner edge; and the inner edges of the first and second fingers may include at least two adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The first and second portions of the at least two receptacles may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of one of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The apparatus may have at least one of: (i) the adjacent arch portions being concave; and (ii) the first and the second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles of the first and second securing members may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     The inner edge of each finger may include at least three adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles of the first and second securing members. The first and second portions of the at least three receptacles of the first and second securing members may sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of one of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a third of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The apparatus may have at least one of: (i) the adjacent arch portions being concave; and (ii) the first, the second and the third of the at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles of the first and second securing members may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     A diameter of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles of each of the first and second securing members may be at least: about 2 mm-about 12 mm; about 4 mm-about 10 mm; about 7.5 mm-about 9 mm; about 0.320 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.345 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.375 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.320 inches; about 0.345 inches; about 0.375 inches; and about 0.445 inches. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, one or more embodiments of an apparatus for holding at least two devices together, the apparatus comprising: a first securing member operating to receive at least one of at least two devices, the first securing member having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles, each receptacle operating to receive the at least one of the at least two devices; and a connecting member coupled to, and extending from, said first securing member, the connecting member operating to be integral with at least another device of the at least two devices. 
     The first securing member further may include: a base; and a pair of first and second fingers being connected to the base and extending away from the base, wherein the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles are located therebetween. The fingers may: (i) each have a respective cantilevered attachment to the base, thereby forming a spring loaded grip that operates to hold the at least one of the at least two devices therebetween; (ii) operate to be: (a) at least one of opened and moved away from each other; (b) substantially returned to at least one of their original configuration and a rest position when the at least one other of the at least two devices fits within, or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and (iii) substantially grip, and clamp, the at least one other of the at least two devices when the at least one other of the at least two devices has a diameter that is substantially the same size, smaller or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The base and the pair of fingers of the first securing member may be integral. 
     The first and second fingers may be opposed to, spaced apart from, and springingly biased toward, one another. An edge of each finger facing the other finger may be an inner edge. The inner edges of the first and second fingers may include at least two adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The first and second portions of the at least two receptacles may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of the at least one of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. One or more embodiments of the apparatus may have least one of: (i) the adjacent arch portions being concave; and (ii) the first and the second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     The inner edge of each finger may include at least three adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles. The first and second portions of the at least three receptacles may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of one of the at least two devices between at least one of: the first and the second portions of a first of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; the first and the second portions of a second of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and the first and the second portions of a third of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. One or more embodiments of the apparatus may have at least one of: (i) the adjacent arch portions being concave; and (ii) the first, the second and the third of the at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles are at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch separating each pair of the at least three substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     A diameter of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least: about 2 mm-about 12 mm; about 4 mm-about 10 mm; about 7.5 mm-about 9 mm; about 0.320 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.345 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.375 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.320 inches; about 0.345 inches; about 0.375 inches; and about 0.445 inches. 
     The base may include two levers, each lever extending from the first and the second ends of the base away from each other, such that the fingers operate to be opened and/or moved away from each other when the two levers are both pulled away from the fingers; and the fingers operate to: (i) substantially return to their original configuration and/or a rest position when the two levers are released and/or substantially return to their original configuration and/or rest positions and when the at least one of the at least two devices fits within, and/or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles; and (ii) substantially grip, and clamp, the at least one of the at least two devices when the at least one of the at least two devices has a diameter that is substantially the same size or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles. 
     One or more embodiments of the apparatus may be at least one of: transparent, semi-transparent and opaque. The first securing member, the second securing member, and/or the connecting member may include at least one of: clear plastic, polyurethane polymer, textile material, polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane polymer, cloth fabric, vinyl, leather, suede, synthetics, and substantially resilient material. 
     The present invention of the instant application allows for the first time the secure and consistent attachment of one device, such as, but not limited to, a plug, cord, extension cord, etc. to another device, such as, but not limited to, a plug, cord, extension cord, etc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there are shown in the drawings simplified forms that may be employed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited by or to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, but rather only by the claims. To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings and figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for providing a secure connection between two devices in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  after securing two devices (indicated with dashed lines) in the first and second securing members in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are perspective views illustrating two devices being connected and secured in the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  are perspective views of at least one device of a predetermined size being secured in one of the receptacles of the second securing member in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating the removal of the two devices therefrom in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of at least one other device of a predetermined size being secured in one of the receptacles of the second securing member and of at least one device being secured in the first securing member in accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6B  illustrating the first securing member in the open or unlocked arrangement in accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an apparatus including first and second securing members each having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an apparatus including a securing member having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles that operate to secure a device therein and a connecting member that extends from the securing member and is integrated into a cable/cord of the at least one other device in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     An apparatus including convenient securing members and connecting member extending therebetween is disclosed herein for securing a connection between two devices. Devices that may be placed within the apparatus by a user include, but are not limited to, an electrical cord, plug, power strip, etc. The apparatus may be employed in automobiles, living environments such as homes and apartments, work environments such as offices, public spaces such as local parks, or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that preserves a connection between one or more electrical cords, plugs, power strips, etc. 
     Turning now to the details of the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an apparatus  10  including a first securing member  2  comprising an elongate member  3  having first and second ends  4  and  5 ; a second securing member  6  having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c , each receptacle operating to receive the at least one other of the at least two devices; and a connecting member  19  coupled to, and extending from, the first securing member  2  to the second securing member  6 . As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3B , the elongate member  3  of the first securing member  2  operates to secure a device  20  therein, and the second securing member  6  operates to receive and secure at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  therein. Preferably, the elongate member  3  has a length between the first end  4  and the second end  5  sufficient to wrap around one device  20  of at least two devices  20  and  25 . Each receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  of the second securing member  6  may be used to receive and secure the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . The apparatus  10  may be integrated with one of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . Preferably, the apparatus  10  is releasably connected to the one or more devices  20  and  25  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 ; shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The at least two devices  20  and  25  include, but are not limited to, an electrical cord, plug, power strip, etc. At least one portion of the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  may have substantially the same or a larger diameter than a diameter of the receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c , when in a rest position, in which the device  25  is held. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device  25  may be gripped or secured in a receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  even when the diameter of the at least one portion of the device  25  is smaller than the diameter of the receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  in which it is located (e.g., when an opening of a receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  is smaller than a diameter or thickness/width of the device  25 ). 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , at least the first end  4  of the elongate member  3  of the first securing member  2  includes a securing means  12   a  for connecting the first end  4  to the second end  5 . In at least one embodiment, the first and second ends  4  and  5  of the elongate member  3  include respective securing means  12   a  and  12   b  disposed thereon. Preferably, the securing means  12   a  of the first end  4  operates to connect the first end  4  to the other securing means  12   b  disposed on the second end  5 . The securing means  12   a ,  12   b  may operate to releasably close the first securing member  2  around an outer surface  20   a  of the one device  20  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . The securing means  12   a  and  12   b  may include, but is not limited to, a latch-catch arrangement, a button-groove configuration, an adjustable band (e.g., a cinch buckle, an adjustor, or the like for sliding a device therethrough and reducing the size of the band to secure the device), a clasp, a closure buckle, a clip, a fastener, a Velcro arrangement, etc. For example, a user of the apparatus  10  may wrap the elongate member  3  around a first device  20  and secure the device  20  in the elongate member  3  by releasably connecting a Velcro piece  12   a  on the first end  4  to another Velcro piece  12   b  on the second end  5 . 
     The second securing member  6  may further include a base  8  and two fingers  13  and  15  connected to, and extending away from, the base  8 . The base  8  and/or the first and second fingers  13  and  15  of the second securing member  6  may act to create a “gripping” or “clamping” feature for securing the other device  25 . Preferably, the fingers  13  and  15  each have a respective cantilevered attachment to the base  8 , thereby forming a spring loaded grip that operates to hold the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  therebetween. The base  8  of the second securing member  6  may include first and second ends  9  and  11 , and the first and second fingers  13  and  15  of the second securing member  6  may each include a first  21 ,  23  end and a second end  22 ,  24 , respectively. The first ends  21  and  23  of the first and second fingers  13  and  15  may be connected to the base  8  (e.g., end  21  may be connected to end  9  and end  23  may be connected to end  11 ). The first and second fingers  13  and  15  may be opposed to, spaced apart from, and springingly biased toward, one another. The second ends  22  and  24  of each of the fingers  13  and  15 , respectively, may be movable against a force of the spring bias of each of the fingers  13  and  15 . For example (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3B ), a user may connect a device  20  (e.g., a plug and corresponding cable) to another device  25  (e.g., another plug and corresponding cable) and place the device  25  in between fingers  13  and  15 . When inserting the device  25  in between the fingers  13  and  15 , the placement pushes the ends  22  and  24  of the fingers  13  and  15 , respectively, outwards to fit the device  25  therebetween. During and after insertion of the device  25 , the fingers  13  and  15  operate to springingly bias toward each other to grip, hold, secure, etc. the device  25  in between the fingers  13  and  15  (e.g., in receptacle  7   b  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3B ). The base  8  and the pair of fingers  13  and  15  may be integral or releasably connected components of the second securing member  6 . 
     The at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  of the second securing member  6  may be positioned in between the first and second fingers  13  and  15  of the second securing member  6 , and may be sized and shaped to receive and grip a particular shape of the at least one device  25 . Each of the fingers  13  and  15  may include a portion of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . In at least one embodiment, the fingers  13  and  15  may each include an inner edge  17   a ,  17   b , and  17   c  that faces the corresponding inner edge  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  of the other finger. The inner edges  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c  of the first finger  13  and the inner edges  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  of the second finger  15  may define the size and shape of one or more portions of the receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . For example, the inner edges  17   a - 17   c  and  18   a - 18   c  may be sized and shaped to include at least two adjacent arch portions (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 ) that define corresponding first and second portions of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . The adjacent arch portions may be concave. The first and second portions (e.g., the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  17   a  and the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  18   a , respectively, may define receptacle  7   a ; the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  17   b  and the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  18   b , respectively, may define receptacle  7   b ; the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  17   c  and the surface area/volume defined by inner edge  18   c , respectively, may define receptacle  7   c ; etc.) of the at least two receptacles  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  may be sized and shaped to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . Thus, the other device  25  may be inserted, and gripped, between at least one of: the first and the second portions (e.g., inner edges  17   a  and  18   a ) of a first receptacle  7   a  of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a  and  7   b ; and the first and the second portions (e.g., inner edges  17   b  and  18   b ) of a second receptacle  7   b  of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a  and  7   b . The first and second receptacles  7   a  and  7   b  may be at least one of: co-planar; spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and include a notch (e.g., notches  35   a ,  35   b ,  33   a ,  33   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A ) separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a  and  7   b . A diameter of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least: about 2 mm-about 12 mm; about 4 mm-about 10 mm; and about 7.5 mm-about 9 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a diameter of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may be at least: about 0.320 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.345 inches; about 0.320 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.375 inches; about 0.345 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.375 inches to about 0.445 inches; about 0.320 inches; about 0.345 inches; about 0.375 inches; and about 0.445 inches. 
     The at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles may include a third substantially linearly aligned receptacle  7   c . The receptacle  7   c  may include similar characteristics as those of the aforementioned receptacles  7   a  and  7   b . For example, in one or more embodiments,  7   a  may be about 0.375 inches in diameter;  7   b  may be about 0.345 inches in diameter; and  7   c  may be about 0.320 inches in diameter. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more further embodiments,  7   a  may be about 0.445 inches in diameter;  7   b  may be about 0.375 inches in diameter; and  7   c  may be about 0.345 inches in diameter. The inner edges  17   c  and  18   c  of each finger  13  and  15 , respectively, may define a third pair of adjacent arch portions that define corresponding first and second portions of the third receptacle  7   c . Additionally or alternatively, the first and second portions (e.g., inner edges  17   c  and  18   c , surface area/volume defined by inner edges  17   c  and  18   c , etc.) of the third receptacle  7   c  may be sized, shaped, and/or located to receive, and to grip, at least one portion of the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  therebetween. The third receptacle  7   c  may be at least one of: co-planar with the first and second receptacles  7   a  and  7   b ; spaced apart from the other receptacles  7   a  and  7   b  by a predetermined distance; and include a notch (e.g., notches  35   a ,  35   b ,  33   a ,  33   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A ) separating each pair of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape, and location of the inner edges  17   a - 17   c  and  18   a - 18   c , and thus the corresponding first and second portions of the aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c , may be modified to grip devices with different sizes, shapes, and/or locations. For example, as best seen in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , receptacle  7   c  may be sized and shaped to receive and grip the smaller device  25   c , receptacle  7   b  may be sized and shaped to receive a medium-sized device  25   b , and receptacle  7   a  may be sized and shaped to receive the larger device  25   a  of the three devices  25   a ,  25   b , and  25   c . The devices  25   a ,  25   b , and  25   c  may vary in size, shape, diameter, etc. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the base  8  may further include two levers  28  and  29 , each lever  28  and  29  extending from the first and the second ends  8  and  9  of the base  8 , respectively, such that the fingers  13  and  15  operate to be opened (e.g., moved away from each other, end  22  of finger  13  may be moved away from end  25  of finger  15 , etc.) when the two levers  28  and  29  are both pulled away from the fingers  13  and  15  (e.g., towards the opposite side of the base  8 , away from the side of the base  8  on which the fingers  13  and  15  are disposed, towards thumb  53  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in the substantial direction of axis, Lo, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , etc.). The levers  28  and  29  may extend substantially away from each other (e.g., in substantially opposite directions). For example, as best seen in  FIG. 5 , a user may position each of fingers  51  and on the levers  28  and  29  to begin the process of inserting/removing the device  25  from one of the receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  of the apparatus  10 . After positioning the fingers  51  and  52 , the user may squeeze the levers  28  and  29  to pull the levers  28  and  29  away from the fingers  13  and  15  (e.g., towards the opposite side of base  8 , towards thumb  53  as shown in  FIG. 5 , etc.). The force created by the user pulls the fingers  13  and  15  away from each other such that the user may insert or remove the device  25  into one of the receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  of the apparatus  10 . Once the user has successfully inserted or removed the device  25 , the user may stop pulling on the levers  28  and  29 , thereby removing the force pulling the fingers  13  and  15  away from each other. The fingers  13  and  15  may operate to at least one of: (i) substantially return to their original configuration and/or a rest position when the two levers  28  and are released and/or substantially return to their original configuration and/or rest positions and when the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  fits within, and/or is removed from, one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c ; and (ii) substantially grip, and clamp, the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  when the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  has a diameter that is substantially the same size or larger than a diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . In at least one embodiment, the fingers  13  and  15  may secure the device  25  even when the diameter of the device  25  is smaller than the diameter of the one of the at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure and orientation of the levers  28  and  29  with respect to each other and to the fingers  13  and  15  may be modified in various ways while having the same effect on the fingers  13  and  15 . 
     The connecting member  19  may include an adjustment element that operates to increase and/or decrease a length thereof such that the first securing member  2  and the second securing member  6  may be located at a predetermined position on the one device  20  and the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 , respectively. The connecting member  19  may further include, but is not limited to, stretchable, flexible, elastic material, etc. The adjustment element may include, but is not limited to, an adjustable band, a cinch buckle, an adjustor, etc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , one or more alternative embodiments of the present invention may include an apparatus  100  including a first securing member  2   a  comprising an elongate member  3   a  having first and second ends  4   a  and  5   a ; a second securing member  6   a  having at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c , each receptacle operating to receive the at least one other of the at least two devices; and a connecting member  19   a  coupled to, and extending from, the first securing member  2   a  to the second securing member  6   a . As similarly described above for first and second securing members  2  and  6  (and components thereof), the elongate member  3   a  of the first securing member  2   a  operates to secure a device  20  therein, and the second securing member  6   a  operates to receive and secure at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  therein. Preferably, the elongate member  3   a  has a length between the first end  4   a  and the second end  5   a  sufficient to wrap around one device  20  of at least two devices  20  and  25 . As described above, each receptacle  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  of the second securing member  6   a  may be used to receive and secure the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . The apparatus  100  may be integrated with one of the at least two devices  20  and  25  (For example, see connecting member  19 ,  19   a  being integrated into, and/or constructed integrally with, device  20  as best seen in  FIG. 8 ). Preferably, the apparatus  100  is releasably connected to the one or more devices  20  and  25  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B ). 
     As best seen in  FIG. 6B , at least the first end  4   a  of the elongate member  3   a  of the first securing member  2   a  includes a securing means  12   c  for connecting the first end  4   a  to the second end  5   a . In at least one embodiment, the first and second ends  4   a  and  5   a  of the elongate member  3   a  include respective securing means  12   c  and  12   d  disposed thereon. Preferably, the securing means  12   c  of the first end  4   a  operates to connect the first end  4   a  to the other securing means  12   d  disposed on the second end  5   a . The securing means  12   c ,  12   d  may operate to releasably close the first securing member  2   a  around an outer surface  20   a  of the one device  20  of the at least two devices  20  and  25 . The securing means  12   c  and  12   d  may include, but is not limited to, a latch-catch arrangement, a button-groove configuration, an adjustable band (e.g., a cinch buckle, an adjustor, a tie-wrap or the like for sliding a device (e.g., a tie cable, cord, string, etc.) therethrough and reducing the size of the band to secure the device), a clasp, a closure buckle, a clip, a fastener, a Velcro arrangement, etc. For example, a user of the apparatus  100  may wrap the elongate member  3   a  around a first device  20  and secure the device  20  in the elongate member  3   a  by releasably connecting (e.g., the connection is subsequently releasable; the connection is subsequently releasable and reconnectable; etc.) a tie-wrap grabbing member  12   c  on the first end  4   a  to a tie cable  12   d  on the second end  5   a . Preferably, the tie-wrap grabbing member  12   c  includes an aperture  114  therein or therethrough (as best seen in  FIG. 6B  where the tie-wrap grabbing member  12   c  is disconnected from, or not connected to, the tie cable  12   d ) for insertion of the tie cable  12   d  such that the elongate member  3   a  may be reduced in size as the tie cable  12   d  is inserted into and/or through the aperture  114  of the tie-wrap grabbing member  12   c . Additionally or alternatively, the elongate member  3   a  may comprise a tie cable  12   d  connected to, and extending from, a portion of the tie-wrap grabbing member  12   c  having an aperture  114  therein or therethrough for insertion of the tie cable  12   d . The elongate member  3   a  may be integrally connected to connecting member  19   a  or non-integrally connected to the connecting member  19   a.    
     Additionally or alternatively, the connecting member  19   a  further comprises a bridge  110  (also referred to as loop  110 ), and the elongate member  3   a  is connected to the connecting member  19   a  by inserting the elongate member  3   a  into, and through, a channel  112  (also referred to as tunnel  112 ) of the bridge  110  of the connecting member  19   a . While the bridge  110  may be disposed at any predetermined location on the connecting member  19   a , preferably the bridge  110  is disposed on the end of the connecting member  19   a  that is opposite from the end connected to the base  8   a  of the first securing member  6   a . The bridge  110  may be integral with the connecting member  19   a  (as best seen in  FIGS. 6A-6B ), or the bridge  110  may comprise a separate component that is connected to the connecting member  19   a  (e.g., via gluing, clamping, compressing, stitching, etc.). The bridge  110  is sized and shaped such that the elongate member  3   a  may be disposed therethrough. 
     The second securing member  6   a  may further include a base  8   a  and two fingers  13   a  and  15   a  connected to, and extending away from, the base  8   a . The base  8   a  and/or the first and second fingers  13   a  and  15   a  of the second securing member  6   a  may act to create a “gripping” or “clamping” feature for securing the other device  25 . Preferably, the fingers  13   a  and  15   a  each have a respective cantilevered attachment to the base  8   a , thereby forming a spring loaded grip that operates to hold the at least one other device  25  of the at least two devices  20  and  25  therebetween. The first and second fingers  13   a  and  15   a  may be opposed to, spaced apart from, and springingly biased toward, one another. For example (as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B ), a user may connect a device  20  (e.g., a plug and corresponding cable) to another device  25  (e.g., another plug and corresponding cable) and place the device  25  in between fingers  13   a  and  15   a . When inserting the device  25  in between the fingers  13   a  and  15   a , the placement pushes the fingers  13   a  and  15   a , respectively, outwards to fit the device  25  therebetween. During and after insertion of the device  25 , the fingers  13   a  and  15   a  operate to springingly bias toward each other to grip, hold, secure, etc. the device  25  in between the fingers  13   a  and  15   a  (e.g., in receptacle  7   b  as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , in receptacle  7   a , in receptacle  7   c , etc.). The base  8   a  and the pair of fingers  13   a  and  15   a  may be integral or releasably connected components of the second securing member  6   a.    
     In addition to the first and second securing members  2   a ,  6   a , which may be connected (e.g., via clamping, tightening, wrapping, etc.) to the one or more devices  20  and  25  in similar fashion to the first and second securing members  2 ,  6  as discussed above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these elements  2   a ,  6   a  and various other elements of the apparatus  100  (and/or apparatus  200 ,  300  as discussed further below) (e.g., elongate member  3   a ; first and second ends  4   a ,  5   a  of the elongate member  3   a ; base  8   a  of the second securing member  6   a ; two fingers  13   a ,  15   a , which are connected to, and extending away from, the base  8   a  of the second securing member  6   a ; the connecting member  19   a , etc.) may operate in identical or substantially similar fashion, and may include additional similar components (e.g., the first ends  21 ,  23 ; the second ends  22 ,  24 ; the ends  9 ,  11 ; the notches  35   a ,  35   b ,  33   a ,  33   b ; etc.), to those like-numbered elements of the apparatus  10  (e.g., elongate member  3 ; first and second ends  4 ,  5  of the elongate member  3 ; the base  8  of the second securing member  6 ; the two fingers  13 ,  15  attached to the base  8  of the second securing member  6 ; the connecting member  19 ; etc.) as discussed above or any additional like-numbered elements discussed further herein below. For example, while the base  8   a  of the second securing member  6   a  may not include the two levers  28 ,  29  (as best seen in  FIGS. 6A-6B ; although the base  8   a  and/or the second securing member  6   a  may be modified to additionally include the two levers  28 ,  29 ), the base  8   a  and/or the second securing member  6   a  may operate to permit the two fingers  13   a ,  15   a  to: (i) include the at least two receptacles  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c , which operate to hold the one or more devices  20 ,  25 , therebetween; and (ii) spread apart to release the one or more devices  20 ,  25  being held therebetween in the at least two receptacles  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c  as discussed above. 
     As similarly discussed above with respect to the connecting member  19 , the connecting member  19   a  may include an adjustment element that operates to increase and/or decrease a length thereof such that the first securing member  2   a  and the second securing member  6   a  may be located at a predetermined position on the one device  20  and the at least one other device of the at least two devices  20  and  25 , respectively. The connecting member  19   a  may further include, but is not limited to, stretchable, flexible, elastic material, etc. The adjustment element may include, but is not limited to, an adjustable band, a cinch buckle, an adjustor, etc. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the first securing member  2 ,  2   a  of the apparatus  10 ,  100  may be identical to, or substantially similar to, the second securing member  6 ,  6   a  such that the first securing member  2 ,  2   a  has at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c , each receptacle operating to receive the at least one other of the at least two devices  20 ,  25 . In such an arrangement, the first securing member  2 ,  2   a  may further include arms  13   a ,  15   a  and a base  8   a  therefore with similar or identical structure as the arms  13   a ,  15   a  and base  8   a  of the second securing member  6 ,  6   a . Preferably, the connecting member  19 ,  19   a  is coupled to, and extending between, the first securing member  2 ,  2   a  and the second securing member  6 ,  6   a . As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the connecting member  19   a  of apparatus  200  extends between the first securing member  2   a  and the second securing member  6   a  where the first and second securing members  2   a ,  6   a  each include respective at least two substantially linearly aligned receptacles  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c . Indeed, the first securing member  2   a  secures device  20  therein similarly to how the second securing member  6   a  secures device  25  therein. The devices  20 ,  25  may be disposed in corresponding receptacles of securing members  2   a ,  6   a  (e.g., device  20  may be located in receptacle  7   a  of the securing member  2   a  while device  25  is located in corresponding receptacle  7   a  of the securing member  6   a ; device  20  may be located in receptacle  7   b  of the securing member  2   a  while device  25  is located in corresponding receptacle  7   b  of the securing member  6   a ; etc.). Alternatively, the devices  20 ,  25  may be disposed in receptacles of securing members  2   a ,  6   a  that are not corresponding (e.g., device  20  may be located in receptacle  7   a  of the securing member  2   a  while device  25  is located in corresponding receptacle  7   b  of the securing member  6   a ; device  20  may be located in receptacle  7   b  of the securing member  2   a  while device  25  is located in corresponding receptacle  7   c  of the securing member  6   a ; etc.). Indeed, the receptacle in which the devices  20 ,  25  are disposed depends on the size and shape of the devices  20 ,  25 . 
     Alternatively to the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 7 , the connecting member  19   a  of apparatus  300  may be connected to only one of the securing members  2   a ,  6   a , and the connecting member  19   a  may be integral with, or integrated with one of, the two devices  20 ,  25 . While the connecting member  19   a  may be integral with the device  20 ,  25  at any location along the length of devices  20 ,  25 , preferably the connecting member  19   a  is integrated with the device  20 ,  25  at a predetermined location, such as location  80  as shown in  FIG. 8 , near the end of the device  20 ,  25  (e.g., behind a plug of the device  20 ,  25 ; on the plug of the device  20 ,  25 ; etc.). As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the connecting member  19   a  is integral with the cord of device  20  behind the plug of the device  20  such that the securing member  6   a  is spaced away (e.g., via the connecting member  19   a ) from the device  20  at a predetermined distance to provide enough space for the device  25  (e.g., the plug of device  25 ; the plug and a portion of the attached cable/cord of the device  25 ; etc.) therebetween and for the device  25  to properly connect to the device  20 . 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more components (e.g., the first securing member  2 ,  2   a ; the second securing member  6 ,  6   a ; the connecting member  19 ,  19   a ; etc.) of the apparatus  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  may include at least one of: colors, patterns, designs, attachments, text, textures, finishes, graphical designs, different widths, different lengths, attached embellishments, appliqués, etc. For example, a user may select an apparatus  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  with a particular design or aesthetic in order to blend in with an environment or with device(s) of the user&#39;s choice. In at least another embodiment, one or more components of the apparatus  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  may be at least one of: transparent, semi-transparent and opaque. 
     The first securing member  2 ,  2   a ; the second securing member  6 ,  6   a ; and the connecting member  19 ,  19   a  of the apparatus  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  may employ less expensive, fewer, or lightweight components, such as for, but not limited to, clear plastic, polyurethane polymer, textile material, polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane polymer, cloth fabric, vinyl, leather, suede, synthetics, substantially resilient material, etc. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.