Patent Publication Number: US-9403627-B1

Title: Coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/135,484, entitled “Coupler for Securing an Object to a Structural Support Member Through a Void”, filed Mar. 19, 2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to the field of and, more particularly, to a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void. 
     A number of situations exist where a supporting structure having a void is used to mate/support material. Some objects (e.g., such as a nail) create the void in a structural surface while securing objects to the structure using an affixer that passes through the structural surface while creating a void. Other couplers, however, are designed to utilize an existing void, as the supporting coupler does not create the void on its own. These types of void dependent couplers can be permanent (e.g., non-releasable), releasable, or semi releasable in nature. 
     Conventional metal rivets are an example of a permanent coupler that utilizes a void filling. A wood screw (e.g., which generally expands a size of a void) is cross between a void creating and void filing coupler. Fixed diameter screws are void filling couplers having a tightly tailored void (e.g., must have screw threads matching the screw coupler). Plastic rivets are void filling couplers that are semi-removable depending on design. 
     It should be appreciated that although the plastic rivets (and similar couplers) come in multiple forms as known in the art, generally, the ability to reuse these couplers is limited, as use tends to deform their structure. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present invention can include an apparatus for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void. A coupler can have one or more semi-rigid support member and two or more extrusions. The extrusions can be secured against opposing sides of a container. Each of the extrusions can be fitted through a void on each of the opposing sides of the container. The coupling can provide structural support to the container when the extrusions are securely fitted into the void. Each of the extrusions can include an insertable end, a non-insertable end, a trunk, and a set of tertiary pawls extending from one or more trunks and one or more primary pawls. The tertiary pawls can be positioned between the insertable end and non-insertable end along a longitudinal axis of the coupler. The insertable end can be able to fit through a void from the frontside through the void to the backside of the void. The non-insertable end cannot be able to fit through the void. The trunk can terminate at the insertable end in the primary pawl. The primary pawl can form a supplementary angle to the trunk. The complementary angle can be at least five degrees. When the tertiary pawls are completely inserted into the void, the tertiary pawls can contact the backside surface associated with the void. The non-insertable end can terminate in a base pawl. The base pawl can form two supplementary angles to the trunk. The complementary angles can be at least five degrees. The base pawl can be able to secure the coupler against the the frontside surface of the void. The base pawl can be approximately parallel to the primary pawl. 
     Another aspect of the present invention can include an apparatus for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void. A coupler can include an elongate elastic member having a pair of opposite ends. The elastic member can have a relaxed stated from which the elastic member can be stretched to a stretched state. The elastic member can have a first length when in the relaxed state and a second length greater than the first length when in the stretched state. Each of the ends of the elastic member can have a fastener connected to the each of the ends. Each of the fasteners can include an insertable end, a non-insertable end, a trunk, and a set of tertiary pawls extending from the trunk and the primary pawl. The insertable end can be able to fit through a void from the frontside through the void to the backside of the void of a container. When the tertiary pawls are completely inserted into the void, the tertiary pawls can contact the backside surface associated with the void to secure the fastener within the void. 
     A coupler can have a semi-rigid trunk and one or more extrusions at each end of the trunk perpendicular to the trunk. Each of the extrusion can be secured against opposing sides of a container. Each of the extrusions is fitted through a void on each of the opposing sides of the container. The coupling can provide structural support to the container when the extrusions are securely fitted into the void. Each of the two extrusions can include an insertable end, a non-insertable end, and a set of tertiary pawls extending from the trunk and a primary pawl. The tertiary pawls can be positioned between the insertable end and non-insertable end along a longitudinal axis of the coupler. The insertable end can be able to fit through a void from the frontside through the void to the backside of the void. The non-insertable end cannot be able to fit through the void. The trunk can terminate at the insertable end in the primary pawl. The primary pawl can form a supplementary angle to the trunk. The complementary angle can be at least five degrees. When the tertiary pawls are completely inserted into the void, the tertiary pawls can contact the backside surface associated with the void. The non-insertable end can terminate in a base pawl. The base pawl can form two supplementary angles to the trunk. The complementary angles can be at least five degrees. The base pawl can be able to secure the coupler against the at least one of the frontside surface of the void. The base pawl is approximately parallel to the primary pawl. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is a solution for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void. In the solution, a coupler can be designed to be inserted into a void, to be removable and releasable, such that the coupler is able to be continuously reused. In one contemplated use, the coupler can secure a top to a box, where both the box and the top include a void for locking (e.g., such as BOXA-LOCKS). For example, numerous boxes, totes, and storage containers are two-part enclosure systems having a void through which a removable top is secured, when a coupler is placed in the void. In one embodiment, coupler can include two fasteners connected together via a trunk structure. In the embodiment, each fastener can be secured into voids in opposing sides of a container. In one configuration of the embodiment, when the fasteners are secured into the voids, the coupler can add structural support to the container. 
       FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments  110 ,  130  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     Embodiments of the coupler are detailed hereafter. Derivative and alternatives are contemplated, and the disclosure is not to be construed as limited to specifics provided herein, which serve to illustrate key features of the coupler to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As used herein, a void  138 ,  139  can be an opening within a supporting structure enabling insertion of one or more fasteners  115 ,  117 . A void  138 ,  139  can include, but is not limited to, an aperture, a locking port, a hole, and the like. In one instance, void  138 ,  139  can be a locking port of a storage container, a storage box, and the like. For example, void  138 ,  139  can include two matching locking ports on a cardboard storage box and lid. In one embodiment, void  138 ,  139  can include an opening within a structural member which can facilitate fasteners  115 ,  117 . For example, void  138 ,  139  can be two separate one inch holes within a sheer wall of a house. 
     Coupler  101  can be a device able to fit into a void  138 ,  139  to provide fastening and/or support. Coupler  101  can include an interior height, an exterior height, a depth, and a width. It should be appreciated that coupler  101  geometry and/or size can arbitrarily large/small. Coupler  101  can be inserted into void  138 ,  139  resulting in a portion of the coupler  101  residing behind the void, a portion residing within the void  138 ,  139 , and a portion residing in front of the void. That is, coupler  101  can include an insertable portion  118 ,  120  which when inserted into void  138 ,  139  (e.g., within a box concavity) can be non-visible. Coupler  101  can include a non-insertable portion which can be visible when the coupler  101  is inserted into the void  138 ,  139 . Coupler  101  can include, but is not limited to, a removable fastener, a disposable fastener, and the like. In one instance, coupler  101  can be inserted into one or more locking ports of a container. In one configuration of the instance, the coupler  101  can be removed non-destructively without affecting the structural integrity of the coupler  101  and/or fasteners  115 ,  117 . In another configuration of the instance, the coupler  101  can be destroyed during removal. 
     Coupler  101  and/or fastener  115 ,  117  materials can include, but is not limited to, plastic, metal, composites, and the like. Composites can include, but is not limited to, FR-4/G10, Polyarylamide (PARA), Thermoplastics Polyurethane (TPU), Nylon, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), and the like. For example, coupler  101  can be a semi-flexible TPU reusable container lock. It should be appreciated that coupler  101  can meet or exceed traditional and/or proprietary industry and/or safety standards. For example, the tensile strength of coupler  101  can be approximately equivalent to off-the-shelf fasteners (e.g., ZipTies, plastic snaps, etc). Coupler  101  properties can include, but is not limited to, can be heat-resistant, corrosion resistant, and the like. 
     A pawl  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  119 ,  120 ,  121  can be a structure for limiting movement of the coupler in one direction. For example pawl  119 ,  121  can prevent coupler  101  from being removed from two voids once inserted into the voids. It should be appreciated that pawl  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  119 ,  120 ,  121  can conform to any shape or geometry. For example, pawl  119 ,  121  can buttress against the interior portion of box lid  132 ,  134  to prevent removal and pawl  114 ,  116  can buttress against the exterior wall of lid  132 ,  134  to prevent coupler  101  from being inserted further into void  138 ,  139 . That is, in one instance, coupler  101  can be inserted and cannot be removed without destroying the coupler  101 . In one embodiment, pawl  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  119 ,  120 ,  121  can deform allowing coupler  101  to be removed from void  138 ,  139  once inserted. 
     In embodiment  110 , a coupler  101  can include a semi-rigid support member  112  with two fastener ends  115 ,  117  which can be secured through two voids of opposing sides of a container (e.g., container  136 ). In one instance, coupler  101  can be have a main handle region  112  and two ratchet fasteners  115 ,  117  which can each be securely fitted into a void of a container lid (e.g.,  132 ,  134 ). For example, the fasteners  115 ,  117  can be connected to the coupler  101  to form a shape similar to the Greek letter pi (e.g., “Π”). In one embodiment, the coupler  101  can include dimensions such as a height  126 , a width  128 , and a length  124 . Coupler  101  dimensions can vary from embodiments described herein. It should be appreciated that fasteners  115 ,  117 , can be uniform (e.g., uniform shape, size) or non-uniform. For example, coupler  101  can include fasteners  115 ,  117  which are oriented in opposing directions. 
     In one instance, coupler  101  can include member  112  which can function as a handle to insert and/or remove coupler  101  from one or more voids. In one embodiment, fasteners  115 ,  117  can be perpendicular to the member  112  and be curved (e.g., outwardly, inwardly) to improve insertion and/or removal. For example, fasteners  115 ,  117  can be slightly curved outward, away from each other to improve the fastening strength of the coupler  101 . 
     In embodiment  130 , coupler  101  can be inserted into two voids  138 ,  139  of container  136 . Container  136  can be a storage box for storing objects which can include or lack a lid (e.g.,  132 ,  134 ). Container  136  can include an interior cavity, a trilateral grip, a partition, a lid, and the like. For example, container  136  can be a corrugated box with a two part hinged lid with locking ports (e.g.,  138 ,  139 ) on each lid. In one embodiment, when coupler  101  is inserted into voids  138 ,  139  of container  136 , the coupler can enhance the structural integrity (e.g., rigidity) of the container  136 . For example, the coupler  101  can draw the lids  132 ,  134  together (e.g., compressive force  142 ) to strengthen the upward facing surface created by the lids  132 ,  134 , increasing the weight the surface can support. 
     Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. Although the embodiment  110 ,  130  is provided as an example of use of the void-filling, reusable coupler, other use case situations are contemplated and the disclosed coupler is not to be limited to the above use case. Instead, the coupler can be utilized in a variety of situations, where a structural member including a pair of voids is to be coupled to another object. For example, in a picture hanging scenario, the void containing structural element can be a wall which can support the coupler  101  allowing the coupler to provide a support element  112  parallel to the surface of the wall. The coupler detailed herein can be passed through the void in the wall and utilized to secure a void containing item to the wall (e.g., the coupler passes through both voids) and/or used to hold an object (e.g., such as a picture) in place relative to the wall. The coupler can also function as a bar support element (e.g., permitting a hanging of objects from a support element extending from the wall) that passes through a wall (e.g., securing structure having a fixed void). 
       FIGS. 1D and 1E  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments  150 ,  170  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     Embodiment  150  illustrates a coupler  160  with a shape different from coupler  101 , but performs similar functionality. In the embodiment, a coupler  160  can be inserted into two voids  166 ,  156 , each on opposing walls of a container  152 . In one instance, the coupler  160  can have a ninety degree bend in the member  112  enabling the coupler to fit against the corner  169  of container  152  via fastener  164 ,  154  within void  166 ,  156 . In the instance, coupler member  112  can provide added rigidity to corner  169  by bracing the corner from force applied to the corner (e.g., from weight inside the container). For example, force approximately perpendicular to the corner from objects within the container can be substantially counteracted via coupler members  168 ,  158 . 
     Embodiment  170  illustrates a coupler  160  with a shape different from coupler  101 , but performs similar functionality. In the embodiment, a coupler  180  can be inserted into two voids  166 ,  156 , each on opposing walls of a container  152 . In one instance, the coupler  180  can have a complex shape for the member  112  enabling the coupler to fit against the corner  169  of container  152  via fastener  164 ,  154  within void  166 ,  156 . For example, the coupler  180  can rest on the top of container (e.g., against a lid) and extend over each side of the corner  169  and down (e.g., parallel to side walls) to meet portions  168 ,  158 . In the instance, coupler member  112  can provide added rigidity to corner  169  by bracing the corner and/or lid from force applied to the corner (e.g., from weight inside the container). For example, force approximately perpendicular to the side walls and/or lid from objects within the container can be substantially counteracted via coupler member  180 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments  210 ,  230  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     In embodiment  210 , a coupler  201  can include a semi-rigid support member  212  with two fastener ends  214 ,  216  which can be secured through two voids of opposing sides of a container (e.g., container  236 ). In one instance, coupler  201  can be have a main handle region  212  and two converging ratchet fasteners  214 ,  216  which can each be securely fitted into a void of a container lid (e.g.,  232 ,  234 ). For example, coupler  201  can include fasteners  214 ,  216  with primary pawls pointed towards each other with a distance of one centimeter between them. 
     In one instance, coupler  201  can include member  212  which can function as a handle to insert and/or remove coupler  201  from one or more voids. In one embodiment, fasteners  214 ,  216  can be perpendicular to the member  212  and be curved (e.g., inwardly) to improve insertion and/or removal. For example, the primary pawl of fasteners  214 ,  216  can be slightly curved inward, toward each other to improve the fastening strength of the coupler  201 . In one embodiment, removing coupler  201  can cause fasteners  214 ,  216  to be pulled together inhibiting and/or preventing removal of coupler  201  from voids  238 ,  239 . 
     In embodiment  230 , coupler  201  can be inserted into two voids  238 ,  239  of container  236 . In the embodiment, when coupler  201  is inserted into voids  238 ,  239  of container  236 , the coupler  201  can enhance the structural integrity (e.g., rigidity) of the container  236  lid. For example, the coupler  201  can draw the lids  232 ,  234  together to strengthen the upward facing surface created by the lids  232 ,  234 , increasing the weight the surface can support. 
     Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. It should be appreciated that coupler  201  can be inserted into voids of opposing sides of container and is not limited to the arrangement described herein. It should be appreciated that coupler  201  can be inserted into voids of container in any arbitrary manner. For example, coupler  201  can be secured at an angle to a top edge of container  236 . That is, the coupler  201  need not be parallel and/or perpendicular to container  236  surfaces. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic diagrams illustrating a set of embodiments  310 ,  330  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     In embodiment  310 ,  330 , a coupler  301  can include an elastic support member  312  which can terminate at each end with a fastener  320 ,  322 . In one embodiment, member  312  can be a partial loop which can permit fastener  320 ,  322  to fit into opposing voids of a container (e.g.,  336 ) securely. For example, member  312  length can conform to the approximate width of a container enabling the coupler  301  to be snap fitted into voids of either side of container (e.g., container  330 ) by temporarily deforming the sides  314 ,  316  outward to fit around the side walls of container  330 . In one instance, member  312  can be sufficiently rigid to enable fasteners  320 ,  322  to exert force  332 ,  334  against side walls of container  336 , enhancing the structural rigidity of the container. 
     Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. It should be appreciated that coupler  301  can be fastened into voids of container  336  in any arbitrary manner. For example, coupler  301  can be secured against the side walls of the box (e.g., around the side) to reinforce side wall stability. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment  410  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     Embodiment  410  illustrates a top view  411  and a side view  431  of an elastic coupler  414  which can be secured to two opposing voids within opposing side walls of a container  420 . In one embodiment, coupler  414  can include an elastic portion  412  which can terminate at each end with a fastener  416 ,  418 . In one instance, member  412  can be stretched  430  from a void  432  to a diagonally opposed void  434  permitting each end  416 ,  418  to be secured into each void  432 ,  434 . For example, two couplers can be utilized to secure a container through voids at diagonally opposing ends (e.g., forming a cross in the center). In one instance, coupler  414  can enhance the structural rigidity of the container  420 . 
     In one embodiment, member  412  can conform to one or more elastic strands forming a core which can be covered in a woven cotton or polypropylene sheath. The sheath can lack extensibility, but braided strands spiraling around the core can enable a longitudinal extension which can cause the strands to squeeze the core, transmitting the core&#39;s elastic compression to the longitudinal extension of the sheath and cord. For example, member  412  can conform to an elastic member of a bungee cord able to increase in length from an original length. In one instance, member  412  can be temporarily stretched to be coupled to void  432 ,  434 . In the embodiment, the member  412  can return to its original length when decoupled from container  420 . 
     Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. In one embodiment, fasteners  416 ,  418  can have different shapes and/or sizes. For example, fastener  416  shape can conform to a compound shape (e.g., coupler  101 ) and fastener  418  can conform to a simple shape. It should be appreciated that coupler  414  can be arbitrarily fastened to the container. In one embodiment, coupler  414  can be secured against the side walls of container  420 , against the base (e.g., from the underside), and the like. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment  510  for a coupler for securing an object to a structural support member through a void in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
     In embodiment  510 ,  530 , a coupler  501  can include a semi-rigid support member  520  with multiple fastener ends  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518  which can be secured through multiple voids of opposing sides of a container (e.g., container  536 ). For example, coupler  501  can conform to a partial platonic solid such as a cube with two “faces” each being formed by support  520 ,  522 ,  524 ,  526  and  520 ,  521 ,  518 ,  529 . In one instance, coupler  501  can be have multiple main handle regions  524 ,  520 ,  521  and multiple ratchet fasteners  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518  which can each be securely fitted into voids  538 ,  539  of a container lid (e.g.,  532 ,  534 ) and voids of container side wall  540 ,  542 . For example, the fasteners can permit the coupler  501  to be secured a top edge  544  of a container  536 . 
     In one instance, fasteners  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518  can be oriented to maximize coupling. In one embodiment, primary pawl of fasteners  512 ,  514  can be oriented parallel to lid and fasteners  516 ,  518  can be oriented perpendicular to the side walls of container  536 . It should be appreciated that the embodiment  510 ,  530  is not limited to the exact orientation and structure described herein and can vary based on real world constraints (e.g., container shape, size, etc). It should be appreciated that the coupler  501  of embodiment  510 ,  530  can enhance the structural integrity of the container  536  when the coupler is properly fastened to through the voids of the container. 
     Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. In one embodiment, coupler  501  can be utilized as a bracing element. For example, coupler  501  can be secured against each of the outside corners of container  536  to reinforce corner rigidity. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.