Abstract:
Provided is a system for securing implements such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: a mountable base adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling comprising one or more first coupling devices/acceptors; and one or more looped strap devices, the looped strap devices comprising a loop of strap fixed to a second coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a said first coupling device/acceptor, wherein the loop of strap is sized to allow the first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of implements.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application 60/590,273, filed Jul. 22, 2004. 
     
    
       [0002]     Provided is a secure system for the hanging of various implements, tools, other gear, and the like for storage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of hanging objects during storage in a secure manner that is simple to use. This device may be used for storing a wide range gear of all sizes and shapes ranging from, but not limited to, hand and power garden tools, ladders, power tools, hand tools, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, hoses, cords, or keys. The present invention may be used in most locations where equipment is preferably secured during storage including, basements, garages, closets, trucks, boats, RVs, and airplanes.  
         [0003]     Commonly found storage and organizational systems for the home, marine, transport, industrial settings and the like typically include a base structure consisting of a threaded or wall mounted plate from which extends an open support hook or a plurality of support members for resting gear upon during storage. Such devices lack a means for positively securing the gear and, allowing releases of the gear can cause injury and/or damage to nearby objects and persons. Such releases are easily and often caused by the contact from adjacently stored objects, children, pets, or the opening or closing of doors. In addition to these potential hazards, many common storage hooks are vulnerable, with overloading or repeated use, to twisting or bending of their support members or base structure. Furthermore, these devices are typically constructed of inexpensive grades of metal that is subject to the deterioration and weakening caused by rust, corrosion, and the flexing caused by repeated normal use. Also such designs typically cannot be used to store multiple items in a space efficient manner.  
         [0004]     In cases where multiple items are stored on a lengthy support member, it is sometimes necessary to remove a number of interfering stored items to access a desired item. In existing systems where stored items are not stacked on top of each other in the direction away from the wall using a single support member, an excessive and undesirable amount of lateral space is required. Both the stacked and non-stacked variations of such designs are often incapable of accepting items with larger heads, such as snow shovels and wide wire rakes because the support hooks frequently lack either sufficient space between the support members, or sufficient space above the mounting location of the support hooks.  
         [0005]     Plastic variations of hook designs typically lack the required strength to adequately support the resulting moment caused by the generally long hook lengths. The support members of such devices extending outwardly from walls at mounted locations are generally insecure, inefficient with space, incapable of storing a wide range of tools in a single mounted location, aesthetically unappealing, and lacking of ideal strength and longevity. Such support members can often create a hazardous projection.  
         [0006]     A versatile storage system that provides a simple, secure, and space-efficient alternative is provided by the present invention. Especially when constructed of high-impact plastics and/or rust-inhibited metal components, the system of the present invention is adaptable for a wide range of mounting locations and stored implements.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Provided, in one embodiment, is a system for securing implements such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: a mountable base adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling comprising one or more first coupling devices/acceptors; and one or more looped strap devices, the looped strap devices comprising a loop of strap fixed to a second coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a said first coupling device/acceptor, wherein the loop of strap is sized to allow the first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of implements.  
         [0008]     Another embodiment provides system for securing implements such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: a mountable base adapted to be secured to a wall or ceiling comprising one or more hook acceptors; and one or more looped strap devices, the looped strap devices comprising a loop of strap fixed to a snap hook, wherein the loop of strap is sized to allow the snap hook to be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of implements.  
         [0009]     Also provided is a system for securing implements, comprising: one or more reversibly closable straps (forming implement-mounted bases) comprising first coupling devices/acceptors secured to the closable straps; and one or more strap devices, the strap devices comprising a loop of strap fixed to a second coupling device/acceptor adapted to secure to the first coupling device/acceptor.  
         [0010]     Further provided is a system for securing implements such as tools, gear and the like, comprising: one or more looped strap devices, the looped strap devices comprising a loop of strap fixed to a first coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a second coupling device/acceptor that may be fixed to wall or ceiling, wherein the loop of strap is sized to allow the first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of implements; and packaging or promotional material for the mountable base and looped strap devices that displays instruction by word or illustration on how the mountable base and looped strap devices are to be used to secure implements.  
         [0011]     Further provided is an apparatus for securing implements to an object such as an appliance or tool comprising: a looped strap device, the looped strap device comprising a loop of strap fixed to a first coupling device/acceptor adapted to engage a second coupling device/acceptor, wherein the loop of strap is sized to allow the first coupling device/acceptor to be threaded through the loop to enclose and engage one of a range of implements; and wherein (i) the second coupling device/acceptor is incorporated into the looped strap device so as to provide for a reversibly formable second loop adapted to be secured to the object, and/or (ii) the appliance further comprises packaging or promotional material that displays instruction by word or illustration on how the looped strap device is to be used to secure implements to appliances or tools.  
         [0012]     Methods of so securing implements are additionally provided. In the embodiment that secures implements to objects, the loop strap device need not incorporate the second coupling. For example, the first coupling can be another loop, and the second coupling can be a fixture on the object appropriate to engage that loop. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     FIGS.  1 A-D show different aspect of a system for securing implements.  
         [0014]      FIGS. 2A, 2B  and  3  show features of looped strap devices that form part of the systems for securing implements.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a ceiling mounted system for securing implements.  
         [0016]     FIGS.  5 A-C and  7  show specific embodiments of the systems for securing implements.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment that uses reversibly closable straps.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment adapted for use with power cords, hoses, and the like. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     The present invention provides a method for positively securing tools and other objects for storage in a space-efficient manner using a combination of hanging support structures consisting primarily of straps (which in some embodiments can be ropes or cords) with integrated hooking devices (preferably self-closing or latching), and a mountable base adapted for the secure attachment of the hanging support structures. The mountable base can be fixed in a desired wall or ceiling location using any combination of screws, bolts, adhesives, or the like. In one embodiment, the mountable base structure includes at least one closed ring structure that maintains a relatively low profile to the wall. Such a closed ring structure is of such size as to be engaged by a hooking device on one end of a hanging support structure or “looped strap device” comprising a hooking device that is fixably attached to a looped segment of strap material. In this embodiment, the looped strap device may be passed, for example, around the shaft or handle of a secured garden tool under the larger head of the tool, or through a loop structure of secured gear in the case of implements such as hoses, ladders, or cords. The hooked end of the looped strap device is then passed through the looped end and pulled tight. This looping effectively creates a simple and secure hold on most objects for storage. The hooking device of the looped strap device is then attached to one of the closed ring structures on the mountable base structure. The loop found in the looped strap device may be of various sizes to accommodate a wide range of secured items. Varying the size of loops on the hanging support structures also serves to vertically stagger secured objects on a single mountable base structure for maximum space efficiency, accessibility, and storage capabilities, as larger headed items, such as snow shovels, typically extend farther from their shafts than do smaller headed items such as sledge hammers or axes. As indicated further below the hook and closed loop attachment described here is illustrative, as often coupling devices can be used.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment, the invention relates to a versatile storage device that instead of using hooks on the looped strap device, uses other coupling devices such as a T-shape design, ball in socket design, or other structure that is adapted for positioning in the mountable base. In such an embodiment, the looped strap device is securable to the mountable base structure by means of a mating receptacle on the mountable base that also includes, for example a slotted channel providing the required clearance for the rotation of the hanging support structure as it is hung on the wall or ceiling.  
         [0021]     As illustrated by the above discussion, coupling devices and their paired acceptors come in a wide variety of art-recognized forms. Thus, in some embodiments any of such attachment pairs can be used, with one half of the pair on the mountable base and the other secured to the looped strap device.  
         [0022]     In another embodiment, a strap segment is semi-permanently attached (i.e., removable, but not necessarily to be removed) to an implement in a location as to not interfere with the object during normal use. The semi-permanent assembly includes an integrated coupling device/acceptor, such as an attachment loop, preferably a D-Ring or an O-Ring. The coupling device/acceptor is securable by a complementary coupling device/acceptor on one end of a looped strap device. The strap segment may be attached to the secured object by a variety of methods including, hook and loop containment (e.g., Velcro™ stitched into a strap), strap fastener assemblies, or by snap button attachments. One useful strap fastener is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,700. In this embodiment, the strap segment is engaged by a looped strap device that is secured to a wall or ceiling. This embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful for objects such as ladders or other secured gear whose operation would not be adversely affected or otherwise limited by interference from the semi-permanent strap assembly during normal use.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one segment of strap, rope, or rigid material (preferably hinged) is secured to the mountable base providing a variation of a hanging support structure. This hanging structure can be attached to a secured object by using the loop connection or the semi-permanent attachment methods described above. To allow for the quick release of secured gear, this embodiment also includes a two-piece, detachable fastener in the hanging structure that allows for the separation of secured gear from the mountable base, while still providing a space efficient method for storage. In this embodiment, the detachable fastener can be a side-release fastener (which are well known in the art). Such a fastener allows for length adjustments to the hanging support structure. This embodiment&#39;s of particular usefulness in storing lightweight objects, particularly those weighing less than five pounds.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  shows mountable base  10  secured by fastener  19 . The mountable base  10  incorporates or secures coupling device/acceptor  11 , which in this case is a closed loop. Looped strap devices  30  are exemplified by first loop strap device  30 A, second loop strap device  30 B, and third loop strap device  30 C. The looped strap devices incorporate coupling devices/acceptors  31  (which in this case are snap hooks) attached to straps  32 . Straps  32  connect to loop segments  33 . The operation of loop segment  33 A is illustrated in  FIG. 2A , which shows coupling device/acceptor  31 A looped through loop segment  33 A to form lasso  34 A which encloses and secures implement  40 A (which in this case is a sledge hammer with head  41 A and handle  41 B.  FIG. 1B  shows the system in smaller scale.  FIG. 1C  illustrates the system mounted on a wall.  FIG. 1D  shows the mountable base in more detail.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2A  is as described above.  FIG. 2B  illustrates that loop segment  133  can encompass most of strap  132 . If one loops coupling device/acceptor  131  through the loop segment  133  and encloses a relatively narrow object, the result will simply be that a loop segment portion will thread through the loop.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a coupling device/acceptor  231  that is a snap hook. Coupling device/acceptor  231  has a hook segment  231 - 1 , which joins to isolating segment  231 - 2 , to isolated straight segment  231 - 3 , to isolating segment  231 - 4 , to hinge  231 - 5 , and to hingably connected latch  231 - 6 . By sufficiently tightly looping strap segment  232 D, the strap  232  cannot readily be slid into segments of the snap hook where it can slide out of the snap hook. Other ways to so isolate the strap  232  include forming a loop with a bridge  231 - 7 , indicated in dashed lines. Such an enclosure can be with a pliable insert such as a plastic insert that snaps into place. If such an enclosure is used, than there is less advantage to using isolated segments.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates that the system can be attached to a ceiling or roof joist.  
         [0028]     FIGS.  5 A-C show an embodiment that uses as the coupling devices/acceptors  431  a ball or cylinder adapted to fit, as the matching coupling devices/acceptors  411 , a socket. For example, coupling device/acceptor  431 B has cylinder  431 - 1 B, arm  431 - 2 B, and loop  431 - 3 B. The strap  432 B is attached at the loop  431 - 3 B. Arm  431 - 2 B fits into slot  412 B to allow the coupling device/acceptor  431 B to fit into paired coupling device/acceptor  411 . Any number of clipping devices can provide greater secured connection. Illustrated in  FIG. 5B  are clips  414 A and  414 B. Snap lock lip surface  415  holds coupling devices/acceptors  431  in the secured position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a system for securing an implement. A reversibly closable strap forming mountable base  610 ˜is attached to the implement. As discussed above, the attachment can be by reversible closure using hook and loop containment, strap fastener assemblies, snap buttons, or the like. A coupling device/acceptor  611 ˜on the attached mountable base reversibly connects to coupling device/acceptor  631  of a strap device  630 . The strap  632 ˜of the strap device  630  is shown looped in hook  640 ˜, though less reversible connections can be used in this embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  shows a system for securing implements using, as coupling devices/acceptors  711  and coupling devices/acceptors  731 , side release fasteners. Mounts  715  and straps  716  (which can be rope or cord) to secure the coupling devices/acceptors  711 A,  711 B and  711 C to the mounting base  710 .  
         [0031]     In some embodiments, the systems are sold in packaging that displays instruction by word or illustration on how the rack and strap devices are to be used. In some embodiments, the instructions include exemplification of implements of a size appropriate for use with the straps devices. In some embodiments, the systems are sold on or in conjunction with a display (including without limitation media containing a video) that includes such instruction. Where instructional videos, graphics, written materials or the like are used in the instructing, the instructions can include directions to a channel of commerce in which the mountable base and looped strap device(s) may be obtained. Where the instructional material is displayed next to the mountable base and looped strap device(s) in a store, such physical relationship can comprise such directions, since consumers will generally know how to draw the correct inference. The instructions can also be relayed by broadcast media, internet ad, internet site, or the like, in which case the instructions shall direct a consumer to a website, phone number, store or other channel of commerce at which the mountable base and looped strap device(s) may be obtained.  
         [0032]     The systems can be sold with two, three, four, five or more different size of looped strap devices adapted to facilitate securing implements of different sizes with the implements less awkwardly seating next to each other.  
         [0033]     Particularly for use with items with awkward centers of gravity, such as sports rackets or paddles, the looped strap device can include a rubberized surface for increasing its capacity to grasp such items. In practice, since the looped strap device cinches down on the object under the object&#39;s own weight, such modification is often not needed for such items with awkward centers of gravity.  
         [0034]     The looped strap device can be used, for example, to secure an electrical cord or hose (such as for a pump, compressor or vacuum) to an electrical appliance or tool. For example, it can be used to secure the cord of a vacuum cleaner. In, for example, the case of an upright vacuum cleaner, the coupling device/acceptor can be a small loop adapted to slide onto the handle of the vacuum cleaner (the handle providing the matched coupling device acceptor). Or, the coupling device/acceptor can be any suitable coupling device/acceptor, with the appliance or tool, as needed, modified to include the corresponding coupling device/acceptor. An example is shown in  FIG. 8 , where looped strap device  830  is used to secure implement  840 . The implement is secured in a lasso as above using looped segment  833  (which here is somewhat obscured but operates as above) of strap  832 . To create a second loop (which is in effect a third coupling device acceptor), coupling device/acceptor  831  is secured to the strap  832  by another coupling device/acceptor  835  (which in this example is a D-Ring, and in similar examples may be a looped segment of any material). The illustrated device allows the cord or hose (or other implement associated with the appliance or tool) to be hung on a fixture of the appliance or tool or on an object such as a hand rail or handle (such as a rail or handle that does not contain open ends).  
         [0000]     Additional Definitions  
         [0035]     The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application, the respective meanings set forth below.  
         [0036]     Ceiling  
         [0037]     A “ceiling” is any upper surface suitable to support a mountable base that, with the invention, can support implements of the size range suitable for use with the complementary looped strap devices. Ceilings are typically horizontal, but may be sloped.  
         [0038]     Coupling Device/Acceptor  
         [0039]     As illustrated in part in the application, but as is further understood by those of skill in the art, any number of devices can be used to couple the loop strap devices to the mountable base. As is understood in the art, theses devices take the form of two reversibly joining elements, one attached to the looped strap device and one attached to the mountable base or other element to be joined. All such devices can be coupling devices/acceptors.  
         [0040]     Snap Hook  
         [0041]     A ‘snap hook’ is any hook that provides a secure engagement via a spring biased closure mechanism. Snap hooks include plastic or metal clips, carabiners, carbine hooks, and the like.  
         [0042]     Wall  
         [0043]     A “wall” is any side surface suitable to support a mountable base that, with the invention, can support implements of the size range suitable for use with the complementary looped strap devices. A “wall” can be any number of support surfaces, including railings on boats or fences that are suitable for supporting stored implements.  
         [0044]     Publications and references, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in the entire portion cited as if each individual publication or reference were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as being fully set forth. Any patent application to which this application claims priority is also incorporated by reference herein in the manner described above for publications and references.  
         [0045]     While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations in the preferred devices and methods may be used and that it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.