Patent ID: 12237656

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the specifically disclosed and illustrated aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodologies, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice the example aspects.

It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and “comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” and “generally” are synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

While the following terms are not to be specifically limited, “non-rotatably connected” elements, is intended to refer to that the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. Additionally, “plastic deformation” is intended to refer to, for example, instances wherein when a sufficient load is applied to a material to form it into a desired shape and such force released, the material is formed into the desired shape and the desired shape maintained until a further sufficient force may be applied so as to reform the material. In other words, a material subject to plastic deformation may be subject to a sufficient force so to bend or form such material to maintain a first shape, and then may be subject to a subsequent sufficient force to bend or reform such material to return it so as to maintain its original shape, or to maintain a further shape. “Elastic deformation” is intended to refer to instances wherein when a sufficient load is applied to a material such material undergoes a temporary shape change while subject to such force but is restored to its original shape upon release of such force. “Resilient” can refer to the ability of a material to return to its original form and/or have force absorbing/rebounding qualities. Hence, a material can be resilient in the sense that upon application of a force it rebounds entirely to return to its original form, e.g., some rubbers, non-resilient in that it has no rebound and does not return to its original form, e.g., some hard plastics and metals, or semi-resilient in that it only partially rebounds and only partially returns to its original form, e.g., some plastics, rubbers and foams, etc.

Also, the descriptors “outer”, “inner”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, and their derivatives in the description herebelow refer to the perspective of one facing the inventive subject matter as shown in, for example,FIG.1. Additionally, it should be understood that the use of such descriptors is for orientation purposes in order to describe the inventive subject matter and, unless otherwise specified, is not intended to specifically define one or more sides, or surfaces, as such.

It should be appreciated that while the instant disclosure primarily describes a “cord protector” used in association with an electrical cord, e.g., an electrical extension cord, the cord protector is not intended to be limited to receiving an electrical cord, but rather can be configured to receive a hose, a tube, or a line, or combinations thereof, e.g., an electrical cord and a pneumatic hose.

Adverting now to the figures, which depicts cord protector100detachably secured to door frame500via wall/surface(s)510by means of the inherent bias provided by clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30. As may be appreciated from the figures, cord protector generally comprises main body10, first arm32, and second arm34.

Main Body

Main body10is generally configured to comprise a longitudinal length capable of spanning the width/depth of door frame500, or a window frame and in some aspects is formed from a resilient or semi-resilient material such as rubber, plastics, foams, and/or combinations thereof. Ion some aspects, the main body can also include a protective sheath of which can be woven and comprise one or more of a fabric, rubber of plastic, or metal, which allow the main body to be adjusted, bend, or expand/contract. In some aspects, the longitudinal length of main body10is such that its terminal ends extend beyond door frame500or a window frame and/or wrap about door frame500or window frame. In some aspects, the terminal ends of main body10are such that they are configured to overlap wall surface(s)510on each side of a wall or window frame—this configuration can assist in preventing cord protector100from being inadvertently dislodged from a door or window frame upon application of a force such as the closure of a door or window. In sum, by allowing the terminal ends of main body to extend past the door or window frame, a door or window is more apt to close upon and pinch the terminal ends between a door and a door frame, for example, rather than dislodge the cord protector from its secured position. As shown in the attached figures, while main body10is illustrated as generally having a fixed longitudinal length extending past the width/depth of door frame500, as shown inFIG.11, the main body10can be configured to include an adjustable assembly that allows the first arm32and the second arm34to be slidably adjusted relative to one another so as to allow the cord protector to be adjusted as may be needed in order fit walls/surfaces that may be wide or narrow. More specifically, as shown inFIG.11, for example, main body10can be configured to include rail assembly80capable of slidably receiving slidable attachment82that slidably secures first arm32and slidable attachment84that slidably secures second arm34. As may be appreciated, slidable attachments82and84can include securing/releasing mechanisms86and88, which are configured for unlocking the slidable attachments so as to allow the first arm and the second arm to be slidably adjusted relative to one another along rail80, and then locked to maintain the desired position of the first arm relative and the second arm. Securing/releasing mechanisms82and84may comprise suitable means for allowing the first arm and the second arms to be unlocked, slidably adjusted and then locked in a suitable position. Such suitable means can include, but are not limited to pin/detent assemblies, ratcheting-type assemblies, threaded/worm-type assemblies, lever and vise-type assemblies, etc. In addition to the above, main body10can be configured to be adjustable by, for example, having an accordion-like structure, which allows the main body to be adjustable expanded and contracted to fit a specific application, and also allow a single cord protector100to satisfy several different applications.

As shown more clearly inFIGS.1-5B, main body10generally includes outer surface10a, inner surface10c, upper surface10band lower surface10d, as well as outer separated portion12, inner separated portion14, bridge portion16, channel50, and groove51. As may be appreciated, outer surface10a, inner surface10c, upper surface10band lower surface10dgenerally define the exterior surface of main body10, which is shown in the figures in the form of a rectangularly-shaped structure. Other shaped structures are contemplated and the exterior surfaces of the main body can be configured, for example, to form a cylindrically shaped structure. As shown inFIGS.5A and5B, outer separated portion12and inner separated portion14are partially separated from one another by channel50and groove/slit51but remain connected to one another via bridge portion16. In the figures, channel50, and groove/slit51in communication therewith, is shown as extending along the length of main body10from first channel opening52to second channel54opening, but such is not necessarily required and the channel and groove may extend only along a portion of the main body, i.e., first and channel second openings52and54may be disposed proximate the terminal ends of the main body, but not necessarily at the terminal ends of the main body.

Outer separated portion12, inner separated portion14, bridge portion16, channel50, and groove51are provided for allowing an access point and void into which a length of a cord, hose, tube or line may be inserted and then safely retained for purposes of protecting such cord, hose or line from damage. Accordingly, as shown inFIGS.1-5A, outer separated portion12, inner separated portion14, and bridge portion16are configured to generally maintain a closed configuration at rest such that the outer separated portion12and inner separated portion14corresponding to groove/slit51contact one another to retain a cord, hose, tube, or line within channel50. Bridge portion16is generally provided for connecting the outer separated portion12and inner separated portion14of main body to one another, but also serves as a hinge mechanism to allow the outer separated portion12and inner separated portion14to be separated along groove/slit51in order to insert a cord, hose, tube, or line into channel50. As may be appreciated, because the main body can be fabricated from a resilient or semi-resilient material such as rubber, plastic, foam, etc. and/or combinations thereof, upon applying a force to open groove/slit51in order to insert a cord, hose, tube, or line into channel50, the release of such force causes main body10to return to its original resting shape so as to secure and retain the cord, hose, tube, or line within channel50.

Clamping/Gripping/Fastening Mechanism

Clamping/gripping/fastening Mechanism30is generally configured for detachably securing main body10, to which it is fastened, to a surface or structure such as door frame500, or a window frame. In some aspects, clamping gripping mechanism30is formed from a metal band having a first arm32, a second arm34, a central portion disposed between first arm and second arm, and an outer sheath36, which can extend along one or more lengths thereof and be formed of a rubber, plastic woven fabric so as to prevent or minimize damage to a surface to which the cord protector is detachably secured, e.g., door frame500. As may be appreciated from the figures, main body10can be fastened to the central region of the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30by means of appropriate fasteners40, e.g., nuts and bolts, rivets, screws, etc. and can be of a fixed longitudinal length between the terminal ends of first arm32and second arm34of sufficient length such that its terminal ends extend beyond door frame500or a window frame and/or wrap about door frame500or window frame. In some aspects, the terminal ends of clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30are such that they are configured to overlap wall surface(s)510on each side of a wall or window frame—this configuration can assist in preventing cord protector100from being inadvertently dislodged from a door or window frame upon application of a force such as the closure of a door or window. In sum, by allowing the terminal ends of the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30to extend past the door or window frame sop as to grip wall surface510, a door or window is more apt to close upon and pinch the terminal ends between the door and a door frame, for example, rather than dislodge the cord protector from its secured position. As shown in the attached figures, while clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30is illustrated as generally having a fixed longitudinal length extending past the width/depth of door frame500, as shown inFIG.11, the main body10can be configured to include an adjustable assembly that allows the first arm32and the second arm34to be slidably adjusted relative to one another so as to allow the cord protector to be adjusted as may be needed in order fit walls/surfaces that may be wide or narrow. More specifically, as shown inFIG.11, for example, main body10can be configured to include rail assembly80capable of slidably receiving slidable attachment82that slidably secures first arm32and slidable attachment84that slidably secures second arm34. As may be appreciated, slidable attachments82and84can include securing/releasing mechanisms86and88, which are configured for unlocking the slidable attachments so as to allow the first arm and the second arm to be slidably adjusted relative to one another along rail80, and then locked to maintain the desired position of the first arm relative and the second arm. Securing/releasing mechanisms82and84may comprise suitable means for allowing the first arm and the second arms to be unlocked, slidably adjusted and then locked in a suitable position. Such suitable means can include, but are not limited to pin/detent assemblies, ratcheting-type assemblies, threaded/worm-type assemblies, lever and vise-type assemblies, etc. Additionally, the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism can be configured to be adjustable by, for example, having portions of the first arm32and the second arm34slidably received by the other, which allows the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism to be adjustable expanded or contracted to fit the specific application, and also allow a single cord protector100to satisfy several different applications. Additionally, as shown inFIG.14, one or more of the first arm32and the second arm34can include one or more recessed regions33, that allow the first arm32and the second arms34to more snugly secure to structures such as poles, beams, rafters, etc., for example. Recessed regions33can also be one or more of rounded, or angularly shaped, e.g., V—shaped.

As may be appreciated from the figures, clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30generally comprises a banded structure that forms a C-shape, of which portions thereof are capable of exhibiting elastic deformation. That is, as shown inFIGS.4A and4B, first arm32and second arm34are configured to maintain a resting/closed position30′ having the C-shape as shown inFIG.4A. However, when sufficient forces are applied upon the first arm32and the second arm34in the direction of arrows X and W inFIG.4A, the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism may be placed the open/active position30″ for purposes of detachably securing the cord protector to a door or window frame or other surface. As shown inFIG.4B, when the first arm32and the second arm34of the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30are opened and each secured about door frame500, when the applied force is then released, the first arm32and second arm34attempt to return to the resting/closed position30′ ofFIG.4A, but rather assert forces Y and Z against wall surface510, which serves to secure the cord protector to wall510. As shown inFIG.13, regions proximate the inner surfaces of the terminal ends of first arm32and second arm34can be configured to include friction surfaces90, e.g., rubber pads, suction cups, etc., that can provide additional friction tending to increase the ability of the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30to remain secured to a surface. In addition to the above, while the clamping gripping mechanism30can comprise inner core38formed from a metal band having first arm32, second arm34, and a central portion disposed between the first arm and the second arm, and has been described as being elastically deformable such that the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism returns to its original shape upon the release of an applied force, as shown inFIG.12portions of the first arm32and the second arm34proximate the terminal ends thereof can be configured to comprise one or more plastically deformable portions32athat allow such portions to be bent and formed and/or reformed to a desired shape. In such cases, such portions32a, owing to their plastic deformative ability, can then maintain such bent/reformed shape so as to, for example, be formed into a shape that is complementary to a surface to which the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism may be secured. The above can be provided, for example, via an inner core38of metal having a thickness that is greater proximate the central portion of the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism, and thinner proximate the terminal ends of the first arm and the second arm, which allow such terminal portions to be formed and reformed into a desired shape. Additionally, whileFIG.13illustrates regions proximate the inner surfaces of the terminal ends of first arm32and second arm34as including friction surfaces90, e.g., rubber pads, suction cups, etc., one or more of the terminal ends, first arm32and second arm34and/or body10of the cord protector can be configured to comprise one or more magnets (not shown), alone or in combination with other friction surfaces, for securing the cord protector to a magnetically attractive surface such as a metal door or door jamb, for example.

In accordance with the above, a cord, such as electrical extension cord200having male and female connectors210and220, respectively, or a hose, tube or line can be secured within cord protector100and secured about door frame500and to wall surface510by opening the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30, placing the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism about the door frame, and releasing the first arm32and second arm34to allow them to assert a force upon wall surface(s)510. In addition to, or in the alternative, in the case of the use of magnets, such can assert an attractive and securing magnetic force upon a surface.

Alternative/Additional Configurations

Referring now toFIGS.8A-10, the above-described cord protector100can be configured in one or more alternate manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter. For example, as shown inFIGS.8A-8B, a cord protector in accordance with the instant disclosure can be configured similar to the previously described cord protector100, but instead comprise a plurality of channels for passing multiple cords, hoses, tubes, lines, or combinations thereof therethrough. Similarly, as shown inFIG.9, a cord protector in accordance with the instant disclosure can be configured to comprise inner and outer separated portions wholly separate from one another but connected to one another via a separate and distinct hinge, which allow the inner and outer separated portions to be opened and closed via the hinge. While not shown, a cord protector including a separate and distinct hinge can also include a tab/locking mechanism (not shown) for ensuring that the inner and outer separated portions can remain closed and secured relative to one another once a cord, hose, tube or line has been secured therein. Also, as shown inFIG.10, cord protector70in accordance with the instant disclosure can be configured to comprise a cord, hose, tube or line that is integral with the main body10. As shown by way of example inFIG.10, the electrical cord main body10can be configured to include male and female connectors74,72, respectively, integrally formed into the main body at respective terminal ends thereof the main body, with the electrical cord disposed therebetween within a channel of the main body. Finally, while the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism30has been described and illustrated herein as comprising fixed or adjustable metal band having a first arm32, a second arm34, a central portion disposed between first arm32and second arm34, which allows the cord protector to be secured to a surface using the bias asserted by the first arm and the second arm, the clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism could comprise an alternative clamping/gripping/fastening mechanism such as an adjustable vise clamp allowing the gripping arms to be manually opened and closed via a lever or like structure.

Referring now toFIGS.15and16, cord protector100can be configured to include main body10having one or more apertures130including lead channel140for receiving flexible lead110therein. A shown inFIG.15flexible lead110includes first lead end111and second lead end112, each of which extend from opposite ends of main body10. As may be appreciated from the figures, first lead end111is adjustably detachably securable to second lead end112via adjustable fastening assembly120to thereby form a loop that has an adjustable loop size. As may also be appreciated from the figures, cord protector100including flexible lead110is capable of being detachably securable to an object such as a pole or beam by positioning first lead end111and second lead end112about the object, detachably securing first lead end111to the second lead end112via adjustable fastening assembly120, and adjusting the loop size of the formed loop so as to close the formed loop upon the object, which thereby asserts a clamping/gripping/fastening force upon the object. Flexible lead110, first lead end111, and second lead end112can comprise one or more of a line, a strap, a belt, or a lead of a zip-tie, for example. Adjustable fastening assembly120can comprise one or more of a buckle, a spring buckle, a clamping buckle, a cam buckle, a ratchet assembly, a strap fastener, hook and loop fasteners, and a zip-tie fastener, for example. As shown inFIG.16, main body10can also be configured to include one or more lead loops150capable of receiving flexible lead110therethrough for purposes of securing the cord protector100to an object. As inFIG.15, flexible lead110shown inFIG.16can include one or more of a line, a strap, a belt, or a lead of a zip-tie, for example, and adjustable fastening assembly120shown inFIG.16can include one or more of a buckle, a spring buckle, a clamping buckle, a cam buckle, a ratchet assembly, a strap fastener, hook and loop fasteners, and a zip-tie fastener, etc. Finally, while not shown in the figures flexible lead110can be formed to be integral with main body10. In such cases, for example, main body10and flexible lead110can be formed from a resilient and elongatable material such as rubber, silicon, etc., and be configured to include an adjustable fastening assembly120. Adjustable fastening assembly120, for example, can include a first lead end111having a plurality of apertures disposed along a length thereof, and a second lead end112could include one or more pin members disposed along a length thereof that are receivable within one or more of the apertures.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention may be readily imagined by those having ordinary skill in the art, and these changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

10Main Body10aOuter Surface10bUpper Surface10cInner Surface10dLower Surface12Outer Separated Portion14Inner Separated Portion16Bridge Portion30Clamping/gripping/fastening Mechanism30′ Resting Closed Position30″ Active Open Position32First Arm32aBendable/Reformable Portion33Recessed region34Second Arm36Outer Sheath38Inner Core40Fastening Assembly50Channel51Groove/Slit52First Channel Opening54Second Channel Opening60Hinge70Main Body w/Integrated Cord and Connectors72Female Connector (Receptacle)74Male Connector (Plug)80Rail82Slidable Attachment84Slidable Attachment86Securing/Releasing Mechanism88Securing/Releasing Mechanism90Friction Surface100Cord Protector110Lead111First lead end112Second lead end130Aperture140Lead Channel150Lead loops200Cord210Male Connector220Female Connector500Door frame510Wall520DoorW DirectionX DirectionY DirectionZ Direction