CA2500086A1 - Slip resistant releasable strap - Google Patents
Slip resistant releasable strap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2500086A1 CA2500086A1 CA 2500086 CA2500086A CA2500086A1 CA 2500086 A1 CA2500086 A1 CA 2500086A1 CA 2500086 CA2500086 CA 2500086 CA 2500086 A CA2500086 A CA 2500086A CA 2500086 A1 CA2500086 A1 CA 2500086A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- fastening device
- removable fastening
- engaging elements
- strap section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B18/00—Fasteners of the touch-and-close type; Making such fasteners
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/18—Skates fastened by means of straps
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- Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
Abstract
Releasable straps in the form of slip resistant hook and loop cinch and bundling straps useable in a wide range of applications including ice skate ankle straps, bundling pieces of pipe together, securing ladders to roof racks and strapping shin pads to a hockey players legs, wherein each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes at least one strap section having a plurality of hook-like projections upstanding therefrom and at least one other strap section in the form of a layered product that comprises a layer with a surface having a plurality of loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom bonded to a second layer having a slip resistant surface. One significant advantage of slip resistant cinch and bundling straps is that less tension is needed as said slip resistant surface will eliminate or minimize slippage in the interfacial plane of contact formed between said strap and the object(s) encompassed
Description
Slip Resistant Releasable Strap DESCRIPTION:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hook and loop fastening straps in general and in particular to novel slip-resistant cinch and bundling straps which have a wide variety of applications.
"Bundling straps" are herein defined as straps having no buckle by which means tension to the strap can be applied, and "cinch straps" are herein defined as straps wherein a buckle is utilized to facilitate the application of cinching forces.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PRIOR ART
Because the idea of the invention presented here originated with a search for an affordable and reusable device in the form of a hook and loop cinch strap to encompass and secure an ice skate tightly to the lower leg/ankle area of a skater, it will be described herein with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the slip-resistant hook and loop cinch and bundling devices of the present invention in its various embodiments can be used in many applications wherein a low cost, easily attachable, releasable and/or adjustable strap that is resistant to shifting or slipping against the objects) being secured by said strap is required.
Examples of other applications includes, but is not limited to, bundling plastic pipe and tent poles, lashing a ladder to roof racks, or holding shin pads to a leg.
It is generally recognized that in order for many skaters to perform with maximum efficiency and power it is necessary to secure the skate boot ankle snugly around the skater's ankle. A common practice is to wrap the skate ankles with a non-reusable plastic adhesive tape.
While effective, the drawbacks of this practice are: the tape has a tendency to leave a sticky residue on the skate boot; these tapes have a tendency to stretch and break with relatively little tension which limits how tight a fit is possible between the skate and the ankle of the skater; tapes have a low degree of resiliency and a tendency to stretch over time in response the multidirectional forces in the ankle area resulting in the skate loosening up around the ankle of the skater; tape is onerous to apply and once applied it is difficult to re-adjust the tension without ruining the tape; and generally tape is not reusable making it relatively expensive to use. Many amateurs and novices, those who are most in need of ankle support, do not generally use tape for one or more of these reasons.
Another practice, one that is not generally recommended by those informed in the art is, if the laces are long enough, to wrap the end sections of the skate laces tightly around the ankles before securing with a bow. The drawback with this method of securing the skate ankle snugly around the ankle of the skater relates to the relative narrowness of the skate lace material whereby wrapping the laces too tight causes them to cut or "bite" into the skate boot material (a condition referred to herein after as "lace bite") which causes discomfort to the skater's ankle beneath the laces and/or may cut off or reduce blood flow to the feet.
Canadian Patent No. 2324900 to Laverdiere relates to a relatively wide (5 inch) strap comprised of an elongated strip of elastomeric material with what is known in the art as hook and loop fasteners affixed to the two extremities which when engaged hold the strap in a closed position around the skate ankle. The limitations of this device, some of which will become clearer with the following examination of the prior art and the description of the invention presented here, includes: straps of different lengths and thicknesses need to be manufactured to accommodate different skate sizes and the different elastic retentive forces that might be wanted and/or needed; application and adjustments require the use of two hands making it somewhat awkward and at times inconvenient to apply and adjust; and whereas some skaters prefer to have ankle support that does not stretch, this device does not provide for them Canadian Patent No.2011065 to Rosen relates to a skate ankle support strap in the form of a cinch that is comprised of a two inch wide strap of non-stretching synthetic material such as woven nylon with one free end attached to a retaining device in the form of a rectangular buckle through which the other free end is passed in order that cinching forces may be applied.
To secure the strap at the desired tension Rosen's invention is further comprised of hook and loop fastening elements secured to the appropriate surfaces of the woven nylon strap. Both Laverdiere"s and Rosen's skate ankle support straps are an improvement over tape in several ways. They are clean as they leave no adhesive residue, they are relatively easy to attach and re-adjust, and they are reusable. Also, with Rosen's device in the form of a cinch strap utilizing non-stretch materials one is able to apply greater and/or more constant tension to the skate ankle area than with adhesive tapes or with elastomeric devices such as Laverdiere's, resulting in less movement of the ankle in the skate boot. Furthermore, with the cinch straps being relatively wide the pressure of the strap in against the ankle is distributed evenly over a wider area than that of laces, thus eliminating lace bite. Further, our testing indicates that a two inch wide strap provides adequate support to the ankle area. Finally, Rosen's device overcomes other limitations of Laverdiere's invention in that: only one hand is needed to adjust tension, which is advantageous to hockey players out on the ice; being constructed of non-stretch materials it accommodates those skaters wanting non-stretch support; and whereas a wider range of adjustment is possible one strap size will fit any size skate thus only one strap size need be produced. However, there are several drawbacks to Rosen's invention that will become clearer as we progress through the examination of the prior art and describe the invention being presented herein. Three of the more significant drawbacks are related directly to the particular materials comprising the device; it is relatively bulky as unnecessary materials are used, the assembly of which also adds to the cost of the device; whereas some skaters prefer to have more flexibility in the ankle area, Rosen's invention being constructed of non stretch fabric cannot accommodate them; and thirdly, the synthetic fabric comprising the strap body provides relatively little resistance to slippage (defined below), which results in a tendency to over tighten the strap and/or the need for frequent re-adjustment of the device. This particular problem is noted by users of straps of Rosen's design (sold under the trade name "Sonic Arch") on an online feedback forum established by a merchant of said strap. (Information found on the Internet January, 31, 2005 at www.fo~do~.com/sm-sonic-arch-ankle-ti~htners--pi-503724.htm1- ""Read"reviews").
Hook and loop fasteners referred to above and such as described in U.S. Patent No.s 2,717,437 and 3,009,235 which are marketed under the registered trademark VELCRO are generally formed of paired sheets of synthetic woven or knitted fabric, one element having raised threads of synthetic material, such as nylon, which are napped or un-napped to provide a surface defined by a plurality of loops, and the other element having a plurality of semi-rigid synthetic hooks protruding from the surface which hook into the loops of the opposing surface when pressed into a face-to-face relationship. Hook and loop fasteners have gained widespread acceptance because the properties of the mating hooks and loops permit easy attachment and removal, the user merely having to press the surface defined by the hooks against the surface defined by the loops to engage the fastening elements, and separation of engaged fastening elements is readily accomplished by pulling the free end of the overlapping fastening section away from the other in a direction relatively perpendicular to the interfacial plane of engagement.
At the same time, when engaged these fasteners tend to resist separation in directions parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement thus providing a strong fastener for cinch and bundling straps used in many applications.
There are numerous examples in the prior art of applications of hook and loop fasteners to cinch and bundling straps wherein some or all sections of the main body of the strap are comprised of a strap section of synthetic woven or knitted fabric containing hook fastening elements and/or a length of synthetic woven or knitted fabric containing the mating loop fastening elements. Examples of such straps includes: Canadian Patent No.
1106578 to Hasslinger relates to a tourniquet which is in the form of a hook and loop cinch strap; U.S. Patent 4,888,830 to Putnam relates to quick release adjustable tension strap for exerting tension on a desired object or objects; U.S. Patent 5,548,871 to Trethewey relates to infinitely adjustable hook and loop bundling straps; U.S. Patent 3,000,384 to Piers relates to a hook and loop fastener tie for use by women in encircling and binding a hank or lock of hair in a desired shape such as in a pony tail or the like; Canadian Patent No. 2422808 to Carbonneau and others relates to a releasable strap in the form of a hook and loop bundling strap. Our testing showed that the synthetic woven or knitted fabric with which most hook and loop fasteners are constructed is in and of itself sufficiently strong in terms of the tensile strength and tear resistance required when used as, for example, the main strap portion of a skate ankle cinch strap. A
cinch strap constructed of said materials effectively eliminates the need for the woven sheet of material forming the main strap section of Rosen's skate strap thus resulting in a less bulky and less expensive product.
In addition to cinching or bundling one or more objects together securely, it is generally desired of most cinching or bundling devices that they eliminate or minimize movement between the strap and the objects) being bound or cinched. This movement of the strap relative to the objects) encompassed is defined herein after as "slippage". However, one characteristic of the synthetic materials with which Rosen"s invention and the hook and loop straps referred to above are constructed is they tend to provide relatively little resistance to slippage against many other synthetic and natural materials and finishes. Our testing of skate ankle cinch straps wherein the strap component is constructed of woven synthetic hook and loop fabric and wherein the woven backing to the fastening elements is in face to face contact with the sutface of the skate it encompasses indicates that while the materials and dimensions of the straps provides suffcient support and ease of use, they generally provided insufficient resistance to slippage. The multidirectional forces in the ankle area resulting from typical skating movements, in combination with the tapered shape of the ankle and the materials comprising the smooth outer surface of most ice skates tend to cause the strap to slide towards the top of the skate which, being narrower, essentially loosens the strap tension necessitating frequent re-adjustment of said strap.
The generally accepted practice for reducing slippage between non adhesive backed cinch and bundling straps constructed of synthetic knitted or woven material simply entails cinching or wrapping the strap tighter around the objects) being bound. However, this is not always a practicable and/or efficacious solution. In some applications of hook and loop cinching or bundling straps the amount of tension required to eliminate or reduce slippage to an acceptable degree is such that it causes damage and/or discomfort to the bound object(s).
This is the case in applications such as skate ankle support straps where further tightening, in addition to making the skate uncomfortably tight around the ankle of the skater, is not an optimal condition insofar as it relates to maximizing skating efficiency and power as different individuals need and/or want different tension settings. It also does not reduce the frequency of the need for re-adjustment of the strap to an acceptable level.
While it is advantageous to have a hook and loop cinch or bundling strap designed to resist or minimize slippage other than by wrapping or cinching the strap tighter, a search of the prior art reveals no such adaptation to said materials. While a search of the prior art discloses several Patents related to securing a variety of materials to the backing of hook and loop fasteners, nothing was disclosed specifically designed to reduce slippage on a removable strap. A
sampling of layered hook and loop straps revealed in a search of the prior art includes: Canadian Patent No. 2181420 to Kato which relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the backing of hook and loop fasteners for adhering the fastener to a variety of different materials. However, while this adhesive backed hook and loop fastener is highly resistant to slippage, once it has been attached to an object it is extremely difficult to remove and/or adjust making it unsuitable for use on a removable strap; Canadian Patent No. 1285744 to Daniels relates to a laminated fastening strap for use with orthopaedic devices and the like for adjustably securing the appliance to the body of a user. Daniels invention is designed to eliminate fraying of the hook and loop material when cutting said material to size and/or to provide a finished surface. Said laminates do not, nor are they intended to, reduce slippage between a strap and the objects) being encompassed.
Canadian Patent No. 2108550 to Kennedy and others relates to a laminated hook fastener wherein polyurethane foam is bonded to the underside of the hook sheet to provide a soft, resilient backing to the hook tape which substantially changes the aesthetic and tactile response to the hook product. Testing of a laminated foam hook and loop strap showed a much higher degree of resistance to slippage in directions parallel to the interfacial plane of contact as was desired.
However, the testing also resulted in pieces of the foam tearing off with limited use. Small pieces of foam falling on the ice surface pose a tripping hazard for skaters making this particular laminate unsuitable as backing for an ice skate ankle strap.
Sewing a slip resistant fabric to the backing of a hook and loop cinch strap was tested and is rejected here as a method of attaching because of the costs involved (modern laminating technology is much less expensive and faster than sewing), and because of durability (testing revealed that stitched on fabrics tended to bag out creating folds in the material when the strap was applied to a skate and after relatively little use the stitching ripped through the fabric).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the limitations of the prior art it is advantageous to construct hook and loop cinch and bundling straps wherein a sheet of slip resistant fabric or a coating of a slip resistant substance is firmly secured directly to the woven or knitted backing of the loop fastener section of said straps, which are configured so that the slip resistant fabric or compound is in face-to-face contact with the surfaces) of the objects) being encompassed. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap adapted to encompass one or more objects in gripped relation, which comprises a first flexible strap section having on a first surface portion a plurality of engaging elements in the form of semi-rigid plastic hooks upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating engaging elements in the form of loops upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. An example of a slip resistant fabric that can be utilized is marketed under the Trade name "Slip-Not" by Eastex Products Inc. of Weymouth MA, USA, and is a lightweight (0.7mm thick) flexible fabric comprised of a thin layer of pliable textured PVC bonded to a knitted or woven polyester backing. This product can be secured to the base material of said loop engaging element with pressure sensitive adhesive, with a hot melt adhesive or with ultrasonic welding. The invention further comprises a connecting means in the form of a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle attached to the free end of the second strap section. The configuration of the hook and slip resistant loop fastening elements are such that positioning the strap around the ankle of an ice skate with the slip resistant surface of the second strap section in face-to-face contact with the outer surface of said ankle and the free end portion of the first strap section extending through the opening defined by the rectangular buckle and applying cinching forces to the free end portion of the first strap portion will cause the device to grip the skate ankle and hold it in a fixed position around the ankle of the skater. Furthermore, firmly pressing the hook fastening elements forming the first surface portion of the first strap section against the mating loop fastening elements of the second strap section will engage said fasteners thus retaining the tension therein applied.
In order to facilitate the lifting of the free end of the first strap section from engagement with the mating loop-like elements of the second strap section, the engaging elements of the first strap portion in the immediate area of the free end are neutralized by, for example, melting the hook elements in the tip area, by securing a piece of fabric that can be grasped by the fingers to the free end of the strap, or by folding the tip over upon itself and securing it in place.
The embodiment of the present invention described above is constructed of non-stretch materials to cinch, for example, a skate boot firmly around the ankle of the wearer. However, some skaters prefer to have ankle support that will allow some flex of the ankle in the boot, and it has been found advantageous to construct a slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap having a strap section providing elastic retention forces to secure the skate boot to the ankle of the wearer. This alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises of a first flexible strap section having on a first surface portion a plurality of engaging elements in the form of semi-rigid plastic hooks upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating engaging elements in the form of loops upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. This embodiment of the invention furkher comprises a third strap section constructed of a short length of woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns which is secured at one end to the free end of the second strap section and at the other end to a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle, thusly configured to receive the free end of the first strap section when encompassing the objects) being bound. The advantage of constructing a strap incorporating an elastomeric material is that while the skate is cinched snugly around the ankle of the wearer, the elastic material will allow a limited amount of flexibility in the ankle area The preferred embodiments of the present invention to which I have referred are comprised, in part, of a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle. However, it should be understood that any retaining rings or buckles composed of metal and/or plastic are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention takes into consideration that with some applications of slip resistant hook and loop straps there is no advantage and potentially g a disadvantage in utilizing cinching forces to bind objects together, either because said forces are not needed or because said forces might crush and/or damage the objects) being bound. Several pieces of plastic pipe, for example, can be bundled together securely without the application of cinching forces, as could a rolled up set of blueprints. This preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a slip resistant hook and loop bundling strap adapted to encompass at least one member in a close relation which comprises a first flexible strap section having on a second surface portion a plurality of semi-rigid plastic hook engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating loop engaging elements and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. The opposed positions of the mating engaging elements are such that positioning the strap around the members being secured in a substantially close position, starting with the free end of the second strap section first and the slip resistant surface portion of the strap in face-to-face contact with the outward surface of the members being encompassed will cause those said members to be held in a close position relative to each other and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and firmly pressing said surfaces together engages said mating engaging elements to retain the encompassed members in a bundled relationship. The advantages of this particular embodiment of the present invention are that objects can be held in a close position without crushing said objects and without slippage occurring between said straps and said objects encompassed by them. Also, the strap is less expensive to produce than straps with a buckle.
Another embodiment of the invention takes into consideration that with some applications of slip resistant hook and loop bundling straps it is advantageous to construct a strap that incorporates a section to provide elastic retention forces to hold one or more members in a close position. An example of such usage is strapping a hockey players shin pads to their legs wherein the part of the strap that is in face-to-face contact with the back of the leg should be able to expand and contract in order to accommodate the flexing of the knees and calf muscles. This alternative preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a first flexible strap section having on a second surface portion a plurality of semi-rigid plastic hook engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second strap section in which the base material is constructed of a woven or knitted yarn and incorporates elastic filamentary yarn, and a third flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating loop engaging elements and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. The opposed positions of the mating engaging elements are such that positioning the strap around the members being secured in a substantially fixed position, starting with the free end of the second strap portion first and the slip resistant surface portion of the strap in a face-to-face relation with the outward surface of the members being encompassed, in this case the shin pad, will cause those said members to be held in a close position relative to each other, and simultaneously pressing the surfaces of the mating engaging elements in face-to-face relation provides face-to-face engagement thusly retaining the encompassed members in a fixed position.
The advantage that the present invention in it various embodiments has over straps constructed of synthetic fibres not secured to a slip resistant material is that tension is not as critical a factor insofar as eliminating slippage is concerned. The benefit of this advantage is most evident in its use as a skate ankle strap. When using a strap like Rosen's or a hook and loop strap with no non-slip surface the tendency is to tighten the strap as much as is tolerable in order to try and reduce the slippage to an acceptable level, whereas a slip resistant cinch strap can be applied with significantly less tension with a minimum of slippage which allows the skater to adjust the tension to obtain an optimal fit in order to perform with maximum efficiency and power.
The advantages the present invention has over other devices used to secure skate ankles include: unlike Laverdiere's elastomeric device the present invention can be adjusted with one hand which allows a hockey player to quickly adjust the strap on the ice during a stoppage in play; where the present invention need only be produced in one size, Laverdiere's device must be produced in different lengths and thickness to accommodate different sizes and tension needs; in comparison to plastic adhesive tape, the present invention is cleaner (no sticky residue or litter at the arena), they are relatively easy to attach, re-adjust, and remove, and they are reusable. Furthermore, unlike tape which has a tendency to stretch over the period of a game, the present invention provides a more constant tension that can be easily adjusted at any time.
1~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap;
Fig. 2 is an illustration of an application of the invention of Fig. l to cinch the ankle of a skate boot securely around the ankle of the skater;
Fig. 3 is a side view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the main strap is comprised in part of a section of elastic fabric to allow for limited flexing of a skaters ankle, for example;
Fig. 4 is the side view of another preferred embodiment of the invention which represents a bundling strap for use when cinching forces are not required;
Fig. 5 is an illustration of the strap depicted in Fig.4 being applied to cardboard tubing, plastic pipe, and the likes;
Fig.6 is the side view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention depicting a stretchable slip resistant hook and loop bundling strap.
It should be noted that the thickness of the strap sections numbered 2 in the illustrations in Figs l, 3, 4 and 6, in particular the slip resistant fabric, has been exaggerated in order that the elements comprising said components may be better seen and understood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, illustrated in Fig. 1 is a cinch strap device 15 that is constructed in accordance with the concepts of the invention. The strap component of the device is comprised of a first flexible strap section 1, which has on the first surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or with an ultrasonic weld 41 to a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. The bonding agent used to secure the two layers may be in the form of: a hot melt adhesive applied during the lamination process; a pressure sensitive adhesive that is applied first to the base of the loop engaging element with the slip resistant fabric attached after in a separate process; or any other adhesive and/or method by which a firm bond between the said layers is possible. The device is further comprises a rectangular buckle 3 attached to the free end of the second strap section 2. The attachment of said strap to said buckle is accomplished by placing the strap on a flat surface with the loop engaging elements defining surface portion 22 in a face-to-face relationship with said flat surface, then the free end of the second strap section 2 is folded through the opening defined by buckle 3 encompassing one long side of said buckle and back upon itself and secured in place with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 42.
In Fig. 2 the slip resistant hook and loop strap device 15 of Fig. 1 is illustrated being applied to a skate ankle. Starting with the buckle 3 end of the strap and the slip resistant surface 22 in against the skate, the strap is wrapped snugly around the skate and the free end of the first strap section 1 is passed through the opening defined by the buckle 3. Tension is applied by pulling the free end of the first strap section 1 back in the direction indicated by arrow A until the desired tension is attained, and to secure the strap at the desired tension the first strap section 1 is pressed down against the second strap section 2 in order that the hook engaging elements 11 protruding from the first surface portion of the first surface section 1 engage with the loop-like engaging elements 12 protruding from the first surface portion of the second strap section 2.
Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the strap 15 described in Fig. 1 has been adapted to provide elastic retention forces to compensate for flexing and/or expansion and contraction of the encompassed objects) such as, for example, a skate ankle. The cinch strap device 16 illustrated in Fig. 3 is comprised of a first flexible strap section 1 which has on the first surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured by stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 41 at one free end to a free end of a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. The invention further comprises the other free end of the second strap section 2 secured by stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 43 to a free end of a third strap section 4 constructed of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns, and the free end of the third strap section 4 is attached to the buckle 3 by folding the end of the third strap section 4 through the opening defined by the buckle 3 encompassing one long side of said buckle and back upon itself and thusly secured by stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic weld 44. The strap 16 in Fig. 3 is applied to skates and the likes in the same manner as the strap 1 S illustrated in Fig.
2.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention which avoids the use of a buckle. The strap comprises a first flexible strap section 1 which has on the second surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or with ultrasonic weld 41 to a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements.
Fig.S illustrates how the device in Fig. 4 is used to bundle tubing whereby, starting with the free end of the second strap section 2 and with the slip resistant surface 22 in face-to-face contact with the tubing, the strap is wrapped snugly around the tubing and as the hook engaging elements 11 come into contact with and are pressed against the mating loop engaging elements 12 of the second strap section 2 the fasteners are engaged and the device is fixed in place.
Fig. 6 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention which avoids the use of the buckles that has been adapted to provide elastic retention forces to compensate for expansion and contraction and/or flexing of leg muscles when used to secure a shin pad to the leg of a hockey player.1'he strap device 18 illustrated in Fig. 6 comprises a first strap section 1, which has on the second surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 41 to the free end of the second strap section 4 constructed of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns, and the free end of the second strap section 4 is secured with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 43 to a third strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. To apply the strap 18 in Fig. 6 as a shin pad strap, the shin pad is held in place and, starting with the free end of the third strap section 2 and the slip resistant surface 22 in face-to-face contact with the shin pad, the strap is wrapped across the front of the pad and stretched around the back of the leg so the free end of the first strap section 1 overlaps the free end of the third strap section 2, and pressing the hook engaging elements 11 protruding from the second surface portion of the first strap section 1 firmly into the mating loop engaging elements 12 protruding from the first surface portion of the third strap section 2 fixes the strap in place. When attached correctly the slip resistant surface 22 will be in a face-to-face relationship with the shin pad and the second strap section 4 will be the portion of the device in contact with the back of the leg, and elastic retention forces hold it in place.
The preferred embodiments of the invention as described above are comprised of specified materials. However, each of the components of each of the preferred embodiments can be substituted for with materials possessing similar qualities. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise, in part, a layered slip resistant loop fastening product that is constructed of a sheet of slip resistant fabric, such as the "Slip Not" referred to earlier, bonded firmly to the woven or knitted backing that forms the base to which the raised loop fastening elements are attached. However, it should be understood that any synthetic and/ or natural materials readily securable to the base fabric of the loop fastener, wherein said materials are affixed with the intent of reducing or eliminating slippage between said strap and the objects) encompassed are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. This includes substances or coatings designed to be applied directly to the base surface of the knitted or woven fabric to which the raised loop fastening elements are attached, which when cured in air and/or by heat is bonded firmly to or around the filaments comprising said knitted or woven fabric and provides a non-sticky, pliable surface that is significantly more resistant to slippage than a similar strap wherein the synthetic woven or knitted fabric forming the base of the loop fastening element is untreated. Such a coating was created and incorporated into a hook and loop cinch strap at our request by the VELCROR company wherein an adapted hot melt adhesive was applied to the woven nylon backing of what was identified as Loop 1000, and when cured this adhesive provided a pliable surface to the cinch straps that was more resistant to slippage than straps not treated with the adhesive. However, the surfaces of fabrics such as "SLIP NOT" are significantly more resistant to slippage than the hot melt coating supplied by VELCROR as the latter tended to have more of a pliable plastic feel to it. As of the submission date of the current document work is continuing to adjust the mixture of chemicals and/or curing conditions of the adhesive provided by VELCROR and/or to find another chemical compound that when cured will provide a surface more resistant to slippage.
Further, the hook and loop fasteners comprising the preferred embodiments of the present invention to which I have referred have a base member of a woven or knitted synthetic heat deformable material such as nylon or polyester, with resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom. More specifically, the hook engaging elements are constructed in the form of semi-rigid plastic hook-like hooking elements which mate with loop-like elements on an opposing surface portion. However, it should be understood that any flexible integrally molded, knitted, or woven engaging elements, including mushroom-like elements, resilient projections, etc., which are readily securable in face-to-face relation with a mating engaging element in the form of a layered slip resistant loop fastener product, and which particularly resist forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Examples include, but are not restricted to, the following Patents:
Canadian Patent Nos. 1170025, 1188085, 2243171, 2268268 and 2449722, and US
Patent No.
2,717,437.
Similarly, any loop engaging fabric readily secured to any slip resistant fabric or substance is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Examples include, but are not restricted to, the following Patents:
Canadian Patent Nos. 1285858, 1298066, 1322268, 1333952, 21 S 1220, 2198590 2243171, and 2418983, and US Patent No.s 3,009,235 and 2,717,437.
Further, the materials providing the elastic retention forces referred to above in the straps depicted in Figs 3 and 6 are constructed of woven or knitted yarn and incorporate elastic filamentary yarn. However, it should be understood that any natural and/or synthetic material that provide elastic retention forces are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. This includes any type of elastomeric material, or combination thereof.
Further, whereas different applications of the present invention in its' various embodiments requires straps of different widths and lengths, any straps with the configurations of the preferred embodiments of the invention, regardless of the length, width and/or thickness of any of the components comprising said straps, are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Finally, all forms of the preferred embodiment of the invention are constructed, in part, of a layered slip resistant loop fastening product. However, it will be appreciated that securing a slip resistant material to the base fabric of the hook fastening element and reconfiguring the straps as necessary is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hook and loop fastening straps in general and in particular to novel slip-resistant cinch and bundling straps which have a wide variety of applications.
"Bundling straps" are herein defined as straps having no buckle by which means tension to the strap can be applied, and "cinch straps" are herein defined as straps wherein a buckle is utilized to facilitate the application of cinching forces.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PRIOR ART
Because the idea of the invention presented here originated with a search for an affordable and reusable device in the form of a hook and loop cinch strap to encompass and secure an ice skate tightly to the lower leg/ankle area of a skater, it will be described herein with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the slip-resistant hook and loop cinch and bundling devices of the present invention in its various embodiments can be used in many applications wherein a low cost, easily attachable, releasable and/or adjustable strap that is resistant to shifting or slipping against the objects) being secured by said strap is required.
Examples of other applications includes, but is not limited to, bundling plastic pipe and tent poles, lashing a ladder to roof racks, or holding shin pads to a leg.
It is generally recognized that in order for many skaters to perform with maximum efficiency and power it is necessary to secure the skate boot ankle snugly around the skater's ankle. A common practice is to wrap the skate ankles with a non-reusable plastic adhesive tape.
While effective, the drawbacks of this practice are: the tape has a tendency to leave a sticky residue on the skate boot; these tapes have a tendency to stretch and break with relatively little tension which limits how tight a fit is possible between the skate and the ankle of the skater; tapes have a low degree of resiliency and a tendency to stretch over time in response the multidirectional forces in the ankle area resulting in the skate loosening up around the ankle of the skater; tape is onerous to apply and once applied it is difficult to re-adjust the tension without ruining the tape; and generally tape is not reusable making it relatively expensive to use. Many amateurs and novices, those who are most in need of ankle support, do not generally use tape for one or more of these reasons.
Another practice, one that is not generally recommended by those informed in the art is, if the laces are long enough, to wrap the end sections of the skate laces tightly around the ankles before securing with a bow. The drawback with this method of securing the skate ankle snugly around the ankle of the skater relates to the relative narrowness of the skate lace material whereby wrapping the laces too tight causes them to cut or "bite" into the skate boot material (a condition referred to herein after as "lace bite") which causes discomfort to the skater's ankle beneath the laces and/or may cut off or reduce blood flow to the feet.
Canadian Patent No. 2324900 to Laverdiere relates to a relatively wide (5 inch) strap comprised of an elongated strip of elastomeric material with what is known in the art as hook and loop fasteners affixed to the two extremities which when engaged hold the strap in a closed position around the skate ankle. The limitations of this device, some of which will become clearer with the following examination of the prior art and the description of the invention presented here, includes: straps of different lengths and thicknesses need to be manufactured to accommodate different skate sizes and the different elastic retentive forces that might be wanted and/or needed; application and adjustments require the use of two hands making it somewhat awkward and at times inconvenient to apply and adjust; and whereas some skaters prefer to have ankle support that does not stretch, this device does not provide for them Canadian Patent No.2011065 to Rosen relates to a skate ankle support strap in the form of a cinch that is comprised of a two inch wide strap of non-stretching synthetic material such as woven nylon with one free end attached to a retaining device in the form of a rectangular buckle through which the other free end is passed in order that cinching forces may be applied.
To secure the strap at the desired tension Rosen's invention is further comprised of hook and loop fastening elements secured to the appropriate surfaces of the woven nylon strap. Both Laverdiere"s and Rosen's skate ankle support straps are an improvement over tape in several ways. They are clean as they leave no adhesive residue, they are relatively easy to attach and re-adjust, and they are reusable. Also, with Rosen's device in the form of a cinch strap utilizing non-stretch materials one is able to apply greater and/or more constant tension to the skate ankle area than with adhesive tapes or with elastomeric devices such as Laverdiere's, resulting in less movement of the ankle in the skate boot. Furthermore, with the cinch straps being relatively wide the pressure of the strap in against the ankle is distributed evenly over a wider area than that of laces, thus eliminating lace bite. Further, our testing indicates that a two inch wide strap provides adequate support to the ankle area. Finally, Rosen's device overcomes other limitations of Laverdiere's invention in that: only one hand is needed to adjust tension, which is advantageous to hockey players out on the ice; being constructed of non-stretch materials it accommodates those skaters wanting non-stretch support; and whereas a wider range of adjustment is possible one strap size will fit any size skate thus only one strap size need be produced. However, there are several drawbacks to Rosen's invention that will become clearer as we progress through the examination of the prior art and describe the invention being presented herein. Three of the more significant drawbacks are related directly to the particular materials comprising the device; it is relatively bulky as unnecessary materials are used, the assembly of which also adds to the cost of the device; whereas some skaters prefer to have more flexibility in the ankle area, Rosen's invention being constructed of non stretch fabric cannot accommodate them; and thirdly, the synthetic fabric comprising the strap body provides relatively little resistance to slippage (defined below), which results in a tendency to over tighten the strap and/or the need for frequent re-adjustment of the device. This particular problem is noted by users of straps of Rosen's design (sold under the trade name "Sonic Arch") on an online feedback forum established by a merchant of said strap. (Information found on the Internet January, 31, 2005 at www.fo~do~.com/sm-sonic-arch-ankle-ti~htners--pi-503724.htm1- ""Read"reviews").
Hook and loop fasteners referred to above and such as described in U.S. Patent No.s 2,717,437 and 3,009,235 which are marketed under the registered trademark VELCRO are generally formed of paired sheets of synthetic woven or knitted fabric, one element having raised threads of synthetic material, such as nylon, which are napped or un-napped to provide a surface defined by a plurality of loops, and the other element having a plurality of semi-rigid synthetic hooks protruding from the surface which hook into the loops of the opposing surface when pressed into a face-to-face relationship. Hook and loop fasteners have gained widespread acceptance because the properties of the mating hooks and loops permit easy attachment and removal, the user merely having to press the surface defined by the hooks against the surface defined by the loops to engage the fastening elements, and separation of engaged fastening elements is readily accomplished by pulling the free end of the overlapping fastening section away from the other in a direction relatively perpendicular to the interfacial plane of engagement.
At the same time, when engaged these fasteners tend to resist separation in directions parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement thus providing a strong fastener for cinch and bundling straps used in many applications.
There are numerous examples in the prior art of applications of hook and loop fasteners to cinch and bundling straps wherein some or all sections of the main body of the strap are comprised of a strap section of synthetic woven or knitted fabric containing hook fastening elements and/or a length of synthetic woven or knitted fabric containing the mating loop fastening elements. Examples of such straps includes: Canadian Patent No.
1106578 to Hasslinger relates to a tourniquet which is in the form of a hook and loop cinch strap; U.S. Patent 4,888,830 to Putnam relates to quick release adjustable tension strap for exerting tension on a desired object or objects; U.S. Patent 5,548,871 to Trethewey relates to infinitely adjustable hook and loop bundling straps; U.S. Patent 3,000,384 to Piers relates to a hook and loop fastener tie for use by women in encircling and binding a hank or lock of hair in a desired shape such as in a pony tail or the like; Canadian Patent No. 2422808 to Carbonneau and others relates to a releasable strap in the form of a hook and loop bundling strap. Our testing showed that the synthetic woven or knitted fabric with which most hook and loop fasteners are constructed is in and of itself sufficiently strong in terms of the tensile strength and tear resistance required when used as, for example, the main strap portion of a skate ankle cinch strap. A
cinch strap constructed of said materials effectively eliminates the need for the woven sheet of material forming the main strap section of Rosen's skate strap thus resulting in a less bulky and less expensive product.
In addition to cinching or bundling one or more objects together securely, it is generally desired of most cinching or bundling devices that they eliminate or minimize movement between the strap and the objects) being bound or cinched. This movement of the strap relative to the objects) encompassed is defined herein after as "slippage". However, one characteristic of the synthetic materials with which Rosen"s invention and the hook and loop straps referred to above are constructed is they tend to provide relatively little resistance to slippage against many other synthetic and natural materials and finishes. Our testing of skate ankle cinch straps wherein the strap component is constructed of woven synthetic hook and loop fabric and wherein the woven backing to the fastening elements is in face to face contact with the sutface of the skate it encompasses indicates that while the materials and dimensions of the straps provides suffcient support and ease of use, they generally provided insufficient resistance to slippage. The multidirectional forces in the ankle area resulting from typical skating movements, in combination with the tapered shape of the ankle and the materials comprising the smooth outer surface of most ice skates tend to cause the strap to slide towards the top of the skate which, being narrower, essentially loosens the strap tension necessitating frequent re-adjustment of said strap.
The generally accepted practice for reducing slippage between non adhesive backed cinch and bundling straps constructed of synthetic knitted or woven material simply entails cinching or wrapping the strap tighter around the objects) being bound. However, this is not always a practicable and/or efficacious solution. In some applications of hook and loop cinching or bundling straps the amount of tension required to eliminate or reduce slippage to an acceptable degree is such that it causes damage and/or discomfort to the bound object(s).
This is the case in applications such as skate ankle support straps where further tightening, in addition to making the skate uncomfortably tight around the ankle of the skater, is not an optimal condition insofar as it relates to maximizing skating efficiency and power as different individuals need and/or want different tension settings. It also does not reduce the frequency of the need for re-adjustment of the strap to an acceptable level.
While it is advantageous to have a hook and loop cinch or bundling strap designed to resist or minimize slippage other than by wrapping or cinching the strap tighter, a search of the prior art reveals no such adaptation to said materials. While a search of the prior art discloses several Patents related to securing a variety of materials to the backing of hook and loop fasteners, nothing was disclosed specifically designed to reduce slippage on a removable strap. A
sampling of layered hook and loop straps revealed in a search of the prior art includes: Canadian Patent No. 2181420 to Kato which relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the backing of hook and loop fasteners for adhering the fastener to a variety of different materials. However, while this adhesive backed hook and loop fastener is highly resistant to slippage, once it has been attached to an object it is extremely difficult to remove and/or adjust making it unsuitable for use on a removable strap; Canadian Patent No. 1285744 to Daniels relates to a laminated fastening strap for use with orthopaedic devices and the like for adjustably securing the appliance to the body of a user. Daniels invention is designed to eliminate fraying of the hook and loop material when cutting said material to size and/or to provide a finished surface. Said laminates do not, nor are they intended to, reduce slippage between a strap and the objects) being encompassed.
Canadian Patent No. 2108550 to Kennedy and others relates to a laminated hook fastener wherein polyurethane foam is bonded to the underside of the hook sheet to provide a soft, resilient backing to the hook tape which substantially changes the aesthetic and tactile response to the hook product. Testing of a laminated foam hook and loop strap showed a much higher degree of resistance to slippage in directions parallel to the interfacial plane of contact as was desired.
However, the testing also resulted in pieces of the foam tearing off with limited use. Small pieces of foam falling on the ice surface pose a tripping hazard for skaters making this particular laminate unsuitable as backing for an ice skate ankle strap.
Sewing a slip resistant fabric to the backing of a hook and loop cinch strap was tested and is rejected here as a method of attaching because of the costs involved (modern laminating technology is much less expensive and faster than sewing), and because of durability (testing revealed that stitched on fabrics tended to bag out creating folds in the material when the strap was applied to a skate and after relatively little use the stitching ripped through the fabric).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the limitations of the prior art it is advantageous to construct hook and loop cinch and bundling straps wherein a sheet of slip resistant fabric or a coating of a slip resistant substance is firmly secured directly to the woven or knitted backing of the loop fastener section of said straps, which are configured so that the slip resistant fabric or compound is in face-to-face contact with the surfaces) of the objects) being encompassed. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap adapted to encompass one or more objects in gripped relation, which comprises a first flexible strap section having on a first surface portion a plurality of engaging elements in the form of semi-rigid plastic hooks upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating engaging elements in the form of loops upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. An example of a slip resistant fabric that can be utilized is marketed under the Trade name "Slip-Not" by Eastex Products Inc. of Weymouth MA, USA, and is a lightweight (0.7mm thick) flexible fabric comprised of a thin layer of pliable textured PVC bonded to a knitted or woven polyester backing. This product can be secured to the base material of said loop engaging element with pressure sensitive adhesive, with a hot melt adhesive or with ultrasonic welding. The invention further comprises a connecting means in the form of a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle attached to the free end of the second strap section. The configuration of the hook and slip resistant loop fastening elements are such that positioning the strap around the ankle of an ice skate with the slip resistant surface of the second strap section in face-to-face contact with the outer surface of said ankle and the free end portion of the first strap section extending through the opening defined by the rectangular buckle and applying cinching forces to the free end portion of the first strap portion will cause the device to grip the skate ankle and hold it in a fixed position around the ankle of the skater. Furthermore, firmly pressing the hook fastening elements forming the first surface portion of the first strap section against the mating loop fastening elements of the second strap section will engage said fasteners thus retaining the tension therein applied.
In order to facilitate the lifting of the free end of the first strap section from engagement with the mating loop-like elements of the second strap section, the engaging elements of the first strap portion in the immediate area of the free end are neutralized by, for example, melting the hook elements in the tip area, by securing a piece of fabric that can be grasped by the fingers to the free end of the strap, or by folding the tip over upon itself and securing it in place.
The embodiment of the present invention described above is constructed of non-stretch materials to cinch, for example, a skate boot firmly around the ankle of the wearer. However, some skaters prefer to have ankle support that will allow some flex of the ankle in the boot, and it has been found advantageous to construct a slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap having a strap section providing elastic retention forces to secure the skate boot to the ankle of the wearer. This alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises of a first flexible strap section having on a first surface portion a plurality of engaging elements in the form of semi-rigid plastic hooks upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating engaging elements in the form of loops upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. This embodiment of the invention furkher comprises a third strap section constructed of a short length of woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns which is secured at one end to the free end of the second strap section and at the other end to a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle, thusly configured to receive the free end of the first strap section when encompassing the objects) being bound. The advantage of constructing a strap incorporating an elastomeric material is that while the skate is cinched snugly around the ankle of the wearer, the elastic material will allow a limited amount of flexibility in the ankle area The preferred embodiments of the present invention to which I have referred are comprised, in part, of a rectangular impact-resistant plastic buckle. However, it should be understood that any retaining rings or buckles composed of metal and/or plastic are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention takes into consideration that with some applications of slip resistant hook and loop straps there is no advantage and potentially g a disadvantage in utilizing cinching forces to bind objects together, either because said forces are not needed or because said forces might crush and/or damage the objects) being bound. Several pieces of plastic pipe, for example, can be bundled together securely without the application of cinching forces, as could a rolled up set of blueprints. This preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a slip resistant hook and loop bundling strap adapted to encompass at least one member in a close relation which comprises a first flexible strap section having on a second surface portion a plurality of semi-rigid plastic hook engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating loop engaging elements and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. The opposed positions of the mating engaging elements are such that positioning the strap around the members being secured in a substantially close position, starting with the free end of the second strap section first and the slip resistant surface portion of the strap in face-to-face contact with the outward surface of the members being encompassed will cause those said members to be held in a close position relative to each other and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and firmly pressing said surfaces together engages said mating engaging elements to retain the encompassed members in a bundled relationship. The advantages of this particular embodiment of the present invention are that objects can be held in a close position without crushing said objects and without slippage occurring between said straps and said objects encompassed by them. Also, the strap is less expensive to produce than straps with a buckle.
Another embodiment of the invention takes into consideration that with some applications of slip resistant hook and loop bundling straps it is advantageous to construct a strap that incorporates a section to provide elastic retention forces to hold one or more members in a close position. An example of such usage is strapping a hockey players shin pads to their legs wherein the part of the strap that is in face-to-face contact with the back of the leg should be able to expand and contract in order to accommodate the flexing of the knees and calf muscles. This alternative preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a first flexible strap section having on a second surface portion a plurality of semi-rigid plastic hook engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second strap section in which the base material is constructed of a woven or knitted yarn and incorporates elastic filamentary yarn, and a third flexible strap section having on the first surface portion a plurality of mating loop engaging elements and on the second surface portion of said second strap section a slip resistant fabric is secured. The opposed positions of the mating engaging elements are such that positioning the strap around the members being secured in a substantially fixed position, starting with the free end of the second strap portion first and the slip resistant surface portion of the strap in a face-to-face relation with the outward surface of the members being encompassed, in this case the shin pad, will cause those said members to be held in a close position relative to each other, and simultaneously pressing the surfaces of the mating engaging elements in face-to-face relation provides face-to-face engagement thusly retaining the encompassed members in a fixed position.
The advantage that the present invention in it various embodiments has over straps constructed of synthetic fibres not secured to a slip resistant material is that tension is not as critical a factor insofar as eliminating slippage is concerned. The benefit of this advantage is most evident in its use as a skate ankle strap. When using a strap like Rosen's or a hook and loop strap with no non-slip surface the tendency is to tighten the strap as much as is tolerable in order to try and reduce the slippage to an acceptable level, whereas a slip resistant cinch strap can be applied with significantly less tension with a minimum of slippage which allows the skater to adjust the tension to obtain an optimal fit in order to perform with maximum efficiency and power.
The advantages the present invention has over other devices used to secure skate ankles include: unlike Laverdiere's elastomeric device the present invention can be adjusted with one hand which allows a hockey player to quickly adjust the strap on the ice during a stoppage in play; where the present invention need only be produced in one size, Laverdiere's device must be produced in different lengths and thickness to accommodate different sizes and tension needs; in comparison to plastic adhesive tape, the present invention is cleaner (no sticky residue or litter at the arena), they are relatively easy to attach, re-adjust, and remove, and they are reusable. Furthermore, unlike tape which has a tendency to stretch over the period of a game, the present invention provides a more constant tension that can be easily adjusted at any time.
1~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the slip resistant hook and loop cinch strap;
Fig. 2 is an illustration of an application of the invention of Fig. l to cinch the ankle of a skate boot securely around the ankle of the skater;
Fig. 3 is a side view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the main strap is comprised in part of a section of elastic fabric to allow for limited flexing of a skaters ankle, for example;
Fig. 4 is the side view of another preferred embodiment of the invention which represents a bundling strap for use when cinching forces are not required;
Fig. 5 is an illustration of the strap depicted in Fig.4 being applied to cardboard tubing, plastic pipe, and the likes;
Fig.6 is the side view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention depicting a stretchable slip resistant hook and loop bundling strap.
It should be noted that the thickness of the strap sections numbered 2 in the illustrations in Figs l, 3, 4 and 6, in particular the slip resistant fabric, has been exaggerated in order that the elements comprising said components may be better seen and understood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, illustrated in Fig. 1 is a cinch strap device 15 that is constructed in accordance with the concepts of the invention. The strap component of the device is comprised of a first flexible strap section 1, which has on the first surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or with an ultrasonic weld 41 to a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. The bonding agent used to secure the two layers may be in the form of: a hot melt adhesive applied during the lamination process; a pressure sensitive adhesive that is applied first to the base of the loop engaging element with the slip resistant fabric attached after in a separate process; or any other adhesive and/or method by which a firm bond between the said layers is possible. The device is further comprises a rectangular buckle 3 attached to the free end of the second strap section 2. The attachment of said strap to said buckle is accomplished by placing the strap on a flat surface with the loop engaging elements defining surface portion 22 in a face-to-face relationship with said flat surface, then the free end of the second strap section 2 is folded through the opening defined by buckle 3 encompassing one long side of said buckle and back upon itself and secured in place with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 42.
In Fig. 2 the slip resistant hook and loop strap device 15 of Fig. 1 is illustrated being applied to a skate ankle. Starting with the buckle 3 end of the strap and the slip resistant surface 22 in against the skate, the strap is wrapped snugly around the skate and the free end of the first strap section 1 is passed through the opening defined by the buckle 3. Tension is applied by pulling the free end of the first strap section 1 back in the direction indicated by arrow A until the desired tension is attained, and to secure the strap at the desired tension the first strap section 1 is pressed down against the second strap section 2 in order that the hook engaging elements 11 protruding from the first surface portion of the first surface section 1 engage with the loop-like engaging elements 12 protruding from the first surface portion of the second strap section 2.
Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the strap 15 described in Fig. 1 has been adapted to provide elastic retention forces to compensate for flexing and/or expansion and contraction of the encompassed objects) such as, for example, a skate ankle. The cinch strap device 16 illustrated in Fig. 3 is comprised of a first flexible strap section 1 which has on the first surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured by stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 41 at one free end to a free end of a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. The invention further comprises the other free end of the second strap section 2 secured by stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 43 to a free end of a third strap section 4 constructed of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns, and the free end of the third strap section 4 is attached to the buckle 3 by folding the end of the third strap section 4 through the opening defined by the buckle 3 encompassing one long side of said buckle and back upon itself and thusly secured by stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic weld 44. The strap 16 in Fig. 3 is applied to skates and the likes in the same manner as the strap 1 S illustrated in Fig.
2.
Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention which avoids the use of a buckle. The strap comprises a first flexible strap section 1 which has on the second surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or with ultrasonic weld 41 to a second flexible strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and having on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements.
Fig.S illustrates how the device in Fig. 4 is used to bundle tubing whereby, starting with the free end of the second strap section 2 and with the slip resistant surface 22 in face-to-face contact with the tubing, the strap is wrapped snugly around the tubing and as the hook engaging elements 11 come into contact with and are pressed against the mating loop engaging elements 12 of the second strap section 2 the fasteners are engaged and the device is fixed in place.
Fig. 6 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention which avoids the use of the buckles that has been adapted to provide elastic retention forces to compensate for expansion and contraction and/or flexing of leg muscles when used to secure a shin pad to the leg of a hockey player.1'he strap device 18 illustrated in Fig. 6 comprises a first strap section 1, which has on the second surface portion 11 a plurality of hook-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom, secured with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 41 to the free end of the second strap section 4 constructed of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns, and the free end of the second strap section 4 is secured with stitching, adhesive or ultrasonic weld 43 to a third strap section 2 which has on the first surface portion 12 a plurality of mating loop-like engaging elements upstanding therefrom and on the second surface portion 22 a slip resistant fabric wherein the woven or knitted base material 32 of the slip resistant fabric is secured directly to the base material 31 of the loop engaging elements. To apply the strap 18 in Fig. 6 as a shin pad strap, the shin pad is held in place and, starting with the free end of the third strap section 2 and the slip resistant surface 22 in face-to-face contact with the shin pad, the strap is wrapped across the front of the pad and stretched around the back of the leg so the free end of the first strap section 1 overlaps the free end of the third strap section 2, and pressing the hook engaging elements 11 protruding from the second surface portion of the first strap section 1 firmly into the mating loop engaging elements 12 protruding from the first surface portion of the third strap section 2 fixes the strap in place. When attached correctly the slip resistant surface 22 will be in a face-to-face relationship with the shin pad and the second strap section 4 will be the portion of the device in contact with the back of the leg, and elastic retention forces hold it in place.
The preferred embodiments of the invention as described above are comprised of specified materials. However, each of the components of each of the preferred embodiments can be substituted for with materials possessing similar qualities. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise, in part, a layered slip resistant loop fastening product that is constructed of a sheet of slip resistant fabric, such as the "Slip Not" referred to earlier, bonded firmly to the woven or knitted backing that forms the base to which the raised loop fastening elements are attached. However, it should be understood that any synthetic and/ or natural materials readily securable to the base fabric of the loop fastener, wherein said materials are affixed with the intent of reducing or eliminating slippage between said strap and the objects) encompassed are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. This includes substances or coatings designed to be applied directly to the base surface of the knitted or woven fabric to which the raised loop fastening elements are attached, which when cured in air and/or by heat is bonded firmly to or around the filaments comprising said knitted or woven fabric and provides a non-sticky, pliable surface that is significantly more resistant to slippage than a similar strap wherein the synthetic woven or knitted fabric forming the base of the loop fastening element is untreated. Such a coating was created and incorporated into a hook and loop cinch strap at our request by the VELCROR company wherein an adapted hot melt adhesive was applied to the woven nylon backing of what was identified as Loop 1000, and when cured this adhesive provided a pliable surface to the cinch straps that was more resistant to slippage than straps not treated with the adhesive. However, the surfaces of fabrics such as "SLIP NOT" are significantly more resistant to slippage than the hot melt coating supplied by VELCROR as the latter tended to have more of a pliable plastic feel to it. As of the submission date of the current document work is continuing to adjust the mixture of chemicals and/or curing conditions of the adhesive provided by VELCROR and/or to find another chemical compound that when cured will provide a surface more resistant to slippage.
Further, the hook and loop fasteners comprising the preferred embodiments of the present invention to which I have referred have a base member of a woven or knitted synthetic heat deformable material such as nylon or polyester, with resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom. More specifically, the hook engaging elements are constructed in the form of semi-rigid plastic hook-like hooking elements which mate with loop-like elements on an opposing surface portion. However, it should be understood that any flexible integrally molded, knitted, or woven engaging elements, including mushroom-like elements, resilient projections, etc., which are readily securable in face-to-face relation with a mating engaging element in the form of a layered slip resistant loop fastener product, and which particularly resist forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Examples include, but are not restricted to, the following Patents:
Canadian Patent Nos. 1170025, 1188085, 2243171, 2268268 and 2449722, and US
Patent No.
2,717,437.
Similarly, any loop engaging fabric readily secured to any slip resistant fabric or substance is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Examples include, but are not restricted to, the following Patents:
Canadian Patent Nos. 1285858, 1298066, 1322268, 1333952, 21 S 1220, 2198590 2243171, and 2418983, and US Patent No.s 3,009,235 and 2,717,437.
Further, the materials providing the elastic retention forces referred to above in the straps depicted in Figs 3 and 6 are constructed of woven or knitted yarn and incorporate elastic filamentary yarn. However, it should be understood that any natural and/or synthetic material that provide elastic retention forces are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. This includes any type of elastomeric material, or combination thereof.
Further, whereas different applications of the present invention in its' various embodiments requires straps of different widths and lengths, any straps with the configurations of the preferred embodiments of the invention, regardless of the length, width and/or thickness of any of the components comprising said straps, are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Finally, all forms of the preferred embodiment of the invention are constructed, in part, of a layered slip resistant loop fastening product. However, it will be appreciated that securing a slip resistant material to the base fabric of the hook fastening element and reconfiguring the straps as necessary is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (62)
1. A removable fastening device in the form of a cinch strap configured to encompass ice skate ankles and the likes in gripped relation which comprises: a flexible strap consisting of two strap sections secured end-to-end, the first strap section having on one surface a plurality of resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second strap section in the form of a layered product wherein the layer surface adjacent the surface of said first strap section having the engaging elements has a plurality of mating engaging elements upstanding therefrom and the surface of the opposite layer having a pliable slip resistant coating, and a relatively rigid connecting means connected to the free end of the second strap section, said connecting means including an opening configured to receive the free end of said first strap section, with the positions of the slip resistant surface relative to the engaging elements and the mating engaging elements relative to each other being such that when said strap is positioned about the member with the slip resistant surface of said second strap section in face-to-face contact with said member and extending the free end portion of said first strap section through the opening defined by said connecting means while applying cinching forces by pulling said free end portion in a direction back and against said connecting means will cause said cinch strap to grip the member with increasing force and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and when desired tension is reached substantially pressing the surface of the mating engaging elements of the opposed surfaces together will engage said elements which, being resistant to forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, will retain the grip thereby applied, and the slip resistant surface of said strap in face-to-face contact with said encompassed member will resist slippage in said interfacial plane of contact.
2. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 wherein said first strap section comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material and said engaging elements comprise resilient plastic hook-like engaging elements.
3. A removable fastening device according to Claim 2 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
4. A removable fastening device according to Claim 2 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
5. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 wherein said layered product forming the second strap section comprises two layers of material of equal dimension bonded together base-to-base.
6. A removable fastening device according to Claim 5 wherein said bases comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material to which a surface material is attached.
7. A removable fastening device according to Claim 6 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
8. A removable fastening device according to Claim 6 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
9. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 or 6 wherein said layer surface adjacent to said surface of first strap section from which said hook-like elements are upstanding comprises mating engaging elements in the form of resilient loop-like projections upstanding therefrom.
10. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 or 6 wherein said coating secured to said base material opposite said layer containing loop-like engaging elements comprises a slip resistant coating of at least one of a PVC resin and vinyl resin and natural rubber.
11. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 or 5 wherein said bases of layers forming the second strap section are bonded together by at least one of a hot melt adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive and ultrasonic welding.
12. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a rectangular ring-like buckle.
13. A removable fastening device according to Claim 12 wherein said buckle comprises at least one of a metal and plastic material.
14. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 wherein said connection between said buckle and said free end of the second strap section comprises extending said free end through opening defined by said buckle and folding the free end back over onto itself encompassing one long side of said buckle, securing said free end thereat.
15. A removable fastening device according to Claim 14 wherein said free end of strap encompassing said side of the buckle is secured in place with at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
16. A removable fastening device according to Claim 1 wherein sections of said strap are positioned in over-lapping relation.
17 17. A removable fastening device according to Claim 16 wherein said portions of strap sections in over-lapping relation are connected together by at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
18. A removable fastening device in the form of a cinch strap configured to encompass ice skate ankles and the likes in gripped relation utilizing elastic retention forces which comprises: a flexible strap consisting of three strap sections secured end-to-end, the first strap section having on one surface a plurality of resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and attached to one free end of said first strap section a second strap section in the form of a layered product wherein the layer surface adjacent the surface of said first strap section having the engaging elements has a plurality of mating engaging elements upstanding therefrom and the surface of the opposite layer having a pliable slip resistant coating, and a third section attached to the free end of the second section consisting of an elastomeric material stretchable in the longitudinal direction of said strap to allow expansion and or contraction of said encompassed member, and a relatively rigid connecting means connected to the free end of the third strap section, said connecting means including an opening configured to receive the free end of said first strap section, with the positions of the slip resistant surface relative to the engaging elements and the mating engaging elements relative to each other being such that when said strap is positioned about the member with the slip resistant surface of said second strap section in face-to-face contact with said member and extending the free end portion of said first strap section through the opening defined by said connecting means and applying cinching forces by pulling said free end portion in a direction back and against said connecting means will cause said elastomeric section of the cinch strap to stretch whereby elastic retention forces cause said strap to grip the member and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and when desired tension is reached substantially pressing the surface of the mating engaging elements of the opposed surfaces together will engage said elements which, being resistant to forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, will retain the grip thereby applied, and the slip resistant surface of said strap in face-to-face contact with said encompassed member will resist slippage in the interfacial plane of contact, and the elastomeric material will permit expansion and/or contraction resulting from flexing of said encompassed member.
19. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein said first strap section comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material and said engaging elements comprise resilient plastic hook-like engaging elements.
20. A removable fastening device according to Claim 19 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
21. A removable fastening device according to Claim 19 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
22. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein said layered product forming the second strap section comprises two layers of material of equal dimension bonded together base-to-base.
23. A removable fastening device according to Claim 22 wherein said bases comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material to which a surface material is attached.
24. A removable fastening device according to Claim 23 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
25. A removable fastening device according to Claim 23 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
26. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 or 23 wherein said layer surface adjacent to said surface of first strap section from which said hook-like elements are upstanding comprises mating engaging elements in the form of resilient loop-like projections upstanding therefrom.
27. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 or 23 wherein said coating secured to said base material opposite said layer containing loop-like engaging elements comprises a slip resistant coating of at least one of PVC resin and vinyl resin and natural rubber.
28. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 or 22 wherein said bases of said layers forming the second strap section are bonded together by at least one of a hot melt adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive and ultrasonic welding.
29. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein said elastomeric material comprises at least one of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns and Santoprene.TM. and Monoprene.TM.
30. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein said connecting means comprises a rectangular ring-like buckle.
31. A removable fastening device according to Claim 30 wherein said buckle comprises at least one of a metal and plastic material.
32. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein the connection between said buckle and said free end of the second strap section comprises extending said free end through opening defined by said buckle and folding the free end back over onto itself encompassing one long side of said buckle, securing said free end thereat.
33. A removable fastening device according to Claim 32 wherein said free end of strap encompassing said side of the buckle is secured in place with at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
34. A removable fastening device according to Claim 18 wherein sections of said strap are positioned in over-lapping relation.
35. A removable fastening device according to Claim 34 wherein said portions of strap sections in over-lapping relation are connected together by at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
36. A removable fastening device in the form of a bundling strap configured to encompass plastic pipe and the likes in close relation which comprises: a flexible strap consisting of two strap sections secured end-to-end, the first strap section having on one surface a plurality of resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom, and a second strap section in the form of a layered product wherein the layer surface adjacent the surface of said first strap section having the engaging elements has a pliable slip resistant coating and the surface opposite said layer comprises a plurality of mating engaging elements upstanding therefrom, with the positions of the slip resistant surface relative to the engaging elements and the mating engaging elements relative to each other being such that when said strap is positioned about bundles of plastic pipe and the likes with the slip resistant surface of said second strap section in face-to-face contact with said members will cause said bundling strap to hold said members in a close position and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and when desired tension is reached substantially pressing the surface of the mating engaging elements of the opposed surfaces together will engage said elements which, being resistant to forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, will retain the grip thereby applied, and the slip resistant surface of said strap in face-to-face contact with said encompassed members will resist slippage in the interfacial plane of contact.
37. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 wherein said first strap section comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material and said engaging elements comprise resilient plastic hook-like engaging elements.
38. A removable fastening device according to Claim 37 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
39. A removable fastening device according to Claim 37 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
40. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 wherein said layered product forming the second strap section comprises two layers of material of equal dimension bonded together base-to-base.
41. A removable fastening device according to Claim 40 wherein said bases comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material to which a surface material is attached.
42. A removable fastening device according to Claim 41 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
43. A removable fastening device according to Claim 41 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
44. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 or 41 wherein said layer surface adjacent to said surface of first strap section from which hook-like elements are upstanding comprises a slip resistant coating of at least one of a PVC resin and vinyl resin and natural rubber.
45. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 or 41 wherein said layer surface opposite the slip resistant layer surface comprises mating engaging elements in the form of resilient loop-like projections upstanding therefrom.
46. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 or 40 wherein said bases of said layers forming the second strap section are bonded together by at least one of a hot melt adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive and ultrasonic welding.
47. A removable fastening device according to Claim 36 wherein sections of said strap are positioned in over-lapping relation.
48. A removable fastening device according to Claim 47 wherein said portions of strap sections in over-lapping relation are connected together by at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
49. A removable fastening device in the form of a bundling strap configured to hold shin pads to legs and the likes in gripped relation utilizing elastic retention forces which comprises: a flexible strap consisting of three strap sections secured end-to-end, the first strap section having on one surface a plurality of resilient engaging elements upstanding therefrom, a second strap section consisting of an elastomeric material stretchable in the longitudinal direction of said strap to allow expansion and or contraction of said encompassed member, and connected to the free end of the second strap section a third strap section in the form of a layered product wherein the layer surface adjacent the surface of said first strap section having the engaging elements has a pliable slip resistant coating and the surface opposite said layer having a plurality of mating engaging elements upstanding therefrom, with the positions of the slip resistant surface relative to the engaging elements and the mating engaging elements relative to each other being such that when said strap is positioned about the member with the slip resistant surface of said second strap section in face-to-face contact with the shin pad and the elastomeric material in stretched across the back of the leg will cause said bundling strap to hold said members in a close position with elastic retention forces and places the mating engaging elements in a face-to-face position, and when desired tension is reached substantially pressing the surface of the mating engaging elements of the opposed surfaces together will engage said elements which, being resistant to forces parallel to the interfacial plane of engagement, will retain the grip thereby applied, and the slip resistant surface of said strap in face-to-face contact with said encompassed member will resist slippage in the interfacial plane of contact, and said elastomeric material will permit expansion and contraction of said leg muscles.
50. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 wherein said first strap section comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material and said engaging elements comprise resilient plastic hook-like engaging elements.
51. A removable fastening device according to Claim 50 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
52. A removable fastening device according to Claim 50 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
53. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 wherein said layered product forming the third strap section comprises two layers of material of equal dimension bonded together base-to-base.
54. A removable fastening device according to Claim 53 wherein said bases comprises at least one of a woven and knitted base material to which a surface material is attached.
55. A removable fastening device according to Claim 54 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted nylon material.
56. A removable fastening device according to Claim 54 wherein said base material comprises at least one of a woven and knitted polyester material.
57. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 or 54 wherein said coating secured to said layer surface on the same plane as said surface of first strap section from which hook-like elements are upstanding comprises a slip resistant coating of at least one of PVC resin and vinyl resin and natural rubber.
58. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 or 54 wherein said layer surface opposite said layer surface composed of the slip resistant coating comprises engaging elements in the form of resilient loop-like projects upstanding therefrom
59. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 or 53 wherein said bases of layers forming the second strap section are bonded together by at least one of a hot melt adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive and ultrasonic welding.
60. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 wherein said second strap section of elastomeric material comprises at least one of a woven or knitted yarn that incorporates elastic filamentary yarns and Santoprene.TM. and Monoprene.TM..
61. A removable fastening device according to Claim 49 wherein sections of said strap are positioned in over-lapping relation.
62. A removable fastening device according to Claim 61 wherein said portions of strap sections in over-lapping relation are connected together by at least one of an ultrasonic weld and stitching with thread and adhesive.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2500086 CA2500086A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-03-09 | Slip resistant releasable strap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2500086 CA2500086A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-03-09 | Slip resistant releasable strap |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2500086A1 true CA2500086A1 (en) | 2005-12-18 |
Family
ID=35645502
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2500086 Abandoned CA2500086A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-03-09 | Slip resistant releasable strap |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2500086A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8297627B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2012-10-30 | Smith Ii George T | Skate with an accessible runner securing system and methods thereof |
| US10076147B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2018-09-18 | Jason Rich | Pant strap |
-
2005
- 2005-03-09 CA CA 2500086 patent/CA2500086A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8297627B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2012-10-30 | Smith Ii George T | Skate with an accessible runner securing system and methods thereof |
| US10076147B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2018-09-18 | Jason Rich | Pant strap |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead | ||
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20121001 |