GB2517495A

GB2517495A - An extendable and flexible securer

Info

Publication number: GB2517495A
Application number: GB1315110.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Darren O'sullivan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-23
Filing date: 2013-08-23
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-23
Also published as: GB2517495B; GB201315110D0

Abstract

An extendable and flexible securer 1 is formed from a plurality of segments 3 attached to one another in an end to end arrangement. Each pair of adjacent segments 3 connected so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to one another on application of a bending force, and remain stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied, with a pair of connectors 5 attached one at each end of the securer 1 to allow attachment to a wall or similar. The connectors are preferably suction cups. A notch 12 may be provided in the segment attached to each connector to allow the adjacent segment to pivot parallel to the surface to which the securer is attached. In an embodiment, the extendable and flexible securer may have a connector at one end only.

Description

An extendable and flexible securer

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an extendable and flexible securer device with securable ends, which act to secure items there between. More particularly but not exclusively therefore, the invention relates to an extendable and flexible device that can be removably connected to a surface; to allow multiple uses such as (without exclusion) a hanging rail or plant trainer.

Background

There are many instances where it would be useful to have a rail or hook attacked to a surface for tidying cables or hoses out of the way, for example in a bathroom, or around an entertainment unit or similar. Generally, any hooks or rails known in the art are permanently attached to a surface if the surface is vertical, or have to be left on a floor or other flat horizontal surface. Permanent attachment may not be desired as this can leave marks or damage, and the hook or rail may also need to be moved frequently. Having a floor rail may not be a suitable location to solve the problem at hand.

* In addition many times there may be a contemporaneous or related requirement for an elongate and/or continuous member secured in use to a surface, for example a tie-back or holder, such as for a curtain, or a secure loop for example through which to pass a training plant; wherein such securement is temporary, or at least require an arrangement that has at least one temporary end.

Ideally flexibility in such a device is advantageous, in positioning, length, curvature and/or orientation.

PriorArt Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20120233932 describes and shows a bar that is to be attached to a wall, the bar having two stanchions, each stanchion supporting a portion of an elongated piece that extends from one stanchion to the other. A supporting connector having a tower portion attaches to and extends upwardly from each of the stanchions and a portion above the lower portion. A horizontal support extends horizontally from the portion above the lower portion of the connector between the stanchions and is disposed a distance above each the stanchion. An adhesive is disposed beneath and attaches to the horizontal support and extends along a length thereof.

W02008122902 describes and shows a wall-attachment element that includes two attachment bases, an item holding rail and two spacing arms. Each base includes a flange and is fixed onto a fixing wall by means of an adhesive member. The flange is arranged to get deformed, due to the effect of the forces applied thereto by the adhesive member when the wall-attachment element is fixed onto the fixing wall, so as to adapt itself to possible irregularities and lack of planarity of the fixing wall. To this aim, the attachment bases can be made of thin metal plate. The holding of the adhesion of element to the wall is thus improved, notwithstanding the irregularities and shape imperfections of the wall and the element.

EP860241 describes and shows a positioning tool for a coachbuilder composed of a long connecting rod, integral at each of its ends with a lever suction pad or a lever magnet for fixing on a smooth surface. The body of each of the fixings is provided with a threaded bore and a threaded rod arranged at the ends of a connecting body It is an object of the present invention to provide an extendable and flexible device which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention comprises an extendable and flexible securer device, comprising: a flexible main body formed from a plurality of segments attached to one another in an end to end arrangement, in which each pair of adjacent segments are connected so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to one another on application of a bending force, and remain stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied; and at least one connector extending rigidly from the flexible main body, adapted to connect to a surface.

The connector allows the securer device to be temporarily connected to a surface or other suitable location at a fixed connection point. The flexible main body allows the body to be shaped and positioned as required relative to the fixed connection point.

Preferably the device has two connectors for said point(s) extending rigidly from two separate segments. Preferably each connector extends in substantially the same direction as the other. The connectors are preferably adapted to connect to a surface. The use of two connectors allows the body to be strung between two fixed points.

Preferably the connectors include suction cups. The use of suction cups as the connectors allows the device to be easily attached and detached from locations where required, with no permanent alteration to the point to be used as the fixed connection point, such as would be required with e.g. a screw or similar.

Preferably the connectors are connected at each end of the flexible main body. This allows the body to be strung between two spaced points.

Preferably the plurality of segments is a ball and socket chain. This arrangement is easily manufactured, and allows the length of the body to be changed easily. A ball and socket chain also has a certain amount of structural rigidity so that it will retain its position or shape as required.

Preferably each of the connectors is formed from a suction cup on the end of a rigid base that connects to the end of the ball and socket chain, being a ball or socket comparative to other segments.

Preferably each of the connectors has a body with a socket formed on the opposite end to the suction cup. The socket and the suction cup facing outwards in opposed directions from each end of the body.

Preferably a notch is formed fri the side of the socket on the base to allow a connected segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup. This allows the base to extend generally parallel to a connection surface, while still allowing the use of a ball and socket chain.

Alternatively the segments comprise telescoping arms connected by pivots at their ends. The connectors are preferably connected to the two outer ends of the main body by a ball and socket connection. This provides an alternative to a ball and socket chain, and can provide a greater degree of structural rigidity and integrity if required.

Preferably there are two telescoping arms, pivotally connected at their inner ends.

The connectors may be connected to the two outer ends of the main body by a ball and socket connection.

Preferably the connectors each extend to the. same side of the main body.

Preferably the telescoping arms are formed from an inner arm and a hollow outer arm. The inner arm may be held within the hollow outer arm when the arm is unextended. The outer arm may be sliding over the inner arm as the telescoping arm extends. This allows the overall length of the flexible main body to be adjusted as required.

Preferably the arms are prevented from over-extending by push fillings.

Preferably the pivot or pivots is a single-axis pivot aligned to allow bending towards and away from the connection direction of the connectors.

Preferably the pivot or pivots are ball and socket joints.

In a second aspect the present invention comprises an extendable and flexible securer device, comprising: a flexible main body formed from a plurality of segments attached to one another in an end to end arrangement, in which each segment is connected to an immediately adjacent segment so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to the immediately adjacent segment on application of a bending force, immediately adjacent segments remaining stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied; and a pair of connectors extending rigidly from two separate segments, each connector being arranged to extend in substantially the same direction as the other, the connectors adapted to conned to a surface.

Preferably the plurality of segments is a ball and socket chain.

Preferably each of the connectors is formed from a suction cup on the end of a rigid base that connects to an end of the ball and socket chain.

Preferably each of the connectors has a base with a socket formed on the opposite end to the suction cup. The socket and the suction cup facing outwards in opposed directions from each end of the base.

Preferably a notch is formed in the side of the socket on the base to allow a connected segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup.

In a third aspect the present invention comprises an extendable and flexible securer device, comprising: first and second connector bodies, each connector body having a suction cup extending from the body; in which the first connector body is hollow and has a retractable cord that can be extended or pulled from within the body, and which automatically winds up within the body, and in which the body further comprises a hook attached to the outer end of the cord; and in which the second connector body has an aperture into which the hook can locate and be held in use. This arrangement allows maximum flexibility as the length and orientation of the body can easily be changed, and the orientation of the connectors can be easily changed.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief DescriDtion of Figures Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the securer device of the present invention, the securer device having a flexible main body formed from a number of segments that extends between two spaced apart connectors each of which extend from the flexible main body in the same direction.

Figure 2 shows a view of the securer device of figure 1 from directly above or behind the securer device.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the securer device of figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the securer device of figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the securer device of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the securer device of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. A first embodiment of an extendable and flexible securer device 1 is shown in figures 1 to 4. The securer device 1 has a flexible main body 2 formed from a plurality of segments 3 attached to one another end to end. Each segment 3 is connected to the adjacent segments 3 so that the segments 3 are able to at least partly pivot relative to one another on application of a bending force. However, in the preferred embodiment, there is a reasonable amount of friction force between each segment 3 so that once they are bent into position relative to one another, the segments will remain stationary or in position relative to one another until further bending force is applied.

As shown in figure 1, a pair of connectors 4 extend from the flexible main body 2, one from each end of the flexible main body 2. Each connector 4 includes a suction cup which can be connected to a surface. The suction cup 5 is located on the end of a rigid base 6.

In the preferred embodiment, the flexible main body 2 is formed from a plurality of ball and socket segments 7 connected to one another end to end to form a ball and socket chain. Each segment 7 is a unitary item having a cup 8 at one end and a ball 9 at the other, connected by a short rigid rod 10. The ball of one segment is pressed into the cup of another segment, the process repeated to form a chain. The ball and socket arrangement allows each segment 7 a limited amount of rotation and movement relative to the connected one or ones immediately adjacent in the chain.

The amount of movement and rotation is limited by the rod 10 contacting the rim of the adjacent cup 8, which is required to encompass or enclose the ball 8 of the adjacent segment 7 to a minimum extent to avoid the chain breaking. One advantage of a ball and socket chain is that it has a certain amount of structural rigidity so that it will retain its position or shape as required -the friction between the cups and the connected balls tends to mean the chain keeps its shape once bent by a user into shape by a user applying a bending force. Each of the two connectors 4 extends in substantially the same direction as the other. This allows the connectors 4 to be easily attached to the same surface at different points on that surface.

The connectors 4 of the preferred embodiment include suction cups 5. This allows the device to be easily attached and detached from locations where required, with no permanent alteration to an attachment point such as would be required with e.g. a screw or similar. Each of the connectors 4 is formed from a suction cup 5 on the end of a rigid base 6 that connects to the end of the ball and socket chain via a connector cup 11, which is on the opposite end of the base 6 to the suction cup 5, the socket of the connector cup 11 and the suction cup 5 facing outwards in opposed directions from each end of the base 6. The use of a ball and socket connection allows the connectors 4 to be independently rotated relative to the body 2 for ease of positioning and attachment.

A notch 12 is formed in the side of the connector cup 11 to allow a connected adjacent segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup 5. This allows the flexible main body2 to extend generally parallel to a connection surface, while still allowing the use of a ball and socket chain.

It is most preferred that the connectors 4 are connected at each end of the flexible main body 2. This allows the flexible main body 2 to be strung between two spaced connection points. A single connector could be used, at one end or in the middle of the flexible main body, with the flexible main body extending away from the single connector. Use of a semi-rigid main body such as that provided by a ball and socket chain means that a second connection is not necessarily required to hold the main body in position. However, the main body will tend to bend or droop under its own weight with time, and two connections is therefore preferred for longer-time usages.

One connection would be suitable for shorter usages, or where the main body can extend substantially or fully downwards in use.

The connector 4 allows the securer device 1 to be connected to a surface or other suitable location, and the flexible main body 2 allows the main body 2 to be shaped and positioned as required relative to the fixed connection point or points. The use of two connectors 4 spaced apart on the main body 2 allows the main body 2 to be strung between two fixed points. A ball and socket chain arrangement is easily manufactured, and allows the length of the main body to be changed easily by adding or removing individual segments, as seen by examining figure 4, where it can be seen that further segments could easily be added to extend or increase the length, and in this manner the main body can be extended or compressed.

As can best be seen with reference to figure 4, use of a ball and socket chain can require either that one of the connectors has the connector cup 11 replaced by a ball, or as shown in the figure, that one of the segments in the chain is a double-ball segment, with the cup 8 replaced by a second ball 9.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in figure 5, the segments could be telescoping arms 103 connected by a pivot 14 at their ends. In this alternative embodiment, the connectors 104 are connected to the two outer ends of the main body 102 by a ball and socket connection. This main body could be formed from two or more telescoping arms 103. This arrangement provides an alternative to a ball and socket chain, and can provide a greater degree of structural rigidity and integrity in the body if required. As shown in the embodiment of figure 5, there are two telescoping arms 103, pivotally connected at their inner ends by pivot 14, the connectors connected to the two outer ends of the arms 103 by a ball and socket connection.

In this embodiment, the telescoping arms 103 are formed from an inner arm 103a and a hollow outer arm 103b, the inner arm 103a held within the hollow outer arm 1 03b when the arm is unextended, the outer arm 1 03b sliding over the inner arm 1 03a as the telescoping arm extends. This allows the overall length of the body to be adjusted as required. Over-extension and possible disassembly of the arm assembly is prevented by the use of push fittings within the arms. In this alternative embodiment, the arms are slightly curved or bowed towards the outer ends where the connectors 104 are fitted, so that the securer device 109 will bow or curve away from a surface to which it is connected. As shown in figure 5, the pivot 14 is a single-axis pivot aligned to allow bending towards and away from the connection direction of the connectors. As for the preferred embodiment, it is preferred that the pivot or pivots by which the connectors are connected to the body 102 are ball and socket joints.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 6. The third embodiment comprises first and second connector bodies 204a, 204b, each connector body having a suction cup 205 extending from the body. The first connector body 204a is hollow and has a retractable cord 206 that can be extended or pulled from within the body 204a, and which automatically winds up within the body when not being pulled out of the body via an internal winding mechanism such as are well-known in the art. A hook 207 is attached to the outer end of the cord 206.

The second connector body 204b has an aperture 205 into which the hook 207 can locate and be held in use. The two connector bodies 204a, 204b are connected at spaced points (e.g. at spaced apart points on a surface) located as required and the cord 206 extends between them, held taut by the winding mechanism. This arrangement allows maximum flexibility as the length and orientation of the main body can easily be changed, and the orientation of the connectors can be easily changed relative to one another.

The securer device of the present invention has many potential uses. For example, it can be used in a bathroom to position a shower head or shower hose. The securer is connected to a wall or similar, and the shower hose tucked or hooked behind the body. Similarly, a shower curtain could be hooked behind the body to tidy it out of the way. In a living area, lamp or light switches on cords can be positioned where required as the securer can be fixed in position and the cord tucked behind the body.

Other cables or wires can be tidied away in a similar fashion e.g. the plurality of power cables for a home entertainment system (stereo, television, PVR, games console, etc). The securer could also be used as a clothes securer.

Outside, the securer could be used as a hose tidy, or could be attached to a wall to train' climbing plants or similar.

Claims

Claims 1. An extendable and flexible securer device, comprising: a flexible main body comprising a plurality of segments attached to one another in an end to end arrangement, wherein each pair of adjacent segments are connected so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to one another on application of a bending force, and remain stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied; and at least one connector extending rigidly from the flexible main body, adapted to connect to a surface.
2. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim I wherein the device comprises two connectors extending rigidly from two separate segments, wherein each connector extends in substantially the same direction as the other, the connectors adapted to connect to a surface.
3. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the connectors include suction cups.
4. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the connectors are connected at each end of the flexible main body.
5. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein the plurality of segments is a ball and socket chain.
6. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of the connectors is formed from a suction cup on the end of a rigid body that connects to the end of the ball and socket chain.
7. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the connectors has a body with a socket formed on the opposite end to the suction cup, the socket and the suction cup facing outwards in opposed directions from each end of the body.
8. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 7 wherein a notch is formed in the side of the socket on the body to allow a connected segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup.
9. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein the segments comprise telescoping arms connected by pivots at their ends, the connectors connected to the two outer ends of the main body by a ball and socket connection.
10. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 9 wherein there are two telescoping arms, pivotally connected at their inner ends, the connectors connected to the two outer ends of the main body by a ball and socket connection.
11. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the connectors each extend to the same side of the main body.
12. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the telescoping arms are formed from an inner arm and a hollow outer arm, the inner arm held within the hollow outer arm when the arm is unextended, the outer arm sliding over the inner arm as the telescoping arm extends.
13. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the arms are prevented from over-extending by push fittings.
14. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the pivot or pivots is a single-axis pivot aligned to allow bending towards and away from the connection direction of the connectors.
15. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein the pivot or pivots are ball and socket joints.
16. An extendable and flexible securer device, comprising: a flexible main body formed from a plurality of segments attached to one another in an end to end arrangement, each segment connected to an immediately adjacent segment so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to the immediately adjacent segment on application of *a bending force, immediately adjacent segments remaining stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied; and a pair of connectors extending rigidly from two separate segments, each connector extending in substantially the same direction as the other, the connectors adapted to connect to a surface.
17. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the plurality of segments is a ball and socket chain.
18. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 17 wherein each of the connectors is formed from a suction cup on the end of a rigid body that connects to an end of the ball and socket chain.
19. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of the connectors has a body with a socket formed on the opposite end to the suction cup, the socket and the suction cup facing outwards in opposed directions from each end of the body.
20. An extendable and flexible securer device as claimed in claim 19 wherein a notch is formed in the side of the socket on the body to allow a connected segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup.
21. An extendable and flexible securer device comprising: first and second connector bodies, each connector body having a suction cup extending from the body; the first connector body hollow and having a retractable cord that can be extended or pulled from within the body, and which automatically winds up within the body, a hook attached to the outer end of the cord; the second connector body having an aperture into which the hook can locate and be held in use.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A flexible securer device, comprising: a flexible main body comprising a plurality of segments attached to one another in an end to end arrangement, wherein each pair of adjacent segments are connected so as to be able to at least partly pivot relative to one another on application of a bending force, and remain stationary relative to one another when no bending force is applied; at least one connector extending rigidly from the flexible main body, adapted to connect to a surface wherein each connectors has a body with a socket formed on the opposite a the suction cup, the socket connects to the flexible main body and the suction cup connects to a surface in use, the socket and suction cup face outwards in opposed directions from each end of the body and; wherein a notch is formed in the side of the socket for accepting part of a segment of the flexible main body to allow the connected segment to rotate substantially to a direction perpendicular to the usage plane of the suction cup.2. A flexible securer device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises two connectors extending rigidly from two separate segments, wherein each 0') connector extends in substantially the same direction as the other.3. A flexible securer device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connectors are connected at each end of the flexible main body. (44. A flexible securer device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the plurality of segments is a ball and socket chain.5. A flexible securer device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least segment may include at least one telescoping arm.6. A flexible securer device according to claim 5 wherein the telescoping arm(s) is/are formed from an inner arm and a hollow outer arm, the inner arm held within the hollow outer arm when the arm is unextended, the outer arm sliding over the inner arm as the telescoping arm extends.7. A flexible securer device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the arms are prevented from over-extending by push fittings.8. 10. A flexible securer device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot or pivots is a single-axis pivot aligned to allow bending towards and away from the connection direction of the connectors.9. A flexible securer device comprising: first and second connector bodies wherein the flexible main body comprises a retractable cord extendable from the connector body that can be extended or pulled from within one connector and attached to a second connector by a hook received through an aperture wherein the cord can automatically wind up within the body.10. A flexible securer device as substantially herein described with reference to the figures. a) (4