WO2011043677A1

WO2011043677A1 - A cord tie device

Info

Publication number: WO2011043677A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2010/000199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Dunne
Original assignee: Ceangal Lite Limited; Werahiko, Philip, Carl
Priority date: 2009-10-07
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: NZ580230A

Abstract

There is provided a cord tie device formed from an elongate body having elastic properties. The elongate body is formed into a permanent loop by permanently and immovably securing an end to the elongate body. A fastener releasably secures a second end of the elongate body to itself so as to facilitate securing the cord tie to an object.

Description

A CORD TIE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cord tie device. BACKGROUND ART

Devices are known to secure one or more cords into bundles. However, many of these devices have inherent limitations and do not adequately address all of the public's need for a cable organising device.

By way of example, a number of prior art cable organising devices are discussed below.

United States Patent No. 6,868,589 to Borne discloses a cable tie device. The device is formed from a round elastic length of material.

An integral eyelet is formed at one end of the length of material. This is slidably engaged medially of the device to provide a loop of differing sizes. This loop can be extended to a large size allowing a cord plug to be inserted therethrough. The size of the loop can then be decreased to secure the device to the cord. This mechanism can be fiddly. In addition, it depends on the loop being adjustable to a size sufficient that the plug can be inserted therethrough. That engagement is not always possible and this is therefore a problem with this device. The end of the elongate material distal to the integral eyelet can then be wrapped around the cord and an electrical device. A hook is formed in the end which engages with the corresponding loop in the integral eyelet. This secures the cord tie and thereby the electrical appliance and cord into a bundle. However, it is necessary that the hook must engage with the eyelet. This can be fiddly to achieve.

Further, it may not be possible for the hook to engage the eyelet when the cord tie is used with different types of electrical appliance. For instance, wrapping the elongate body around the bundle once may not sufficiently tighten the cord tie to tightly secure the bundle. Yet, wrapping the cord tie device twice around the bundle may mean that the hook cannot engage the eyelet.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage to have a device which can be easily secured to a cord, yet secure the cord and device into a compact bundle. United States Patent No. 3,953,911 to Fishack discloses an elongate elastic body having a plastic clip fastener secured at one end. The clip has an aperture through which the elongate body may be inserted to form a loop.

In use, the body may be wrapped around a cord and then inserted through an aperture in the clip. This secures the cord tie to the cord. The cord can subsequently be formed into a bundle and the cord tie wrapped around this. However, to secure the cord in the bundle it is necessary to wedge the body into an aperture on the clip. This provides an unsatisfactory result in securing the cord into a bundle as it is doubtful that simply wedging the cord tie into the aperture would adequately secure the bundle. United States Patent No. 6, 301,752 to Koppang discloses a cord organiser.

The organiser is formed from an elongate cylindrical body with a longitudinal interior passageway for receiving folded or bundled cord(s).

The diameter of the passageway decreases gradually and smoothly from opposite ends of the passageway towards its centre. The decrease in diameter of the passageway is such that it can secure one or more cords into a bundle. However, the cable organiser of the Koppang patent cannot be secured to a cord. Therefore, when the cord(s) are removed from the device for use the two are easily separated from each other. This can lead to these organisers being easily lost.

In addition, it is necessary to squeeze the cord bundle through the reduced diameter of the interior passage. This may be a fiddly and difficult process.

United States Patent No. 4,991,265 to Campbell discloses a cord tie device. The device is formed from a plurality of resilient strap segments interconnected by a plurality of stiff locking discs. A slotted head forming a locking clasp is positioned at one end of the strap. The locking head can receive the locking discs to secure the device into a loop, and hold a cord bundle therein.

However, again the device cannot be secured to the cord, and therefore can be lost while the cord is in use.

United States Patent No. 5,402,971 to Bower discloses a cable tie with a loop attachment. The tie comprises an elongate body made of flexible materials. One end of the body has an aperture which can receive the head of the body. Teeth on the side edges of the main body can engage the edges of the aperture to secure the body in a loop.

A post retaining loop is disposed transversely of the strap body. The post retaining loop has a passage way shaped to receive and retain the post of an associated cable management bar.

In use, the device of the Bower patent secures a plurality of cables together, and to a support.

However the relative orientation and size of the post retaining loop limit the device's functionality and usefulness.

United States Patent No. 6,401,305 to Joseph discloses a cable tie apparatus. The cable tie is formed from a flexible body with a plurality of apertures along its length. The locking head has first and second locking portions that each engage apertures in the body to secure the cable tie into a loop.

The cable tie's body can be wrapped around a first cable. The locking head's first portion secures the cable tie in a loop and to the first cable.

The body can then be wrapped around a bundle of cables. The locking head's second portion can secure the cable tie into a loop and therefore the cables in a bundle.

The configuration of the cable tie is such that it must have a plurality of apertures along its body. This allows it to provide for bundles of cables of differing sizes.

However, this limits the effectiveness of the cable tie, in forming cable bundles_^ In addition, the plurality of apertures limits the usable surface area of the cable device. Therefore, the device cannot be used in carrying a company's brand to provide advertising benefits.

Further, the nature of the locking head makes it difficult to use and prone to releasing the body and therefore the cables from the loop. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this

specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cord tie device, including an elongate body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is deformable, a fastener to secure the first end to the elongate body and thereby secure the elongate body in a first loop, wherein the second end is permanently secured to the elongate body to hold the elongate body in a second loop, characterised in that the second loop can stretch to surround a bundle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a device to be used with an appliance having a cord, including the steps of;

(a) providing an elongate body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is deformable,

(b) providing a fastener that can secure the first end to the elongate body, and thereby secure the elongate body in a first loop;

(c) manipulating the elongate body into a second loop; the method characterised by the step of (d) permanently securing the second end to hold the elongate body in the second loop so that the second loop can stretch to surround a bundle formed by the appliance and the cord. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cord tie device, including an elongate body, wherein the body may be deformed and secured in a loop, characterised in that the elongate body is made from a woven material.

The present inventions relate to improvements to cord tie devices. Preferably these improvements are intended for use together and reference will be made herein as such. However this should not be seen as limiting and the present inventions may be used independently of each other or in combination with other cord ties devices.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "cord tie device" should be understood as meaning a device which can organise cords.

In one embodiment the cord tie device may be adapted to hold one cord in a bundle. In this embodiment, the device may facilitate organising and holding of the cord in a compact form for storage or transport.

The device may also facilitate securing a cord in a bundle and to an object. For instance the device may secure a cell phone charger cord in a bundle and to a power plug at one end of the cord.

The device may be used with an electrical appliance having a cord. The device secures the cord in a bundle and to the appliance.

Alternatively, the device may be used to secure two or more cords together in to a bundle. In yet a further embodiment, the present invention may be used to secure one or more cords to an external object.

Accordingly, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term "elongate body" should be understood as meaning the main part of the device having a length.

In one embodiment the elongate body may have a length sufficient that it may be formed into two or more loops.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body may have a length in the range of 20cm - 30cm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention may have a length of 24cm.

The above discussion of length for the elongate body is made with reference to a preferred embodiment, and before the elongate body is manipulated and formed into a cord tie device according to the present invention. It should be also appreciated that alternatives are envisaged for the length of the elongate body including those being less than 20cm or more than 30cm.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body may have a width of between 5 - 15mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment the elongate body may have a width of 10mm.

The inventor has found that these widths are particularly advantageous in allowing the elongate body to carry markings and advertising indications. This should become clearer from the ensuring description. The applicant has found that the above preferred embodiments are particularly beneficial in forming cord tie devices according to the present invention. This is because this length allows the formation of a plurality of loops in the elongate body which facilitates the successful operation of the device. This aspect of the present invention should become clearer from the following description.

However, alternatives are envisaged and therefore reference to a specific length of the elongate body should not be seen as limiting.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "deformable" should be understood as meaning capable of being manipulated into a variety of shapes or configurations to form a plurality of loops.

Preferably the loops may be formed by folding, twisting, or otherwise manipulating the elongate body.

Reference will be made herein to manipulating the elongate body as folding. However this should not be seen as in anyway limiting and alternatives are envisaged.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "loop" should be understood as meaning a closed shaped defined by a section of the elongate body secured to itself.

A loop allows the cord tie device to wrap around a cord, cord bundle, and/or other object / appliance. This is useful in ensuring the successful operation of cord tie devices according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may have an end permanently and immovably secured to the elongate body so as to form a permanent loop, while the other end of the elongate body can be manipulated into and releasably secured in, another loop. Releasably securing one end of the elongate body in a loop is useful in attaching the cord tie device to a cord. That is, the releasable loop can fit around the cord and secured to attach the two. The permanent loop can then be stretched to receive a cord bundle, or other object such as a power plug at the end of a cord. In the preferred embodiment, the loops may be disposed at distal ends of the elongate body. The loops are also formed so as to extend along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

This arrangement provides greater flexibility and use in comparison to cord tie devices according to the prior art. However, the following should be not seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged. These include manipulating the elongate body into three loops and releasably securing the body into these loops.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "fastener" should be understood as meaning a component which can secure a section of the elongate body in a loop.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the fastener may releasably secure the first end to the elongate body and thereby secure the elongate body in a loop.

In one embodiment, the fastener may be formed from a pair of complementary halves that engage to releasably secure the first end to the elongate body. This secures a section of the elongate body in a loop.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastener may be a button fastener or snap fastener as should be known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment the fastener halves may be corresponding male and female connectors. The connectors engage each other to secure the end to the elongate body. However alternatives for the fastener are envisaged including velcro.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, one of the fastener halves may also permanently secure the _. second end to the elongate body. This permanently secures a section of the elongate body in a loop. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "woven material" should be understood as meaning a fabric formed by interlacing threads.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the woven material may have elastic properties. Forming the elongate body from a woven material having elastic properties provides a number of advantages. The elastic properties allow the body to be deformed, stretched or otherwise manipulated, and the elongate body will return to its original shape. This is useful in allowing cord tie devices according to the present invention to secure one or more cables in a bundle and should become clearer from the following description.

For example, branding, advertising, and other markings may be woven into the elongate body during its manufacture.

In addition, the elastic properties of the body make it easier to secure one or more cords into a bundle.

However alternatives for the elongate body are also envisaged. These include that the elongate body may be formed from a number of resilient sections hinged to each other. Therefore, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting.

In an alternative embodiment is also envisaged that branding, advertising, and/or other markings may be applied to the elongate body using other techniques. Examples include embroidery, printing, or securing these to the elongate body via with adhesive (s). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ends of the elongate body may be reinforced.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "reinforced" should be understood as meaning strengthening applied to the elongate body. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the strengthening may prevent fraying of the woven threads forming the elongate body.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, strengthening may be achieved by folding a section of the elongate body over itself, and securing it thereto. In this embodiment, the securing of the body may be occur using a fastener half. However, alternative methods are envisaged including the application of heat to melt woven threads forming the elongate body, or over locking.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body may include a divider.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term "divider" should be understood as meaning an aspect of the present invention that separates a fastener half from the permanent loop.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the divider may be a plurality of rows of stitching across the width of the elongate body.

However, alternatives are envisaged for the divider including attaching rigid materials to the elongate body. The use of a divider is particularly advantageous in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The inventor has found that using the divider may prevent unwanted disengagement of the fastener halves when the permanent loop is stretched. This is necessary to prevent accidental loss of the cord tie device by being separated from the cord with which it is utilised. It should be appreciated that the present invention may provide a number of advantages. These include that:

• It provides an elegant solution to organising of cords and electrical devices;

• It can be cost effectively manufactured;

• Addresses the prior art and in particular issues with devices disclosed in United States patents granted to Fishack and Borne.

The foregoing advantages are exemplary only and it should be appreciated that the present invention has a number of other advantages. Those advantages are due to its unique configuration and the interaction of its component parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cord tie device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cord tie device in another configuration; Figure 3 is a close up view of a section of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a view of Figure 3 from another angle;

Figure 5 is another close up view of a cord tie device according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view of the cord tie device secured to a cord;

Figure 7 is a view of the cord tie device securing a cord into a bundle; and Figure 8 is an alternate view of Figure 6.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

There is provided a cord tie device (1) as shown in Figures 1-8.

The features and use of the cord tie device (1) will become clearer from the following description with reference to Figures 1 - 8.

Throughout the Figures like numerals refer to like aspects of the cord tie device (1)-

Threads (not shown) woven together to form a length of material (not shown). The threads are formed from a mixture of 25% elastic with a nylon and polyester base. During weaving, markings (indicated by XYZ in Figure 8) are formed. This is achieved by using threads of different colours with techniques as should be known to those skilled in the art. The markings will be discussed in more detail below.

The length of woven material is cut to provide an elongate body (2) with a length of 24cm. The elongate body (2) is deformable and can be manipulated into a variety of shapes and positions by folding.

The elongate body (2) is folded at point (3) so that a section (4) of the elongate body (4) lies against this. Folding the section of the body will reinforce the first end (3) and help to prevent unraveling of the woven material after manufacturing and/or during use of the cord tie device (1 ).

The elongate body (2) is manipulated so that the folded section (4) lies against the elongate body (2). In doing so, a loop (5) is formed.

The loop (1) has a circumference of 16 cms when not stretched. The inventor has found that this circumference is particularly useful in combination with the elastic properties of the material such that the cord tie device (1) is better suited to achieve its purpose. This should become clearer from the following description. A rivet (6) extends through the folded section (4) and the elongate body at point

(4) . This permanently and immovably secures the elongate body (2) in the loop

(5) . Therefore the diameter of loop (5) can only change by stretching the portion of body (2) forming the loop (5).

Rivet (6) provides a male protrusion (7). This is as should be understood by those skilled in the art.

Second end (8) of the elongate body (2) is folded at point (9). The folded section (15) lies against the elongate body (2).

A second rivet (10) secures the second end (8) in the folded position.

The second rivet (10) provides a female connector (11) corresponding to the male protrusion (7).

The elongate body (2) can be manipulated to form another loop (12) as is shown in Figures 2, 6, 7, 8. The male protrusion (7) and female connector (11) engage each other to releasably secure the elongate body ( ) in the other loop (12).

In doing so, the loop (12) has a circumference of 4cms. Rows of stitches (15,16) extend across the elongate body (2). The rows of stitches (15,16) separate the fastener halves and prevents these disengaging when the loop (5) is stretched.

In use, the loop (12) can secure the cord tie device (1) to a cord (13). This is as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8. The loop (5) can be used to secure the cord (13) in a bundle. That is, the loop(s) is stretched to surround the cords (13) and plug (14). However, the elastic properties of the body (5) cause the loop (5) to tighten and thereby secure the cord (13) and plug (14) into a compact bundle. This is shown in Figure 7. As is indicated in Figure 8, the elongate body (2) provides a large area for the markings (XYZ). The area is provided by the circumference of the loop (5) being 16cm, and the elongate body having a width of approximately 10mm.

The markings (XYZ) may be advertising or branding. Due to the large area provided the cord tie device (1) is a particularly useful advertising tool. In addition, the device provides improvements over the prior art. These include that the device:

• is easier and cost effective to manufacture;

• is better adapted for use in advertising a trader's brand;

• is more durable; and · is less likely to be lost or separated from the cord with which it is used.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A cord tie device, including an elongate body having a first end and a second end, a fastener to releasably secure the first end to the elongate body and thereby secure the elongate body in a first loop, and the second end being permanently and immovably secured to the elongate body to hold the elongate body in a second loop, wherein the second loop can stretch to surround a bundle.

2. The cord tie device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein second loop is configured to carry advertising brandings and/or markings.

3. The device as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fastener is a snap fastener.

4. The cord tie device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate body has a length in the range of 20-30cm.

5. The cord tie device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongate body has a length of 24cm.

6. The cord tie device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the elongate body is a woven material.

7. The cord tie device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongate body is made from a material having elastic properties.

8. The cord tie device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the fastener is a pair of complementary halves that engage to secure the first end to the elongate body thereby forming the loop.

9. The cord tie device as claimed in claim 8, wherein one of the fastener halves permanently secures the second end to the elongate body to hold the elongate body in the second loop.

10. The cord tie device as claimed in either one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first end is reinforced.

11. The cord tie device as claimed in any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the second end is reinforced.

12. A method of manufacturing a cord tie device including the steps of:

(b) providing a fastener that can releasably secure the first end to the elongate body and thereby hold the elongate body in a loop;

(c) manipulating the second end of the elongate body to form a second loop;

(d) permanently and immovably securing the second end to the elongate body to hold the elongate body in the second loop, such that the second loop is configured to stretch to surround a bundle.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, including the step of providing markings on the elongate body.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the markings are woven into the elongate body.

15. The method as claimed in either one of claims 13 or 14, including the step of reinforcing the first and/or second end.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the step of reinforcing the second end involves folding the first or second end over the elongate body and securing this to the elongate body.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of folding and securing the second end occurs prior to step (d).

18. A cord tie device as substantially described herein with reference to the best modes section of the attached description and accompanying drawings.

19. A cord tie device as substantially described herein with reference to the best modes section of the attached description and accompanying drawings.