Stretchable fastening cord with hook and loop strap connector ends

Abstract

A fastening cord includes an elongated elastic member including at least one hook and loop strap connector secured to at least one end of the elongated elastic member. A flexible base material portion attached to an end of a bungee cord, the flexible base material portion adapted to attach Velcro® hook and loop portions thereon. Velcro® hook and loop portions are attached to the flexible base material portion and separated by a flexible gap formed on the flexible base material portion between said Velcro® hook loop portions. A pull tab can be secured to an edge of said flexible base material portion to facilitate user control over said Velcro® hook and loop portions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention is generally related to the field of fasteners and fastening cords used to secure equipment, tie down loads during shipping, and otherwise hold objects in place. More particularly, the present invention is related to a fastening cord in the form of an elongated elastic member resiliently stretchable between first and second member ends (e.g., “bungee” cords, elastic straps, etc.) and utilizing hook and loop fastening materials (i.e., Velcro®) as strap connectors in place of metal hooks typically found at the ends of elongated elastic members resiliently stretchable between first and second member ends.BACKGROUND[0002]“Hook and loop” fastening material is commonly referred to as “Velcro®”. Velcro® is a trademark owned by Velcro Industries B.V., a Netherlands Limited Liability Company. Velcro® has long been used as a material fastener in association with securing openings or as flaps found on or in association with clothing, furnishings and e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a pull tab is attached to an edge of the hook and loop connector end to provide user control over the hook and loop connector.

Problems solved by technology

Other ropes, cables or cords without the elasticity are generally suitable for securing loads, but they cannot always absorb a shift or a change in shape, often encountered with a moving load, without the benefit of elasticity.

The metal hooks 20 / 30 can be very dangerous if inadvertently released while a bungee cord 10 is being stretched during use.

Physical damage to person or property can result from the accidental release of a hook end of a bungee cord.

The metal hooks are also prone to slipping or sliding along objects they are attached to during use, which can result in a change in hook position and the possible loosening or loss of a load.

The metal end hooks 20 / 30, although typically covered by plastic or composite material, often terminate at a sharp plastic or composite coated metal point (coatings not shown), are what present the actual hazard to users and secured equipment.

The metal hooks, whether plastic or composite coated or not, are hard and have sharp points that can leave unsightly impressions on surfaces (e.g., paint, wood, plastic) of articles, furnishings or equipment that may be tightly secured during shipping by bungee cords in use today.

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