Flexible support apparatus

Abstract

An improved support and closure arrangement includes a flexible strap and one or more locking heads. The flexible strap has a series of spaced apertures formed therein. A first group of apertures extending from one end and extending over at least half of the strap, the first group serving to allow for adjustably forming an overlapped portion of the strap. A second group of apertures extends from an opposing end of the strap. The locking member has a central post terminating at opposing ends with radially extending, axially aligned discs sized for locking engagement with the apertures of the strap. A third axially aligned disc positioned intermediately along the axis of the post and also radially extending therefrom separates the opposing end discs so that apertures on either end of the strap may be selectively and discretely engaged and disengaged from said discs. The locking member includes a central bore adapted to receive a screw or equivalent fastening member. The arrangement is used as a support by overlapping the strap and locking in place a pair of the first apertures to form a loop which functions as a primary anchor for the support, with the locking member serving to secure the loop to a support surface, the end opposite of the loop secured to the support surface at a position most conducive to stable supporting of an object. The locking heads are adaptable for use as anchoring members in a variety of applications.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to support devices and methods for supporting objects onto vertical surfaces. More particularly, it relates to an improved adjustable support device which can also function as a closure for doors, gates, etc.[0002]Support apparatuses for attaching objects to a vertical surface are known in the art and typically comprise some type of bracket assembly with several rigid support members configured to form the dual functions of vertical support and object retention. While these devices are generally functional they suffer from several drawbacks. First, they tend to require complicated anchoring systems to support them to the wall or other support surface and thus tend to do some damage to the wall. Secondly, they are not particularly portable in that they must be carefully removed and disassembled and are also bulky. Also, they cannot be easily configured to reliably support irregularly shaped objects.[0003]U.S. Pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a flexible adjustable support and closure apparatus which can conform to irregularly shaped articles. It is an object of the invention to provide a flexible adjustable support and closure apparatus which is compact and portable.

[0012]Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

Problems solved by technology

While these devices are generally functional they suffer from several drawbacks.

First, they tend to require complicated anchoring systems to support them to the wall or other support surface and thus tend to do some damage to the wall.

Secondly, they are not particularly portable in that they must be carefully removed and disassembled and are also bulky.

Also, they cannot be easily configured to reliably support irregularly shaped objects.

Polad suffers from the drawback in that the rigid portion is relatively bulky and cannot be collapsed for storage.

Images