Fastening device for tools and other objects

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a securing / locking device capable of securing a plurality of valuables, such as tools, sports equipment, and the like. Embodiments of the fixing / locking device may include a primary link, such as a chain, a rope, a wire or a cable, connecting a joint to a primary fixture, such as an oversleeve. The device may also include secondary links, each connecting the joint to one or more secondary secures. The main link may attach the device to an anchor, such as a trailer, a truck bed rail, a portion of a house, or the like. The secondary link may attach the device to moving objects, such as expensive tools and sports equipment. Accordingly, a single securing / locking device may be used to secure multiple moving objects to a relatively fixed anchor. Many different embodiments similar to or different from the particular fixture are possible.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 323,724 (filed by Scoggin on March 25, 2022, entitled “Securing Device for Tools and Other Objects”) and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 845,774 (filed by Scoggin on June 21, 2022, entitled “Securing Device for Tools and Other Objects”), the entire contents of each application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices for securing items such as tools and sporting equipment. Background Art

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a prior art locking device 100, model 8290DPS Street Cuff, available from Master Lock Company, LLC, Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The locking device 100 includes two sleeves 102 and a link 104, such as a chain or cable. The locking device 100 can be used to secure a first item to a second item. For example, one sleeve portion 102 can be attached to a side rail in a truck bed, trailer, or the like, while the other sleeve portion 102 can be attached to expensive equipment, such as construction or sporting equipment, to secure the expensive equipment to the truck bed, thereby reducing the possibility of theft. However, the locking device 100 can generally only be used to secure a single item at a time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An embodiment of a fixing device according to the present disclosure includes a joint, a primary fixing member, and a primary linking member connecting the joint and the primary fixing member. The fixing device also includes a plurality of secondary fixing members and a plurality of secondary linking members, each secondary linking member connecting one of the secondary fixing members to the joint.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, one embodiment of a method for fixing a plurality of mobile objects using a fixing device includes: attaching a primary fixing member of the fixing device to an anchor and / or a fixed object, and attaching each of a plurality of secondary fixing members of the fixing device to one or more mobile objects of the plurality of mobile objects. The fixing device includes a primary fixing member, a secondary fixing member, a joint, a primary link connecting the primary fixing member to the joint, and a plurality of secondary links, each of which connects corresponding one or more of the secondary fixing members to the joint.

[0008] The features and technical advantages of the present disclosure have been outlined quite extensively above so that the detailed description below may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described below. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features considered to be characteristic of the present disclosure, whether in their organization or in their methods of operation, and further features and advantages will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be expressly understood that each of the accompanying drawings is for illustration and description purposes only and is not intended to define limitations of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A shows a prior art fixing device;

[0010] FIG. 1B shows a prior art swivel pin;

[0011] Figure 2 A fixing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 A fixture engagement member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 shows a fixture engagement member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5A shows a fixture engagement member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5B shows a fixture engagement member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 shows a fixture joint according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 7A lock component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to a fixing / locking device that can fix multiple valuable and / or dangerous items, such as tools, sports equipment, guns, etc. An embodiment of a fixing / locking device according to the present disclosure may include a primary link, such as a chain, a rope (such as a common rope, a wire rope, etc.), a wire or a cable, which connects a joint to a primary fixing member, such as a sleeve. The device may also include a plurality of secondary links, each of which connects a joint to one or more corresponding secondary fixing members. The primary link can connect the device to an anchor, such as a truck compartment railing, a part of a house or a garage, or the like. The secondary link can attach the device to a moving object, such as an expensive tool, sports equipment, etc. Therefore, a single fixing / locking device can be used to fix multiple moving objects to a relatively fixed and / or heavier anchor. There may be many different embodiments similar or different to this particular fixing device.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic diagrams of embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, actual sizes, components, and features may be different, and due to, for example, technical capabilities, manufacturing techniques, and / or tolerances, it is expected that the shapes may be different from the drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes or components of the areas shown herein, but should include deviations in shapes / components, for example, due to manufacturing or technical availability. The areas shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes or functions of the device features, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, a component may be displayed as a unit, but may be a collection of components or units, or a collection of components or units may exist as a unit.

[0021] Throughout the description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplary, rather than limiting, the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms "disclosure," "device," "method," "present disclosure," "this device," or "this method" refer to any embodiment of the disclosure described herein and its equivalents. In addition, references to various features of "disclosure," "device," "method," "present disclosure," "this device," or "this method" throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features.

[0022] It should also be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent to the other element or feature, or intervening elements or features may be present. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0023] Relative terms, such as "outer", "above", "lower", "below", "horizontal", "vertical" and the like, may be used herein to describe the relationship of one feature to another. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation shown in the Figures.

[0024] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like, and similar terms (e.g., primary, secondary, and the like) may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below may be referred to as a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising" when used herein, specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] Figure 2 A fixing / locking device 200 according to the present disclosure is shown (for simplicity, "fixing device" and "locking device" are used interchangeably herein). The locking device 200 may include a plurality of fixing members 202 (e.g., sleeves) and a plurality of linking members 204 (e.g., chains, cables, ropes, wires, or the like). The locking device 200 may also include a coupling member 206. The coupling member 206 may be, for example, a coupling box or a coupling block, and may be used to connect to various linking members 204.

[0027] In the specific embodiment shown, the locking device 200 includes a main fixing member 202a and a main linking member 204a, and the main linking member is used to connect the engaging member 206 to the main fixing member 202a. The locking device 200 also includes five secondary fixing members 202b and five secondary linking members 204b. The ratio of the fixing member 202 to the linking member 204 (and / or the main fixing member 202a to the main linking member 204a, and / or the secondary fixing member 202b to the secondary linking member 204b) can be 1:1, as shown in this embodiment, but it should be understood that different embodiments are also possible. It should also be understood that the number of secondary fixing members 202b and / or secondary linking members 204b can be arbitrary, such as two, three, four, five (as shown) or more. It is advantageous to have two or more secondary fixing members 202b and linking members 204b so that the locking device 200 can fix multiple items. Embodiments other than the illustrated embodiment are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, one or more fixtures 202 are each associated with two or more links 204 to provide additional security, and the links 204 of each fixture 202 can be the same or different types (e.g., two chains, a chain and a cable, two cables, etc.).

[0028] In the specific embodiment shown, the locking device 100 is designed to be connected to an anchoring object, such as a building, a house, a trailer or a truck (for example, connected to a railing in a truck compartment). The anchoring object is usually more fixed and / or heavier than other objects (for simplicity, referred to as "mobile objects" herein) connected by the locking device. The anchoring object according to the present disclosure can be, for example, 100 lb or more, 250 lb or more, 500 lb or more, 1000 lb or more, 2000 lb or more, or 5000 lb or more, although these weights are essentially exemplary. The main fixing 202a and the main link 204a can be used to connect to the anchoring object. In some embodiments, the anchoring object can include a main object and / or a heavier object (for example, a truck) and a connection object connected to the heavier object, such as a railing. One such embodiment is a high-strength eyebolt and railing attached to a truck compartment or trailer. Multiple secondary fasteners 202b and secondary links 204b may be used to secure mobile objects that are typically more susceptible to theft, more flexible, and / or lighter, such as, for example, construction equipment, sporting equipment, luggage, or firearms. By way of example only, the mobile objects may be 500 lb or less, 250 lb or less, 150 lb or less, 100 lb or less, 75 lb or less, or 50 lb or less. In one embodiment, the primary link 204a is thicker, stronger, and / or more secure than the secondary link 204b to reduce the likelihood of the primary link 204a breaking so that all of the mobile objects can be removed at once without breaking any of the secondary links 204b. In another similar embodiment, two or more primary links are used to add additional reinforcement, with or without additional primary fasteners. It will be appreciated that while Figure 2 Components 202a and 204a are explicitly identified as primary fixings and links, but any of the fixings and links shown may be used as primary fixings and links, and / or connected to an anchor object. In addition, multiple links / fixings combinations may be connected to an anchor object for additional security.

[0029] While the particular embodiment shown includes a sleeve as the fastener 202, it should be understood that some or all of the fasteners 202 may be different types of fasteners, such as but not limited to U-locks, combination locks, and other embodiments that will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0030] In the particular embodiment shown, the fixtures 202 are keyed fixtures. In one embodiment, all of the fixtures 202 have the same key (i.e., can be locked and unlocked by the same universal key). In another embodiment, the secondary fixtures 202b all have the same key. In another embodiment, the secondary fixtures 202b are all keyed in one manner, while the primary fixtures 202a are keyed in a different manner. In another embodiment, all of the fixtures 202 are keyed in different manners. Many different embodiments are possible. Furthermore, the term "keyed" as used herein should be broadly understood to refer to different types of locking mechanisms, methods, and devices, such as combination locks.

[0031] The links 204 can have many different lengths. In one embodiment, the lengths of two or more secondary links 204 differ by 6 inches or more, or 12 inches or more, or 18 inches or more, or 24 inches or more; in another embodiment, the lengths of three or more secondary links 204b differ by 6 inches or more, or 12 inches or more, or 18 inches or more, or 24 inches or more; in another embodiment, the lengths of four or more secondary links 204b differ by 6 inches or more, or 12 inches or more, or 18 inches or more, or 24 inches or more; in another embodiment, the lengths of five or more secondary links 204b differ by 6 inches or more, 12 inches or more, 18 inches or more, or 24 inches or more. In the specific embodiment shown, the lengths of the primary links 204a are approximately 8 inches to 24 inches, while the lengths of the secondary links 204b are approximately 12 inches ± 3 inches, 24 inches ± 3 inches, 36 inches ± 3 inches, 48 ​​inches ± 3 inches, and 60 inches ± 3 inches, respectively. In some embodiments, the length of the primary link 204a and / or each secondary link 204b is 6 inches or longer, 12 inches or longer, 18 inches or longer, 24 inches or longer, or even longer. Many different embodiments may be used. An advantage of including secondary links 204b of varying lengths is that it may allow for easier storage of the various items to which the secondary fixture 202b is attached, such as by spacing them apart from one another (e.g., in a truck bed).

[0032] exist Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the joint 206 is a joint box comprising six attachment points, but different embodiments are also possible. In this embodiment, the main link 204a is connected to the first side 206a of the joint 206, and the secondary link 204b is connected to the second side 206b of the joint 206 relative to the first side 206a. In another embodiment, the secondary link 204b is connected to the joint 206 at the second side 206b and / or the third side and / or the fourth side 206c, 206d between the first side 206a and the second side 206b. In such an embodiment, the third side and / or the fourth side 206c, 206d can be adjacent to the first side and / or the second side 206a, 206b separately. In one embodiment, the link 204 (for example, the main link 204a or the secondary link 204b) can extend the joint 206 upward or downward (for example, for the link 204 extending upward, extend from the top side 206e). In one embodiment, six or more sides of the joint have one or more links connected thereto. In one embodiment, a single side has both a primary link 204a and one or more secondary links 204b connected thereto. There can be many different embodiments.

[0033] The connection between the joint 206 and the link 204 can be designed to make it more difficult to break. For example, the connection can be a swivel connection capable of 360° rotation, such as Figure 2 1B , thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of disconnecting the link 204 from the engagement member 206 by a rotational force in the A direction. This can be achieved, for example, by using a connection of the prior art rotating pin 150 shown in FIG. 1B . Similarly, the connection between the link 204 and the fixed member 202 can also be a rotating connection. These rotating connections are particularly useful for embodiments in which the link 204 includes a chain, which is particularly susceptible to torsion.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure can use many different materials and / or be made of many different materials. For example, the fixing member 202, the linking member 204 and / or the junction box 206 can be metal, rubber, polymer, plastic or other materials known in the art. Other materials can also be used to prevent damage to the items attached to the fixture. For example, rubber, silicone, nylon or other soft materials can be used in combination with the fixing member 202 and / or the linking member 204 (which can be metal) to prevent scratching or other damage. In addition, although the linking member 204 is shown as flexible, it can also be rigid, such as in an embodiment with one or more posts and / or rod links. Many different embodiments are possible.

[0035] Although Figure 2One embodiment of the engagement member 206 is shown, but many different embodiments and shapes are possible. For example, Figure 3 A coupling 306 is shown having a shape and / or cross-section having a generally trapezoidal base with a curved and / or convex top surface (convex surfaces as described herein include, but are not limited to, a curved convex surface and a combination of surfaces, such as a flat surface, forming an overall convex shape). Exemplary attachment points 306a (e.g., holes, but other types of attachment points are possible) can be used to connect to link members such as those described above. Other attachment points are also possible, such as a primary attachment point on the bottom surface. The curved and / or convex top surface can be beneficial because it can cause the link members to be at an angle to each other as they extend outward from the coupling 306, which can help prevent moving objects from ending up overlapping each other. Similarly, Figure 4 Shown is a joint piece 406 having a generally circular shape and / or cross section and an exemplary attachment point 406a, which can make the link piece extend outwardly from a generally semicircular top surface (which is also a convex curved surface). Equally, additional attachment points are also possible, such as roughly at the main attachment point in the bottom quadrant. Many different embodiments are possible. In addition, in another embodiment, the attachment aperture of the joint piece that the link piece connects can be at an angle so that the link piece is at an angle to each other when extending from the joint piece. The attachment point arrangement can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. A variety of different embodiments can be arranged.

[0036] Figure 5A Another embodiment of a joint 506 is shown. In this embodiment, the joint 506 is relatively flat compared to the previously shown version, and can be a strip, plate or sheet, and / or can be linear in nature. The joint 506 can include an attachment point 506a. In addition, the joint 506 (and other joints described herein) can include an attachment mechanism, such as an attachment mechanism 506b. The attachment mechanism 506b can help attach the joint 506 to an anchor point (e.g., a ceiling, a trailer, a truck bed, etc.). In one embodiment, the attachment 506b can be an eye bolt, but other embodiments are also possible.

[0037] Figure 5BAnother embodiment of a joint 556 is shown. The joint 556 can be similar to the joint 506. In this particular embodiment, in addition to the attachment point 556a, the joint 556 can also include an attachment point 556c, which can be, for example, located at the top or side (e.g., front or rear) of the joint 556. Links such as those previously described can extend from the attachment point 556c and can attach the joint 556 to an anchor point (e.g., ceiling, trailer, truck bed, etc.). An attachment 556b such as an eyebolt can be used for weight support, such as by extending a chain or other mechanism from the attachment 556b to the anchor point. One or more link / fixture combinations extending from the attachment point 556c can be used as a primary fixing device.

[0038] A joint according to the present disclosure may include multiple parts, which may make it easier to connect to a link. For example, Figure 6 Shown is a square / rectangular joint 606 consisting of two main parts 606a, 606b.Joint 606a can include orifice 606c, and joint 606b can include orifice 606d, wherein when joint 606a, 606b are connected to each other, orifice 606c, 606d form full aperture.In one embodiment, before joint 606a, 606b are connected, linking member connecting portion is put in place so that linking member connecting portion is clamped between two connected joints 606a, 606b.In one embodiment, joint 606a, 606b are permanently connected to each other.However, in another embodiment, this connection may not be permanent, but for example can be keyed.Therefore, the user can disconnect two parts 606a, 606b from each other, and remove a linking portion and replace it with another linking portion, thereby increase customizability.Many different embodiments are all possible. Additionally, it should be understood that a variety of different aperture and connector / pin shapes are possible, with the aperture typically being sized and shaped to fit the connector / pin, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0039] The connection between the engaging member and the linking member may be permanent, for example using a locking device having an engaging member in which the linking member is permanently imprinted. In another embodiment, the linking member may be removable, for example by a key or the like. The keying function may be implemented in many different ways. For example, in one approach, a locking member may be used, such as Figure 7700. When the locking bar is in the first position, a connector such as a rotating pin 150 may be located in a small portion 702a of the orifice 702 and have a larger cross-section than the small portion 702, thereby being fixed. When the position of the locking bar 700 is unlocked (e.g., by removing a lock from a slot such as a slot 704, such as by a keying function / mechanism), the locking bar 700 may be moved (e.g., slid) so that the connector may be removed from a larger portion 702b of the orifice 702. In this way, the link may be removed and replaced with an alternative link that may be more suitable for the intended use of the user. The locking bar 700 may be included in and / or attached to a larger body or housing. In some cases, the locking bar may include a pull ring or the like to assist in sliding. Another functionally similar embodiment is a cylindrical embodiment, wherein when unlocked, the mechanism may rotate so that the connector (e.g., rotating pin 150) may be removed from a larger portion of the orifice (e.g., orifice 702 or the like). It should be understood that these embodiments are exemplary in nature and may include other locking / unlocking functions and mechanisms as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0040] Although the present disclosure is described in detail in both the specification and the claims with reference to certain preferred configurations, other variations are possible. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include any combination of compatible devices / features described herein and / or shown in the figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to the embodiments explicitly described and discussed. For example, but not limited to, the attached claims may be amended to multiple dependent claims to combine any combination of combinable elements within a claim set or within different claim sets. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned variations.

[0041] The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as expressed in the appended claims, wherein no part of the disclosure is intended (either explicitly or implicitly) to be dedicated to the public domain unless recited in the claims.

Claims

1. Fixtures, including: Joints; Main fixings; a main link member connecting the main fixing member to the engaging member; multiple secondary fixings; as well as A plurality of secondary linking members each connects one of the secondary fixing members to the engagement member.

2. The fixation device of claim 1, wherein the primary fixation member and the secondary fixation member are sleeves.

3. A securing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary link and the secondary link are chains or cables.

4. A securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary link is connected to a first side of the engagement member, and wherein each of the secondary links is connected to a second side of the engagement member opposite the first side.

5. The securing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first one of the secondary links is at least 6 inches longer than a second one of the secondary links.

6. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least five secondary fixing elements and at least five secondary linking elements.

7. A securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lengths of the five secondary links differ from each other by at least 6 inches.

8. A securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lengths of the five secondary links differ from each other by at least 12 inches.

9. A securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main link is between 8 inches and 24 inches in length.

10. A securing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary link is longer than at least three of the five secondary links.

11. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement member comprises a convex surface and each of the secondary link members is connected to the convex surface of the engagement member.

12. A securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member comprises a curved surface.

13. A securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member is substantially circular.

14. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element comprises at least three sides to which one or more secondary link elements are connected.

15. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement member comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, wherein the primary link and the secondary link each comprise a link connection portion, and wherein the link connection portion is sandwiched between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion.

16. A fixation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second engagement portions are permanently attached.

17. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are separable from each other.

18. A securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the primary link and / or secondary link is removable from the joint so as to be replaceable.

19. A securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member is keyed.

20. A method for fixing multiple moving objects using a fixing device, comprising: attaching a main fixture of the fixture to an anchor object; attaching each of a plurality of secondary fixtures of the fixture to a corresponding one or more moving objects of a plurality of moving objects; The fixing device comprises the main fixing member, the plurality of secondary fixing members, a joint, a main link connecting the main fixing member to the joint, and a plurality of secondary links, each of which connects corresponding one or more of the secondary fixing members to the joint.

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