SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A DEVICE FOR SECURING ROPES, FLAT STRAPS AND BUNGEES

Abstract

A device for holding a cord includes a first cord-holding area, formed to receive a cord; the device further includes a hook portion interconnected with the first cord-holding area, wherein the hook portion curves from a first end of the first cord-holding area, around one side of the first cord-holding area, to a second end of the first cord-holding area, opposite the first end.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A DEVICE FOR SECURING ROPES, FLAT STRAPS AND BUNGEES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many cases, it's desirable to secure a rope, bungee cord, or flat strap to one point or another. There are many reasons for this, including supporting tents, awnings, loads, and much more. Currently, many solutions exist for this problem, but none combine simplicity with a releaseable yet secure attachment. Therefore, consumers want such a solution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, a cord-holding device includes a first cord-holding area formed to receive a cord. The device further includes a hook portion interconnected with the first cord-holding area, wherein the hook portion curves from a first end of the first cord-holding area, around one side of the first cord-holding area, to a second end of the first cord-holding area, opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the first cord-holding area includes an opening for the cord to pass through. In another alternative, the first cord-holding area is a cylinder formed from a wound wire.Alternatively, the hook portion includes a first catch area, where the first catch area is formed to catch the cord, the first catch area being located at one end of the hook portion and at the other end of the first cord-holding area. Optionally, the hook portion includes an apex, and the apex is aligned with the first cord-holding area, such that the cord is aligned with the apex. In another alternative, the first cord-holding area includes a crossbar for the cord to turn around. In one embodiment, a device for holding a flat strap includes a first flat strap-holding area shaped to receive a strap. The device further includes a first hook portion interconnected with the first strap-holding area, wherein the first hook portion curves from a first end of the first strap-holding area, around one side of the first strap-holding area, to a second end of the first strap-holding area, opposite the first end. In an alternative, the first strap-holding area includes an opening for the strap to turn around. In another alternative, the first strap-holding area is a triangular-shaped area.Alternatively, the first hook portion includes a first catch area, where the first catch area is formed to catch the strap, the first catch area being located at one end of the hook portion and at the second end of the first strap-holding area. Alternatively, the device further includes a second hook portion, where the second hook portion includes a second catch area, the second catch area being formed to catch the strap and located at one end of the second hook portion and at the first strap-holding area, where the second hook portion curves from one end of the first strap-holding area, around the side of the first strap-holding area, to the second end of the second strap-holding area, opposite the first end.Alternatively, the first hook portion includes an apex and the apex is aligned with the first strap holding area, such that the strap is aligned with the apex. In one embodiment, a tensioning device includes a cord and a cord-holding device. The cord-holding device includes a first cord-holding area formed to receive the cord. The cord-holding device further includes a hook portion interconnected with the first cord-holding area, wherein the hook portion curves from a first end of the first cord-holding area, around one side of the first cord-holding area, to a second end of the first cord-holding area, opposite the first end. The hook portion includes a first capture area, formed to capture the cord and release it into the first area, located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first cord-holding area.Alternatively, the first cord-holding area includes an opening for the cord to pass through, and the first cord-holding area is a cylinder formed from a wound wire. The hook portion includes an apex, and the apex is aligned with the first cord-holding area, such that the cord is aligned with the apex. Alternatively, the first cord-holding area includes a crossbar around which the cord wraps. In another alternative, the tensioning device further includes a cord-oriented locking clamp, wherein the first catch area interacts with the cord, and the locking clamp has a first and a second channel, each containing a first and a second portion of the cord, respectively.Alternatively, the lanyard capture area interacts with a portion of the safety clamp, releasably holding the first and second portions of the lanyard in the first and second channels. In one alternative, the lanyard is a bungee cord. In another alternative, the first and second channels have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the first and second channels have a first section that corresponds to the shape of a flat strap. In one modality, a method for securing a bungee cord includes MA / a / x'Uí'l / UlDrO» providing a cord-holding device. The cord-holding device includes a first cord-holding area formed to receive the cord. The cord-holding device includes a hook portion interconnected with the first cord-holding area. The hook portion curves from a first end of the first holding area, around one side of the first cord-holding area, to a second end of the first cord-holding area, opposite the first end. The hook portion includes a first capture area formed to capture the cord and releasably secure it. The first capture area is located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first cord-holding area. The method further includes placing the hook portion around an anchor point.The method also includes capturing the cord in the first capture area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows another type of insured device; Figure 2 shows another type of insured device; Figure 3 shows another type of insured device; Figure 4 shows another type of insured device; Figures 5 and 6 show the assembly procedure for creating a full-size bungee cord using one modality of a securing device; Figures 7A to 7D are a series of isometric views showing the progression to secure the belay device fixed to each end of a bungee cord; Figures 8A to 8C show three views of one modality of the device for use with flat straps / bands; Figures 9A to 9F show a series of figures representing the joining of one type of safety device on a flat strap; Figures 10A to 10F show a series of figures that allow the connection of a type of security device to a fixed point; Figures HA to 11C show a series of figures that allow the connection of a type of safety device to a fixed point; Figures 12A to 12C show a series of figures that allow the attachment of a type of safety device to a fixed point in a configuration where there is no sewn loop; Figures 13 and 14 are modalities of a sliding lock clamp used to allow adjustment of the length of an adjustable bungee cord assembly; Figures 15 and 16 show modalities of an adjustable bungee assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this disclosure, certain terminology is used for convenience only and should not be considered a limitation on the modalities of systems and methods for a rope, flat webbing, or bungee belay device. In general, several modalities of these belay devices can be modified to function with a rope, bungee, or flat webbing strap. Therefore, although certain modalities are described in relation to one or more of a rope, bungee, or flat webbing strap, they can nevertheless be modified to work with other modalities. Figure 1 shows one configuration of a 100A belay device. Figure 2 shows another configuration of the 100B belay device, Figure 3 shows one configuration of the 100C belay device, and Figure 4 shows one configuration of the 100D belay device. The 100A belay device differs from the 100B, 100C, and 100D belay devices in that it includes a top bar 101 that provides an anchor point through which a bungee cord or rope can be run back and forth. The 100A belay device is used on the adjustable end of both flat and round adjustable bungee cords. The configuration of the 100A belay device is distinct from other hook configurations in that it has a section of wire that forms a top bar around the coiled coil. This feature acts as a pulley and is the means by which the length of the bungee cords can be adjusted.The 100B belay device is used for fixed-length flat bungee cords and the non-adjustable end of adjustable flat bungee cords. The 100C (5mm) and (8mm) belay devices are for fixed-length round bungee cords and are used for the non-adjustable end of adjustable round bungee cords. The various belay devices are generally similar, except as described above, and will be described in general terms with reference to a belay device 100B. The belay device 100B connects to a bungee cord 110 (not shown here, but in Figures 5 and 6). The belay device 100B includes a bungee capture area 115. In many embodiments, the capture area 115 may be a coil of wire, but the design is not limited to this. In general, the bungee capture area 115 is a rotated portion of a belay device 100, such that a tapering cylindrical body is created. The bungee cord 110 is knotted or folded and stapled, or otherwise thickened, in an area 116, such that it cannot pass through the openings of the capture area 115. MA / a / x'Uí'l / UlDrO» other configurations, but the point is to provide an area to secure a 110 bungee cord to a 100B belay device. Additionally, due to the cylindrical body, the 110 bungee cord is held in an orientation aligned with the body of the device. The belay device 100B further includes a hook 120. The hook 120 includes an apex 121. The apex 121 is positioned so that the bungee cord 110 in the catch area 115 remains in line with the apex 121. Therefore, in operation, a point where the belay device is attached will tend to lie on the apex 121, as it is the farthest point of the bungee cord 110. The hook 120 continues such that a portion of the hook 120, portion 125, extends back into the bungee cord 110, so that it is beyond the catch area 115. Portion 125 terminates in a second catch area 130.The capture area 130 is sized to capture the bungee cord 110 at portion 140. The capture area 130 is generally narrower than the width of the bungee cord 110 and thus traps the bungee cord 110 by compression. The tip 145 of portion 140 is bent so that the opening is obtuse, and tip 145 lowers the bungee cord portion 140 into the capture area 130. Therefore, during operation, the capture area 130 can be released from the bungee cord portion 140, and the belay device 100 can be connected to a point. After connection, the point will naturally migrate to the apex 121 when tensioned, as this point is the point of greatest extension. Next, the 130 catch area can interact with the 140 bungee cord portion to prevent release. In many configurations, the 100B belay device is constructed from a coated wire or metal piece.The wire is typically coated with rubber, plastic, or similar materials. Under tension, the securing device 100B provides additional resistance against bending because, when tensioned, the catch area 130 is pulled against the bottom of the catch area 115, preventing the device from bending. Figures 5 and 6 show the assembly procedure for creating a fixed-length bungee cord. Two belay devices 100B slide onto the bungee cord, oriented in opposite directions, while a metal tack is secured around the folded end of the cord. The belay devices slide back onto the ends of the bungee cord and are held captive to the cord by the metal tacks attached to each end. The cord ends are constricted within the wire coil at each hook. Figure 5 shows the belay device 100B integrated with the bungee cord 110. In this view, area 116 of the bungee cord 110 is shown. In this case, it is folded and crimped with a piece of metal so that it is too wide to pass through the capture area 115.Figure 6 shows the securing device at each end of a bungee cord, such that it interacts in portion 140 with the capture area 130. MA / a / x'Uí'l / UlDrO» Figures 7A to 7D are a series of isometric views showing the process for securing the belay device attached to each end of a bungee cord to a base anchor or tie-off point 710 at one end and a tent grommet at the other. After attaching to the base anchor and tent, each hook is then secured to the bungee cord by the small loop, catch area 130, on the extended arm of each belay device. Using the belay devices in this manner prevents accidental release from the base anchor or when the bungee cord becomes slack. More specifically, Figures 7A to 7D show the belay device in operation in the context of a tie-off point and a tent. In Figure 7A, the belay device 100B and associated bungee cord 110 are in a configuration not attached to the tie-off point 710.In Figure 7B, the lower belay device 100 is rotated and passed through the opening of the tie-down point 710. Then, as shown in Figure 7C, the lower belay device 100B is rotated to an aligned position, and a catch area 130 interacts with portion 140 of a bungee cord 110. Additionally, the upper belay device 100B can be rotated and passed through the eyelet 725 of the tent 720 (or tent portion). Then, as shown in Figure 7D, the upper belay device 100B is rotated to an aligned position, and a catch area 130 interacts with portion 140 of a bungee cord 110. Figure 8A shows another embodiment of a securing device 800. In general, Figures 8A through 8C show three views of a device for use with flat webbing / straps. The figures are of the securing device only, shown without the conformal coating. In some embodiments, the securing devices have selected areas that are conformally coated. The securing device 800 is designed to attach to a flat webbing, not shown in this figure. In general, the securing device 800 is formed from a cylindrical piece of metal coated with rubber or plastic. The metal wire or cylindrical piece is bent or formed to create the shape shown. The securing device 800 includes a flat webbing loop 810. The flat webbing loop 810 is formed to receive a flat webbing such that it can lie flat against the rim 811. The securing device 800 further includes two hooks 820a and 820b.These hooks are of varying lengths and extend at different distances from the flat strap loop 810. Hooks 820a and 820b include catch areas 830 for capturing a flat strap in a folded or compressed configuration. The catch areas 830 are shaped to provide compression and friction to a flat strap, preventing it from releasing. Furthermore, the fold 840 is designed so that the edge 811 of the strap loop 810 is approximately aligned with the apex 841 of the fold 840. Therefore, a point (a binding point) will naturally stop at the apex 841 when the device is tensioned. Figures 8B-8C show additional views of the securing device 800. In Figure 8B it is especially visible that the apex 841 is aligned with the edge 811 and the openings of the capture areas 830, such that all three are basically on the same right line. Figures 9A to 9F show a series of steps depicting the attachment of the safety device 800 to a flat strap 900. In Figure 9A, the safety device 800 is free from the sewn loop 910 of the flat strap 900. In Figure 9B, one of the hooks 820A passes through the sewn loop 910. Then, in Figure 9C, the sewn loop is passed further along the hook 820A. In Figure 9D, the safety device 800 is passed through a loop of the flat strap 810. This procedure is completed in Figures 9E and 9F, and the device is rotated into position. Figures 10A to 10F show a series of figures that allow the attachment of the device to a fixed point 1000. In Figure 10A, the securing device 800 is free from the fixed point 1000. In Figure 10B, the lower securing device 800 is placed on the fixed point 1000. In Figure 10D, the flat strap 900 is gathered 1010 to be placed in the catch areas 830. In Figure 10E, the flat edge of the flat strap 900 is pushed into the catch areas 830. Subsequently, the flat strap 900 is pulled flat, so that it catches in the catch areas 830 in a trapped position 1030. Overall, Figures 10A to 10F are an isometric series showing the securing device and the strap secured to an anchor location. The means by which the webbing is configured on the belay device prevent the belay device from being inadvertently removed from its anchor position. To remove the belay from the anchor, the progression is reversed.Note that the strap is oriented in the direction of the anchor axis. Figures 11A through 11C show a series of configurations that allow the attachment of the device to a fixed point 1000. In Figure HA, the securing device 800 is at a fixed point 1000. In Figure 10B, one side of the sewn loop 910 is gathered 1110 for placement in the catch area 830. In Figure 10C, one side of the sewn loop 910 is pushed into the catch area 830. Overall, Figures HA through 11C are an isometric series showing the securing device and strap secured to an anchor location. The means by which the webbing is configured on the securing device prevent the securing device from being inadvertently removed from the anchor location. To remove the securing device from the anchor, the progression is reversed. Note that the webbing is oriented perpendicular to the anchor axis. Figures 12A to 12C show a series of configurations that allow the device to be attached to a fixed point 1200 in a configuration where there is no sewn loop 910 and the user wishes to tighten and loosen the flat straps. In Figure 12A, the securing device 800 is at a fixed point 1200 with a strap 1210 running through the strap loop 810, but not fixed in place. In Figure 12B, one side 1220 of the flat strap 1210 is gathered for placement in capture areas 830. In Figure 12C, one side 1230 of the flat strap 1210 is pushed into capture areas. 830. In this configuration, side 1230 of the flat strap 1210 can be released from the catch areas 830 and pulled in to tighten the flat straps. Figures 12A to 12C show symmetrical views of different ways of routing the webbing through the securing device. Note that the webbing, in this case, is not a sewn-end loop, but rather is configured to allow the hook to serve as a static pulley as a webbing is pulled through the securing device. Figures 13 and 14 are variations of a sliding locking clamp used to adjust the length of an adjustable bungee cord assembly (Figure 15, Figure 16). The sliding locking clamp variation in Figure 13 is generally used for bungee cords with a flat cross-section, while the variation in Figure 14 is used for bungee cords with a round cross-section. Although they have somewhat different characteristics, both locking clamp variations function similarly, preventing any movement of the bungee cord through the clamp, provided the clamp is inserted into the small wire loop located on the extended arm of the hook. Each 1310, 1410 locking clamp has two channels (1320, 1330, 1420, 1430) that permanently separate and secure two sections of bungee cord within the clamp. One leg of the bungee cord is loaded, while the other comprises the unloaded leg that extends from the locking clamp as the free end of the bungee cord. An exposed opening along the length of each locking clamp style allows the wire to form a loop, enabling direct contact with the bungee cord. Consequently, when the locking clamp is inserted into the small wire loop formed by the extended arm of the hook, the wire section of the hook that is in contact with the bungee cord compresses the bungee cord against a rigid surface of the locking clamp.In the case of the 1410 locking clamp for round bungee cord, it is pressed into rigid support ribs 1440 located on the back surface of each channel of the locking clamp. In the case of the 1310 locking clamp for flat bungee cord, it is pressed into rigid, wavy support ribs 1350 located, in their narrow portion 1340, between each of the bungee cords. The end openings in each type of locking clamp secure the clamp to the bungee cord while allowing the bungee cord to pass through the locking clamp as long as the locking clamp is not secured to the wire-formed hook. When the locking clamp 1310, 1410 is removed from the small loop on the hook arm (capture area 130), the bungee cord can be pulled through the locking clamp 1310, 1410 in either direction, thereby shortening or lengthening the distance between the device MA / a / zuzi / uiD / oa of permanently secured to one end of the bungee cord, and the securing device to which the locking clamp 1310, 1410 is removably secured. Figure 15 represents an adjustable-length configuration using a flat bungee cord 1520, and Figure 16 represents an adjustable-length configuration using a round bungee cord 1620. Both configurations are shown in a locked position where the unstretched length of the bungee cord remains fixed. The length or distance between the belay devices 1540, 1640 can be altered in each configuration by removing the locking clamp 1310, 1410 from its respective hook (capture area 1510, 1610), pulling the bungee cord through the locking clamp 1310, 1410 in either direction, and then reinserting the locking clamp 1310, 1410 into the capture area 1510, 1610 located at the end of the extended arm of the belay device 1540, 1640.Note that the length and / or tension of the bungee cord can be adjusted when the bungee is in a relaxed state or when the bungee is already secured to the fixed-position anchors (not shown). Also, the free end of the bungee cord is shown attached to the weight-bearing bungee cord by a sleeve 1530, 1630 fixed to the free end of the cord. The sleeve allows the free end of the bungee cord to move relative to the weight-bearing bungee cord, while simultaneously securing the free end of the weight-bearing bungee cord, thus preventing the free end from swinging freely. While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the preceding detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to these details can be developed in light of the general lessons of the disclosure and its broad inventive concept. It is therefore understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A device for holding a cord, characterized in that the device comprises: a first holding area formed to receive a cord; a hook portion interconnected with the first cord holding area, wherein the hook portion curves from a first end of the first cord holding area, around one side of the first cord holding area to a second end of the first cord holding area, opposite the first end.

2. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first cord holding area includes an opening for the cord to pass through.

3. The device according to claim 2, further characterized in that the first cord holding area is a cylinder formed from a wound wire.

4. The device according to claim 2, further characterized in that the hook portion includes a first capture area, wherein the first capture area is formed to capture the rope, the first capture area being located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first rope holding area.

5. The device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the hook portion includes an apex and the apex is aligned with the first cord holding area, such that the cord is aligned with the apex.

6. The device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the first cord holding area includes a crossbar for turning the cord.

7. A device for holding a flat strap, characterized in that the device comprises: a first strap holding area formed to receive a strap; a first hook portion interconnected with the first strap holding area, wherein the first hook portion curves from a first end of the first strap holding area, around one side of the first strap holding area, to a second end of the first strap holding area, opposite the first end.

8. The device according to claim 7, further characterized in that the first cord holding area includes an opening for the cord to turn around.

9. The device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the first cord holding area is a triangular area.

10. The device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the first hook portion includes a first catch area, wherein the first catch area is formed to catch the rope, the first catch area being located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first rope holding area.

11. The device according to claim 10, further characterized in that it also comprises a second hook portion, wherein the second hook portion includes a second catch area, the second catch area being formed to catch the strap and located at one end of the second hook portion of the first strap holding area, wherein the second hook portion curves from a first end of the first strap holding area, around the side of the first strap holding area to the second end of the second strap holding area, opposite the first end.

12. The device according to claim 11, further characterized in that the first hook portion includes an apex and the apex is aligned with the first strap holding area, such that the strap is aligned with the apex.

13. A tensioning device comprising: a cord; a cord holding device, including a first cord holding area formed to receive the cord; a hook portion interconnected with the first cord holding area, the hook portion curving from a first end of the first holding area, around one side of the first cord holding area to a second end of the first cord holding area, opposite the first end, wherein the hook portion includes a first capture area, the first capture area formed to capture the cord and releasably capture the cord, the first area located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first cord holding area.

14. The device according to claim 13, further characterized in that the first cord holding area includes an opening for the cord to pass through and the first cord holding area is a cylinder formed from a wound wire.

15. The tensioning device according to claim 14, further characterized in that the hook portion includes an apex and the apex is aligned with the first cord holding area, such that the cord is aligned with the apex.

16. The tensioning device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the first cord holding area includes a crossbar around which the cord wraps.

17. The tensioning device according to claim 16, further characterized in that it also comprises: a cord-oriented locking clamp, wherein the first capture area interacts with the cord, wherein the locking clamp has a first and a second channel, each containing a first and a second portion of the cord, respectively. MA / a / x'Uí'l / UlDrO» 18. The tensioning device according to claim 17, further characterized in that the cord-capturing area interacts with a portion of the locking clamp, releasably holding the first and second portions of the cord in the first and second channels.

19. The tension device according to claim 13, further characterized in that the cord is a bungee cord.

20. The tensioning device according to claim 18, further characterized in that the first and second channels have a circular cross-section.

21. The tensioning device according to claim 18, further characterized in that the first and second channels have a first section that corresponds to the shape of a flat belt.

22. A method for locking a bungee cord, characterized in that the method comprises: providing a cord-holding device, including a cord; a first cord-holding area formed to receive the cord; a hook portion interconnected with the first cord-holding area, the hook portion curving from a first end of the first holding area, around one side of the first cord-holding area to a second end of the first cord-holding area, opposite the first end, wherein the hook portion includes a first capture area, the first capture area formed to capture the cord and releasably capture the cord, the first area located at one end of the hook portion at the second end of the first cord-holding area; placing the hook portion around an anchor point; and capturing the cord in the first capture area.

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