Patent Application
20240416199
It is often necessary to create a retention system, such as a net, for a customized application, such as for a customized size or a customized collection of items that one may be attempting to secure. Oddly shaped payloads fitting within standard storage containers or non-standard storage containers may make the use of conventional and readily available retention systems unsuited for the task. There are no known solutions in the marketplace that allow one to create a customized net.
Embodiments of the invention include a net buckle that may comprise a center section and a plurality of arms extending from the center section, wherein each of the plurality of arms may comprise an opening sized and operable to accommodate a binding cord.
The plurality of arms may comprise at least a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and a fourth arm, wherein the plurality of arms may be equally angularly spaced about the center section.
The plurality of arms and the center section may comprise a one-piece construction.
The plurality of arms and the center section may comprise at least one of a metal, a plastic, a silicone, and a rubber.
The first arm may comprise a first opening, the second arm may comprise a second opening, the third arm may comprise a third opening, and the fourth arm may comprise a fourth opening.
Some embodiments may include a custom-sized net system. The customized net system may comprise a plurality of net buckles arranged in a pattern, wherein each of the plurality of net buckles may comprises a center section, a plurality of arms extending from the center section; wherein each of the plurality of arms may comprises an opening sized and operable to accommodate a binding cord, The customized net system may comprise a plurality of binding cords, operable to pass through the plurality of openings and operable to form a net upon passing through the plurality of net buckles.
The various embodiments described in the summary and this document are provided not to limit or define the disclosure or the scope of the claims.
Some embodiments may include a net buckle 100, as shown in
Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 100 comprises a lower body perimeter 108. The lower body perimeter 108 may define the lower body surface. The lower body perimeter 108 may be greater than the upper body perimeter 106 by a uniform amount over the outer boundary of the net buckle 100. The body 102 of the net buckle 100 may further comprise an outer wall 107 between the upper body perimeter 106 and the lower body perimeter 108. The outer wall 107 may be angled between the upper body perimeter 106 and the lower body perimeter 108.
Some embodiments may include wherein the lower body perimeter 108 is substantially equal to the upper body perimeter 106, and wherein the wall 107 extends at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the lower body perimeter 108 and connects to the upper body perimeter 106 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
The body 102 may comprise at least one arm coupled to the center section 104 and extending from the center section 104. In some embodiments, at least one arm 110 may extend from the center section 104. In some embodiments, the at least one arm 110 may comprise a plurality of arms coupled to the center section 104 and extending from the center section 104. Some embodiments may comprise the body 102 comprising the at least one arm 110 coupled to the center section 104. Some embodiments may comprise the body 110 comprising a second arm 120 coupled to the center section 104. Some embodiments may comprise the body 102 comprising a third arm 130 coupled to the center section 104. Some embodiments may comprise the body 102 comprising a fourth arm 140 coupled to the center section 104.
Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 100 comprises only one arm. Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 100 comprises two arms. In such embodiments, the arms may be angularly equidistant one from another, i.e. spaced at 180 degrees from one another. In some embodiments, the two arms of the net buckle 100 may be angularly spaced closer to each other, for example between 0 degrees and 179 degrees, between 0 degrees and 135 degrees, between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, between 0 degrees and 45 degrees, or between 0 degrees and 15 degrees.
Some embodiments may include the net buckle comprising three arms. In some embodiments, the three arms may be angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. In some embodiments, each of the three arms may be spaced at a unique angular orientation from the other of the three arms.
As described above, some embodiments may include the net buckle comprising four arms, as will be described in further detail herein below.
In some embodiments body 102 may comprise a plurality of arms, such as two arms, three arms, four arms, five arms, six arms, seven arms, eight arms or more arms, as necessary. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms may be angularly spaced equidistantly from each other about the perimeter of center section 104. In some embodiments the plurality of arms may not be angularly equidistant from each other, but rather, may be spaced at different angular spacing from each other. In some embodiments the net buckle 100 may comprise a single material, such as, for example, a metal, a plastic, a rubber, or a silicone. In some embodiments, the net buckle 100 may comprise combinations of two or materials.
Some embodiments may include the at least one arm 110 may being integrally formed with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include the at least one arm 110 being detachably coupled with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include wherein the at least one arm 110 extends from the center section 104 to a first corner 113a, and therefrom extends to a second corner 113b, and therefrom extends back toward the center section 104. Each of the first corner 113a and second corner 113b may comprise a rounded corner and/or a square corner.
The at least one arm 110 may comprise a first opening 112. The first opening 112 may comprise a negative space. Some embodiments may include wherein the opening 112 may be located distally from the center section 104. The first opening 112 may be defined by a first perimeter 111. The first perimeter 111 may comprise an upper side and may comprise a lower side opposite the upper side. The first perimeter 111 may comprise an uninterrupted perimeter. Some embodiments may include wherein the first perimeter 111 may comprise a hinged section or hinged gate allowing open access to the first opening 112. The first opening 112 may be sized and configured to accommodate a binding member, as will be discussed herein below.
In some embodiments, the first opening 112 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 111 may comprise first wall 111a, a second wall 111b, a third wall 111c, and a fourth wall 111d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 111d may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 111d may meet the top surface of the center section 104 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 111b may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 111b may meet the top surface of the arm 110 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 111c may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 111b may meet the top surface of the arm 110 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 111a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 106. The top of the first wall 111a may align with the upper body perimeter 106 on the at least one arm 110. The first wall 111a may extend from the upper surface of the at least one arm 110 in a curved manner. The first wall 111a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 111a may extend from the upper surface of the at least one arm 110 at an angle of 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 111a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 111a meets the upper surface of the at least one arm 110 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 111a meets the upper surface of the at least one arm 110 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 111a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 106 on the at least one arm 110, such that the first wall 111a is separated from the upper body perimeter 106 and the first wall 111a is offset toward the center section 104.
In some embodiments, the first opening 112 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
Some embodiments may include the second arm 120 may being integrally formed with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include the second arm 120 being detachably coupled with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include wherein the second arm 120 extends from the center section 104 to a first corner 123a, and therefrom extends to a second corner 123b, and therefrom extends back toward the center section 104. Each of the first corner 123a and second corner 123b may comprise a rounded corner and/or a square corner.
In some embodiments, the second arm 120 may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the at least one arm 110. There may exist a negative space between the at least one arm 110 and the second arm 120. The at least one arm 110 and the second arm 120 may meet at corner 116. In some embodiments corner 116 may comprise a rounded corner. In some embodiments, corner 116 may comprise a sharp corner.
The second arm 120 may comprise a second opening 122. The second opening 122 may comprise a negative space. Some embodiments may include wherein the second opening 122 may be located distally from the center section 104. The second opening 122 may be defined by a second perimeter 121. The second perimeter 121 may comprise an upper side and may comprise a lower side opposite the upper side. The second perimeter 121 may comprise an uninterrupted perimeter. Some embodiments may include wherein the second perimeter 121 may comprise a hinged section or hinged gate allowing open access to the opening 122. The second opening 122 may be sized and configured to accommodate a binding member, as will be discussed herein below.
In some embodiments, the second opening 122 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 121 may comprise first wall 121a, a second wall 121b, a third wall 121c, and a fourth wall 121d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 121d may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 121d may meet the top surface of the center section 104 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 121b may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 121b may meet the top surface of the arm 120 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 121c may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 121b may meet the top surface of the second arm 120 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 121a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 106. The top of the first wall 121a may align with the upper body perimeter 106 on the first arm 120. The first wall 121a may extend from the upper surface of the second arm 120 in a curved manner. The first wall 121a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 121a may extend from the upper surface of the second arm 120 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 121a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 121a meets the upper surface of the second arm 120 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 121a meets the upper surface of the second arm 120 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 121a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 106 on the at least one arm 110, such that the first wall 121a is separated from the upper body perimeter 106 and the first wall 121a is offset toward the center section 104.
In some embodiments, the second opening 122 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
Some embodiments may include the third arm 130 may being integrally formed with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include the third arm 130 being detachably coupled with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include wherein the third arm 130 extends from the center section 104 to a first corner 133a, and therefrom extends to a second corner 133b, and therefrom extends back toward the center section 104. Each of the first corner 133a and second corner 133b may comprise a rounded corner and/or a square corner.
In some embodiments, the third arm 130 may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the second arm 120. There may exist a negative space between the second arm 120 and the third arm 130. The second arm 120 and the third arm 130 may meet at corner 126. In some embodiments corner 126 may comprise a rounded corner. In some embodiments, corner 126 may comprise a sharp corner.
The third arm 130 may comprise a third opening 132. The third opening 132 may comprise a negative space. Some embodiments may include wherein the third opening 132 may be located distally from the center section 104. The third opening 132 may be defined by a third perimeter 131. The third perimeter 131 may comprise an upper side and may comprise a lower side opposite the upper side. The third perimeter 131 may comprise an uninterrupted perimeter. Some embodiments may include wherein the third perimeter 131 may comprise a hinged section or hinged gate allowing open access to the opening 132. The third opening 132 may be sized and configured to accommodate a binding member, as will be discussed herein below.
In some embodiments, the third opening 132 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 131 may comprise first wall 131a, a second wall 131b, a third wall 131c, and a fourth wall 131d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 131d may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 131d may meet the top surface of the center section 104 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 131b may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 131b may meet the top surface of the arm 130 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 131c extends away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 131b may meet the top surface of the arm 130 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 131a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 106. The top of the first wall 131a may align with the upper body perimeter 106 on the third arm 130. The first wall 131a may extend from the upper surface of the third arm 130 in a curved manner. The first wall 131a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 131a may extend from the upper surface of the third arm 130 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 131a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 131a meets the upper surface of the third arm 130 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 131a meets the upper surface of the third arm 130 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 131a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 106 on the at least one arm 110, such that the first wall 131a is separated from the upper body perimeter 106 and the first wall 131a is offset toward the center section 104.
In some embodiments, the third opening 132 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
Some embodiments may include the fourth arm 140 may being integrally formed with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include the fourth arm 140 being detachably coupled with the center section 104. Some embodiments may include wherein the fourth arm 140 extends from the center section 104 to a first corner 143a, and therefrom extends to a second corner 143b, and therefrom extends back toward the center section 104. Each of the first corner 143a and second corner 143b may comprise a rounded corner and/or a square corner.
In some embodiments, the fourth arm 140 may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the third arm 130. There may exist a negative space between the third arm 130 and the fourth arm 140. The third arm 130 and the fourth arm 140 may meet at corner 136. In some embodiments corner 136 may comprise a rounded corner. In some embodiments, corner 136 may comprise a sharp corner.
Further, the fourth arm 140 may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the at least one arm 110. There may exist a negative space between the at least one arm 110 and the fourth arm 140. The at least one arm 110 and the fourth arm 140 may meet at corner 146. In some embodiments corner 146 may comprise a rounded corner. In some embodiments, corner 146 may comprise a sharp corner.
The fourth arm 140 may comprise a fourth opening 142. The fourth opening 142 may comprise a negative space. Some embodiments may include wherein the fourth opening 132 may be located distally from the center section 104. The fourth opening 142 may be defined by a fourth perimeter 141. The fourth perimeter 141 may comprise an upper side and may comprise a lower side opposite the upper side. The fourth perimeter 141 may comprise an uninterrupted perimeter. Some embodiments may include wherein the fourth perimeter 141 may comprise a hinged section or hinged gate allowing open access to the fourth opening 142. The fourth opening 132 may be sized and configured to accommodate a binding member, as will be discussed herein below.
In some embodiments, the fourth opening 142 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 141 may comprise first wall 141a, a second wall 141b, a third wall 141c, and a fourth wall 141d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 141d may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 141d may meet the top surface of the center section 104 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 141b may extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 141b may meet the top surface of the arm 130 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 141c extend away from the first side 101 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 141b may meet the top surface of the arm 130 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 141a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 106. The top of the first wall 141a may align with the upper body perimeter 106 on the third arm 130. The first wall 141a may extend from the upper surface of the third arm 130 in a curved manner. The first wall 141a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 141a may extend from the upper surface of the third arm 130 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 141a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 141a meets the upper surface of the third arm 130 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 141a meets the upper surface of the fourth arm 140 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 141a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 106 on the at least one arm 110, such that the first wall 141a is separated from the upper body perimeter 106 and the first wall 141a is offset toward the center section 104.
In some embodiments, the fourth opening 142 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
Referring now to
The cord 160 may comprise a rope, an elastic cord, webbing, flat webbing, a flat cord, a flat elastic cord, a rounded cord, a rounded elastic cord, such as a bungy cord, or other cords or similar connecting materials.
Referring still to
The cord 170 may comprise a rope, an elastic cord, a flat cord, a rounded cord, or other cords or similar connecting tools.
Referring now to
Some embodiments may comprise wherein cords 160a-160x connect rows of net buckles 100. Some embodiments include wherein cords 170a-170y connect columns of net buckles 100. Some embodiments include the connected rows of net buckles 100, the connected columns of net buckles 100 forming net 200. The net 200 may be used in a variety of custom applications, such as forming a custom sized net or cargo net, to prevent undesired movement or undesired shifting of various objects contained therein.
In some embodiments, the cords 160a-160x may be different in material and/or width or diameter than the cords 170a-170x. In some embodiments, net buckles 100a-100n may create the customized net system 200 comprising at least two different types of cords.
In some embodiments, one or more cords of the cords 160a-160x may differ from the other cords 160a-160x or each of the cords 160a-160x may be different from every other cord 160a-160x. Further, in some embodiments, one or more cords of the cords 170a-170x may differ from the other cords 170a-170x or each of the cords 170a-170x may be different from every other cord 170a-170x. In some embodiments, net buckles 100a-100n may create the customized net system 200 comprising at least two different types of cords. In some embodiments, net buckles 100a-100n may create the customized net system 200 comprising at least two different types of cords.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the first opening 310, the second opening 320, the third opening 330, and the fourth opening 340 may be spaced equidistant from a center point 305 and may be spaced angularly equidistant from the center point 305. In some embodiments, each of the first opening 310, the second opening 320, the third opening 330, and the fourth opening 340 may be spaced non-equidistantly from the center point 305. In some embodiments, the third opening 330 may be offset to the right or to the left of the center of the first opening 310. In some embodiments, the fourth opening may be offset to right or to the left of the second opening 320.
In some embodiments, the first opening 310, the second opening 320, the third opening 330, and the fourth opening 340 may comprise substantially similar shapes and/or sizes. In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of each of the first opening 310, the second opening 320, the third opening 330, and the fourth opening 340 may be different from the others. In some embodiments, the, the size and/or shape of the opening may be sized and configured to accommodate a certain type of cord.
Referring now to
Referring still to
Referring now to
Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 400 comprises a lower body perimeter 408. The lower body perimeter 408 may define the lower body surface. The lower body perimeter 108 may be greater than the upper body perimeter 406 by a uniform amount over the outer boundary of the net buckle 400. The body 402 of the net buckle 400 may further comprise an outer wall 407 between the upper body perimeter 406 and the lower body perimeter 408. The outer wall 407 may be angled between the upper body perimeter 406 and the lower body perimeter 408.
Some embodiments may include wherein the lower body perimeter 408 is substantially equal to the upper body perimeter 406, and wherein the wall 407 extends at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the lower body perimeter 408 and connects to the upper body perimeter 406 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
The first arm 410 may comprise a first opening 412 defined by a perimeter 411. The first opening 412 may be sized and operable to accommodate a cord similar to other cords discussed herein.
In some embodiments, the first opening 412 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 411 may comprise first wall 411a, a second wall 411b, a third wall 411c, and a fourth wall 411d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 411d may extend away from the first side 401 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 411d may meet the top surface of the center section 404 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 411b may extend away from the first side 401 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 411b may meet the top surface of the arm 410 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 411c may extend away from the first side 401 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 411b may meet the top surface of the arm 110 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 411a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 406. The top of the first wall 411a may align with the upper body perimeter 406 on the at least one arm 410. The first wall 411a may extend from the upper surface of first arm 410 in a curved manner. The first wall 411a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 411a may extend from the upper surface of first arm 410 at an angle of 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 411a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 411a meets the upper surface of first arm 410 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 411a meets the upper surface of the at least one arm 110 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 411a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 406 on the at least one arm 410, such that the first wall 411a is separated from the upper body perimeter 406 and the first wall 411a is offset toward the center section 404.
In some embodiments, the first opening 412 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
The second arm 420 may be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the first arm 410 and may be joined at corner 416. In some embodiments, the second arm 420 may comprise a second opening 422 defined by a perimeter 421. The second opening 422 may be sized and operable to accommodate a cord similar to other cords discussed herein.
In some embodiments, the second opening 420 and the perimeter 421 may comprise elements similar to those described with respect to the first opening 410 and the perimeter 411.
The third arm 430 may be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the second arm 420 and may be joined at corner 426. In some embodiments, the third arm 430 may comprise a third opening 432 defined by a perimeter 431. The third opening 432 may be sized and operable to accommodate a cord similar to other cords discussed herein.
In some embodiments, the third opening 430 and the perimeter 431 may comprise elements similar to those described with respect to the first opening 410 and the perimeter 411.
Some embodiments may include wherein the body 402 may comprise a side 440, with no arm extending therefrom.
Some embodiments may include a net using different embodiments of net buckles and different embodiments of cords. Some embodiments may include a net comprising an edge using a plurality of net buckles 400 on a first edge of the net. Some embodiments may include wherein a plurality of flat webbing may connect the plurality of net buckles 400. The net may further comprise a plurality of net buckles 300. The flat webbing may pass through the plurality of net buckles 300, for example through openings 312 and 332. The net may comprise a plurality of rounded cords, such as typical ropes or bungy cords that may pass through the plurality of buckles 300, such as, for example through openings 322 and 342. Some embodiments may include wherein the net may comprise a plurality of net buckles 100, wherein a plurality of cords, such as webbing pass through at least two of the openings.
Referring now to
Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 500 comprises a lower body perimeter 508. The lower body perimeter 508 may define the lower body surface. The lower body perimeter 508 may be greater than the upper body perimeter 506 by a uniform amount over the outer boundary of the net buckle 500. The body 502 of the net buckle 500 may further comprise an outer wall 507 between the upper body perimeter 506 and the lower body perimeter 508. The outer wall 507 may be angled between the upper body perimeter 506 and the lower body perimeter 508.
Some embodiments may include wherein the lower body perimeter 508 is substantially equal to the upper body perimeter 506, and wherein the wall 507 extends at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the lower body perimeter 508 and connects to the upper body perimeter 506 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
The body 502 may comprise at least one arm coupled to the center section 504 and extending from the center section 504. In some embodiments, at least one arm 510 may extend from the center section 504. In some embodiments, the at least one arm 510 may comprise a plurality of arms coupled to the center section 504 and extending from the center section 504. Some embodiments may comprise the body 502 comprising the at least one arm 510 coupled to the center section 504. Some embodiments may comprise the body 510 comprising a second arm 520 coupled to the center section 504. Some embodiments may comprise the body 502 comprising a third arm 530 coupled to the center section 504. Some embodiments may comprise the body 502 comprising a fourth arm 540 coupled to the center section 504.
Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 500 comprises only one arm. Some embodiments may include wherein the net buckle 500 comprises two arms. In such embodiments, the arms may be angularly equidistant one from another, i.e. spaced at 180 degrees from one another. In some embodiments, the two arms of the net buckle 500 may be angularly spaced closer to each other, for example between 0 degrees and 179 degrees, between 0 degrees and 135 degrees, between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, between 0 degrees and 45 degrees, or between 0 degrees and 15 degrees.
Some embodiments may include the net buckle comprising three arms. In some embodiments, the three arms may be angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. In some embodiments, each of the three arms may be spaced at a unique angular orientation from the other of the three arms.
As described above, some embodiments may include the net buckle comprising four arms, as will be described in further detail herein below.
In some embodiments body 502 may comprise a plurality of arms, such as two arm, three arms, four arms, five arms, six arms, seven arms, eight arms or more arms, as necessary. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms may be angularly spaced equidistantly from each other about the perimeter of center section 504. In some embodiments the plurality of arms may not be angularly equidistant from each other, but rather, may be spaced at different angular spacing from each other. In some embodiments the net buckle 500 may comprise a single material, such as, for example, a metal, a plastic, a rubber, or a silicone. In some embodiments, the net buckle 500 may comprise combinations of two or materials.
Some embodiments may include the at least one arm 510 may being integrally formed with the center section 504. Some embodiments may include the at least one arm 510 being detachably coupled with the center section 504. Some embodiments may include wherein the at least one arm 510 extends from the center section 504 to a first corner 513a, and therefrom extends to a second corner 513b, and therefrom extends back toward the center section 504. Each of the first corner 513a and second corner 513b may comprise a rounded corner and/or a square corner.
The at least one arm 510 may comprise a first opening 512. The first opening 512 may comprise a negative space. Some embodiments may include wherein the opening 512 may be located distally from the center section 504. The first opening 512 may be defined by a first perimeter 511. The first perimeter 511 may comprise an upper side and may comprise a lower side opposite the upper side. The first perimeter 511 may comprise an uninterrupted perimeter. Some embodiments may include wherein the first perimeter 511 may comprise a hinged section or hinged gate allowing open access to the first opening 512. The first opening 512 may be sized and configured to accommodate a binding member, as will be discussed herein below.
In some embodiments, the first opening 512 may comprise a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter 511 may comprise first wall 511a, a second wall 511b, a third wall 511c, and a fourth wall 511d. In some embodiments, the fourth wall 511d may extend away from the first side 501 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The fourth wall 511d may meet the top surface of the center section 504 at a corner, which corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the second wall 511b may extend away from the first side 501 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second wall 511b may meet the top surface of the arm 510 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments the third wall 511c may extend away from the first side 501 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The third wall 511b may meet the top surface of the arm 510 at a corner. In some embodiments, this corner may be rounded. In some embodiments, this corner may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 511a may be aligned with the upper body perimeter 506. The top of the first wall 511a may align with the upper body perimeter 506 on the at least one arm 510. The first wall 511a may extend from the upper surface of the at least one arm 510 in a curved manner. The first wall 511a may comprise a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the first wall 511a may extend from the upper surface of the at least one arm 510 at an angle of 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 511a may extend from the upper wall at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 511a meets the upper surface of the at least one arm 510 may be rounded. In some embodiments, the corner where the first wall 511a meets the upper surface of the at least one arm 510 may be square.
In some embodiments, the first wall 511a may be offset from the upper body perimeter 506 on the at least one arm 510, such that the first wall 511a is separated from the upper body perimeter 506 and the first wall 511a is offset toward the center section 104.
In some embodiments, the first opening 512 may comprise different shapes, such as a circular shape, and oval shape, a triangular shape, or other multi-sided shape.
Some embodiments may include the second arm 520, a third arm 530, and a fourth arm 540. Each of arms 520, 530, and 540 may comprise features similar to those described with respect to other embodiments herein, and similar to those of the at least a first arm 510.
Further, some embodiments may include a gate 550 on the at least a first arm 510. The gate 550 may be configured to rotationally open counterclockwise according to arrow 590 about hinge 551. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate rotationally opens in a clockwise direction. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate 550 is biased to a closed position by biasing member 553. Biasing member 553 may comprise a spring or other biasing member knowing in the art. The biasing member 553 may be positioned outside of gate 550. In some embodiments, the biasing member 553 may be positioned within the gate 550. The gate 550 may be detachably couple to the arm 510 at a latch interface 552.
The at least one arm 510, therefore, may be operable to open and close to allow a user to place a cord within the opening 512 at a midpoint of the cord.
Further, some embodiments may include a gate 560 on the second arm 520. The gate 560 may be configured to rotationally open counterclockwise according to arrow 590 about hinge 561. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate rotationally opens in a clockwise direction. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate 560 is biased to a closed position by biasing member 563. Biasing member 563 may comprise a spring or other biasing member knowing in the art. The biasing member 563 may be positioned outside of gate 560. In some embodiments, the biasing member 563 may be positioned within the gate 560. The gate 560 may be detachably couple to the arm 520 at a latch interface 562.
The second arm 520, therefore, may be operable to open and close to allow a user to place a cord within the opening 522 at a midpoint of the cord.
Further, some embodiments may include a gate 570 on the third arm 530. The gate 570 may be configured to rotationally open counterclockwise according to arrow 590 about hinge 571. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate rotationally opens in a clockwise direction. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate 570 is biased to a closed position by biasing member 573. Biasing member 573 may comprise a spring or other biasing member knowing in the art. The biasing member 573 may be positioned outside of gate 570. In some embodiments, the biasing member 573 may be positioned within the gate 570. The gate 570 may be detachably couple to the third arm 530 at a latch interface 572.
The third arm 530, therefore, may be operable to open and close to allow a user to place a cord within the opening 532 at a midpoint of the cord.
Further, some embodiments may include a gate 580 on the fourth arm 540. The gate 580 may be configured to rotationally open counter-clockwise according to arrow 590 about hinge 581. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate rotationally opens in a clockwise direction. Some embodiments may include wherein the gate 580 is biased to a closed position by biasing member 583. Biasing member 583 may comprise a spring or other biasing member known in in the art. The biasing member 583 may be positioned outside of gate 580. In some embodiments, the biasing member 583 may be positioned within the gate 570. The gate 580 may be detachably couple to the third arm 540 at a latch interface 582.
The third arm 530, therefore, may be operable to open and close to allow a user to place a cord within the opening 532 at a midpoint of the cord.
Various embodiments are contemplated herein. These non-exclusively include the following:
Embodiment 1: A net buckle may comprise a center section and a plurality of arms extending from the center section, wherein each of the plurality of arms may comprise an opening sized and operable to accommodate a binding cord.
Embodiment 2: The net buckle of embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of arms may comprise at least a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and a fourth arm, wherein the plurality of arms may be equally angularly spaced about the center section.
Embodiment 3: The net buckle of embodiment 2, wherein the plurality of arms and the center section may comprise a one-piece construction.
Embodiment 4: The net buckle of embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of arms and the center section may comprise at least one of a metal, a plastic, a silicone, and a rubber.
Embodiment 5: The net buckle of embodiment 4, wherein the first arm may comprise a first opening, the second arm may comprise a second opening, the third arm may comprise a third opening, and the fourth arm may comprise a fourth opening.
Embodiment 6. The net buckle of embodiment 5, wherein the second opening may be angularly spaced approximately 90 degrees from the first opening, the third opening may be angularly spaced approximately 90 degrees from the second opening, the fourth opening may be angularly spaced approximately 90 degrees from the third opening, and the first opening may be angularly spaced approximately 90 degrees from the fourth opening.
Embodiment 7: The net buckle of embodiment 5, wherein each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may be distally positioned from the center section.
Embodiment 8: The net buckle of embodiment 6, wherein the first arm may be coupled with the center section, the first opening being located on the first arm, the second arm may be coupled with the center section, the second opening being located on the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm may be separated by a negative space therebetween, the third arm may be coupled with the center section, the third opening being located on the third arm, wherein the second arm and the third arm may be separated by a negative space therebetween, and the fourth arm may be coupled with the center section, the fourth opening being located on the fourth arm, wherein the third arm and the fourth arm may be separated by a negative space therebetween and wherein the fourth arm and the first arm may be separated by a negative space therebetween.
Embodiment 9: The net buckle of embodiment 6, further comprising a circular outer edge.
Embodiment 10: The net buckle of embodiment 1, wherein the binding cord may comprise a rope, an elastic cord, webbing, flat webbing, a flat cord, a flat elastic cord, a rounded cord, a rounded elastic cord, and a bungy cord.
Embodiment 11. A customed-sized net system, comprising a plurality of net buckles arranged in a pattern, wherein each of the plurality of net buckles may comprise a center section, a plurality of arms extending from the center section, wherein each of the plurality of arms may comprise an opening sized and operable to accommodate a binding cord, and. a plurality of binding cords, operable to pass through the plurality of openings and operable to form a net upon passing through the plurality of net buckles.
Embodiment 12: The system of embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of net buckles may comprise at least one net buckle comprising a continuous circular edge, wherein the plurality of openings may comprise a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening, wherein each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may be located proximal to the continuous circular edge.
Embodiment 13: The system of embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of net buckles may comprise at least one of net buckle comprising a first arm extending from the center section, wherein a first opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the first arm, a second arm extending from the center section, wherein a second opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the second arm, and a third arm extending from the center section, wherein a third opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the third arm.
Embodiment 14: The system of embodiment 14, wherein the at least one net buckle further may comprise a fourth arm extending from the center section, wherein a fourth opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the fourth arm.
Embodiment 15: The system of embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of net buckles may comprise at least one first net buckle, comprising a continuous circular edge, wherein the plurality of openings may comprise a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening, wherein each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may be located proximal to the continuous circular edge; and at least one second net buckle, comprising a first arm extending from the center section, wherein a first opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the first arm a second arm extending from the center section, wherein a second opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the second arm, a third arm extending from the center section, wherein a third opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the third arm.
Embodiment 16: The system of embodiment 15, further comprising wherein the at least one second net buckle may comprise a fourth arm extending from the center section, wherein a fourth opening of the plurality of openings may be positioned on the fourth arm.
Embodiment 17: The system of embodiment 16, wherein the plurality of binding cords may comprise at least one of a rope, an elastic cord, webbing, flat webbing, a flat cord, a flat elastic cord, a rounded cord, a rounded elastic cord, and a bungy cord.
Embodiment 18: The system of embodiment 15, wherein the at least one first net buckle may comprise the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening being equally angularly spaced within the continuous circular edge and being operable to accommodate binding cords comprising rope and bungy cords.
Embodiment 19: The system of embodiment 15, wherein the at least one second net buckle may comprise the first arm being angularly spaced from the second arm by approximately 90 degrees and the second arm being angularly spaced from the third arm by approximately 90 degrees, wherein the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening may be each operable to accommodate binding cords comprising webbing and flat elastic binding cords.
Embodiment 20: The system of embodiment 19, wherein the at least one second net buckle may comprise the fourth arm being angularly spaced from the third arm by approximately 90 degrees.
Unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” means within 5% or 10% of the value referred to or within manufacturing tolerances. Unless otherwise specified, the term “about” means within 5% or 10% of the value referred to or within manufacturing tolerances.
The conjunction “or” is inclusive.
The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used to distinguish respective elements and are not used to denote a particular order of those elements unless otherwise specified or order is explicitly described or required.
Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.
Embodiments of the methods disclosed may be performed in the operation of such computing devices. The order of the blocks presented in the examples above can be varied—for example, blocks can be re-ordered, combined, and/or broken into sub-blocks. Certain blocks or processes can be performed in parallel.
The use of “adapted to” or “configured to” or “operable to” is meant as open and inclusive language that does not foreclose devices adapted to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, in that a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more recited conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those recited. Headings, lists, and numbering included are for ease of explanation only and are not meant to be limiting.
While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of example rather than limitation, and does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/521,340 filed Jun. 16, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63521340 | Jun 2023 | US |
