BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In the drawings, like references to the apparatus and its parts generally refer to the parts disclosed in the specification, and the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale and only emphasis is to illustrate the general principle of the disclosed invention.
FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a cord apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the same cord apparatus extended.
FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly of one type of cord apparatus assembly.
FIG. 4 is a partial front view of various cord apparatus spring formations.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spring like member and cord like members.
FIG. 6 is front perspective view of an apparatus spring member and a divider.
FIG. 7 is top end view of an apparatus spring member and divider.
FIG. 8
a is a perspective view of an apparatus automotive application.
FIG. 8
b is a perspective view of an apparatus industrial application.
FIG. 9
a is a perspective view of an apparatus shown in a medical application.
FIG. 9
b is a perspective view of an apparatus shown in a medical application.
FIG. 9
c is a perspective view of an apparatus shown in a medical application.
FIG. 10 is a front view of an apparatus illustrating strain relief and displacement
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the invention provide various techniques for organizing and providing strain relief in cords, cables and tube like members. Cords and like members having substantial length can be supported with the proposed invention described as a cord apparatus. The apparatus comprises a main body, attaching member and free distal end to be grasped by a person. The main body comprising of a spring like material with resilient and flexible spring like properties having the capacity to hold a cord, tube or cable like product within or between adjacent spring members through a portion of the main body's overall length. The main body spring comprises of plastic, metal or composite materials there of having the ability to be resilient and flexible with the capacity to move freely when an external force is applied from the fixed attaching member to the free distal end portion to be grasped by a person. Applications that require improved mobility, organization and strain relief within a system due to external forces are considered in the detailed description and figures here in the specification. Other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the invention as reflected in the appended claims.
Referring to FIG. 1, a cord apparatus 10 configured with an attaching member 11, a main spring like body 12, and a portion to be grasped by a person 13. The attaching member 11, configured to be removable and attachable onto an object, preferably with a one hand operation, comprising a hook like element 14 and a rotatably, pivotably moveable member 15, attached to a resilient spring like body 12. The rotatably, pivotably moveable member 15, preferably rotates about 360 degrees and pivots about 30 degrees to a maximum angular distance of about 90 degrees enabling the body of the device to move within a conical spherical like pattern of free movement. Other configurations may be considered, such as the attaching member 11, having one hook like element with the ability to pivot and not rotate, or a hook like element 14, configured to be an integral part of the main spring like body 12, and the portion to be grasped by a person 13 to configured to be formed within the main spring like body 12, at one end.
The cord apparatus 10, configured with a resilient body 12, configured to move both vertically and horizontally when an external force is applied to the spring like body 12, or through a cord or tubular shaped member contained within the spring like body 12. The attaching member 11, configured to be temporarily fastened to a substantially rigid body 16, vertically displaced at an elevated height to support cord like members allowing mobility and additionally providing strain relief within the apparatus assembly. The distal end comprising a portion to be grasped by a person 13, can be configured of plastic, metal or other like materials, or fabricated to provide a means for consumers to easily grasp the apparatus at one end. The portion to be grasped by a person 13 can be color coded, for defining characteristics of the apparatus, end user or application of use.
FIG. 2 further illustrates a partial front view of the apparatus 10, of FIG. 1 including a rotating pivoting movable member 15, where the movable member 15 can be configured as a hook, ball and socket assembly, hook and loop material or elastomer having the ability to freely move about the central axis from the vertically displaced spring like resilient body 12, which can be further defined as a spring like resilient material with a geometric shape configured to hold a cord like member 17, inside the resilient spring like body 12, or within a section of the spring like body 12, having the ability to move when an external force is applied to the cord like member 17, providing strain relief.
The spring like body 12, in one embodiment is formed in a configuration as a spiral spring comprising a series of loops 18, where the spring like body 12 has one end 19, aligned and connected to an attaching member 11, and an opposite distal end 13, configured to be grasped by a person. The spring like body 12 can further be configured where the material is flat or round wire of like material that can elongate moving vertically up and down when acted upon by an external force.
FIG. 3 presents an exploded assembly view of the components of an apparatus 10, having an attaching member 11, a hook like portion 14 to conveniently attach the apparatus to a second body preferably with a one handed operation, a resilient body 12, comprising of a spring like material to retain and provide strain relief to cords and like objects, and a portion to be grasped by a person 13, that can be configured as part of the resilient body 12, or an assembled component thereof. The portion to be grasped by a person 13, can be optionally color coded or configured to a shape, color or size to indicate the properties or physical capacity of the cord apparatus.
In FIG. 4, various material configurations, shapes and styles are illustrated for the spring body material. In preference to design, the various configurations of resilient spring materials can be formed 20, a square geometry form 21, may be more desirable to retain a cord like member 17, within the resilient body 12, to locate the cord like member 17, to a specific location.
Yet another round geometry form 22 may be desired to locate a cord like member 17, for the same reason and another “v” geometry form 23, having preference of any other disclosed geometries. Cost, materials and manufacturing processes may determine the most appropriate forms 20, for the desired application. In relation to a style of wire form, one protrusion style 25, may be formed within the resilient body 12, throughout the spiral body at a desired height, or applied as a secondary component protrusion 24, where the protrusion is movable or selectively placed within the resilient body 12. Yet another consideration for the resilient body 12 is to form a conical shape, or tapered spring like member, where in the tapered spring body 26, is configured wider at the base for ease of attaching cord like members, or a second optional style tapered spring body is formed wider at the top over a vertically displaced length for various applications limited to space or for cord like members to be vertically displaced apart from one another when positioned at various levels on the body or object. The spring like body 12, material can further comprise a series of styles, shapes or configurations to keep the cord like member(s) in a desired position. Another advantage of the various shaped spring like body formed depressions is to further organize the cord or tube like members in both the vertical and angled position for facilitating multiple cords or tubes and providing a directional positioning to and from the cord or tube like members opposing ends. The shapes 20 however can be manufactured to any shape or size to accommodate specific cord like diameters, styles or shapes for a specific application.
Referring to FIG. 5, the apparatus 10, and spring like resilient body 12 is configured to hold and organize various cord like members 17, and configured vertically position able where multiple cord like members are retained at a desired height. In one aspect of the invention the cord like members are fed through the inner diameter 30 of the resilient body 12, of the apparatus 10, where the spring like resilient body 12, protects the cord like member 17, from external forces, moving objects and wear. The cord like member 17 may be positioned to a specific height, or guided through the apparatus to directionally locate the cord like member 17 between the object and system or device. Another aspect of the present invention enables the user to wrap a cord like member 17 around an opening and spiral segment 31, of the resilient body 12, of the apparatus. Where cord like members can be easily retained with minimum effort and intervention.
Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide an extension spiral spring element, configured to hold a elongated cord, tube or cable, wherein the spiral spring element has a pre determined length and number of coils to wrap a cord, tube or cable around at least a portion of the spiral spring element coil, to secure the cord, tube or cable suspended at a height greater than that of the distal end of the apparatus or opposite end of the cord, tube and or cable that is attached to a patient for administering medical treatment. Yet another embodiment is to provide a strain relief, to the fixedly attach end that may have a need to move about a short distance within the perimeter of the cord apparatus. It is further a provision of the invention to provide a spiral coil that may be configured with a round wire, a spiral wire or a multiple component coil. The spiral coil configured within a spring like cord apparatus may also have a coating to aid in placing the cord like members 17, onto the apparatus 10, or even to aid in reducing friction to avoid unwanted tension from system to the interface.
Referring to FIG. 6, a main body 12, and a divider 32, held within the inner diameter 30, of the main body 12, the divider 32 having an overall length 33 of at least at least a portion of the length of the main body 12, the portion length that is desired to keep cord like products segregated and further configured to have at least a portion of one end 34, of the said divider larger than the inside diameter of the inner diameter 30 of the main body 12. The divider 32 can be selectively located and provide a segregated channel to organize and separate cord like members 17 from one another. The divider 32 may be configured flat or of a three dimensional shape (i.e. tube shape or channel). In some instances, more specifically with data transfer and power cables the divider 32, may be configured to provide RF radio frequency shielding or provide a channel to directionally locate cord like members 17 for systems and like machine interface.
Referring to FIG. 7, the divider 32 and the main body 12 is presented in a top end view where cord like members are separated in a channel configured by the divider 32 through a desired length of the main body 12. In some applications it may benefit the user to have an attaching means 35 located within the body of the divider 32 for attaching and detaching the main body 12 to a secondary component or rigid body. The divider 32 can be made of plastic, metal or other like materials or even a combination of two or more materials.
An embodiment of the present invention may be configured of a non conductive material, to prevent to the risk of shock or other electrical hazards. Furthermore, a material that is easy to sterilize, such as stainless wire, or plastic resins can provide benefits for using the apparatus in industrial or medical applications. Although the invention is not limited to the medical or industrial applications, other embodiments such as airplane repair, automotive diagnostic and test, light cord suspension or vertical cord organizers may prove beneficial for safety or occupational hazards, such as keeping electrical cords contained or out of moving mechanisms and parts. The invention can provide cords and like members in testing equipment cables vertically organized and away from hazards (i.e. moving parts, water) while working on a vehicle including but not limited to automobiles, marine and aircraft. Various applications may be evident in other areas from further review of the specification, figures and claims.
The apparatus may be color coded for indicating weight carry capacity, or specific application use along with various elements for economy series with a simple formed looped end attaching means, or a more complex assembly utilizing an attaching means with a spring mechanism, and a free distal end having the capacity to capture the cord, tube or cable with a formed loops of retaining clamp to secure and adjust a cable movement with features including longer lengths, or various diameters.
A series of semi circles affixed to a narrow spring like element supported by a single point forming a spinal cord like structure with the desired flexibility to move in various axis and allow thin tubular elements to be suspended and organized within the frame of the apparatus. The length of the apparatus can vary depending on the application and desired cord, tube or cable to be supported by the apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 8a vehicle 40, a machine 41 and a light source 44, are connected by a cord like member 17, and a power source 42, where the cord like members 17, are subject to moving parts and heat within the area of the vehicle 40, and the cord like members 17 are suspended by an apparatus 43, supporting and organizing the cables, power cord and like members 17 from hazardous moving parts inside the vehicle. The apparatus 43 provides strain relief when an external force is applied to the cord like members 17, and vertically suspends and organizes them for safety and convenience. The apparatus is configured to move freely in two or more dimensional planes, having the ability to move somewhat freely vertically suspended and further having the ability to pivot when a force is applied and optionally rotate to keep the cordlike member suspended.
Referring to FIG. 8b a machine 41 and hazardous water conditions 45 and cord like members 17 along with a power source 42, are supported by a apparatus 43, and the apparatus is vertically suspended to elevate the systems cord like members 17, and power cord 42 from hazardous water conditions 45. The cord like member 17 is wrapped around the apparatus 43, at a desired height 46. The lower portion of the apparatus 43 provides the most movement or strain relief, where the upper portion closest to the fixed end and attaching member provides the least amount of strain relief or movement securing the cord like members 17 and power source 42 from hazardous conditions or electrical shock. The cord like member 17 can be selectively place anywhere between the distal end and up to the attaching member, preferably at a desired height 44, or wrapped around a portion of the apparatus 46 at a desired height as illustrated in the drawing. The apparatus 43 again provides strain relief when an external force is applied to the cord like members 17, and vertically suspends and organizes them for safety and convenience.
Referring to FIG. 9a, a substantially rigid body 50, configured to hold a tube like member 51, where the tube like member 51 is rigidly connected on one end and subject to an external force on the opposite distal end. The cord apparatus 52, comprising of a vertically suspended spring like element having a defined length, further having the capacity to move horizontal 54 and vertically 53, and optionally rotate about a central axis of the attaching member 59 and apparatus 52 providing a strain relief and or ample movement to relieve tension on the patient of object where compared to the fixed, friction aided cordlike member 51 shown in the illustrative figure having no strain relief provision. The materials may be anti bacterial treated or preferably sterilized.
Referring to FIG. 9b, a substantially rigid member 56 on a moving body 55 is further improved by an apparatus 52, suspended from the rigid member 56, attached to the moving body 55 (i.e. wheel chair or like vehicle). The apparatus 52, comprises a attaching member 59, a distal end 58, configured to be grasped by a person and having a spring like body that is configured to move at least a length 57 determined by the material, size and shape of the apparatus and desired anticipated load. The apparatus 52 further configured to move angular about the attaching member 59, and rigid member 56 providing ample flexibility or movement providing a strain relief for tube like members 51 and cord like members 17 within the apparatus. The apparatus 52 is configured to prevent cord like elements 17 and tube like members 51 from contacting or interfering with moving parts (i.e. such as wheel chair wheels, and like vehicle) and further provides patients a method to organize, drug intravenous, medical equipment and like diagnostic systems. Other features may include the patient having the ability to grasp the apparatus distal end and move an object or cords suspended inside the apparatus to a retainable distance within the patients reach.
Referring to FIG. 9c, a medical system 60, configured to monitor a patients well being, an intravenous support system 61, provided to care for a patient 66 were a patient 66 may require a catheter or IV tube 64 on the patient's body, and where catheter or IV tube 64 is configured like a tube like member 51, and is further configured with a length of tubing that may be presented to move the patient and reduce tension within the medical system or device. The length of tubing may come in contact with moving parts or become an inconvenience with the doctors or staff during patient care. An apparatus 64 can provide a method to organize, vertically suspend a catheter or IV tube 64, a diagnostic cord like member 65 to a patient 66 with minimum effect of external force applied to such members and multiple members can be organized with separate apparatus 63 or at various locations within the apparatus 63. The patient of caregiver may suspend cord like members and organize them in such a way to prevent cord like members from being placed in tension, or hooked inside a moving bed or rail and wheelchair moving parts. Referring to FIG. 10, an apparatus 70 comprises an attaching member 71, a spring resilient body 72 and a portion to be grasp by a person 74. The apparatus 70 is defined by a length 75, from the attaching member 71, to at least a portion to be grasped by a person 74. The apparatus is free to move both horizontally, where at the distal end having the most displacement and vertically expanding to allow temporary storage of cord like members 76, and further having an optional capability to freely rotate about the central axis defined by the attaching member 71 to s substantially rigid body 77, through the apparatus spring resilient body 72 and finally to the end portion to be grasped by a person 74. The apparatus 70 may be desired to be formed of a spring like wire where the cross section is of at least four to one ration or three to one (i.e. wire cross section 0.0625-0.877×0.0150-0.025) where the spring like body portion has resilient properties that will support a cord like member and displace when acted upon by an external force. Applications for the invention may become more apparent in view of the figures and drawings within the specification.
Features of various components of the disclosed invention may be interchanged among the components of the apparatus. For example an attaching method may be one of a clip fastener, hook and loop material and or a loop formed within the wire main spring resilient body. A divider may further be used in multiples to offer a division of two or more channels. Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention and the appended claims. For example, while many embodiments of the invention are preferably configured to be cord organizing elements, they may be configured to be reusable, disposable, indicators of tension beyond a pre-determined limitation.
Patent Application
20070259555
