Patent Application
20140084125
Many structures and other devices are retained in place by the use of tethers. The tethers are commonly attached to a surface, such as a floor. An eye bolt or other securing mechanism is used to connect the tether floor, wherein the securing mechanism typically extends from the surface. The securing mechanism can be dangerous by causing people to trip over the securing mechanism. The problem is exasperated when the structure is used by kids, so there a lot of kids in the proximity of the securing mechanism. In the case of inflatable bounce-type devices, the kids may be running and not paying attention to the securing mechanism.
Devices are disclosed herein that reduce the possibility that a person trips over a securing mechanism attached to a surface, such as a floor. Securing mechanisms are typically secured to a floor or other surface and are used to secure items to the floor or surface. The securing mechanisms usually extend from the surface. A tether may be connected to the securing mechanism, which in turn is typically connected to the item being secured to the surface. In many embodiments, the structure is a play area, such as an inflatable structure or bounce-type inflatable devices for kids. Because kids are in the vicinity of the structures, there is a probability that they can trip over the securing mechanism. Tether guards are disclosed herein that reduce the likelihood of tripping on the securing mechanisms while not interfering with the tether.
A front, elevation view of an embodiment of a tether guard 100 is shown in
The tether guard 100 is described as being in two pieces, a plate 104 and a cover 106. A top plan view of the plate 104 is shown in
The plate 104 may also have a plurality of second holes 116 that serve to attach the cover 106 to the plate 104. The cover 106 may have a plurality of bosses on the interior that extend toward the location of the second holes 116. Screws or other fasteners pass through the second holes 116 and into the bosses. Accordingly, the screws secure the cover 106 to the plate 104.
The cover 106 is depicted in
The embodiment of the cover 106 in
The cover 106 has an opening 132 that enables access to the securing mechanism 114 and enables the above described tether to pass from the securing mechanism 114 to another location. In the embodiment of
The interior of the dome 104 also has a plurality of bosses 138 that align with the second holes 116 in the plate 104. The bosses 138 have holes to receive screws that pass through the second holes 116. The screws in conjunction with the bosses 138 serve to secure the cover 106 to the plate 104. It is noted that other mechanisms may be used to attach the cover 106 to the plate 104 and in some embodiments, the plate 104 and cover 106 are a single component.
Having described the components of the tether guard, its operation will now be described.
Additional reference is made to
At this point, the securing mechanism 114 is threaded into the surface 102 and extends through the plate 104. The tether guard 100 is rotated so that the opening 130 faces the direction in which the tether 162 extends. The nut 140 is then rotated so that it contacts the plate 104. The nut 140 serves to secure the plate 104 and, thus, the tether guard 100 to the surface 102. In many embodiments, the nut 140 is not required. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism 114 may have a washer or other retaining device located thereon that contacts the plate 104 when the securing mechanism 114 is secured to the surface 102. The washer distributes the force exerted by the nut 140 so as not to break the plate 104. It is noted that access to the securing mechanism 114 and the nut 140 is obtained via the opening 130.
The tether 162 is attached to the securing mechanism 114. Thus, the inflatable 160 is secured to the surface 102 by way of the securing mechanism 114 and the tether 162. The tether cover 100 is positioned above the securing mechanism 114, which prevents people from tripping over the securing mechanism 114.
Having described some embodiments of the tether guard 100 and its use, other embodiments will now be described.
In one embodiment, the hole 110 in the plate 104 is a slot extending to the exterior of the tether guard 100. This configuration may be used in situations where the securing mechanism 114 is not readily removable from the surface 102. The slot enables the tether guard to be slid onto the securing mechanism 114 and secured thereto.
Additional holes (not shown) may be placed through the plate 104. Screws or other securing devices may be placed through the holes and into the surface to provide additional attachments to the surface 102. Such embodiments may be used when the cover 106 is large or oblong or where the tether guard 100 is subjected to forces that may exceed the strength of the securing mechanism 114.
While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/540,959 for GUARD FOR SURFACE MOUNTED TETHER DEVICE, filed on Sep. 29, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein.
