BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to string, rope, or strap that is braided, twisted, or woven, specifically with a repetitive structural addition. The structural addition being a bifurcation and reunification of the main string, rope, or strap.
(2) Description of Related Art
For thousands of years people have been making string, rope, and strap out of a huge selection of materials, and with innumerable methods. This was done not just to find a stronger and better cord, but because certain cordage is better for certain tasks. In modern times this is truer than ever, and couldn't be more obvious for someone skilled in the arts. That is why still today people are working on developing new fibers and constructions.
There are all different types of braids and weaves for rope, strap, and the like. Bifurcation is nothing new; it has been seen in things like nets, slings, loops on rope, and other rope products. Now there are braiding machines that can be programmed to braid all sorts of different thing, including all sorts of bifurcated braids. There are also braiding machines that are made just to braid a specific bifurcated braid type, like U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,772 B2.
Splicing also has a long tradition with rope, and is still very much in use. There are hundreds of splices that are used for many different purposes. One of the most popular is the eye splice, which is a loop at the end of a rope that acts as a permanent solution instead of tying a looped knot Unfortunately, even after an eye splice is achieved the rope only has the one permanent loop in it at the very end of the rope. Other splices like the cut splice might look very similar to the presented inventions eyelets, but there are quite a few differences. A cut splice is done after the rope is made, not during, and is used to join two pieces of rope together, it is not necessarily intended to be used in the fashion of the present invention.
When rope or strap is used in general tie down or securing applications, like tying things down in the back of pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks, people simple tie looped knots when needed. These looped knots that won't come out, sometimes create permanent loops unintentionally. Although these loops can be and are some times used again, they are still more of an annoying obstruction than a benefit, because of their protruding nature. The present invention essentially puts loops equally spaced along the rope or strap without them being an obstruction.
When it comes to general tie down applications there have been a lot of different products and innovations to assist conventional rope and strap in securing items. Some of these include ratcheting systems, netting, bungee cords, ropes with protruding loops, and all sorts of other things. However, sometimes it is still faster and/or better to just use rope or strap with out all the fancy gimmicks, that is why the present invention seeks to be capable of the same manipulation as conventional rope or strap, but with added attributes.
Ropes with protruding loops are the closest to the present invention that are on the market today, like U.S. Pat. No. 9,150,999 B2. The problem with tie downs with protruding loops is that those loops get caught when you go to pull it through a securing point or another loop. Another problem specifically with the cited loop rope assembly is that it allows for the loops to change sizes, thus further complicating things when tying down a load with no slack. Also, unlike the present invention, it does not get to claim the strength of both of the strands making up the loop, one is taught, as the other is not. And of course the most important reason against any sort of protruding loop rope, it cannot be knotted like a conventional rope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a the string, rope, or strap with what can be defined and understood most simply as having a deliberate hole, slit, or flexible eyelet in it, in a repetitive manner. Each end of the string, rope, or strap leading up to the eyelet, is at least as long as the body segments that lie in between the eyelets, but would preferably be longer. The vary tips of the string, rope, or strap may be hardened with resin or an attached piece to make them rigid, and more incline to push through the eyelets when the string, rope, or strap has tension on it. When the string, rope, or strap is folded in half, whether the fold is on an eyelet or on a body segment in between the eyelets, it is symmetrical, in the preferred embodiment.
The eyelets can be made in a multitude of ways including but not limited to bifurcated braiding, bifurcated twisting, bifurcated weaving, or cutting and stitching. The easiest and best way is when braiding or weaving the string, rope, or strap, the threads would separate evenly and continue creating two strings, ropes, or straps and then back into one. Because of the nature of straps opposed to rope or string, the bifurcation to make the eyelets can be made by cutting a slit and reinforcing the area like a buttonhole is formed. They are also made to be as small as possible while still able to fully accomplish their objectives; making the eyelets to large will cause the string, rope, or strap to act less like a traditional string, rope, or strap. In the preferred embodiment, eyelets have an indication form color that the eyelet is there, making it easier to find even when there is tension on the string, rope, or strap; this can be accomplished by bifurcating colored threads accordingly, paintings afterwards, dying afterwards, etc.
The present invention cannot be defined purely by its eyelets, but by the strategic and repetitive nature that the eyelets are subject to. The frequent and periodic placement insures that there are always eyelets near by to substitute for tying looped knots. The placement of the eyelets are equidistant in the preferred embodiment, but can be placed at dissimilar distances if done in a useful repetitive nature that keeps the string, rope, or strap's elements of symmetry. In one preferred embodiment the eyelets are placed approximately 12 inches on center from each other. This allows the user to easily tell how much the string, rope, or strap they have left while in use or it can even be used as a makeshift tape measure.
Some of the goals and objectives of the invention in all embodiments are:
- To allow for easy attachment of objects (such as hooks, carabineers, other string, rope, or straps etc.), while not overly compromising the structural integrity of the string, rope, or strap.
- To be able to pull the string, rope, or strap in on itself, through one of its eyelets, in order to easily make loops, for the purpose of securing the string, rope, or strap, or objects to the string, rope, or strap.
- To be able to tie knots and coil the string, rope, or strap as easy as one would with a regular string, rope, or strap of the same size and material.
- That the frequency of the eyelets are sufficient to enable the circumvention of tying looped knots, for tasks like ‘truckers knots’, or simply securing points.
Some of the goals and objectives of the invention in some embodiments are:
- To be able to easily find the eyelets even when the string, rope, or strap has tension on it.
- For the hardened tips of the string, rope, or strap to be able to more easily push through the eyelets, when the string, rope, or strap has tension on it, than a string, rope, or strap without the hardened tips.
- To be able to use the string, rope, or strap as a sort of makeshift tape-measure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTURES
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the string, rope, or strap, in partial, with a flexible eyelet length to main body segment length ratio of 1:6, the end body segments are not part of the ratio; the flexible eyelets are slightly spread open for visual effect.
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the string, rope, or strap, in partial, with a flexible eyelet length to main body segment length ratio of 1:5, the end body segments are not part of the ratio; the flexible eyelets are slightly spread open for visual effect.
FIG. 3A is a close up drawing of a flexible eyelet spread open on an eight-strand round braided rope.
FIG. 3B is a close up drawing of the same flexible eyelet as FIG. 3A but with the eyelet closed; how it would look if there were a load on it.
FIG. 4A is a close up drawing of an end body segment leading to the tip of a six-strand flat braided rope.
FIG. 4B is a close up drawing of an end body segment leading to the tip of an eight-strand round braided rope.
FIG. 5A is a drawing of a six-strand flat braided rope being pulled in on itself through one of its flexible eyelets.
FIG. 5B is a drawing of the same six-strand rope of FIG. 5A, but in a further stage, of being pulled in on itself through one of its flexible eyelets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description represents mostly the preferred embodiments, and it does not limit other possible embodiments that can be reasonably assumed by someone skilled in the arts or sciences of the present invention.
The string, rope, or strap with repetitively spaced holes/flexible eyelets, respectively the present invention as a whole, is indicated by numeral 1, in any of its embodiments. The string, rope, or strap 1 is made of a plurality of strands 2a, 2b which can be seen in the close ups in FIG. 3A-5B. The strands 2a, 2b may be braided, twisted, or woven to make the string, rope, or strap 1, but would preferably be braided. The strand 2a, 2b are made of low stretch or non-stretch fibers such as polyester, Kevlar, Dyneema, etc.
With references to FIG. 1-2, the string, rope, or strap 1 has body segments 3a, 3b that may be made circular, square, flat like a strap, etc. In the preferred embodiments the body segments 3a, 3b are ether circular or flat; both are acceptable and would be subject to the users personal preference. Some people in the industry prefer strap, and use it as if it were traditional rope, because strap is stronger and has more surface area while remaining thin. It is important to note that the end body segments 3a that lie between the tip 7 and the first eyelet 4 on each end of the string, rope, or strap 1, is the same as the main body segments 3b that lie between the eyelets 4, in every way except that the end body segment 3a may be a different length. The end body segments 3a should be at least long enough to tie a knot such as a bowline in it, without the eyelets 4 having begun yet. The string, rope, or strap 1 has eyelets 4 that can be defined as a structural portion on the string, rope, or strap 1 in which a body segment 3a, 3b bifurcates and then reunites, thus forming a deliberate hole. The eyelets 4 are equal in size and spaced strategically along the string, rope, or strap 1, and are generally spaced equidistant from each other. The eyelets 4 in some embodiments can be placed in a set sequence or pattern (not illustrated) if it does not compromise the integrity of the invention's purpose. Set sequences might include, two eyelets 4 separated by a single braiding cycle then the main body segment 3b, and repeat. The eyelets 4 are preferably placed equidistant and are frequent enough as to circumvent the need to tie a looped knot. To be effective the exact ratios for the length of the eyelets 4 to body segments 3b are subject to the specific string, rope, or strap 1; different thickness or shapes of the body segments 3a, 3b could beneficially change the ratios. The preferred length of the eyelets 4 to the main body segments 3b, can thus be realized through a sort of ratio range, this range should become even clearer as one continues.
Referencing FIG. 1, the string, rope, or strap 1 has a ratio of the eyelets 4 to the main body segments 3b of 1:6 respectively. The end body segments 3a are longer than the main body segments 3b. An exemplary example with this 1:6 ratio which has the eyelets 4 measuring two inches long with the main body segments 3b measuring 12 inches long. The end body segments 3a are longer than the main body segments 3b, in this case about 23 inches long. It is important to note, that in most of the preferred embodiments the ideal length for the eyelet is approximately two inches.
Referencing FIG. 2, the string, rope, or strap 1 has a ratio of the eyelets 4 to the main body segments 3b of 1:5 respectively. The end body segments 3a are much longer than the main body segments 3b. An exemplary example with this 1:5 ratio which has the eyelets 4 measuring two inches long with the main body segments 3b measuring 10 inches long. The end body segments 3a being about 23 inches long. This way from the tip 7 to the center of the first eyelet 4 is two feet and the center of every subsequent eyelet 4 is another foot; this allows the user to easily count how much feet of rope they have left when tying down a load.
Referencing FIG. 3A, is a close up of a spread open eyelet 4 on an exemplary embodiment of the string, rope, or strap 1. In this embodiment there are eight strands 2a, 2b, four are dark colored strands 2a and four are light colored strands 2b. The eight strands 2a, 2b are preferably comprised of their own braided strands, and are the same in every way except their color. The strands 2a, 2b are all together in a single round braid forming the main body segment 3b. Where the main body segment 3b ends is the beginning of the eyelet 4, the end of the eyelet 4 is when the main body segment 3b starts up again. The eyelet 4 can be broken down and understood further by examining its parts. When examining the drawing from left to right, the main body segment 3b ends and the strands 2a, 2b starts reorganizing creating a first transition cycle 5a. In the first transition cycle 5a the braiding pattern changes sending the four darker color strands 2a to form the darker color eyelet branch 6a, and the four lighter color strands 2b to form the lighter color eyelet branch 6b; both branches 6a, 6b are round braids and of the same length. At the second transition cycle 5b the two branches 6a, 6b reunite by organizing the strands 2a, 2b back into a single braid until the main body segment 3b commences again. The first and second transition cycles 5a, 5b are the same braid, just in reverse. In some embodiments (not illustrated), although not preferred, the string, rope, or strap 1 could be a thin strap with the eyelets 4 added afterwards; this is done by cutting a slit and reinforcing the area, like a buttonhole is formed.
Referencing FIG. 3B, is a close up of the same eyelet 4 as FIG. 3A, but with the eyelet 4 pulled closed. When this eyelet 4 is closed it hardly protrudes with respect to the main body segments 3b, this allows for the string, rope, or strap 1 to be used without the eyelets 4 posing an obstructive presents. The two eyelet branches 6a, 6b are braided round like the main body segments 3b, just with half of the eight strands 2a, 2b. Like in the present example, one of the most preferred embodiments has round body segments 3a, 3b and round eyelet branches 6a, 6b. Although preferred the two branches 6a, 6b do not have to be a similar braid to the body segments 3a, 3b. In the preferred embodiments there is a visual aid to help easily find the eyelets, even when the string, rope, or strap 1 is under a load. Here this is done by using different color strands 2a, 2b that braid accordingly to make one eyelet branch 6a darker, and the other eyelet branch 6b lighter. This is one of the best ways to mark the eyelets 4; other un-preferred ways might include paint after braiding.
Referencing FIG. 4A, is a close up of the end of a six-strand flat braided embodiment of the string, rope, or strap 1. Although this is not one of the most preferred embodiments, it is acceptable and helps illustrate certain points very well. Like in this embodiment the string, rope, or strap 1 is made with a minimum of six strands 2a, 2b, but it may be made with more and increases by two. The six strands 2a, 2b that make up the end body segment 3a, terminates at the tip 7. The tip 7 is finished as to prevent fraying, and is embellished as to assist while using the string, rope, or strap 1. This embellishment is accomplished by dipping the tip 7 in something such as resin or epoxy, or even by strategic melting of the strands 2a, 2b, in order to make the tip 7 more rigid and taper to a rounded point. The premise being that the hardened tip 7 allows the user to more easily push the tip 7 through an eyelet 4 when it is closed due to a load on the string, rope, or strap 1, like in FIG. 3B. Also, the strands 2a, 2b in this embodiment are braided in such a way as to indicate a measurement, in this case a half-inch. The three dark strands 2a together on one side of the end body segment 3a make a half-inch long section, subsequently the light strands 2b also measure a half-inch. So the user can lay the body segments 3a, 3b against a surface using the string, rope, or strap 1 as a sort of makeshift ruler.
Referencing FIG. 4B, is a close up of the end of an eight-strand round braided embodiment of the string, rope, or strap 1. Like FIG. 4A, the end body segment 3a terminates with a hardened tip 7. Here the tip 7 is made more rigid by an attached piece, consisting of plastic or metal, which slips over the end of the strands 2a, 2b and tapers into a rounded point.
Referencing FIG. 5A, the string, rope, or strap 1 is being pulled in on itself though one of its eyelets 4. The size of the eyelet 4, is subject in all embodiments to being at least large enough for any part of the string, rope, or strap 1 to be able to, when folded once, pass through an eyelet 4. The eyelets 4 are preferably larger than the minimum this allows for the string, rope, or strap 1 to easily pull through the eyelet 4. In this embodiment the string, rope, or strap 1 has a main body segment 3b that measures fourteen inches long with an eyelet that measures two inches long (its strands 2a, 2b are not braided as to indicate a measurement, like that of FIG. 4A). This puts the eyelets 4 at sixteen inches on center, and is about as distant as the eyelets 4 can be comfortably be placed in most embodiments.
Referencing FIG. 5B, the string, rope, or strap 1 is the same as FIG. 5A and shows a further stage of the action taken in FIG. 5A. Here the string, rope, or strap 1 has been pulled in on itself though one of its eyelets 4, making a loop 8 that is adjustable in size and can be thrown around a pole or other such object to secure the string, rope, or strap 1. In making the loop 8, the transition cycle area 5b flips around completely until it is in the same position as it began, the two eyelet branches 6a, 6b are twisted to compensate. The loop 8 can easily be pulled out and the string, rope, or strap 1 will return to normal.
The detailed descriptions above went through many of the large range of possible and preferred embodiments and what is unique about the present invention. The following claims should give someone skilled in the arts an even better understanding of the present invention, in term of its requirements and its restriction.
Patent Grant
10604892
