GB2505306A

GB2505306A - Multi-purpose strap

Info

Publication number: GB2505306A
Application number: GB201312135A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Lang
Original assignee: Andrew Lang Product Design Ltd
Current assignee: Andrew Lang Product Design Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-05
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Also published as: GB201211973D0; GB201501897D0; GB201312135D0; WO2014006420A1; GB2519040A

Abstract

A wrap assembly comprises at least a strap including an extensible portion, and a bobbin, wherein the strap includes at least a first hole and a second hole, and the bobbin comprises at least a base flange, a top flange, and a shank, wherein the base flange is connected to the top flange by the shank, wherein the base flange is broader than the first hole, and the top flange is broader than the second hole, and wherein in use the bobbin is insertable through the first hole so as to secure the bobbin to the strap, and the bobbin is further insertable through the second hole so as to secure the strap into a loop shape. The strap may have varying thickness to allow differing stretch in sections of the strap. The strap may be used to retain a cyclists trouser leg, hold luggage to a cycle or rack, or connect a cycles front wheel to its frame when parked, amongst other things.

Description

WRAP ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

5! Field of the Invention

The Held of the invention relates to a wrap assembly, suitable for use with bicycles or in cycling activities and other activites, to methods of manufacturing wraps from such wrap assemblies, and to uses of such manufactured wraps or wrap assemblies.

2. Technical Background

For urban cyclists, it can he difficult to catty items by bike safely and effectively. A backpack or a front basket case may he usable for carrying small and light things, hut the steering is weighted when things are put in a front basket. One of the major drawbacks is that every time the handlebars are turned, cyclists are also moving that weight around.

i\ rack installed on the hack of the bike or a tear basket, panniers, or saddlebags greatly increase options for carrying items. People may use them alone or attach things to them.

But many accessories may be required for securing packages to the bike frame or rack, such as cable ties, ropes and tapes. It is desirable to provide one single accessory that can he strong, versatile, reusable and adjustable for multi-purpose usage.

3. Discussion of Related Art Bicycle accessory connection members for the purpose of helping attach and fasten items to a bicycle rack are known in the art. An aim in the prior art is to enhance the flexibility and stability of connection by including a spanning member or a clamping unit to the connection part, each configured to support the strap and finnly connect the items to the bicycle frame for different uses.

US8235266B2 discloses a rack strap extension system for vehicle bicycle racks, including a vehicle body forming an edge and also including a body accessory forming a protrusion on the vehicle body. The rack system may comprise a trunk rack configured to be positioned adjacent a rear end of the vehicle. The rack system also may comprise a strap assembly connected or connectable to the trunk rack. The strap assembly may be configured to extend over the protrusion and engage the edge of the vehicle body, to form a connection between the trunk rack and the vehicle. The strap assembly may include a strap and a spanning member. The spanning member may be configured to span the protrusion and support the strap in a spaced relation to the protrusion, such that the strap assembly can be tensioned without applying pressure to the protrusion.

US8006876B2 discloses a securing device for connecting a bicycle rack to a connection member on a vehicle including a clamping unit composed of four quarters and a mounting member mounted onto the four quarters within which the connection member is enclosed. A bolt's head is clamped by four respective protrusions on the four quarters and the shank extends through the top of the clamping unit and the mounting member so as to he connected with a knob. A lock is received in the knob and cooperates with the bolt. The mounting member has a T-shaped slot and two lugs extend from the mounting member. The vertical slot is located between the two lugs and a quick release unit is cooperated with the two lugs so as to control the distance between the two lugs.

By using the quick release unit, the four quarters can quicldy release the connection member.

US802*77B2 discloses a connection device for connecting a bag to a bicycle carriage rack including a transverse bar connected to a back hoard of the bag and two hook units connected to the transverse bar. Each hook unit includes a flexible plate and a stud extends from the flexible plate. The stud can he engaged with one of positioning holes defined in the transverse bar by pulling the flexible plate to position the hook unit to the transverse bar. The hook units hook to a side of the bicycle carriage rack. A lower part is connected to a lower portion of the back board and has a second groove with which a sliding member is slidably engaged. Each sliding member has an I-shaped member which has one end pivotably engaged therewith and the other end of the I-shaped member is engaged with a support leg of the caniage rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wrap assembly, comprising at least a strap including an extensible portion, and a bobbin, wherein the strap includes at least a first hole and a second hole, and the bobbin comprises at least a base flange, a top flange, and a shank, wherein the base flange is connected to the top flange by the shank, wherein the base flange is broader than the first hole, and the top flange is broader than the second hole, and wherein in use the bobbin is insertable through the first hole so as to secure the bobbin to the strap, and the bobbin is further insertable through the second hole so as to secure the strap into a loop shape. The bobbin may be hollow, or have a through hole into winch accessory items can be fitted.

/\dvantages are that when assembled, the wrap is strong, flexible, lightweight, and usable for many applications in connection with bicycles.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the strap includes an elastomer portion.

Advantages are that when assembled, the wrap is particularly strong, flexible and lightweight.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the strap is an elastomer strap. Advantages are that when assembled, the wrap is particularly strong, flexible and lightweight.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the strap includes a portion which is more extensible than all other parts of the strap. /\n advantage is that the portion is flexible, while the other portions containing holes may he optimized for strength because they do not need to he particularly extensible.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the strap includes a reduced thickness strip to facilitate creasing of the strap. An advantage is that the wrap has an adjustable radius as a closed loop.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the top flange of the bobbin has a domed curved or conical or tapered profile. An advantage is ease of insertion into the second hole.

The \vrap assembly may be one wherein the strap is brightly coloured. An advantage is improved visibility and hence safety for cyclist using a bicycle with the wrap assembly attached.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the strap includes reflective material. An advantage is improved visibility and hence safety for cyclist using a bicycle with the wrap assembly attached.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the bobbin is a stepped bobbin, wherein a series of holes are located along the centreline of the strap, and the bobbin is operable to lock the strap using one of the holes to form a loop of various lengths.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the bobbin and holes are set out on a common axis along the centreline of the strap.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein at one end of the strap there is a series of holes adjacent to the bobbin on same axis.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein at the opposite end of the strap from the bobbin there is a hole to lock the strap hack to itself, over the bobbin, to form a loop.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the edge of the holes in the strap have a full radius or chamfer to enable easy fitrnent over the bobbin.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein two holes are distributed adjacent to bobbin, enabling the overall length of the wrap to be adjusted to one of three lengths.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein through the two fixed holes adjacent to the bobbin, the bobbin may be located by doubling the strap back on itself, thereby reducing the loop's effective overall length.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein multiple wraps may he interconnected to form one long strap or joined in a cruciform.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the bobbin is raised and stepped or tapered in section to provide multiple tiers of retention.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the top of the bobbin has a domed, curved or tapered profile to enable fitment and retention of the strap.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the rear face of the bobbin has a large flange to spread load into the strap.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the diameter of the bobbin shank at the lower level, next to the strap, matches the diameter of the holes adjacent to the bobbin.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein the diameter of the bobbin shank at the npper level matches the diameter of the hole in the strap at the opposite end from the bobbin.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the thickness of the strap changes along its length, enabling elastic compliance at the thinner sections.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein on the strap the section that the bobbin and holes are located is thicker and more rigid than some other parts of the strap.

The wrap assembly may he one wherein around the fixed holes adjacent to the bobbin, the thickness of the strap is reduced enabling the looped elastomer material to locally crease thereby reducing the effective radius of the loop.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the bobbin is a rigid plastic.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein the bobbin has a hollow core, allowing accessory products to be fixed in the centre. Possible accessory products include small LED lights, RFID tags and timing chips / electronics which may be used for example for liming athletes at sporting events.

The wrap assembly may be one wherein holes in the strap enable the wrap to he locked to an object when not in use using a conventional lock by passing the lock through the hole.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wrap comprising the wrap assembly of any aspect of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the bobbin is in tixed attachment with the strap at the first hole of the strap. The bobbin may he fixed by gluing, fusing, overmoukling or stapling, for example. An advantage is that the strap and bobbin element are formed as an integral unit.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a wrap from a wrap assembly of any aspect of the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: (i) inserting the bobbin through the first hole, and (ii) fixing the bobbin to the strap.

An advantage is that the bobbin cannot be entirely detached from the strap, and hence be lost independently of the strap.

The method may be one wherein fixing the bobbin to the strap comprises overtnoulding the bobbin with an elastomer. An advantage is that the portion of the strap including the bobbin is flexible. A further advantage is that the strap and bobbin clement arc formed as an integral unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided use of an assembled wrap assembly according to a first aspect of the invention, or of a wrap according to a second or third aspect of the invention, to hold a front bicycle wheel firmly with respect to a bicycle frame.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided use of an assembled wrap assembly according to a first aspect of the invention, or of a wrap according to a second or third aspect of the invention, as an ankle wrap. Advantages include preventing loose trouser legs becoming trapped in a bicycle drive system, or covered in chain lubricant.

Additional advantages are for securely attaching an accessory item to the ankle, this may he a small LED light or a timing device.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided use of an assembled wrap assernby according to a first aspect of the invention, or of a wrap according to a second or third aspect of the invention, to secure an object to a bicycle frame.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle including an assembled wrap assembly according to a tirst aspect of the invention, secured to the bicycle, or including a wrap according to a second or third aspect of the invention, secured to the bicycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures, in whtch: Figure 1 shows a plan view of one side of a wrap assembly, with three empty holes, and a bobbin secured in a fourth hole (fourth hole not shown).

Figure 2 shows a plan view of an opposite side of the wrap assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a multi-tiered bobbin with a top flange, a bottom flange, and a shank.

Figure 4 shows a side yew of the wrap assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a sectional side view of the wrap assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the wrap assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 7 shows an example of a wrap assembly arranged to form a loop, with the bobbin located in a hole securing the strap hack to itself a first time and a second time by insertion through corresponding holes (corresponding holes not shown.

Figure 8 shows in illustration A an example of a wrap assembly in use as an ankle wrap, and in illustration B an example of a wrap assembly in use as a wheel wrap.

Figure 9 shows in illustration A an example of two wrap assemblies in use as a utility wrap, and in illustration B an example of two wrap assetnbhes in use as a rack wrap.

Figure 10 shows an example of two wrap assemblies, one in an open configuration and one in a closed loop confignrathn.

Figure 11 shows an example of two wrap assemblies, one in an open configuration and one in a closed 1001) configuration. Note that lines of reduced thickness shown in Figure 1 are not included in these two wrap assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An accessory wrap that locates a bobbin on an elastomer strap to form a ioop of the same elastomer strap of various lengths, or to connect with another elastomer strap, S provides a solution in the way of using the strap to attach items to the tack or frame.

The assembly enables more flexible usage than a typical binding tape or cable tie, while avoiding the complexity of clamping and hook unit, giving a variety in the way of using the strap to attach items to the rack or frame. The wrap assembly is further usable for the purpose other than connecting items to the vehicle, for example, it may serve as a ankle wrap to protect the trousers when riding; when the bike is stored on the floor, the wrap may be used to tether the front wheel to the frame, preventing the handlebars and wheel from rotating.

In one example, the wrap is a flexible rubber accessory strap to accommodate the need for securing items to the bicycle frame or rack for an urban cyclist. It is available in a range of colours and is versatile by design; it may be adjustable in length, with three fixed pitches plus the inherent capacity to stretch wrap, and is therefore capable of many applications. For example, the design of the wrap is versatile and adj ustable for multi-purpose usage, such as an anide wrap (see e.g. Fig. 8A, as a wheel wrap (see e.g. Fig. 8B), as a utility wrap (see e.g. Fig. 9A, and as a rack wrap (see e.g. Fig. 9B).

The inherent elasticity of the elastomer strap material may provide a flexible wrapping effect to protect the items attached. The thickness of the strap changes along its length: this enables the location of elastic compliance' to be defined -occurring at the thinner sections. See Figures 4 and S for example. Where the bobbin and holes are located, the strap is thicker and more rigid. Between the fixed pitch holes adjacent to the bobbin, where the strap can be doubled back to reduce the overall length, the thickness of the strap is reduced enabling the looped elastomer material to locally crease thereby reducing the effective radius of the loop. See Figures 1, 4, 6 and 7 for example.

One or more wraps may be used for securing lightweight packages such as newspapers and magazines to the bicycle frame or rack. See Figure 9 illustration A for example.

When the bike is stored in a bicycle storage unit or on the floor, the wrap may also be used to tether the front wheel to the frame, preventing the handlebars and wheel from rotating. See Figure 8 illustration 13 for example.

The wrap may he used as an ankle strap to protect your trousers when riding. Tt is a complement on or off your hike. See Figure 8 illustration A for example. The ankle wrap conflguration may also he used to secure accessory products to a person.

Wrap usage may include securing wearable items to a person such as the loose bottom of a trouser leg or a wearable accessory. It may also include securing elements of a bicycle such as a wheel to the frame preventing rotation when it is not desirable for these to move.

Multiple wraps can be connected to loop around large items.

A wrap assembly is disclosed in which lines of reduced thickness are not present.

Examples are shown in Figure 11.

Examples of technical features: In an example, a wrap consists of a flexible clastomer strap with a raised, stepped bobbin feature at one end, and along the length of the strap various holes are located. Sec Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 7 for example.

At one end of the strap there is a series of holes adjacent to the bobbin, the holes being on the same axis. See Figures 1, 2 and 6 for example.

At the opposite end of the strap from the bobbin there is a hole to lock the strap back to itself, over the bobbin, to form a loop. Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7 for example. Multiple wraps can also be interconnected to form one long flexible strap or joined in a cruciform.

The Bobbin feature and holes arc set out on a common axis along the ccntrclinc of the strap. See Figures 1, 2 and 6 for example.

The top of the bobbin has a domed, curved profile to enable easy fitment and retention of the strap. See Figure 3 for example.

The edge of the holes in the strap have a Lull radius to enable easy fitment over the bobbin. See Figure 1 for example.

The bobbin is stepped in section, to provide multiple tiers of retention. The diameter of the shank at the lower level, next to the strap, matches the diameter of the holes adjacent to the bobbin. The diameter of the shank at the upper level matches the diameter of the hole in the strap at the opposite end from the bobbin. See Figures 1, 3, 6 and 7 for

example.

The rear face of the bobbin has a large flange to spread load into the strap. See Figure 3

for example.

The thickness of the strap changes along its length. This enables the location of elastic comphance' to be defined -occurring at the thinner sections. See Figures 4 and S for

example.

Where the bobbin and holes are located the strap is thicker and more rigid. See Figures

4 and S for example.

Between the fixed pitch holes adjacent to the bobbin, where the strap can he doubled back to reduce the overall length, the thickness of the strap is reduced enabling the looped elastomer material to locally crease thereby reducing the effective radius of the loop. See Figures 1, 4 and 6 for example.

The overall length of the Wrap can be adjusted by two mechanisms -the illustrated design in Figures 1, 2 and 6 has two holes adjacent to bobbin -including the bobbin this enables the effective strap length for the illustrated design in Figures 1, 2 and 6 to be fixed at one of three lengths, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The fixed pitch holes adjacent to the bobbin through which the bobbin can be located by doubling the strap back on itself thereby reduce the effective overall length of the strap when it is secured into a ioop shape.

The elastomer strap material has inherent elasticity.

Holes in the strap enable the product to he locked to an object when not in use using a conventional lock by passing the lock through the hole. For example when locking a bicycle in town the wrap can he left with the bike instead of being carried.

Reflective material can be applied, or the component parts can be manufactured from material that has a reflective quality. When a strap with reflective material is wrapped round a bicycle component this can add to visibility of a bicycle, which makes it less likely to he involved in an accidental collision in low light conditions.

The elastomer material can be brightly coloured; when a brightly coloured strap is wrapped round a bicycle component this can add to visibility of a bicycle, whici makes it less likely to he involved in an accidental collision.

In production it is anticipated that the bobbin is moulded from a rigid plastic; this may then he overmouldcd with the clastomcr strap feature.

A design shows the bobbin with a hollow core (see cg. Figures 5 to 7); accessory details may he fixed in the centre. Note

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to he the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will he apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can he made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

CLMMSI. \Vrap assembly, comprising at least a strap including an extensible portion, and a bobbin, wherein the strap includes at least a first hole and a second hole, and the bobbin comprises at least a base flange, a top flange, and a shank, wherein the base flange is connected to the top flange by the shank, wherein the base flange is broader than the first hole, and the top flange is broader than the second hole, and wherein in use the bobbin is insertable through the first hole so as to secure the bobbin to the strap, and the bobbin is further insertable through the second hole so as to secure the strap into a loop shape.
2. Wrap assembly of Cairn I, wherein the strap includes an elastomer portion.
3. \Vrap assembly of Claim 2, wherein the strap is an elastomer strap.
4. Wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 3, wherein the strap includes a portion wInch is more extensible than all other parts of the strap.
5. Wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 4, wherein the strap includes a reduced thickness strip to facilitate creasing of the strap.
6. \Vrap assembly of any of Claims I to 5, wherein the top flange of the bobbin has a domed curved or conical or tapered profile.
7. \Vrap assembly of any of Claims I to 6, wherein the strap is brightly coloured.
8. Wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 7, wherein the strap includes reflective material.
9. Wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 8, wherein the bobbin is a stepped bobbin, wherein a series of holes are located along the centrehne of the strap, and the bobbin is operable to lock the strap using one of the holes to form a loop of various lengths.
10. \Vrap assembly of Claim 9, wherein the bobbin and holes are set out on a common axis along the centreine of the strap.11. \Xrap assembly of Claim 9 or 10, wherein at one end of the strap there is a series of holes adjacent to the bobbin on same axis.2. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein at the opposite enJ of the strap from the bobbin there is a hole to lock the strap back to itself, over the bobbin, to form a 1001).10!3. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the eJge of the holes in the strap have a full radius or chamfer to enable easy fitment over the bobbin.14. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein two boles are distributed adjacent to bobbin, enabling the overall length of the wrap to he adjusted to one of three lengths.15. Wrap assembly of any previous Cairn, wherein through the two fixed holes adjacent to the bobbin, the bobbin may be located by doubling the strap back on itself, thereby reducing the loop's effective overall length.16. Wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein tnutipJ.e wraps may be interconnected to form one long strap or joined in a cruciform.17. Wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the bobbin is raised and stepped or tapered in section to provide multiple tiers of retention.18. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the top of the bobbin has a domed, curved or tapered profile to enable fitment and retention of the strap.19. Wrap assembh' of any previous Claim, wherein the rear face of the bobbin has a large flange to spread load into the sap.20. \Vrap assernhly of any previous Claim, wherein the diameter of the bohhin shank at the lower level, next to the strap, matches the diameter of the holes adjacent to the hohhin.21. Wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the diameter of the bobbin shank at the upper level matches the diameter of the hole in the strap at the opposite end from the bobbin.22. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the thickness of the strap changes along its length, enabling elastic compliance at the thinner sections.23. \Vrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein on the strap the section that the bobbin and holes are located is thicker and more rigid than some other parts of the strap.24-. Wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wheretn around the fixed holes adjacent to the bobbin, the thickness of the strap is reduced enabling the looped elastomer material to locally crease thereby reducing the effective radius of the loop.25. Wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the bobbin is a rigid plastic.26. Wrap assembly of any pres Claim, wherein the bobbin has a hollow core, allowing accessory details or products to be fixed in the centre.27. \Vrap assembly of any previous (Jaim, wherein holes in the strap enable the wrap to be locked to an object when not in use using a conventional lock by passing the hck through the hole.28. \Vrap comprising the wrap assembly of any previous Claim, wherein the bobbin is in fixed attachment with the strap at the first hole of the strap.29. Method of manufacturing a wrap from a wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 27, comprising the steps of: inserting the bobbin through the first hole, and (ii) fixing the bobbin to the strap.30. Method of Claim 29, wherein fixing the bobbin to the strap comprises overmoulding the bobbin with an elastomer.31. Use of an assembkd wrap assemb'y of any of Claims I to 27, or a wrap of Cairns 28, 29 or 30, to hold a front bicycle whee' firmly with respect to a bicycle frame.32. Use of an assemhleJ wrap assembly of any of Claims! to 27, or a wrap of Claims 28, 29 or 30, as an ankle wrap.33. Use of an assemhleJ wrap assembly of any of Claims! to 27, or a wrap of Claims 28, 29 or 30, to secure an object to a bicycle frame.34. Bicycle including an assembled wrap assembly of any of Claims I to 27, or a wrap of Claims 28, 29 or 30, secured to the bicycle.