Rubber band retainer apparatus

• US 6,842,948 B2
• Filed: 12/31/2003
• Issued: 01/18/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alliance Rubber Products
• Original Assignee: Alliance Rubber Products
• Inventors: Smith, Kennith
• Primary Examiner(s): SANDY, ROBERT JOHN
• Application Number:
  US10/749,430
• Publication Number:
  US 20040154138A1
• Time in Patent Office: 384 Days
• Field of Search: 242/65.EC, 242/65.CD, 242/65.C, 243/00, 242/65.AL, 243/02, 24/16.R, 24/305.R, 241/30
• US Class Current: 24/16.00R
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 3/233 by means of a flexible band
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/14 Bale and package ties, hose clamps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/15 Bag fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/314 Elastic connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4745 End clasp

Abstract

A wrap for securing objects having an elastomeric band, a retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of the elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of the notch, a first tab extending axially over the band receiving portion of the notch and defining a mouth portion of the notch, wherein the mouth portion has a width less than the width of the elastomeric band.

Claims

1. A wrap comprising, an elastomeric band having a uniform width substantially greater than its thickness, a retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of said elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of said notch, a first tab extending axially of said retainer over said band receiving portion of said notch and defining a mouth portion of said notch, wherein said mouth portion has a width less than the width of said elastomeric band.

2. The wrap of claim 1, wherein said body has a second tab extending axially toward but spaced from said first tab to define said mouth portion.

3. The wrap of claim 1 further comprising, a second notch located substantially diametrically opposite said first notch.

4. The wrap of claim 3, wherein said first and second notches are symmetrical about an axis of said body of said retainer.

5. The wrap of claim 1 further comprising, a second tab extending from said body portion opposite said first tab, wherein said mouth portion is defined between said first and second tabs.

6. The wrap of claim 5, wherein said first and second tabs extend equidistantly from said body portion to define a substantially T-shaped notch.

7. The wrap of claim 5, further comprising a second notch having a mouth defined by at least one tab that is less than said width of a side of said elastomeric band, whereby one portion of said elastomeric band is received within said first notch and another portion of said elastomeric band is received in said second notch and radially retained by the respective tabs.

8. The wrap of claim 7, wherein said second notch includes a pair of spaced tabs extending from said body portion to define said opening.

9. The wrap of claim 7, wherein said notches are symmetrical about an axially extending centerline of said retainer.

10. A wrap comprising a continuous elastomeric band having a substantially uniform width and having a substantial width to thickness ratio, a retainer having an elongate body including a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of said elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of said notch extending transversely of said elongate body, a first tab extending axially over said band receiving portion of said notch and defining a mouth portion of said notch, said mouth portion having a width less than the width of said elastomeric band.

11. The wrap of claim 10, wherein said body has a second tab extending axially toward but spaced from said first tab to define said mouth portion.

12. The wrap of claim 10 further comprising, a second notch located substantially diametrically opposite said first notch.

13. The wrap of claim 12, wherein said first and second notches are symmetrical about an axis of said body of said retainer.

14. The wrap of claim 10 further comprising, a second tab extending from said body portion opposite said first tab, wherein said mouth portion is defined between said first and second tabs.

15. The wrap of claim 14, wherein said first and second tabs extend equidistantly from said body portion to define a substantially T-shaped notch.

16. The wrap of claim 14, further comprising a second notch having a mouth defined by at least one tab that is less than the width of said elastomeric band, whereby one portion of said elastomeric band is received within said first notch and another portion of said elastomeric band is received in said second notch and radially retained by the respective tabs.

17. The wrap of claim 10, wherein said retainer is substantially cylindrical.

18. The wrap of claim 10, wherein said notch is located substantially medially of said elongate body.

19. A wrap comprising, an elastomeric band of uniform width adapted to be folded over to form a first end loop and a second end loop, an elongate retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise said first end loop of said elastomeric band, a slot in said retainer located inward thereof, and a mouth portion communicating with said slot and opening externally of the retainer, said mouth portion having a width less than the width of the elastomeric band, wherein said first end loop with said retainer is receivable in said second end loop and held by said retainer to prevent separation of said first end loop and said second end loop.