The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 01, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 01, 1999
Kevin E. Willey, Ft. Collins, CO (US);
Other;
Abstract
A retainer for removably holding an elongated item to a larger member including the following features: a closed-loop band having elasticity for arrangement around a periphery of the larger member; and a loop for retaining the elongated item, wherein first and second ends of this loop protrude from a wall of the band. Also, a retainer including the band and a looped portion (integrated with the band) that has a taper angled to guide an end of the elongated item into the loop to be retained thereby. The band may have an outwardly-facing grip surface against which the elongated item can lean. The loop/looped portion, whether it has a taper, can have gripping teeth or suitable textured surface. A system comprising a retainer with its band arranged around the periphery of a larger member. A method of removably holding an elongated item to an outside wall of a larger member including: arranging a closed-loop resilient band around a periphery of the larger member, the band having first and second ends of a loop protruding from a wall of the band; and guiding an end of the elongated item into and through the loop along a taper. Or, arranging a band having a looped portion protruding from a wall thereof; and guiding an end of the elongated item into and through the looped portion so that once retained therein, a top-end of the item is oriented out and away a distance from the larger member.