WO2008027042A1

WO2008027042A1 - Adjustable cinching device

Info

Publication number: WO2008027042A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/033959
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anna Stewart; Kraigh Stewart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-31
Publication date: 2008-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2009-02-28

Abstract

An adjustable cinching device is disclosed that aids in the cinching and un-cinching of one or more items, such as the wrapping of food items in preparation for cooking. A cavity element and a stop element are attached to opposing ends of a length of flexible textured cord. The cord can be pushed through the cavity to form a loop that can hold various items. The loop can be tightened and loosened by sliding the cord within the cavity. The texture of the cord interacts with protrusions in the cavity to lock the cord in place. The cavity acts a type of clench and the end stop prevents the cord from slipping all the way out of the cavity.

Description

Adjustable Cinching Device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable cinching device for holding together one or more items and to the method of making and using the adjustable cinching device.

[0002] Cinching devices, also known as trussing devices, facilitate bundling, cinching, rolling, stuffing, securing, holding and the like, of edible items, e.g. meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as other items.

[0003] Since ancient times, cooking certain items has presented challenges. Items that tend to break apart during the cooking process present one of those challenges, such as poultry that is baked in the oven. One solution for poultry pertains to using a truss.

[0004] To truss means to secure poultry or meat into a compact shape. To truss poultry with string, you take a piece of butcher's string about three times the length of the bird, places the bird on its back, with the tail end nearest to you. You then slide the string underneath so that it is cradling the bird in the center of its back. You then gently pull the string up the sides, then around the wings of the bird. Pull the strings toward you, close to the breast of the bird, so that the wings are held against the body of the bird. Cross the strings at the base of the breast of the bird; then wrap each string around the end of a drumstick. Tie the ends of the string together, cinching it tightly so that the legs cross. Then lift the bird so that the tail end is up and wrap the string around the tail. Tie the string, pulling tightly so that the cavity is covered by the tail. Place the bird on its back again and bring the string back to the front, then tie it off. The bird is now ready for the oven. This is a complicated and time-consuming process.

[0005] Another cooking challenge is the cooking of small items, especially on a grill. The problem with cooking small bits of food is that the food is hard to handle and the fire can easily burn a person's arms and hands if the person gets too close to the fire. Holding items together, such as food for cooking, has traditionally been accomplished by using string, toothpicks, skewers, large needles with thread, aluminum foil, and the like.

[0006] There are problems with these attempts to hold food for cooking. Using aluminum foil can contaminate the food and may scratch a Teflon coated pan. String and toothpicks may burn at the high cooking temperatures. Aluminum foil, string and toothpicks are generally not reusable. Using string, toothpicks or aluminum foil generally requires more than one hand. Sharp skewers or needles can be dangerous

[0007] While previous methods have attempted to solve the problem of holding food during the preparation and cooking process, none have employed a device that cinches and is reusable.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists for an improved holding device that can cinch instead of tying, be reusable, engage and disengage faster than conventional methods, utilize fewer hands in its operation, will not scratch Teflon coated pan, and will not burn below an intermittent temperature of 850° F. and 750° F. sustained. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new device and method for effectively and efficiently holding items, such as, but not limited to, food. The present invention is intended to be used over and over again for cinching, bundling, rolling, stuffing, securing, holding and the like.

[0010] The main area of application for the present invention is for food items, e.g. meats, fish, fruits and vegetables. However, the present invention can also be used for the holding of most anything. In the kitchen or on the grill, the present invention replaces the need for the tying of kitchen twine, piercing with toothpicks or use of aluminum foil to hold stuffed foods.

[0011] One advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that will cinch one or more items together.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that is inexpensive.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that is easy to use.

[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that can be reused many times. [0015] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that is dishwasher safe.

[0016] Another advantage of this invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device which uses simple materials and components.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device that adjusts for engaging a wide range of items.

[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable cinching device with releasable locking in the desired position after engaging the desired item.

[0019] Another advantage of the present invention to create an adjustable cinching device operable for quick and easy clenching.

[0020] It a further advantage of the present invention to provide an adjustable cinching device that is easily reusable and washable.

[0021] It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide an adjustable cinching device operable to allow for the easy tightening and loosening of items within the adjustable cinching device. [0022] The present invention is comprised of a flexible cord portion, a sliding, tensioning portion operable for slideable, releasable locking, and an end portion. These portions are made of plastic, metal or other suitable material that retain their functionality and form at high temperatures, e.g. cooking.

[0023] The present in invention can be described as a tool or device that performs the function of holding, cinching, bundling, tying, rolling, securing, stuffing and the like in such environments as in the kitchen, the office, around the home, in the car, at work, at play, camping and the like. The unique method by which this tool performs is by way of a specially designed cavity that corresponds to a length of material described as a cord which, with applied finger pressure on said cord while holding the part known as the cavity, the two parts can then be forced together. The cord is attached to the cavity on one end and will fit into the cavity along its length. Depending on the direction in which the cord is inserted into the cavity will determine if the tool makes a noose shape or a loop shape. This shape can be pulled from the opposite of the cavity end to close the shape down tighter or be pushed through the cavity to open up the shape larger.

[0024] The size of the cavity in relation to the size of the cording is important due to the coefficient of friction that exists between the two sections. This can be expressed in percentages. The percentage the cavity section can be larger than the cord section is 10%. 0% would mean the cavity section and the cord section are the same diameter. The percentage smaller that the cavity section can be from the cord section is 40%. The durometer of the flexible compound is also a factor in the performance of the present invention. The more flexible the compound the smaller the cavity can be. The more rigid the material is the closer in size the cavity and the cord must be. This can also be described in terms of a percentage on the shore hardness A scale.

[0025] Another contributing factor that is necessary for the present invention's performance can be described as the amount of slippage or tacticity that is compounded into the flexible material. This is directly proportionate to the durometer of material formulation. The compound that makes the present invention work for food is a specially formulated and cross linked using FDA approved silicone blends that give the properties of High Temperature resistancy up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit sustained, and 850 degrees Fahrenheit intermittent.

[0026] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. [0027] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0028] Further advantages and objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0029] Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable cinching device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable cinching device showing the first step in clenching an item according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable cinching device showing an intermediate step of clenching a flexible item according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of an adjustable cinching device showing how the cord portion is inserted into the locking cavity according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of an adjustable cinching device showing how to tighten the loop portion and clench an object according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable cinching device showing the clenching of a flexible object according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the locking cavity portion of an adjustable cinching device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 detailed view showing a longitudinal section through the locking cavity portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0038] FIG. 9 is a partial view of the cord portion of an adjustable cinching device being held by the locking cavity portion of an adjustable cinching device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a partial view of the stop portion of an adjustable cinching device at the end of the cord portion of an adjustable cinching device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in defail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention is comprised of cavity end 20, textured cord 30_? stop 40, raised branding area 41.

[0042] Referring now to FIG.2, cinching device 10, cavity end 20, textured cord 30, and stop 40 are shown.

[0043] Referring now to FIG.3, cinching device 10, cavity end 20, textured cord 30, and stop 40 are shown. [0044] Referring now to FIG.4, cavity end 20, flexible edge-a 22a, back cord lock-a 23a, front cord lock-a 24a, back cord guide 29, stop 40, and raised branding area 41 are shown.

[0045] Referring now to FIG.5, cinching device 10, cavity end 20, textured cord 30, and stop 40 are shown.

[0046] Referring now to FIG.6, cinching device 10, cavity end 20, textured cord 30, and stop 40 are shown.

[0047] Referring now to FIG.7, cavity end 20, mating protrusion-a 21a, flexible edge- a 22a, flexible edge-b 22b, back cord lock-a 23a, back cord lock-b 23b, front cord lock-a 24a, front cord lock-b 24b, finger grip 25, interior cavity 26, front cord guide 27, back cord guide 29, and cord indentions 31 are shown.

[0048] Referring now to FIG.8, mating protrusion-b 21b, back cord lock-b 23b, front cord lock-b 24b, interior cavity 26, front cord guide 27, back cord guide 29, and cord indentions 31 are shown.

[0049] Referring now to FIG.9, flexible edge-a 22a, flexible edge-b 22b, back cord lock-a 23a, back cord lock-b 23b, front cord lock-a 24a, front cord lock-b 24b, textured cord 30, and cord indentions 31 are shown. [0050] Referring now to FIG. 10, cinching device 10, cord indentions 31, stop 40, and raised branding area 41 are shown.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment the adjustable cinching device is comprised of textured cord 30, cavity end 20 and stop 40.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment the adjustable cinching device is typically manufactured from a specific type of heat-resistant silicon. A two-part mold cavity of the geometry is created using industry standard methods and silicon is poured into a mold cavity. The mold is then opened and the adjustable cinching device removed. In the preferred embodiment, textured cord 30, cavity end 20 and stop 40 are all made from the same heat-resistant silicon. However other materials, e.g., stainless aircraft cable, cast stainless steel, other types of silicon, rubber or other material combinations, can be used.

[0053] FIG.2 through FIG. 6 and FIG.9 show how a portion of textured cord 30 can be inserted into cavity end 20. Textured cord 30 is operable to enter and exit cavity end 20 in a direction normal to the axial length of textured cord 30 as shown in FIG.4.

[0054] Cavity end 20 is preferably permanently attached at one end of textured cord 30 in such a way that another section of textured cord 30 can be looped and routed into cavity end 20 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.6. Textured cord 30 is of a length relative to the size of cavity end 20 that looping or noosing of textured cord 30 is possible. In the preferred embodiment, the length of textured cord 30 is approximately 14 inches. After textured cord 30 physically enters into interior cavity 26, textured cord 30 is held in place relative until the user removes it with moderate force. Additionally, textured cord 30 can be axially pulled through interior cavity 26 of cavity end 20 to increase and decrease the size of the loop formed as shown in FIG.5 and FIG. 6. Additionally, stop 40 prevents the cord from passing out of the interior cavity 26 axially.

[0055] The common use of the preferred embodiment of an adjustable cinching device is as follows. Take the adjustable cinching device and lay it on a flat surface with interior cavity 26 facing down and place cinching device 10 to be wrapped or cinched in the center of the adjustable cinching device as shown in FIG.2. Lift cavity end 20 and stop 40 in the direction of the arrows and curve around cinching device 10 with textured cord

30 as shown in FIG.3. Continue to bring cavity end 20 and stop 40 together until they meet as shown in FIG.4. Press with thumb and forefingers in the direction of the arrows to insert texture cord 30 into Hie cavity 26, Pressing textured cord 30 against cavity end 20 opens flexible edge-a 22a and flexible edge-b 22b of interior cavity 26 in such a way that it releases back cord lock-a 23a, back cord lock-b 23b, front cord lock-a 24a, and front cord lock-b 24b due to the mechanical linking of the material as shown in FIG. 7. Once textured cord 30 is within interior cavity 26, back cord lock-a 23a and front cord lock-a 24a keep textured cord 30 from slipping out the top of interior cavity 26 as shown in FIG.9. Textured cord 30 is guided out of the front and end of the interior cavity 26 with front cord guide 27 and back cord guide 29.

[0056] To tighten the loop, grip cavity end 20 and stop 40 and pull in the direction of the arrows as shown in FIG. 5. As the cord is moved through the cavity, cord indentions

31 in textured cord 30, and mating protrusion-a 21a and mating protrusion-b 21b in cavity end 20 intersect and mesh, creating a tactile click and locking the cord into place laterally, allowing the adjustable cinching device to tighten as shown in FIG. 6 and stay in position. Additionally, finger grip 25, and raised branding area 41 facilitate a positive grip for the user.

[0057] The physical principles used to lock the cord into cinching position include friction of cord against the cavity walls, partial encasement of the cord, indentions in the flexible cord combined with protrusions in the interior of the cavity end, particular flexing of the cavity end for sliding, and particular flexing of the cavity end for insertion

[0058] Along the entire length of interior cavity 26 textured cord 30 is interference fit. Because cavity end 20 is typically more flexible than textured cord 30, cavity end 20 deflects to allow textured cord 30 to enter. Inserting textured cord 30 deforms cavity end 20. Spring-back of the material of cavity end 20 forces the sidewalls of interior cavity 26 against textured cord 30 as shown in FIG.9. Friction acts along the entire inside surface of the interior cavity 26 where it interfaces with textured cord 30. This friction acts to prevent axial sliding of textured cord 30 along interior cavity 26.

[0059] The cord is also retained within in the cavity by a function of partial encasement and particular flexing of the cavity as shown in FIG.9. When the cord is forced through the opening of the cavity as in FIG.4 with force in the direction of the arrows, the cavity flexes at flexible edge-a 22a and flexible edge-b 22b to allow the cord to enter. When flexible edge-a 22a and flexible edge-b 22b are pushed open by the cord, locking features at the beginning of cavity end 20, i.e., front cord lock-a 24a and front cord lock-b 24b, and at the end of cavity end 20, i.e., back cord lock-a 23a, back cord lock-b 23b, open, allowing textured cord 30 to slide in place in the cavity. After entering, flexible edge-a 22a and flexible edge-b 22b reform around the cord as shown in FIG. 9, keeping textured cord 30 locked into interior cavity 26 until textured cord 30 is forcibly removed. Thickened sections at the beginning of interior cavity 26, i.e. front cord lock-a 24a and front cord lock-b 24b and end of interior cavity 26, Le., back cord lock-a 23a and back cord lock-b 23b serve as locking features to retain textured cord 30 in interior cavity 26.

[0060] To keep textured cord 30 from siding within interior cavity 26, indentions in textured cord 31 and mating protrusion- in interior cavity 26 interact and mesh. The mating protrusion-a 21a and mating protrusion-b 21b are shown in FIG.8. When textured cord 30 is slid down interior cavity 26 axially, mating protrusions and indentions act as a series of stops, allowing the loop or noose to be changed in size, tightened around one or more objects, or loosened to release one or more objects.

[0061] Although the invention has been described herein with specific reference to a presently preferred and additional embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations may be made to such preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this regard, it is believed that the clenching device may be sized and configured to be utilized in any of a variety of clenching operation as a substitute for conventional clenching devices. For example, it is contemplated that clenching device of the present invention may be sized and adapted for use in large scale applications such as load tie down for a car or truck or sized and adapted for small scale applications such as food preparation, or adapted to encase non-related implements such as a lighting apparatus which can then be clinched around an object to allow for hands-free illumination. Accordingly, it is intended that all reasonably foreseeable additions, modifications, deletions and alterations be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

Claims: We claim:

1. An adjustable cinching device comprising: a cord made from a flexible material, and means for releasable cinching of said flexible cord around at least one object.

2. The adjustable cinching device of claim 1, wherein said flexible material is heat resistant silicone.

3. The adjustable cinching device of claim 1 , wherein said flexible material is heat resistant plastic.

4. The adjustable cinching device of claim 1 , wherein said flexible material is stainless steel.

5. An adjustable cinching device comprising: a cord, a cavity end, and a stop, wherein said cord is further comprised of cord indentions, wherein said cavity end is further comprised of an outside and an interior cavity, wherein said outside is further comprised of flexible edges and finger locks, wherein said interior cavity is further comprised of mating protrusions, back cord locks, front cord locks, a front cord guide, and a back cord guide, wherein said stop is further comprised of a raised branding area.

6. A method of making an adjustable cinching device claim 1 comprising: forming a mold dimensioned to create a cord having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is dimensioned for releasable insertion of said cord into said first end, wherein said second end is dimensioned to prevent said cord from being pulled entirely through said first end; obtaining heat resistant material; inserting said heat resistant material into a said mold; heating said heat resistant material; cooling said heat resistant material; and removing said heat resistant material from said mold.