CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App . No. 63/323724 to Scoggin, filed on March 25, 2022 and entitled "Securing Device for Tools and Other Objects," and U.S. Patent App. No. 17/845774 to Scoggin, filed on June 21, 2022 and entitled "Securing Device for Tools and Other Objects," the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices for securing items, such as tools and sporting equipment.

Related Art

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a prior art Model 8290DPS Street Cuff locking device 100 available from Master Lock Company, LLC of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The locking device 100 includes two cuffs 102 and a link 104, such as a chain or cable. The locking device 100 can be used to secure a first item to a second item. For instance, one cuff portion 102 can attach to a side rail in a truck bed, a trailer, or similar while the other cuff portion 102 can attach to an expensive piece of equipment, such as construction or sporting equipment, to secure the expensive piece of equipment to the truck bed, thus lowering the chance of theft. The locking device 100, however, can most often only be used to secure a single item at a time. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[ 0004 ] One embodiment of a securing device according to the present disclosure comprises a j unction, a primary securing member, and a primary link member connecting the j unction and the primary securing member . The securing device further comprises a plurality of secondary securing members , and a plurality of secondary link members each connecting one of the secondary securing members to the j unction .

[ 0005 ] One embodiment o f a method according to the present disclosure of securing a plurality of mobile obj ects using a securing device comprises attaching a primary securing member of a securing device to an anchor and/or stationary obj ect , and attaching each of a plurality of secondary securing members of the securing device to a respective one or more of a plurality of mobile obj ects . The securing device comprises the primary securing member, the secondary securing members , a j unction, a primary link member connecting the primary securing member to the j unction, and a plurality of secondary link members each connecting a respective one or more of the secondary securing members to the j unction .

[ 0006 ] This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood . Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below . It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utili zed as a basis for modi fying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present di sclosure . It should also be reali zed by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims . The novel features , which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure , both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further features and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1A shows a prior art securing device;

[0008] FIG. IB shows a prior art swivel pin;

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a securing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a securing device junction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a securing device junction according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 5A shows a securing device junction according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5B shows a securing device junction according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a securing device junction according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a lock component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] This disclosure relates generally to securing/locking devices that enable the securing of multiple valuable and/or dangerous items, such as tools, sporting equipment, firearms, and the like. Embodiments of securing/locking devices according to the present disclosure can include a primary link member such as a chain, rope (e.g. normal rope, steel rope, etc.) , wire, or cable that connects a junction to a primary securing member, such as a cuff. The devices can further include a plurality of secondary link members each connecting the junction to one or more respective secondary securing members. The primary link member can attach the device to an anchor, such as a truck bed rail, a portion of a house or garage, or similar. The secondary link members can attach the device to mobile objects, such as expensive tools, sporting equipment, and the like. Thus, the single securing/locking device can be used to secure multiple mobile objects to a relatively stationary and/or heavier anchor. Many different embodiments similar to or different than this specific securing device are possible.

[0017] Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the actual size, components and features can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of technological capabilities, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes or components of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes/components that result, for example, from manufacturing or technological availability. The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape or functionality of a feature of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In addition, components may be shown as one unit but may instead be a collection of components or units, or a collection of components or units may exist as one unit.

[0018] Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms "disclosure," "device," "method," "present disclosure," "present device" or "present method" refers to any one of the embodiments of the disclosure described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature (s) of the "disclosure," "device," "method," "present disclosure," "present device" or "present method" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature (s) .

[0019] It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent to the other element or feature, or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0020] Relative terms such as "outer," "above," "lower," "below," "horizontal," "vertical" and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. [0021] Although the terms first, second, etc. and similar terms such as primary, secondary, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof .

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a securing/locking device 200 ("securing device" and "locking device" used interchangeably herein for simplicity) according to the present disclosure. The locking device 200 can include a plurality of securing members 202 (e.g., cuffs) and a plurality of link members 204 (e.g., chains, cables, ropes, wires, or similar) . The locking device 200 can also include a junction 206. The junction 206 can be, e.g., a junction box or junction block, and can serve to connect to the various link members 204.

[0024] In the specific embodiment shown, the locking device 200 includes one primary securing member 202a and one primary link member 204a connecting the junction 206 to the primary securing member 202a. The locking device 200 also includes five secondary securing members 202b and five secondary link members 204b. The ratio of securing members 202 to link members 204 (and/or primary securing members 202a to primary link members 204a, and/or secondary securing members 202b to secondary link members 204b) can be 1:1 as in this embodiment, though it is understood that different embodiments are possible. It is also understood that any number of secondary securing members 202b and/or secondary link members 204b is possible, such as two, three, four, five (as shown) , or more. It can be advantageous to have two or more secondary securing members 202b and link members 204b so that the locking device 200 can secure multiple items. Embodiments other than that shown are possible. For instance, in some embodiments, one or more of the securing members 202 are each associated with two or more link members 204 for extra security, and the link members 204 for each securing member 202 can be of the same or different type (e.g. both chain, one chain and one cable, both cable, etc.) .

[0025] In the specific embodiment shown, the locking device 100 is designed to connect to an anchoring object, such as a building, house, trailer, or truck (e.g., to a rail in a truck bed) . The anchoring object is typically more stationary and/or heavier than the other objects to which the locking device connects (referred to herein as "mobile objects" for simplicity) . Anchoring objects according to the present disclosure can be, for example, 1001b or more, 2501b or more, 5001b or more, 10001b or more, 20001b or more, or 50001b or more, though these weights are exemplary in nature only. The connection to the anchoring object can be made using the primary securing member 202a and primary link member 204a. In some embodiments, an anchoring object can comprise a primary and/or heavier object (such as a truck) and a connection object, such as a rail, connected to the heavier object. One such example is a high strength eye-bolt and rail attached to a bed of a truck or to a trailer. The plurality of secondary securing members 202b and secondary link members 204b can be used to secure mobile objects which may typically be more easily stolen, more mobile, and/or lighter, such as, for instance, construction equipment, sporting equipment, luggage, or firearms. The mobile objects can be, by way of example only, 5001b or less, 2501b or less, 1501b or less, 1001b or less, 751b or less, or 501b or less. In one embodiment, the primary link member 204a is thicker, stronger, and/or sturdier than the secondary link members 204b in order to lessen the chance of rupture of the primary link member 204a such that all mobile objects can be taken at once without rupturing any of the secondary link members 204b. In another similar embodiment, two or more primary link members are used, so as to add extra reinforcement, either with or without additional primary securing members. It is understood that while FIG. 2 specifically identifies elements 202a and 204a as the primary securing and link members, any of the securing and link members shown could serve as the primary securing and link members, and/or connect to an anchoring object. Moreover, for extra security, multiple link member/securing member combinations could be connected to an anchoring object for extra security .

[0026] While the specific embodiment shown includes cuffs as the securing members 202, it is understood that some or all of the securing members 202 can be different types of securing members, such as, without limitation, U-locks, combination locks, and other embodiments as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0027] In the specific embodiment shown, the securing members

202 are keyed securing members. In one embodiment, all securing members 202 are keyed the same (i.e., are lockable and unlockable by the same common key) . In another embodiment, the secondary securing members 202b are all keyed the same. In another embodiment, the secondary securing members 202b are all keyed in one manner, while the primary securing member 202a is keyed in a different manner. In another embodiment, all of the securing members 202 are keyed differently. Many different embodiments are possible. Moreover, the term "keyed" as used herein should be understood in a broad sense to refer to different types of locking mechanisms, methods, and apparatus, such as combination locks .

[0028] Many different lengths of link members 204 are possible. In one embodiment, two or more secondary link members 204 have lengths differing by 6" or more, or 12" or more, or 18" or more, or 24" or more; in another embodiment, three or more secondary link members 204b have lengths differing from each other by 6" or more, or 12" or more, or 18" or more, or 24" or more; in another embodiment, four or more secondary link members 204b have lengths differing from each other by 6" or more, or 12" or more, or 18" or more, or 24" or more; in another embodiment, five or more secondary link members 204b have lengths differing from each other by 6" or more, or 12" or more, or 18" or more, or 24" or more. In the specific embodiment shown, the primary link member 204a is approximately 8" to 24" long, while the secondary link members 204b are approximately 12" ± 3", 24" ± 3", 36" ± 3", 48" ± 3", and 60" ± 3" long, respectively. In some embodiments, the primary link member 204a and/or each of the secondary link members 204b is 6" or longer, 12" or longer, 18" or longer, 24" or longer, or even longer. Many different embodiments are possible. The inclusion of secondary link members 204b of different length can be advantageous in that it can permit easier storage of the various items that the secondary securing members 202b are connected to, such as by spacing them out from one another (e.g., in a truck bed) . [0029] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the junction 206 is a junction box that includes six attachment points, though different embodiments are possible. In this embodiment, the primary link member 204a connects to a first side 206a of the junction 206 while the secondary link members 204b connect to a second side 206b of the junction 206 opposite the first side 206a. In another embodiment, secondary link members 204b connect to the junction 206 at the second side 206b, and/or at third and/or fourth sides 206c, 206d between the first and second sides 206a, 206b. In such an embodiment, the third and/or fourth sides 206c, 206d can each be adjacent the first and/or second sides 206a, 206b. In one embodiment, a link member 204 (e.g. a primary link member 204a or secondary link member 204b) can extend upward or downward out of the junction 206 (e.g., for an upwardly extending link member 204, out of the top side 206e) . In one embodiment, six or more sides of a junction each have one or more link members connecting to it. In one embodiment, a single side has both the primary link member 204a and one or more secondary link members 204b connecting to it. Many different embodiments are possible.

[0030] The connection between the junction 206 and the link members 204 can be designed to make rupture more difficult. For instance, the connection can be a swivel connection enabling 360° rotation as shown by "A" in FIG. 2, thus reducing or eliminating the possibility of disconnecting the link members 204 from the junction 206 via rotational force in the direction of A. This can be accomplished using, for instance, a connection using the prior art swivel pin 150 shown in FIG. IB. Similarly, the connection between the link members 204 and securing members 202 can also be a swivel connection. These swivel connections can be particularly useful for embodiments where the link members 204 comprise chains, which can be particularly susceptible to torsion. [0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure can use and/or be made of many different materials. For example, the securing members 202, link members 204, and/or junction box 206 could be metal, rubber, polymer, plastic, or other materials as known in the art. Additional materials can also be used in order to prevent damage to items to which the securing devices are attached. For instance, rubber, silicone, nylon, or another soft material can be used in conjunction with the securing members 202 and/or the link members 204, which could be metal, in order to prevent scratching or other damage. Additionally, the link members 204, while shown as flexible, could also be rigid, such as in an embodiment with one or more pole and/or rod link members. Many different embodiments are possible.

[0032] While FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a junction 206, many different embodiments and shapes are possible. For instance, FIG. 3 shows a junction 306 with a shape and/or crosssection having a roughly trapezoidal bottom portion with a curved and/or convex top surface (a convex surface as described herein including but not limited to a curved convex surface and a combination of surfaces, such as flat surfaces, forming an overall convex shape) . Exemplary attachment points 306a (e.g., apertures, though other types of attachment points are possible) can be used for connections to link members such as those described above. Other attachment points are possible, such as a primary attachment point on the bottom surface. The curved and/or convex top surface can be beneficial in that it can result in link members angling away from one another as they extend outward from the junction 306, which can help in preventing mobile objects from ending up on top of one another. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows a junction 406 having a generally circular shape and/or cross-section and exemplary attachment points 406a, which can enable link members to extend outward from an approximately semi-circular top surface (which is also a convex curved surface) . Again, additional attachment points are possible, such as a primary attachment point approximately at the bottom quadrant. Many different embodiments are possible. Moreover, in another embodiment, attachment apertures of the junction to which link members connect can be angled such that the link members angle away from one another as they extend away from the junction. Attachment point arrangements can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Many different embodiments are possible.

[0033] Another embodiment of a junction 506 is shown in FIG. 5A. In this embodiment, the junction 506 is relatively flat compared to the versions previously shown, and can be a bar, a plate, or a sheet, and/or can be linear in nature. The junction 506 can include attachment points 506a. Additionally, the junction 506 (and other junctions described herein) can include attachment mechanisms, such as the attachment mechanisms 506b. The attachment mechanisms 506b can help to attach the junction 506 to an anchor (e.g., a ceiling, a trailer, a truck bed, etc.) . In one embodiment, the attachments 506b can be eye-bolts, though other embodiments are possible.

[0034] Yet another embodiment of a junction 556 is shown in FIG. 5B . The junction 556 can be similar to the junction 506. In this specific embodiment, in addition to the attachment points 556a, the junction 556 can also include an attachment point 556c, which can be, for instance, on the top or side (e.g., front or rear) of the junction 556. A link member such as those previously described can run from the attachment point 556c and can attach the junction 556 to an anchor (e.g., a ceiling, a trailer, a truck bed, etc.) . The attachments 556b, such as eyebolts, can be used for weight support, such as by running a chain or other mechanism from the attachments 556b to the anchor. One or more link member/securing member combinations running from the attachment point 556c can serve as the primary securing apparatus . [0035] Junctions according to the present disclosure can include multiple portions, which can enable easier connection to link members. For instance, FIG. 6 shows a square/rectangular junction 606 that is made up of two primary portions 606a, 606b. The junction part 606a can include aperture portions 606c while the junction part 606b can include aperture portions 606d, with the aperture portions 606c, 606d forming full apertures when the junction portions 606a, 606b are connected to one another. In one embodiment, link member connection portions are placed in position prior to the connection of the junction portions 606a, 606b, such that the link member connection portions are sandwiched between the two connected junction portions 606a, 606b. In one embodiment, the junction portions 606a, 606b are permanently connected to one another. However, in another embodiment this connection may not be permanent, and instead may be, for instance, keyed. Thus, a user could disconnect the two portions 606a, 606b from one another, and remove one link portion and replace it with another, adding customizability. Many different embodiments are possible. Additionally, it should be understood that various different aperture and connector/pin shapes are possible, often with the aperture sized and shaped to fit the connector/pin as would be understood by one of skill in the art .

[0036] The connection between a junction and link members can be permanent, such as with a locking device that has a junction stamped with the link members permanently therein. In another embodiment, the link members can be removable, such as via a key or similar. A keying functionality can be accomplished in many different manners. For instance, in one manner a lock component such as the lock bar 700 shown in FIG. 7 can be used. When the lock bar is in a first position, connectors such as the swivel pins 150 can be in the small portions 702a of the apertures 702, and having a larger cross-section than the small portions 702, be secured. When the position of the lock bar 700 is unlocked (e.g., by removing a lock piece from a slot such as the slot 704, such as by a keying functionality/mechanism) , the lock bar 700 can be moved (e.g., slide) such that the connectors can be removed from the large portions 702b of the apertures 702. In this way, link members can be removed and replaced with alternative link members which may be more suitable for a user' s intended purpose. The lock bar 700 can be included in and/or attached to a larger body or housing. In some instances the lock bar may include a pull tab or similar to assist with sliding. Another functionally similar embodiment is a cylindrical embodiment where when unlocked a mechanism can be rotated such that connectors (such as swivel pins 150) can be removed from larger portions of apertures (such as apertures 702 or similar) . It should be understood that these embodiments are exemplary in nature, and other locking/unlocking functionalities and mechanisms can be included as would by understood by one of skill in the art.

[0037] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof both in the specification and in the claims, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise any combination of compatible devices/ features described herein and/or shown in the figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. For instance and not by way of limitation, the appended claims could be modified to be multiple dependent claims so as to combine any combinable combination of elements within a claim set, or from differing claim sets. The spirit and scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the versions described above.

[0038] The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as expressed in the appended claims , wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain i f not set forth in the claims .