NZ715051A - Holding strap component - Google Patents

Abstract

holding strap component, including, an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member directly secured at either end to respective parts of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being adapted to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched, and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, and wherein to stretch the elastic member to the expanded length requires a force of between 20 and 28 Newtons (N). ched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched, and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube, and wherein to stretch the elastic member to the expanded length requires a force of between 20 and 28 Newtons (N).

Description

HOLDING STRAP COMPONENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention s to a holding strap, and may be particularly applicable to holding straps with elastic ns.

BACKGROUND Some holding straps are known as octopus straps. They comprise an elastic cord with hooks at either end. The hooks are made of plastic coated wire and are formed by winding a bowl into which a knot at the end of the elastic cord sits and a hook section at the top of the bowl.

Such straps are ly used to hold down the boot of a car when the luggage inside the boot prevents the boot from being closed securely or to hold down luggage on car roof racks or loads on light trailers. The stretching nature of the elastic cord allows the strap to be bent around s and to apply a sufficient force to ensure the boot remains closed. These straps are cheap, popular and easy to fit.

One problem with holding straps is that the elastic cord may be d to high friction contact and/or rubbing, especially when in use. The contact and/or rubbing cord comes into contact with an may occur at a point, or various points, where the elastic object being secured by the holding strap. Additionally, when in use, the c cord may be in contact with, for example, edges of the boot of a car, edges of a roof rack or other various points.

The high friction contact and/or the rubbing, may cause the elastic cord to become frayed. and/or to be cut and/or to be damaged in some other way. The fraying. cutting and/or damaging of the elastic cord may occur at one point, various le points or along a length or various multiple lengths of the elastic cord. Fraying, cutting and/or damage to the elastic cord may occur especially where there is movement of the elastic cord with respect to a point or s multiple points of contact. Such nt occur, for e. when a car or other vehicle on which objects are secured with a holding strap is moving or vibrating due to the car or other vehicle moving on a surface.

This may be particularly the case where a car or other e is traveling on an uneven surface. such as an unsealed road.

The fraying. cutting and/or other damage to the elastic cord may lead to weakening of the elastic cord. and the weakened elastic cord may then be subject to failure.

The failure may be catastrophic failure, where the elastic cord completely breaks at a point.

In this situation. objects secured by the holding strap may become unsecured and may then, fall off or out of a car or other vehicle. This can be particularly dangerous when a car or other vehicle is moving along a road with other cars or vehicles. as the previously d object may cause a g hazard.

Another way in which a holding strap may become d is by’ the effects of environmental conditions. Such environmental conditions include. for example. ultraviolet light. When a holding strap is exposed to ultraviolet light. either in use or ise. the elastic cord may degrade. The degradation of the elastic cord may lead to failure when the holding strap is in use. As mentioned before, failure of the holding strap. in certain circumstances, can lead to a very dangerous situation.

A further problem is that the holding straps can be overstretched when an operator secures a load. The elastic cord of the holding strap also tends to loosen off if the load moves. and. as mentioned above, can rub on the load. which can weaken the elastic cord.

A further problem with the above-mentioned prior holding straps is that such holding straps cannot be easily extended if an operator s to secure a load having a larger . In fact. some of the above-mentioned prior holding straps cannot be safely extended at all. In circumstances in which a larger load must be secured. some operators have resorted to hooking a number of holding straps together so as to form a longer strapping system. However. this can be a very dangerous way to secure a load.

One solution has been to make available holding straps of various s, each ed for securing a load of a particular range of volumes. However, this solution requires an operator to have a supply of s length holding straps. which can be inconvenient and expensive.

A further problem with prior holding straps is that, for example. where there are hooks at either end of the holding strap. in order to attach those hooks to respective anchoring points, the operator must apply tension to the holding strap so as to be able to stretch the holding strap sufficiently. thereby allowing the ched hook to be able to be attached to its respective anchor point. Such stretching can be inconvenient, and, in certain circumstances, can actually be dangerous.

Yet another problem with certain types of holding straps is that. when a load moves during transport, the holding strap can become slack, which renders the holding strap as being ineffective for securing the [neved load. This may particularly be the circumstance where the holding strap is formed only of, for example. a non-stretchable webbing material with hooks on either end and a tightening mechanism. lly. such a g strap is fitted over the load, the hooks are attached to anchoring points, and the ning mechanism. for e. a ratchet mechanism. is operated to tighten the strap over the load. The load may be d to. for example, the roof of a car. and when the car moves over a bumpy road. the load will move and may cause the holding strap to become slack and thus ineffective at securing the load.

Solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in lian Patent No. 743604. in which there is provided a holding strap including an elastic cord having hook means at each end thereof and a Sleeve or tube surrounding a substantial portion of said elastic cord and said sleeve or tube is d between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a bendable plastics material. especially PVC.

Other solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in Australian Patent No. 2007221854 in which there was provided a holding strap. including, a main strap. at least one c , wherein one end of the c member is secured to the main strap at one end thereof. or wherein the elastic member is secured at two ends to and between parts of the main strap and. at least one bridging member. n each end of the bridging member is secured to a respective end of the c member. wherein the main strap. the elastic member and the bridging member are each formed from a flat material, and wherein the bridging member is of a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is in a non-stretched state, such that. in use. the elastic member is able to be stretched. but not stretched beyond the extended length of the bridging member.

Yet other solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in Australian Patent Application No. 2009201184, in which there is provided a holding strap including an c cord having hook means at each end thereof and a sleeve or tube surrounding a substantial portion of said c cord and said sleeve or tube is located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a le plastics material, especially PVC.

Further solutions to at least some of the above-mentioned problems were described in various embodiments in Australian Application No. 2013201152. in which there is provided a holding strap component with an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member ly secured at either end to respective points of the sleeve or tube. When the holding strap component is stretched. it can only stretch to the maximum expandable length of the respective points of the sleeve or tube.

However, a problem with the prior art g straps. including the holding strap component of Australian Application No. 2013201152. is that the elastic member is not strong enough to hold loads in a number of circumstances. such as when the load is heavier or is subject to higher forces. for example. when a trailer on which the load is situated turns a corner at a high speed. For example. some straps become fully stretched under 9.8 Newtons (N). being 1 kilogram (kg) under s gravity. However, it has been found that this tension is not sufficient in some conditions.

After ch into various conditions expected for loads in certain applications. it has been determined by the or that there are desirable parameters for tension in the holding strap or holding strap component, and desirable parameters for the length of stretch from fully contracted to fully expanded states of the g strap or holding strap ent. The parameters have been selected after experimentation using differently configured straps or strap components on a range of loads having different mass and different distributions. and under a range of ions. such as bumpy roads or cornering. Tension and stretch length have been selected so as to achieve effective securing of loads for a range of practical load masses and a range of force to which such loads may be subjected.

One problem that is encountered with straps having insufficient tension is loosening or moving of a load under various conditions. This can readily occur with certain load weights under force where the strap tension is. for example. only 9.8 N.

Another problem occurs if the strap has a too high n. This can cause some objects in a load to become d. such as cardboard boxes, or can result in a strap or strap component that is too ive to manufacture or too bulky due to the amount of elastic required.

Another problem with straps or strap components having insufficient tension is that they cannot accommodate sufficient load settlement in many circumstances.

Load settlement occurs. for example. when a load is tied to a trailer which is traveling on a bumpy road and various objects in the load move in relation to each other and/or in relation to the trailer such that the volume of the load can reduce in size, or some segments of the load volume can reduce in size. This can cause straps to become loose even if they are under some tension. Some prior art straps have a limited total stretch length of. for example, only 4 cm. If the load volume around which the strap is tired reduces in ectional perimeter length by more than 4 cm, the strap can become loose. which can lead to the load being unsecured. A strap having insufficient tension can also contribute to the problem of loosening of the strap when there is load settlement.

] It is an object of the present invention to overcome. or at least ameliorate, at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art. and/or to overcome. or at least ameliorate, at least one problem in prior art. which has not been ned above and/or to provide at least a useful alternative to prior art devices. systems and/or methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The t invention provides a holding strap component, including: an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a e material and at least one elastic member directly secured at either end to respective parts of the sleeve or tube, the flexible material being d to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched; and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the tive parts of the sleeve or tube, when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un- stretched, such that. in use the elastic member is able to be stretched. but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube. and wherein to stretch the elastic member to the expanded length es between about 20 and 28 Newtons (N) of force.

SUMMARY OF OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS In an embodiment. the required force to h the elastic member to the expanded length is between about 22 and 26 N. In one optional embodiment the tension is 24 N.

In an embodimenti the elastic section has a maximum stretch length between the elastic member being fully unstretched and the elastic member being stretched to the expanded length. and wherein the maximum stretch length is between about 0.08 and 0.12 meters (m).

In a further embodiment, the maximum stretch length is about 0.1 m.

In another embodiment, the flexible material is adapted to contract by crumpling. In this regard, the flexible sleeve or tube may be formed from g material. such as a -like material or a woven polymer, usually polyester, material. r, the first extent and the second extent may also be formed from same or similar materials.

The g strap component may further include a first holding means co— operating with the first extent. In another embodiment, there may be a second holding then means co—operating with the second extent, wherein the holding strap component forms a g strap. The first and second holding means may be selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, s-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, swan hooks or the like.

In another embodiment, the first and second extents are attached, respectively, to the first holding means and second holding means by forming a loop at or with respective near respective end parts of the first and second extents for co-operation loop parts of the first and second g means.

In an alternative embodiment, the holding strap component includes an attachment means, which co—operates with the second extent. The attachment means being for attaching an extension strap, wherein the g strap component and the extension strap fomi a holding strap.

The extension strap may further include a holding means d at or near a first end of the extension strap. The extension strap holding means may be selected from a hooks, carabiner type group ing: hooks, buckles, locking member, s-shaped type hooks, swan hooks or the like.

The attachment means may be a ratchet means which is adapted to accept a second end pait of the extension strap and, in use, to be operated to tighten the holding the expanded length of the strap on. a load, such that the elastic member is stretched up to respective parts of the sleeve or tube. In this way, when initially securing a load to, for example, a rack, the load will be secured under tension as provided by the elastic member being stretched. It may be the case that the load moves, or individual components of the load move, during transportation. wherein the tension previded by the stretched elastic member may e to keep the load substantially secured.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the technology that, if such a ion occurs, the elastic member will then be in a configuration which is less hed than when the load was initially secured, thus resulting in there being less tension in the holding strap component, and less tension in the holding strap. However, it is intended that the elastic member should be able to provide sufficient tension in such a situation so as to e at least sufficient securing force to the load, thus allowing the load to remain substantially secured to the rack. The elastic member should be able to provide ent tension so as to assist in preventing the hooks of the holding strap component and the holding strap from disengaging from their anchor points, which may be designated anchor points or trailer rack or tray bars. As mentioned before, prior art holding straps had only about 9.8 Newtons of force in tension, whereas the present invention has between about 20 and 28 s of force in n.

In another embodiment, the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent. In such an embodiment, the sleeve or tube may also form the loops at tive end parts of the first and second extents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, ments thereof will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: is a perspective view of an embodiment of the holding strap The holding strap component, also showing an embodiment of an extension strap. component and the extension strap, when used together, form a holding strap; is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the holding strap ent shown in An elastic section of the holding strap component is shown in a non-stretched configuration; is a similar view to with the elastic section shown in a stretched configuration; is a perspective view representing two similar parts of the holding strap ent. as shown by the two dotted circles appearing in is a cross—section view across line A-A from ; is a side elevation view of the g strap component in use with the extension strap. forming a holding strap, and operating to secure a load (in an initial configuration) to a rack; is a similar view to . wherein the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), thus the c section is shown in a contracted state so as to provide tension T; and is a similar view to . wherein below is shown as being secured by an example prior art holding strap; and is a similar view to . as with . showing the operation of an example prior art holding strap when the load has moved from its l ration (by movement M). wherein the prior art holding strap fails to keep the load secured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION shows an embodiment of a holding strap component 10. which is also shown with an extension strap 102. The holding strap component 10 and the extension strap 102, er form a holding strap 100.

The holding strap component includes an elastic section 12. the elastic section including a sleeve or tube 14, which is formed from a e material. and at least one elastic member 16 (shown inside the sleeve or tube 14 by dotted lines). The at least one elastic member 16 has two ends 22. 24. with one end 22 (refer to Fig. 2) secured to a part 18 of the sleeve or tube 14 and another end 24 of the elastic member 16 (refer to secured to a respective part 20 of the sleeve or tube 14.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. l. the ends of the elastic member 22. 24 are secured to respective parts of the sleeve or tube 18, 20 by being ed together (refer to FIGS. 43, 4b).

The sleeve or tube 14 is formed from a flexible material. such as a canvas- like material or a woven r material. Such material is substantially tic, but is able to cmmple so as to be able to expand and contract. In this way. the flexible material of the tube or sleeve is able to expand when the elastic member is stretched and the flexible al is able to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched.

The holding strap component also es a first extent 26 and a second extent 28. The first extent depends from one end 18, 22 of the elastic section and the second extent depends from the other end 20, 24 of the elastic section 12. In the embodiment of the holding strap component 10 shown in the first and second extents 26. 28 are formed from the tube or sleeve. This enables a simplified manufacturing process. which can reduce costs in manufacturing. However. it will be appreciated that the first and second extents 26. 28 may also be formed from another webbing material layer canvas-like material. or a single—layer woven polyester material.

The holding strap ent 10 also includes a g means 30. which is located at or towards the end of the first extent 26. The g means 30 co-operates with the first extent 26. wherein the holding means includes a loop 32 and a part of the first extent 26 is placed through the holding means loop 32 and folded back over to form a loop 42 in the first extent 26. The part of the first extent which is folded over is stitched 48 (refer to Figs. 4a and 4b) onto another part of the first extent. For extra strengthening of the loop 42 the folded over part of the first extent 26 can also be stitched 46 at a second point (refer to Figs. 4a and 4b).

It is possible to configure the holding means 30 and the first extent 26 so as to co-operate in other ways, apart from that which has been described above.

The holding means 30. as shown in Fig. 1. is a hook. However. the holding hook or a means could be a buckle. a locking member, an s-shaped type hook, swan carabiner type hook, or any other holding means suitable for connection to an anchoring point. It will be appreciated that there exists a large variety of holding means capable of being used for this e.

In another embodiment (not shown) it is possible to attach a second g means to the second extent 28. In this configuration, the holding strap component forms a holding strap, as no other component is required for such a configuration to perform as a holding strap.

In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 1. the holding strap component further includes an attachment means 34, which cooperates with the second extent 28.

The exemplified attachment means 34 includes a ratchet assembly with a ratchet ism, which allows the holding strap component 10 to be connected with the extension strap l02, so as to form a holding strap 100.

The attachment means 34 (ratchet assembly/mechanism) es a ratchet lever 36 for operating the ratchet mechanism and a ratchet spool 38 onto which a part the extension strap 102 may be wound for ning the g strap 100 (as described second end later in this specification). The spool 38 includes a slot 40. adapted to accept a ratchet ism so as to wind part 114 of the extension strap 102, prior to operating the the spool 38. at least a part of the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 onto Similarly to the holding means 30 rating with the first extent 26. the attachment means 34 co-operatcs with the second extent 28 via a loop 44. which is formed in the second extent. The loop 44 is around a bolt. which is a pan of the ratchet assembly The extension strap 102 is shown as dashed and dotted lines in Fig. 1, as the extension strap does not form a part of the holding strap component. r. in co- operation. the g strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap 100.

The extension strap includes a main strap 104 and an ion strap holding means 106. which in this example is a hook with a loop 108 for eo-operation with the main strap 104.

A loop 110 is formed in the first 112 of the main strap 104 for eo—operation with the loop 108 in the extension strap holding means 106.

As shown in this embodiment. the extension strap main strap 104 may be formed from a single-ply webbing material, such as a canvas-like material or a woven polyester material. It will be understood that the main strap may be formed from other types of material suitable for such an ation. r. the extension strap holding means 106 may be another type of holding means apart from a hook.

Also shown in Fig. l are dotted ovals around the first extent 26 and the second extent 28. Details of the construction of the first and second extents are represented in Figs. 4a and 4b. It will be understood that. as the s of construction of the first and second extents are quite similar. Fig. 4a represents both the first and second extent construction details. Similarly. Fig. 4b shows both the first and second extent construction details.

Fig. 2 shows. perhaps more clearly. respective ends 22, 24 of the c member 16. Respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14 are secured to the ends 22. 24 of the elastic member.

Referring to both Figs. 2 and 3. the respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14. when the sleeve or tube is expanded. are separated by a length L2 longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched (as shown by length L1 in Fig. 2).

In this way. in use. the elastic member is able to be stretched. but not stretched beyond the ed length L2 of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube.

In Fig. 2, the length L1 represents both the fully un-stretched length of the elastic member 16 and the contracted length separating respective parts 18. 20 of the sleeve or tube 14. In Fig. 3. L2 represents the fully stretched length of the elastic member and the expanded length separating the respective parts of the sleeve or tube. The difference between L1 and L2 in the t invention, referred to as the maximum stretch length. is between about 0.08 m and 0.12 m. but may be a little more or a little less length.

Fig. 4a shows details of the construction of an end of the elastic section 12 of the holding strap component 10, along with details of construction of the first extent 26 or the second extent 28. In this embodiment, the sleeve or tube 14 forms the first/second extent, as well as forming the loop 42. 44 in the first/second extent.

Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view across line A-A from Fig. 4a. More clearly shown in Fig. 4b is the ng of the respective parts of 18. 20 of the sleeve or tube 40. secured to respective ends 22. 24 of the elastic member 16. In this embodiment, the extent 26, 28 is folded over so as to form the loop 42. 44. wherein the folded over part is doubled back and stitched in two locations 48. 46. The stitching penetrates from one side to the other. thus forming a strong attachment.

Figs. 5a and 5b are side elevation views of the holding strap component 10 in use when securing a load 206 to a rack 200 (or pallet). Fig. 5a shows what may be described as an initial configuration of the load. having a first arrangement of containers 210, 212. 214 and 216. This initial configuration may be the arrangement of containers when the load is first placed on the rack 200. prior to transportation. Typically. in such circumstances, the dual containers 210. 212. 214, 216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular ement. then the holding means 30 (hook) of the holding strap component is attached around a first anchor point 204 of the rack. the g means 106 of the extension strap 102 is ed to a second anchoring point 202 of the rack 200. the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 is placed over the load 206. with an end part 114 of the main strap 104 fed into the slot 40 of the ratchet spool 38 in the ratchet assembly 34 hment .

After the part of the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 is fed into the slot 40. the holding strap 100 can be held taught by the operator, so that there is a n amount of tension on both holding means 106 and 30 against their respective anchoring points 202 and 204. The or may then operate the ratchet mechanism by pulling the ratchet lever 36 back and forth, so as to further tension the holding strap 100. The holding strap may be tensioned until the elastic section 12 of the holding strap component 10 is stretched/expanded substantially to its maximum length (L2). In this way, the initial configuration of the load 206 is secured to the rack 200 with sufficient force. In the present invention the force will be between about 20 and 28 N. but may be between about 22 to 26 N. In an ment the force will be about 24 N.

Fig. 5b shows a configuration of the load 206 at a later time when. for example. the configuration of the load has shifted due to movement of the load during transportation. The movement of the load in Fig. 5b is ented by double ended arrow M. As will be shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, with a prior art, conventional ratchet tie-down g strap the hooks would have disengaged from the anchor points. wherein the load and holding strap would have likely been lost. It has been found that the amount of movement in many circumstances for many load types results in cross-sectional perimeter length decrease of, for example, about 0.06 m. Accordingly. the strap being configured to have a maximum stretch length of. for example, about 0.08 m will allow the strap to take up the slack in those circumstances. In another example. the cross-sectional perimeter length se may be up to about 0.09 m. A strap having a maximum stretch length of about 0.1 m should be suitable for taking up slack in such circumstances. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that previous straps or strap components are configured to have a maximum stretch length that is too small to take up the slack where the movement of the load is as large as between about 0.06 m and 0.09 m.

Due to the load 206 moving and the containers 210. 212. 214. 216 being in a different configuration. the effective cross-sectional perimeter length of the load configuration, where the holding strap l00 is located, is somewhat reduced. Accordingly, such a rearrangement would usually produce a slackness in the holding strap due to a loss of tension. However, as the holding strap component 10 includes the elastic n 12, the produced slackness is taken up by a contraction of the elastic member 16, so as to maintain a suitable amount of tension T, which assists in keeping the load 206 substantially secured onto the rack 200.

It has been found that the tension in the elastic member should be between about 20 N to 28 N in order to keep loads sufficiently secure in many circumstances. This ient force to hold the load, but not range of n allows the strap to contract with too much force so as to crush items, such as cardboard boxes.

The tension may be measured by suspending one end of a strap to an elevated fixing point, then placing a load on the other end of the strap. The tension is calculated by adding to the load until the strap becomes stretched to its maximum stretch length (for example, between 0.08 m to 0.12 m). If the load mass is, say. 2.5 kg to reach maximum stretch , then the tension 2.5 kg x 9.8 ms'2 = 24.5N.

Figs. 6a and 6b are side elevation views of an example prior art holding wherein shows an strap 300 in use when securing the load 206 to the rack 200, example situation where the prior art holding strap may fail. Fig. 6a shows the initial configuration of the load, having a first arrangement of containers 210, 212, 214, 216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular arrangement, then the hooks 302, 304 of the prior art g strap are attached around respective anchor points 204, 202 of the rack 200.

Fig. 6b shows a configuration of the load 206 moving and the containers 210, 212, 214, 216 being in a different configuration, the effective cross-sectional perimeter length of the load configuration, where the prior art holding strap 300 is located, is somewhat reduced. ingly, such a rearrangement es a slackness in the prior an holding strap 300. due to a loss of tension. In such circumstances, it is likely that at least one of the hooks 302 will become disengaged from its respective anchor point 204.

This failure of the prior art holding strap 300 may then lead to loss of all or part of the load 206, along with the prior art holding strap 300 itself.

The ion is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described, and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such ions. modifications and/or ons, which fall within the scope of the ing claims.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise. the word "comprise", and van'ations such as "comprises" "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (19)

1. A g strap component, including: an elastic section including a sleeve or tube formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member ly secured at either end to respective parts of the sleeve or tube. the e material being adapted to expand when the c member is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member is un- stretched; and a first extent and a second extent depending from respective ends of the elastic section, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube. when the sleeve or tube is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube; and wherein to stretch the elastic member to the expanded length requires a force of between 20 and 28 Newtons (N).

2. A holding strap ent according to claim 1, wherein the force is between about 22 and 26 N.

3. A holding strap component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force is about 24 N.

4. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic section has a maximum stretch length which is the length between being fully unstretched and being stretched to the expanded length, and n the maximum stretch length is between about 0.08 and 0.12 meters (m).

5. A holding strap component according to claim 4, wherein the m stretch length is about 0.1 m.

6. A g strap component ing to any one of claims 1 to 5. n the flexible material is adapted to contract by crumpling.

7. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 6. wherein the sleeve or tube. the first extent and the second extent are formed from a webbing material.

8. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further including a first holding means co—operating with the first extent.

9. A holding strap ent according to claim 8. funher including a second holding means co-operating with the second extent. wherein the holding strap component forms a holding strap.

10. A holding strap component according to claim 8. wherein the first holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles. locking members. swan hooks, S- shaped type hooks. ncr type hooks. or the like.

1 l. A holding strap ent according to claim 9. wherein the second holding means is selected from a group including: hooks. buckles. locking members. swan hooks, ed type hooks. carabiner type hooks. or the like.

12. A holding strap component according to either claim 8 or claim 10. wherein the first extent is attached to the first holding means by forming a loop at an end part of the first extent for co-operation with a loop part of the first holding means.

13. A holding strap component according to either claim 9 or claim 11. wherein the second extent is attached to the second holding means by forming a loop at an end part of the second extent for co-operation with a loop part of the second holding means.

14. A holding strap component according to claim 8. further including an attachment means co-operating with the second extent. the ment means for attaching an extension strap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap.

15. A holding strap component according to claim 14, wherein the extension strap further es a holding means located at or near a first end thereof.

16. A holding strap component according to claim 15, wherein the extension strap holding means is selected from a group ing: hooks, buckles, locking members, swan hooks, S—shaped type hooks, carabincr type hooks, or the like.

17. A holding strap component ing to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the attachment means is a ratchet means.

18. A holding strap component according to claim 17. n the ratchet means is adapted to accept a second end part of the extension strap and, in use, to be operated to tighten the holding strap on a load, such that the elastic member is stretched up to the expanded length of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube.

19. A holding strap ent according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent. ’V/L