AU2013201152B2

AU2013201152B2 - Holding strap component

Info

Publication number: AU2013201152B2
Application number: AU2013201152A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Reinders; Shaun Richard Reinders
Original assignee: LION AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MAYO HARDWARE Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-08
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-27
Also published as: NZ616538A; AU2013201152A1; AU2013201152C1

Abstract

A holding strap component 10, including, an elastic section 12 including a sleeve or tube 14 formed from a flexible material and at least one elastic member 16 secured at either end 22, 24 to respective parts of the sleeve or tube 18, 20, the flexible material being adapted to expand when the elastic member 16 is stretched and the flexible material being adapted to contract when the elastic member 16 is un-stretched; and a first extent 26 and a second extent 28 depending from respective ends of the elastic section 12, wherein the respective parts of the sleeve or tube 18, 20, when the sleeve or tube 14 is expanded, are separated by a length longer than the elastic member 16 when the elastic member is un-stretched, such that, in use the elastic member 16 is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length of the respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14. I c' II 4---P I' x 1 / - _ CA onI ,'I Igo

Description

1 LION (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "HOLDING STRAP COMPONENT" This invention is described in the following statement:- 2 HOLDING STRAP COMPONENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a holding strap. BACKGROUND [0002] 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. [0003] Such straps are commonly 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 corners and to apply a sufficient force to ensure the boot remains closed. These straps are cheap, popular and easy to fit. [0004] One problem with holding straps is that the elastic cord may be exposed to high friction contact and/or rubbing, especially when in use. The contact and/or rubbing may occur at a point, or various points, where the elastic cord comes into contact with an object being secured by the holding strap. Additionally, when in use, the elastic cord may be in contact with, for example, edges of the boot of a car, edges of a roof rack or other various points. [0005] 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 multiple 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 various multiple points of contact. Such movement may occur, for example, 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.

3 This may be particularly the case where a car or other vehicle is traveling on an uneven surface, such as an unsealed road. [0006] 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 secured object may cause a driving hazard. [0007] Another way in which a holding strap may become damaged 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 otherwise, 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. [0008] Another problem with such holding straps is that they can only effectively secure loads of around 10 kilograms. 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. [0009] Solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in Australian 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 located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a bendable plastics material, especially PVC. [0010] Other solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in presently pending Australian Patent Application No. 2007221854 in 4 which there was provided a holding strap, including, a main strap, at least one elastic member, wherein one end of the elastic 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, wherein each end of the bridging member is secured to a respective end of the elastic 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. [0011] Yet other solutions to at least some of these problems were described in various embodiments in presently pending Australian Patent Application No. 2009201184, 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 located between both of said hook means and said sleeve or tube is formed of a bendable plastics material, especially PVC. [0012] A further problem with the above-mentioned prior holding straps is that such holding straps cannot be easily extended if an operator desires to secure a load having a larger volume. 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. [0013] Another solution has been to make available holding straps of various lengths, each designed for securing a load of a particular range of volumes. However, this solution requires an operator to have a supply of various length holding straps, which can be inconvenient and expensive. [0014] A further problem with the above-identified 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 unattached 5 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. [0015] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which is cheap to manufacture. [0016] There is yet a further need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which has a substantially reduced risk of being damaged. [0017] A further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which will not be overstretched when in use. [0018] Yet a further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, that is simple to fit. [0019] 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 moved 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. Typically, such a holding strap is fitted over the load, the hooks are attached to anchoring points, and the tightening mechanism, for example, a ratchet mechanism, is operated to tighten the strap over the load. The load may be secured 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. [0020] There is also a need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which can be readily extended. There is also a need to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which is able to be adapted to be used for holding downloads of a range of differing volumes. [0021] A further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which can be easily attached to anchor points, without requiring stretching of the 6 holding strap (or parts thereof), so as to be able to attach the holding strap to one or other of respective points. [0022] Yet a further need is to provide a holding strap, or a component of a holding strap, which is able to operate more effectively when a load moves during transportation. [0023] [This paragraph left intentionally blank]. [0024] 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 mentioned above and/or to provide at least a useful alternative to prior art devices, systems and/or methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0025] The present invention provides a 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. 01/09/14 . 20603 M ded nei n- 6 7 SUMMARY OF OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS [0026] In an embodiment, the flexible material is adapted to contract by crumpling. In this regard, the flexible sleeve or tube may be formed from webbing material, such as a canvas-like material or a woven polymer, usually polyester, material. Further, the first extent and the second extent may also be formed from same or similar materials. [0027] The holding strap component may further include a first holding means co operating with the first extent. In another embodiment, there may be a second holding means co-operating with the second extent, wherein the holding strap component then forms a holding 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. [0028] 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 near respective end parts of the first and second extents for co-operation with respective loop parts of the first and second holding means. [0029] 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 holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap. [0030] The extension strap may further include a holding means located at or near a first end of the extension strap. The extension strap holding means may be selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking member, s-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, swan hooks or the like. [0031] The attachment means may be a ratchet means which 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. 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 8 being stretched. It may be the case that the load moves, or individual components of the load move, during transportation, wherein the tension provided by the stretched elastic member may operate to keep the load substantially secured. [0032] It will be understood by a person skilled in the technology that, if such a situation occurs, the elastic member will then be in a configuration which is less stretched 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 provide 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 sufficient 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 [0033] 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 respective end parts of the first and second extents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0034] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the drawings in which: [0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the holding strap component, also showing an embodiment of an extension strap. The holding strap component and the extension strap, when used together, form a holding strap; [0036] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the holding strap component shown in FIG. 1. An elastic section of the holding strap component is shown in a non-stretched configuration; 9 [0037] FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 2, with the elastic section shown in a stretched configuration; [0038] FIG. 4a is a perspective view representing two similar parts of the holding strap component, as shown by the two dotted circles appearing in FIG. 1; [0039] FIG. 4b is a cross-section view across line A-A from FIG. 4a; [0040] FIG. 5a is a side elevation view of the holding 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; [0041] FIG. 5b is a similar view to FIG. 5a, wherein the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), thus the elastic section is shown in a contracted state so as to provide tension T; and [0042] FIG. 6a is a similar view to FIG. 5a, wherein below is shown as being secured by an example prior art holding strap; and [0043] FIG. 6b is a similar view to FIG. 5b, as with FIG. 6a, showing the operation of an example prior art holding strap when the load has moved from its initial configuration (by movement M), wherein the prior art holding strap fails to keep the load secured. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0044] FIG. 1 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, together form a holding strap 100. [0045] The holding strap component includes an elastic section 12, the elastic section including a sleeve or tube 14, which is formed from a flexible 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 10 part 18 of the sleeve or tube 14 and another end 24 of the elastic member 16 (refer to FIG. 2) secured to a respective part 20 of the sleeve or tube 14. [0046] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the ends of the elastic member 22, 24 are secured to respective parts of the sleeve or tube 18, 20 by being stitched together (refer to FIGS. 4a, 4b). [0047] The sleeve or tube 14 is formed from a flexible material, such as a canvas like material or a woven polymer material. Such material is substantially inelastic, but is able to crumple 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 material is able to contract when the elastic member is un-stretched. [0048] The holding strap component also includes 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 FIG. 1, 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. [0049] The holding strap component 10 also includes a holding means 30, which is located at or towards the end of the first extent 26. The holding 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). [0050] 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.

11 [0051] The holding means 30, as shown in Fig. 1, is a hook. However, the holding means could be a buckle, a locking member, an s-shaped type hook, swan hook or a 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 purpose. [0052] In another embodiment (not shown) it is possible to attach a second holding 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. [0053] In the example embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the holding strap component 10 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 mechanism, which allows the holding strap component 10 to be connected with the extension strap 102, so as to form a holding strap 100. [0054] The attachment means 34 (ratchet assembly/mechanism) includes a ratchet lever 36 for operating the ratchet mechanism and a ratchet spool 38 onto which a part of the extension strap 102 may be wound for tightening the holding strap 100 (as described later in this specification). The spool 38 includes a slot 40, adapted to accept a second end part 114 of the extension strap 102, prior to operating the ratchet mechanism so as to wind at least a part of the main strap 104 of the extension strap 102 onto the spool 38. [0055] Similarly to the holding means 30 co-operating with the first extent 26, the attachment means 34 co-operates 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 part of the ratchet assembly 34. [0056] 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. However, in co operation, the holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap 100. The extension strap includes a main strap 104 and an extension strap holding means 106, 12 which in this example is a hook with a loop 108 for co-operation with the main strap 104. A loop 110 is formed in the first 112 of the main strap 104 for co-operation with the loop 108 in the extension strap holding means 106. [0057] 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 application. [0058] Further, the extension strap holding means 106 may be another type of holding means apart from a hook. [0059] Also shown in Fig. 1 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 details 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. [0060] Fig. 2 shows, perhaps more clearly, respective ends 22, 24 of the elastic member 16. Respective parts 18, 20 of the sleeve or tube 14 are secured to the ends 22, 24 of the elastic member. [0061] 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 LI in Fig. 2). In this way, in use, the elastic member is able to be stretched, but not stretched beyond the expanded length L2 of the respective parts of the sleeve or tube. [0062] In Fig. 2, the length LI represents both the 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 stretched length of the elastic member and the expanded length separating the respective parts of the sleeve or tube.

13 [0063] 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. [0064] Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view across line A-A from Fig. 4a. More clearly shown in Fig. 4b is the layering 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. [0065] 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 individual containers 210, 212, 214, 216 are stacked onto the rack in a particular arrangement, then the holding means 30 (hook) of the holding strap component 10 is attached around a first anchor point 204 of the rack, the holding means 106 of the extension strap 102 is attached 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 (attachment means). [0066] 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 certain amount of tension on both holding means 106 and 30 against their respective anchoring points 202 and 204. The operator 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.

14 [0067] 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 represented by double ended arrow M. As will be shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, with a prior art, conventional ratchet tie-down holding strap the hooks would have disengaged from the anchor points, wherein the load and holding strap would have likely been lost. [0068] 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 100 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 section 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. [0069] It will be appreciated that tension T may be substantially less than the tension in the holding strap 100 when the load 206 is in a configuration as shown in Fig. 5a. [0070] Figs. 6a and 6b are side elevation views of an example prior art holding strap 300 in use when securing the load 206 to the rack 200, wherein FIG. 6b shows an 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 holding strap are attached around respective anchor points 204, 202 of the rack 200. [0071] 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. Accordingly, such a rearrangement produces a slackness in the prior art 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.

15 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. [0072] The invention 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 variations, modifications and/or additions, which fall within the scope of the following claims. [0073] 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. [0074] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "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

1. A 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.

2. A holding strap component according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material is adapted to contract by crumpling.

3. A holding strap component according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sleeve or tube, the first extent and the second extent are formed from a webbing material.

4. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a first holding means co-operating with the first extent.

5. A holding strap component according to claim 4, further including a second holding means co-operating with the second extent, wherein the holding strap component forms a holding strap.

6. A holding strap component according to claim 4, wherein the first holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, swan hooks, S shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, or the like. 17

7. A holding strap component according to claim 5, wherein the second holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, swan hooks, S-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, or the like.

8. A holding strap component according to either claim 4 or claim 6, 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.

9. A holding strap component according to either claim 5 or claim 7, 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.

10. A holding strap component according to claim 4, further including an attachment means co-operating with the second extent, the attachment means for attaching an extension strap, wherein the holding strap component and the extension strap form a holding strap.

11. A holding strap component according to claim 10, wherein the extension strap further includes a holding means located at or near a first end thereof.

12. A holding strap component according to claim 11, wherein the extension strap holding means is selected from a group including: hooks, buckles, locking members, swan hooks, S-shaped type hooks, carabiner type hooks, or the like.

13. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the attachment means is a ratchet means.

14. A holding strap component according to claim 13, wherein 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. 0 1/09/14.ae 20603 amended sneci nae 17 18

15. A holding strap component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sleeve or tube forms either or both the first extent or/and the second extent.

16. A holding strap component substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to accompanying figures 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b.

17. A holding strap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to accompanying figures 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b.