These are handy and well, you could (re)make your own too… –
Extra-strong, natural rubber bands with patented wood closure pins organize everything from electronic and computer cables, to extension cords, power tools, and more.
They patented a girth hitch and a piece of wood? Seriously? Cool? Yes. Novel and non-obvious? No.
cylversays:
The “patented wood closure pins” look a whole lot like two golf tees with the tips cut off, and glued together.
dj_nmesays:
Patent on a rubber band with a toggle?
I thought that patents were only supposed to be granted for novel items, how could an obvious use for an elastic band be patentable?
Natural rubber is a bad choice for holding for long-term strapping, simply because it will perish fairly quickly.
ad_astrasays:
Well, the Supreme Court just ruled that the lower courts have been applying a far too easy-to-pass obviousness standard, which might explain how this sort of thing happens…at least now it’ll be easier to invalidate stuff like this.
volkemonsays:
“with patented wood closure pins”
Makes me think the patent is on some innovative aspect of the toggle itself, not the process in total.
Indeed, natural rubber is a poor choice, but sounds really ‘green’….
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They patented a girth hitch and a piece of wood? Seriously? Cool? Yes. Novel and non-obvious? No.
The “patented wood closure pins” look a whole lot like two golf tees with the tips cut off, and glued together.
Patent on a rubber band with a toggle?
I thought that patents were only supposed to be granted for novel items, how could an obvious use for an elastic band be patentable?
Natural rubber is a bad choice for holding for long-term strapping, simply because it will perish fairly quickly.
Well, the Supreme Court just ruled that the lower courts have been applying a far too easy-to-pass obviousness standard, which might explain how this sort of thing happens…at least now it’ll be easier to invalidate stuff like this.
“with patented wood closure pins”
Makes me think the patent is on some innovative aspect of the toggle itself, not the process in total.
Indeed, natural rubber is a poor choice, but sounds really ‘green’….