US 5,860,196 A · Grommet stress reducer

Abstract

A device for reducing stress on a grommet of a flexible covering including a stress distributing member with a recess formed in the outer surface thereof and a connecting loop mounted on the member at the recess and extending outwardly therefrom. The stress distributing member forms a bar for reducing stress on an end or side grommet or forms a semi-circular wedge for reducing stress on a corner grommet. The recess is sized for receipt of a grommet therein and presents a rounded surface at its perimeter to prevent the grommet from becoming pinched or collapsing. The loop receives the securing rope or other tie therethrough. The force on the loop is distributed by the bar or wedge over an extended portion of the flexible covering. A combination of bar and wedge stress distributing members form a system for reducing stress on the plurality of grommets within a flexible covering.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A grommet stress reducer comprising:

a stress distributing member having a recess formed in one surface thereof;
a connecting member mounted on said stress distributing member at said recess and extending outwardly therefrom;
said recess being sized for receipt of a grommet therein and presenting a rounded surface at its perimeter to prevent the grommet from becoming pinched or collapsing;
said stress distributing member being a substantially rigid, light-weight bar with a non-slip outer surface for reducing stress on an end or side grommet.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Grommet stress reducer

Life of this patent

Grommet stress reducer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16