U.S. patent application number 11/397084 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for strap securing device.
Invention is credited to Mark Downing, Dana Wright JR. Gleason, David A. Walsh.
Application Number | 20070011850 11/397084 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36926667 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070011850 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Downing; Mark ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Strap securing device
Abstract
A strap securing device includes a base and an elongated
retainer. One end of the retainer is connected to the base, and an
opposite end of the retainer is selectably connectable to and
disconnectable from the base at an opposite end of the base. In the
exemplary construction, the retainer is a looped, elastic
member.
Inventors: |
Downing; Mark; (Schaumburg,
IL) ; Walsh; David A.; (Providence, RI) ;
Gleason; Dana Wright JR.; (Bozeman, MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 WEST LAKE AVENUE
PATENT DEPARTMENT
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
36926667 |
Appl. No.: |
11/397084 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60699517 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/16R ;
24/170 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/12 20130101;
A44B 99/00 20130101; Y10T 24/4016 20150115; Y10T 24/14 20150115;
A41F 9/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/016.00R ;
024/170 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/12 20060101
A44B011/12 |
Claims
1. A strap securing device comprising: a holder for supporting a
portion of a strap to be secured, said holder having a base, a
first end portion and a second end portion, said base being
configured for attachment to a length of a strap and for receiving
one or more folded layers of the same strap thereon; a retainer
including a connected end connected to said holder and a distal end
selectively connectable to and disconnectable from said holder at
said second end portion, said retainer extending over said base
from said first end portion to said second end portion; and a latch
selectively connecting said distal end of said retainer to said
second end portion.
2. The strap securing device of claim 1, said base having first and
second slots for receiving a strap placed therein.
3. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer being an
elastic cord.
4. The strap securing device of claim 3, said base having first and
second slots for receiving a strap placed therein.
5. The strap securing device of claim 1, said base having a side
support along at least one of said first and second side
portions.
6. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer being a
looped elastic cord.
7. The strap securing device of claim 6, said latch including first
and second holes for receiving opposed segments of said looped
elastic cord.
8. The strap securing device of claim 7, said holes being provided
in said second end portion, and said second end portion angling
away from said base.
9. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer having first
and second arms with distal ends selectively connectable to and
disconnectable from said latch, and a hinge connecting said arms to
said base.
10. A strap securing device comprising: a holder including a base
having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein,
and first and second end portions at opposite ends of said base;
and an elastic cord connected to said base at said first end
portion and being selectively connectable to and disconnectable
from said second end portion.
11. The strap securing device of claim 10, including entrance
openings to said first and second slots extending to edges of said
base.
12. The strap securing device of claim 10, said elastic cord being
formed in a loop, and said second end portion including first and
second holes for receiving opposed portions of said looped
cord.
13. The strap securing device of claim 12, including entrance
openings to said first and second slots extending to edges of said
base.
14. The strap securing device of claim 10, said first end having an
abutment extending outwardly therefrom on a side of said base for
receiving a strap.
15. The strap securing device of claim 14, said second end of said
base being angularly oriented relative to said base, and a space
defined between said abutments and said angularly oriented second
end being sufficient for receiving the strap folded in multiple
layers.
16. The strap securing device of claim 10, said first end of said
base including a hole, and said elastic member being threaded
through said hole.
17. The strap securing device of claim 16, said second end portion
having a curved end surface and said holes disposed at opposite
ends of said curved end surface.
18. A strap securing device comprising: a holder having a base and
first and second end portions at opposite ends of said base; said
base defining an eyelet and first and second slots, said slots
being configured for receiving a strap placed therein; said second
end portion defining first and second holes open through an edge of
said second end portion; and an elastic cord connected to said
eyelet, said cord being of sufficient length for extending over
said base from said first end portion to said second end portion
and being configured to enter said holes.
19. The strap securing device of claim 18, said elastic cord being
shaped in a loop.
20. The strap securing device of claim 19, said second end portion
having a curved end surface, and said holes disposed at opposite
ends of said curved end surface.
21. The strap securing device of claim 18, said base defining first
and second entrance openings from edges of said base to said first
and second slots, respectively.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present regular U.S. Patent Application claims the
benefits of United States Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/699,517, filed on Jul. 15, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to straps or webs on articles,
and, more specifically, to the devices and structures used for
securing straps, and in particular to devices used for securing the
loose ends of straps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Articles and gear of various types have straps or webbing
for various purposes. Straps are used to adjust the effective size
or length of various devices, to close flaps on pouches, and to
secure one item or part of an item to another item or another part
of the same item. Shoulder straps of articles to be carried use
connectors or clips through which the strap is threaded. The strap
is provided in a length sufficiently long for use in various
configurations, and the connector or clip allows adjustment in the
usable length of the strap. If the usable or "active" part of the
strap is short, a long, free or unused end of the strap will hang
from the connector or clip.
[0004] For some, a dangling, loose end of a strap is merely
unattractive. However, in some situations a dangling, loose end of
a strap can present safety concerns. On athletic gear, work gear,
book bags, backpacks and the like, a loose end of a strap can
become entangled in other equipment or can obstruct or hinder the
person using it or others nearby.
[0005] For these and other reasons, military personal are required
to secure all loose strap ends on all equipment. One method often
used is simply to apply adhesive tape to secure the loose end of a
strap to the active portion of the strap or to another part of the
device or equipment. Taping loose ends requires military personnel
to have a ready supply of tape available at all times. Tearing and
applying tape each time a strap is adjusted is inconvenient and
time consuming. Further, quick adjustment of a strap is difficult,
as the adhesive tape must be removed prior to adjustment, and after
adjustment of the strap the adhesive tape must be reapplied. Once
removed, the previously used piece of tape often cannot be reused
in that it will not hold adequately. A fresh piece of tape must be
obtained, further complicating and extending the strap adjustment
process. The inconvenience involved with adjusting a secured strap
may discourage individuals from making necessary or desirable strap
adjustments. After prolonged use of tape, adhesive residue
accumulates on the strap, making adjustment through the connector
or clip difficult.
[0006] Elastic bands have been used to secure loose strap ends. The
elastic band slides onto the strap and around folded portions of
the loose end. However, after only limited use and over time, the
elastic band can fatigue and loosen. The loose strap end may fall
from the elastic band, and the elastic band can fail.
[0007] What is needed in the art is a device to secure loose strap
ends that is secure, strong and convenient to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a reusable mechanical
fastener that has a long operational life to secure loose strap
ends without degrading the usefulness or life of the strap.
[0009] In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a
strap securing device with a holder for supporting a portion of a
strap to be secured, the holder being configured for attachment to
a length of the strap and for receiving one or more folded layers
of the same strap thereon. The holder has a base, a first end
portion and a second end portion. A retainer includes a connected
end connected to the holder and a distal end selectively
connectable to and disconnectable from the holder. The retainer
extends over the base from the first end portion to the second end
portion. A latch selectively connects the distal end of the
retainer to the second end portion.
[0010] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a
strap securing device with a holder including a base having first
and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein, and first
and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. An elastic
cord is connected to the base at the first end portion and is
selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the second end
portion
[0011] In still another aspect thereof, the present invention
provides a strap securing device with a holder having a base and
first and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. The
base defines an eyelet and first and second slots. The slots are
configured for receiving a strap placed therein. The second end
portion defines first and second holes open through an edge of the
second end portion. An elastic cord is connected to the eyelet, the
cord being of sufficient length for extending over the base from
the first end portion to the second end portion and being
configured to enter the holes.
[0012] An advantage of the present invention is providing a
reusable device to secure loose ends of straps or webbing.
[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a
strap securing device that can be reused without degrading the
performance or life of the strap.
[0014] Still another advantage of the present invention is
providing a strap securing device that attaches and detaches loose
ends of straps quickly, so that adjustment in the position of the
strap can be made quickly and easily.
[0015] A further advantage of the present invention is providing a
strap securing device that can be attached to a strap that is in
use, without having to detach, loosen or unthread the strap.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals
are used to designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap securing device in
accordance with the present invention, illustrating the device
installed on the loose end of a strap;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the strap securing device
shown in FIG. 1 apart from the strap shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a part of the strap
securing device shown previously;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom of a strap with another strap
securing device of the present invention installed thereon;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front of the strap and
strap securing device shown in FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the strap and strap securing device
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment for a
strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment for
a strap securing device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment
of a strap securing device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment for
a strap securing device in accordance with the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the strap securing device
shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the device installed on a strap but
not yet engaged to secure a loose end of the strap; and
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the strap and device shown
in FIG. 11, but illustrating a loose strap end secured by the
device.
[0029] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology
used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising"
and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and
equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Referring now more specifically the drawings and to FIG. 1
in particular, a strap securing device 20 in accordance with the
present invention is shown installed on a strap 22. As will become
apparent from the following description in accordance with the
drawings, strap securing device 20 can be used for securing
portions of straps of various sizes in various installations.
[0031] Strap 22 is an elongate web of material, such as, for
example, natural or synthetic cloth, flexible leather and the like
commonly used on devices of various types, including equipment,
clothing, backpacks, bags and other devices. FIG. 1 illustrates
strap 22 as being an end portion of a strap having a terminal end
24. Accordingly, strap securing device 20 is shown installed on the
strap end for securing multiple layers of the strap folded thereon.
However, it should be understood from the description to follow
that strap securing device 20 can be installed on another portion
of the strap, such as a portion being used, and not only on an
unused terminal portion of the strap. Further, in some applications
and uses, a strap securing device of the present invention can be
secured to or on an article in an appropriate position to receive
and hold portions of a strap used on or with the article.
[0032] Strap securing device 20 includes a holder 30 and a retainer
32 connected to and operable with holder 30 for securing a free end
portion of strap 22 relative to holder 30. In the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2,
holder 30 is plastic of suitable strength, rigidity and other
performance characteristics for the environment and installation on
which device 20 is used. However, holder 30 can be of other
materials, such as metal. Retainer 32 is a looped elastic or
elastic-type stretchable cord 34 having a terminator 36 securing
ends (not shown) of cord 34. Terminator 36 can be plastic or other
material similar to holder 30, or can be of other suitable
material, such as metal.
[0033] Holder 30 extends from one side or edge of strap 22 to an
opposite side or edge of strap 22. Holder 30 includes a base 40
supported on strap 22, as will be described more fully hereinafter.
At opposite ends of base 40, a first end portion 42 and a second
end portion 44 extend along and outwardly of opposite side edges of
strap 22.
[0034] Base 40 defines a first slot 46 and a second slot 48 spaced
from each other in base 40. Slots and 46 and 48 are of sufficient
length to receive the width of strap 22 so that strap 22 can be
threaded through slots 46 and 48, thereby securing device 20 on
strap 22. In the exemplary embodiment, entrance openings 50, 52
extend between opposite side outer edges of base 40 and slots 46,
48, respectively. Strap 22 can be inserted through entrance
openings 50, 52 into slots 46, 48 at intermediate points along the
length of strap 22, and it is not necessary to attach device 20 by
threading strap 22 via end 24 through slots 46, 48. Accordingly,
strap securing device 20 can be attached to strap 22 after terminal
end 24 is folded over and sewn or otherwise terminated. Even if
terminal end 24 is thicker than the width of slots 46, 48, or is
attached to an end buckle or other component, device 20 can be
attached to strap 22. Moreover, entrance openings 50, 52 allow
removal and attachment of device 20 along intermediate portions of
a strap secured on its opposite ends. Thus, device 20 can be
installed in the active or useful portion of the strap and have the
unused portion secured thereby. Entrance openings 50, 52 also
enable convenient removal of a broken device 20 and replacement
with a new device 20 if necessary.
[0035] The arrangement of slots 46, 48 is such as to provide a
sufficiently tortuous path that base 40 remains securely positioned
along strap 22 after strap 22 has been placed in slots 46, 48 and
pulled taut. In the exemplary embodiment seen most clearly in FIG.
2, slots 46, 48 are angularly disposed with respect to each other,
being spaced farther from one another near first end 42 and closer
to one another near second end 44.
[0036] An eyelet 54 is provided in base 40 near first and 42.
Elastic cord 34 is secured to holder 30 by knotting, hitching or
the like with a portion inserted through eyelet 54. As illustrated
in the exemplary embodiment of the drawings, elastic cord 34 is
passed through eyelet 54 and looped through itself.
[0037] First end 42 further includes abutments 56, 58 extending
away from base 40 and spaced from one another to allow elastic cord
34 to pass there between. Those skilled in the art should
understand that other configurations also can be used. Abutments
56, 58 provide a side support for the folded and stacked lengths of
strap 22 secured by device 20.
[0038] As seen most clearly in FIG. 3, second end portion 44 angles
upwardly from base 40 to provide clearance for terminator 36
positioned there beneath when device 20 is in use. Second end
portion 44 forms a latch for engaging elastic cord 34 and
specifically the distal end of elastic cord 34, having terminator
36 thereon.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, second end portion 44 is an
angular, plate-like extension from base 40 and includes spaced,
angularly inwardly extending elongated holes 60, 62 for receiving
opposed segments of looped elastic cord 34. Holes 60, 62 open
through the outer edge of second portion 44 so that cord 34 can be
placed therein. In the exemplary configuration for holes 60, 62
outer edges 64, 66 thereof are substantially smooth, and inner
edges 68, 70 thereof are curved sharply to hold elastic cord 34
therein. Thus, from the position illustrated in FIG. 1, elastic
cord 34 can not be dislodged easily from holes 60, 62 by pulling
straight outwardly on terminator 36. Instead, to dislodge cord 34,
terminator 36 is rocked sideways, first in one direction and then
in the opposite direction substantially parallel to strap 22, to
thereby dislodge first one side of elastic cord 34 from one of the
holes 60, 62 and then to dislodge the other side of elastic cord 34
from the other of holes 60, 62. An end surface 72 of second end
portion 44 is curved, having an apex between holes 60 and 62, and
is shaped and angled to promote separation of the opposed segments
of looped elastic cord 34 and to direct the separated opposed
segments into holes 60, 62.
[0040] A portion of base 40 between slots 46 and 48 can be provided
with surface insignia or other surface configurations 74 providing
increased friction against movement of strap 22 along base 40.
[0041] In the use of strap securing device 20, holder 30 is
attached at a desired location along strap 22 by inserting portions
of strap 22 through entrance openings 50, 52 and into slots 46, 48.
A loose portion of strap 22 is fan folded over holder 30, between
abutments 54, 56 and one side and the upwardly angled second end
portion 44 on the opposite side. After strap 22 is appropriately
stacked and positioned, elastic cord 34 is pulled from first end 42
toward second end 44, over the stacked portion of strap 22 on base
40. Terminator 36 is pulled past end surface 72 of second end 44,
and elastic cord 34 is hooked to second end portion 44 in holes 60,
62. End surface 72 separates the opposed segments of elastic cord
34 as cord 34 is pulled there against. End surface 72 directs the
opposed segments into holes 60, 62. The elasticity of cord 34 holds
cord 34 securely in holes 60, 62. The inwardly directed force from
cord 34 against the curved configuration of inner edges 68, 70 of
holes 60, 62 holds cord 34 securely in holes 60, 62. Elastic cord
34 holds the stacked portions of strap 22 securely against base 40,
between abutments 56, 58 along one side and second end 44 on the
opposite side.
[0042] To free the secured portion of strap 22, terminator 36 is
pulled sideways in first one direction and then the opposite
direction substantially parallel to cord 22, to dislodge elastic
cord 34 from holes 60, 62. Smooth outer edges 64, 66 allow elastic
cord 34 to slide easily out of holes 60, 62 when pulled sideways as
described. However, the attachment of cord 34 to second end 44 is
secure in that complete detachment requires pulling first in one
direction and then in the other, opposite direction to free the
opposite sides of cord 34 from holes 60, 62. If terminator 36 is
inadvertently snagged or pulled in only one direction, cord 34 is
not completely dislodged.
[0043] Strap securing device 20 is easy to install initially and
easy to use both when securing portions of strap 22 and when
freeing the secured portions if strap 22 is to be adjusted. The
device is secure yet is not attached permanently to the strap and
can be removed if desired.
[0044] As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, with the
understanding from the side view of FIG. 3, terminator 36 fits
snuggly and smoothly beneath second end portion 44 even when device
20 is fitted against a relatively firm and flat surface. However,
in some applications and uses of the present invention it may not
be necessary to provide side support for the folded and stacked end
of strap 22, or to provide the nested position for terminator 36.
Further, the device may be easily threaded by inserting an end
through the device. FIGS. 4-9 illustrate substantially flat
variations of the present invention.
[0045] Strap securing device 80 (FIGS. 4-7) includes an elastic
cord 34 having a terminator 36, both as described previously
herein, secured to a base 82. Base 82 is a substantially flat body
having angular slots 84, 86, which may be interconnected at an end
opening 88 as shown in FIG. 7, or may be separate and discrete from
one another. Device 80 is suitable for use in applications wherein
a strap 90 can be threaded through slots 82, 84 by first inserting
an end of strap 90 therethrough. If slots 84, 86 are connected to
each other, strap 90 can be inserted through end opening 88.
Elastic cord 34 is secured a through an eyelet 92 at one end of
base 82. Holes 94, 96 at an opposite end of base 82 function
similarly to holes 60, 62 described previously. Use of device 80 is
similar to that described previously with respect to device 20.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present
invention for a base 100. Base 100 has an eyelet 102 at one end
thereof and holes 104, 106 at an opposite end thereof. Eyelet 102
is used similarly to eyelets 54 and 92, and holes 104, 106 are used
similarly to holes 60, 62 and 94, 96. Device 100 is used with an
elastic cord (not show) similar to the cords 34 described
previously. An elevated tongue 110 is connected to base 100 at one
end 112 and not connected at an opposite end 114. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, base 100 defines an opening 116 beneath
tongue 110. Base 100 also can be closed and spaced from the bottom
of tongue 110. A strap (not shown) is inserted beneath tongue 110
from unconnected end 114 of tongue 110. Device 100 is used in a
manner similar to those described previously herein.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
similar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having a surface embellishment
in the way of ridges 120, 122 for engaging a strap lying there
over.
[0048] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a still further embodiment of the
present invention. A strap securing device 130 includes a holder
132 and a retainer 134. A hinge 136 connects holder 132 and
retainer 134. Holder 132 includes a base 138 having a tongue 140
beneath which a strap can be inserted. Latches 142, 144 extend
outwardly from base 138. Retainer 134 includes a first arm 150 and
a second arm 152 extending outwardly from hinge 136. Latch
receivers 154, 156 are provided on the ends of arms 150, 152
respectively. Latches 142, 144 engage latch receivers 154, 156 when
the device 130 is closed. Notched blades 158 160 are provided
beneath arms 150, 152, respectively to engage a strap disposed
there beneath.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates strap securing device 130 installed on a
strap 170. Strap 170 is disposed beneath tongue 140 and on base
138. In FIG. 12 the closed and secured orientation is shown. Strap
170 is folded and stacked on holder 132, beneath arms 150, 152.
Latches 142, 144 are received in and held by latch receivers 154,
156.
[0050] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention
disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0051] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *