U.S. patent application number 13/625038 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ancra International LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ancra International LLC. Invention is credited to Edward K. Saunders.
Application Number | 20130074295 13/625038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47909498 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130074295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saunders; Edward K. |
March 28, 2013 |
LENGTH ADJUSTING MECHANISM FOR AN ELONGATE STRAP
Abstract
A length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap having a
first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly that is
selectively releasably engageable with the first connecting
assembly and connectable to an elongate strap. The first connecting
assembly has a first frame defining a mounting base and a keeper
that is mounted to the first frame for movement between a securing
position and a release position. The second connecting assembly has
a second frame that has a strap receiving assembly relative to
which a portion of an elongate strap operatively connected to the
second connecting assembly can be moved to thereby selectively
change an effective length of an elongate strap with the first and
second connecting assemblies engaged. The keeper in the securing
position releasably maintains the first and second connecting
assemblies together.
Inventors: |
Saunders; Edward K.;
(Erlanger, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ancra International LLC; |
Hawthorne |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ancra International LLC
Hawthorne
CA
|
Family ID: |
47909498 |
Appl. No.: |
13/625038 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61537658 |
Sep 22, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/592.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 7/0823 20130101;
Y10T 24/45236 20150115; A44B 11/25 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/592.11 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25 |
Claims
1. A length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap, the length
adjusting mechanism comprising: a first connecting assembly; and a
second connecting assembly selectively releasably engageable with
the first connecting assembly and connectable to an elongate strap,
the first connecting assembly comprising a first frame defining a
mounting base for the length adjusting mechanism, the first
connecting assembly further comprising a keeper that is mounted to
the first frame for movement between a securing position and a
release position, the second connecting assembly comprising a
second frame that has a strap receiving assembly relative to which
a portion of an elongate strap operatively connected to the second
connecting assembly can be moved to thereby selectively change an
effective length of an elongate strap with the first and second
connecting assemblies engaged, the keeper in the securing position
cooperating with the second connecting assembly to releasably
maintain the first and second connecting assemblies engaged.
2. The length adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 in
combination with an elongate strap operatively connected to the
second connecting assembly.
3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the first frame is
defined by a formed flat sheet.
4. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the second frame is
defined by a formed flat sheet.
5. The combination according to claim 2 wherein each of the first
and second frames is defined by a formed flat sheet.
6. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the keeper is
connected to the first frame for pivoting movement relative to the
first frame around an axis between the securing and release
positions.
7. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the second frame
comprises spaced side walls between which the first frame resides
with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged.
8. The combination according to claim 7 wherein the first frame
comprises spaced side walls that reside one each adjacent to the
spaced side walls on the second frame with the first and second
connecting assemblies engaged.
9. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the first frame
comprises spaced flat side walls and a pin extends through the
spaced flat side walls and mounts the keeper for pivoting movement
above an axis between the securing and release positions.
10. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the second frame
comprises first and second spaced side walls that are maintained
together by a plurality of pins that make up the strap receiving
assembly.
11. The combination according to claim 9 wherein the mounting base
and spaced flat side walls are formed as a single piece.
12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein the single piece
is a formed flat sheet.
13. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the first and
second frames have "U"-shaped portions that nest, one within the
other.
14. The combination according to claim 10 wherein one of the pins
is a locking pin that is received in a receptacle on the first
frame with the keeper in the securing position.
15. The combination according to claim 14 wherein the keeper cams
the locking pin into the receptacle as the keeper is changed from
its release position into its securing position.
16. The length adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the
keeper is normally biased towards its securing position.
17. The combination according to claim 10 wherein the plurality of
pins comprises at least three pins.
18. The combination according to claim 14 wherein the locking pin
and another one of the pins are fixed to each of the first and
second spaced side walls to define a continuous fixed loop.
19. The length adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the
first frame has a flat base from which spaced side walls extend so
that the flat base and spaced side walls define a "U" shape, the
mounting base resides in a first plane and the flat base on the
first frame resides in a second plane and the first and second
plane are at an angle with respect to each other.
20. The length adjusting mechanism according to claim 1 in
combination with a rigid support to which the mounting base is
fixedly secured through a fastener.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to elongate, flexible straps and,
more particularly, to a length adjusting mechanism for selectively
varying the effective length of a strap.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Elongate flexible straps are used extensively for many
different purposes in both civilian and military applications. Most
applications require that the effective length of the elongate
strap be selectively variable.
[0005] In some applications, particularly on military equipment,
there are space constraints on the length adjusting mechanism.
Space may dictate a maximum overall dimension for the length
adjusting mechanism. Given conventional designs of such length
adjusting mechanisms, when space is at a premium, there is often a
limitation as to the overall amount of length adjustment that is
possible.
[0006] In addition, some length adjusting mechanisms require a
quick release feature. The incorporation of this feature may add
further to the overall dimension of the length adjusting mechanism
that may further challenge designers to make a suitably functioning
length adjusting mechanism within a limited available space.
[0007] Typically, in military applications, the quick release
mechanisms are made with forged parts that are generally relatively
expensive to manufacture.
[0008] The industry continues to seek out designs of length
adjusting mechanisms that are functionally effective, durable and
reliable, compact in overall size, and capable of being
manufactured at a controlled cost level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one form, the invention is directed to a length adjusting
mechanism for an elongate strap. The length adjusting mechanism
includes a first connecting assembly and a second connecting
assembly selectively releasably engageable with the first
connecting assembly and connectable to an elongate strap. The first
connecting assembly has a first frame defining a mounting base for
the length adjusting mechanism. The first connecting assembly
further includes a keeper that is mounted to the first frame for
movement between a securing position and a release position. The
second connecting assembly includes a second frame that has a strap
receiving assembly relative to which a portion of an elongate
strap, operatively connected to the second connecting assembly, can
be moved to thereby selectively change an effective length of an
elongate strap with the first and second connecting assemblies
engaged. The keeper in the securing position cooperates with the
second connecting assembly to releasably maintain the first and
second connecting assemblies engaged.
[0010] In one form, the length adjusting mechanism is provided in
combination with an elongate strap operatively connected to the
second connecting assembly.
[0011] In one form, the first frame is defined by a formed flat
sheet.
[0012] The second frame may be defined by a formed flat sheet.
[0013] In one form, each of the first and second frames is defined
by a formed flat sheet.
[0014] In one form, the keeper is connected to the first frame for
pivoting movement relative to the first frame around an axis
between the securing and release positions.
[0015] In one form, the second frame has spaced side walls between
which the first frame resides with the first and second connecting
assemblies engaged.
[0016] In one form, the first frame has spaced side walls that
reside one each adjacent to the spaced side walls on the second
frame with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged.
[0017] In one form, the first frame has spaced flat side walls and
a pin extends through the spaced flat side walls and mounts the
keeper for pivoting movement above an axis between the securing and
release positions.
[0018] In one form, the second frame has first and second spaced
side walls that are maintained together by a plurality of pins that
make up the strap receiving assembly.
[0019] In one form, the mounting base and spaced flat side walls
are formed as a single piece.
[0020] In one form, the single piece is a formed flat sheet.
[0021] In one form, the first and second frames have "U"-shaped
portions that nest, one within the other.
[0022] In one form, one of the pins is a locking pin that is
received in a receptacle on the first frame with the keeper in the
securing position.
[0023] In one form, the keeper cams the locking pin into the
receptacle as the keeper is changed from its release position into
its securing position.
[0024] In one form, the keeper is normally biased towards its
securing position.
[0025] In one form, the plurality of pins consists of at least
three pins.
[0026] In one form, the locking pin and another one of the pins are
fixed to each of the first and second spaced side walls to define a
continuous fixed loop.
[0027] In one form, the first frame has a flat base from which
spaced side walls extend so that the flat base and spaced side
walls define a "U" shape. The mounting base resides in a first
plane and the flat base on the first frame resides in a second
plane. The first and second planes are at an angle with respect to
each other.
[0028] In one form, the length adjusting mechanism is provided in
combination with a rigid support to which the mounting base is
fixedly secured through a fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art length adjusting
mechanism for an elongate strap;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a length adjusting
mechanism with a cooperating elongate strap, according to the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one specific form of
length adjusting mechanism, according to the present invention and
as shown in FIG. 2, and with a keeper thereon shown in solid lines
in a securing position;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the length adjusting mechanism in
FIG. 3 with the keeper in a release position;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the length
adjusting mechanism in the FIG. 3 state;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of the length
adjusting mechanism in FIG. 5 with connecting assemblies thereon
separated from each other; and
[0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the length
adjusting mechanism in FIGS. 3-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] A conventional length adjusting mechanism with a quick
release feature is shown at 10 in FIG. 1 in association with a
flexible, elongate strap 12. The length adjusting mechanism 10
consists of a first connecting assembly 14 and a second connecting
assembly 16 that is releasably engageable with the first connecting
assembly 14.
[0037] The first connecting assembly 14 has a first frame 18 that
is defined as a single forged part. The first frame 18 defines a
closed ring 20 extending around an elongate through opening 22. A
length of strap material 24 is directed through the opening 22 and
doubled back upon itself at one end 26 of the strap length 24. The
opposite end 28 of the strap length 24 is extended through an
elongate slot 30 in a mounting base 32. The end 28 is doubled back
upon itself so that there are three stacked strap layers between
the first connecting assembly 14 and mounting base 32. The
overlapped portions of the strap length 24 are fixed together
through lines of stitching at 34 to thereby maintain a selected,
desired strap length L between the first connecting assembly 14 and
mounting base 32.
[0038] The mounting base 32 has an opening 36 to accept a
conventional type fastener 38 that is used to fix the mounting base
32 to an appropriate support 40.
[0039] The first connecting assembly 14 defines a separate closed
ring 42 surrounding a slot 44 that accepts a leading end 46 on the
second connecting assembly 16.
[0040] The second connecting assembly 16 defines a further closed
ring 48 bounding an elongate slot 50 that receives the strap body
52. The end region 54 of the strap body 52 is passed through the
slot 50 and doubled back against itself. The overlapped portions of
the end region 54 of the strap body 52 are engaged with a
conventional adjusting slide ring 56. The overlapped portions of
the end region 54 of the strap body 52 are slidable through the
adjusting slide ring 56 that frictionally maintains the overlapped
portions together to maintain an effective length for the strap 12
that is charged through manipulation of the strap body within the
slide ring 56.
[0041] The first and second connecting assemblies 14, 16 are
engaged by directing the leading end 46 on the second connecting
assembly 16 through the slot 44 in the first connecting assembly 14
so that an opening 58, bounded by the leading end 46 and ring 42,
is defined. A hook 60 on a keeper 62 can then be directed through
the opening 58 to maintain the engaged first and second connecting
assemblies 14, 16 together against separation.
[0042] The keeper 62 has a body 64 that is pivotably connected to
the first connecting assembly 14 for movement around an axis 66.
The body 64 is pivotable oppositely around the axis 66 to
selectively place the keeper in: a) a securing position wherein the
hook extends through the opening 58; and b) a release position
wherein the hook 60 is moved out of the opening 58, thereby to
allow the second connecting assembly 16 to be withdrawn from the
slot 44, whereupon the first and second connecting assemblies 14,
16 can be fully separated from each other.
[0043] The end of the strap 12, remote from the second connecting
assembly 16, can be suitably connected to any component 68 as a
particular application may dictate.
[0044] In FIG. 2, a length adjusting mechanism for an elongate
strap, according to the present invention, is shown in schematic
form at 70. The length adjusting mechanism 70 consists of first and
second connecting assemblies 72, 74 that are releasably engageable.
The first connecting assembly 72 is suitably connected to a support
76. The second connecting assembly 74 is connected to a strap 78
that in turn is connected to a component 80. It is conceivable that
the components could be engaged to produce a continuous loop. In
either event, the function of the inventive structure is
substantially the same.
[0045] One specific form of length adjusting mechanism 70 is shown
in FIGS. 3-7. The first and second connecting assemblies 72, 74 are
releasably engageable and maintained together through a
repositionable keeper 82. The keeper 82 is connected to a frame 84
on the first connecting assembly 72 for pivoting movement around an
axis 86 between a securing position, as shown in solid lined
positions in FIG. 3, and a release position, as shown in dotted
lines in that same Figure.
[0046] The frame 84 has a main, U-shaped portion 88 that extends
into an offset mounting base 90 that is suitably connected to the
support 76. The mounting base 90 is connected, directly or
indirectly, to the support 76. In one preferred form, the mounting
base 90 is fixedly secured by a fastener 91 directly to a rigid
support. The U-shaped portion 88 has a flat base 92 from which
spaced side walls 94, 96 project. The base 92 is substantially flat
and resides within a plane that is angled with respect to a plane
within which the mounting base 90 resides.
[0047] The keeper 82 has a body 98 with spaced legs 100, 102 that
loosely straddle the sidewalls 94, 96 on the frame 84. A mounting
post 104 extends through the legs 100, 102 and the side walls 94,
96, thereby to interconnect the frame 84 and keeper 82 so that the
keeper 82 can pivot relative to the frame 84 around the axis 86.
Separate torsion coil springs 106, of like construction, wrap
around the mounting post 104 and engage the keeper 82 and frame 84
and are loaded to normally bias the keeper 82 towards the securing
position therefor.
[0048] The second connecting assembly 74 has a frame 108 consisting
of spaced side walls 110, 112 that are connected by first and
second knurled pins 114, 116 and a locking pin 118. The locking pin
118 and pin 114 are fixed to the side walls 110, 112 to define a
continuous fixed loop shape. The side walls 110, 112 are bent at a
mid-length location so that a first spacing S1 between side wall
portions 120, 122, connected by the locking pin 118, is greater
than a second spacing S2 between side wall portions 124, 126, where
the knurled pins 114, 116 are located.
[0049] The side wall portions 124, 126 and the knurled pins 114,
116 define a strap releasing assembly relative to which a portion
of the strap 78, operatively connected to the second connecting
assembly 74, can be moved to thereby selectively change an
effective length of the strap 78 with the first and second
connecting assemblies 72, 74 engaged. More specifically, the strap
78 is routed through the strap receiving assembly by strategically
wrapping the strap 78 around the pins 114, 116, as seen clearly in
FIG. 3, in a generally conventional manner used to frictionally
secure straps like the strap 78. The pin 116 is translatable in a
closed slot 127 defined in the side wall portions 120, 122 to
permit the strap 78 to be routed and moved to effect the desired
effective length adjustment thereof. With the first and second
connecting assemblies 72, 74 engaged, a hand hold 128 at the strap
end can be pulled to effectively shorten the length of the strap
78. Once the hand hold 128 is released, the frictional engagement
between the strap 78 and holding pins 114, 116 effectively
maintains length.
[0050] With the first and second connecting assemblies 72, 74
engaged, the side walls 94, 96 on the frame 84 reside between the
portions 120, 122 of the side walls 110, 112 on the second
connecting assembly 74. To engage the connecting assemblies 72, 74,
the locking pin 118 on the second connecting assembly 74 is
directed into a U-shaped receptacle 130 defined cooperatively by
like cutouts 131 (one shown) in the side walls 94, 96 on the first
connecting assembly 72. Once the locking pin 118 is seated in the
receptacle 130, the keeper 82 is allowed to pivot to its securing
position. In the securing position therefor, curved edges 136 on
the legs 100, 102 wrap partially around the locking pin 118 and
capture the locking pin 118 in conjunction with oppositely opening
curved edges 138 (one shown) bounding the receptacle 130. The edges
138 are configured to cam the locking pin 118 towards the base of
the receptacle 130 as the keeper 82 pivots towards its securing
position.
[0051] The body 98 has an extension 140 with a platform 142 that
can be pressed upon by a user to pivot the keeper 82 from its
securing position to its release position. The body 98 joins the
legs 100, 102 to define a "U"-shaped portion within which the "U"
shape of the frame portion 88 nests.
[0052] The frames 84, 108 are each configured so that they are each
capable of being made from a formed flat sheet. All of the
aforementioned sidewalls 94, 96, 110, 112 thus have a generally
flat shape. Similarly, the keeper 82 can be made from a formed flat
sheet so that the legs 100, 102 thereon are likewise flat.
[0053] With the first and second connecting assemblies 72, 74
engaged, the side walls 94, 96; 110, 112 are in overlapped
relationship to allow a compact lengthwise dimension for the
engaged connecting assemblies 72, 74. Size control is further
facilitated by forming the mounting base 90 as part of the frame 84
on the first connecting assembly 72 as compared to the three part
construction shown for corresponding parts in FIG. 1.
[0054] The side walls 94, 96, 110, 112 may be in adjacent
relationship to offer a compact width dimension for the joined
connecting assemblies 72, 74.
[0055] By allowing a relatively small combined lengthwise dimension
L1 of the engaged connecting assemblies 72, 74, the length
adjusting mechanism 70 can be placed in relatively tight spaces
while potentially retaining the ability to offer a significant
adjustment range.
[0056] The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended
to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the
invention.
* * * * *