US20070289106A1 - Strap retainer device - Google Patents
Strap retainer device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070289106A1 US20070289106A1 US11/424,843 US42484306A US2007289106A1 US 20070289106 A1 US20070289106 A1 US 20070289106A1 US 42484306 A US42484306 A US 42484306A US 2007289106 A1 US2007289106 A1 US 2007289106A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- slot
- outer periphery
- tortuous
- acute angle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
- A44B11/006—Attachment of buckle to strap
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/40—Buckles
- Y10T24/4088—One-piece
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/40—Buckles
- Y10T24/4088—One-piece
- Y10T24/4093—Looped strap
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44983—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof formed from single rigid piece of material
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
- Y10T24/4764—Ring-loop
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a device, which is employed to prevent cargo or an item, which is being transported, from undesired shifting during transit or keeping the item from moving to an undesired or unsafe location. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of cargo transport in a transport medium that has an open cargo area, wherein the undesired or unsafe shifting of cargo during transit can cause damage to the cargo or create a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road. In addition, the present invention relates to controlling the position of an item in transit thereby keeping the item from assuming an undesired or unsafe position or location.
- the present invention concerns the retaining of cargo in a transporting medium such as a pickup truck bed to prevent the undesired or unsafe shifting of the cargo or item transported therein, thus helping to prevent damage to the cargo or item and helping to prevent a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road.
- a transporting medium such as a pickup truck bed
- the shifting cargo can potentially upset the vehicles center of gravity to such an extent to possibly cause the driver of the vehicle to lose control of the vehicle.
- cargos are packed as carefully as possible in the container to eliminate any open spaces within the container to minimize the possibility of a cargo shifting.
- cargo containers are packed as carefully as possible in the container to eliminate any open spaces within the container to minimize the possibility of a cargo shifting.
- the cargo container may be at best a comprise to contain the cargo and retain it securely, thus of necessity requiring an open (not having sidewalls or a roof) transportation platform or medium such as a flat bed truck, or flat bed rail car, or flat bed trailer.
- cargo retention devices In order to secure the open regions of the cargo container, it is desirable to provide some sort of restraint device between the cargo and the walls of the cargo bed.
- cargo retention devices need to be constructed to withstand the shifting forces typically encountered during transport of the cargo. Likewise, they must also be relatively lightweight and preferably capable to adapting to any number of size differences that exist between the various cargo containers and cargo shapes. It is also desired that the cargo retention device is easily portable and movable and readily securable/unsecurable within the cargo container space thus allowing the cargo retention device to be easily installed or removed from the cargo containing area.
- the strap usually has two open or free ends, there is of necessity a strap retainer device required that is adapted to attach to one of the open ends, wherein the other strap open end is substantially selectively fixedly adjustable along the lengthwise axis of the strap or the strap can be tensioned or “cinched” around the cargo or item by manually applying a force along the strap lengthwise axis away from the cargo or item.
- the focus of the prior at review is on the strap retainer device, specifically its attachment to the strap and structure to selectively fixedly retain the strap along the lengthwise axis of the strap.
- a seat belt splitter plate (specifically referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 for the design patent and FIGS. 1 and 2 for the utility patent) that is basically a strap slot with a removal slot positioned at about 1 ⁇ 3 of the lateral distance through the slot.
- the strap if bunched up in the corner of the slot, could slip out with force in one direction as the removal slot does not require a tortuous path for the strap to exit the plate, such that a tortuous path would at least require an additional ninety (90) degree bend in an opposing direction for the strap to exit the plate, thus helping to prevent the strap exiting the plate if the strap is bunched up in one corner of the slot with force in one direction, meaning in the direction of the removal slot.
- a tortuous path would at least require an additional ninety (90) degree bend in an opposing direction for the strap to exit the plate, thus helping to prevent the strap exiting the plate if the strap is bunched up in one corner of the slot with force in one direction, meaning in the direction of the removal slot.
- a buckle again like Bernart for the slot removal access not having a tortuous path, except that the single direction removal slot is positioned closer to one end of the long lateral slot, see FIG. 9 in particular.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,351 to Fricko disclosed is a comfort clip for a vehicle shoulder belt wherein the clip is retained on the belt at a selected lengthwise position on the belt to prevent the shoulder belt retractor from excessively tensioning the shoulder belt across the user's upper torso.
- the clip on Fricko is secured to the belt by having a slot configuration similar to Bernart and Hirsh, wherein Fricko is designed to strictly hold the clip at a particular position along the belt length, reference in particular FIG. 4 .
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,140,164 to Moffatt disclosed is a hook coupling that has two open slots that are interconnected forming a somewhat “S” shape for clothing apparel use on bra straps and the like. Moffatt has the difference of sliding the strap into place for each open slot, wherein one slot has an angled non tortuous passage at a lateral midpoint resulting in more retention of the strap and the other slot has a restricted open end facilitating quick and easy installation and removal of the strap.
- U.S. Design Pat. No. D350,712 to D'Ambrosio et al. disclosed is a clasp with a conventional slot at one end and an open slot in an opposing end that is slightly offset and restricted in width.
- U.S. Design Pat. No. D285,383 to Anthony disclosed is a seatbelt “T” bar bracket that includes a conventional closed slot, and two open slots, wherein the access to the outer periphery requires the seatbelt strap to make a signal right angle bend near one end of the open slot.
- the installation/removal slot transition to the long lateral slot has minimal bends, having a non tortuous path so as to not damage the strap and provide for easy and smooth installation and removal of the strap from the long lateral slot, however, with the compromise being that the strap is only moderately retained in the slot with the strap being easily removed from the slot with the addition of force on the strap being in only one direction different from the slot lengthwise axis or force on the strap transverse to the slot lengthwise axis against the slot side opposite of the removal slot.
- an adjustable strap being similar to a conventional motorcycle tie down strap except for a dual attachment system at each end of the strap, having what is known as a “soft hook” and a closed biased member (similar to a mountaineering carabiner) “S” type hook, both of which can provide a non inadvertently detachable attachment system when the tension of the strap is momentarily removed, (although FIG. 7 does not teach a secure way to attach the “soft hook” using a conventional open ended “S” hook).
- a “soft hook” and a closed biased member similar to a mountaineering carabiner
- a strap attachment buckle having a closed end slot in combination with a open slot that has access from the open slot to the outer periphery portion of the buckle, however, with the addition of a selectably operable gate that is biased to close the open slot, somewhat again like a mountaineering carabiner, i.e., positively retaining a strap in the open slot, except for a remote mechanical linkage to open and close the gate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,434 to Ellwanger disclosed is a quick connect retaining leash device that has a plurality of open slots that have somewhat restricted openings to the device outer periphery from the open slot for serpentine routing of the leash, wherein an opposing end of the device is adapted to attach to a conventional car seatbelt receptacle, wherein the strap retention in the leash device would be difficult without the serpentine routing of the leash. Also, in looking at U.S. Pat. No.
- Van Den Broek et al. discloses a fastening apparatus for anchoring the ends of flexible tape for use in package bundling, where in the fastening apparatus allows for tensioning and securing the two free ends of the tape without the need for a special tool.
- Van Dan Broek et al. requires the use of two sandwiching elements that frictionally clamp the tape when tension is applied between the tape ends to prevent the tape from sliding out of the slot, as in Bartolini and Ellwanger the slot end only has a width restriction which alone would not be sufficient to substantially retain the strap in the slot.
- a strap retainer device that is simple and effective in design by not having any moving parts to wear or need adjustment or replacement and to be able to retain the strap in the strap retainer device under a number of conditions. Firstly, allowing for not having to substantially retain the strap at a selectable lengthwise position on the strap, secondly, by helping to allow the strap and strap retainer device to “cinch” up on the cargo and/or item that the strap loops around when tensile force is applied to the strap in an axis substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the strap, i.e. so that the strap tends to tighten up around the cargo and/or item thereby helping to secure the cargo and/or item when the aforementioned tensile force is applied.
- the strap will remain substantially retained in the strap retainer device when the strap is under lengthwise tension (as previously mentioned), and also when the strap is under no lengthwise tension, i.e. even slackened and/or in combination with a force on the strap that is transverse to the strap lengthwise axis and/or in combination with a force on the strap at any angle when the strap is slackened, in other words the strap will remain substantially retained in the strap retainer device under any set or combination of strap conditions being, tight, slackened, side force, and the like, thus helping to prevent the strap from inadvertently dislodging from the strap retainer device that would result in the cargo or item not being held in the desired location causing damage or loss of the cargo or item and helping to prevent a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road.
- a strap retainer device for retaining a first object to a second object, the second object being a flexible strap, the device including a body that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion, the body including a first end portion and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion, the body also having a longitudinal axis spanning between and through the first end portion and the second end portion. Wherein the first end portion is adapted to attach to the first object.
- the said second end portion includes a second end slot therethrough, the second end slot having a closed proximal end and a closed distal end, the second end portion also includes a second end tortuous access passageway therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion to be in communication with the second end slot.
- the second end tortuous passage way is defined by a second end first acute angle and a second end second acute angle, wherein the second end first acute angle and the second end second acute angle are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the second end tortuous access passageway is operational to allow the strap to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion to the second end slot and selectably manually positioned from the second end slot to the outer periphery portion, wherein the second end tortuous access passageway helps restrict the strap from inadvertently dislodging from the second end slot to the outer periphery portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device with an angled slot extension
- FIG. 2 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device
- FIG. 4 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device with the angled slot extension
- FIG. 6 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device with the angled slot extension
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device
- FIG. 8 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension showing a strap adjacent to an opposing first end portion
- FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a sue drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension with the strap adjacent to the opposing first end portion looping around a first object;
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the strap adjacent to the opposing first end portion looping around a first object, wherein the second end portion will removably engage a loop on a standard adjustable cargo strap;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective use view drawing showing the use of the double ended strap retainer device with a standard dog leash looped around a first object;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective use view drawing showing the initial plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together wherein force has been applied along the longitudinal axis of the free end of the strap resulting the strap retainer devices becoming adjacent to one another;
- FIG. 16 is a side use view drawing of FIG. 15 showing the completed plural strap insertions into the trap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together wherein force has been applied along the longitudinal axis of the free end of the strap resulting the strap retainer devices becoming adjacent to one another;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective use view drawing of the double ended strap retainer device as shown in FIG. 5 with the angled slot extension portion, wherein a single strap is looped around a first object;
- FIG. 18 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension portion, showing a plurality of strap retainer device second end portions substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion of the strap retainer device;
- FIG. 19 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device, showing a plurality of strap retainer device second end portions substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion of the strap retainer device;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device, showing the first end portion being sized and configured to removably engage to a channel on a support surface;
- FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the outer periphery;
- FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap proceeding through the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the first and second acute angles;
- FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the slot from the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the second acute angle;
- FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the angled slot extension, wherein the strap clears the tortuous access passageway for centering of the strap in the slot.
- FIG. 1 shown is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 25 including an angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 2 shows a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device 25 also including the angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 26 without the angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 4 shows a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device 26 also without the angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device 27 with the angled slot extension portions 60
- FIG. 6 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device 27 with the angled slot extension portions 60 .
- FIG. 1 shown is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 25 including an angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 2 shows a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device 25 also including the angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 26 without the angled slot extension portion 60
- FIG. 4 shows a flat pattern view of the strap retain
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device 28 without the angled slot extension portions 60
- FIG. 8 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device 28 again without the angled slot extension portions 60
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension portion 60 showing a strap 36 adjacent to an opposing first end portion 42 .
- the strap 36 is preferably defined as a narrow strip of flexible material such as fabric, leather, nylon, and the like wherein the strap 36 has a high flexibility in its lengthwise axis, defined as “lengthwise stiffness” (parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 with strap 36 as shown in FIG.
- a ribbon is preferably defined as a long thin strip of fine material such as silk, satin, rayon, or the like that typically has a high degree of flexibility in both the ribbon's lengthwise axis, defined as “lengthwise stiffness” (parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 comparing to strap 36 as shown in FIG. 10 ) and in an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 46 , defined as “lateral stiffness” again in referring to FIG. 10 .
- the present invention relies to some extent on the strap 36 lateral stiffness being higher that the strap 36 lengthwise stiffness, wherein the strap 36 resists going through the tortuous passageway 54 as best shown in FIGS. 22 , 23 , and 24 as the tortuous passage way 54 requires the strap 36 to flex laterally.
- FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 including the angled slot extension portion 60 with the strap 36 adjacent to the opposing first end portion 42 looping around a first object 32 , thereby retaining the first object 32 to a second object 34
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the use drawing for the strap retainer device 26 with the strap 36 adjacent to the opposing first end portion 42 looping around a first object 32 , thereby retaining the first object 32 to a second object 34 , wherein the second end portion 44 will removably engage a loop 82 on a standard adjustable cargo strap 80
- FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 including the angled slot extension portion 60 with the strap 36 adjacent to the opposing first end portion 42 looping around a first object 32 , thereby retaining the first object 32 to a second object 34
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the use drawing for the strap retainer device 26 with the strap 36 adjacent to the opposing first end portion 42 looping
- FIG. 12 is a perspective use view drawing showing the use of the doubled ended strap retainer device 28 with a standard dog leash 84 looped around a first object 32 , thereby retaining the first object 32 to a second object 34 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective use view drawing showing the initial plural strap 36 insertions into the strap retainer devices 26 for the use of two strap retainer devices 26 being joined together
- FIG. 14 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap 36 insertions into the strap retainer devices 26 for the use of two strap retainer devices 26 being joined together
- FIG. 15 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap 36 insertions into the strap retainer devices 26 for the use of two strap retainer devices 26 being joined together, wherein force 86 has been applied along the longitudinal axis 46 of the free end of the straps 36 resulting the strap retainer devices 26 becoming adjacent to one another as is best shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 16 is a side use view drawing of FIG. 15 showing the completed plural strap 36 insertion into the strap retainer devices 26 for the sue of two strap retainer devices 26 being joined together within force 86 has been applied along the longitudinal axis 46 of the free ends of the strap 36 resulting the strap retainer devices 26 becoming adjacent to one another.
- FIG. 17 shows a perspective use view drawing of the double ended strap retainer device 27 as shown in FIG. 5 with the angled slot extension portion 60 , wherein a single strap 36 is looped around a first object 32 thereby retaining the first object 32 to a second object 34 .
- FIG. 18 shows a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device 29 with the angled slot extension portion 60 , showing a plurality of strap retainer device 29 second end portions 33 substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion 42 of the strap retainer device 29 .
- FIG. 19 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device 30 , showing a plurality of strap retainer device 30 second end portions 44 substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion 42 of the strap retainer device 30 .
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device 25 or 26 , showing the first end portion 42 being sized and configured to removably engage to a channel 68 on a support surface 66 .
- FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 entering the tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the outer periphery 49 and with FIG. 22 showing a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 proceeding through the tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the first 56 and second 58 acute angles.
- FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 entering the slot 48 from the tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the second acute angle 58 .
- FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 entering the tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the outer periphery 49
- FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 proceeding through the tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the first 56
- FIG 24 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device 25 with the angled slot extension 60 having the strap 36 entering the angled slot extension 60 , wherein the strap 36 clears the tortuous access passageway 54 for centering of the strap 36 in the slot 48 .
- the strap retainer device 25 for retaining a first object 32 to a second object 34 with the second object 34 preferably being a flexible strap 36 , as best shown in FIG. 9
- the strap retainer device 25 including a body 38 that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion 40 .
- the body 38 including a first end portion 42 and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion 44 , also the body 38 having a longitudinal axis 46 spanning between and through the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 44 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the first end portion 42 is adapted to attach to the first object 32 , and as shown in FIG.
- the first end portion 42 is adapted to attach to a first object 32 preferably being a flexible strap 36 , however, the first end portion 42 could be fastened, welded, glued, removably engaged (as shown in FIG. 20 ), or adapted to attach in any manner to a desired first object 32 .
- the second end portion 44 includes a second end slot 48 therethrough, wherein the second end slot 48 includes a closed proximal end portion 50 and a closed distal end portion 52 , with the second end portion 44 also including a second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion 40 to be in communication with the second end slot 48 .
- the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 is defined by a second end 44 first acute angle portion 56 and a second end 44 second acute angle portion 58 , wherein the second end 44 first acute angle 56 and the second end 44 second acute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 is functional to allow the strap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , as best shown in looking at the sequence of FIGS. 13 and 14 or in looking at FIGS. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , and 10 in that order.
- the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict the strap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , thereby in an overall sense helping to retain the first object 32 to the second object 34 irrespective of the relative movement or positions of the first object 32 to the second object 34 , even if the strap 36 momentarily slackens between the first object 32 and the second object 34 .
- the strap retainer device 25 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , can further include to the second end 44 slot 48 closed proximal end 50 a second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 and having the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 communication to the second end 44 slot 48 be adjacent to the second end 44 slot 48 closed distal end 52 at a selected second end 44 distance 62 .
- the second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 is operational to help the flexible strap 36 exit the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 to allow the strap 36 to reside in the second end 44 slot 48 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- distance 62 is about one-quarter (1 ⁇ 4) of an inch, however, distance 62 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- the second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 has a second end 44 length 64 that is substantially equal to the selected second end distance 62 .
- the strap retainer device 25 outer periphery portion 40 , second and 44 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the second end 44 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to the strap 36 .
- FIG. 1 the strap retainer device 25 outer periphery portion 40 , second and 44 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the second end 44 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and to be smoothly select
- the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein the radius 88 at about a mid point in the tortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however, radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- the strap retainer device 25 or 26 optionally shows the first end portion 42 that is adapted to attach to the first object 32 that includes a support surface 66 having a support surface channel 68 , wherein the first end portion 42 is sized and configured to removably engage the support surface 66 channel 68 .
- the first end portion 42 remains engaged to the channel 68 and thus the support surface 66 even when there is some degree of radial movement 90 and/or lateral movement 91 both being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 46 .
- a further option for the strap retainer device 29 and 30 in referring specifically to FIGS. 18 and 19 is to have a single first end portion 42 serve a plurality of second end portions 44 that are spaced apart by a gap 70 having a width 72 that is at least equal to or greater than a strap 36 thickness 37 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- the first object 32 is also a flexible strap 36 and the first end portion 42 is basically a mirror image of what the second end portion 44 is with the outer periphery 40 , the slot 48 , and the tortuous access passageway 54 that communicates between the outer periphery 40 and the slot 48 .
- the first end portion 42 includes a first end slot 48 therethrough, the first end slot 48 having a closed proximal end portion 50 and a closed distal end portion 52 , the first end portion 42 also includes a first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion 40 to be in communication with the first end 42 slot 48 .
- the first end 42 tortuous passageway 54 is defined by a first end 42 first acute angle 56 and a first end 42 second acute angle 58 , wherein the first end 42 first acute angle 56 and the first end 42 second acute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 is operational to allow the strap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , wherein the first end 42 tortuous access passage way 54 helps restrict the strap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 .
- the strap retainer device 27 can further include to the first end 42 slot 48 closed proximal end 50 a first end 42 angled portion slot extension 60 and having the first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 communication to the first end 42 slot 48 be adjacent to the first ed 42 slot 48 closed distal end 52 at a selected first end 42 distance 62 .
- the first end 42 angled portion slot extension 60 is operational to help the flexible strap 36 exit the first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 to allow the strap 36 to reside in the first end 42 slot 48 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- distance 62 is about one-quarter (1 ⁇ 4) of an inch, however, distance 62 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- first end 42 angled portion slot extension 60 has a first end 42 length 64 that is substantially equal to the selected second end distance 62 .
- the strap retainer device 27 outer periphery portion 40 , first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the first end 42 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to the strap 36 .
- FIG. 1 the strap retainer device 27 outer periphery portion 40 , first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the first end 42 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to
- the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein the radius 88 at about a mid point in the tortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however, radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- the strap retainer device 26 is shown for retaining a first object 32 to a second object 34 , with the second object 34 preferably being a flexible strap 36 , as best shown in FIG. 13 , with the strap retainer device 26 including a body 38 that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion 40 .
- the body 38 including a first end portion 42 and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion 44 , also the body 38 having a longitudinal axis 46 between and through the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 44 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the first end portion 42 is adapted to attach to the first object 32 , and as shown in FIG.
- the first end portion 42 is adapted to attach to a first object 32 preferably being a flexible strap 36 , however, the first end portion 42 could be fastened, welded, glued, removably engaged (as shown in FIG. 20 ), or adapted to attach in any manner to a desired first object 32 .
- the second end portion 44 includes a second end slot 48 therethrough, wherein the second end slot 48 includes a closed proximal end portion 50 and an open distal end portion 52 , with the second end portion 44 also including a second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion 40 to be in communication with the second end slot 48 open distal end 52 .
- the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 is defined by a second end 44 first acute angle portion 56 and a second end 44 second acute angle portion 58 , wherein the second end 44 first acute angle 56 and the second end 44 second acute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 is functional to allow the strap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , as best shown in looking at the sequences of FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict the strap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , thereby in an overall sense helping to retain the first object 32 to the second object 34 inespective of the relative movement or positions of the first object 32 to the second object 34 .
- the strap retainer device 26 outer periphery portion 40 , second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the second end 44 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to the strap 36 .
- FIG. 1 the strap retainer device 26 outer periphery portion 40 , second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the second end 44 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the second end 44 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the second end 44 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to
- the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, where in the radius 88 at about a mid point in the tortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- the first object 32 is also a flexible strap 36 and the first end portion 42 is basically a mirror image of what the second end portion 44 is with the outer periphery 40 , the slot 48 , and the tortuous access passageway 54 that communicates between the outer periphery 40 and the slot 48 .
- the first end portion 42 includes a first end slot 48 therethrough, the first end slot 48 having a closed proximal end portion 50 and an open distal end portion 53 , the first end portion 42 also includes a first end 42 tortuous access passage way 54 therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion 40 to be in communication with the first end 42 slot 48 .
- the first end 42 tortuous passageway 54 is defined by a first end 42 first acute angle 56 and a first end 42 second acute angle 58 , wherein the first end 42 first acute angle 56 and the first end 42 second acute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 is operational to allow the strap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 , wherein the first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict the strap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 .
- the strap retainer device 28 outer periphery portion 40 , first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the first end 42 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to the strap 36 .
- FIG. 1 the strap retainer device 28 outer periphery portion 40 , first end 42 tortuous access passageway 54 , specifically the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second acute angle portion 58 , plus the first end 42 slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow the strap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion 40 to the first end 42 slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from the first end 42 slot 48 to the outer periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to
- the first acute angle portion 56 and the second end second a acute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein the radius 88 at about a mid point in the tortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however, radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of the strap 36 .
- the preferred material of construction is steel plate, alternatively other materials of construction would include aluminum plate, plastics, composites, or other materials that would have similar strength of materials characteristics and environmental considerations (corrosion, weather, and the like) as the aforementioned materials.
- the preferred thickness 94 for all of the embodiments of the strap retainer device 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , and 30 is about one-eighth (1 ⁇ 8) of an inch, however, the thickness 94 could be more or less than this value depending upon the characteristic of the material.
- the primary limitation on strength for the strap retainer devices 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , and 30 for force loading along the longitudinal axis 46 is the portion between the closed proximal end 50 and the outer periphery 40 being stressed as a cantilever beam by the strap 36 residing in the slot 48 acting through force 86 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- the preferred strength for the strap retainer devices 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , and 30 along the longitudinal axis is about fifteen hundred (1,500) pounds force for the materials of construction being steel plate at a thickness 94 of one-eighth (1 ⁇ 8) of an inch. Higher or lower strengths would be acceptable depending upon the conditions of use.
- FIGS. 9-20 show a myriad of uses for the strap retainer devices 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , and 30 , the following method of use is for the basic use of the strap retainer device 25 as best shown in FIG. 9 that is a method of selectively retaining a first object 32 to a second object 34 , comprising the steps of: Firstly, providing a strap retainer device 25 that includes a body 38 with an outer periphery portion 40 , the body 38 including a first end portion 42 and an oppositely disposed second end portion 44 , wherein the second end portion 44 includes a second end 44 slot 48 therethrough.
- the second end 44 slot 48 having a closed proximal end 50 and a closed distal end 52 , the second end portion 44 also includes a second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion 40 to be in communication with the second end 44 slot 48 .
- the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 is defined by a second end 44 first acute angle 56 and a second end 44 second acute angle 58 , wherein the second end 44 first acute angle 56 and the second end 44 second acute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other.
- the second end 44 slot 48 closed proximal end 50 further comprises a second end angled portion slot extension 60 and the second end 44 tortuous access passageway 54 communication to the second end 44 sot 48 is adjacent to the second end 44 slot 48 closed distal end 52 at a selected second end 44 distance 62 .
- a further step is to provide a strap 36 , wherein the first end portion 42 is adapted to attache to the strap 36 , see FIG. 9 , the strap 36 also including an oppositely disposed end that is adapted to attach to the second object 34 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- the strap 36 is in grasping manually the strap retainer device 25 and the strap 36 and then loping the strap 36 around the first object 32 also as shown in FIG. 10 .
- a nest step is in continuing to feed the strap 36 through the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 deforming the strap 36 laterally to negotiate the second end 44 first acute angle 56 and the oppositely disposed second end 44 second acute angle 58 until the second end 44 slot 48 is reached as best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- a further step is pushing the strap 36 into the second end 44 slot 48 and continuing to push the strap 36 into the second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 until the strap 36 clears the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 as best shown in FIG. 24 .
- a step of centering the strap 36 in the second end 44 slot 48 by reversibly pushing the strap 36 out of the second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 until the strap 36 is adjacent to the second end 44 slot 48 closed distal end 52 , as best shown in FIG. 10 , wherein the strap retainer device 25 substantially retains the strap 36 in the second end 44 slot 48 irrespective of the relevant positions of the first object 32 and the second object 34 , even if the strap 36 momentarily slackens.
- To disengage the strap 36 from the strap retainer device 25 involves a reversing step of pushing the strap 36 into the second end 44 angled portion slot extension 60 until the strap 36 lengthwise edge is adjacent to the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 , essentially going from what is shown in FIG. 10 to what is shown in FIG. 24 for the positioning of the strap 36 .
- the next step involves feeding the strap 36 through the second end 44 tortuous passageway 54 deforming the strap 36 laterally to negotiate the second end 44 second acute angle 58 and the oppositely disposed second end 44 first acute angle 56 , essentially going from what is shown in FIG. 24 to what is shown in FIG. 23 , proceeding until what is shown in FIG. 22 , until the strap 36 reaches the outer periphery portion 40 , as best shown in FIG. 21 , wherein the strap 36 can be removed from the strap retainer device 25 thus selectively unretaining the first object 32 from the second object 34 .
Abstract
A strap retainer device and method for retaining a first object to a second object, the device including a body that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion, the body including a first end portion and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion. The first end portion is adapted to attach to the first object and the second end portion includes a slot therethrough that is closed at both ends, the second end portion also includes a tortuous passageway therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion to be in communication with the slot. The tortuous access passageway is operational to allow the strap to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion to the slot and selectably manually positioned from the slot to the outer periphery portion, wherein the tortuous access passageway helps restrict the strap from inadvertently dislodging from the slot to the outer periphery portion.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a device, which is employed to prevent cargo or an item, which is being transported, from undesired shifting during transit or keeping the item from moving to an undesired or unsafe location. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of cargo transport in a transport medium that has an open cargo area, wherein the undesired or unsafe shifting of cargo during transit can cause damage to the cargo or create a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road. In addition, the present invention relates to controlling the position of an item in transit thereby keeping the item from assuming an undesired or unsafe position or location. In particular, the present invention concerns the retaining of cargo in a transporting medium such as a pickup truck bed to prevent the undesired or unsafe shifting of the cargo or item transported therein, thus helping to prevent damage to the cargo or item and helping to prevent a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road.
- Industrialized counties rely upon transportation systems such as over the road trucks, trains, airplanes, and boats for distribution and transportation of both large objects and balky commodities. It is important to the safety of the transportation vehicle, whether it be a truck, car, boat, or train, and to the safety of the cargo that is transported, that the cargo is stabilized while being transported. If the cargo shifts or moves during transport, the cargo can be damaged, ejected, or lost, in addition, the inside of the cargo container can also be damaged. Further, if the cargo is not sufficiently stabilized to avoid shifting, the cargo can potentially unbalance the vehicle and create a dangerous situation. For example, if a vehicle is loaded so that the cargo is distributed evenly in the cargo area of the vehicle and the cargo shifts its location dramatically while the vehicle is traveling, for instance during the negotiation of the curve on the road, the shifting cargo can potentially upset the vehicles center of gravity to such an extent to possibly cause the driver of the vehicle to lose control of the vehicle.
- To avoid cargo shifting, cargos are packed as carefully as possible in the container to eliminate any open spaces within the container to minimize the possibility of a cargo shifting. In many circumstances, however, depending upon the specific type of cargo or the nature and size or bulk of the cargo, necessarily result in open spaces between the cargo items within the cargo container, especially in the case of the cargo container being partially filled with cargo which is a quite common occurrence. This is especially true where the cargo is heavy, or of such a unique shape such as a piece of cargo that is very long and narrow, that the cargo container may be at best a comprise to contain the cargo and retain it securely, thus of necessity requiring an open (not having sidewalls or a roof) transportation platform or medium such as a flat bed truck, or flat bed rail car, or flat bed trailer. In order to secure the open regions of the cargo container, it is desirable to provide some sort of restraint device between the cargo and the walls of the cargo bed. These types of cargo retention devices need to be constructed to withstand the shifting forces typically encountered during transport of the cargo. Likewise, they must also be relatively lightweight and preferably capable to adapting to any number of size differences that exist between the various cargo containers and cargo shapes. It is also desired that the cargo retention device is easily portable and movable and readily securable/unsecurable within the cargo container space thus allowing the cargo retention device to be easily installed or removed from the cargo containing area.
- Focusing specifically on light duty trucks and/or trailers and their respective cargo containing areas the aforementioned problem has been will recognized in the proper art. Furthermore, in retaining cargo or the item by utilizing a flexible strap (with the strap usually having flexibility parallel to its lengthwise axis and reduced flexibility transverse to its lengthwise axis) wherein the strap forms an attachment between the transporting medium and the cargo or item to help prevent the undesirable movement of the cargo or item. As the strap usually has two open or free ends, there is of necessity a strap retainer device required that is adapted to attach to one of the open ends, wherein the other strap open end is substantially selectively fixedly adjustable along the lengthwise axis of the strap or the strap can be tensioned or “cinched” around the cargo or item by manually applying a force along the strap lengthwise axis away from the cargo or item. Thus, the focus of the prior at review is on the strap retainer device, specifically its attachment to the strap and structure to selectively fixedly retain the strap along the lengthwise axis of the strap.
- Starting with U.S. Design Pat. No. D356,658 to Bernart and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,985 also to Bernart disclosed is a seat belt splitter plate (specifically referring to
FIGS. 2 and 6 for the design patent andFIGS. 1 and 2 for the utility patent) that is basically a strap slot with a removal slot positioned at about ⅓ of the lateral distance through the slot. However, the strap, if bunched up in the corner of the slot, could slip out with force in one direction as the removal slot does not require a tortuous path for the strap to exit the plate, such that a tortuous path would at least require an additional ninety (90) degree bend in an opposing direction for the strap to exit the plate, thus helping to prevent the strap exiting the plate if the strap is bunched up in one corner of the slot with force in one direction, meaning in the direction of the removal slot. Thus in Bernart '985 in referring toFIG. 2 , it appears that tension of the strap away from the plate is required to prevent removal of the strap from the plate. Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,862 to Hirsh disclosed is a buckle, again like Bernart for the slot removal access not having a tortuous path, except that the single direction removal slot is positioned closer to one end of the long lateral slot, seeFIG. 9 in particular. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,351 to Fricko disclosed is a comfort clip for a vehicle shoulder belt wherein the clip is retained on the belt at a selected lengthwise position on the belt to prevent the shoulder belt retractor from excessively tensioning the shoulder belt across the user's upper torso. The clip on Fricko is secured to the belt by having a slot configuration similar to Bernart and Hirsh, wherein Fricko is designed to strictly hold the clip at a particular position along the belt length, reference in particularFIG. 4 . - Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,140,164 to Moffatt disclosed is a hook coupling that has two open slots that are interconnected forming a somewhat “S” shape for clothing apparel use on bra straps and the like. Moffatt has the difference of sliding the strap into place for each open slot, wherein one slot has an angled non tortuous passage at a lateral midpoint resulting in more retention of the strap and the other slot has a restricted open end facilitating quick and easy installation and removal of the strap. Further, continuing in U.S. Design Pat. No. D350,712 to D'Ambrosio et al., disclosed is a clasp with a conventional slot at one end and an open slot in an opposing end that is slightly offset and restricted in width. Finally, in U.S. Design Pat. No. D285,383 to Anthony, disclosed is a seatbelt “T” bar bracket that includes a conventional closed slot, and two open slots, wherein the access to the outer periphery requires the seatbelt strap to make a signal right angle bend near one end of the open slot.
- Notably, in Bernart, Hirsh, Fricko, Moffatt, D'Ambrosio et al., and Anthony the installation/removal slot transition to the long lateral slot has minimal bends, having a non tortuous path so as to not damage the strap and provide for easy and smooth installation and removal of the strap from the long lateral slot, however, with the compromise being that the strap is only moderately retained in the slot with the strap being easily removed from the slot with the addition of force on the strap being in only one direction different from the slot lengthwise axis or force on the strap transverse to the slot lengthwise axis against the slot side opposite of the removal slot.
- Moving to a more conventional strap retainer in U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,077B2 to Doty, disclosed is an adjustable strap, being similar to a conventional motorcycle tie down strap except for a dual attachment system at each end of the strap, having what is known as a “soft hook” and a closed biased member (similar to a mountaineering carabiner) “S” type hook, both of which can provide a non inadvertently detachable attachment system when the tension of the strap is momentarily removed, (although
FIG. 7 does not teach a secure way to attach the “soft hook” using a conventional open ended “S” hook). Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,837 to Rekuc, disclosed is a strap attachment buckle having a closed end slot in combination with a open slot that has access from the open slot to the outer periphery portion of the buckle, however, with the addition of a selectably operable gate that is biased to close the open slot, somewhat again like a mountaineering carabiner, i.e., positively retaining a strap in the open slot, except for a remote mechanical linkage to open and close the gate. - Further, in looking at another type of strap or “ribbon” (as more likely defined in the garment industry) retainer in U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,051 to Bartolini, disclosed is a slider for ribbons used for articles of clothing wherein straps (called ribbons) are required for a bra or girdle for instance with Bartolini facilitating a more automated system of ultrasonically welding the ribbon to one end of the slider and using the opposing end of the slider for the strap adjustment. Thus, Bartolini essentially teaches a slot that is merely narrowed at one end, wherein the only resistance to the strap exiting the retainer is the thickness of the strap and/or the flexibility of the retainer by not having a tortuous removal path for the strap from the retainer. Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,434 to Ellwanger, disclosed is a quick connect retaining leash device that has a plurality of open slots that have somewhat restricted openings to the device outer periphery from the open slot for serpentine routing of the leash, wherein an opposing end of the device is adapted to attach to a conventional car seatbelt receptacle, wherein the strap retention in the leash device would be difficult without the serpentine routing of the leash. Also, in looking at U.S. Pat. No. 3,121,270 to Van Den Broek et al., disclosed is a fastening apparatus for anchoring the ends of flexible tape for use in package bundling, where in the fastening apparatus allows for tensioning and securing the two free ends of the tape without the need for a special tool. Van Dan Broek et al. requires the use of two sandwiching elements that frictionally clamp the tape when tension is applied between the tape ends to prevent the tape from sliding out of the slot, as in Bartolini and Ellwanger the slot end only has a width restriction which alone would not be sufficient to substantially retain the strap in the slot.
- What is needed is a strap retainer device that is simple and effective in design by not having any moving parts to wear or need adjustment or replacement and to be able to retain the strap in the strap retainer device under a number of conditions. Firstly, allowing for not having to substantially retain the strap at a selectable lengthwise position on the strap, secondly, by helping to allow the strap and strap retainer device to “cinch” up on the cargo and/or item that the strap loops around when tensile force is applied to the strap in an axis substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the strap, i.e. so that the strap tends to tighten up around the cargo and/or item thereby helping to secure the cargo and/or item when the aforementioned tensile force is applied. Thirdly, that the strap will remain substantially retained in the strap retainer device when the strap is under lengthwise tension (as previously mentioned), and also when the strap is under no lengthwise tension, i.e. even slackened and/or in combination with a force on the strap that is transverse to the strap lengthwise axis and/or in combination with a force on the strap at any angle when the strap is slackened, in other words the strap will remain substantially retained in the strap retainer device under any set or combination of strap conditions being, tight, slackened, side force, and the like, thus helping to prevent the strap from inadvertently dislodging from the strap retainer device that would result in the cargo or item not being held in the desired location causing damage or loss of the cargo or item and helping to prevent a hazardous situation for the cargo vehicle or other vehicles on the road. This is as opposed to most of the previously described prior art strap or ribbon retainers that require tension of the strap or ribbon away from the retainer to keep the strap or ribbon properly positioned within the retainer, i.e. keeping the strap or ribbon from undesirably dislodging from the retainer.
- According to broadly defining the present invention, then, a strap retainer device for retaining a first object to a second object, the second object being a flexible strap, the device including a body that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion, the body including a first end portion and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion, the body also having a longitudinal axis spanning between and through the first end portion and the second end portion. Wherein the first end portion is adapted to attach to the first object. The said second end portion includes a second end slot therethrough, the second end slot having a closed proximal end and a closed distal end, the second end portion also includes a second end tortuous access passageway therethrough that extends from the outer periphery portion to be in communication with the second end slot. The second end tortuous passage way is defined by a second end first acute angle and a second end second acute angle, wherein the second end first acute angle and the second end second acute angle are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. The second end tortuous access passageway is operational to allow the strap to be selectably manually positioned from the outer periphery portion to the second end slot and selectably manually positioned from the second end slot to the outer periphery portion, wherein the second end tortuous access passageway helps restrict the strap from inadvertently dislodging from the second end slot to the outer periphery portion.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device with an angled slot extension; -
FIG. 2 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device; -
FIG. 4 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device with the angled slot extension; -
FIG. 6 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device with the angled slot extension; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double ended strap retainer device; -
FIG. 8 is a flat pattern view of the double ended strap retainer device; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension showing a strap adjacent to an opposing first end portion; -
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a sue drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension with the strap adjacent to the opposing first end portion looping around a first object; -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the strap adjacent to the opposing first end portion looping around a first object, wherein the second end portion will removably engage a loop on a standard adjustable cargo strap; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective use view drawing showing the use of the double ended strap retainer device with a standard dog leash looped around a first object; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective use view drawing showing the initial plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completed plural strap insertions into the strap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together wherein force has been applied along the longitudinal axis of the free end of the strap resulting the strap retainer devices becoming adjacent to one another; -
FIG. 16 is a side use view drawing ofFIG. 15 showing the completed plural strap insertions into the trap retainer devices for the use of two strap retainer devices being joined together wherein force has been applied along the longitudinal axis of the free end of the strap resulting the strap retainer devices becoming adjacent to one another; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective use view drawing of the double ended strap retainer device as shown inFIG. 5 with the angled slot extension portion, wherein a single strap is looped around a first object; -
FIG. 18 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension portion, showing a plurality of strap retainer device second end portions substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion of the strap retainer device; -
FIG. 19 is a flat pattern view of the strap retainer device, showing a plurality of strap retainer device second end portions substantially oppositely disposed from a first end portion of the strap retainer device; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the strap retainer device, showing the first end portion being sized and configured to removably engage to a channel on a support surface; -
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the outer periphery; -
FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap proceeding through the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the first and second acute angles; -
FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the slot from the tortuous access passageway adjacent to the second acute angle; and -
FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for the strap retainer device with the angled slot extension having the strap entering the angled slot extension, wherein the strap clears the tortuous access passageway for centering of the strap in the slot. - 25 Strap retainer device with angled
slot extension portion 60 - 26 Strap retainer device without the angled
slot extension portion 60 - 27 Strap retainer device that is double ended with angled
slot extension portion 60 - 28 Strap retainer device that is double ended without the angled
slot extension portion 60 - 29 strap retainer device with angled
slot extension portion 60 and a plurality ofsecond end portions 44 - 30 Strap retainer device without the angled
slot extension portion 60 and a plurality ofsecond end portions 44 - 32 First object
- 34 Second object
- 36 Flexible strap or ribbon
- 37 Thickness of
flexible strap 36 - 38 Body
- 40 Outer periphery portion of
body 38 - 42 First end portion of
body 38 - 44 Second end portion of
body 38 - 46 Longitudinal axis of
body 38 - 48
First 42 and second 44 end slot therethrough - 50 Closed proximal end portion of first 42 and second 44
end slot 48 therethrough - 52 Closed distal end portion of first 42 and second 44
end slot 48 therethrough - 53 Open distal end portion of first 42 and second 44
end slot 48 therethrough - 54
First 42 and second 44 end tortuous access passageway - 56
First 42 and second 44 end first acute angle portion - 58
First 42 and second 44 end second acute angle portion - 60
First 42 and second 44 end angled portion slot extension - 62 Selected first 42 and second 44 end distance
- 64
First 42 and second 44 end length of second end angledportion slot extension 60 - 66 Support surface
- 68 Channel for the
support surface 66 - 70 Gap
- 72
Gap 70 width - 74
First end 42 closed slot therethrough - 76 End portion of
first end 42 closed slot - 78 Opposing end portion of
first end 42 closed slot - 80 Standard adjustable cargo strap
- 82 Loop on the standard adjustable cargo strap
- 84 Dog leash
- 86 Force
- 88 Radius for first
acute angle portion 56 secondacute angle portion 58 - 90 Radial movement
- 91 Lateral movement
- 92 “L” shaped portion of
first end portion 42 - 94 Thickness of
strap retainer devices - With initial reference to
FIG. 1 shown is a perspective view of thestrap retainer device 25 including an angledslot extension portion 60,FIG. 2 shows a flat pattern view of thestrap retainer device 25 also including the angledslot extension portion 60, andFIG. 3 is a perspective view of thestrap retainer device 26 without the angledslot extension portion 60. Further,FIG. 4 shows a flat pattern view of thestrap retainer device 26 also without the angledslot extension portion 60,FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a double endedstrap retainer device 27 with the angledslot extension portions 60, andFIG. 6 is a flat pattern view of the double endedstrap retainer device 27 with the angledslot extension portions 60. Continuing,FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double endedstrap retainer device 28 without the angledslot extension portions 60,FIG. 8 is a flat pattern view of the double endedstrap retainer device 28 again without the angledslot extension portions 60, andFIG. 9 is a perspective view of thestrap retainer device 25 with the angledslot extension portion 60 showing astrap 36 adjacent to an opposingfirst end portion 42. Note that thestrap 36 is preferably defined as a narrow strip of flexible material such as fabric, leather, nylon, and the like wherein thestrap 36 has a high flexibility in its lengthwise axis, defined as “lengthwise stiffness” (parallel to thelongitudinal axis 46 withstrap 36 as shown inFIG. 10 ) and thestrap 36 having reduced flexibility in an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis 36, defined as “lateral stiffness” in referring toFIG. 10 . This is as opposed to use of the word “ribbon” that is sometimes used interchangeably withstrap 36, wherein a ribbon is preferably defined as a long thin strip of fine material such as silk, satin, rayon, or the like that typically has a high degree of flexibility in both the ribbon's lengthwise axis, defined as “lengthwise stiffness” (parallel to thelongitudinal axis 46 comparing to strap 36 as shown inFIG. 10 ) and in an axis transverse to thelongitudinal axis 46, defined as “lateral stiffness” again in referring toFIG. 10 . Keeping this distinction in mind between thestrap 36 and the ribbon, the present invention relies to some extent on thestrap 36 lateral stiffness being higher that thestrap 36 lengthwise stiffness, wherein thestrap 36 resists going through thetortuous passageway 54 as best shown inFIGS. 22 , 23, and 24 as thetortuous passage way 54 requires thestrap 36 to flex laterally. - Next,
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for thestrap retainer device 25 including the angledslot extension portion 60 with thestrap 36 adjacent to the opposingfirst end portion 42 looping around afirst object 32, thereby retaining thefirst object 32 to asecond object 34,FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the use drawing for thestrap retainer device 26 with thestrap 36 adjacent to the opposingfirst end portion 42 looping around afirst object 32, thereby retaining thefirst object 32 to asecond object 34, wherein thesecond end portion 44 will removably engage aloop 82 on a standardadjustable cargo strap 80, andFIG. 12 is a perspective use view drawing showing the use of the doubled endedstrap retainer device 28 with astandard dog leash 84 looped around afirst object 32, thereby retaining thefirst object 32 to asecond object 34. Yet further,FIG. 13 is a perspective use view drawing showing the initialplural strap 36 insertions into thestrap retainer devices 26 for the use of twostrap retainer devices 26 being joined together,FIG. 14 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completedplural strap 36 insertions into thestrap retainer devices 26 for the use of twostrap retainer devices 26 being joined together, andFIG. 15 is a perspective use view drawing showing the completedplural strap 36 insertions into thestrap retainer devices 26 for the use of twostrap retainer devices 26 being joined together, whereinforce 86 has been applied along thelongitudinal axis 46 of the free end of thestraps 36 resulting thestrap retainer devices 26 becoming adjacent to one another as is best shown inFIG. 16 . AsFIG. 16 is a side use view drawing ofFIG. 15 showing the completedplural strap 36 insertion into thestrap retainer devices 26 for the sue of twostrap retainer devices 26 being joined together withinforce 86 has been applied along thelongitudinal axis 46 of the free ends of thestrap 36 resulting thestrap retainer devices 26 becoming adjacent to one another. - Furthermore,
FIG. 17 shows a perspective use view drawing of the double endedstrap retainer device 27 as shown inFIG. 5 with the angledslot extension portion 60, wherein asingle strap 36 is looped around afirst object 32 thereby retaining thefirst object 32 to asecond object 34. Next,FIG. 18 shows a flat pattern view of thestrap retainer device 29 with the angledslot extension portion 60, showing a plurality ofstrap retainer device 29 second end portions 33 substantially oppositely disposed from afirst end portion 42 of thestrap retainer device 29. Continuing,FIG. 19 is a flat pattern view of thestrap retainer device 30, showing a plurality ofstrap retainer device 30second end portions 44 substantially oppositely disposed from afirst end portion 42 of thestrap retainer device 30. Continuing further,FIG. 20 is a perspective view of thestrap retainer device first end portion 42 being sized and configured to removably engage to achannel 68 on asupport surface 66. - Continuing,
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for thestrap retainer device 25 with theangled slot extension 60 having thestrap 36 entering thetortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the outer periphery 49 and withFIG. 22 showing a perspective view of a use drawing for thestrap retainer device 25 with theangled slot extension 60 having thestrap 36 proceeding through thetortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the first 56 and second 58 acute angles. Proceeding,FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for thestrap retainer device 25 with theangled slot extension 60 having thestrap 36 entering theslot 48 from thetortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to the secondacute angle 58. Further,FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a use drawing for thestrap retainer device 25 with theangled slot extension 60 having thestrap 36 entering theangled slot extension 60, wherein thestrap 36 clears thetortuous access passageway 54 for centering of thestrap 36 in theslot 48. - Thus the
strap retainer device 25 for retaining afirst object 32 to asecond object 34, with thesecond object 34 preferably being aflexible strap 36, as best shown in FIG. 9, with thestrap retainer device 25 including abody 38 that is generally planar with anouter periphery portion 40. Thebody 38 including afirst end portion 42 and a substantially oppositely disposedsecond end portion 44, also thebody 38 having alongitudinal axis 46 spanning between and through thefirst end portion 42 and thesecond end portion 44 as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Where in thefirst end portion 42 is adapted to attach to thefirst object 32, and as shown inFIG. 9 , thefirst end portion 42 is adapted to attach to afirst object 32 preferably being aflexible strap 36, however, thefirst end portion 42 could be fastened, welded, glued, removably engaged (as shown inFIG. 20 ), or adapted to attach in any manner to a desiredfirst object 32. - Further, in referencing
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thesecond end portion 44 includes asecond end slot 48 therethrough, wherein thesecond end slot 48 includes a closedproximal end portion 50 and a closeddistal end portion 52, with thesecond end portion 44 also including asecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from theouter periphery portion 40 to be in communication with thesecond end slot 48. Thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 is defined by asecond end 44 firstacute angle portion 56 and asecond end 44 secondacute angle portion 58, wherein thesecond end 44 firstacute angle 56 and thesecond end 44 secondacute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. Operationally, thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 is functional to allow thestrap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thesecond end 44slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, as best shown in looking at the sequence ofFIGS. 13 and 14 or in looking atFIGS. 21 , 22, 23, 24, and 10 in that order. Wherein thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict thestrap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, thereby in an overall sense helping to retain thefirst object 32 to thesecond object 34 irrespective of the relative movement or positions of thefirst object 32 to thesecond object 34, even if thestrap 36 momentarily slackens between thefirst object 32 and thesecond object 34. - As an option, the
strap retainer device 25 as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , can further include to thesecond end 44slot 48 closed proximal end 50 asecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 and having thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 communication to thesecond end 44slot 48 be adjacent to thesecond end 44slot 48 closeddistal end 52 at a selectedsecond end 44distance 62. Wherein functionally, thesecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 is operational to help theflexible strap 36 exit thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 to allow thestrap 36 to reside in thesecond end 44slot 48 as best shown inFIG. 10 . Preferablydistance 62 is about one-quarter (¼) of an inch, however,distance 62 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. In addition, thesecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 has asecond end 44length 64 that is substantially equal to the selectedsecond end distance 62. - Again, as an option, the
strap retainer device 25outer periphery portion 40, second and 44tortuous access passageway 54, specifically the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58, plus thesecond end 44slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, as best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , that is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thesecond end 44slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to thestrap 36. Preferably, in referring toFIG. 2 , the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein theradius 88 at about a mid point in thetortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however,radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 20 thestrap retainer device first end portion 42 that is adapted to attach to thefirst object 32 that includes asupport surface 66 having asupport surface channel 68, wherein thefirst end portion 42 is sized and configured to removably engage thesupport surface 66channel 68. Operationally, when there is aforce 86 acting substantially along thelongitudinal axis 46 as shown inFIG. 20 , thefirst end portion 42 remains engaged to thechannel 68 and thus thesupport surface 66 even when there is some degree ofradial movement 90 and/orlateral movement 91 both being substantially transverse to thelongitudinal axis 46. Thus to remove thefirst end 42 from thechannel 68 requires thatmovement 90 be sequenced such thatmovement 90 be toward the “L” shapedportion 92 of thefirst end portion 42 followed byforce 86, and thenmovement 90 opposite of the “L” shapedportion 92 to disengage thefirst end portion 42 from thechannel 68. A further option for thestrap retainer device FIGS. 18 and 19 is to have a singlefirst end portion 42 serve a plurality ofsecond end portions 44 that are spaced apart by agap 70 having awidth 72 that is at least equal to or greater than astrap 36thickness 37 as best shown inFIG. 10 . - Additionally, another option for the
strap retainer device 27, referring specifically toFIGS. 5 and 6 , is wherein thefirst object 32 is also aflexible strap 36 and thefirst end portion 42 is basically a mirror image of what thesecond end portion 44 is with theouter periphery 40, theslot 48, and thetortuous access passageway 54 that communicates between theouter periphery 40 and theslot 48. Thus thefirst end portion 42 includes afirst end slot 48 therethrough, thefirst end slot 48 having a closedproximal end portion 50 and a closeddistal end portion 52, thefirst end portion 42 also includes afirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from theouter periphery portion 40 to be in communication with thefirst end 42slot 48. Thefirst end 42tortuous passageway 54 is defined by afirst end 42 firstacute angle 56 and afirst end 42 secondacute angle 58, wherein thefirst end 42 firstacute angle 56 and thefirst end 42 secondacute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. Thefirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thefirst end 42slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, wherein thefirst end 42 tortuousaccess passage way 54 helps restrict thestrap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40. - As an option, also in referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thestrap retainer device 27 can further include to thefirst end 42slot 48 closed proximal end 50 afirst end 42 angledportion slot extension 60 and having thefirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 communication to thefirst end 42slot 48 be adjacent to thefirst ed 42slot 48 closeddistal end 52 at a selectedfirst end 42distance 62. Wherein functionally, thefirst end 42 angledportion slot extension 60 is operational to help theflexible strap 36 exit thefirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 to allow thestrap 36 to reside in thefirst end 42slot 48 as best shown inFIG. 10 . Preferablydistance 62 is about one-quarter (¼) of an inch, however,distance 62 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. In addition, thefirst end 42 angledportion slot extension 60 has afirst end 42length 64 that is substantially equal to the selectedsecond end distance 62. - Also, as an option, again referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thestrap retainer device 27outer periphery portion 40,first end 42tortuous access passageway 54, specifically the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58, plus thefirst end 42slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thefirst end 42slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to thestrap 36. Preferably, in referring toFIG. 6 , the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein theradius 88 at about a mid point in thetortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however,radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. - Alternatively, in referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thestrap retainer device 26 is shown for retaining afirst object 32 to asecond object 34, with thesecond object 34 preferably being aflexible strap 36, as best shown inFIG. 13 , with thestrap retainer device 26 including abody 38 that is generally planar with anouter periphery portion 40. Thebody 38 including afirst end portion 42 and a substantially oppositely disposedsecond end portion 44, also thebody 38 having alongitudinal axis 46 between and through thefirst end portion 42 and thesecond end portion 44 as best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Wherein thefirst end portion 42 is adapted to attach to thefirst object 32, and as shown inFIG. 13 , thefirst end portion 42 is adapted to attach to afirst object 32 preferably being aflexible strap 36, however, thefirst end portion 42 could be fastened, welded, glued, removably engaged (as shown inFIG. 20 ), or adapted to attach in any manner to a desiredfirst object 32. - Further, in referencing
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesecond end portion 44 includes asecond end slot 48 therethrough, wherein thesecond end slot 48 includes a closedproximal end portion 50 and an opendistal end portion 52, with thesecond end portion 44 also including asecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from theouter periphery portion 40 to be in communication with thesecond end slot 48 opendistal end 52. Thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 is defined by asecond end 44 firstacute angle portion 56 and asecond end 44 secondacute angle portion 58, wherein thesecond end 44 firstacute angle 56 and thesecond end 44 secondacute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. Operationally, thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 is functional to allow thestrap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thesecond end 44slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, as best shown in looking at the sequences ofFIGS. 13 and 14 . Wherein thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict thestrap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, thereby in an overall sense helping to retain thefirst object 32 to thesecond object 34 inespective of the relative movement or positions of thefirst object 32 to thesecond object 34. - Also, as an option, again referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thestrap retainer device 26outer periphery portion 40,second end 44tortuous access passageway 54, specifically the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58, plus thesecond end 44slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thesecond end 44slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from thesecond end 44slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to thestrap 36. Preferably, in referring toFIG. 4 , the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, where in theradius 88 at about a mid point in thetortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, howeverradius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. - Additionally, another option for the
strap retainer device 28, referring specifically toFIGS. 7 and 8 , is wherein thefirst object 32 is also aflexible strap 36 and thefirst end portion 42 is basically a mirror image of what thesecond end portion 44 is with theouter periphery 40, theslot 48, and thetortuous access passageway 54 that communicates between theouter periphery 40 and theslot 48. Thus thefirst end portion 42 includes afirst end slot 48 therethrough, thefirst end slot 48 having a closedproximal end portion 50 and an opendistal end portion 53, thefirst end portion 42 also includes afirst end 42 tortuousaccess passage way 54 therethrough that extends from theouter periphery portion 40 to be in communication with thefirst end 42slot 48. Thefirst end 42tortuous passageway 54 is defined by afirst end 42 firstacute angle 56 and afirst end 42 secondacute angle 58, wherein thefirst end 42 firstacute angle 56 and thefirst end 42 secondacute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. Thefirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thefirst end 42slot 48 and selectably manually positioned from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40, wherein thefirst end 42tortuous access passageway 54 helps restrict thestrap 36 from inadvertently dislodging from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40. - Also, as an option, again referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thestrap retainer device 28outer periphery portion 40,first end 42tortuous access passageway 54, specifically the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end secondacute angle portion 58, plus thefirst end 42slot 48 form a continuous contoured communication, that is operational to allow thestrap 36 to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from theouter periphery portion 40 to thefirst end 42slot 48 and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from thefirst end 42slot 48 to theouter periphery portion 40 to minimize damage to thestrap 36. Preferably, in referring toFIG. 8 , the firstacute angle portion 56 and the second end second aacute angle portion 58 form a substantially smooth radius transition, wherein theradius 88 at about a mid point in thetortuous access passageway 54 is about three sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch, however,radius 88 could be more or less depending upon the thickness and width of thestrap 36. - For all of the embodiments of the
strap retainer device preferred thickness 94 for all of the embodiments of thestrap retainer device thickness 94 could be more or less than this value depending upon the characteristic of the material. The primary limitation on strength for thestrap retainer devices longitudinal axis 46 is the portion between the closedproximal end 50 and theouter periphery 40 being stressed as a cantilever beam by thestrap 36 residing in theslot 48 acting throughforce 86 as best shown inFIG. 10 . The preferred strength for thestrap retainer devices thickness 94 of one-eighth (⅛) of an inch. Higher or lower strengths would be acceptable depending upon the conditions of use. -
FIGS. 9-20 show a myriad of uses for thestrap retainer devices strap retainer device 25 as best shown inFIG. 9 that is a method of selectively retaining afirst object 32 to asecond object 34, comprising the steps of: Firstly, providing astrap retainer device 25 that includes abody 38 with anouter periphery portion 40, thebody 38 including afirst end portion 42 and an oppositely disposedsecond end portion 44, wherein thesecond end portion 44 includes asecond end 44slot 48 therethrough. Thesecond end 44slot 48 having a closedproximal end 50 and a closeddistal end 52, thesecond end portion 44 also includes asecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 therethrough that extends from theouter periphery portion 40 to be in communication with thesecond end 44slot 48. Thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 is defined by asecond end 44 firstacute angle 56 and asecond end 44 secondacute angle 58, wherein thesecond end 44 firstacute angle 56 and thesecond end 44 secondacute angle 58 are substantially oppositely disposed from each other. Wherein thesecond end 44slot 48 closedproximal end 50 further comprises a second end angledportion slot extension 60 and thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 communication to thesecond end 44sot 48 is adjacent to thesecond end 44slot 48 closeddistal end 52 at a selectedsecond end 44distance 62. - A further step is to provide a
strap 36, wherein thefirst end portion 42 is adapted to attache to thestrap 36, seeFIG. 9 , thestrap 36 also including an oppositely disposed end that is adapted to attach to thesecond object 34 as best shown inFIG. 10 . Continuing a next step, is in grasping manually thestrap retainer device 25 and thestrap 36 and then loping thestrap 36 around thefirst object 32 also as shown inFIG. 10 . Following is a step of inserting thestrap 36 into thesecond end 44tortuous access passageway 54 adjacent to theouter periphery portion 40 as best shown inFIG. 21 , a nest step is in continuing to feed thestrap 36 through thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 deforming thestrap 36 laterally to negotiate thesecond end 44 firstacute angle 56 and the oppositely disposedsecond end 44 secondacute angle 58 until thesecond end 44slot 48 is reached as best shown inFIGS. 22 and 23 . Continuing, a further step is pushing thestrap 36 into thesecond end 44slot 48 and continuing to push thestrap 36 into thesecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 until thestrap 36 clears thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 as best shown inFIG. 24 . Ultimately, then a step of centering thestrap 36 in thesecond end 44slot 48 by reversibly pushing thestrap 36 out of thesecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 until thestrap 36 is adjacent to thesecond end 44slot 48 closeddistal end 52, as best shown inFIG. 10 , wherein thestrap retainer device 25 substantially retains thestrap 36 in thesecond end 44slot 48 irrespective of the relevant positions of thefirst object 32 and thesecond object 34, even if thestrap 36 momentarily slackens. - To disengage the
strap 36 from thestrap retainer device 25 involves a reversing step of pushing thestrap 36 into thesecond end 44 angledportion slot extension 60 until thestrap 36 lengthwise edge is adjacent to thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54, essentially going from what is shown inFIG. 10 to what is shown inFIG. 24 for the positioning of thestrap 36. Continuing, the next step involves feeding thestrap 36 through thesecond end 44tortuous passageway 54 deforming thestrap 36 laterally to negotiate thesecond end 44 secondacute angle 58 and the oppositely disposedsecond end 44 firstacute angle 56, essentially going from what is shown inFIG. 24 to what is shown inFIG. 23 , proceeding until what is shown inFIG. 22 , until thestrap 36 reaches theouter periphery portion 40, as best shown inFIG. 21 , wherein thestrap 36 can be removed from thestrap retainer device 25 thus selectively unretaining thefirst object 32 from thesecond object 34. - Accordingly, the present invention of a strap retainer device has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications the changes maybe made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
Claims (18)
1. A strap retainer device for retaining a first object to a second object, the second object being a flexible strap, said device comprising:
(a) a body that is generally planar with an outer periphery portion, said body including a first end portion and a substantially oppositely disposed second end portion, said body having a longitudinal axis spanning between and through said first end portion and said second end portion;
(i) said first end portion is adapted to attach to the first object; the
(ii) said second end portion includes a second end slot therethrough, said second end slot having a closed proximal end and a closed distal end, said second end portion also includes a second end tortuous access passageway therethrough that extends from said outer periphery portion to be in communication with said second end slot, said second end tortuous passageway is defined by a second end first acute angle and a second end second acute angle, wherein said second end first acute angle and said second end second acute angle are substantially opposite disposed from each other, said second end tortuous accesses passageway is operational to allow the strap to be selectably manually positioned from said outer periphery portion to said second end slot and selectably manually positioned from said second end slot to said outer periphery portion, wherein said second end tortuous access passageway helps restrict the strap from inadvertently dislodging from said second end slot to said outer periphery portion, said second end slot closed proximal end further comprises a second end angled portion extension and said second end tortuous access passageway communication to said second end slot is adiacent to said second end slot closed distal end at a selected second end distance, said second end angled portion extension is operational to helr the flexible strap exit said second end tortuous access passageway to allow the strap to reside in said second end slot.
2. (canceled)
3. A strap retainer device for retaining a first object to a second object according to claim 1 wherein said second end angled portion extension has a second end length that is substantially equal to said selected second end distance.
4. A strap retainer device for retaining a first object to a second object according to claim 1 wherein said outer periphery portion, said second end tortuous access passageway, said second end slot, and said second end angled portion extension form a continuous contoured communication that is operational to allow the strap to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from said outer periphery portion to said second end slot and to be smoothly selectably manually positioned from said second end slot to said outer periphery portion to minimize damage to the strap.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. A method of selectively retaining a first object to a second object, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a strap retainer device that includes a body with an outer periphery portion, said body including a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion, said second end portion includes a second end slot therethrough, said second end slot having a closed proximal end and a closed distal end, said second end portion also includes a second end tortuous access passageway therethrough that extends from said outer periphery portion to be in communications with said second end slot, said second end tortuous passageway is defined by a second end first acute angle and a second end second acute angle, wherein said second end first acute angle and said second end second acute angle are substantially oppositely disposed from each other, wherein said second end slot closed proximal end further comprises a second end angled portion extension and said second end tortuous access passageway communication to said second end slot is adjacent to said second end slot closed distal end at a selected second end distance;
(b) providing a strap, wherein said first end portion is adapted to attach to the strap, the strap also including an oppositely disposed end that is adapted to attach to the second object;
(c) grasping manually said strap retainer device and the strap;
(d) looping the strap around the first object;
(e) inserting the strap into said second end tortuous access passageway adjacent to said outer periphery portion;
(f) continuing to feed the strap through said second end tortuous passageway deforming the strap laterally to negotiate said second end first acute angle and said oppositely disposed second end second acute angle until said second end slot is reached;
(g) pushing the strap into said second end slot and continuing to push the strap into said second end angled portion extension until the strap clears said second end tortuous passageway; and
(h) centering the strap in said second end slot by reversibly pushing the strap out of said second end angled portion extension until the strap is adjacent to said second end slot closed distal end, wherein said strap retainer device substantially retains the strap in said second end slot irrespective of the relevant positions of the first object and the second object.
18. A method of selectively retaining a first object to a second object according to claim 17 wherein said step (g) involves pushing the strap into said second end angled portion extension until a strap lengthwise edge is adjacent to said second end tortuous passageway and said step (f) involves feeding the strap through said second end tortuous passageway deforming the strap laterally to negotiate said second end second acute angle and said oppositely disposed second end first acute angle until the strap reaches said outer periphery portion, wherein the strap can be removed from said strap retainer device thus selectively unretaining the first object from the second object.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/424,843 US7299527B1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Strap retainer device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US11/424,843 US7299527B1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Strap retainer device |
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US7299527B1 US7299527B1 (en) | 2007-11-27 |
US20070289106A1 true US20070289106A1 (en) | 2007-12-20 |
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US11/424,843 Expired - Fee Related US7299527B1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Strap retainer device |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130127230A1 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2013-05-23 | Anthony Fini | Vehicle shoulder belt extension |
KR20230073055A (en) * | 2021-11-18 | 2023-05-25 | 주식회사 투비레어 | Strap Clip that's Easy to Combine and Release |
KR102635462B1 (en) * | 2021-11-18 | 2024-02-08 | 주식회사 투비레어 | Strap Clip that's Easy to Combine and Release |
WO2023121712A1 (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2023-06-29 | Kerwin Rebecca Yvonne | Fashion tool and accessory with method |
Also Published As
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US7299527B1 (en) | 2007-11-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
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FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20111127 |