STRAP ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A strap adjuster may include a main body and enlarged adjustment engagement areas configured to allow a user to easily adjust a strap secured to the strap adjuster. The main body may include an engagement wall connected to a strap-retaining wall and lateral walls. At least one strap passage is formed through the main body. The enlarged adjustment engagement areas may be proximate the engagement wall and are wider than the strap and strap passage. In order to loosen the strap for adjustment, the main body is pivoted with respect to the strap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/848,223 entitled “Buckle Adjusting Assembly,” filed Sep. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a web or strap adjuster that is used to adjust a length of web or strap, and more particularly to a strap adjuster that may be conveniently and easily adjusted with respect to a strap or web.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional buckle, web or strap adjuster includes a main body having at least one strap passage. The strap passage is configured to securely and adjustably retain a strap therein. The strap adjuster may be moved with respect to the strap in order to lengthen or shorten the strap. For example, the strap adjuster may be tilted or pivoted with respect to the strap in order to loosen the strap so that a user may then adjust the strap in relation to the strap adjuster. Typically, strap adjusters are used with various products, such as backpacks, to allow a user to adjust the length of the straps connected thereto.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a conventional strap adjuster 10 connected to straps 12 and 14. In order to adjust the straps 12 or 14, a user engages an engagement area 16 that is substantially aligned with the strap 14. That is, the engagement area 16 is directly above the strap 14. A user positions a finger between the strap 14 and the engagement area 16 in order to pivot the strap adjuster 10. During this time, the user then grasps the strap 14 while pivoting the strap adjuster 10 in order to loosen the strap 14, for example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a conventional strap adjuster 18 connected to a strap 20. The strap adjuster 18 is similar to the strap adjuster 10, except that the strap adjuster 18 has an even smaller engagement area 22. Similar to the strap adjuster 10, the engagement area 22 is aligned directly over the strap 20. Thus, in order to adjust the strap 20, a user positions a finger between the strap 20 and the engagement area 22 in order to tilt the strap adjuster 18 relative to the strap 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the engagement areas are no wider than the straps themselves. A user engages a typical strap adjuster above or below the strap because the strap is aligned with the engagement areas. Thus, movement of a strap relative to a conventional strap adjuster may be hindered because of a user's finger(s) interfering with the strap. That is, a user's finger(s) may be pinched between the engagement area and the strap, thereby limiting free and easy movement of the strap with respect to the strap adjuster.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,310, entitled “Web Adjuster and Coupling” (the “310 patent”), discloses a web adjuster. For example, FIGS. 20-23 of the '310 patent illustrate a web adjuster that includes a push button in order to adjust webbing material. Simply tilting the web adjuster relative to the strap, however, does not allow a user to adjust the web material. Thus, the process of adjusting a strap may be more complex as compared to the simple tilting of standard strap adjusters. Moreover, the web adjuster is constructed from a plurality of parts, including springs, button members, and the like. As such, the process of manufacturing the web adjuster disclosed in the '310 patent may be labor and time intensive when compared to standard strap adjusters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a strap adjuster configured to adjustably retain a strap. The strap adjuster may include a main body and enlarged adjustment engagement areas. The main body may include an engagement wall connected to a strap-retaining wall and lateral walls. At least one strap passage is formed through the main body. The enlarged adjustment engagement areas may be proximate the engagement wall. The adjustment engagement areas are wider than the strap and strap passage. The main body is pivoted with respect to the strap in order to adjust a length of the strap. A height of the engagement wall may be greater than a height of the strap-retaining wall in order to prevent a user from inadvertently contacting the strap during adjustment.

The adjustment engagement areas may include engageable protuberances that laterally extend from one or both of the lateral walls and/or the engagement wall. The enlarged adjustment engaging areas are laterally offset from the at least one strap passage.

The lateral walls may outwardly flare from the strap-retaining wall toward the engagement wall. For example, the lateral walls may outwardly flare at a constant angle toward the engagement wall. Also, for example, the lateral walls do not taper back from the strap-retaining wall toward the engagement wall. That is, as the lateral walls expand, or widen in one direction, they do not taper back at any point.

The main body may be integrally formed as a single piece. Thus, the process of manufacturing the strap adjuster is easy as there is no need to assemble the strap adjuster from a plurality of parts.

Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a strap adjusting assembly. The strap adjusting assembly includes a strap adjuster, a first strap adjustably positioned within a first strap passage of the strap adjuster, and a second strap adjustably positioned within a second strap passage of the strap adjuster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a conventional strap adjuster connected to straps.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a conventional strap adjuster connected to a strap.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of a strap adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of a strap adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral view of a strap adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of a strap adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a strap adjuster connected to straps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a buckle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of a strap adjuster 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The strap adjuster 30 may be manufactured as a single, unitary piece of material. That is, the strap adjuster 30 may be molded as a single piece, as opposed to being assembled from a plurality of separate parts. Thus, the process of manufacturing the strap adjuster 30 may be efficient and easy.

The strap adjuster 30 includes a main body 32 that may be formed of plastic, metal or any other suitable material. The main body 32 includes a strap-retaining wall 34 connected to an engagement wall 36 through an intermediate area 38. Lateral walls 39 span from the strap-retaining wall 34 to the engagement wall 36. A strap passage 40 is formed proximate the strap-retaining wall 34. A channel 42 is formed through the intermediate area 38. A strap passage 44 is also formed proximate the engagement wall 36.

In order to form a strap-adjusting assembly, an end of a first strap, not shown in FIG. 1, is passed into the strap passage 40 and looped around a beam 46 spanning between the lateral walls 39 and into the channel 42. The first strap end is then looped back into the strap passage 40 and out of the main body 32. Similarly, an end of a second strap, not shown in FIG. 1, is passed into the strap passage 44 and looped around a beam 48 spanning between the lateral walls 39 and into the channel 42. The second strap end is then sent back under engagement wall 36. Thus, a strap adjusting assembly is formed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of the strap adjuster 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the lateral walls 39 flare out, or widen, from the strap-retaining wall 34 toward the engagement wall 36, thereby forming an enlarged adjustment engagement area. The lateral width of the strap adjuster 30 may be greater at the engagement wall 36 as compared to the strap-retaining wall 34. The lateral walls 39 may flare out at a constant angle toward the engagement wall 36. For example, the width of the strap adjuster 30 may constantly increase toward the engagement wall 36, thereby providing a large, robust surface area for a user to grasp. The engagement wall 36 does not taper back down. Thus, a user's finger is unlikely to slide off the engagement wall 36 during an adjustment process. Optionally, the lateral walls 39 may abruptly bow out at points along the length of the strap adjuster 30.

Lateral ears, wings, flaps or other such protuberances 50 outwardly bow or extend proximate the union of the lateral walls 39 and the engagement wall 36, thereby providing an adjustment engagement area 58 that is wider than a strap positioned through the strap passage 44. As such, the adjustment engagement areas 58 of the engagement wall 36 are laterally offset from the strap. That is, the adjustment engagement areas 58 of the engagement wall 36 are not aligned over or below the strap.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral view of the strap adjuster 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the strap adjuster 30 may increase from the strap-retaining wall 34 toward the engagement wall 36. In particular, the height h₁ of the strap adjuster 30 proximate the strap-retaining wall 34 is less than the height h₂ of the strap adjuster 30 proximate the engagement wall 36. As such, the adjustment engagement areas 58, e.g., the lateral protuberances 50, may be positioned well above a strap 60 that passes out of the strap passage 44 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, a user is less likely to contact the strap 60 during an adjustment process, as compared to conventional strap adjusters.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of the strap adjuster 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the width w_s of the strap 60 is less than the we of the engagement wall 36 proximate the adjustment engagement areas 58. As such, the adjustment engagement areas 58, including the lateral protuberances 50, are not aligned over or below the strap 60. A user may engage the strap adjuster 30 about the protuberances 50, which are laterally offset from the strap 60. Thus, a user is unlikely to have a finger sandwiched or pinched between the strap 60 and the adjustment engagement areas 58, thereby allowing for quick and easy strap adjustment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the strap adjuster 30 connected to straps 70 and 72 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a user adjusts the strap 72 by first engaging the strap adjuster 30 about the adjustment engagement areas 58, such as the protuberances 50, which are laterally offset from the strap 72. The user then pivots the strap adjuster 30 in relation to the strap 72, such as by upwardly pivoting the strap adjuster 30 with respect to the strap 72. In this way, the strap 72 is loosened, and the user may grasp the strap 72 and adjust accordingly. In order to tighten the strap 72, the user disengages the strap adjuster 30 and merely pulls the strap 72.

As shown in FIG. 7, the user's finger 80 is positioned to the side of the strap 72. The user engages the strap adjuster 30 at the adjustment engagement area(s) 58, which are laterally offset from the strap 72. Thus, the finger 80 does not contact the strap 72 or become sandwiched or pinched between the strap 72 and the strap adjuster 30.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a buckle assembly 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buckle assembly 90 includes a male connection member 92 that mates with a female connection member 94. The male connection member 92 includes a strap adjuster 93 that includes outwardly-flared, laterally offset adjustment engagement areas 96 similar to those of the strap adjuster 30 shown and described above.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a convenient and easy-to-use strap adjuster. Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to quickly and easily adjust a strap without interfering with the strap or web material. The enlarged adjustment engagement areas of the strap adjuster ensure that a user's fingers are less likely to be pinched between the strap adjuster and the strap or web as compared to conventional strap adjusters. Unlike conventional strap adjusters, a user does not need to grasp the strap adjuster at a specific, limited area over or under the strap in order to adjust the strap. Additionally, the strap adjusters shown and described are simple and easy to manufacture.

While various spatial terms, such as upper, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and the like may used to describe portions of the embodiments discussed above, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A strap adjuster configured to adjustably retain a strap, the strap adjuster comprising:

a main body having an engagement wall connected to a strap-retaining wall and lateral walls, wherein at least one strap passage is formed through said main body; and

enlarged adjustment engagement areas proximate said engagement wall, said enlarged adjustment engagement areas being wider than the strap,

wherein said main body is pivoted with respect to the strap in order to adjust a length of the strap.

2. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein said enlarged adjustment engagement areas comprise engageable protuberances that laterally extend from one or both of said lateral walls and/or said engagement wall.

3. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein said lateral walls outwardly flare from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall.

4. The strap adjuster of claim 3, wherein said lateral walls outwardly flare at a constant angle toward said engagement wall.

5. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein said lateral walls do not taper back from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall.

6. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein said main body is integrally formed as a single piece.

7. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein a height of said engagement wall is greater than a height of said strap-retaining wall.

8. The strap adjuster of claim 1, wherein said enlarged adjustment engaging areas are laterally offset from said at least one strap passage.

9. A strap adjusting assembly comprising:

a strap adjuster comprising: a main body having an engagement wall connected to a strap-retaining wall through lateral walls, wherein a first strap passage is formed proximate said strap-retaining wall and a second strap passage is formed proximate said engagement wall; and enlarged adjustment engagement areas proximate said engagement wall;

a first strap adjustably positioned within said first strap passage; and

a second strap adjustably positioned within said second strap passage,

said enlarged adjustment engagement areas being wider than said first and second straps,

wherein said main body is pivoted with respect to said second strap in order to adjust a length of said second strap.

10. The strap adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein said enlarged adjustment engagement areas comprise engageable protuberances that laterally extend from one or both of said lateral walls and/or said engagement wall.

11. The adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein said lateral walls outwardly flare from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall.

12. The adjusting assembly of claim 11, wherein said lateral walls outwardly flare at a constant angle toward said engagement wall.

13. The adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein said lateral walls do not taper back from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall.

14. The adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein said main body is integrally formed as a single piece.

15. The adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein a height of said engagement wall is greater than a height of said strap-retaining wall.

16. The adjusting assembly of claim 9, wherein said enlarged adjustment engaging areas are laterally offset from said first and second strap passages.

17. A strap adjuster configured to adjustably retain at least one strap, the strap adjuster comprising:

a main body having an engagement wall integrally connected to a strap-retaining wall and lateral walls, wherein at least one strap passage is formed through said main body, said lateral walls outwardly flaring from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall, said enlarged adjustment engaging areas being laterally offset from the at least one strap passage, wherein a height of said engagement wall is greater than a height of said strap-retaining wall; and

enlarged adjustment engagement areas proximate said engagement wall, said enlarged adjustment engagement areas being wider than the at least one strap, said enlarged adjustment engagement areas comprising engageable protuberances that laterally extend from one or both of said lateral walls and/or said engagement wall

wherein said main body is pivoted with respect to the at least one strap in order to adjust a length of the strap.

18. The strap adjuster of claim 17, wherein said lateral walls outwardly flare at a constant angle toward said engagement wall.

19. The strap adjuster of claim 17, wherein said lateral walls do not taper back from said strap-retaining wall toward said engagement wall.

20. The strap adjuster of claim 17, wherein said main body is integrally formed as a single piece.