Strap securing device

Abstract

A strap securing device includes a base and an elongated retainer. One end of the retainer is connected to the base, and an opposite end of the retainer is selectably connectable to and disconnectable from the base at an opposite end of the base. In the exemplary construction, the retainer is a looped, elastic member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present regular U.S. Patent Application claims the benefits of United States Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/699,517, filed on Jul. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to straps or webs on articles, and, more specifically, to the devices and structures used for securing straps, and in particular to devices used for securing the loose ends of straps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articles and gear of various types have straps or webbing for various purposes. Straps are used to adjust the effective size or length of various devices, to close flaps on pouches, and to secure one item or part of an item to another item or another part of the same item. Shoulder straps of articles to be carried use connectors or clips through which the strap is threaded. The strap is provided in a length sufficiently long for use in various configurations, and the connector or clip allows adjustment in the usable length of the strap. If the usable or “active” part of the strap is short, a long, free or unused end of the strap will hang from the connector or clip.

For some, a dangling, loose end of a strap is merely unattractive. However, in some situations a dangling, loose end of a strap can present safety concerns. On athletic gear, work gear, book bags, backpacks and the like, a loose end of a strap can become entangled in other equipment or can obstruct or hinder the person using it or others nearby.

For these and other reasons, military personal are required to secure all loose strap ends on all equipment. One method often used is simply to apply adhesive tape to secure the loose end of a strap to the active portion of the strap or to another part of the device or equipment. Taping loose ends requires military personnel to have a ready supply of tape available at all times. Tearing and applying tape each time a strap is adjusted is inconvenient and time consuming. Further, quick adjustment of a strap is difficult, as the adhesive tape must be removed prior to adjustment, and after adjustment of the strap the adhesive tape must be reapplied. Once removed, the previously used piece of tape often cannot be reused in that it will not hold adequately. A fresh piece of tape must be obtained, further complicating and extending the strap adjustment process. The inconvenience involved with adjusting a secured strap may discourage individuals from making necessary or desirable strap adjustments. After prolonged use of tape, adhesive residue accumulates on the strap, making adjustment through the connector or clip difficult.

Elastic bands have been used to secure loose strap ends. The elastic band slides onto the strap and around folded portions of the loose end. However, after only limited use and over time, the elastic band can fatigue and loosen. The loose strap end may fall from the elastic band, and the elastic band can fail.

What is needed in the art is a device to secure loose strap ends that is secure, strong and convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a reusable mechanical fastener that has a long operational life to secure loose strap ends without degrading the usefulness or life of the strap.

In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder for supporting a portion of a strap to be secured, the holder being configured for attachment to a length of the strap and for receiving one or more folded layers of the same strap thereon. The holder has a base, a first end portion and a second end portion. A retainer includes a connected end connected to the holder and a distal end selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the holder. The retainer extends over the base from the first end portion to the second end portion. A latch selectively connects the distal end of the retainer to the second end portion.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder including a base having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein, and first and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. An elastic cord is connected to the base at the first end portion and is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the second end portion

In still another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder having a base and first and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. The base defines an eyelet and first and second slots. The slots are configured for receiving a strap placed therein. The second end portion defines first and second holes open through an edge of the second end portion. An elastic cord is connected to the eyelet, the cord being of sufficient length for extending over the base from the first end portion to the second end portion and being configured to enter the holes.

An advantage of the present invention is providing a reusable device to secure loose ends of straps or webbing.

Another advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that can be reused without degrading the performance or life of the strap.

Still another advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that attaches and detaches loose ends of straps quickly, so that adjustment in the position of the strap can be made quickly and easily.

A further advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that can be attached to a strap that is in use, without having to detach, loosen or unthread the strap.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the device installed on the loose end of a strap;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the strap securing device shown in FIG. 1 apart from the strap shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a part of the strap securing device shown previously;

FIG. 4 is a view of the bottom of a strap with another strap securing device of the present invention installed thereon;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front of the strap and strap securing device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the strap and strap securing device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the strap securing device shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the device installed on a strap but not yet engaged to secure a loose end of the strap; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the strap and device shown in FIG. 11, but illustrating a loose strap end secured by the device.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now more specifically the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, a strap securing device 20 in accordance with the present invention is shown installed on a strap 22. As will become apparent from the following description in accordance with the drawings, strap securing device 20 can be used for securing portions of straps of various sizes in various installations.

Strap 22 is an elongate web of material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic cloth, flexible leather and the like commonly used on devices of various types, including equipment, clothing, backpacks, bags and other devices. FIG. 1 illustrates strap 22 as being an end portion of a strap having a terminal end 24. Accordingly, strap securing device 20 is shown installed on the strap end for securing multiple layers of the strap folded thereon. However, it should be understood from the description to follow that strap securing device 20 can be installed on another portion of the strap, such as a portion being used, and not only on an unused terminal portion of the strap. Further, in some applications and uses, a strap securing device of the present invention can be secured to or on an article in an appropriate position to receive and hold portions of a strap used on or with the article.

Strap securing device 20 includes a holder 30 and a retainer 32 connected to and operable with holder 30 for securing a free end portion of strap 22 relative to holder 30. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2, holder 30 is plastic of suitable strength, rigidity and other performance characteristics for the environment and installation on which device 20 is used. However, holder 30 can be of other materials, such as metal. Retainer 32 is a looped elastic or elastic-type stretchable cord 34 having a terminator 36 securing ends (not shown) of cord 34. Terminator 36 can be plastic or other material similar to holder 30, or can be of other suitable material, such as metal.

Holder 30 extends from one side or edge of strap 22 to an opposite side or edge of strap 22. Holder 30 includes a base 40 supported on strap 22, as will be described more fully hereinafter. At opposite ends of base 40, a first end portion 42 and a second end portion 44 extend along and outwardly of opposite side edges of strap 22.

Base 40 defines a first slot 46 and a second slot 48 spaced from each other in base 40. Slots and 46 and 48 are of sufficient length to receive the width of strap 22 so that strap 22 can be threaded through slots 46 and 48, thereby securing device 20 on strap 22. In the exemplary embodiment, entrance openings 50, 52 extend between opposite side outer edges of base 40 and slots 46, 48, respectively. Strap 22 can be inserted through entrance openings 50, 52 into slots 46, 48 at intermediate points along the length of strap 22, and it is not necessary to attach device 20 by threading strap 22 via end 24 through slots 46, 48. Accordingly, strap securing device 20 can be attached to strap 22 after terminal end 24 is folded over and sewn or otherwise terminated. Even if terminal end 24 is thicker than the width of slots 46, 48, or is attached to an end buckle or other component, device 20 can be attached to strap 22. Moreover, entrance openings 50, 52 allow removal and attachment of device 20 along intermediate portions of a strap secured on its opposite ends. Thus, device 20 can be installed in the active or useful portion of the strap and have the unused portion secured thereby. Entrance openings 50, 52 also enable convenient removal of a broken device 20 and replacement with a new device 20 if necessary.

The arrangement of slots 46, 48 is such as to provide a sufficiently tortuous path that base 40 remains securely positioned along strap 22 after strap 22 has been placed in slots 46, 48 and pulled taut. In the exemplary embodiment seen most clearly in FIG. 2, slots 46, 48 are angularly disposed with respect to each other, being spaced farther from one another near first end 42 and closer to one another near second end 44.

An eyelet 54 is provided in base 40 near first and 42. Elastic cord 34 is secured to holder 30 by knotting, hitching or the like with a portion inserted through eyelet 54. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the drawings, elastic cord 34 is passed through eyelet 54 and looped through itself.

First end 42 further includes abutments 56, 58 extending away from base 40 and spaced from one another to allow elastic cord 34 to pass there between. Those skilled in the art should understand that other configurations also can be used. Abutments 56, 58 provide a side support for the folded and stacked lengths of strap 22 secured by device 20.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 3, second end portion 44 angles upwardly from base 40 to provide clearance for terminator 36 positioned there beneath when device 20 is in use. Second end portion 44 forms a latch for engaging elastic cord 34 and specifically the distal end of elastic cord 34, having terminator 36 thereon.

In the exemplary embodiment, second end portion 44 is an angular, plate-like extension from base 40 and includes spaced, angularly inwardly extending elongated holes 60, 62 for receiving opposed segments of looped elastic cord 34. Holes 60, 62 open through the outer edge of second portion 44 so that cord 34 can be placed therein. In the exemplary configuration for holes 60, 62 outer edges 64, 66 thereof are substantially smooth, and inner edges 68, 70 thereof are curved sharply to hold elastic cord 34 therein. Thus, from the position illustrated in FIG. 1, elastic cord 34 can not be dislodged easily from holes 60, 62 by pulling straight outwardly on terminator 36. Instead, to dislodge cord 34, terminator 36 is rocked sideways, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction substantially parallel to strap 22, to thereby dislodge first one side of elastic cord 34 from one of the holes 60, 62 and then to dislodge the other side of elastic cord 34 from the other of holes 60, 62. An end surface 72 of second end portion 44 is curved, having an apex between holes 60 and 62, and is shaped and angled to promote separation of the opposed segments of looped elastic cord 34 and to direct the separated opposed segments into holes 60, 62.

A portion of base 40 between slots 46 and 48 can be provided with surface insignia or other surface configurations 74 providing increased friction against movement of strap 22 along base 40.

In the use of strap securing device 20, holder 30 is attached at a desired location along strap 22 by inserting portions of strap 22 through entrance openings 50, 52 and into slots 46, 48. A loose portion of strap 22 is fan folded over holder 30, between abutments 54, 56 and one side and the upwardly angled second end portion 44 on the opposite side. After strap 22 is appropriately stacked and positioned, elastic cord 34 is pulled from first end 42 toward second end 44, over the stacked portion of strap 22 on base 40. Terminator 36 is pulled past end surface 72 of second end 44, and elastic cord 34 is hooked to second end portion 44 in holes 60, 62. End surface 72 separates the opposed segments of elastic cord 34 as cord 34 is pulled there against. End surface 72 directs the opposed segments into holes 60, 62. The elasticity of cord 34 holds cord 34 securely in holes 60, 62. The inwardly directed force from cord 34 against the curved configuration of inner edges 68, 70 of holes 60, 62 holds cord 34 securely in holes 60, 62. Elastic cord 34 holds the stacked portions of strap 22 securely against base 40, between abutments 56, 58 along one side and second end 44 on the opposite side.

To free the secured portion of strap 22, terminator 36 is pulled sideways in first one direction and then the opposite direction substantially parallel to cord 22, to dislodge elastic cord 34 from holes 60, 62. Smooth outer edges 64, 66 allow elastic cord 34 to slide easily out of holes 60, 62 when pulled sideways as described. However, the attachment of cord 34 to second end 44 is secure in that complete detachment requires pulling first in one direction and then in the other, opposite direction to free the opposite sides of cord 34 from holes 60, 62. If terminator 36 is inadvertently snagged or pulled in only one direction, cord 34 is not completely dislodged.

Strap securing device 20 is easy to install initially and easy to use both when securing portions of strap 22 and when freeing the secured portions if strap 22 is to be adjusted. The device is secure yet is not attached permanently to the strap and can be removed if desired.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, with the understanding from the side view of FIG. 3, terminator 36 fits snuggly and smoothly beneath second end portion 44 even when device 20 is fitted against a relatively firm and flat surface. However, in some applications and uses of the present invention it may not be necessary to provide side support for the folded and stacked end of strap 22, or to provide the nested position for terminator 36. Further, the device may be easily threaded by inserting an end through the device. FIGS. 4-9 illustrate substantially flat variations of the present invention.

Strap securing device 80 (FIGS. 4-7) includes an elastic cord 34 having a terminator 36, both as described previously herein, secured to a base 82. Base 82 is a substantially flat body having angular slots 84, 86, which may be interconnected at an end opening 88 as shown in FIG. 7, or may be separate and discrete from one another. Device 80 is suitable for use in applications wherein a strap 90 can be threaded through slots 82, 84 by first inserting an end of strap 90 therethrough. If slots 84, 86 are connected to each other, strap 90 can be inserted through end opening 88. Elastic cord 34 is secured a through an eyelet 92 at one end of base 82. Holes 94, 96 at an opposite end of base 82 function similarly to holes 60, 62 described previously. Use of device 80 is similar to that described previously with respect to device 20.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention for a base 100. Base 100 has an eyelet 102 at one end thereof and holes 104, 106 at an opposite end thereof. Eyelet 102 is used similarly to eyelets 54 and 92, and holes 104, 106 are used similarly to holes 60, 62 and 94, 96. Device 100 is used with an elastic cord (not show) similar to the cords 34 described previously. An elevated tongue 110 is connected to base 100 at one end 112 and not connected at an opposite end 114. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, base 100 defines an opening 116 beneath tongue 110. Base 100 also can be closed and spaced from the bottom of tongue 110. A strap (not shown) is inserted beneath tongue 110 from unconnected end 114 of tongue 110. Device 100 is used in a manner similar to those described previously herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 7, but having a surface embellishment in the way of ridges 120, 122 for engaging a strap lying there over.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a still further embodiment of the present invention. A strap securing device 130 includes a holder 132 and a retainer 134. A hinge 136 connects holder 132 and retainer 134. Holder 132 includes a base 138 having a tongue 140 beneath which a strap can be inserted. Latches 142, 144 extend outwardly from base 138. Retainer 134 includes a first arm 150 and a second arm 152 extending outwardly from hinge 136. Latch receivers 154, 156 are provided on the ends of arms 150, 152 respectively. Latches 142, 144 engage latch receivers 154, 156 when the device 130 is closed. Notched blades 158 160 are provided beneath arms 150, 152, respectively to engage a strap disposed there beneath.

FIG. 11 illustrates strap securing device 130 installed on a strap 170. Strap 170 is disposed beneath tongue 140 and on base 138. In FIG. 12 the closed and secured orientation is shown. Strap 170 is folded and stacked on holder 132, beneath arms 150, 152. Latches 142, 144 are received in and held by latch receivers 154, 156.

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 securing device comprising:

a holder for supporting a portion of a strap to be secured, said holder having a base, a first end portion and a second end portion, said base being configured for attachment to a length of a strap and for receiving one or more folded layers of the same strap thereon;

a retainer including a connected end connected to said holder and a distal end selectively connectable to and disconnectable from said holder at said second end portion, said retainer extending over said base from said first end portion to said second end portion; and

a latch selectively connecting said distal end of said retainer to said second end portion.

2. The strap securing device of claim 1, said base having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein.

3. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer being an elastic cord.

4. The strap securing device of claim 3, said base having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein.

5. The strap securing device of claim 1, said base having a side support along at least one of said first and second side portions.

6. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer being a looped elastic cord.

7. The strap securing device of claim 6, said latch including first and second holes for receiving opposed segments of said looped elastic cord.

8. The strap securing device of claim 7, said holes being provided in said second end portion, and said second end portion angling away from said base.

9. The strap securing device of claim 1, said retainer having first and second arms with distal ends selectively connectable to and disconnectable from said latch, and a hinge connecting said arms to said base.

10. A strap securing device comprising:

a holder including a base having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein, and first and second end portions at opposite ends of said base; and

an elastic cord connected to said base at said first end portion and being selectively connectable to and disconnectable from said second end portion.

11. The strap securing device of claim 10, including entrance openings to said first and second slots extending to edges of said base.

12. The strap securing device of claim 10, said elastic cord being formed in a loop, and said second end portion including first and second holes for receiving opposed portions of said looped cord.

13. The strap securing device of claim 12, including entrance openings to said first and second slots extending to edges of said base.

14. The strap securing device of claim 10, said first end having an abutment extending outwardly therefrom on a side of said base for receiving a strap.

15. The strap securing device of claim 14, said second end of said base being angularly oriented relative to said base, and a space defined between said abutments and said angularly oriented second end being sufficient for receiving the strap folded in multiple layers.

16. The strap securing device of claim 10, said first end of said base including a hole, and said elastic member being threaded through said hole.

17. The strap securing device of claim 16, said second end portion having a curved end surface and said holes disposed at opposite ends of said curved end surface.

18. A strap securing device comprising:

a holder having a base and first and second end portions at opposite ends of said base;

said base defining an eyelet and first and second slots, said slots being configured for receiving a strap placed therein;

said second end portion defining first and second holes open through an edge of said second end portion; and

an elastic cord connected to said eyelet, said cord being of sufficient length for extending over said base from said first end portion to said second end portion and being configured to enter said holes.

19. The strap securing device of claim 18, said elastic cord being shaped in a loop.

20. The strap securing device of claim 19, said second end portion having a curved end surface, and said holes disposed at opposite ends of said curved end surface.

21. The strap securing device of claim 18, said base defining first and second entrance openings from edges of said base to said first and second slots, respectively.