Patent ID: 9663255
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B65B,B65D,F16L,Y10T

Claim:
1. A multi-component binding-strap fastener for binding first and second free ends of, respectively, first and second straps, each of the first and second straps comprising a non-extensible, flexible strap having flat outer surfaces, the fastener comprising: a lever arm having upper and lower major surfaces, an axis end including a first hinge portion, a distal end, and a length along which a first strap-retaining feature is configured to secure the first free end such that it becomes tethered in a position where it engages the lever arm proximal to the distal end; a plate having first and second opposing surfaces, the first opposing surface including a second hinge portion that, when coupled with the first hinge portion, establishes a hinge providing an axis of rotation about which the distal end of the lever arm rotates along an operating arc of the hinge between an unclamped position that loosens tension on the first strap to a clamped position that maintains tension on the first strap as the first free end is pulled by the lever arm toward a direction of the operating arc and to an over-center height, relative to the hinge, at which the flat outer surfaces of the first free end are beneath the axis of rotation; and a second strap-retaining feature configured to secure the second free end such that it becomes tethered and a first confronting surface of the flat outer surfaces of the second free end is covered by the lower major surface of the lever arm as the distal end is rotated from the unclamped position to the clamped position to thereby maintain a second confronting surface of the flat outer surfaces of the first free end substantially flat against the upper major surface of the lever arm.