Patent ID: 6748630
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: A43C,A44B,A63C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A ratchet-type buckle for use with an elongate strap having a plurality of transverse engagement elements, the buckle comprising:a channel adapted to receive the strap; at least one wall extending distally from the channel; a barrel having a central axis and rotatably mounted to the at least one wall, wherein the barrel includes a plurality of outwardly disposed teeth parallel to the barrel axis that are spaced to drivably engage the transverse engagement elements, the barrel being movable between a first position wherein the barrel teeth are disposed to engage the strap, and a second position wherein the barrel teeth are disposed to release the strap; a holding pawl mounted to the at least one wall, the holding pawl positioned to permit rotation of the barrel in a forward direction and to interfere with rotation of the barrel in the direction opposite the forward direction; a lever pivotally mounted to the at least one wall, the lever member including a driving pawl that is adapted to drivably engage the barrel for rotation in the forward direction and to slidably accommodate the barrel without rotating the barrel in the direction opposite the forward direction; and further comprising a base member that defines the channel and wherein the at least one wall comprises a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls that are pivotally attached to the base member such that movement of the barrel from the first position to the second position is accommodated by pivoting the sidewalls.