Abstract:
A device for repairing a broken elastic hold-down strap, shortening an elastic hold-down strap, or providing a third connection point therefore.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to elastic rubber hold-down straps commonly used to secure tarpaulins. These straps are usually supplied with an “s” shaped hook on the end enabling the strap to be secured to a grommet in the tarpaulin, and to a ring or a lip on the truck or trailer carrying the load. The ends of these straps will fail after time due to the stress imposed upon the strap by the hook. The hook will usually tear or fracture the end of the strap so there is no way for the broken end of the strap to be used. Generally, the solution to this problem is to throw the strap away and get a new one, even thought the rest of the strap may still be serviceable. The present invention provides a way to easily and securely fix the strap so that it may continue to be used. The present invention also can be used to add a hook to a strap so that it may be secured at three point rather than two. The present invention can further be used to shorten a strap that is too long. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention provides a device that repairs a broken rubber hold-down strap by capturing and securing the body of the strap with a metal clip that also provides a hook so the strap may be secured to a tarp or other like thing. In addition, the present invention may be used to provide a third point of attachment on a strap, or to shorten a strap that is too long for the job. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the invention at a slight angle to the left and above center. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the invention with no angular offset. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the invention showing its use for repair of a broken strap. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the invention showing its use as a third connection point on a strap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  can be seen with its constituent parts. In a preferred embodiment, the device  10  constructed from a single piece of steel wire with a diameter of about 3/16 of an inch. Steel wire is used in the preferred embodiment because it provides the necessary strength and rigidity to perform its function without deforming. Other materials and thickness of materials is anticipated. The device  10  has a first section  11  in the shape of a hook, having on the top a bow section  13  curved through approximately 180 degrees, and an elongated shank  14  extending from one end of the bow section  13 , the shank  14  and bow  13  lying in the same plane. The shank  14  is contiguous with a center section  15  which also lies in the same plane as bow  13 , the center section  15  extending perpendicularly from the shank  14  toward the opposite end of the bow  13 . The length of the center section  15  is determined by the diameter of the bow  13 , the center section  15  being long enough to extend the distance between shank  14  and the opposite side of the bow  13 . The center section  15  is contiguous with a C-shaped transverse section  16 . The shape of section  16  can be clearly seen by reference to  FIG. 2 . All of section  16  lies in one plane, that plane perpendicular center section  15 . Section  16  is contiguous with a U-shaped section formed by the lower leg of section  16 , an outwardly bent center portion section  17  and a straight leg portion  18  extending from section  17 . Section  18  is parallel to section  16 , the diameter of the bend in section  17  leaving a gap between the lower leg of section  16  and section  18 . The size of the gap is determined by the size of the strap it is to be used on. The gap between section  18  and the lower leg of section  16  is just slightly larger than the thickness of the strap it is it be used with. Most hold down straps of the type pictured have a central thickness of 6.5 mm. The invention can be easily modified to accommodate straps of other thickness. 
         [0009]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the use of the invention for the repair of a broken strap  19  can be seen. The broken end  20  of the strap  19  must be placed between the strap  19  and the lower leg of section  16 . The tension between hook  21  and hook  11  will keep the strap  19  locked into place, preventing it from slipping and allowing the strap to be continued to be used. The device  10  can also be used in this manner for shortening an unbroken strap. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the mechanics of the system can be seen. The hook section  11  of the device  10  is placed so that it is on the centerline of the strap  19 . The hook section  11  is perpendicular to a plane formed by the lower leg of section  16  and section  18  on one axis of intersection, the z-axis as drawn, and offset at an inward angle φ on the other axis of intersection, the y-axis as drawn. The angle φ chosen so that the outward end of the hook  11  is at the centerline of the strap when the device is in use. 
         [0010]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the device  10  can be seen as used for a third connection point.