Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided fastening systems for straps. Invention fastening systems provide for the secure fastening of straps which employ a securing device such as a buckle, by providing anchor points to retain strap ends. In this manner, free-hanging strap ends are prevented, thus providing a secure, hassle-free system for retaining devices such as wristwatches, and the like.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fastening devices. In particular aspect, the present invention relates to a strap retention system ideally suited for watchbands and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The wristwatch is a commonly worn article. Other wrist-born devices such as tide timers (e.g., the Nixon SUPER HERO™), altimeters, pressure gauges, pedometers, and the like are becoming increasingly popular as well. Many of these devices make use of a strap having two free ends (as opposed to, for example, a metal bracelet with a flip catch) that are secure to one another, usually by means of an adjustable mechanism such as a buckle or similar securing mechanism. 
     One dilemma posed by the two piece strap with adjustable securing mechanism is what to do with the free end of the strap, once the strap has been adjusted to the desired size. If simply left to hang, the free end of the strap can work loose of the buckle thereby releasing the strap. Minimally, the free end is prone to get in the way if it is not secured in some manner. This problem is frequently dealt with by including retention loops near the buckle, for receiving the free end of the strap and maintaining it in close proximity to the other end of the strap (e.g., the end that has the buckle). Unfortunately, the retention loops can slide free of the strap end which is again left to hang loose. Securing the retention loops to the portion of the strap that is not hanging free prevents them from moving, but also limits the adjustability of the strap because the loops may not function properly over the full range of the strap&#39;s adjustability. 
     Any type of strap that is to be secured, for whatever purpose, may also suffer from the same problems described above. Examples, such as straps to secure luggage on a car roof, or the like, provide familiar instances where such problems may be encountered. 
     Accordingly, there is still a need in the art for a means to further securely retain the free end of a two-ended strap that is used in conjunction with a securing mechanism. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes many of the problems in the art by providing a retention system for straps. Invention retention systems provide structures that are easily incorporated into straps and which prevent inadvertent loosening of the strap, as well as maintaining the otherwise free end of a fastened strap in close proximity with the remainder of the strap. This latter property of the invention system provides a safety feature by preventing loose strap ends from interfering with strap use. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIGS. 1-8 depict different geometric shapes useful as retention loop components of mating structures. 
     FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of a strap retention system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of the strap retention system of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of a device fastened to the strap retention system of FIG.  9 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fastening and retention system  10  for a strap  20 , said system comprising a strap  20  having at a first strap end  40 , a securing mechanism  50  configured to receive a second strap end  60 , and one or more retention loops  70  for maintaining, when said second strap end  60  has been secured by said securing mechanism  50 , said second strap end  60  in close contact with a portion of the strap that is proximal to the first strap end  40 , wherein said retention loop(s)  70  can slide along said strap  20  when the strap  20  is not secured by said securing mechanism  50 , wherein one or more of said retention loops  70  comprises a first component of a mating structure  90 , and said strap comprises a complementary component of the mating structure  100 , and wherein said mating structure  90 , 100  prevents said loop(s)  70  from sliding freely along said strap  20  when the two components  90 , 100  are mated. 
     Any type of strap  20  is suitable for use in the practice of the present invention, so long as it has a securing mechanism  50  for mating opposing strap ends  40 , 60 . As used herein, “securing mechanism  50 ” means any type of structure that is useful for securing one end  40  of a strap  20  to a second end  60 . Typically, such securing devices  50  provide for adjustment of the strap length in order to modulate the tightness of the strap  20  around the item to which it is secured. Thus, for example, a typical watchband  20  has a buckle  50  which allows for the strap  20  to be cinched to a desired tightness. As a result of securing the strap  20 , there will typically be excess strap  110  at one end that would benefit from being retained to prevent inadvertent loosening, and/or to prevent the loose end of the strap from getting in the way. Any securing device  50  that, when employed, results in a loose strap end  110  can be employed in the practice of the present invention. Such structures include conventional prong-type buckles, FASTEX™ type buckles, cams, and the like. 
     The strap  20  may be comprised of any suitable material for the intended application, including, for example, fabric, leather, metal (optionally with links, as required for flexibility), polymer (e.g., polyurethane, polyurethane/silicon blend, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or the like), leather, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the strap is configured to receive thereon a device  120  (see FIG.  11 ). For example, a plain strap can have attachment points, such as loops, or the like, for fastening a device  120  to the strap. In another embodiment, the strap is a two piece strap  20 , such as a watchband  20 , that, upon attachment of the two pieces to a device  120 , such as a watch, essentially becomes a single strap  20  having two ends  40 , 60 . Devices that are typically mounted on a strap include a wristwatch, an altimeter, a depth meter, a pedometer, a pager, a telephone, a personal data device, a tide meter, and the like. Literally any device that can be attached to a strap is contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention. 
     As used herein, “retention loop  70 ” means a structure that surrounds or is attached to the strap  20  and which operates to hold one end  40  of the strap  20  in close proximity to the other end  60  of the strap  20 , when the strap  20  has been secured by the securing mechanism  50 . Again, referring to a watch band  20  as an example, retention loops  70  can be adjusted, typically by sliding them along the strap  20 , in order to accommodate a range of lengths of excess strap material  110 . Unfortunately, the adjustable nature of retention loops  70  prevents them from securely retaining the excess strap material  110 . For example, if the loop  70  slides off of the end of the excess strap material  110 , the excess  110  hangs free. A similar state results if the loop  70  slides in the direction of the securing mechanism  50  (e.g., buckle) to such an extent that the excess strap material  110  extends past the retention loop  70  far enough to again hang free. Thus, the present invention provides for both the strap  20  and the retention loop  70  to have a component of a mating structure  90 , 100  for securing the retention loop  70  to the excess strap material  110 , thereby preventing the loop  70  from sliding off of the strap  20 . 
     As used herein, “mating structures  90 , 100 ” means any structure that will provide for the temporary attachment of excess strap material  110  to the retention loop  70 . Accordingly, the structure  90 , 100  will have a first component  90  and a complementary component  100  that mates with the first component  90 . The relative location of the first and complementary components  90 , 100  is not important. Thus, either of the components  90 , 100  can be located on the strap  20 , with the other component  90 , 100  being located on the loop  70 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the mating structure  90 , 100  comprises a protruding member  100  and a slot  90  or recessed area for receiving the protruding member. The mating of the member-slot structure  90 , 100  can merely comprise fitting the member  100  into the slot  90 , or it can comprise a more positive lock. Positive locking between the member  100  and the slot  90  can be accomplished by providing for a snug fit of the member  100  into the slot  90  or the inclusion of a catch, such as additional mating structure inside or in the proximity of the slot  90 , and corresponding additional mating structure on or in the proximity of the member  100 , or the like, wherein the catch is engaged by the application of pressure, or the like. Other types of mating structures can clearly be employed in the practice of the present invention, and are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Examples of such mating structures include hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Additional examples of structures which can be employed as the retention component of the mating structures include those depicted in FIGS.  1 - 8 , and the like 
     While the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that modifications and variations are within the spirit and scope of that which described and claimed.