CLAMPING DEVICE WITH STEPWISE ADJUSTMENT

Abstract: The present invention is for a clamping device for stepwise adjustement and is primarily intended to be used for the adjustment of sizes of caps and the like. A clamping body according to the invention comprises a locking band (2) and a clamping body (1). The clamping body has an essentially U-shaped cross section and the locking band (2) has a thickness and width such that it fits into the U-shaped channel (15) of the clamping body (1). On the outsides of the locking band (2) there are regularly positioned bars (3). These bars are intended to co-operate with corresponding bars (8) at the inside of the U-shaped channel. A closing means having the shape of a lid (4) is movably attached to the clampling body (1).

Description: Clamping device with stepwise adjustment The present invention is for a clamping device for stepwise ad¬ justment and it is primarily intended for adjustment of the size of caps and the like. Headgears of different kinds, especially caps for sports and leisure use are often made with the possibility of adjustment for various sizes. One common way of achieving this is to make the cap with a cut-out at its rear part across which a stretch band extends itself. This band has a row of holes, and at one edge of the cut-out there are corresponding one or more pro¬ trusions to which the band may be snapfastened by means of one or more freely selected holes. In this way the headgear is adapted to the desired size at each occasion. Alternatively the band may be made wholly or partly from elastic band or other suitable elastic material being attached to both ends of the cut-out. It is also known to use non-elastic bands, one end of which is fastened by a clamping means through which the band passes in a forwards and backwards arrangement. By means of the above mentioned known devices adjustability of the headgear is achieved with certain limitations. The pulling force of elastic bands increase the more the band is stretched up to a certain limit where the band starts to break. The in¬ crease of the pulling force can be experienced as uncomfortable for the user of the headgear and the risk that the band may brake limits the possibilities of adjustments. Fixed bands with thereto belonging clamp of known kind is a disadvantageous so¬ lution from a cost of manufacture point of view, and the ad¬ justment of the band in the clamping means is in many cases un¬ certain and the band may loosen during the use of the headgear. This is a case also with band having holes which are attached to protrusions and this is also from an aesthetic point of view a less appealing solution. The design also requires a certain minimum distance between the holes where the adjustment takes place with comparatively large steps. The present invention is for a clamping device for stepwise ad¬ justment of sizes by which the above mentioned disadvantages can be avoided. The device of the invention shall below be de¬ scribed more in details with reference to the embodiment shown in the enclosed figures. Figure 1 shows a cap with a clamping device according to the invention. Figure 2 shows the clamping body partly in cross-section of a clamping device of the invention. Figure 3 shows the clamping body and thereto belonging closing means. Figure 4 shows the clamping device with the locking band partly inserted into the clamping body. Figure 5 shows the clamping device with the locking band in a distinct position. Figure 6 shows the clamping body with an alternative closing means. Figure 1 shows a cap 7 which at its rear end has a cut-out 14. A clamping device according to the invention comprising a lock¬ ing band 2 and a clamping body 1 extends across the lower li¬ miting line of the cut-out. The clamping body has an essen¬ tially U-shaped cross-section and the locking band 2 has a thickness and a width such that it fits into the U-shaped chan¬ nel 15 of the clamping body 1. On the outsides of the locking band 2 there are bars 3 in a regular pattern. These bars are intended to co-operate with corresponding bars 8 at the inside of the U-shaped channel. The bars may be small and positioned comparatively close to each other whereby adjustment with small steps between the various positions is made possible. ovably connected to the clamping body 1 is a closure means having the shape of a lid 4. For this purpose the clamping body 1 has two pins 5 and 6 to which the lid 4 is mounted by a means of a groove 11 into which the taps are inserted. After that the band 2 has been inserted into the U-shaped channel 15 the lid 4 is folded over the clamping body and its resilient edge con¬ tacts the bottom of the clamping body 1. In order to enable the freeing of the lid it has a protruding part 9 which functions as a handle. When the clamping device is closed the outward side of the clamping body is covered by the front part 12 of the lid 4 and its surface may as desired carry text or pictures for promotional or other purpose, e. g. marking with different colours. As the lid can easily be exchanged the marking may also be used to separate those wearing the headgears into groups, and the marking may easily be exchanged when the wearer shifts to another group. The embodiment shown in figure 6 has instead of a lid a differ¬ ent closing means made from a bent resilient metal wire 16. The wire is attached to the clamping body by a snap device 17, and in its closed position the metal wire contacts a rail 18 of the clamping body, as shown in figure 6. Within the frame of the invented idea many varieties of the above described embodiments are possible. The shape of the bars and the distance between them may be varied and in some cases locking bars may be present only on one side of the band. Other varieties are various attachments of the lid.

Claims: Claims 1) Clamping device for stepwise adjustment of sizes character¬ ised by a clamping body (1) having essentially U-shaped cross- section so that a channel (15) is formed in the clamping body, a band (2) to be positioned inside the clamping body, locking bars (3, 8) at at least one side of the band and at the inside of at least one of the shanks of the U-shaped clamping body by means of which the band is kept in its desired position in the clamping body, and a movably arranged closing means (4), by means of which the U-shaped channel (15) may be opened and closed whereby the band is kept in its position. 2) Clamping device according to claim one characterised therein, that when the channel (15) is closed the front side of the clamping body (1) is essentially entirely covered by the closing means (4). 3) Use of a clamping device according to claim 1 or 2 for the adjustment of the size of the cap onto which the clamping body (1) and the locking band (2) are attached.

Inventors: NYLANDER PER, NYLANDER, PER
Applicants: AHLIFAX AB
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A42B1
IPC codes: A42B1, A44B11