Abstract:
A strap structure used as a strap for an object such as mask or swim fin is disclosed. The object has a locking receptacle on either side. The strap structure includes an elastic strap having a coupling member at either end, the coupling member being adapted to releasably secure to the locking receptacle; and an adapting assembly having one end adapted to releasably secure to the coupling member and the other end releasably secure to the locking receptacle. Moreover, the adapting assembly includes one or more adapters so that the strap structure is adapted to secure around one of the different objects with various sizes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to strap and more particularly to an improved strap structure for swim mask, diving mask, swimming goggles, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, or swim fin with adapter means for fitting different individuals with various head or foot sizes. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    A conventional strap structure for swim mask, diving mask, swimming goggles, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, or swim fin is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The strap structure comprises a strap A and a set of ribs B formed on one surface of the strap A. One of the ribs B is adapted to secure to a slot (not shown) of a corresponding member so as to secure the strap structure to a portion of a swim fin as shown. 
         [0005]    The portion is heel or toe. It is understood that sizes of the heel or the toe of different individuals are different. Also, strap fastening or unfastening is required in each wearing or taking off action. Further, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing a mask on the head or a swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are two important factors to be considered in the design phase of strap structure. 
         [0006]    A typical strap structure comprises a strap having at least one locking receptacle proximate either end. The strap is made of flexible material. A set of ribs are formed on one surface of the strap. One of the ribs is adapted to secure to a slot of a corresponding member so as to adjustably secure the strap structure to a portion of a mask or swim fin. However, an end portion of the strap is exposed and it is not aesthetic. Moreover, the adjustment is not easy. 
         [0007]    Conventionally, a suitable locking receptacle or clasp is provided on a portion of an object to be worn by a user. Further, the objects have many different sizes. Thus, preferably the strap is made of an elastomeric material so as to be readily adapted to fasten on the object. 
         [0008]    Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a suitable elastomeric material. Thus, preferably but not limiting to using TPR as the material for producing strap for swim mask or swim fin is desired since no length adjusting mechanism is required. However, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing the strap on a portion of the body may be sacrificed since the strap is designed to be readily worn by any individuals of different body sizes. Thus, the need for improvement still exists. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a strap structure used as a strap for an object such as mask or swim fin, the object having a locking receptacle on either side, comprising an elastic strap having a coupling member at either end, the coupling member being adapted to releasably secure to the locking receptacle; and adapting means having one end adapted to releasably secure to the coupling member and the other end releasably secure to the locking receptacle. By utilizing this adapting means including one or more adapters, the strap structure is adapted to secure around one of the different objects with various sizes. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the invention to provide a strap structure having an elastic strap such that the strap can be elastically worn on an object without length adjusting mechanism being required. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a strap structure having an elastic strap which is served as a heel strap of a swim fin. Moreover, one or more adapters can be added to increase the length of the strap structure so as to fit different individuals with various foot sizes. In addition, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing the swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are considered in the design phase of strap structure. 
         [0012]    In one aspect of the invention the strap is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer rubber), silicon rubber, plastic, rubber, a synthetic material, a polymeric material, leather, metal, and a composite material formed by combining at least two of the above materials. 
         [0013]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a conventional strap structure served as heel strap for a swim fin; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the strap structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a strap structure according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention served as heel strap for a swim fin; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the strap structure of  FIG. 3  to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the strap structure of  FIG. 4  and an adapter to be secured thereto according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the strap, the adapter of  FIG. 5 , and another adapter being secured together for showing another configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view of either end of the strap of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along line A--A of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view showing the coupling member to be secured to the receptacle of  FIG. 11  by insertion; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view showing the coupling member to be secured to the adapter which in turn is to be secured to the receptacle of  FIG. 12  by insertion. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a strap structure in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and comprises a strap  10 , two coupling members  20  at both ends of the strap  10 , and two locking receptacles  31  at both sides of an object such as swim fin  30  as shown. The swim fin  30  is chosen only for the purpose of description not limiting. In practice, the object can be selected from a group consisting of swim mask, diving mask, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, and swim fin. 
         [0029]    The strap  10  is elastic and elongate. The strap  10  can have a section of circle other than the rectangular section as known in the art. Further, means for facilitating the operation of the strap  10  can be formed or mounted thereon. Preferably, but not limiting to, the strap  10  is formed of TPR. The strap  10  is shaped as an arc of a loop for a mask or swim fin so as to hold the mask to the head of secure the swim fin to the heel. The elastic strap  10  is adapted to easily put on or take off from, for example, the head. Further, the elastic strap  10  can secure, for example, the mask to the head of different sizes by elastic contracting. 
         [0030]    The coupling members  20  formed at both ends of the strap  10  are adapted to secure to the locking receptacles  31  so as to wrap a portion of the body when in use. The coupling member  20  can have a configuration other than that as shown as long as it can easily, securely connect to the locking receptacle  31 . The coupling member  20  is a well known device. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in this embodiment a tab  21  of either coupling member  20  formed at either end of the strap  10  is adapted to insert into a slot  32  of either locking receptacle  31 . The strap structure is implemented as a heel strap of a swim fin  30 . Thus, the foot wearing the swim fin  30  is fastened by the insertions. In another configuration, one end of the strap  10  is fixedly secured to one side of the swim fin  30  and the coupling member  20  at the other end of the strap  10  is secured to the locking receptacle  31  by insertion. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a strap structure according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are detailed below. Two first adapters  40  are provided and each comprises a body  41 , a tab  42  at one end, and a slot  43  at the other end. The tab  21  of the coupling member  20  is adapted to insert into the slot  43  for fastening the coupling member  20  and the first adapter  40  together. Likewise, the tab  42  of the first adapter  40  is adapted to insert into the slot  32  for fastening the first adapter  40  and the locking receptacle  31  together. The second preferred embodiment aims at increasing the length of the strap structure so as to fasten a large portion of the body. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in another configuration of the second embodiment another first adapter  40  is further provided. Another first adapter  40  is adapted to secure to the coupling member  20  at the other end of the strap  10 . Likewise, one or more additional adapters can be added in a manner similar to above. This configuration also aims at increasing the length of the strap structure so as to fasten a large portion of the body. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the strap  10  is formed of TPR, silicon rubber, or rubber or the like. Also, the strap  10  and the coupling member  20  are formed integrally. Further, the tab  21  of the coupling member  20  is adapted to insert into a slot (not shown) of the object. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a strap structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are detailed below. The strap  50  has two coupling members  60  at both ends and each coupling member  60  has a slot  61 . The object (e.g., swim fin)  70  has a locking receptacle  80  on either side. The locking receptacle  80  has a tab  81  at one end. The tabs  81  are adapted to insert into the slots  61  for releasably securing the strap  50  and the object  70  together. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a strap structure according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fourth preferred embodiment are detailed below. A second adapter  90  is provided and is adapted to releasably secure to both the coupling member  60  and the locking receptacle  80 . This embodiment also aims at increasing the length of the strap structure. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , a strap structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fifth preferred embodiment are detailed below. The coupling member  101  is formed at either end of the strap  102 . The receptacle  103  is formed on either side of the object  104 . The coupling member  101  implemented as a latched tongue is adapted to insert into the receptacle  103  for fastening the strap  102  and the object  104  together. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , a strap structure according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The sixth embodiment is identical to the fifth embodiment, except that two third adapters  110  are provided and each has a receptacle at one end and a latched tongue at the other end. The coupling member  101  is adapted to insert into the receptacle of the third adapter  110  and the latched tongue of the third adapter  110  is adapted to insert into the receptacle  103  for fastening the strap  102  and the object  104  together. 
         [0039]    In practice, one end of the strap can be fixedly secured to one side of the object and the coupling member at the other end of the strap is releasably secured to the locking receptacle by insertion. Moreover, one or more adapters can be added and fastened between the coupling member and the locking receptacle as desired. 
         [0040]    Note that the strap and the coupling member can be coupled together by hook and groove, screw fastening, Velcro fastening, tab and slot, or tying. 
         [0041]    Moreover, the strap is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of TPR, TPE, silicon rubber, plastic, rubber, a synthetic material, a polymeric material, leather, metal, and a composite material formed by combining at least two of the above materials. 
         [0042]    The invention has the following advantages. The strap for the object (e.g., mask or swim fin) is formed of an elastomeric material. A person touches the strap can feel a sense of comfort. Further, no length adjusting mechanism is required. Furthermore, no ugly end portion of the strap is exposed. Moreover, one or more adapters can be incorporated for fitting different individuals with various head or foot sizes. In addition, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing a mask on the head or a swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are considered in the design phase of strap structure. 
         [0043]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.