Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present regular U.S. Patent Application claims the benefits of United States Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/699,517, filed on Jul. 15, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to straps or webs on articles, and, more specifically, to the devices and structures used for securing straps, and in particular to devices used for securing the loose ends of straps.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Articles and gear of various types have straps or webbing for various purposes. Straps are used to adjust the effective size or length of various devices, to close flaps on pouches, and to secure one item or part of an item to another item or another part of the same item. Shoulder straps of articles to be carried use connectors or clips through which the strap is threaded. The strap is provided in a length sufficiently long for use in various configurations, and the connector or clip allows adjustment in the usable length of the strap. If the usable or “active” part of the strap is short, a long, free or unused end of the strap will hang from the connector or clip.  
         [0004]     For some, a dangling, loose end of a strap is merely unattractive. However, in some situations a dangling, loose end of a strap can present safety concerns. On athletic gear, work gear, book bags, backpacks and the like, a loose end of a strap can become entangled in other equipment or can obstruct or hinder the person using it or others nearby.  
         [0005]     For these and other reasons, military personal are required to secure all loose strap ends on all equipment. One method often used is simply to apply adhesive tape to secure the loose end of a strap to the active portion of the strap or to another part of the device or equipment. Taping loose ends requires military personnel to have a ready supply of tape available at all times. Tearing and applying tape each time a strap is adjusted is inconvenient and time consuming. Further, quick adjustment of a strap is difficult, as the adhesive tape must be removed prior to adjustment, and after adjustment of the strap the adhesive tape must be reapplied. Once removed, the previously used piece of tape often cannot be reused in that it will not hold adequately. A fresh piece of tape must be obtained, further complicating and extending the strap adjustment process. The inconvenience involved with adjusting a secured strap may discourage individuals from making necessary or desirable strap adjustments. After prolonged use of tape, adhesive residue accumulates on the strap, making adjustment through the connector or clip difficult.  
         [0006]     Elastic bands have been used to secure loose strap ends. The elastic band slides onto the strap and around folded portions of the loose end. However, after only limited use and over time, the elastic band can fatigue and loosen. The loose strap end may fall from the elastic band, and the elastic band can fail.  
         [0007]     What is needed in the art is a device to secure loose strap ends that is secure, strong and convenient to use.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention provides a reusable mechanical fastener that has a long operational life to secure loose strap ends without degrading the usefulness or life of the strap.  
         [0009]     In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder for supporting a portion of a strap to be secured, the holder being configured for attachment to a length of the strap and for receiving one or more folded layers of the same strap thereon. The holder has a base, a first end portion and a second end portion. A retainer includes a connected end connected to the holder and a distal end selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the holder. The retainer extends over the base from the first end portion to the second end portion. A latch selectively connects the distal end of the retainer to the second end portion.  
         [0010]     In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder including a base having first and second slots for receiving a strap placed therein, and first and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. An elastic cord is connected to the base at the first end portion and is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the second end portion  
         [0011]     In still another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a strap securing device with a holder having a base and first and second end portions at opposite ends of the base. The base defines an eyelet and first and second slots. The slots are configured for receiving a strap placed therein. The second end portion defines first and second holes open through an edge of the second end portion. An elastic cord is connected to the eyelet, the cord being of sufficient length for extending over the base from the first end portion to the second end portion and being configured to enter the holes.  
         [0012]     An advantage of the present invention is providing a reusable device to secure loose ends of straps or webbing.  
         [0013]     Another advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that can be reused without degrading the performance or life of the strap.  
         [0014]     Still another advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that attaches and detaches loose ends of straps quickly, so that adjustment in the position of the strap can be made quickly and easily.  
         [0015]     A further advantage of the present invention is providing a strap securing device that can be attached to a strap that is in use, without having to detach, loosen or unthread the strap.  
         [0016]     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the device installed on the loose end of a strap;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary view of the strap securing device shown in  FIG. 1  apart from the strap shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a part of the strap securing device shown previously;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a view of the bottom of a strap with another strap securing device of the present invention installed thereon;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the front of the strap and strap securing device shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the strap and strap securing device shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of still another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment for a strap securing device in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the strap securing device shown in  FIG. 10 , illustrating the device installed on a strap but not yet engaged to secure a loose end of the strap; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the strap and device shown in  FIG. 11 , but illustrating a loose strap end secured by the device.  
         [0029]     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0030]     Referring now more specifically the drawings and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a strap securing device  20  in accordance with the present invention is shown installed on a strap  22 . As will become apparent from the following description in accordance with the drawings, strap securing device  20  can be used for securing portions of straps of various sizes in various installations.  
         [0031]     Strap  22  is an elongate web of material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic cloth, flexible leather and the like commonly used on devices of various types, including equipment, clothing, backpacks, bags and other devices.  FIG. 1  illustrates strap  22  as being an end portion of a strap having a terminal end  24 . Accordingly, strap securing device  20  is shown installed on the strap end for securing multiple layers of the strap folded thereon. However, it should be understood from the description to follow that strap securing device  20  can be installed on another portion of the strap, such as a portion being used, and not only on an unused terminal portion of the strap. Further, in some applications and uses, a strap securing device of the present invention can be secured to or on an article in an appropriate position to receive and hold portions of a strap used on or with the article.  
         [0032]     Strap securing device  20  includes a holder  30  and a retainer  32  connected to and operable with holder  30  for securing a free end portion of strap  22  relative to holder  30 . In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , holder  30  is plastic of suitable strength, rigidity and other performance characteristics for the environment and installation on which device  20  is used. However, holder  30  can be of other materials, such as metal. Retainer  32  is a looped elastic or elastic-type stretchable cord  34  having a terminator  36  securing ends (not shown) of cord  34 . Terminator  36  can be plastic or other material similar to holder  30 , or can be of other suitable material, such as metal.  
         [0033]     Holder  30  extends from one side or edge of strap  22  to an opposite side or edge of strap  22 . Holder  30  includes a base  40  supported on strap  22 , as will be described more fully hereinafter. At opposite ends of base  40 , a first end portion  42  and a second end portion  44  extend along and outwardly of opposite side edges of strap  22 .  
         [0034]     Base  40  defines a first slot  46  and a second slot  48  spaced from each other in base  40 . Slots and  46  and  48  are of sufficient length to receive the width of strap  22  so that strap  22  can be threaded through slots  46  and  48 , thereby securing device  20  on strap  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, entrance openings  50 ,  52  extend between opposite side outer edges of base  40  and slots  46 ,  48 , respectively. Strap  22  can be inserted through entrance openings  50 ,  52  into slots  46 ,  48  at intermediate points along the length of strap  22 , and it is not necessary to attach device  20  by threading strap  22  via end  24  through slots  46 ,  48 . Accordingly, strap securing device  20  can be attached to strap  22  after terminal end  24  is folded over and sewn or otherwise terminated. Even if terminal end  24  is thicker than the width of slots  46 ,  48 , or is attached to an end buckle or other component, device  20  can be attached to strap  22 . Moreover, entrance openings  50 ,  52  allow removal and attachment of device  20  along intermediate portions of a strap secured on its opposite ends. Thus, device  20  can be installed in the active or useful portion of the strap and have the unused portion secured thereby. Entrance openings  50 ,  52  also enable convenient removal of a broken device  20  and replacement with a new device  20  if necessary.  
         [0035]     The arrangement of slots  46 ,  48  is such as to provide a sufficiently tortuous path that base  40  remains securely positioned along strap  22  after strap  22  has been placed in slots  46 ,  48  and pulled taut. In the exemplary embodiment seen most clearly in  FIG. 2 , slots  46 ,  48  are angularly disposed with respect to each other, being spaced farther from one another near first end  42  and closer to one another near second end  44 .  
         [0036]     An eyelet  54  is provided in base  40  near first and  42 . Elastic cord  34  is secured to holder  30  by knotting, hitching or the like with a portion inserted through eyelet  54 . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the drawings, elastic cord  34  is passed through eyelet  54  and looped through itself.  
         [0037]     First end  42  further includes abutments  56 ,  58  extending away from base  40  and spaced from one another to allow elastic cord  34  to pass there between. Those skilled in the art should understand that other configurations also can be used. Abutments  56 ,  58  provide a side support for the folded and stacked lengths of strap  22  secured by device  20 .  
         [0038]     As seen most clearly in  FIG. 3 , second end portion  44  angles upwardly from base  40  to provide clearance for terminator  36  positioned there beneath when device  20  is in use. Second end portion  44  forms a latch for engaging elastic cord  34  and specifically the distal end of elastic cord  34 , having terminator  36  thereon.  
         [0039]     In the exemplary embodiment, second end portion  44  is an angular, plate-like extension from base  40  and includes spaced, angularly inwardly extending elongated holes  60 ,  62  for receiving opposed segments of looped elastic cord  34 . Holes  60 ,  62  open through the outer edge of second portion  44  so that cord  34  can be placed therein. In the exemplary configuration for holes  60 ,  62  outer edges  64 ,  66  thereof are substantially smooth, and inner edges  68 ,  70  thereof are curved sharply to hold elastic cord  34  therein. Thus, from the position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , elastic cord  34  can not be dislodged easily from holes  60 ,  62  by pulling straight outwardly on terminator  36 . Instead, to dislodge cord  34 , terminator  36  is rocked sideways, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction substantially parallel to strap  22 , to thereby dislodge first one side of elastic cord  34  from one of the holes  60 ,  62  and then to dislodge the other side of elastic cord  34  from the other of holes  60 ,  62 . An end surface  72  of second end portion  44  is curved, having an apex between holes  60  and  62 , and is shaped and angled to promote separation of the opposed segments of looped elastic cord  34  and to direct the separated opposed segments into holes  60 ,  62 .  
         [0040]     A portion of base  40  between slots  46  and  48  can be provided with surface insignia or other surface configurations  74  providing increased friction against movement of strap  22  along base  40 .  
         [0041]     In the use of strap securing device  20 , holder  30  is attached at a desired location along strap  22  by inserting portions of strap  22  through entrance openings  50 ,  52  and into slots  46 ,  48 . A loose portion of strap  22  is fan folded over holder  30 , between abutments  54 ,  56  and one side and the upwardly angled second end portion  44  on the opposite side. After strap  22  is appropriately stacked and positioned, elastic cord  34  is pulled from first end  42  toward second end  44 , over the stacked portion of strap  22  on base  40 . Terminator  36  is pulled past end surface  72  of second end  44 , and elastic cord  34  is hooked to second end portion  44  in holes  60 ,  62 . End surface  72  separates the opposed segments of elastic cord  34  as cord  34  is pulled there against. End surface  72  directs the opposed segments into holes  60 ,  62 . The elasticity of cord  34  holds cord  34  securely in holes  60 ,  62 . The inwardly directed force from cord  34  against the curved configuration of inner edges  68 ,  70  of holes  60 ,  62  holds cord  34  securely in holes  60 ,  62 . Elastic cord  34  holds the stacked portions of strap  22  securely against base  40 , between abutments  56 ,  58  along one side and second end  44  on the opposite side.  
         [0042]     To free the secured portion of strap  22 , terminator  36  is pulled sideways in first one direction and then the opposite direction substantially parallel to cord  22 , to dislodge elastic cord  34  from holes  60 ,  62 . Smooth outer edges  64 ,  66  allow elastic cord  34  to slide easily out of holes  60 ,  62  when pulled sideways as described. However, the attachment of cord  34  to second end  44  is secure in that complete detachment requires pulling first in one direction and then in the other, opposite direction to free the opposite sides of cord  34  from holes  60 ,  62 . If terminator  36  is inadvertently snagged or pulled in only one direction, cord  34  is not completely dislodged.  
         [0043]     Strap securing device  20  is easy to install initially and easy to use both when securing portions of strap  22  and when freeing the secured portions if strap  22  is to be adjusted. The device is secure yet is not attached permanently to the strap and can be removed if desired.  
         [0044]     As can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 1 , with the understanding from the side view of  FIG. 3 , terminator  36  fits snuggly and smoothly beneath second end portion  44  even when device  20  is fitted against a relatively firm and flat surface. However, in some applications and uses of the present invention it may not be necessary to provide side support for the folded and stacked end of strap  22 , or to provide the nested position for terminator  36 . Further, the device may be easily threaded by inserting an end through the device.  FIGS. 4-9  illustrate substantially flat variations of the present invention.  
         [0045]     Strap securing device  80  ( FIGS. 4-7 ) includes an elastic cord  34  having a terminator  36 , both as described previously herein, secured to a base  82 . Base  82  is a substantially flat body having angular slots  84 ,  86 , which may be interconnected at an end opening  88  as shown in  FIG. 7 , or may be separate and discrete from one another. Device  80  is suitable for use in applications wherein a strap  90  can be threaded through slots  82 ,  84  by first inserting an end of strap  90  therethrough. If slots  84 ,  86  are connected to each other, strap  90  can be inserted through end opening  88 . Elastic cord  34  is secured a through an eyelet  92  at one end of base  82 . Holes  94 ,  96  at an opposite end of base  82  function similarly to holes  60 ,  62  described previously. Use of device  80  is similar to that described previously with respect to device  20 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention for a base  100 . Base  100  has an eyelet  102  at one end thereof and holes  104 ,  106  at an opposite end thereof. Eyelet  102  is used similarly to eyelets  54  and  92 , and holes  104 ,  106  are used similarly to holes  60 ,  62  and  94 ,  96 . Device  100  is used with an elastic cord (not show) similar to the cords  34  described previously. An elevated tongue  110  is connected to base  100  at one end  112  and not connected at an opposite end  114 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , base  100  defines an opening  116  beneath tongue  110 . Base  100  also can be closed and spaced from the bottom of tongue  110 . A strap (not shown) is inserted beneath tongue  110  from unconnected end  114  of tongue  110 . Device  100  is used in a manner similar to those described previously herein.  
         [0047]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 7 , but having a surface embellishment in the way of ridges  120 ,  122  for engaging a strap lying there over.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 10-12  illustrate a still further embodiment of the present invention. A strap securing device  130  includes a holder  132  and a retainer  134 . A hinge  136  connects holder  132  and retainer  134 . Holder  132  includes a base  138  having a tongue  140  beneath which a strap can be inserted. Latches  142 ,  144  extend outwardly from base  138 . Retainer  134  includes a first arm  150  and a second arm  152  extending outwardly from hinge  136 . Latch receivers  154 ,  156  are provided on the ends of arms  150 ,  152  respectively. Latches  142 ,  144  engage latch receivers  154 ,  156  when the device  130  is closed. Notched blades  158   160  are provided beneath arms  150 ,  152 , respectively to engage a strap disposed there beneath.  
         [0049]      FIG. 11  illustrates strap securing device  130  installed on a strap  170 . Strap  170  is disposed beneath tongue  140  and on base  138 . In  FIG. 12  the closed and secured orientation is shown. Strap  170  is folded and stacked on holder  132 , beneath arms  150 ,  152 . Latches  142 ,  144  are received in and held by latch receivers  154 ,  156 .  
         [0050]     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.  
         [0051]     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Technology Category: 1