AU2014240367B2 - Device and Method for Joining Straps using a Device - Google Patents

Abstract

-13 Abstract A device (10) for inserting into a joining loop between two straps, the device (10) including an elongate body (12) including a first part (14) and a second part (14) which are coupled to one another so as to be moveable between an assembled condition in which the device is insertable into the joining loop and a released condition in which the first and second parts (14, 16) are separable from one another so as to allow removal of the device (10) from the joining loop. F IG UR E 1

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR JOINING STRAPS USING A DEVICE

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a device for inserting into a joining loop between two straps or slings and an associated method for joining and releasing straps or slings using the device.

Background [002] It is sometimes necessary to join straps such as towing straps (also known as snatch straps). Such tow straps each typically include a strap body and end loops located at opposing ends of the strap body.

[003] There are a variety of ways to join two straps. For example, to join a first tow strap and a second tow strap, a first end loop of the first strap is passed through a first end loop of the second tow strap, and a second end loop of the second tow strap is passed through a second end loop of the first tow strap. This forms a knot loop between the first tow strap and the second tow strap.

[004] The first and second tow straps are then pulled tight by pulling the first end of the first tow strap and second end of the second tow strap in opposing direction. The first end loop of the second tow strap and the second end loop of the first tow strap converge and tighten to form a binding knot between the first and second tow straps.

[005] Similarly, it is sometimes necessary to join two lifting slings which are typically circular straps or rope like structures used for towing or lifting. To join first and second lifting slings, the first sling is passed through the second sling and passed back through itself so as to form a knot loop between the first and second slings.

[006] A problem with these arrangements is that the knot loop becomes tightly bound such that the first and second straps or slings are difficult to separate. For example, when a vehicle is being towed with the joined straps or slings tighten and the force on the knot loop may be substantial and may potentially irreversibly bind the first and second straps or slings.

[007] In an attempt to address this problem, an article such as a rolled up magazine or a stick is sometimes fitted into the knot loop prior to the knot loop becoming tightened. The knot loop then tightens around the article. A problem with this approach is that the article then becomes bound in the knot loop. In addition, the article may snap or break and in some instances may be flung from the knot loop thereby being a potentially hazardous projectile.

[008] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [009] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided, a device for inserting into a joining loop between two straps, the device including an elongate body including a first part and a second part which are coupled to one another so as to be moveable between an assembled condition in which the device is insertable into the joining loop and a released condition in which the first and second parts are separable from one another so as to allow removal of the device from the joining loop.

[0010] In one aspect, the first part and the second part taper toward one another in the assembled condition.

[0011] In another aspect, the first part and the second part are generally cylindrical in shape and each of the first part and the second part include corresponding first and second tapered portions which are arranged to taper toward one another in the assembled condition.

[0012] In another aspect, the first part and second part each provide corresponding halves of the elongate body.

[0013] In another aspect, the first and second parts include corresponding inner ends which are shaped to abut with one another in the assembled condition.

[0014] In another aspect, the device includes an elongate fastener and wherein the first part includes a first axial bore and the second part includes a second axial bore, the first and second axial bores being arranged to receive the elongate fastener so as to couple the first part and the second part.

[0015] In another aspect, the fastener is a bolt including a head, a shaft and a threaded end to which a nut is fastened, the head is located on an outer side of one of the first and second parts with the shaft extending through the first and second axial bores and the nut is located on an opposing outer side of the other of the first and second parts so as to releasably couple the first and second parts.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect there is provided, a method for connecting two tow straps, the method including the steps of joining the straps by forming a loop knot portion between the first strap and the second strap, inserting an insert device into the loop knot portion formed between the straps, and tightening the knot portion so as to retain the insert device within the loop knot portion; releasing the straps by actuating the device so as to separate a first part of the insert device from a second part of the insert device thereby allowing the loop knot portion to be released.

[0017] In one aspect, the first part and the second part are joined together by a releasable coupling, wherein the method include the steps of when joining the straps, the coupling is actuated to join the first part and the second part so as to form an elongate body of the insert device; and when releasing the straps, the coupling is actuated to allow the separation of the first part and the second part.

[0018] In another aspect, the method includes the steps of when releasing the straps, the coupling is actuated to a released condition and the first and second parts are actuated so as to be moved in opposing directions away from one another thereby separating the first and second parts.

Brief Description of the Figures [0019] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0020] Figure lisa perspective view illustrating the device; [0021] Figure 2 is another perspective view illustrating the device; [0022] Figure 3 is an exploded parts view illustrating the device; [0023] Figure 4a is an end view illustrating the device; [0024] Figure 4b is a side view illustrating the device; [0025] Figure 4c is an opposing end view illustrating the device; [0026] Figure 5a illustrates the device in use being inserted within a joining loop between two tow straps; [0027] Figure 5b illustrates the device in use being actuated by a user to remove the device from the joining loop between the two tow straps; [0028] Figure 5c illustrates the device in use being actuated by a user, moving first and second parts of the device in opposing directions, to remove the device from the joining loop between the two tow straps; and [0029] Figure 5d illustrates the device removed from the joining loop between the two tow straps.

Detailed Description [0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown device 10 for inserting into a joining loop between two straps (shown in Figures 5a to 5c). The device 10 including an elongate body 12 including a first part 14 and a second part 16 which are coupled to one another so as to be moveable between an assembled condition (as shown in Figure 1) in which the device 10 is insertable into the joining loop and a released condition (as shown in Figure 3) in which the first part 14 and the second part 16 are separable from one another so as to allow removal of the device 10 from the joining loop.

[0031] The first part 14 includes a first cylindrical body 18 including a tapered first portion 20 which tapers toward the second part 16. The second part 16 includes a complimentary second cylindrical body 21 including a second tapered portion 22 which tapers toward the first part 14. In this example, the first part 14 and the second part 16 are corresponding halves which are dimensioned to abut or fit with one another toward or at a centre 23 of the elongate body 12 of the device 10.

[0032] Accordingly, when the device 10 is in the assembled condition, the elongate body 12 of the device 10 has a larger diameter toward its opposing ends 24, 26 and a smaller or reduced diameter toward the centre 23 of the elongate body 12 where the first part 12 and the second part 14 meet or abut with one another.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, the first cylindrical body 18 of the first part 14 includes a first axial bore 28 which extends axially lengthwise between a first inner end 32 and a second outer end 34 of the first cylindrical body 18. Similarly, the second cylindrical body 21 of the second part 16 includes a second axial bore 30 which extends axially lengthwise between the first and second ends 36, 38 of the second part 16.

[0034] In the assembled condition, the first and second axial bores 28, 30 are aligned with one another and a coupling 40 in the form of an elongate fastener 42 is passed through the first and second axial bores 28, 30 to couple the first part 14 and the second part 16. In this example, the fastener 42 is a bolt including a head 44, a shaft 46 and a threaded end 48 to which a wing nut 50 is fastened. Washers 52, 54 are located at on the fastener 42 between the respective outer ends 34, 38 of the first and second cylindrical bodies 18, 21, and the wing nut 50 and head 44 of the fastener 42. In some examples, the washers 52, 54 may be removed and are not essential.

[0035] Referring to Figures 4a to 4c, in the assembled condition, the head 44 is located on an outer end 38 of the second part 16 with the shaft 46 of the fastener 42 extending through the first and second axial bores 28, 30. The wing nut 50 is located on an opposing outer end 34 of the first part so as to releasably couple the first and second parts 14, 16 with one another.

[0036] The inner ends 32, 36 of the first and second parts 14, 16 are shaped to abut with one another in the assembled condition. In this example, the inner ends 32, 36 each include substantially flat surfaces which abut with one another. The radius of the inner ends 32, 36 is substantially similar so as to provide a continuous outer surface profile between the second parts 14, 16 which tapers or necks inwardly toward the centre 23 of the device 10.

[0037] As may be best appreciated from Figure 4b, the first tapered portion 20 tapers inwardly such that the diameter of the first cylindrical body 18 decreases between the outer end 34 and the inner end 32. Similarly, the second tapered portion 22 tapers inwardly such that the diameter of the second cylindrical body 21 decreases between the outer end 38 and the inner end 36.

[0038] Accordingly, the first and second parts 14, 16 taper toward one another and provide a saddle region in which the joining loop between two straps may be placed or retained, as will be further described below with reference to Figures 5a to 5d. The first and second tapered portions 20, 22 may extend across all or a small part of the first and second cylindrical bodies 18, 21.

[0039] In this example, the first and second parts 14, 16 are substantially symmetrical and identically formed halves of device 10. Alternatively, the first and second part 14, 16 may be asymmetrical, for example, the length or tapering of one of the first and second parts being different to the other of the first and second parts.

[0040] The first and second parts 14, 16 may be formed from a plastic material which is sufficiently hard to inhibit the joining loop between two straps embedding into the first and second parts 14, 16. The outer surfaces of the first and second parts 14, 14 may also include a slight surface texture or ribbing to promote grip between the joining loop between two straps and the device 10. In some examples, the first and second parts 14, 16 may be machined by a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting machine from Nylon or similar hard plastic material.

[0041] The overall length of the device 10 may be between about 10 cm and 40cm and the diameter of the may be about 2cm to about 6cm. The taper angle (relative to the horizontal lengthwise axis of the device) of the first and second tapered portions 18, 20 may be in the range of about 5 degrees to about 35 degrees. Preferably, the angle is about 20 degrees. The elongate fastener 42 may be provided in the form of a M12 to Ml8 bolt.

[0042] The device 10 may also be fitted with a safety tether or chain (not shown) which may be coupled between the first end 24 and second end 26 of the device 10. In use, the tether may be passed around or connected to one or both of the tow straps so as to tether the device 10 to at least one of the straps. This may inhibit the device 10 from becoming dislodged or flung from the tow straps during use, as is further detailed below.

[0043] Referring to Figures 5a to 5d, in use, the device 10 is fitted in an assembled condition into a loop 60 of a joining knot portion 62 between a first strap 64 and a second strap 66. The first strap 64 and the second strap 66 may each be towing straps (otherwise known as snatch straps).

[0044] These straps may be connected in a variety of ways. However, as may be best seen in Figure 5b, an end loop 70 of the second strap 66 is passed through the end loop 68 of the first strap 64. An opposing free end (not shown) of the second strap 66 is then passed back through the end loop 70 of the second strap 66 and is drawn tight into which the device 10 is inserted in use.

[0045] Once the device 10 is inserted within the knot loop portion 62, the first and second straps 64, 66 may be tightened by being pulled or urged in opposing directions. This tightens the knot loop portion 62 around the device 10 which secures or retains the device within the knot loop portion 62.

[0046] The opposing free end of the second strap 66 and an opposing free end of the first strap 64 may then be connected to the structures requiring to be towed. For example, the now connected first and second strap 64, 66 may be connected between a tow truck and a vehicle which requires to be towed. The tension in the first and second strap 64, 66 may be significant during such towing operations which results in the tightening of the knot loop portion 62 around the device 10.

[0047] Referring more specifically to Figures 5b to 5d, the sequence of releasing the straps 64, 66 by actuating the device 10 to separate the first and second parts 14, 16 is illustrated in further detail.

[0048] The straps 64, 66 are released by actuating the device 10 so as to separate a first part 14 of the inert device 10 from the second part 16 of the insert device 10 thereby allowing the loop knot portion 62 to be released.

[0049] In more detail, as shown in Figure 5b, the coupling 40 is loosened by actuating the wing nut 50. The head 44 may be held stationary to allow the wing nut 50 be rotated relative to the shaft 56.

[0050] Referring to Figure 5c, the wing nut 50 is advanced from an end of the shaft 56 and removed. This allows the first and second parts 14, 16 to be moved apart in opposing directions as indicated by arrows A, B. In this example, the second part 16 is shown as being slid away from the first part 14. The first and second parts 14, 16 are then removed from one another and the device 10 is removed from the looped portion 62. The knot 60 is then loosened and the first and second straps 64, 66 may be decoupled or detached from one another.

[0051] The inward tapering of the first tapered portion 20 and the second tapered portion 22 toward one another allows for the easy removal of the first and second parts 14, 16. This is because as the first and second parts 14, 16 are moved outwardly each of the first and second parts 14, 16 moves through a region of the looped portion 62 which was previously occupied by a larger diameter portion of the first and second cylindrical bodies 18, 21.

[0052] Accordingly, as the first and second parts 14, 16 are moved outwardly a space develops between the first and second parts 14, 16 and the loop portion 62 this reduces or removes any tension and binding force between the loop portion 62 and the first and second parts 14, 16 of the device 10. The loop portion 62 is then loose and the knot 60 may be undone to allow the first and second straps 64, 66 to be decoupled or detailed from one another.

[0053] The device and method described herein have been defined for use with a tow strap. However, the device and method may also be utilised with other rope, sling and strap like structures. Accordingly, the term “strap” herein should be interpreted broadly to include all rope, strap, sling and similar towing and lifting articles which may be joined to one another so as to have a knot loop to receive the device.

[0054] For example, the tow straps may be replaced with a set of first and second slings. Such slings are circular type structures used for lifting or towing. To join first and second lifting slings, the first sling is passed through the second sling and passed back through itself so as to form a knot loop between first and second slings. The device may be inserted and removed from the knot loop between the first and second slings in a similar way to that described between the first and second straps.

[0055] In view of the above, it may be appreciated that the invention disclosed herein provides an insert for releasably attaching two towing straps, slings or similar towing or lifting structures. In particular, the elongate body of the device may be inserted within a loop portion between two towing straps or slings and retained in the loop portion by tension of the towing straps or slings. The unique two-piece or two part construction allows the device to be decoupled and each of the two parts to be moved away from one another and out of the loop portion.

[0056] Most advantageously, each of the two parts includes an inwardly tapered substantially cylindrical body which allows the loop portion to become gradually loosened around the device as the first and second parts are moved outwardly. This allows for easy removal of the device from the loop portion and also allows for the loop portion to be easily undone thereby allowing the two towing straps or slings to be detached or decouple from one another.

[001] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0057] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0058] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0059] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (10)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. A device for inserting into a joining loop between two straps, the device including an elongate body including a first part and a second part which are coupled to one another so as to be moveable between an assembled condition in which the device is insertable into the joining loop and a released condition in which the first and second parts are separable from one another so as to allow removal of the device from the joining loop.
2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part taper toward one another in the assembled condition.
3. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first part and the second part are generally cylindrical in shape and each of the first part and the second part include corresponding first and second tapered portions which are arranged to taper toward one another in the assembled condition.
4. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first part and second part each provide corresponding halves of the elongate body.
5. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first and second parts include corresponding inner ends which are shaped to abut with one another in the assembled condition.
6. 6. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the device includes an elongate fastener and wherein the first part includes a first axial bore and the second part includes a second axial bore, the first and second axial bores being arranged to receive the elongate fastener so as to couple the first part and the second part.
7. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the fastener is a bolt including a head, a shaft and a threaded end to which a nut is fastened, the head is located on an outer side of one of the first and second parts with the shaft extending through the first and second axial bores and the nut is located on an opposing outer side of the other of the first and second parts so as to releasably couple the first and second parts.
8. 8. A method for connecting two tow straps, the method including the steps of: joining the straps by forming a loop knot portion between the first strap and the second strap, inserting an insert device into a loop knot portion formed between the straps, and tightening the knot portion so as to retain the insert device within the loop knot portion; releasing the straps by actuating the device so as to separate a first part of the insert device from a second part of the insert device thereby allowing the loop knot portion to be released.
9. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first part and the second part are joined together by a releasable coupling, wherein the method includes the steps of: when joining the straps, actuating the coupling to connect the first part and the second part so as to form an elongate body of the insert device; and when releasing the straps, the coupling is actuated to allow the separation of the first part and the second part.
10. 10. The method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the method includes the steps of: when releasing the straps, the coupling is actuated to a released condition and the first and second parts are actuated so as to be moved in opposing directions away from one another thereby separating the first and second parts.