CN109419100B

CN109419100B - Strap linking system with linkable strap retaining connector

Info

Publication number: CN109419100B
Application number: CN201810967674.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·大卫·科拉萨
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2017-08-27
Filing date: 2018-08-23
Publication date: 2023-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-23
Also published as: EP3449754A1; CN109419100A; US20190059522A1

Abstract

A strap retaining system includes a first strap retaining connector including a first strap retaining portion and a first connector coupling portion, the first strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a first strap. The second strap retaining connector includes a second strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain the second strap and a second connector coupling portion removably coupled to the first connector coupling portion.

Description

Strap linking system with linkable strap retaining connector

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 62/550,654 entitled "Linking Connectors for Straps and Similar Structures" filed on 8/27 at 2017, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a linkable strap retaining connector configured to be coupled together to form a strap link system.

Background

Various clamps may be used to connect the first strap to the second strap or other structure. Such clamps may be used in backpacks, luggage or other items.

A known connector for straps is disclosed in U.S. patent 8,407,866 entitled "Foldable Attachment Clip" ("866 patent"), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The 866 patent discloses a collapsible attachment assembly that includes a receiving body portion having a hollow interior extending along a length and a slotted opening that receives and retains a cross bar of a stirrup connection. The cross bar of the stirrup-shaped connecting part is adapted to be press-fit inserted through a slotted opening which opens into a holding pocket at the interior of the body part. After attachment, the receiving body portion and the stirrup connection portion may rotate relative to each other about an axis generally defined by the cross bar within the retention pocket. Upon application of a tensioning force, the clamp is substantially straightened and the receiving body is pulled in a fixed relationship against the rail.

Disclosure of Invention

There is a need for a strap connector that can be quickly and easily coupled to another strap connector to couple different straps together.

In view of this need, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap retaining connector that includes a strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a strap and a connector coupling portion configured to removably couple the strap retaining connector to at least one other strap retaining connector.

The connector coupling portion includes at least one attachment coupling configured to secure the strap retaining connector to the at least one strap retaining connector. In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion is positioned along at least one peripheral edge of the strap retaining connector.

In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion includes a first attachment coupling and a second attachment coupling, the first attachment coupling being complementary to the second attachment coupling. The first attachment coupling is configured to be removably coupled to another second attachment coupling of at least one other strap retaining connector, and the second attachment coupling is configured to be removably coupled to another first attachment coupling of at least one other strap retaining connector.

One or both of the first attachment coupling and/or the second attachment coupling may include at least one locking protrusion.

The first attachment coupling may include a coupling groove defined between the first clamping wall and the second clamping wall. The second attachment coupling may include an outer panel coupled to the body by an extension beam. At least one channel is defined between the outer panel and the body. For example, the first channel may be between the outer panel and the inner surface of the body above the extension beam and the second channel may be between the outer panel and the inner surface of the body below the extension beam.

The strap retaining connection may be designed to be the same size and shape as at least one other strap retaining connection. Alternatively, the strap retaining connector may be designed in a different size and shape than at least one other strap retaining connector.

The connector coupling portion may extend from at least one end of the strap retaining portion. The connector coupling portion may extend from at least one side of the strap retaining portion.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap retaining system including a first strap retaining connector including a first strap retaining portion and a first connector coupling portion, the first strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a first strap. The second strap retaining connector includes a second strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain the second strap and a second connector coupling portion removably coupled to the first connector coupling portion.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective end view of a strap retaining connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective end view of the strap retaining connector.

Fig. 3 illustrates a simplified end view of a first attachment coupling (coupler) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a simplified end view of a second attachment coupling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a strap link system including a first strap retaining connector removably coupled to a second strap retaining connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of a strap-linking system that uncouples a first strap retaining connector that retains a portion of a first strap from a second strap retaining connector that retains a portion of a second strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective front view of a strap-linking system coupling a first strap retaining connector that retains portions of a first strap with a second strap retaining connector that retains portions of a second strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of a strap retaining connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of a strap-linking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "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

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to structures configured to operably engage a strap or similar structure such as a rope, cord, webbing, or the like (collectively, "strap"). In particular, the linkable strip retention connector is configured to be linked to one or more complementary linkable strip retention connectors to establish an adjoining strip link system that operably connects a plurality of strips or similar structures at a common location. In at least one embodiment, in the linked state, the adjoining strap retaining connection may operate as a sternal connection for backpacks or the like to engage straps from different sides.

The strap retaining connector provides a linkable connector element comprising a strap adjuster and an attachment coupling that are capable of cooperating in an abutting relationship such that the strap retaining connector may be coupled to one or more other strap retaining connectors via a complementary attachment coupling. Thus, multiple strap retaining connectors may be attached to different straps and joined together at a common location while still allowing the operable length of the straps to be adjusted. The mating attachment between the strap retaining connectors can be easily reversed to facilitate repeated connection and disconnection as desired by the user.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective end view of a strap retaining connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the strap retaining connection 100 is a slider configured to adjustably retain portions of the strap. Strap retaining connector 100 includes a strap retaining portion 104 and a connector coupling portion 106. The strap retaining portion 104 may extend to a first end of the strap retaining connector 100 and the connector coupling portion 106 may extend to an opposite second end of the strap retaining connector 100. Alternatively, the strap retaining portion 104 may be at the center of the strap retaining connector 100, with the connector coupling portion 106 extending on the side of the strap retaining portion 104. In at least one other embodiment, the strap retaining connector 100 may include a central strap retaining portion 104, with a first connector coupling portion 106 extending from a first end (or first side) of the strap retaining portion 104 and a second connector coupling portion 106 extending from an opposite second end (or second side) of the strap retaining portion 104. In at least one other embodiment, the first connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a first end of the strap retaining portion 104, the second connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a first side of the strap retaining portion 104, the third connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a second end of the strap retaining portion 104, and the fourth connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a second side of the strap retaining portion 104.

The strap retaining portion 104 provides a strap adjuster configured to allow the strap to relax and tension as needed. The strap retaining portion 104 is configured to adjustably retain the strap. In at least one embodiment, if desired, the strap retaining portion 104 may include a seam strip (sew bar) that may be used to attach items in a fixed relationship.

As described herein, the connector coupling portion 106 allows the strap retaining connector 100 to be attached to one or more additional strap retaining connectors to provide a strap linking system. Thus, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strap retaining connector 100 allows for standard strap adjustment functionality while also allowing two or more strap retaining connectors 100 to be removably locked together at desired locations.

The strap retaining portion 104 includes an end beam 108 that is connected to an opposing lateral beam 110 and lateral Liang Jiner is connected to a barrier wall 112 that is integral with the connector coupling portion 106. A securing strap bar 114 may extend between end beams 108 and barrier wall 112 between lateral beams 110. The clamping bars 116 may extend between the end beams 108 and the strap bars 114 between the lateral beams 110. The clamping bar 116 may be movable while the strap bar 114 is fixed. Alternatively, the clamping bar 116 may be fixed while the strap bar 114 is movable. In at least one other embodiment, both strap bar 114 and clamping bar 116 may be movable. In at least one other embodiment, strap retaining portion 104 may not include one or both of strap bar 114 and clamping bar 116. Strap retaining portion 104 is configured to slidably retain portions of the strap within strap channels 118, 120, and/or 122 defined between end beam 108, lateral beam 110, strap bar 114, clamping bar 116, and barrier wall 112. Generally, the strap retaining portion 104 provides a strap adjuster configured to allow an operative length of the strap to be adjusted therein and/or therethrough.

The connector coupling portion 106 extends from the body 124 and/or includes a body 124 that extends outwardly from the barrier wall 112, such as from the strap retaining portion 104 at opposite ends. The body 124 includes a first surface 126 opposite a second surface 128. The first surface 126 and the second surface 128 are connected to inwardly angled lateral walls 130 and 132, the lateral walls 130 and 132 being angled inwardly toward a distal wall 134. As shown, the inwardly angled lateral walls 130 and 132 may provide the connector coupling portion 106 with a tapered or beveled shape. Alternatively, the connector coupling portion 106 may not include a tapered or beveled shape. Rather, lateral walls 130 and 132 may be substantially perpendicular to barrier wall 112 and distal wall 134.

The first attachment coupling 136 extends from or otherwise forms an outer edge of the lateral wall 130, and the second attachment coupling 138 extends from or otherwise forms an outer edge of the lateral wall 132. The first and second attachment couplings 136, 138 correspond or are otherwise complementary to each other. The first attachment coupling 136 is configured as a second attachment coupling that is removably linked or otherwise coupled to another strap holding connector (not shown in fig. 1). Similarly, the second attachment coupling 138 is configured as a first attachment coupling that is removably linked or otherwise coupled to another strap retaining connector. As shown, the first and second attachment couplers 136 and 138 may be positioned along peripheral edges 137 and 139, respectively, of the strap-retaining connector 100.

The first attachment coupling 136 may include a coupling groove 140 (e.g., a slot) between a gripping wall 142 extending laterally from the first surface 126 and a gripping wall 144 extending laterally from the second surface 128. The second attachment coupling 138 may include an outer panel 146 (e.g., tab, finger, arm, etc.) that extends laterally from the body 124 via an extension beam 148. A first channel 150 is located between the outer panel 146 and an inner surface 152 of the body 124 above the extension beam 148, and a second channel (not shown in fig. 1) is located between the outer panel 146 and the inner surface 152 of the body 124 below the extension beam 148.

In contrast to the clasp interface that connects the male clasp member to the female clasp member, the connector coupling portion 106 is configured to couple the strap retaining connector 100 to another strap retaining connector (not shown in fig. 1). The connector coupling portion 106 may include both a first attachment coupling 136 and a second attachment coupling 138 that correspond or complement each other, unlike a clasp assembly having separable male and female clasp members, where the different male and female clasp members each include only one type of clasp interface (rather than two interfaces).

Fig. 2 shows a perspective end view of the strap retaining connector 100. As shown, the coupling groove 140 between the clamp wall 142 and the clamp wall 144 may include an open end 160 at the end wall 134 and an opposite end 162 proximate the barrier wall 112. Opposing locking tabs 164 and 166 (e.g., barbs, snaps, enlarged portions, etc.) may extend from the clamp walls 142 and 144, respectively, proximate the end 162.

The first channel 150 and the second channel 151 of the second attachment link 138 may include open ends 170 and 171 at the end wall 134. One or more locking tabs 172 may extend into the first channel 150 and/or the second channel 151 proximate to the barrier wall 112.

Fig. 3 illustrates a simplified end view of the first attachment coupling 136 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the coupling groove 140 is defined between a clamping wall 142 extending laterally from the first surface 126 and a clamping wall 144 extending laterally from the second surface 128. The first attachment coupling 136 is configured to slidably receive and removably retain a mutually corresponding and complementary second attachment coupling of another strap retaining connector. Alternatively, the coupling groove 140, the first clamping wall 142, and the second clamping wall 144 may be of different sizes and shapes than shown. In at least one embodiment, the first attachment coupling 136 can include only one of the first clamp wall 142 or the second clamp wall 144.

Fig. 4 illustrates a simplified end view of the second attachment coupling 138 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer panel 146 extends laterally from the body 124 via an extension beam 148. A first channel 150 is located between the outer panel 146 and an inner surface 152 of the body 124 above the extension beam 148, and a second channel 151 is located between the outer panel 146 and the inner surface 152 of the body 124 below the extension beam 148.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a strap link system 200 including a first strap retaining connector 100a removably coupled to a second strap retaining connector 100b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first strap retaining connector 100a and the second strap retaining connector 100b may be the same size and shape. For example, the first strap retaining connector 100a and the second strap retaining connector 100b may each be sized, shaped, and configured as shown and described with reference to fig. 1-4.

Referring to fig. 1-5, to couple the first strap retaining connector 100a to the second strap retaining connector 100b, the first attachment coupling 136 of the second strap retaining connector 100b is axially aligned with the second attachment coupling 138 of the first strap retaining connector 100 a. Specifically, the end 173 of the second attachment link 138 of the first strap retaining connector 100a is aligned with the open end 160 of the first attachment link 136 of the second strap retaining connector 100b. The outer panel 146 of the second attachment link 138 is inserted into the open end 160 of the link groove 140 and the second strap retaining connector 100b slides relative to the first strap retaining connector 100a in the direction of arrow a. In this way, the first strap retaining connector 100a is slidably coupled to the second strap retaining connector 100b. Continuing to push in the direction of arrow a, the locking tabs 172 (and locking tabs 164 and 166) can resiliently deflect into a firm locking relationship to snap-fittingly secure the first attachment coupling 136 to the second attachment coupling 138. Alternatively, the first strap retaining connector 100a and the second strap retaining connector 100b may not include one or more of the locking tabs 164, 166, and/or 172.

To disconnect the first strap retaining connector 100a from the second strap retaining connector 100b, the first strap retaining connector 100a is slid relative to the second strap retaining connector 100b in a direction opposite to arrow a. For example, an individual may slide first and second strap retaining connectors 100a, 100b relative to one another, e.g., in the direction of arrow a', to provide sufficient force to deflect locking tabs 164, 166, and/or 172 into the disengaged position to unlock first and second strap retaining connectors 100a, 100b from one another.

The strap-linking system 200 may include additional strap-holding connectors 100. For example, as described above, a third strap retaining connector (not shown) may be coupled to the first attachment coupling 136 of the first strap retaining connector 100a and/or a fourth strap retaining connector (not shown) may be coupled to the second attachment coupling 138 of the second strap retaining connector 100b. Additional strap retaining connectors 100 may also be coupled to third and fourth strap retaining connectors, etc.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of a strap linkage system 200 that uncouples a first strap retaining connector 100a that retains a portion of a first strap 300 from a second strap retaining connector 100b that retains a portion of a second strap 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows a perspective front view of the strap-linking system 200 that couples a first strap retaining connector 100a that retains portions of a first strap 300 to a second strap retaining connector 100b that retains portions of a second strap 302. Referring to fig. 1-7, the strap retaining ends 104 of the first and second strap retaining connectors 100a, 100b adjustably retain portions of the first and second straps 300, 302, respectively. The connector coupling portions 106 of the strap retaining connectors 100a and 100b may be removably coupled to one another as described above. When the connector coupling portions 106 of strap retaining connectors 100a and 100b are coupled together as shown in fig. 7, strap-linking system 200 links or otherwise couples first strap 300 to second strap 302, for example, proximate to the sternum of an individual.

Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of strap retaining connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the connector coupling portion 106 includes a first attachment coupling 136 extending from a first side of the strap retaining portion 104 and a second attachment coupling 138 extending from a second side of the strap retaining portion 104. The strap-linking system may include the strap-holding connector 100 shown in fig. 8 or two or more of the strap-holding connector 100 shown in fig. 8 and the strap-holding connector 100 shown in fig. 1. That is, the strap-linking system may include two or more strap-retaining connectors 100 that are the same or different in size and shape.

Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of a strap-linking system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, one or both strap retaining connectors 100a and 100b may include two connector coupling portions 106a and 106b extending from opposite ends (or sides) of strap retaining portion 104. The connector coupling portions 106a and 106b may be designed in different sizes and shapes (as shown in fig. 9). Alternatively, the connector coupling portions 106a and 106b may be designed to be the same size and shape.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide strap retaining connectors 100 that can be removably coupled together to form a strap link system 200. The linkable strap retaining connector 100 may have attachment links 136 and 18 (such as shown in fig. 1 and 2) on the ends or nose, which may thereby help allow the strap retaining connector 100 to lock the webbing in place without slipping. Optionally, attachment couplings 136 and 138 (e.g., as shown in fig. 8) on the sides of strap retaining portion 104 may facilitate seamless integration. An attachment coupling 136 (as shown in fig. 9) on the rear of the strap retaining connector 100 may facilitate tensioning and slackening of the webbing when the strap retaining connector 100 is coupled together.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the linkable strap retaining connection 100 has been found to be particularly useful for connection proximate to the sternum of an individual. In particular, the linkable strap retaining connector 100 may eliminate, minimize or otherwise reduce additional sternal connection configurations and hardware.

It is contemplated that the attachment links 136 and 138 may have any form other than that shown that is suitable for providing a reversible linking connection between two or more strap retaining connectors 100. By way of example only and not limitation, the attachment couplings 136 and 138 may be in the form of tab and slot interfaces, tongue and groove interfaces, interference ratchet interfaces, and/or the like. However, any number of other reversible connection configurations may similarly be used if desired.

Further, the strap retaining connector 100 may have a variety of shapes and sizes that may be used interchangeably. For example, the strap retaining connector 100 may be rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, box-like, and/or the like. In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion 106 may be pyramid-shaped or diamond-shaped with attachment couplings along its lateral edges.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide strap retaining connectors that are configured to quickly and easily couple to one or more other strap retaining connectors, thereby allowing different straps to be coupled together.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described using various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., it should be understood that these terms are used with reference to the orientations shown in the drawings only. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered such that the upper portion is the lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal to vertical, and so forth.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present application. It is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend 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 disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the application and enable others skilled in the art to utilize the application. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent that the terms "including" and "in white" are used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in white" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "in white". Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in a "means-plus-function" format and their interpretation is not intended to be based on 35U.S. c. ≡112 (f), unless and until such claim limitations explicitly use the expression "means for … …", followed by a functional statement that does not have other structure.

Claims

1. A strap retaining connector comprising:

a strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a strap; and

a connector coupling portion configured to removably couple the strap retaining connector to at least one other strap retaining connector, wherein the connector coupling portion comprises:

a first attachment coupling; and

a second attachment coupling complementary to the first attachment coupling, wherein the first attachment coupling is configured to be removably coupled to another second attachment coupling of the at least one other strap retaining connector, and wherein the second attachment coupling is configured to be removably coupled to another first attachment coupling of the at least one other strap retaining connector,

wherein the connector coupling portion extends from at least one end or at least one side of the strap retaining portion, and

wherein the connector coupling portion has a distal wall opposite the end of the strap retaining portion, and the first and second attachment couplings angle inwardly toward the distal wall.

2. The strap retaining connector of claim 1, wherein the first attachment coupling is positioned along a first peripheral edge of the strap retaining connector and the second attachment coupling is positioned along a second peripheral edge of the strap retaining connector.

3. The strap retaining connector of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first attachment coupling and the second attachment coupling includes at least one locking tab.

4. The strap retaining connector of claim 1, wherein the first attachment coupling includes a coupling groove defined between a first clamping wall and a second clamping wall.

5. The strap retaining connector of claim 4, wherein the second attachment coupling comprises an outer panel coupled to a body by an extension beam, wherein at least one channel is defined between the outer panel and the body.

6. The strap retaining connection of claim 5, wherein the at least one channel includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being between the outer panel and an inner surface of the body above the extension beam and the second channel being between the outer panel and the inner surface of the body below the extension beam.

7. The strap retaining connector of claim 1, wherein the strap retaining connector is designed to have the same size and shape as the at least one other strap retaining connector.

8. The strap retaining connector of claim 1, wherein the strap retaining connector is designed to have a different size and shape than the at least one other strap retaining connector.

9. A strap retaining system, comprising:

a first strap retaining connector comprising a first strap retaining portion and a first connector coupling portion, the first strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a first strap; and

a second strap retaining connector comprising a second strap retaining portion and a second connector coupling portion, the second strap retaining portion configured to adjustably retain a second strap, and the second connector coupling portion being removably coupled to the first connector coupling portion, wherein the first connector coupling portion and the second connector coupling portion each comprise:

a first attachment coupling; and

a second attachment coupling complementary to the first attachment coupling, wherein the first attachment coupling of the first connector coupling portion is configured to be removably coupled to the second attachment coupling of the second connector coupling portion, and wherein the second attachment coupling of the first connector coupling portion is configured to be removably coupled to the first attachment coupling of the second connector coupling portion,

wherein the first and second connector coupling portions extend from at least one end or at least one side of the first and second strap retaining portions, respectively, and

wherein the first and second connector coupling portions each have a distal wall opposite the ends of the first and second strap retaining portions, and the first and second attachment couplings angle inwardly toward the distal wall.

10. The strap retaining system of claim 9, wherein the first attachment coupling is positioned along a first peripheral edge of the strap retaining connector and the second attachment coupling is positioned along a second peripheral edge of the strap retaining connector.

11. The strap retaining system of claim 9, wherein one or both of the first attachment coupling and the second attachment coupling includes at least one locking tab.

12. The strap retaining system of claim 9, wherein the first attachment coupling includes a coupling groove defined between a first clamping wall and a second clamping wall.

13. The strap retaining system of claim 12, wherein the second attachment coupling comprises an outer panel coupled to a body by an extension beam, wherein at least one channel is defined between the outer panel and the body.

14. The strap retaining system of claim 13, wherein the at least one channel includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being between the outer panel and an inner surface of the body above the extension beam and the second channel being between the outer panel and the inner surface of the body below the extension beam.

15. The strap retaining system of claim 9, wherein the first strap retaining connector is designed to have the same size and shape as the second strap retaining connector.