CN110623373A - Fabric adjustment fixture, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fabric conditioning fixture includes a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a fold channel, and an exit channel. The first side channel, the second side channel, the fold channel, and the exit channel are configured to receive, pass through, and retain a first webbing. The folding channel may be further configured to receive, pass through, and retain a second webbing. In at least one embodiment, a locking door is pivotably coupled to the body. The locking door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp when the locking door is in the open position and is locked in place when the locking door is in the closed position.

Description

Fabric adjustment fixture, system and method

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on U.S. provisional application No. 62/689,477, filed 2018, 25/6, entitled "fabric Adjustment jig, System and Method", which claims priority and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to fabric adjustment clamps, such as webbing that may be used for straps or other such helmets, backpacks, garments, and the like.

Background

The various components include webbing (such as webbing, cord, etc.). For example, helmets, backpacks, and certain clothing items may include adjustable webbing.

The clamp may be used to adjust and secure the webbing in a desired position. Some clips are configured to slidably engage with some portion of the webbing and to selectively lock with respect to the webbing. Some known webbing clips typically include a base frame configured to receive portions of the webbing such that the base frame can slide along and adjust the webbing segments by selectively pulling the webbing segments through the base frame. Some known webbing clamps include a locking element in the form of a cam gate (cam gate) that is retained within the carrier frame and covers the webbing section.

Various known webbing clips can be bulky and large. Furthermore, various known webbing clips tend to twist, buckle, etc. the webbing. Moreover, various known webbing clips prevent yet quick and easy adjustment of the webbing. Moreover, various known webbing clips typically do not lock onto the webbing, thereby allowing the webbing to undesirably move. In addition, some known webbing clamps that include cams that lock perpendicular to the webbing may become unlocked when the webbing is pulled in a particular direction.

Disclosure of Invention

There is a need for a fabric adjusting jig that is smaller and more compact than various known webbing jigs. There is also a need for a fabric adjusting jig that prevents, minimizes or reduces twisting, wrinkling, etc. of the webbing. Furthermore, there is a need for a fabric adjustment clamp that allows for quick and easy adjustment of a webbing, such as a strap, cord, rope or other such webbing. In addition, there is a need for a fabric adjustment clamp that securely locks onto the webbing. Moreover, there is a need for a fabric adjustment clamp that prevents, minimizes, or otherwise reduces inadvertent unlocking of the webbing.

In view of these needs, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fabric adjusting jig that includes a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a folding channel, and an exit channel. The first side channel, the second side channel, the fold channel, and the exit channel are configured to receive, pass through, and retain a first webbing. The folding channel may be further configured to receive, pass through, and retain a second webbing.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fabric conditioning clip that includes a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a folding channel, and an exit channel. A first webbing is configured to pass through and be retained in the first side channel, the second side channel, the fold channel, and the exit channel. The second webbing is configured to pass through the folding channel and be retained therein.

In at least one embodiment, a locking door is pivotably coupled to the body. The locking door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp when the locking door is in the open position and is locked in place when the locking door is in the closed position.

The locking door may include a locking boss configured to engage a portion of the first webbing when the locking door is in the closed position. The locking door may have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a portion of the first webbing that extends between the first side channel and the second side channel.

The first side channel may be defined between the first side beam and a surface plane of the base of the body. A second side channel may be defined between the second side beam and the surface plane of the base.

The folding channel may be formed through the base of the main body below the first side beam or the second side beam. The folded channel may be axially aligned with the first side channel and the second side channel.

The body may include an outboard beam coplanar with the base. The folding channel may be defined by a first inner edge of the base and a second inner edge of the outboard beam.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet channel is inclined relative to one or more of the first side channel, the second side channel, and the folded channel.

The first side channel or the second side channel provides an entry slot configured to receive a free end of the first webbing. The other of the first side channel or the second side channel provides a retention slot.

A portion of the first webbing is configured to be retained between the first side channel and the second side channel. The free end of the first webbing is configured to be folded through the fold slot while a portion of the first webbing remains between the first side channel and the second side channel.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fabric adjusting system that includes a first webbing and a fabric adjusting clamp. The fabric conditioning clip includes a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a fold channel, and an exit channel. The first webbing passes through and is retained within the first side channel, the second side channel, the fold channel and the exit channel. The second webbing strap may also pass through the folding channel and be retained therein. In at least one embodiment, a locking door is pivotably coupled to the body. The locking door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp when the locking door is in the open position and is locked in place when the locking door is in the closed position.

Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a front side perspective view of a fabric adjustment clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a rear side perspective view of the fabric adjusting fixture.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a fabric adjustment clamp with a locking door in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the fabric adjusting jig with the locking door in a closed position.

Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the fabric adjusting fixture with the locking door in an open position.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the fabric adjusting jig with the locking door in an open position.

Fig. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a first webbing inserted into an entry slot of a fabric adjustment clamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 shows a top perspective view of the first webbing passing through the entry slot and the retention slot of the fabric adjusting jig.

Figure 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the first webbing passing through the entry slot and the retention slot of the fabric adjusting jig.

Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a first webbing, which passes through an entry slot and a retention slot and is folded into an exit channel of a fabric adjusting jig, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a first webbing secured to a fabric adjustment clamp and a second webbing passing through a fold slot of the fabric adjustment clamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 shows a top view of the first and second webbing straps secured to the fabric adjustment clamp.

Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the first and second webbing straps secured to the fabric adjustment clamp.

Fig. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the first and second webbing straps secured to the fabric adjustment clamp 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 "consisting of … …" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description

As explained herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fabric adjustment clamp configured to allow for effective adjustment of webbing, such as webbing, cords, ropes, and the like.

U.S. patent No. 8,732,915 entitled "Strap Clamp With laterally Oriented Cam Door" (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) discloses a webbing Clamp including: a hollow base frame configured to receive the elongate webbing sections in threaded relation through a pair of opposing slot openings; and a hinged cam door structure rotatably mounted within the base frame about an axis of rotation.

Figure 1 illustrates a front side perspective view of a fabric adjustment clamp 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fabric adjustment clamp 100 includes a body 102 and a locking door 104 pivotally coupled to the body 102. The body 102 includes a planar base 105 and a first side beam 106 extending from the base 105, and a second side beam 108 opposite the first side beam 106, which also extends from the base 105. The first side beam 106 includes an upright front post 110 that spaces a vertically extending rod 112 above a surface plane 113 of the base 105. The extension rod 112 is connected to a rear bracket 114 that is connected to a rear end 116 of the base 105. Similarly, the second side beam 108 includes an upright front post 118 that spaces the vertically extending rod 120 above the surface plane 113 of the base 105. The extension bar 120 is connected to a rear bracket 122 (shown in fig. 2) that is connected to the rear end 116 of the base 105.

A first side channel 124 is defined between the first side beam 106 and the surface plane 113 of the base 105. The first side passage 124 provides a retaining groove. A folding channel 126 is formed through the base 105 under at least a portion of the extension bar 112 of the first side beam 106. The folding channel 126 provides a folding slot. The folded channel 126 is connected to the first side channel 124. That is, an open space is formed by the first side channel 124 and the folded channel 126. The folded channel 126 may be axially aligned (e.g., parallel) with the first side channel 124 and the second side channel 134.

The outboard beam 128 extends outwardly from the base 105. For example, the outboard beams 128 extend outwardly from the front pillars 110 and the rear brackets 114. The outboard beam 128 may be coplanar with the base 105. The folding channel 126 is bounded by an inner edge 130 of the base 105 and an inner edge 131 of the outboard beam 128.

The second side channel 134 is defined between the second side beam 108 and the surface plane 113 of the base 105. The second side channel 134 is opposite the first side channel 124. The second side passage 134 provides an inlet slot.

The locking door 104 includes a panel 136 having a coupling base 138 connected to a tapered distal edge 140. The coupling base 138 pivotally couples the locking door 104 to the inner surfaces of the first and second side beams 106, 108, such as by a cylindrical post 142 pivotally retained within complementary channels. A locking boss 144 extends downwardly from a lower surface of the coupling base 138. When the locking door 104 is in the closed position, the locking boss 144 extends toward the base 105. As shown in fig. 1, the locking door 104 is in an open position. The locking boss 144 may be a post or beam having a flat, smooth surface. In at least one other embodiment, the locking boss 144 can include teeth or other such protrusions configured to engage webbing.

Figure 2 shows a rear side perspective view of the fabric adjusting jig 100. As shown, the rear of the rear bracket 114 and the outboard beam 128 may be angled or otherwise offset toward the rear end 116 of the base 105 and connected to the rear end 116 of the base 105.

A transverse wall 146 extends between the opposing rear brackets 114 and 122 behind the pivotal interface between the locking door 104 and the first and second side beams 106 and 108. The base 105 also includes a rear cross member 148 that is connected to lower end portions of the rear brackets 114 and 122. The outlet channel 150 may be formed through the base 105 inboard of the rear cross member 148 and may be angled with respect to the first side channel 124, the second side channel 134, and the folded channel 126. That is, the outlet passage 150 may not be longitudinally aligned with the folded passage 126. For example, the longitudinal axis of the outlet passage 150 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the folded passage 126.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the fabric adjustment clamp 100 includes a body 102 that includes a first side channel 124, a second side channel 134, a fold channel 126 formed through the base 105, and an exit channel 150 formed through the base 105. The first or upper webbing is configured to pass through the first side channel 124, the second side channel 134, the folding channel 126 and the exit channel 150. The second or lower webbing is configured to pass through the folding channel 126. The locking door 104 is pivotably coupled to the body 102. The locking door 104 is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp 100 when the locking door 104 is in the open position. When the locking door 104 is in the closed position, the first webbing is locked in place.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the fabric adjusting jig 100 with the locking door 104 in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows a side view of the fabric adjusting jig 100 with the locking door 104 in a closed position. Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the fabric adjusting fixture 100 with the locking door 104 in an open position. Figure 6 shows a side view of the fabric adjusting jig 100 with the locking door 104 in an open position. Referring to fig. 3-6, transverse wall 146 and rear cross member 148 may be inclined relative to longitudinal axes 160 and 162 of spreader struts 112 and 120 by aligned and angled rear brackets 114 and 122.

Fig. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a first webbing 200 inserted into an entry slot defined by the second side channel 134 of the fabric adjustment clamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1 to 7, to secure the first webbing 200 to the fabric adjustment clamp 100, the locking door 104 is opened and the free end 202 of the first webbing 200 is fed through the second side channel 134 over the base portion 105 towards the first side channel 124.

Fig. 8 shows a top perspective view of a first webbing 200 passing through an entry slot defined by the second side channel 134 and a retention slot defined by the first side channel 124 of the fabric adjusting clamp 100. Referring to fig. 1 to 8, the free end 202 of the first webbing 200 is fed through the first side channel 124.

Fig. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the first webbing 200 passing through the entry slot and the retention slot of the fabric adjusting jig 100. Referring to fig. 1-9, the free end 202 is pulled through the first side channel 124 and the folded slot defined by the folded channel 126. The free end 202 is exposed through the folded slot defined by the folded passage 126.

Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the first webbing 200 that passes through the inlet slot and the retaining slot and is folded into the outlet channel 150 of the fabric adjusting jig 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1-10, after the free end 202 is pulled through the first side passage 124, the free end 202 is folded and passed through the outlet passage 150. The angled orientation of the outlet channel 150 allows the free end 202 to easily fold flat over the lower surface 107 of the base 105 and into the outlet channel 150. The free end 202 is then pulled through the fabric adjustment clamp 100 a desired distance. Then, in the desired position, the locking door 104 is pivoted to the closed position. In the closed position, the locking boss 144 compressively clamps a portion of the first webbing 200 within the base portion 105, thereby locking the first webbing 200 in place.

Fig. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a first webbing 200 secured to the fabric adjustment clamp 100 and a second webbing 220 passing through a fold slot defined by the fold channel 126 of the fabric adjustment clamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1 to 6 and 11, the free end 222 of the second webbing 220 enters and passes through the folding channel 126. The free end 222 may then be pulled through the folding channel 126 a desired distance and the second webbing 220 may be folded over the outboard beam 128.

When the second webbing 220 is fed through the folding channel 126, the locking door 104 can be in either the open position or the closed position. Also, optionally, the second webbing 220 may be fed through the folding channel 126 before the first webbing 200 is attached to the fabric adjusting jig 100.

Fig. 12 shows a top view of the first and second webbing 200, 220 secured to the fabric adjustment clamp 100. Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the first and second webbing 200, 220 secured to the fabric adjustment clamp 100. Referring to fig. 12 and 13, the fabric adjusting system 300 includes the fabric adjusting jig 100, the first webbing 200, and the second webbing 220. The second webbing 220 is folded over the outboard beam 128 and coupled to a component (not shown in fig. 12).

Referring to fig. 1-13, the first webbing 200 is adjustably secured to the fabric adjusting jig 100 and folded into the exit channel 150 through an entry slot defined by the second side channel 134, which is defined by the first side channel 124. A portion of the first webbing 200 is exposed and passes through the folding slot defined by the folding channel 126. The second webbing strap 220 passes over the outboard beam 128 through a folding slot defined by the folding channel 126. That is, portions of both the first webbing 200 and the second webbing 220 pass through the folding channel 126. The first webbing 200 can provide an upper webbing that is coupled to the helmet, while the second webbing 220 can provide a lower webbing that provides or is otherwise coupled to a chin strap.

The locking boss 144 of the locking door 104 has a longitudinal axis 145 (shown in fig. 1) that is parallel to a portion of the first webbing 200 that extends between the first side channel 124 (i.e., the entry slot) and the second side channel 134 (i.e., the retention slot). Thus, the locking boss 144 extends parallel to the portion of the first webbing 200 that directly engages with the locking boss 144.

The fabric adjustment clamp 100 allows the first webbing 200 and the second webbing 220 to be tightened thereto at one time. As described herein, when the locking door 104 is opened, the first (or upper) webbing 200 is fed through the entry slot defined by the second side channel 134, then through the retention slot defined by the first side channel 124, folded through the folding slot defined by the folding channel 126, and fed through the exit slot defined by the exit channel 150. The second (or lower) webbing 220 is also fed through the folding slot defined by the folding channel 126. In this manner, the first and second webbing 200, 220 may be quickly and easily secured to the fabric adjustment fixture 100.

The individual may pivot the locking door 104 to the open position. In the open position, the locking boss 144 is disengaged from the portion of the first webbing 200 between the first side channel 124 and the second side channel 134, thereby allowing an individual to adjust the first webbing 200 relative to the fabric adjustment clamp 100. When the locking door 104 is in the open position, the first webbing 200 may be slidably adjusted relative to the fabric adjustment fixture 100 until a desired fit is achieved. Then, in the desired position, the locking door 104 is pivoted to the closed position, thereby locking the first webbing 200 in place.

The fabric adjustment jig 100 ensures that the webbing 200 and 220 lies flat, thereby preventing or otherwise reducing wrinkling or twisting. The orientation of the locking boss 144 relative to the webbing 200 prevents or otherwise reduces unwanted disengagement from the webbing 200. The fabric adjustment jig 100 allows the webbing 200 to be quickly and easily adjusted without the need to manually feed webbing into the fabric adjustment jig 100 and through the fabric adjustment jig 100.

Fig. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the first and second webbing 200, 220 secured to the fabric adjustment clamp 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the fabric adjustment fixture 400 may include an additional rod 401 defining an additional annular channel 402 separate from the folding channel 126. The second webbing 220 may be tied through the loop channel 402 rather than through the folded channel 126.

The fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 may be used with various components having webbing. For example, the fabric adjustment clamps 100, 400 may be used with various helmets (such as bicycle helmets, rock climbing helmets, hockey helmets, and the like), backpacks, various clothing, and the like.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 that is smaller and more compact than various known webbing clamps. The fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 prevents, minimizes or reduces twisting, wrinkling, etc. of the webbing. The fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 allows for quick and easy adjustment of a webbing (such as a strap, cord, rope, or other such webbing). In addition, the fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 is securely locked to the webbing. Also, the fabric adjustment clamp 100, 400 prevents, minimizes, or otherwise reduces inadvertent unlocking of the webbing.

Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper portion is the lower portion and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should 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 disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "in which" are used herein as the plain-english equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein" … …. Also, to the extent 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 device-plus-function format, and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35u.s.c. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations explicitly use the phrase "device for … …" followed by a functional phrase lacking further structure.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A fabric conditioning clamp, comprising:

a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a fold channel, and an exit channel configured to receive, pass, and retain a first webbing.

2. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 1, the folding channel further configured to receive, pass through, and retain a second webbing.

3. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 1, further comprising a locking door pivotably coupled to the body, wherein the locking door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp when the locking door is in the open position and locked in place when the locking door is in the closed position.

4. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 3, wherein the locking door includes a locking boss configured to engage a portion of the first webbing when the locking door is in the closed position.

5. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 4 wherein the locking door has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a portion of the first webbing extending between the first side channel and the second side channel.

6. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 1, wherein the first side channel is defined between a first side beam and a surface plane of a base of the body, and wherein the second side channel is defined between a second side beam and the surface plane of the base.

7. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 1 wherein the fold channel is formed through the base of the body below one of the first or second side beams.

8. The fabric conditioning clip of claim 1, wherein the folding channel is axially aligned with the first side channel and the second side channel.

9. The fabric adjustment clip of claim 1, wherein the body includes an outboard beam coplanar with a base, and wherein the folded channel is defined by a first inner edge of the base and a second inner edge of the outboard beam.

10. The fabric conditioning clip of claim 1, wherein the outlet channel is inclined relative to one or more of the first side channel, the second side channel, and the folding channel.

11. The fabric conditioning clip of claim 1, wherein one of the first side channel or the second side channel provides an entry slot configured to receive a free end of the first webbing, and wherein the other of the first side channel or the second side channel provides a retention slot.

12. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 11 wherein the free end of the first webbing is configured to fold through the fold channel while a portion of the first webbing remains between the first side channel and the second side channel.

13. The fabric adjustment clamp of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first webbing is configured to be retained between the first side channel and the second side channel.

14. A fabric conditioning system, comprising:

a first webbing; and

a fabric conditioning fixture, comprising:

a body including a first side channel, a second side channel, a fold channel, and an exit channel, wherein the first webbing passes through and is retained in the first side channel, the second side channel, the fold channel, and the exit channel; and

a locking door pivotably coupled to the body, wherein the locking door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first webbing is adjustable relative to the fabric adjustment clamp when the locking door is in the open position and locked in place when the locking door is in the closed position.

15. The fabric adjusting system of claim 14, further comprising a second webbing, wherein said second webbing passes through said folding channel and is retained therein.

16. The fabric adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the locking door includes a locking boss configured to engage a portion of the first webbing when the locking door is in the closed position, wherein the locking door has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a portion of the first webbing extending between the first side channel and the second side channel.

17. The fabric adjusting system of claim 14, wherein the first side channel is defined between a first side beam and a surface plane of a base of the body, and wherein the second side channel is defined between a second side beam and the surface plane of the base, wherein the folded channel is formed through the base of the body below the first side beam, wherein the folded channel is axially aligned with the first side channel and the second side channel.

18. The fabric adjusting system of claim 14, wherein the body comprises an outboard beam coplanar with a base, and wherein the folded channel is defined by a first inner edge of the base and a second inner edge of the outboard beam.

19. The fabric conditioning system of claim 14, wherein the outlet channel is inclined relative to one or more of the first side channel, the second side channel, and the folding channel.

20. The fabric adjusting system of claim 14, wherein one of the first side channel or the second side channel provides an entry slot configured to receive a free end of the first webbing, and wherein the other of the first side channel or the second side channel provides a retention slot.

21. The fabric adjustment system of claim 20, wherein the free end of the first webbing is configured to fold through the fold channel while a portion of the first webbing is retained between the first side channel and the second side channel.

22. The fabric adjustment system of claim 14, wherein a portion of the first webbing is configured to be retained between the first side channel and the second side channel.