GB2424240A

GB2424240A - Connecting device for connecting elongate articles

Info

Publication number: GB2424240A
Application number: GB0505277A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Annison; John Arthur Rose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-15
Filing date: 2005-03-15
Publication date: 2006-09-20
Also published as: GB2424243A; GB0513755D0; GB0505277D0

Abstract

A connecting device (101) for connecting elongate articles (1103, 1104) such as a dog leash. The connecting device comprises a pair of co-operating members 102A, 102B, and each one of the co-operating members comprises: an attaching means (104A, 104B); a main body 106A, 106B; and an outwardly-extending arm 308A, 308B. For each co-operating member, the attaching means is configured to allow an article to be attached to it; the main body defines an open-ended cavity 303A; and the outwardly-extending arm extends from the main body and is configured to be located within the open-ended cavity of the other co-operating member when the members are connected. In combination, the pair of co-operating members define latching means 309A, 309B, (312A), 312B configured to releasably retain the arms when located within the open-ended cavity of the other co-operating member.

Description

A Connecting Device

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting elongate articles.

Buckles are now well known which have a male part and a female part: the male part having a pair of parallel extending arms with a latching head at the free end; and the female part having a body defining a cavity which receives the arms, while the latching heads are received within apertures defined by the side-walls of the body. Such buckles remain fastened by the action of the latching heads on the sides of the apertures, and are unfastened by manually depressing the latching heads while pulling the two halves of the buckle apart.

Such buckles are moulded from plastics material, and consequently moulding tools are required to produce both the male half and the female half. Also, where the buckle is used in the manufacture of another item, such as a rucksack, the two components must be dealt with separately and stocks of each component must be produced and/or maintained.

In situations where various different articles are connected together using such buckles, care must be taken to ensure a female connector meets a male connector.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting device for connecting elongate articles, said connecting device comprising a pair of co-operating members, each one of said co- operating members comprising: an attaching means for attaching an article thereto; a main body defining an open-ended cavity; and an outwardly- extending arm extending from the main body and configured to be located within the open-ended cavity of the other co-operating member when said members are connected, wherein the pair of co-operating members in combination define latching means configured to releasably retain the arms when located within the open-ended cavity of the other co-operating member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting member for connection to a similar connecting member to produce a connecting device to connect elongate articles, said connecting member comprising: an attaching means for attaching an article thereto; a main body defining an open-ended cavity; and an outwardly- extending arm extending from the main body and configured to be located within the open-ended cavity of another similar connecting member when said members are connected, wherein said connecting device in co- operation with another similar connecting device defines latching means configured to releasably retain the arms of the connecting devices when located within the open-ended cavity of the other connecting member.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a connecting device 101; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the connecting device 101 of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the two co-operating members 102A and 102B of the connecting device 101; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of the two co- operating members 102A and 102B; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the fastened connecting device 101; Figure 6 shows a cross- sectional isometric view of the fastened connecting device 101; Figure 7 shows an alternative connecting device 701; Figure 8 shows a plan view of a further alternative connecting device 801 in its fastened state; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the device 801; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the device 801 in its unfastened state; Figure 11 shows a dog leash 1101 including connecting device 101; and Figure 12 shows the leash 1101 with the connecting device 101 unfastened.

Written Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figures 1 and 2 A connecting device 101 is shown in isometric view in Figure 1 and in plan view in Figure 2. The connecting device 101 comprises two co- operating members 102A and 102B, which, when connected, are releasable from each other.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the co-operating member 102A is substantially identical to the other member 102B, and therefore for each feature of a co-operating member there is a substantially identical feature on the other member. Thus, corresponding features are here provided with similar labels ending in either the letter A denoting a feature of member 102A, or the letter B denoting a feature of member 102B.

Each of the two members 102A, 102B has an attachment portion 104A, 104B to allow other articles to be attached to the device. For example, in the present embodiment the attachment portions 104A and 104B have been configured to allow an end of a strap to be attached to each of the two members 102A, 102B, and therefore the connecting device provides a means of releasably connecting two straps, or the two ends of one strap, together. For example, the connecting device may be used as a clip to connect the ends of a belt; to connect straps used to restrain a child in a seat or pushchair; to connect straps used in sports-gear, such as snowboards; etc. However, in other embodiments the attachment portions are configured to allow attachment of other types of elongate articles such as ropes, chains, etc. Each of the co-operating members has a main body 106A, 106B to which the attachment portion 104A, 104B is attached. The attachment portion comprises a pair of legs 108A, 108B, extending from the main body, and cross-pieces IIOA, IIOB joining the ends of each pair of legs to form an aperture 112A, 112B. In the present embodiment, the cross-pieces IIOA, IIOB are substantially flat bars such that a strap may be attached to each end of the device 101 by passing it through the aperture and around the bar.

In alternative embodiments, the attachment portions contain a pair of parallel bars defining a pair of rectangular apertures such that a strap may be held in place by looping an end of the strap through both apertures.

Such means of attachment are known on existing buckles, for example as used on rucksack straps.

The connecting device has a pair of buttons 114A, 114B located on opposing sides of the device when connected. The device is configured such that simultaneous manual depressing of the buttons allows the two members 102A and 102B to be separated. In the present embodiment, the buttons are separated from each other such that one button 114A is located nearest to one end of the connecting device, while the other button 114B is located nearest to the other end of the device. Thus, the two buttons are separated in such a way that simultaneous operation by squeezing together with one hand is difficult to do. This is advantageous in some applications of the connecting device where accidental unfastening of the connecting device is undesirable. For example, on a tool belt where accidental release could be dangerous or could lead to loss of tools. It is also desirable where a degree of tamper-proofing is required; for example, on a child's safety belt.

Figures 3 and 4 The two co-operating members 102A and 102B of the connecting device 101 are shown in the isometric view of Figure 3 and the cross- sectional isometric view of Figure 4.

It should be noted that each member 102A, 102B has a plane of symmetry illustrated by the hatched cross-sectional surface in Figure 4.

Thus, features illustrated on the halves of the co-operating members shown in Figure 4 will be mirrored in the halves that are not shown.

The main body 106A, 106B of each co-operating member 102A, 102B is formed from an end wall 301A, 301B and side- walls 302A, 302B which define an open-ended cavity 303A, 3038. The edges 304A, 304B of the side-walls 302A, 302B are shaped such that when the two co-operating members are fastened together, as shown in Figure 1 and 2, the edge 304A butts up against edge 304B and the open end of the cavities 303A, 303B are closed off, leaving substantially no gaps.

A U-shaped post 305A, 305B extends from the open end of each main body 106A, 1068. Each post 305A, 305B is an extension of a web 306A, 306B which extends between opposing side-walls 302A, 302B to add strength to the main body. Opposing parts of the side-walls 302A, 302B are provided with a slot 307A, 307B on their inner surface. The slots 307A, 307B have a flat face along their bottom, and have a width and face- to-face separation that are dimensioned to allow the U-shaped post 305B, 305A of the other co-operating member to slide within during connection of the two halves of the connecting device. Thus, the posts 305A, 305B in co- operation with the slots 307B, 307A provide a guide for connecting the two halves of the device together.

In addition, when the device 101 is in its fastened state, the posts 305A, 305B in co-operation with the slots 307B, 307A provide the device with extra stability, in that (i) they resist the twisting of one member 102A relative to the other 102B; and (ii) the post 305A, 305B of each member 102A, 102B supports the side-wall 304B, 304A of the other member 102B, 102A.

Each co-operating member 102A, 102B also has an outwardly- extending resilient arm 308A, 308B having a proximal end attached to the main body and a distal end supporting a latching portion 309A, 309B. The latching portion 309A, 309B has a backwardly-directed face 310A, 310B.

The proximal end of the arms 308A, 308B is positioned part way along the main body 106A, 106B of the member 102A, 102B to allow the arms to extend over a longer length than they otherwise could in such a compact device. The increased length facilitates deflection of the arm, which is required during use, while maintaining a useful degree of strength.

To facilitate the manufacture of the device 101, a portion 320A, 320B of the length of the arms 308A, 308B, nearest their proximal end, forms a part of the wall defining the cavities 303A, 303B.

The side-walls of the main body 106A, 106B define an aperture 311A, 311B configured to receive the latching portion 309B, 309A when the two co-operating members are connected together. A side-face 312A, 312B of the aperture 311A, 311B is angled such that, when the latching portion 309B, 309A of the other co-operating member is located within the aperture, it is parallel with the face 310B, 310A of the latching portion.

From the unfastened state shown in Figures 3 and 4, the two halves of the connecting device are fastened by introducing the distal end of the resilient arm 308A, 308B of each co-operating member 102A, 102B into the open-end of the cavity 303B, 303A of the other member, and at the same time sliding the post 305A, 305B into the slot 307B, 307A of the other member. During this process, the resilient arms 308A, 308B are deflected towards the posts 305A, 305B by the side-walls of the cavities. When the two co-operating members are pushed fully together, the arms 308A, 309B spring back towards their relaxed position and force the respective latching portion 309A, 309B into the aperture 311B, 311A of the other cooperating member, bringing face 310B, 310A into latching proximity with side-face 312B, 312A.

Figures 5 and 6 A cross-sectional plan view and a cross-sectional isometric view of the fastened connecting device 101 are shown in Figures 5 and 6 respectively.

Once the latching portions 309A, 309B are located within their respective apertures 311B, 311A, any force which pulls the two co- operating members apart is resisted by the action of the latching portion surface 310A, 310B on the side-face 312B, 312A of the aperture. In addition, due to the latching portions' faces 310A, 310B being backwardly directed, any such force tends to pull the latching portions further into their respective apertures.

However, the two halves of the connecting device 101 may be separated by simultaneously depressing the latching portions 309A, 309B, to disengage them from their aperture 311B, 311A, and pulling the two members 102A and 102B apart.

In the present embodiment, the two co-operating members 102A and 102B are moulded from a plastics material, such as a polyamide. Each member is substantially identical to the other, and consequently production costs are reduced when compared to other connecting devices which have male and female halves. In particular, having only one type of co-operating member reduces moulding tool costs; it can also lead to simplified handling of components, and reduced sizes of component stocks.

Figure 7 An alternative connecting device 701 is shown in Figure 7. The connecting device 701 comprises a pair of co-operating members: one cooperating member 102A is identical to those of connecting device 101; and the other co-operating member 702B differs only in the detail of its attachment portion 704B.

Attachment portion 704B comprises a loop having an approximate semicircular shape and having a substantially circular cross-section. Each end of the loop is rigidly attached to the main body of the member 702B, such that it defines an aperture 712B. Thus, the attachment portion 704B is suitable for the attachment of a rope, or other elongate article of substantially circular cross-section. However, one potential use of connecting device 701 would include attachment of a strap, or similar article to attachment portion of member 102A, and the attachment of the attachment portion 704B to a fixture such as a hook or ring on a post, building wall, pillar, etc. Therefore, although the attachment portion 704B is suitable for attachment to an elongate article such as a rope, it may also be used for attachment to other articles.

It should be understood that the co-operating members 102A, 702B are connectable to either type of co-operating member, and therefore in an alternative connecting device two co-operating members having the form of co-operating member 702B are connected together. Thus, a connector is provided which is suitable for the releasable connection of two ropes.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 A further alternative connecting device 801 is shown in plan view in Figure 8, and in cross-sectional plan view in Figures 9 and 10. The device 801 is shown fastened in Figures 8 and 9, and unfastened in Figure 10.

The connecting device 801 is similar to that of Figure 1, in that it comprises a pair of identical co-operating members 802A and 802B. Each of the co-operating members has an attachment portion 804A, 804B, to allow the attachment of an elongate article such as a strap, rigidly fixed to a main body 806A, 806B. The main body of each member is hollow and defines an open-ended cavity 803A, 803B from which extends a U-shaped post 805A, 805B. The main bodies also have inner walls which define a slot 807A, 807B for receiving the post of the other member.

Each member 802A, 802B of the connecting device 801 also has an outwardlyextending resilient arm 808A, 808B having a latching portion 809A, 809B at its distal end. In a similar manner to device 101, each main body is provided with an aperture 811A, 811B configured to receive the latching portions when the device is fastened. However, the arms 808A, 808B have been reduced in length when compared with those of device 101, and the apertures 811A, 811B correspondingly repositioned.

Consequently, the latching portions 809A, 809B are positioned directly opposite each other, i.e. each latching portion has been positioned at substantially the same distance from one end of the device as the other latching portion.

Because the latching portions 809A, 809B are positioned directly opposite each other, the device 801 lends itself to single-handed opening by squeezing the latching portions between thumb and finger. Thus, the connecting device 801 is useful where simple quick release is desired and accidental release is not an issue.

Figure 11 A dog leash 1101 is shown in Figure 11. The leash 1101 has a clip 1102 at one end, to allow it to be attached to a collar of a dog, and a handle 1103 at the other end suitable for holding by the dog's owner. In the present case the clip 1102 is a steel swivel clip, but other alternative clips or fasteners may be used, including clips manufactured from materials other than steel which are of sufficient strength.

The clip 1102 is connected to a flexible member 1104, which is itself connected to the handle 1103 by the connecting device 101 described above with references to Figures 1 to 6.

The flexible member 1104 is an elongate article which is sufficiently flexible to allow a dog restrained by the leash to wander freely within a limited area surrounding the leash handle 1103, held by the dog's handler.

The flexible member 1104 in the present case is made from nylon webbing, and is attached to the connecting device by sewing 1106 a short loop 1105 of the webbing around the cross-piece IIOB of the attachment portion 104B.

The handle is similarly made from nylon webbing and attached to the connecting device 101 by sewing 1107 a short loop 1105 around the crosspiece IIOA of the attachment portion 104A. The handle 1103 itself is formed from a larger loop of the nylon webbing by sewing 1108.

During use, the dog's owner will typically wrap the larger loop of the handle around their wrist and close their hand around the connecting device 101. If other known buckles having release buttons were used in place of the connecting device 101, it would be too easy for the buckle to be accidentally unfastened by the user squeezing the buttons, thereby releasing the dog. However, as described above, the release buttons 114A, 1 14B of the connecting device 101 are displaced from each other such that single-handed simultaneous operation is made difficult. Consequently, inadvertent disconnection of the connecting device, and release of the dog, is prevented.

It should also be noted that the co-operating members 102A and 102B of the connecting device 101, when connected, provides the user of the leash with an object which is itself comfortable to handle. This is due to the fact that the edges 304A and 304B of the main bodies of the co- operating members butt together to form a substantially continuous outer surface. In addition, the connecting device has the feel to the user of a single object due to the strengthening and rigidifying effects of the posts 305A and 305B acting upon the inner surfaces of the co-operating members.

Figure 12 The leash 1101 is shown in Figure 12 with the connecting device 101 unfastened. Thus, the leash 1101 has been separated into: a handle portion 1201 having a co-operating member 102A attached to a handle 1103; and a lead portion 1202 having a flexible member 1104 attached to a co-operating member 102B and a clip 1102. Consequently, the lead portion 1202 may be connected to a different type of handle provided it has a cooperating member configured to connect with co-operating member 102B.

That is, the lead portion may be connected to a different colour of handle or to a handle having a different structure.

Similarly, the handle may be connected to a different type of lead portion provided it has a co-operating member configured to connect with the handle's co-operating member 102B. That is, the handle may be connected to a lead portion having a different structure, length or colour.

For example, the handle portion 1201 could be connected to a lead portion having a flexible member made from leather, chain, any type of rope, or any other material used for dog leashes. Similarly the lead portion 1202 could be connected to a handle portion having a handle made from leather, moulded plastic, a composite construction, or other material used in the manufacture of dog leash handles.

Given a number, H, of different types of handles, and a number, L, of different types of lead portions, there are (H x L) different leash combinations which may be formed by clipping the two parts together. For example, for 6 types of handle and 8 types of lead portion, 48 (equal to 6 x 8) different leash combinations are possible.

It is therefore envisaged that handle portions, such as handle portion 1201, will be sold as a separate item to lead portions, such as lead portion 1202. In this way, the consumer will be provided with a greater choice in their selection of leash, while keeping the retailer's stocks to manageable levels.

Thus, various types of handle portions, such as handle portion 1201, will be displayed for sale, along with lead portions, such as lead portion 1202. The handle portions will be available for purchase, and priced, separately from the lead portions.

Thus, a retailer will display for sale a number, N, of different types of handle portion, and display separately for sale a number, M, of different types of lead portion. Consequently, a purchaser may choose to: purchase a new handle portion for attaching to a lead portion they currently own; purchase a new lead portion for attaching to a handle portion they currently own; or purchase a handle portion of their choice and a lead portion of their choice and connect the two parts together to form the leash of their choice.

This method of selling leashes is particularly advantageous to shops where their ability to stock a wide variety of leash types is limited. However, it would also be applicable to distance selling such as by the Internet, by phone, by mail order or by digital TV.

Claims

Claims 1. A connecting device for connecting elongate articles, said

connecting device comprising a pair of co-operating members, each one of said co- operating members comprising: an attaching means for attaching an article thereto; a main body defining an open-ended cavity; and an outwardly- extending arm extending from the main body and configured to be located within the open-ended cavity of the other co- operating member when said members are connected, wherein the pair of co- operating members in combination define latching means configured to releasably retain the arms when located within the open-ended cavity of the other co-operating member.
2. A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein said connecting device comprises stabilising means configured to resist twisting of a cooperating member with respect to the other co-operating member when connected.
3. A connecting device according to claim 2, wherein said stabilising means comprises a post extending from the main body of a co- operating member and co-operating internal surfaces of the other co- operating member.
4. A connecting device according to claim 3, wherein said stabilising means comprises a post extending from the main body of each co-operating member and co-operating internal surfaces of the other co- operating member.
5. A connecting device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said stabilising means define an axis along which one co-operating member is able to slide with respect to the other co-operating member during connection and release.
6. A connecting device according to any of claims I to 5, wherein said latching means comprises a pair of buttons located on opposing sides of said device, and said latching means is releasable by simultaneously pressing both buttons.
7. A connecting device according to claim 6, wherein one of said buttons is located towards one end of said device and the other one of said buttons is located towards the opposite end of said device, whereby accidental simultaneous operation of both buttons is avoided.
8. A connecting device according to claim 6, wherein said buttons are located at similar distances from one end of the device to facilitate single handed operation of said buttons.
9. A connecting device according to any one of claims I to 8, wherein the arm of each co-operating member has a proximal end attached to the main body and a distal end supporting a latching portion, said latching portion being configured to co-operate with a surface of the other co- operating member to provide said latching means.
10. A connecting device according to claim 9, wherein said arms are resilient such that: (I) they deform during a process of connection of said co-operating members; and (ii) spring-back to become less deformed when said co-operating members are fully connected.
11. A connecting device according to claims 9 or 10, wherein said main body of each co-operating member defines an aperture extending from an outer surface of the main body to the open-ended cavity; and, when said members are connected, the latching portion of each co- operating member is at least partially located within the aperture of the other co-operating member, whereby said connecting device is releasable by directly pressing on said latching portions.
12. A connecting device according to any one of claims I to 11, wherein the attaching means of the co-operating members are located at opposite ends of said device.
13. A connecting device according to any of claims I to 12, wherein one of said co-operating members has an attaching means configured to allow a strap to be attached thereto.
14. A connecting device according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein one of said co-operating members has an attaching means configured to allow a rope to be attached thereto.
15. A connecting device according to any of claims I to 14, wherein the main body of each co-operating member has side walls defining the openended cavity; and edges of the side walls of one co-operating member are configured to abut edges of the side walls of the other co- operating member such that the open ends of the cavities are closed when the device is fastened.
16. A connecting device according to any of claims I to 15, wherein said co-operating members are substantially identical.
17. A connecting device according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of said co-operating members is moulded from a mouldable material.
18. A connecting device according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein each of said co-operating members is moulded from a plastics material.
19. An animal leash according to any one of claims I to 18, wherein said connecting device connects a handle to a flexible member having a clip for connecting to a collar.
20. A connecting member for connection to a similar connecting member to produce a connecting device to connect elongate articles, said connecting member comprising: an attaching means for attaching an article thereto; a main body defining an open-ended cavity; and an outwardly-extending arm extending from the main body and configured to be located within the openended cavity of another similar connecting member when said members are connected, wherein said connecting device in co-operation with another similar connecting device defines latching means configured to releasably retain the arms of the connecting devices when located within the openended cavity of the other connecting member.
21. A handle portion of an animal leash comprising: a connecting member according to claim 20; and a handle attached to said attaching means.
22. A lead portion of an animal leash comprising: a connecting member according to claim 20; a flexible member attached to said attaching means; and a clip attached to one end of said flexible member for clipping on to an animal collar.
23. A connecting device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 6.