GB2579419A

GB2579419A - Strap clip

Info

Publication number: GB2579419A
Application number: GB1819637.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dando William
Original assignee: Plastica Ltd
Current assignee: Plastica Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-30
Filing date: 2018-11-30
Publication date: 2020-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-30
Also published as: GB2579419B; GB201819637D0

Abstract

A strap clip 1 comprising a jaw part 2 and a wedge part 3 separable from the clamp portion 2 and connectible to a strap. The jaw part 2 comprises first and second elements 4, 5 pivotable with respect to each other. The elements 4, 5 form pairs of jaws 4a, 5a and levers 4b, 5b at opposing ends. The levers 4b, 5b define an interior space therebetween for at least partially receiving the male part 3. When received in the cavity of the jaw part 2 and pulled away from the jaw part 2, the wedge 3 urges the levers 4b, 5b apart, causing the jaws 4a, 5a to move towards each other. The action of tightening the strap thus pulls the wedge part 3 away from the jaw part 2, allowing closure of the jaws 4a, 5a onto a sheet of material.

Description

Strap Clip The present invention relates to a strap clip.

A strap clip is used to secure a strap to a sheet of material. The clip may be secured, permanently or semi-permanently, at one end of the strap, or more preferably the strap passed through a slot in the strap clip to be able to adjust the length of the strap. The strap clip is then able to fasten to a sheet of material. Typically, the strap clip will include a pair ofjaws, which grip the two opposite faces of the sheet of o material.

Generally, a fastening process requires the jaws to be secured to the material as a first step, and then the length of the strap adjusted so that the strap is taught. It would be desirable to have a strap clip in which these two actions could be combined.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strap clip, comprising a jaw part and a wedge part separable from the jaw part, the jaw part comprising first and second elements which are movable with respect to each other about a pivotal axis, the first and second elements forming, at one end of the jaw part, a pair ofjaws, and at the other end of the jaw part, an interior space defined between a pair of levers for receiving the wedge part; wherein the wedge part is connected or connectable to a strap, and when received in the interior space of the jaw part and pulled in a direction away from the jaw part, wedge part urges the pair of levers apart, causing the pair ofjaws to move towards each other.

In this way, the action of tightening the strap pulls the wedge part away from the jaw part, and thus closes the jaws onto a sheet of material disposed between the jaws. Accordingly, a single action both secures the clip to the material and tightens the strap.

Preferably, the first and second elements are connected together via a joining element which permits the relative movement between the first and second elements.

The joining element may be a wall extending across at least a portion of the width of the first and second elements.

One or both of the first and second elements may curve towards the other of the first and second elements at one or both ends thereof The pair of jaws may be provided with gripping formations on one or both of the first and second elements to grip an object between the jaws. The gripping formations may comprise complementary formations.

The jaw part may be formed as a single part, and relative movement of the first and second elements may be achieved by resilient deformation. The wall may resiliently deform to permit the relative movement of the first and second elements.

The wedge part may be wedge shaped, with the thicker end of the wedge shape being disposed, in use, within the interior space of the jaw part and the thicker end of the wedge shape being disposed, in user, outside of the jaw part, wherein as a greater proportion of the wedge shape is drawn out of the interior space of the jaw part, the pair ofjaws is moved closer together and/or a greater gripping pressure is applied between the pair ofjaws.

To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lschematically illustrates an exploded view of the strap clip; Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an assembled side view of the strap clip, in a jaws-open configuration and jaws-closed configuration respectively; Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a cross sectional view of the strap clip along a centreline thereof, in a jaws-open and jaws-closed configuration respectively; Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a cross sectional view of the strap clip along a longitudinal position offset from the centreline thereof, in a jaws-open and jaws-closed configuration respectively; and Figure 5 schematically illustrates a 3D view of the strap clip, from above.

Referring to Figure 1, a strap clip 1 comprises a jaw part 2 and a wedge part 3. The jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 are separate components, which are engageable with each other to form the strap clip 1, and separable from each other. Each of the jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 are unitary components, formed of a single piece of plastics material. The jaw part 2 comprises a first element 4 and a second element 5, which generally face each other. In the present example, the first element 4 and the second element 5 are curved, and in particular the first element 4 curves outwardly from its centre (generally away from the second element 5) while the second element 5 curves inwardly from its centre (generally towards the first element 4). However, in alternative implementations the first and second elements may both curve towards each other, or one or both of them may be generally planar in shape. The first element 4 and the second element 5 are joined near their centre points by a wall 6. The wall 6 extends generally (and in the present embodiment not exactly) perpendicularly from each of the elements 4, 5, and extends across a portion of the width of the jaw part 2. In alternative implementations the wall 6 may extend across the full width of the jaw part 2.

The wall 6 has a substantially uniform thickness along both its height and its width, except where it joins with the first and second elements 4, 5, and at its outer edges (which may be curved or chamfered). A first portion of the first element 4 which extends away from the wall 6 in a first direction defines a first jaw 4a. A first portion of the second element 5 which extends away from the wall 6 in the first direction defines a second jaw 5a. The first and second jaws 4a, 5a are movable towards each other to grip an object, or more preferably a sheet of material, therebetween. Similarly, the first and second jaws 4a, 5a are movable away from each other to release the object or sheet of material. The first jaw 4a comprises a first gripping formation (or set of gripping formations) 41. The gripping formations 41 define two small ridges which extend across at least a portion of the width of the first jaw 4a. The second jaw 5a comprises a second gripping formation (or set of gripping formations) 51a, 51b. The gripping formation 51 defines a relatively large (compared with the ridges 41) ridge having two prongs which extends across at least a portion of the width of the second jaw 5a. The first jaw 4a includes an aperture (not visible in Figure 1), into which the gripping formation 51 is able to extend when the jaws 4a, 5b close. The gripping formation 5 lb defines a flattened ridge having a plateu for trapping a large area of sheet material between it and an opposing internal surface of the first jaw 4a.

A second portion of the first element 4 which extends away from the wall 6 in a second direction opposite to the first direction defines a first lever 4b. A second portion of the second element 5 which extends away from the wall 6 in the second direction defines a second lever 5b. The first and second levers 4b, 5b are movable towards and away from each other. Due to the fact that the first jaw 4a and the first lever 4b define a single rigid piece, and due to the fact that the second jaw 5a and the second lever 5b define a single rigid piece, and due to the fact that the two rigid pieces are connected near their centre via the wall 6, movement of the first and second levers 4b, 5b away from each other causes a pivoting movement with respect to the wall 6 which causes the first and second jaws 4a, 5a to move towards each other, or if unable to move towards each other due to being fully engaged or having an object or sheet of material between them, to exert increased pressure inwardly of the jaws (in this case a degree of resilient deformation of the elements 4, 5 may occur). Similarly, when the first and second levers 4b, 5b move towards each other, the first and second jaws 4a, 5a are caused to move apart, again, due to a pivoting movement with respect to the wall 6. Explained differently, the first element 4 and the second element 5 are able to pivot with respect to each other about the wall 6, such that as they move further apart at one end (for example the ends defining the pair of levers 4b, 5b) they correspondingly move closer together at the other end (for example the ends defining the pair ofjaws 4a, 5a).

The wedge part 3 comprises a wedge portion 3a and a strap connection portion 3b. The wedge portion 3a comprises a first formation 3c on an upper surface thereof and a second formation 3d on the lower surface thereof, the purpose of which will be explained below.

Referring to Figure 2A, the jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 are shown to be in a first engaged configuration. In particular, the wedge portion 3a of the wedge part 3 is disposed within an interior space of the jaw part defined by the wall 6 and the first and second levers 4b, 5b. In this first engaged configuration, the shape of the jaw part 2 may be the same as shown in Figure 1, with the wall 6 in an unstrained state and the pair ofjaws being apart. It can be seen that the wedge portion 3a substantially matches the size and shape of the interior volume. The strap portion 3b extends outwardly and away from the jaw part 2, exiting the interior space via the gap between the pair of levers 4b, 5b. In order that the wedge part 3 be disposed with respect to the jaw part 2 as shown in Figure 2A, the wedge part 3 may be slid sideways into the interior space -that is, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 2A.

to Referring to Figure 2B, the jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 are shown to be in a second engaged configuration. In this case, the wedge portion 3a of the wedge part 3 is only partially disposed within the interior space. The remainder of the wedge portion 3a extends outside of the interior space via the gap between the pair of levers 4b, 5b. Explained differently, in the first engaged configuration of Figure 2A the wedge portion 3a is disposed closer to the wall 6 than in the second engaged configuration of Figure 2B. Due to the shape of the wedge portion 3a, and in particular due to the tapered cross section which is relatively thicker at the end proximate the wall 6 and relatively thinner at the end distal from the wall 6, the pair of levers 4b, 5b have been urged apart (away from each other) as the wedge portion 3a has been drawn out of the interior space. As a result, the pair of 4a, 5a have been caused to move towards each other, bringing them closer to, or in engagement with, each other. It will be appreciated that the more of the wedge portion 3a drawn out of interior space, the further apart the levers 4b, 5b are urged, and the closer together (or more tightly engaged) the jaws 4a, 5a are. It can be seen that the formation 51 extends into the first jaw 4a. It can also be seen, from a comparison of Figures 2A and 2B, that the wall 6 has been deformed in Figure 2B (from a curved or angled shape in Figure 2A to a relatively straight shape in Figure 2B). Referring to the strained state of the wall 6, it will be appreciated that this may be unstrained in Figure 2A and strained (deformed from its natural shape) in Figure 2B, or it may be lightly strained in Figure 2A, and more heavily strained in Figure 2B. It will be understood from Figures 2A and 2B that the pair of jaws 4a, 5a may be caused to open and close by moving the wedge part 3 with respect to the jaw part 2, and in particular the jaws may be closed by pulling the wedge part 3 out of the interior space defined between the wall 6 and the pair of levers 4b, 5b, through the gap between the ends of the levers 4b, 5b distal from the wall 6. Similarly, the jaws may be opened by pushing the wedge part 3 further into the interior space (or by disengaging the wedge part 3 from the jaw part 2).

Referring to Figure 3A, a top view of the strap clip 1, in the first engaged configuration (corresponding to Figure 2A), is provided in the top part of the Figure. Referring to Figure 3B, a top view of the strap clip 1, in the second engagement configuration (corresponding to Figure 2B), is provided in the top part of the Figure. In the bottom part of Figures 3A and 3B, cross sectional views (from the side) are lo shown, along the lines A-A (central position width-ways), for each of the first and second engaged configurations respectively. The first element 4 can be seen to comprise an aperture 44, into which the ridge 51 of the second element 5 is able to descend when the jaws 4a, 5a close (as visible in Figure 3B). The first element 4 can also be seen to comprise an aperture 42, into which an engagement formation 34a of the wedge portion 3a is received when the clip 1 is in the second engagement configuration. The second element 5 can be seen to comprise an aperture 52, which is intended to receive an engagement formation when the clip is in the second configuration -however, this engagement formation is not present at the cross sectional position A-A. The strap portion 3b of the wedge part 3 can be seen to comprise a pair of strap receiving apertures 32, which can receive a strap in the conventional way.

Referring to Figure 4A, a top view of the strap clip 1, in the first engaged configuration (corresponding to Figures 2A and 3A), is provided in the top part of the Figure. Referring to Figure 4B, a top view of the strap clip 1, in the second engagement configuration (corresponding to Figures 2B and 3B), is provided in the top part of the Figure. These top parts of Figures 4A and 4B are identical to the top parts of Figures 3A and 3B. In the bottom part of Figures 4A and 4B, cross sectional views (from the side) are shown, along the lines B-B (offset from central position width-ways), for each of the first and second engaged configurations respectively. It can be seen that the flattened ridge 51b is not present at this cross-sectional position -it is disposed only towards the centreline of the clip 1. The apertures 42 and 52 in Figure 4B can be seen to be engaged with formations 34a and 34b in the second engaged configuration. Note that the formation 34b is present at the cross-sectional position B-B, but not at the cross-sectional position A-A.

Referring to Figure 4A, it can be seen that when the wedge part 3a is fully within the interior spacing of the jaw part 2, the engagement formations 34a, 34b are compressed together, but not engaged with the jaw part 2. However, as the wedge part 3a is withdrawn sufficiently from the interior spacing of the jaw part 2, the formations 34a, 34b reach the apertures 42, 52, and spring apart to engage with the apertures 42, 52. This prevents the wedge part 3a from being further withdrawn from ui the jaw part 2 (which could cause damage, or even cause its complete removal). The engagement of the formations 34a, 34b with the apertures 42, 52 also prevents or at least inhibits the wedge portion 3a from moving back into the interior spacing of the jaw part 2. In other words, once the formations 34a, 34b are engaged with the apertures 42, 52, the jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 are locked in position with respect to each other, and the jaws 4a, 5a are thus locked into a gripping position with respect to each other.

Referring to Figure 5, a 3D view of the strap clip 1, from above, is presented. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the ridges 51a and 41 extend across most (but not all) of the width of the clip 1, that the ridge S la is substantially complementary in size and shape with the aperture 44, and that edges of the clip 1 are generally rounded.

In use, the strap clip 1 may be fitted to a sheet of material, such as a swimming pool cover, as follows: (a) The rear (levers 4b, 5b) of the jaw part 2 is squeezed together, which causes the jaws 4a, 5a to open.

(b) The jaw part 2 is then manoeuvred into place on the sheet of material, with the sheet of material disposed between the jaws 4a, 5a, and the pressure on the rear of the jaw part 2 released. The jaws 4a, 5a thus move together to loosely engage with the sheet of material.

(c) The wedge part 3 is then engaged with the jaw part 2 in the first configuration (Figures 2A, 3A, 4A) by sliding the wedge portion 3a into the interior space between the levers 4b, 5b, from the side.

(d) The wedge part 3 is then pulled back (away from the jaw part 2) while the jaw part 2 is held in place on the sheet of material, causing the jaws 4a, 4b to move together and apply a gripping pressure to the sheet of material.

(e) The wedge part 3 is continued to be pulled back until the formations 34a, 34b engage with the apertures 42, 52, locking the jaw part 2 and the wedge part 3 together, and thus locking the clip 1 to the sheet of material.

(f) To release, a screwdriver or other suitable tool (or in alternative embodiments finger access) is used to press against one or both of the formations 34a or 34b to urge it (or them) out of the respective aperture while the wedge part 3 is pressed towards, or laterally with respect to, the jaw part 2.

It will be appreciated that the steps could all be carried out before a strap is attached to the clip 1, or alternatively could be carried out while the strap is attached to the clip (or the strap could be attached part way through the above procedure). An advantage of having the strap attached to the clip during (at least part of) the procedure is that a single motion of pulling the strap may be used both to secure the clip to the sheet of material, and to tighten the strap to a desired length.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A strap clip, comprising a jaw part and a wedge part separable from the jaw part, the jaw part comprising first and second elements which are movable with respect to each other about a pivotal axis, the first and second elements forming, at one end of the jaw part, a pair ofjaws, and at the other end of the jaw part, a pair of levers defining an interior space therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the wedge part; wherein the wedge part is connected or connectable to a strap, and when at least a portion o the wedge part is received in the interior space of the jaw part and pulled in a direction away from the jaw part, the wedge part urges the pair of levers apart, thereby urging the pair of together.
2. A strap clip according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elements are connected together via a joining element which permits the relative movement between the first and second elements.
3. A strap clip according to claim 2, wherein the joining element is a wall extending across at least a portion of the width of the first and second elements
4. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second elements curves towards the other of the first and second elements at one and/or both ends thereof
5. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second elements curves away from the other of the first and second elements at one and/or both ends thereof
6. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair ofjaws are provided with gripping formations on one or both of the first and second elements to grip an object between the jaws.
7. A strap clip according to claim 6, wherein the gripping formations comprise complementary formations.
8. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the jaw part is formed as a single part, and relative movement of the first and second elements is achieved by resilient deformation.
9. A strap clip according to claim 8 as appendant on claim 3, wherein the wall resiliently deforms to permit the relative movement of the first and second elements.
10. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the wedge part comprises a ui wedge shape, with the thicker end of the wedge shape being disposed, in use, within the interior space of the jaw part and the thinner end of the wedge shape being disposed, in use, outside of the jaw part, wherein as a greater proportion of the wedge shape is drawn out of the interior space of the jaw part, the pair ofjaws is moved closer together and/or a greater gripping pressure is applied between the pair ofjaws.
11. A strap clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the wedge part and the jaw part comprise mutually engageable formations which engage with each other when the wedge part is located in a predetermined position within the interior space to lock the wedge part into the interior space of the jaw part at the predetermined position.
12. A strap clip according to claim 11, wherein one or both sides of the interior space are open, and the wedge part is shaped and dimensioned such that it can be inserted into and removed from the interior space only via the one or more open sides.
13. A strap clip according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the mutually engageable formations are defined in or on one or both of the pair of levers and in or on one or both of upper and lower surfaces of the wedge part.
14. A strap clip according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the levers comprise a port for accessing and releasing one of the mutually engagable formations.
15. A strap clip according to any precding claim, wherein the wedge part is partially withdrawn from an opening between the pair of levers when pulled in the direction away from the jaw part.