US20030056338A1 - Shock absorbing strap attachment device - Google Patents

Shock absorbing strap attachment device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030056338A1
US20030056338A1 US09/965,172 US96517201A US2003056338A1 US 20030056338 A1 US20030056338 A1 US 20030056338A1 US 96517201 A US96517201 A US 96517201A US 2003056338 A1 US2003056338 A1 US 2003056338A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
strap
guides
frame
attachment device
sides
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/965,172
Inventor
Joseph Anscher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/965,172 priority Critical patent/US20030056338A1/en
Publication of US20030056338A1 publication Critical patent/US20030056338A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K27/00—Leads or collars, e.g. for dogs
    • A01K27/005—Quick-couplings, safety-couplings or shock-absorbing devices between leash and collar
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/30—Straps; Bands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
    • F16G11/00—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes
    • F16G11/04—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with wedging action, e.g. friction clamps
    • F16G11/044—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with wedging action, e.g. friction clamps friction clamps deforming the cable, wire, rope or cord
    • F16G11/046—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with wedging action, e.g. friction clamps friction clamps deforming the cable, wire, rope or cord by bending the cable around a surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/001—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F2003/001—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
    • A45F2003/142—Carrying-straps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
    • Y10T24/2164—Midline

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device that attaches to a strap for absorbing shock when the strap is suddenly pulled.
  • Typical strap attachment devices are used for shortening the strap or for tensioning the strap in place.
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 801,502 to Barabasz, 3,021,580 to Rowitz, and 3,203,058 to Roing disclose such devices.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,673 to Benson discloses a shock absorbing attachment unit for a vehicle restraint belt.
  • this device requires permanent attachment to the seat belt before installation.
  • an attachment device having a frame with longitudinal side arms and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame.
  • the guides define openings through which a strap or rope extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides.
  • the guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap.
  • the attachment device maintains a serpentine or sinusoidal configuration, having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration. The device could also have a more triangular configuration, with sharp peaks.
  • the shape and material of the device help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles attached thereto and reduce injury to the user.
  • the device has a memory, so that even under repeated stretching, it maintains its original serpentine configuration when in a relaxed state.
  • the guides may also comprise additional flaps or teeth to further grip the strap and keep it from sliding during use. Other mechanisms to retain the strap could also be used.
  • the device is preferably made from an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic rubber, vinyl, neoprene, etc. Any stiff material with deflection properties could also be used.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention in its relaxed state
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device in its relaxed state
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of the device in its relaxed state
  • FIG. 4 shows perspective view of the device in a tensioned state
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device in the tensioned state
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of the device in the tensioned state.
  • FIGS. 1 - 3 show device 10 in its relaxed state.
  • Device 10 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 12 and guides 14 disposed along frame 12 .
  • Guides 14 define openings 16 through which a strap 30 extends. When strap 30 is inserted into device 10 , it is placed through openings 16 over guides 14 .
  • Guides 14 also hold strap 30 in place so that device 10 does not slide through strap 30 .
  • Guides 14 or flaps 17 could also be equipped with teeth 19 to further increase the friction against strap 30 and further reduce any sliding.
  • device 10 In the relaxed state, device 10 maintains a serpentine configuration having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, as shown in FIGS. 4 - 6 , device 10 still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration as it is stretched out.
  • FIGS. 4 - 6 show device 10 in its tensioned position. In this case, a force is being applied to strap 30 causing device 10 to extend, relieving the force on the strap.
  • the strap of the leash is guided through the attachment device.
  • the device can be used with any strap, rope or cable, as long as the width of the strap or rope is the same as or smaller than the spacing between the longitudinal arms of the frame.
  • the shape and material of the attachment device allow it to absorb a sudden force applied to the other end of the leash but do not allow the leash to be quickly pulled taut.
  • the elastomeric properties of the attachment device prevent the strap from breaking.
  • the device can prevent the user's arm from being suddenly pulled and injured.
  • the device can be manufactured in varying degrees of stiffness by altering the thickness of the longitudinal arms or the material, to adapt the device for various uses.
  • the device could be used in any place where tension is applied to a strap, rope or cable.
  • the device could be used on luggage, boat moorings and lines, and golf bags and pull carts.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

An attachment device has a frame with two longitudinal sides and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame between the two sides. The guides define openings through which a strap extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine configuration with peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but returns to the original serpentine configuration when the tension is removed. The shape and material help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles and reduce injury to the user.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • This invention relates to a device that attaches to a strap for absorbing shock when the strap is suddenly pulled. [0002]
  • 2. The Prior Art [0003]
  • Generally strap assemblies are provided on dog leashes, golf bags, luggage straps and back packs. However, these strap assemblies do not absorb shock when a sudden force is applied to the strap. Therefore, the strap or buckles that are attached to the strap can break or cause injury to the user. [0004]
  • Typical strap attachment devices are used for shortening the strap or for tensioning the strap in place. For instance U.S. Pat. Nos. 801,502 to Barabasz, 3,021,580 to Rowitz, and 3,203,058 to Roing disclose such devices. [0005]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,673 to Benson discloses a shock absorbing attachment unit for a vehicle restraint belt. However, this device requires permanent attachment to the seat belt before installation. [0006]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a strap attachment device that can absorb the shock of a sudden force. [0007]
  • It is another object to provide a device that is self-contained and is added on to existing strap assemblies without modifying or altering the strap. [0008]
  • It is yet another object of the invention to provide a strap attachment device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, install and remove. [0009]
  • These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by providing an attachment device having a frame with longitudinal side arms and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame. The guides define openings through which a strap or rope extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine or sinusoidal configuration, having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration. The device could also have a more triangular configuration, with sharp peaks. The shape and material of the device help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles attached thereto and reduce injury to the user. The device has a memory, so that even under repeated stretching, it maintains its original serpentine configuration when in a relaxed state. [0010]
  • The guides may also comprise additional flaps or teeth to further grip the strap and keep it from sliding during use. Other mechanisms to retain the strap could also be used. The device is preferably made from an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic rubber, vinyl, neoprene, etc. Any stiff material with deflection properties could also be used.[0011]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. [0012]
  • In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: [0013]
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention in its relaxed state; [0014]
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device in its relaxed state; [0015]
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of the device in its relaxed state; [0016]
  • FIG. 4 shows perspective view of the device in a tensioned state; [0017]
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device in the tensioned state; and [0018]
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of the device in the tensioned state.[0019]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIGS. [0020] 1-3 show device 10 in its relaxed state. Device 10 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 12 and guides 14 disposed along frame 12. Guides 14 define openings 16 through which a strap 30 extends. When strap 30 is inserted into device 10, it is placed through openings 16 over guides 14. Guides 14 also hold strap 30 in place so that device 10 does not slide through strap 30. There are flaps 17 positioned on guides 14 to further retain strap 30 during use. Flaps 17 press on strap 30 and prevent any sliding. Guides 14 or flaps 17 could also be equipped with teeth 19 to further increase the friction against strap 30 and further reduce any sliding.
  • In the relaxed state, [0021] device 10 maintains a serpentine configuration having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, device 10 still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration as it is stretched out.
  • FIGS. [0022] 4-6 show device 10 in its tensioned position. In this case, a force is being applied to strap 30 causing device 10 to extend, relieving the force on the strap.
  • In operation, for example with a dog leash, the strap of the leash is guided through the attachment device. There is no requirement for modifying the leash to use it with the attachment device. The device can be used with any strap, rope or cable, as long as the width of the strap or rope is the same as or smaller than the spacing between the longitudinal arms of the frame. [0023]
  • The shape and material of the attachment device allow it to absorb a sudden force applied to the other end of the leash but do not allow the leash to be quickly pulled taut. The elastomeric properties of the attachment device prevent the strap from breaking. In addition, the device can prevent the user's arm from being suddenly pulled and injured. The device can be manufactured in varying degrees of stiffness by altering the thickness of the longitudinal arms or the material, to adapt the device for various uses. In addition to use on a dog leash, the device could be used in any place where tension is applied to a strap, rope or cable. For example, the device could be used on luggage, boat moorings and lines, and golf bags and pull carts. [0024]
  • Accordingly, while only a single embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0025]

Claims (9)

What is claimed is:
1. A device for attachment to a strap, comprising:
a frame having two longitudinal sides and an open center, said two sides being bent in at least one area and said frame flexing under force; and
a plurality of lateral guides positioned within said frame, each guide being connected to said two sides of said frame;
wherein a strap is positionable within said frame by threading the strap around the guides and wherein tension on the strap causes said frame to flex.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said frame is bent in several areas and has a serpentine configuration.
3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one flap positioned on at least one of said guides, said flap resting on a strap when a strap is threaded through the guides and preventing the strap from slipping out of the device.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made of an elastomeric material.
5. The device according to claim 3, wherein there are at least 2 flaps.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guides have teeth to further grip a strap threaded through the device.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal sides are parallel with each other.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guides are positioned parallel to each other.
9. The device according to claim 4, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, neoprene and thermoplastic rubber.
US09/965,172 2001-09-27 2001-09-27 Shock absorbing strap attachment device Abandoned US20030056338A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/965,172 US20030056338A1 (en) 2001-09-27 2001-09-27 Shock absorbing strap attachment device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/965,172 US20030056338A1 (en) 2001-09-27 2001-09-27 Shock absorbing strap attachment device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030056338A1 true US20030056338A1 (en) 2003-03-27

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US09/965,172 Abandoned US20030056338A1 (en) 2001-09-27 2001-09-27 Shock absorbing strap attachment device

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100018474A1 (en) * 2008-07-25 2010-01-28 Mark Noonan Methods and adapter systems for managing slack in leashes
WO2012092624A2 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Concussion Resources, Llc Strap shock absorber
WO2012065088A3 (en) * 2010-11-12 2012-08-02 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Strap load - dampening device
EP3017716A1 (en) * 2014-11-05 2016-05-11 Wolfgang-Peter Geller Shock absorber element for carrying straps
US10306950B2 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-06-04 Woojin Plastic Co., Ltd. Strap connection member
IT201900006796A1 (en) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-14 S Italia S R L Safety helmet with high safety of use.

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100018474A1 (en) * 2008-07-25 2010-01-28 Mark Noonan Methods and adapter systems for managing slack in leashes
US9049917B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2015-06-09 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Web load-dampening device
WO2012065088A3 (en) * 2010-11-12 2012-08-02 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Strap load - dampening device
US20120167283A1 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Hallett Mark B Strap shock absorber
WO2012092624A3 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-10-26 Concussion Resources, Llc Strap shock absorber
US8984721B2 (en) * 2010-12-31 2015-03-24 Concussion Resources, Llc Strap shock absorber
WO2012092624A2 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Concussion Resources, Llc Strap shock absorber
EP3017716A1 (en) * 2014-11-05 2016-05-11 Wolfgang-Peter Geller Shock absorber element for carrying straps
WO2016071105A1 (en) * 2014-11-05 2016-05-12 Wolfgang-Peter Geller Impact-damper element for carrying straps
US20170311704A1 (en) * 2014-11-05 2017-11-02 Wolfgang-Peter Geller Impact-damper element for carrying straps
US9993062B2 (en) * 2014-11-05 2018-06-12 Wolfgang-Peter Geller Impact-damper element for carrying straps
US10306950B2 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-06-04 Woojin Plastic Co., Ltd. Strap connection member
IT201900006796A1 (en) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-14 S Italia S R L Safety helmet with high safety of use.

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