WO2024154133A1

WO2024154133A1 - Tensioner apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024154133A1
Application number: PCT/IL2024/050071
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yitzhak LIECHTENSTEIN; Menachem Pinhas WINFIELD
Original assignee: Starry Solutions Pte Ltd; Reinhold Cohn & Partners
Priority date: 2023-01-17
Filing date: 2024-01-17
Publication date: 2024-07-25

Abstract

A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a rotatable spindle element operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element is rotated in a wrapping direction; a spindle operator by which the rotatable spindle element can be rotated, at least in the wrapping direction; a rotary actuator rotatable in a first direction, and being linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis between an engaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element;

Description

TENSIONER APPARATUS

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for tensioning a flexible elongated tensioning element. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tensioner apparatus particularly configured to provide a compact rotary mechanism in line with a flexible elongated tensioning element to enable a user to manually and rotatably tension the flexible elongated tensioning element and release tension therefrom.

BACKGROUND ART

The art relating to tensioners and the like is somewhat well-developed and typically involve a lever and ratchet arrangement. These prior art strap tighteners or tensioners are unwieldy and are not well suited to be worn by a user to selectively adjust the tension of a worn strap. Other types of wearable strap tensioners include rotary scrollers, and while these rotary strap tensioners are generally compact, the actuator rotation axis is coaxial with the scrolling shaft axis. These strap tensioners include string scrollers and are typically employed to allow a user to tighten shoe laces, helmets, and the like. Certain tensioner art of the foregoing types is briefly discussed hereinafter.

US Patent No. 4,227,286 (‘286 Patent), issued to Holmberg, discloses a Strap Tightener. The ‘286 Patent describes a strap tightener comprising an element for fixedly anchoring the strap tightener, an operating lever pivoted to the anchoring element, a strap reel mounted coaxially with the pivot axis, and at least one ratchet wheel non-rotatably connected to the strap reel. A holding pawl is displaceably mounted to the anchoring element, which is spring-biased to engage the ratchet wheel. A driving pawl is displaceably mounted to the operating lever, which is spring- biased to engage the ratchet wheel. The operating lever is drivingly connected to the strap reel by means of the driving pawl and the ratchet wheel when being swung in one direction, and is disengaged from the strap reel when being swung in the opposite direction.

A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the driving pawl to lock the operating lever in a rest position adjacent to the anchoring element with the holding pawl locked in engagement with the ratchet wheel. The locking mechanism includes a hook projecting from the driving pawl transversely of the path of movement thereof and open towards the pivot axis of the operating lever to receive, in the rest position of the operating lever, the holding pawl at the end thereof which is remote from the ratchet wheel. The hook provides a force component transversely of the path of movement of the driving pawl by pressure applied to the holding pawl in a direction away from the ratchet wheel said force component acting towards the rest position of the operating lever.

US Patent No. 4,261,081 (‘081 Patent), issued to Lott, discloses a Shoe Lace Tightener. The ‘081 Patent describes a shoe lace tightener in which a housing open at the top and back and closed at the front, sides and bottom has a spindle extending from front to back on which the hub of a reel for a shoe lace is journaled. A spring biases the reel in the direction to retract the lace by winding on the reel. A lever at the top of the housing unlocks the lace to permit winding and unwinding of the lace and locks the lace in the desired position. A clip with sides straddling the side walls of the case has a back section partially closing the back of the case and holding the hub and lever in the case.

US Patent No. 4,395,796 (‘796 Patent), issued to Akaura et al., discloses a Strap Tightener. The ‘796 patent describes s strap tightener in which a specific releasable tensioning and clasping mechanism for a strap is incorporated to hold heavy loads under tension firmly in a given position. This robust strap tightener can advantageously be used to tie down cargo containers, motor vehicles and the like heavy loads to fixing structures on carrier vessels or carts. The strap tightener has a simple and economical structure with a reduced number of parts and is thus smoothly operable to attain good strap tensioning without incurring any damage of the strap and any loosening of the tensioned strap during the use.

EU Patent No. 2,269,479 (‘479 Patent), issued to Meggiolan, discloses a Lace-Like Closing Device for Cycling Shoe. The ‘479 Patent describes a closing and locking mechanism of a lace for a shoe, comprising a lace-winding bush, a one-way rotation control device to control the rotation of the lace-winding bush in a first direction and to hold the lace-winding bush against rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a release device of the lacewinding bush from the control device comprising an actuation element that is actuated through rotation about a rotation axis. The disclosure also concerns a closing device for a shoe, in particular for a cycling shoe, as well as a shoe comprising such a closing device.

US Patent No. 7,600,660 (‘660 Patent), issued to Kasper et al., discloses a Harness Tightening System. The ‘660 Patent describes a harness adjustment system that may be used in various applications including backpacks, windsurf harnesses, kite -board harnesses, mountain climbing harnesses, utility harnesses, backpack shoulder straps, tie-down straps, and various belts for numerous applications. The harness adjustment system includes a first webbing strap, a winding reel, a cable tension member, and a strap lock. The winding reel is secured to a first portion of the strap. The cable is interconnected between a second portion of the strap and the winding reel. The cable loops from the strap to the reel such that winding of the reel retracts the cable to pull the second portion of the strap toward the first portion. The lock is coupled to the first strap second portion. The lock is selectively engageable with the second portion of the strap to relieve tension from the cable.

US Patent No. 8,832,912 (‘912 Patent), issued to Ha, discloses an Apparatus for Fastening Shoelace. The ‘912 Patent describes an apparatus for fastening a shoelace comprising a housing, a rotating cover, a reel part, and a restricting member. The housing includes a ratchet gear. The restricting member includes a repulsion restricting part which is provided between the rotating cover and the reel part and includes a ratchet coupling part protruding from an external circumference thereof to restrict a rotation in one direction by the ratchet gear, and a pressure coupling part which is slidably contacted and pressed by a rotation of the restricting projection in the other direction along a rotational radius and is repulsively deformed and selectively coupled to the coupling accommodation part.

International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2019/169732 (‘732 Publication), authored by Hu, discloses a Rope Belt Regulating Device and Assembly. The ‘732 Publication describes a rope belt regulating device and an assembly comprising a driving element, a wire winding element and a regulating element, wherein the driving element, the wire winding element and the regulating element are in coaxial arrangement. The driving element and the wire winding element are movably connected to the regulating element. The driving element is used for driving the wire winding element to rotate in the axial direction. A wire winding post and an elastic sheet are provided on the wire winding element. A fixing part used for fixing a binding belt is provided on the wire winding post. An annular rack which matches the elastic sheet is provided on the regulating element. When a user fastens something by using the binding belt, the rope belt regulating device may prevent knotting. The regulation of tightness may be completed by merely rotating and operating the driving element by one hand. The operation is simple, time is saved, and in particular the rope belt regulating device is convenient to use for beginners or users for whom it is inconvenient to use both hands.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0397099 (‘099 Publication) authored by Ingimundarson et al., discloses a Strap Tightener Assembly for an Orthopedic Device. The ‘099 Publication describes a strap tightener assembly having a base, a tightening device mounted on the base and movable relative thereto, and a strap assembly coupled to the tightening device. The tightening device provides incremental movement of the strap assembly relative to the base at a plurality of predefined settings. A cover extends over the strap assembly and connects to the base so that the base and the cover form a channel permitting movement of the strap assembly therethrough. The cover defines an elongate slot extending along a portion of a length of the cover, and the strap assembly has an indicator identifying the relative location of the strap assembly to the cover. A strap is securable to the strap assembly.

US Patent No. 11,457,698 (‘698 Patent), issued to Burns et al., discloses an Integrated Closure Device Components and Methods. The ‘698 Patent describes a lace tensioning device comprising a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. Having considered state-of-the-art tensioners, it is noted the prior art perceives a need for tensioner apparatus designed to provide a compact manually operable mechanism for selectively tensioning a flexible elongated tensioning element by rotating an actuator about an axis of rotation orthogonal to a spindle axis about which a length of flexible elongated tensioning element may wind to tension the same. The prior art further perceives a need for a tensioner apparatus having a rotary actuator that is axially displaceable in the direction of the actuator rotation axis to either tension the flexible elongated tensioning element or release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element depending on the axial configuration of the rotary actuator. The prior art further perceives a need for a tensioner apparatus having motion transducer mechanism operable to provide an overload release mechanism whereby internal cam surfacing is configured to allow axial displacement of the rotary actuator under a threshold load or force to quick release tension from a flexible elongated tensioning element. The prior art further perceives a need for a tensioner apparatus having a motion transducer mechanism whereby a lead screw mechanism is operable to rotatably drive a cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second rotational direction opposite an element-tensioning first rotational direction. The present disclosure addresses these perceived needs and is summarized in more detail hereafter.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus comprises a rotatable spindle element, a spindle operator, a rotary actuator, and a motion transducer mechanism. The rotatable spindle element is operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element is rotated in a wrapping direction. The spindle operator is operable to rotate the rotatable spindle element, at least in the wrapping direction. The rotary actuator is rotatable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction about an actuator rotation axis.

The rotary actuator is further linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the rotary actuator is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction. In the disengaged state, the rotary actuator is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element. The motion transducer mechanism is operable, when the rotary actuator is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator, when rotated in the second direction, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state thereof. In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus further comprises a rachet arrangement. The ratchet arrangement comprises a series of cams, each of which have an arm-engaging wall, and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with the arm-engaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one locking arm and the series of cams are associated with the rotary actuator, while the other is associated with a chassis assembly configured to rotatably receive the rotary actuator. In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by the ratchet arrangement with the engagement plane being angled with respect to the actuator rotation axis. In some embodiments, the engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface, which at least one quick release ramped surface enables the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second direction.

In some embodiments, the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to a chassis assembly for directing the rotary actuator from the engaged state and into the disengaged state. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth, which chassis-gripping teeth are directed into an upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly when the rotary actuator is directed in the second direction. In some embodiments, an overload force may be directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. In some embodiments, the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism may be characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second direction. In some embodiments, the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first direction. In some embodiments, the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body.

In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism may be characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement wherein at least one protuberance of the arrangement is matable with at least one groove of the arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state. In some embodiments, at least one of the inner and outer rotary bodies comprises at least one groove having an oblique angle relative to a body plane thereof, which oblique angle is operable to effect graded or gradual linear movement of the inner rotary body relative to the outer rotary body.

In some embodiments, the outer rotary body may comprise at least one inner groove and the inner rotary body may comprise at least one outer protuberance matable with the at least one inner groove and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the inner rotary body from rotational movement of the outer rotary body. In some embodiments, the at least one outer protuberance comprises protuberance side walls obliquely angled relative to an inner body plane of the inner rotary body. In some embodiments, the outer rotary body may comprise a series of radiating grip projections, which series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip thereon. In some embodiments, a series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves are formed in the outer rotary body radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections.

In some embodiments, the inner rotary body may comprise an upper inner seat, an upper outer seat and an annular ridge extending upwardly therebetween. In these embodiments, the rotary actuator may further comprise an annular cover and a button. The annular cover is matable with the inner rotary body at the upper outer seat, and the button is matable with the inner rotary body at the upper inner seat. In some embodiments, the inner rotary body comprises at least one electrical contact at the upper inner seat. In these embodiments, the button is axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis for engaging the at least one electrical contact for illuminating an optional lamp assembly of the tensioner apparatus via the button.

In some embodiments, movement in the first direction, at the disengaged state, causes reengagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator. In some embodiments, the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the rotatable spindle element. In some embodiments, the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, which bevel gear is configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1. In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement. In these embodiments, the flexible elongated tensioning element is attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus comprises a chassis assembly, a spindle operator, and a rotary actuator. The chassis assembly comprises a spindle element and the rotary actuator comprises a motion transducer mechanism configured to cause linear movement of at least a first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly as derived from rotational movement of the motion transducer mechanism.

The rotary actuator is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly in a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the spindle element for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element. The motion transducer mechanism is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in a second rotational direction for linearly displacing the first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly along the actuator rotation axis thereby disengaging the spindle operator for enabling a user to release tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element and enabling a user to unwrap the flexible elongated tensioning element.

In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus further comprises a rachet arrangement. The ratchet arrangement comprises a series of cams, each of which have an arm-engaging wall, and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with the arm-engaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one locking arm and the series of cams are associated with the rotary actuator, while the other is associated with a chassis assembly configured to rotatably receive the rotary actuator. In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by the ratchet arrangement with the engagement plane being angled with respect to the actuator rotation axis. In some embodiments, the engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface, which at least one quick release ramped surface enables the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second direction.

In some embodiments, movement in the first direction, at the disengaged state, causes reengagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator. In some embodiments, the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the rotatable spindle element. In some embodiments, the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, which bevel gear is configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1. In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement. In these embodiments, the flexible elongated tensioning element is attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus comprises a chassis assembly, a spindle operator, and a rotary actuator. The chassis assembly comprises an element-letting guideway and a rotatable spindle element. The rotary actuator is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis in at least a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element about a spindle axis of rotation orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element by way of the element-letting guideway.

In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus further comprises a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotational movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle operator and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge. The chassis-gripping teeth rotatably attach the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge. In some embodiments, the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator.

The resiliently actuable wall portions are resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis. In some embodiments, the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel. The chassis-gripping teeth are received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel.

In some embodiments, the chassis assembly comprises at least one locking arm and the rotary actuator comprises a series of cams. The at least one locking arm and the series of cams together provide a ratchet arrangement. In some embodiments, the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface configured for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction. In some embodiments, the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly. In some embodiments, an overload force may be directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. In some embodiments, the overload force is determined by an angle of an engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

In some embodiments, the rotary actuator comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob. In some embodiments, the rotatable spindle element comprises a central spindle portion, which central spindle portion is configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element. In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus is usable in combination with a waist belt arrangement such that the flexible elongated tensioning element is attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. In some embodiments, the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement having a bevel gear configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1.

There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus comprises a chassis assembly, a rotary actuator, and a ratchet arrangement. The chassis assembly comprises an element-letting guideway and a spindle element about which the flexible elongated tensioning element is configured to wrap. The rotary actuator is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis. The rachet arrangement comprises a series of cams, each of which have an arm-engaging wall and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall. The cam-engaging wall is engageable with the armengaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one biased locking arm and the series of cams are associated with the rotary actuator, while the other is associated with the chassis assembly.

In some embodiments, the engagement plane is obliquely angled relative to the actuator rotation axis. The ratchet arrangement thereby provides a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotation movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle element and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge. The chassis-gripping teeth rotatably attach the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge.

In some embodiments, the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator. The resiliently actuable wall portions are resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis. In some embodiments, the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel. The chassis-gripping teeth are received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element.

In some embodiments, the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel. In some embodiments, the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface extending along an engagement plane angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in a second rotational direction. In some embodiments, the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel.

In some embodiments, an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. In some embodiments, the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator comprises a series of radiating grip projections, which series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob. In some embodiments, the rotatable spindle element comprises a central spindle portion configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element.

In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus is usable in combination with a waist belt arrangement. The flexible elongated tensioning element is attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. In some embodiments, the tensioner apparatus further comprises a spindle operator configured to transmit rotational movement from the rotary actuator to the spindle element. In some embodiments, the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement comprising an actuator gear, a bevel gear, and a spindle gear. In some embodiments, the bevel gear is configured to transmit rotational movement from said actuator gear to the spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1.

The above-described aspects and features of the presently disclosed subject matter as well as additional aspects and features are further specified in embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter presented below.

1. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a rotatable spindle element operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element is rotated in a wrapping direction; a spindle operator by which the rotatable spindle element can be rotated, at least in the wrapping direction; a rotary actuator rotatable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to said first direction about an actuator rotation axis, and being linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis between an engaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element; and a motion transducer mechanism operable, when said rotary actuator is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator, when rotated in the second direction, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state thereof. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 1 comprising a rachet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said armengaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with a chassis assembly configured to rotatably receive the rotary actuator. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 2 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by said ratchet arrangement, said engagement plane being angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 3 wherein said engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface, the at least one quick release ramped surface for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second direction. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 4 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to a chassis assembly for directing the rotary actuator from the engaged state and into the disengaged state. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 5 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth, the chassis-gripping teeth being directed into an upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly when said rotary actuator is directed in the second direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 5 and 6 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 7 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 1 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 9 wherein the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 9 and 10 wherein the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 9 through 11 wherein the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 9 through 12 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement, at least one protuberance of said arrangement being matable with at least one groove of said arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 12 wherein at least one of said inner and outer rotary bodies comprises at least one groove having an oblique angle relative to a body plane thereof, the oblique angle being operable to effect graded linear movement of the inner rotary body relative to the outer rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 12 through 14 wherein the outer rotary body comprises at least one inner groove and the inner rotary body comprising at least one outer protuberance matable with the at least one inner groove and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the inner rotary body from rotational movement of the outer rotary body. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 15 wherein the at least one outer protuberance comprises protuberance side walls obliquely angled relative to an inner body plane of the inner rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 12 through 16 wherein the outer rotary body comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip thereon. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 17 when dependent on embodiment 15 wherein a series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves are formed in the outer rotary body radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections. The tensioner apparatus according to any of embodiments 12 through 18 wherein the inner rotary body comprises an upper inner seat, an upper outer seat and an annular ridge extending upwardly therebetween, the rotary actuator comprising an annular cover and a button, the annular cover being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper outer seat, the button being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper inner seat. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 19 wherein the inner rotary body comprises at least one electrical contact at the upper inner seat, the button being axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis for engaging the at least one electrical contact for illuminating a lamp assembly via the button. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 and 9 through 20 wherein movement in the first direction, at the disengaged state, causes re-engagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 through 21 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the rotatable spindle element. The tensioner apparatus according to 22 wherein the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, the bevel gear being configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 through 23 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising a spindle element; a spindle operator; and a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator comprising a motion transducer mechanism configured to cause linear movement of at least a first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly as derived from rotational movement of the motion transducer mechanism; said rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly in a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the spindle element for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element; at least a part of said motion transducer mechanism being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in a second rotational direction for linearly displacing said first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly along the actuator rotation axis thereby disengaging the spindle operator for enabling release of tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 25 comprising a rachet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said armengaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with said chassis assembly. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 26 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by the ratchet arrangement, said engagement plane being angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 26 wherein said engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 28 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly for directing said portion from the engaged state to the disengaged state. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 through 29 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth, the chassis-gripping teeth being directed into an upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly when said rotary actuator is directed in the second rotational direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 28 through 30 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 31 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 25 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 33 wherein the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second rotational direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 33 and 34 wherein the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first rotational direction. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 33 through 35 wherein the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 33 through 36 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement, at least one protuberance of said arrangement being matable with at least one groove of said arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state from rotational movement of the lead screw mechanism. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 36 wherein at least one of said inner and outer rotary bodies comprises at least one groove having an oblique angle relative to a body plane thereof, the oblique angle being operable to effect graded linear movement of the inner rotary body relative to the outer rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 38 wherein the outer rotary body comprises at least one inner groove and the inner rotary body comprising at least one outer protuberance matable with the at least one inner groove and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the inner rotary body from rotational movement of the outer rotary body. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 39 wherein the at least one outer protuberance comprises protuberance side walls obliquely angled relative to an inner body plane of the inner rotary body. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 36 through 40 wherein the outer rotary body comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip thereon. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 41 when dependent on embodiment 39 wherein a series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves are formed in the outer rotary body radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections. The tensioner apparatus according to any of embodiments 36 through 42 wherein the inner rotary body comprises an upper inner seat, an upper outer seat and an annular ridge extending upwardly therebetween, the rotary actuator comprising an annular cover and a button, the annular cover being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper outer seat, the button being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper inner seat. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 43 wherein the inner rotary body comprises at least one electrical contact at the upper inner seat, the button being axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis for engaging the at least one electrical contact for illuminating a lamp assembly via the button. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 and 33 through 44 wherein movement in the first rotational direction, at the disengaged state, causes reengagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator. The tensioner apparatus according to any one embodiments 25 through 45 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the spindle element. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 46 wherein the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, the bevel gear being configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 25 through 47 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising an element-letting guideway and a rotatable spindle element; a spindle operator; and a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis in at least a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element about a spindle axis of rotation orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element by way of the element-letting guideway. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 49 comprising a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotation movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle operator and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 50 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge, the chassis-gripping teeth for rotatably attaching the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 51 wherein the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator, the resiliently actuable wall portions being resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 51 wherein the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel, the chassis-gripping teeth being received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 53 wherein the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 49 through 54 wherein the chassis assembly comprises at least one locking arm and the rotary actuator comprises a series of cams, the at least one locking arm and the series of cams together providing a ratchet arrangement. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 55 when dependent on embodiments 50 through 54 wherein the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface configured for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction for enabling release of tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 56 when dependent on embodiments 53 and 54 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 56 and 57 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 58 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of an engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 49 to 59 wherein the rotary actuator is characterized by a rotating knob, the rotating knob comprising a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 49 through 60 wherein the rotatable spindle element comprises a central spindle portion, the central spindle portion being configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 49 through 61 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 49 to 62 wherein said spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement having a bevel gear configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising an element-letting guideway and a spindle element about which the flexible elongated tensioning element is configured to wrap; a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis; and a rachet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said arm-engaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with said chassis assembly. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 64 wherein the engagement plane is obliquely angled relative to the actuator rotation axis, the ratchet arrangement thereby providing a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotation movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle element and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 64 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge, the chassis-gripping teeth for rotatably attaching the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 66 wherein the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator, the resiliently actuable wall portions being resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 66 and 67 wherein the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel, the chassis-gripping teeth being received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 68 wherein the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 68 and 69 wherein the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface extending along an engagement plane angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in a second rotational direction. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 70 when dependent on embodiment 68 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 70 and 71 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus of embodiment 72 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 64 through 73 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 64 through 74 wherein the spindle element comprises a central spindle portion configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 64 through 75 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

77. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of embodiments 64 through 76 further comprising a spindle operator configured to transmit rotational movement from the rotary actuator to the spindle element.

78. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 77 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement comprising an actuator gear, a bevel gear, and a spindle gear.

79. The tensioner apparatus according to embodiment 78 wherein the bevel gear is configured to transmit rotational movement from said actuator gear to said spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and objectives of the disclosure will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a first sequential diagrammatic depiction of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure with an elongate strap surrounding a generic torso before being tensioned by the first tensioner apparatus.

FIG. 2B is a second sequential diagrammatic depiction of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure with an elongate strap surrounding a generic torso after being tensioned by the first tensioner apparatus.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a first side elevational view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a second side elevational view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged anterior or front edge elevational view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged posterior or rear edge elevational view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a first anterior or front exploded view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom a rotary actuator, a first series of mechanical fasteners, a bevel gear, an upper gear-support chassis assembly, a second series of mechanical fasteners, a spindle gear, a rotatable spindle element, a lower spindle-support chassis, an anchor body, a mechanical fastener, and an anchor base.

FIG. 6B is a second anterior or front exploded view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom the rotary actuator, the first series of mechanical fasteners, a geared chassis assembly, and an anchor assembly.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged posterior or rear edge view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged lateral edge view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C is an enlarged anterior or front edge view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top posterior or rear perspective view of the anchor base of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the anchor body of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a generic strap of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a lower spindle- support chassis of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged posterior or rear edge view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 A is an enlarged first lateral side view of the rotatable spindle element of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B is an enlarged second lateral side view of the rotatable spindle element of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A is an enlarged first end view of the rotatable spindle element of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B is an enlarged second end view of the rotatable spindle element of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rotatable spindle element of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged inner end perspective view of the spindle gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged inner end view of the spindle gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged lateral side view of the spindle gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is an enlarged side elevational view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged top plan view of the bevel gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the bevel gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged lateral side elevational view of the bevel gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged top perspective view of the bevel gear of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged lateral side elevational view of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged anterior vertical cross-sectional view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged lateral vertical cross-sectional view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged top perspective horizontal cross-sectional view of the first tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective sectional view of upper portions of the upper gear-support chassis assembly and inner portions of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus more clearly showing a ratchet arrangement according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 39A is a diagrammatic depiction of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus in a first axial configuration relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly showing the chassis- gripping teeth received in a lower tensioning channel for rotating the rotary actuator in a first rotational direction for tensioning a strap.

FIG. 39B is a diagrammatic depiction of the rotary actuator of the first tensioner apparatus in a second axial configuration relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly showing the chassisgripping teeth received in an upper tension release channel.

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of a second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 A is a top plan view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 IB is a bottom plan view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 42A is a first side elevational view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 42B is a second side elevational view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 43A is an enlarged anterior or front edge elevational view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 43B is an enlarged posterior or rear edge elevational view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a first anterior or front exploded view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom a button, an annular cover, an inner rotary body, an outer rotary body, a bevel gear, a lamp assembly, an upper gear-support chassis assembly, a battery, a rotatable spindle element, a spindle gear, a lower spindle-support chassis, a strap, an anchor body, and an anchor base.

FIG. 45 is a top perspective exploded view of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom the button, the annular cover, the inner rotary body, the outer rotary body, the lamp assembly, the upper gear-support chassis assembly, the spindle gear, the battery, the rotatable spindle element, a battery cradle, the lower spindle-support chassis, the strap, the anchor body, and the anchor base.

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the anchor base of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the anchor base of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 48A is an enlarged lateral edge view of the anchor base of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 48B is an enlarged anterior or front edge view of the anchor base of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 49 is a top posterior or rear perspective view of the anchor base of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the anchor body of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of a generic strap of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of a lower spindle-support chassis of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 53 is a bottom plan view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 54A is an enlarged anterior or front edge view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 54B is a top perspective view of the lower spindle-support chassis of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 55A is an enlarged first lateral side view of the rotatable spindle element of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 55B is an enlarged second lateral side view of the rotatable spindle element of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 56 is an enlarged first end view of the rotatable spindle element of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 57 is an enlarged second end view of the rotatable spindle element of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the rotatable spindle element of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 59 is an enlarged inner end perspective view of the spindle gear of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 60 is an enlarged inner end view of the spindle gear of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 61 is an enlarged lateral side view of the spindle gear of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 62 is a top plan view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged anterior for front edge view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 65 is an enlarged lateral view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 66A is an exploded top perspective view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly and the lower gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 66B is a top perspective view of the upper gear-support chassis assembly in assembled relation with the lower gear-support chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 67 is an enlarged lateral view of the bevel gear of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 68 is an enlarged top perspective view of the bevel gear of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 69 is a bottom plan view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 70 is an exploded top perspective view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom the button, the annular cover, the inner rotary body, and the lower rotary body. FIG. 71 is an exploded lateral view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom the button, the annular cover, the inner rotary body, and the lower rotary body.

FIG. 72 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing from top to bottom the annular cover, the inner rotary body, and the lower rotary body.

FIG. 73 is a top plan view of the inner rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 74 is a bottom plan view of the inner rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 75 is a lateral edge view of the inner rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 76 is a top perspective view of the inner rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 77 is a top perspective view of the outer rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 78 is a top plan view of the outer rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 79 is a bottom plan view of the outer rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 80 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outer rotary body of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing internal grooves obliquely angled relative to an outer body plane of the outer rotary body.

FIG. 81 is an exploded top perspective view of the lamp assembly, power source battery, and battery cradle of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 82 is a top perspective view of the lamp assembly in electrical communication with the power source battery as received in the battery cradle of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 83A is an enlarged top perspective view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing the inner rotary body in a recessed first axial configuration relative to a transparent outer rotary body to show relative placement of an inner rotary body protuberance relative to an outer rotary body groove.

FIG. 83B is an enlarged top perspective view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing the inner rotary body in a raised second axial configuration relative to a transparent outer rotary body to show relative placement of the inner rotary body protuberance relative to the outer rotary body groove.

FIG. 84A is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing the inner rotary body in the recessed first axial configuration relative to the outer rotary body.

FIG. 84B is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing the inner rotary body in the raised second axial configuration relative to the outer rotary body.

FIG. 85 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary actuator of the second tensioner apparatus according to the present disclosure showing the inner rotary body in the raised second axial configuration relative to the outer rotary body and depicting an actuator gear of the inner rotary body disengaged from upper portions of the bevel gear.

FIG. 86A is a diagrammatic depiction of a first axial configuration depicting interface surfacing intermediate an actuator gear tooth as juxtaposed adjacent a bevel gear tooth in an engaged state with a generic sloped groove surface of a motion transducer mechanism according to the presently disclosed subject matter adjacent the interface surfacing to show relative dimensions of cooperative structures.

FIG. 86B is a diagrammatic depiction of a second axial configuration depicting the actuator gear tooth disengaged from the bevel gear tooth with a generic sloped groove surface of a motion transducer mechanism according to the presently disclosed subject matter adjacent the disengaged structures to show relative dimensions of cooperative structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the following specifications generally describe a first tensioner apparatus as referenced at 10 and a second tensioner apparatus as referenced at 310. There are a number common features in both the first and second tensioner apparatus 10 and 310, as discussed in more detail hereinafter. The first tensioner apparatus 10 and parts thereof are generally depicted in FIGS. 1 - 39B and the second tensioner apparatus 310 and parts thereof are generally depicted in FIGS. 40 - 86B. The primary structural differences between the first and second tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 relate to the rotary actuator feature of both embodiments.

The rotary actuators 12 and 312 according to the presently disclosed subject matter are each rotatable in a first direction as at 102 and in a second direction 115 opposite to the first direction 102 about an actuator rotation axis 100. At least portions of each rotary actuator 12 and 312 are linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis 100 between (a) an engaged state in which the respective rotary actuator is operatively engaged with a spindle operator so as to be able to rotate a spindle element thereby in a wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction 102, and (b) a disengaged state in which the respective rotary actuator is operatively disengaged from the spindle operator.

Each tensioner apparatus 10 and 310 further comprises a motion transducer mechanism operable, when the respective rotary actuators are at the engaged state, to cause the respective rotary actuators, when rotated in the second direction 115, to perform linear movement of at least portions thereof out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state thereof. In the case of rotary actuator 12, at least a part of the rotary actuator 12 is linearly directed and in the case of rotary actuator 312, at least a part of the rotary body 301 is linearly directed away from an outer rotary body 302 from the engaged state and into the disengaged state. Other secondary structural differences between the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 are discussed in turn in connection with each of the tensioner apparatuses.

The reader will note both the first tensioner apparatus 10 and the second tensioner apparatus 310 according to the presently disclosed subject matter enable a user to linearly wind and tension or stretch a flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by a strap consisting of woven fabric or similar other strap-like material of any select elemental length 104. While variously exemplified by a strap, the flexible elongated tensioning element according to the present disclosure may also take the form of strings, cords, or laces for shoes and the like.

The first and second tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure are primarily intended for use in cooperative association with school bags and backpacks of relatively young children. It is noted that young children often experience difficulty when tightening or tensioning the waist band of their school bags or backpacks, which waist bands are designed to allow a transfer of load from the shoulders and upper back to the pelvic region to make transport of the school bags or backpacks less burdensome. The present disclosure is primarily meant to address the difficulty many young children experience when tightening or tensioning these waist band or waist belt arrangements.

By way of example, a rotational force may be applied by a user’s hand into either the rotary actuator 12 or 312 respectively of the first and second tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 to effect the first rotational directed movement as at 102 and converted to linear tensioning force as at vector 103 to tension the flexible elongated tensioning element exemplified by straps 11 and 311 for generally improving comfort for the user as the straps 11 and 311 are tensioned or shortened into a more secure fit around the user’s torso as diagrammatically and comparatively depicted in Figure Nos. 2A versus 2B in connection with strap 11.

Comparatively referencing Figure Nos. 2A and 2B, the reader will there consider a generic user’s torso as at 200. The strap 11 of the first tensioner apparatus 10 is in circuit around the user’s torso 200 in both figures, but loosely circuited around the user’s torso 200 in FIG. 2 A. When a rotational force is applied to the rotary actuator 12 of the tensioner apparatus 10 in the first (rotational) direction 102, the strap 11 is linearly directed as at vector 103 into the tensioner apparatus 10, and a more secure, torso-encircling fit may be acquired as generally depicted in FIG. 2B. While an intended application of the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 are their incorporation into school bags or backpacks for children, the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure can also be easily incorporated into backpacks for adults and in other products in which there is a requirement for a mechanism to tension a strap, leash, string, cord or lace that is otherwise difficult to impart.

In certain embodiments, the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure may attach to a waist band having two parts, a first of which is received by the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310, which are anchored to the school bag or backpack while the second part is anchored to the school bag or backpack directly. The two parts can be connected by a connector of any known type. In certain embodiments, the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure basically and essentially enable a user to tension a flexible elongated tensioning element in line or in circuit with an anchor body as at 14.

The tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure each basically provide a rotary knob, handle, or rotary actuator linked to an internal spindle operator for enabling a user, with relatively few actuator rotations or rotational movements to single-handedly rotational force in a first rotational direction 102 into a linear force as at vector 103 for directing tension into the flexible elongated tensioning element (e.g., straps 11 and 311) as coupled to the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310. As prefaced above, similar strap tensioners exist in the art, but they are clumsy and typically include a lever handle connected to a ratchet arrangement for scrolling or winding the leash or strap directly. The presently disclosed subject matter provides an improvement to the state of the art tensioners eliminating such lever operators and replacing them with a rotary actuator easily manipulable by the user to effect tensioning and enabling tension release from the applicable tensioning element.

The present disclosure provides a rotary actuator or rotary knob with an actuator rotation axis 100 that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of a strap- winding spindle or spindle axis of rotation as referenced at 101. It is further noted the prior art teaches string scrollers that enable the user to tighten shoe laces, helmet straps, and the like in which the rotary actuator or knob and the scrolling shaft are on the same axis. Notably, the operating mechanisms of string or wire type scrollers having coaxially aligned rotary actuators and scrolling shafts are not well suited for scrolling or reeling tensioning elements such as straps having significant widths as internal reeling space is limited. The present disclosure provides a compact tensioning apparatus for tensioning or directing linear force 103 into a flexible elongated tensioning element with relatively minimal rotational force in the first rotational direction 102 thereby easing the tensioning process.

In general, in any or both of the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310, the rotary actuator and the spindle element can be so operatively engaged, for example via a spindle operator, that rotation of the rotary actuator in a first direction about an actuator rotation axis is transformed into a rotation of the spindle element in a first direction about a spindle axis orthogonal (or in general transverse) to the actuator rotation axis. The spindle operator can include a gear arrangement comprising one or more gears so operatively engaged to transform the rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction into the rotation of the spindle element in the first direction. In some examples, the spindle operator can include any other structure suitable to transform the rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction into the rotation of the spindle element in the first direction.

In general, in any or both of the tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310, the rotary actuator and the spindle element can be so operatively engaged, for example via a motion transducer mechanism, that rotation of the rotary actuator in a second direction (opposite the first direction) about the actuator rotation axis causes the rotary actuator to be operatively disengaged from the spindle element such that the rotation of the rotary actuator in the second direction is not transformed (or at least restricts the transformation), for example by the spindle operator, into a rotation of the spindle element. In some examples, the motion transducer mechanism can cause the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle operator to effectively cause the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle element. In some examples, the motion transducer mechanism can cause the disengagement of the spindle operator from the spindle element to effectively cause the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle element. In some examples, the motion transducer mechanism can cause the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle operator as well as the disengagement of the spindle operator from the spindle element to effectively cause the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle element. In other words, the disengagement of the rotary actuator from the spindle element can be effected by disengaging either or both of the rotary actuator from the spindle operator and the spindle operator from the spindle element. The motion transducer mechanism can be operable to axially displace the rotary actuator to return into operative engagement with the spindle element when the rotary actuator is rotated in the first direction. In some examples, the tensioner apparatus can include a separate arrangement for bringing the rotary actuator into operative engagement with the spindle element, for example by means of rotation or any other operation.

It is to be understood herein that engagement and disengagement of elements is to be construed as operative engagement and disengagement. For example, two elements being engaged is to be understood as being operatively engaged, i.e., the elements can co-operate, while two elements being disengaged is to be understood as being operatively disengaged, i.e., operation of one element does not cause the operation of the other one irrespective of them being physically contacting or not.

The motion transducer mechanism can include any mechanical, magnetic, electrical, or combination thereof, structure to operably engage and disengage the rotary actuator and the spindle element. In some examples, the motion transducer mechanism can include a ramped surface formed on one of the two elements that are to be selectively engaged and disengaged and a part of the other one of the two elements can be slidably engaged with the ramped surface such that upon rotation of one of the two elements with respect to the other, the ramped surface causes the axial displacement between the two elements along the axis of rotation. In some examples, the part of the other one of the two elements can as well be another ramped surface, whereas the two ramped surfaces can slidably engage each other to cause the above-mentioned axial displacement.

In some examples, at the disengaged state, the tensioner apparatus can enable release of tension on the tensioning element. In some examples, at the disengaged state, a user can unwrap the tensioning element from the spindle.

Referring now more particularly to the first tensioner apparatus 10 as generally and variously depicted in FIGS. 1 - 39B, the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be said to essentially comprise a rotatable spindle element as at 16, a spindle operator, a rotary actuator as at 12, and a motion transducer mechanism. The rotatable spindle element 16 is operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element 16 is rotated in a wrapping direction. The spindle operator is operable to rotate the rotatable spindle element 16 at least in the wrapping direction. The spindle operator may be defined by a gear arrangement as discussed in more detail later in these specifications.

The rotary actuator 12 is rotatable in a first (rotational) direction as at 102 and in a second (rotational) direction 115 opposite the first direction 102 about an actuator rotation axis 100, and is linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis 100 between an engaged state in which the rotary actuator 12 is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element 16 thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator 12 in the first direction 102 as diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 39 A, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator 12 is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element as generally depicted in FIG. 39B.

The motion transducer mechanism of the first tensioner apparatus 10 is operable, when the rotary actuator 12 is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator 12, when rotated in the second direction 115, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator 12 out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state. In the present example, the motion transducer mechanism of the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be characterized by a ratchet arrangement comprising a series of cams as at 68, each of which have an arm-engaging wall as at 78; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall 77 engageable with the arm-engaging walls 78 along an engagement plane 109 to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. The engagement plane 109 provides at least one quick release ramped surface for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator 12 in the second direction 115 in some embodiments. In general, the tensioner apparatus 10 can comprise a chassis assembly, and the rotary actuator can be rotatable with respect to the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly can comprise or accommodate at least partially one or more of the spindle operator, the spindle element, and the motion transducer mechanism. The chassis assembly can provide a housing to the spindle element, whereas the housing can have an opening in the form of an element-letting guideway for introducing therethrough the flexible elongated tensioning element into the housing to be associated with the spindle element for being wrapped therearound during tensioning. Accordingly, the element-letting guideway can have shape and size dimensioned to suit the shape and size of the flexible elongated tensioning element. The chassis assembly can include one or more portions formed as chassis to accommodate at least partially the spindle element, for example, as a spindle-support chassis, to accommodate at least partially the spindle operator, for example as a gear-support chassis. In some examples, the chassis assembly may constitute a part of the motion transducer mechanism configured to be engageable with a corresponding part of the motion transducer mechanism formed or located at the rotary actuator. The chassis can be manufactured as a unitary body or as upper and lower bodies to accommodate therebetween the corresponding element while allowing the element to operatively engage another element to perform its intended operation.

Stated another way, the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly, a spindle operator and a first rotary actuator 12. The chassis assembly according to the present disclosure essentially comprises an element-letting guideway as at 22 and a rotatable spindle element as at 16. The chassis assembly further operates in cooperative association with the spindle operator characterized by a gear arrangement in some embodiments. The gear arrangement according to the present example includes an actuator gear mechanism, a bevel gear mechanism, and a spindle gear mechanism. In certain embodiments, the chassis assembly may be said to comprise the spindle operator. In some embodiments, the bevel gear mechanism is configured to transmit rotational movement from the actuator gear mechanism associated with the rotary actuator 12 to a spindle gear 17 by way of a bevel gear 19 in a ratio greater than 1: 1.

As indicated, the rotary actuator 12 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis 100 in at least a first rotational direction as at 102 for transmitting rotational motion or movement from the rotary actuator 12 to the spindle element 16 by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element 16 about a spindle axis of rotation 101 orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis 100 for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11 when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element 16 by way of the element-letting guideway 22.

The first tensioner apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure may further be said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly, a rotary actuator 12, and a ratchet arrangement. The chassis assembly provides an element-letting guideway 22 and a spindle element 16 about which the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11 is configured to wrap. The rotary actuator 12 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis 100. The rachet arrangement comprises a series of unidirectional cams 68, each of which have an arm-engaging wall or surface as at 78, and at least one locking arm 56 having a cam-engaging wall 77 engageable with the arm-engaging wall(s) 78 along an engagement plane as at 109 to induce locking of the rachet arrangement as comparatively depicted and referenced in FIGS. 38 through 39B.

In some embodiments, the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be further said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly, a gear arrangement, and a rotary actuator as at 12. The chassis assembly comprises or provides an element-letting guideway as at 22 and a rotatable spindle element as at 16. The gear arrangement may comprise a bevel gear mechanism as exemplified by a bevel gear 19 for directing rotational force from an actuator gear mechanism of the rotary actuator 12 to the rotatable spindle element 16 by way of a spindle gear 17. The rotary actuator 12 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis 100 in at least a first rotational direction as at 102 for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator 12 to the rotatable spindle element 16 by way of the gear arrangement thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element 16 about the spindle axis of rotation 101 orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis 100 for tensioning a flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11 when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element 16 by way of the element-letting guideway 22.

In general, the tensioner apparatus 10 can comprise an anchoring arrangement to anchor/fix the tensioner apparatus at the location where it is to be used, for example, at a bag, shoe, cloth, etc. The anchoring arrangement can comprise an anchor base and an anchor body having any structure suitable to anchor the tensioner apparatus.

The first tensioner apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure may be said to more particularly comprises an anchor base 13, an anchor body 14; a lower spindle-support chassis 15; a rotatable spindle element 16; a spindle gear 17; an upper gear-support chassis assembly 18; a bevel gear 19; and a rotary actuator 12 with internal actuator gear mechanism usable to tension the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11. In some embodiments, the strap 11 is attached to an element-receiving slot 41 formed in of the rotatable spindle element 16 and optionally fastened thereto by at least one mechanical fastener as at 48. The lower spindle-support chassis 15 and the upper gear- support chassis assembly 18 together rotatably support and enclose the rotatable spindle element 16 and the spindle gear 17. The bevel gear 19 is rotatably supported atop the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 and is positioned thereby so as to operably engage both the spindle gear 17 and the actuator gear mechanism of the rotary actuator 12.

The anchor base 13 comprises a substantially planar bottom base portion 20 and a raised base portion 21. The bottom base portion 20 is circular and has a bottom base portion diameter while the raised base portion 21 is centrally-located relative to the bottom base portion 20 with a relatively reduced base portion diameter and extends upwardly from the bottom base portion 20. The raised base portion 21 defines or comprises the element-letting guideway 22, which elementletting guideway 22 comprises opposed guideway walls as at 23; a guideway floor 24 with a series of channels 25 formed therein; a basal depression as at 26 and a chassis-receiving aperture as at 27. The basal depression 26 structurally accommodates a length of the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element as it is wound round the rotatable spindle element 16. The chassisreceiving aperture 27 structurally accommodates or receives a formation as at 34 of the lower spindle-support chassis 15. A series of apertured fastener support posts 28 are further provided by the anchor base 13, which apertured fastener support posts 28 extend upwardly from the raised base portion 21 in periodically spaced relation to one another.

The anchor body 14 comprises a first anchor body end 29 and a second anchor body end 30 and essentially serves as an interface for anchoring the first tensioner apparatus 10 to peripheral support structure in circuit or in line with the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element. More particularly, the second anchor body end 30 attaches to a first anchor structure as exemplified by a first waistband end of a school bag or backpack. The first anchor body end 29 comprises a base-receiving aperture as at 31. The base-receiving aperture 31 has an aperture diameter dimensioned to receive the raised base portion 21 such that the anchor body 14 seats down atop the bottom base portion 20 at the first anchor body end 29. The lower spindle-support chassis 15 further seats down atop the first anchor body end 29 such that the first anchor body end 29 is sandwiched intermediate the bottom base portion 20 and the lower spindle-support chassis 15. The lower spindle-support chassis 15 comprises an upper spindle -receiving formation or spindle-support saddle 32 formed in a raised chassis portion 35 centrally located relative to a bottom chassis portion 36. The raised chassis portion 35 extends upwardly from the bottom chassis portion 36 and is matable with the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18. The upper spindlereceiving formation 32 comprises an element-letting window as at 33 and a gear end depression formation or recess 34. The strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element is insertable into the first tensioner apparatus 10 through the element-letting guideway 22 of the anchor base 13 and further insertable into the space defined by the lower spindle-support chassis 15 via the elementletting window 33.

The gear end depression formation or recess 34 structurally accommodates a gear end of the rotatable spindle element 16 and the spindle gear 17 at upper surfacing of the lower spindlesupport chassis 15. More particularly, the gear end depression formation or recess 34 is dimensioned to structurally accommodate spindle gear teeth 45 formed on the spindle gear 17 as outfitted upon a second spindle end 39 of the rotatable spindle element 16. The gear end depression formation or recess 34 is further insertable into the chassis-receiving aperture 27 at lower surfacing of the lower spindle-support chassis 15 providing a chassis-to-anchor locator feature. A series of fastener-letting apertures 37 are further formed in the lower spindle-support chassis 15 in some embodiments.

The rotatable spindle element 16 comprises a first spindle end 38, a second spindle end 39, an element-reeling or element-winding central spindle portion 40, and a spindle axis of rotation as at 101. The central spindle portion 40 comprises an element-receiving slot 41, at least one optional fastener-receiving aperture as at 42, and a central spindle width as at 107. The first spindle end 38 comprises a spindle locator flange 43 and the second spindle end 39 comprises a non-circular gearengaging portion 44 matable with the corresponding structure of the spindle gear 17. In some embodiments, the non-circular gear-engaging portion 44 is rectangular or square in transverse cross-section thought it is here noted other matable shapes are contemplated.

The rotatable spindle element 16 is firstly rotatably received in the upper spindle -receiving formation or spindle-support saddle 32 and a first end 46 of the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element is insertable into the element-receiving slot 41 as extended through the element-letting guideway 22 and element-letting window 33, and is optionally fastened thereto via strap-securing fasteners 48 received in the spindle fastener-receiving apertures as at 42. The reader will note the central spindle width 107 is dimensioned to structurally accommodate a strap width 103 of the strap 11. As the rotatable spindle element 16 rotates about the spindle axis of rotation 101, the winding strap 11 layers upon itself as wound round the rotatable spindle element 16 with a maximum layered strap thickness substantially equal to the radial flange height 105 of the spindle locator flange 43.

According to certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the spindle gear 17 comprises a spindle end-receiving portion 49 and a series of radiating spindle gear teeth 45. The spindle end-receiving portion 49 may comprise internal female structure 50 non-circular in transverse cross-section and dimensioned to mate with the male non-circular gear-engaging portion 44. The spindle gear 17 and rotatable spindle element 16 may be integrally formed as a single element in certain embodiments. As earlier indicated, the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 45 are received in the gear end depression formation or recess 34 at upper surfacing of the lower spindle- support chassis 15 when the spindle gear 17 is mated with the rotatable spindle element 16. The series of radiating spindle gear teeth 45 mesh with a lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 52 formed on the bevel gear 19 as supported by the upper gear-support chassis 18 fastened to the lower spindle-support chassis 15 via a series of upwardly directed mechanical fasteners 76 in some embodiments. The upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 may also be fastened to the lower spindle-support chassis 15 and the anchor base 13 via a series of downwardly directed mechanical fasteners 76.

In certain embodiments, the lower spindle-support chassis 15 is fastened to the upper gearsupport chassis assembly 18 for housing the rotatable spindle element 16 and spindle gear 17 combination and supporting the bevel gear 19. In certain alternative embodiments, a chassis assembly operates to simply support the rotatable spindle element 16 and a bevel gear mechanism that cooperates with an actuator gear mechanism to direct rotational force from the rotary actuator 12 to the rotatable spindle element 16. In some applications, the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 comprises a lower spindle -receiving formation 53; an upper gear shaft 54; a gear access window 55; a series of locking arms 56; and a series of fastener-receiving apertures 75.

Together the series of locking arms 56 and the unidirectional cams 68 provide a ratchet arrangement according to the present disclosure. In this regard, and as earlier indicated, the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly, a rotary actuator, and a ratchet arrangement for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11. The chassis assembly comprises or provides an element-letting guideway as at 22 and a spindle element as at 16 about which the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11 is configured to wrap. The rotary actuator 12 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis 100. The rachet arrangement comprises or provides a series of unidirectional cams as at 68, each of which have an arm-engaging wall or surface as at 78.

The locking arms 56 each have a cam-engaging wall or surface as at 77 engageable with the arm-engaging walls 78 along an engagement plane as at 109 to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one locking arms 56 and the series of unidirectional cams 68 is associated with the rotary actuator 12, while the other is associated with the chassis assembly in some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the engagement plane(s) 109 is/are obliquely angled with respect to the actuator rotation axis 100. The ratchet arrangement, as illustrated as comparatively depicted in FIGS. 38 through 39B provides locking arms 56 structurally connected to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 with the unidirectional cams 68 being integrally formed at lower, inner surfacing of the rotary actuator 12. In certain other embodiments not specifically illustrated, the locking arms can be structurally associated with the rotary actuator with unidirectional cams being structurally associated with the chassis assembly.

The lower spindle -receiving formation 53 is sized and shaped to rotatably receive upper portions of the rotatable spindle element 16 with bottom portions of the rotatable spindle element 16 being rotatably received in the upper spindle-receiving formation 32. The lower spindlereceiving formation 53 further comprises a teeth-receiving formation 58 for receiving or structurally accommodating the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 45 of the spindle gear 17. The upper gear shaft 54 comprises a shaft axis 106 that extends in parallel relation to the actuator rotation axis 100. In some embodiments, a bevel gear-accommodating depression or beveled recess 57 is formed in radial adjacency to the upper gear shaft 54 for rotatably receiving the lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 52 of the bevel gear 19, which bevel gear teeth 52 mesh with the spindle gear teeth 45 via the gear access window 55 formed in the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18.

The upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 further comprises at least one peripheral ridge 61 formed on an outer chassis wall 62. In some embodiments, the peripheral ridge 61 is equidistant intermediate an upper chassis ridge 63 and a lower chassis ridge 64 thereby defining an upper tension release channel 65 and a lower tensioning channel 66. Chassis-gripping teeth 67 formed on inner surfacing of the rotary actuator 12 are rotatably received in the lower tensioning channel 66 and are translatable therein when the rotary actuator 12 is in a first axial configuration and rotated relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 about the actuator rotation axis 100 in at least the first rotational direction 102. This first axial configuration is generally depicted in FIG. 39A.

In some embodiments, the cam-engaging locking arms 56 have inherent material resiliency and comprise a first arm end 59 and a second arm end 60. The first arm ends 59 mesh with unidirectional cams 68 formed on inner surfacing of the rotary actuator 12 as generally depicted in FIG. 38. As the rotary actuator 12 is rotated about the actuator rotation axis 100 in the first rotational direction 102 for tensioning the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element, the first arm ends 59 engage the unidirectional cams 68 formed at the inner lower actuator surfacing 72, and generally prevent reverse directional movement of the rotary actuator 12 when in the first axial configuration whereby the chassis-gripping teeth 67 are received in the lower tensioning channel 66 as generally depicted in FIG. 39A.

The first arm ends 59 further comprise a quick release ramped surface or cam-engaging wall 77 in some embodiments. The quick release ramped surfaces or cam-engaging walls 77 and opposing cam surfaces or arm-engaging walls 78 engage one another at engagement plane 109 and are obliquely angled relative to the axis of rotation 100 as at angle 110 in FIG. 39A. In this regard, the user may optionally direct an overload force as at 111 in a second rotational direction 115. When an overload force 111 is imparted in the second rotational direction 115, the quick release ramped surfaces 77 and opposing cam surfaces 78 direct as at vector 112 the rotary actuator 12 into the second axial configuration thereby disengaging the cam-engaging locking arms 56 from the cams 68 such that the chassis-gripping teeth 67 are relocated into the tension release channel 65 for enabling the user to release tension in the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element as at vector 114 by rotating the spindle element 16 in an unwrapping direction opposite to the wrapping direction.

Notably, in the second axial configuration of the rotary actuator 12, the actuator gear teeth 70 formed upon an actuator gear mechanism of the rotary actuator 12 are further disengaged from the bevel gear teeth 51 for enabling tension release from the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11. This occurs as the chassis-gripping teeth 67 are relocated into the tension release channel 65. The overload force 111 is determined by the angle 110 of the engagement plane 109 relative to the actuator rotation axis 100. In this regard, the reader will note the prior art is silent on angled surfacing as at cam-engaging walls 77 and arm-engaging walls 78 relative to the actuator rotation axis 100 for providing such a release mechanism. Prior art ratchet arrangements typically show opposed cam-engaging walls and arm-engaging walls that are parallel to actuator rotation axes. In such embodiments, an overload force directed into the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction would be futile or otherwise break the mechanism.

The bevel gear 19 according to the present disclosure comprises an inner shaft-receiving portion 69 that rotatably mates with the gear shaft 54. The bevel gear 19 further comprises an upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 51 and the lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 52, which lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 52 are obliquely angled relative to the upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 51 and mesh with the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 45 via the gear access window 55 as earlier indicated. The upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 51 mesh with a series of integrally formed actuator gear teeth 70 formed at the inner surfacing 72 of the rotary actuator 12 thereby providing an actuator gear mechanism. The integrally formed actuator gear teeth 70 radiate outwardly relative to the actuator rotation axis 100 and operate to impart rotational motion to the bevel gear 19 rotatable about a bevel gear axis of rotation 108 in coaxial alignment with the shaft axis 106.

The rotary actuator 12 is essentially an ergonomic handle or knob comprising outer, upper actuator surfacing as at 71; inner, lower actuator surfacing as at 72; the actuator rotation axis 100, and a first motion transducer mechanism. The inner, lower actuator surfacing 72 is rotatably received upon the upper gear-support chassis 18 and comprises the series of integrally formed unidirectional cams 68 and integrally formed actuator gear teeth 70. The rotary actuator 12 further comprises a series of circumferentially spaced chassis-gripping teeth 67 formed at the inner, lower actuator surfacing 72 upon resiliently actuable actuator wall portions as at 73. The reader will recall the chassis-gripping teeth 67 are rotatably translatable in the lower tensioning channel 66 when the rotary actuator 12 is in the first axial configuration generally depicted in FIG. 39 A and rotated relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 about the actuator rotation axis 100 in at least the first rotational direction 102.

The resiliently actuable actor wall portions 73 are resiliently actuable radially outward for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator 12 into the second axial configuration in the direction of the actuator rotation axis 100. In the second axial configuration generally depicted in FIG. 39B, the chassis-gripping teeth 67 are relocated and rotatably received in the upper tension release channel 65 in superior adjacency to the peripheral ridge 61. Further, the locking arms 56 are disengaged from the unidirectional cams 68 and the series of radiating actuator gear teeth 70 are disengaged from the upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 51 thereby enabling the user to release tension 114 from the flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11.

The user may simply direct the rotary actuator 12 into either the first or second axial configuration for tensioning the strap 11 or enabling release of tension therefrom. The rotary actuator 12 may further comprise a series of radiating grip projections 74 or abbreviated lever arms for generally increasing torque and enhancing the user’s ability to rotate the rotary actuator 12 relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 18 about the actuator rotation axis 100. The motion transducer mechanism of the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be said to exemplified by the structures enabling the user to covert rotational motion of the rotary actuator 12 in axial displacements of the rotary actuator 12 relative to the chassis assembly for disengaging the actuator gear mechanism from the bevel gear mechanism and enabling the user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by strap 11.

The flexible elongated tensioning element or strap 11 comprises a first strap or element end 46 and a second strap or element end 47 separated by an element length as at 104, which length 104 may be of any desired or suitable length. The strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element further comprises an element width 103 which is less than the central spindle width 107. The first strap or element end 46 is inserted into the element-receiving slot 41 via the element-letting guide way 22 and the element-letting window 33, and optionally secured in the element-receiving slot 41 via mechanical fasteners 48. The second strap or element end 47 is in circuit with or otherwise directly connected to the anchor body 14 or other anchor structure.

As variously described, the rotary actuator 12 is rotatable relative to the upper gear- support chassis assembly 18 in superior adjacency to the lower spindle-support chassis 15 about the actuator rotation axis 100 in at least the first rotational direction 102 for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator 12 to the rotatable spindle element 16 by way of the actuator gear teeth 70, the bevel gear 19, and the spindle gear 17 thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element 16 about the spindle axis of rotation 101 for linearly tensioning the strap 11 or flexible elongated tensioning element as it winds thereabout. As variously described, the first tensioner apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure essentially enables a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element exemplified by a strap. In summary, the first tensioner apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure comprises an anchor base as at 13; an anchor body as at 14; a lower spindle-support chassis as at 15; a rotatable spindle element as at 16; a spindle gear as at 17; an upper gear-support chassis assembly as at 18; a bevel gear as at 19; a rotary actuator as at 12; and a flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by strap 11. The motion transducer mechanism of the first tensioner apparatus 10 is essentially provided by the particularly configured opposed sloped or obliquely angled surfacing of the cams 68 and the locking arms 56. Under an overload force 111, the rotary actuator 12 is directed into the second axial configuration from the first axial configuration for disengaging the spindle operator or gear arrangement enabling release of tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by strap 11.

Referring now more particularly to the second tensioner apparatus 310 as generally depicted in FIGS. 40 - 86B, the second tensioner apparatus 310 may be said to essentially comprise a rotatable spindle element, a spindle operator, a rotary actuator, and a motion transducer mechanism. The rotatable spindle element is referenced at 316 and is substantially similar to spindle element 16. The rotatable spindle element 316 is operable for wrapping of a flexible elongated tensioning element (e.g., strap 311) thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element 316 is rotated in a wrapping direction. The spindle operator is operable to rotate the rotatable spindle element 316 at least in the wrapping direction and may be defined by a gear arrangement in some embodiments.

The rotary actuator is referenced at 312 and is rotatable in a first rotational direction as at 102 and in a second rotational direction as at 115 opposite the first direction 102 about an actuator rotation axis as at 100. The rotary actuator 312 or at least a portion thereof is linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis 100 between an engaged state in which the rotary actuator 312 is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element 312 thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator 312 in the first direction 102, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator 312 is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element 316. The motion transducer mechanism of the tensioner apparatus 310 is operable, when the rotary actuator 312 is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator 312, when rotated in the second direction 115, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator 312 out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state.

In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism may be characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another. The lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 83A and 84A to a second axial configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 83B and 84B when rotated in the second direction 115. When rotated in the first direction 102, the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration. In some embodiments, the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body as at 302 and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body as at 301.

In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism may be characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement wherein at least one protuberance 305 of the arrangement is matable with at least one groove 304 of the arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism or inner rotary body 301 from the engaged state to the disengaged state as imparted thereto as derived from rotational movement of the lead screw mechanism or outer rotary body 302. When rotated in the first direction 102 at the disengaged state, the inner and outer rotary bodies 301 and 302 cause re-engagement of at least a rotary actuator portion (e.g., actuator gear 303) with the spindle operator or gear arrangement and together move in unison at the first axial configuration.

In general, the tensioner apparatus 310 can comprise a chassis assembly, and the rotary actuator can be rotatable with respect to the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly can comprise or accommodate at least partially one or more of the spindle operator, the spindle element, and the motion transducer mechanism. The chassis assembly can provide a housing to the spindle element, whereas the housing can have an opening in the form of an element-letting guideway for introducing therethrough the flexible elongated tensioning element into the housing to be associated with the spindle element for being wrapped therearound during tensioning. Accordingly, the element-letting guideway can have shape and size dimensioned to suit the shape and size of the flexible elongated tensioning element. The chassis assembly can include one or more portions formed as chassis to accommodate at least partially the spindle element, for example, as a spindle-support chassis, to accommodate at least partially the spindle operator, for example as a gear-support chassis. In some examples, the chassis assembly may constitute a part of the motion transducer mechanism configured to be engageable with a corresponding part of the motion transducer mechanism formed or located at the rotary actuator. The chassis can be manufactured as a unitary body or as upper and lower bodies to accommodate therebetween the corresponding element while allowing the element to operatively engage another element to perform its intended operation.

Stated another way, the second tensioner apparatus may be said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly with spindle element 316, a spindle operator, and a rotary actuator 312 with motion transducer mechanism. The motion transducer mechanism is configured to cause linear movement of at least a first rotary actuator portion (e.g., the inner rotary body 301) relative to the chassis assembly from rotational movement of the motion transducer mechanism about the actuator rotation axis 100. The rotary actuator 312 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly in a first rotational direction 102 for transmitting rotational motion to the spindle element 316 by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the spindle element 316 for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element 316. The motion transducer mechanism is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis 100 in a second rotational direction 115 for linearly displacing the first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly along the actuator rotation axis 100 thereby disengaging the spindle operator for enabling release of tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element as at strap 311.

As with the first tensioner apparatus 10, the chassis assembly according to second tensioner apparatus 310 essentially comprises an element-letting guideway as at 322 and the rotatable spindle element 316 substantially as earlier described in connection with the first tensioner apparatus 10. Common or analogous features shared by each of the first and second tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 include the anchor bases, the anchor bodies, the rotatable spindle elements, the spindle gears, the bevel gears, the actuator gears, and flexible elongated tensioning elements as exemplified by straps. The rotary actuators and chassis assemblies differ to provide alternative motion transducer mechanisms. Further, the second tensioner apparatus 310 may optionally comprise a lamp assembly 382 made operable by way of the rotary actuator 312.

The chassis assembly of the second tensioner apparatus 310 also operates in cooperative association with an internal spindle operator. In some embodiments, the spindle operator may be characterized by a gear arrangement substantially similar to the gear arrangement of the first tensioner apparatus 10. In this regard, the gear arrangement of the second tensioner apparatus 310 may include an actuator gear mechanism, a bevel gear mechanism, and a spindle gear mechanism. In certain embodiments, the chassis assembly may be said to comprise the spindle operator or gear arrangement. The actuator gear mechanism of the second tensioner apparatus 310 is exemplified by actuator gear 303 integrally formed at an inner portion of the rotary actuator 312. In some embodiments, the bevel gear mechanism of tensioner apparatus 310 is defined by a bevel gear 319 configured to transmit rotational movement from the actuator gear 303 integrally formed with the rotary actuator 312 to a spindle gear mechanism exemplified by spindle gear 317 in a ratio greater than 1:1.

The rotary actuator 312 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis 100 in at least a first rotational direction as at 102 for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator 312 to the spindle element 316 by way of the spindle operator or gear arrangement thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element 316 about a spindle axis of rotation 101 orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis 100 for selectively tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element exemplified by a strap 311 when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element 316 by way of the element- letting guideway 322.

As with the first tensioner apparatus 10, the second tensioner apparatus 310 also enables a user to linearly wind and tension or stretch the flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by a strap 311 typically consisting of woven fabric or similar other strap-like material of any select element length 104. A rotational force applied by a user’s hand into the rotary actuator 312 of the second tensioner apparatus 310 firstly directs the rotary actuator 312 in a first (rotational) direction and this directed movement causes a linear tensioning force 103 of the strap 311 or flexible elongated tensioning element. In other words, when a rotational force is applied to the rotary actuator 312 of the tensioner apparatus 310 in the first rotational direction 102, the strap 311 or flexible elongated tensioning element is linearly directed as at vector 103 into the tensioner apparatus 310.

In other words, the second tensioner apparatus 310 according to the present disclosure basically provides a knob, handle, or rotary actuator 312 linked to an internal spindle operator for enabling a user, with relatively few actuator rotations or rotational movements to single-handedly direct a first rotational force in the first rotational direction 102 to create a linear force 103 for directing tension into the strap 311 or flexible elongated tensioning element as coupled to the tensioner apparatus 310. Further, the tensioner apparatus 310 enables a user to direct a second rotational force as at 115 into the second tensioner apparatus 310 for enabling release of tension from the strap 311 by way of a motion transducer mechanism characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement or slot and protuberance arrangement in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the groove and protuberance arrangement is characterized by cooperable structures formed on the inner rotary body 301 axially displaceable relative to the outer rotary body 302 for disengaging the rotary actuator 312 from the spindle operator or gear arrangement and enabling or allowing the user to release tension from the strap 311 or flexible elongated tensioning element.

In this regard, the second tensioner apparatus 310 centrally includes a rotary actuator 312 comprising a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotational movement or motion as referenced at 115 into linear movement or axial displacement of the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302. When the rotary actuator 312 is directed in the second rotational direction as at 115, the inner rotary body 301 is axially displaced as at 405 along the actuator rotation axis 100 to disengage the actuator gear 303 integrally formed at an inner portion of the inner rotary body 301 from the bevel gear 319 in communication with the spindle gear 317 of the internal spindle operator or gear arrangement.

The grooves 304 and protuberances 305 are dimensioned to be matable with one another such that the protuberances 305 are displaceable within the grooves 304 during rotational movements 102/115 to axially displace the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302 along or in the direction of the actuator rotation axis 100. In this last regard, the reader will note the series of grooves 304 are obliquely angled relative to a transverse body plane 400 of the rotary actuator 312 in some embodiments. The transverse body plane 400 coincides with an outer body plane 402 of the outer rotary body 302 and an inner body plane 401 of the inner rotary body 301 when the inner rotary body is in a recessed first axial configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 83 A and 84A. The inner body plane 401 becomes parallel to the outer body plane 402 when the inner rotary body 301 is axially displaced into a raised second axial configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 83B and 84B.

In some embodiments, the series of circumferentially spaced grooves 304 are formed at an inner portion of the outer rotary body 302, and are obliquely angled relative to a transverse outer body plane 402 as at angle 403 in FIG. 80. In some embodiments, the series of circumferentially spaced protuberances 305 may comprise protuberance side walls 306 that are also obliquely angled relative to the transverse inner body plane 400. When the series of circumferentially spaced protuberances 305 are formed at an outer portion of the inner rotary body 301, the protuberances side walls 306 may be obliquely angled relative to a transverse inner body plane 401 as at angle 404 in FIG. 75.

The angles 403 and 404 coincide to cause the axial displacements as at vectors 405 and 406 of the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302 during rotational movement of the rotary actuator 312 in the first and second rotational directions 102/115. In this regard, the reader will recall movement in the first direction 102, at the disengaged state, causes reengagement of the actuator gear 303 with the spindle operator or gear arrangement. Further, the reader will note the angles 403 and 404 are operable to effect graded or gradual linear movement of the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302 as the rotary actuator 312 is rotated in the first and second rotational directions 102/115.

In some embodiments, the angles 403 and 404 are on the order of 10 to 30 degrees, and in some embodiments, more particularly 20 degrees. The angles 403 and 404 are dependent, in part, upon the degree of interface surfacing 410 of the actuator gear 303 relative to the bevel gear 319. Comparatively referencing FIGS. 86 A versus FIG. 86B, the reader will there consider diagrammatic depictions of an actuator gear tooth 370 juxtaposed adjacent a bevel gear tooth 351 in the first and second axial configurations 406/405. FIG. 86A is a diagrammatic depiction of the first axial configuration 406 depicting interface surfacing 410 intermediate an actuator gear tooth 370 as juxtaposed adjacent a bevel gear tooth 351 in an engaged state.

A generic sloped groove surface 410 of a motion transducer mechanism according to the presently disclosed subject matter is depicted adjacent the interface surfacing 410 to show relative dimensions of cooperative structures. FIG. 86B is a diagrammatic depiction of the second axial configuration 405 depicting the actuator gear tooth 370 disengaged from the bevel gear tooth 351. If the slope 420 of a groove 304 were to oppose a right angle 411, and a plane 412 parallel to the outer body plane 402 defined a long edge 413 of a right scalene triangle 414 formed thereby, the short edge 415 should be greater in length 417 than the depth 416 of the actuator gear tooth 370 formed on the actuator gear 303. Given this, the axial displacement of the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302 from the first axial configuration 406 to the second axial configuration 405 during rotation in the second rotational direction 115 is operable to disengage the actuator gear teeth 370 of the actuator gear 303 from the bevel gear teeth 351 of upper portions of the bevel gear 319. This disengagement enables the user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element.

In other words, the rotary actuator 312 is linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis 100 between (a) an engaged state in which the rotary actuator 312 is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element 316 thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator 312 in the first direction 102, and (b) a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator 312 is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element 316. The motion transducer mechanism is operable, when the rotary actuator 312 is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator 312, when rotated in the second direction 115, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator 312 out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state.

The reader will recall grooves 304 and protuberances 305 are dimensioned to be matable with one another such that the protuberances 305 are displaceable within the grooves 304 during rotational movements 102/115 to linearly displace the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302 along or in the direction of the actuator rotation axis 100. Accordingly, the motion transducer mechanism may be said to provide functionality in some embodiments whereby at least one of the outer and inner rotary bodies 302 and 301 comprise a groove obliquely angled relative to a transverse body plane as at 400, and at least one of said outer and inner rotary bodies 302 and 301 comprise a protuberance matable with the groove and displaceable therein for converting rotational movement of the outer rotary body 302 into linear movement or axial displacement of the inner rotary body 301 relative to the outer rotary body 302.

The outer rotary body 302 of the rotary actuator 312 may comprise a series of radiating grip projections as at 374 in some embodiments. The series of radiating grip projections 374 are basically operable to improving a user’s external grip on the outer rotary body 302 to increase the torque thereon. Internally, the series radiating grip projections 374 provide structure in which the series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves 304 may be formed in some embodiments. In other words, the series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves 304 are formed in the outer rotary body 302 radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections 304 in some embodiments.

In general, the tensioner apparatus 310 can comprise an anchoring arrangement to anchor/fix the tensioner apparatus at the location where it is to be used, for example, at a bag, shoe, cloth, etc. The anchoring arrangement can comprise an anchor base and an anchor body having any structure suitable to anchor the tensioner apparatus.

The tensioner apparatus 310 according to the present disclosure more particularly comprises an anchor base 313, an anchor body 314; a lower spindle-support chassis 315; a rotatable spindle element 316; a spindle gear 317; an upper gear-support chassis assembly 318; a bevel gear 319; a flexible elongated tensioning element exemplified by strap 311; and a rotary actuator 312. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator312 comprises outer rotary body 302, inner rotary body 301, an annular cover 307, and a button 308. In some embodiments, the inner rotary body 301 comprises an upper inner seat 379, an upper outer seat 380 and an annular ridge 309 extending upwardly therebetween. The annular cover 307 is matable with the inner rotary body 301 at the upper outer seat 380 and the button 308 is matable with the inner rotary body 301 at the upper inner seat 379.

In some embodiments, the inner rotary body 301 comprises at least one or a series of biasable electrical contacts 381 at the upper inner seat 379. The button 308 is axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis 100 for engaging the electrical contact(s) 381 for selectively illuminating a lamp assembly 382 via the button 308 in these embodiments. The lamp assembly 382 comprises a positive terminal 383, a negative terminal 384, a circuit board 385, a cover plate 387 bearing at least one lamp 388 and is in electrical communication with a power source battery 389 received in a battery cradle 390.

The optional lamp assembly 382 may be supported by the upper gear- support chassis assembly 318, and the positive terminal 383 and the negative terminal 384 may extend through a chassis aperture 391 formed in the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318. The power source battery 389 and the battery cradle 390 are received in a battery compartment 392 positioned at a bottom portion of the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318. The battery compartment 392 is received in a compartment-receiving formation 393 formed in the lower spindle- support chassis 315. In some embodiments, the anchor base 313 may further comprise a lower chassis locator post 394.

The anchor base 313 comprises a substantially planar bottom base portion 320 and a raised base portion 321. The bottom base portion 320 is circular and has a bottom base portion diameter while the raised base portion 321 is centrally-located relative to the bottom base portion 320 with a relatively reduced raised base portion diameter and extends upwardly from the bottom base portion 320. The raised base portion 321 defines or comprises an element-letting guideway 322, which element-letting guideway 322 comprises opposed guideway walls as at 323; a guideway floor 324 with a series of channels 325 formed therein; a basal depression as at 326; and a chassisreceiving aperture as at 327.

The basal depression 326 structurally accommodates a length of the strap 311 as it is wound round the rotatable spindle element 316. The chassis-receiving aperture 327 structurally accommodates or receives a formation as at 334 of the lower spindle-support chassis 315. A series of apertured fastener support posts 328 are further provided by the anchor base 313, which apertured fastener support posts 328 extend upwardly from the raised base portion 321 in periodically spaced relation to one another 321 in some embodiments.

The anchor body 314 comprises a first anchor body end 329 and a second anchor body end 330 and essentially serves as an interface for anchoring the tensioner apparatus 310 to peripheral support structure in circuit or in line with the strap 311. More particularly, the second anchor body end 330 attaches to a first anchor structure as exemplified by a first waistband end of a school bag or backpack. The first anchor body end 329 comprises a base-receiving aperture as at 331. The base-receiving aperture331 has an aperture diameter dimensioned to receive the raised base portion 321 such that the anchor body 314 seats down atop the bottom base portion 320 at the first anchor body end 329. The lower spindle-support chassis 315 further seats down atop the first anchor body end 329 such that the first anchor body end 329 is sandwiched intermediate the bottom base portion 320 and the lower spindle-support chassis 315.

The lower spindle-support chassis 315 comprises an upper spindle -receiving formation or spindle-support saddle 332 formed in an inner chassis portion 335 centrally located relative to an outer chassis portion 336, and the compartment-receiving formation 393 is configured to be positioned over the guideway floor 324 and element-letting guideway 322 of the anchor base 313. The inner chassis portion 335 is matable with the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318. The upper spindle-receiving formation 332 comprises an element-letting window as at 333 and a gear end depression formation or recess 334. The strap 311 is insertable into the tensioner apparatus 310 through the element-letting guideway 322 of the anchor base 313 and further insertable into the space defined by the lower spindle-support chassis 315 via the element- letting window 333 adjacent the compartment-receiving formation 393. The gear end depression formation or recess 334 structurally accommodates a gear end of the rotatable spindle element 316 and the spindle gear 317 at upper surfacing of the lower spindlesupport chassis 315. More particularly, the gear end depression formation or recess 334 is dimensioned to structurally accommodate spindle gear teeth 345 formed on the spindle gear 317 as outfitted upon a second spindle end 339 of the rotatable spindle element 316. The gear end depression formation or recess 334 is further insertable into the chassis-receiving aperture 327 at lower surfacing of the lower spindle-support chassis 315 providing a chassis-to-anchor locator feature.

A series of fastener-letting apertures 337 are further formed in the lower spindle-support chassis 315 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lower spindle-support chassis 315 may further comprise a base locator aperture 395 for receiving the lower chassis locator post 394 laterally opposite the gear end depression formation or recess 334 and a fastener-receiving aperture 396 for receiving a mechanical fastener for fastening the lower spindle-support chassis 315 to the anchor base via the post 394. In some embodiments, the lower spindle-support chassis 315 may further comprise a fastener-receiving aperture 397 formed in a wall at the compartment-receiving formation 393 for further fastening the lower spindle-support chassis 315 to the battery compartment 392 of the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318.

The rotatable spindle element 316 comprises a first spindle end 338, the second spindle end 339, a strap-reeling or strap-winding central spindle portion 340, and a spindle axis of rotation as at 101. The central spindle portion 340 comprises an element-receiving slot 341, at least one, but two spindle fastener-receiving apertures as at 342, and a central spindle width as at 107. The first spindle end 338 comprises a spindle locator flange 343 and the second spindle end 339 comprises a non-circular gear-engaging portion 344 matable with the corresponding structure of the spindle gear 317. In some embodiments, the non-circular gear-engaging portion 344 is rectangular or square in transverse cross-section thought it is here noted other matable shapes are contemplated.

The rotatable spindle element 316 is firstly rotatably received in the upper spindlereceiving formation or spindle-support saddle 332 and a first strap end 346 of the strap 311 is insertable into the element-receiving slot 341 as extended through the element-letting guideway 322 and element-letting window 333, and is optionally fastened thereto via strap-securing fasteners received in the spindle fastener-receiving apertures as at 342. The reader will note the central spindle width 107 is dimensioned to structurally accommodate a strap width 103 of the strap 311. As the rotatable spindle element 316 rotates about the spindle axis of rotation 101, the winding strap 311 layers upon itself as wound round the rotatable spindle element 316 with a maximum layered strap thickness substantially equal to the radial flange height 105 of the spindle locator flange 343.

The lower spindle-support chassis 315 and the upper gear- support chassis assembly 318 together rotatably support and enclose the rotatable spindle element 316 and the spindle gear 317. The bevel gear 319 is rotatably supported atop the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318. According to certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the spindle gear 317 comprises a spindle end-receiving portion 349 and a series of radiating spindle gear teeth 345. The spindle end-receiving portion 349 comprises internal female structure 350 non-circular in transverse cross-section and dimensioned to mate with the male non-circular gear-engaging portion 344 in some embodiments.

The spindle gear 317 and rotatable spindle element 316 may be integrally formed as a single element in certain alternative embodiments. As indicated above, the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 345 are received in the gear end depression formation or recess 334 at upper surfacing the lower spindle-support chassis 315 when the spindle gear 317 is mated with the rotatable spindle element 316. The series of radiating spindle gear teeth 345 mesh with a lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 352 formed on the bevel gear 319 as supported by the upper gear- support chassis 318 that is fastened to the lower spindle-support chassis 315 via a series of upwardly mechanical fasteners. The upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 may also be fastened to the lower spindle-support chassis 315 and the anchor base 313 via a series of downwardly directed mechanical fasteners.

In certain embodiments, the lower spindle-support chassis 315 is fastened to the upper gear- support chassis assembly 318 for housing the rotatable spindle element 316 and spindle gear 317 combination and supporting the bevel gear 319. In certain alternative embodiments, a chassis assembly operates to simply support the rotatable spindle element 316 and a bevel gear mechanism that cooperates with the actuator gear mechanism 303 to direct rotational force from the rotary actuator 312 to the rotatable spindle element 316. In some embodiments, the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 comprises a lower spindle -receiving formation 353; an upper gear shaft 354; a gear access window 355; a series of locking arms 356; and a series of fastener-receiving apertures 375. In some embodiments, the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 may further comprise a battery compartment 392 and a chassis aperture 391 for receiving the positive and negative terminals 383 and 384 of the optional lamp assembly 382 to enter the battery compartment 392.

Together the series of locking arms 356 and the unidirectional cams 368 may provide a ratchet arrangement or arrangement according to the present disclosure. In this regard, the tensioner apparatus 310 may be said to essentially comprise a chassis assembly, a rotary actuator 312, and a ratchet arrangement for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element as exemplified by strap 311. The chassis assembly comprises or provides an element-letting guideway as at 322 and a spindle element as at 316 about which the strap 311 is configured to wrap. The rotary actuator 312 is rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis 100. In some embodiments, the rachet arrangement comprises the series of unidirectional cams as at 368, each of which have an arm-engaging wall or surface as at 378.

The locking arms 356 each have a cam-engaging wall or surface as at 377 engageable with the arm-engaging walls 378 along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one locking arms 356 and the series of unidirectional cams 368 is associated with the rotary actuator 312, while the other is associated with the chassis assembly. The ratchet arrangement as illustrated show locking arms 356 structurally connected to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 with the unidirectional cams 368 being integrally formed at lower, inner surfacing of the rotary actuator 312. In certain other embodiments not specifically illustrated, the locking arms can be structurally associated with the rotary actuator with unidirectional cams 368 being structurally associated with the chassis assembly.

The lower spindle -receiving formation 353 is sized and shaped to rotatably receive upper portions of the rotatable spindle element 316 with bottom portions of the rotatable spindle element 316 being rotatably received in the upper spindle-receiving formation 332. The lower spindlereceiving formation 353 further comprises a teeth-receiving formation 358 for receiving or structurally accommodating the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 345. The upper gear shaft 354 comprises a shaft axis 106 that extends in parallel relation to the actuator rotation axis 100. A bevel gear-accommodating depression or beveled recess 357 may be formed in radial adjacency to the upper gear shaft 354 for rotatably receiving the lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 352 of the bevel gear 319 in some embodiments. The upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 further comprises at least one peripheral ridge 361 formed on an outer chassis wall 362. The peripheral ridge 361 is equidistant intermediate an upper chassis ridge 363 and a lower chassis ridge 364 thereby defining an upper channel 365 and a lower channel 366. Chassis-gripping teeth 367 formed on inner surfacing of the outer rotary body 302 of the rotary actuator 312 are rotatably received in the lower channel 366 and are translatable therein when the rotary actuator 312 rotated relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 about the actuator rotation axis 100 in the first and second rotational directions 102 and 115.

Each of the cam-engaging locking arms 356 comprise a first arm end 359 and a second arm end 360. The first arm ends 359 mesh with unidirectional cams 368 formed on inner surfacing of the rotary actuator 312. As the rotary actuator 312 is rotated about the actuator rotation axis 100 in the first rotational direction 102 for tensioning the strap 311, the first arm ends 359 engage the unidirectional cams 368 formed at the inner lower actuator surfacing 372, and generally prevent reverse directional movement of the rotary actuator 312 when in the first axial configuration whereby the chassis-gripping teeth 367 are received in the lower tensioning channel 366.

The bevel gear 319 according to the present disclosure comprises an inner shaft-receiving portion 369 that rotatably mates with the gear shaft 354. The bevel gear 319 further comprises an upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 351 and the lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 352, which lower series of radiating bevel gear teeth 352 are obliquely angled relative to the upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 351 and mesh with the series of radiating spindle gear teeth 345 via the gear access window 355. The upper series of radiating bevel gear teeth 351 mesh with a series of integrally formed actuator gear teeth 370 formed at the inner surfacing 372 of the rotary actuator 312. The integrally formed actuator gear teeth 370 radiate outwardly relative to the actuator rotation axis 100 and operate to impart rotational motion to the bevel gear 319 rotatable about a bevel gear axis of rotation 108 in coaxial alignment with the shaft axis 106.

The rotary actuator 312 is essentially an ergonomic handle or knob comprising inner, lower actuator surfacing as at 372; and the actuator rotation axis 100. The inner, lower actuator surfacing 372 is rotatably received upon the upper gear-support chassis 318 and comprises the series of integrally formed unidirectional cams 368 and integrally formed actuator gear teeth 370. The rotary actuator 312 further comprises a series of radiating grip projections 374 or abbreviated lever arms for generally increasing torque and enhancing the user’s ability to rotate the rotary actuator 312 relative to the upper gear-support chassis assembly 318 about the actuator rotation axis 100.

The strap 311 as an exemplary flexible elongated tensioning element comprises a first element end 346 and a second element end 347 separated by element length 104 of any suitable length. The strap 311 further comprises an element width 103 which is less than the central spindle width 107. The first strap end 346 is inserted into the element-receiving slot 341 via the elementletting guideway 322 and the element-letting window 333, and optionally secured in the elementreceiving slot 341 via strap-securing fasteners. The second strap end 347 is in circuit with or otherwise directly connected to the anchor body 314 or other anchor structure. As variously described, the rotary actuator 312 is rotatable relative to the upper gear- support chassis assembly 318 in superior adjacency to the lower spindle-support chassis 315 about the actuator rotation axis 100 in at least the first rotational direction 102 for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator 312 to the rotatable spindle element 316 by way of the spindle operator characterized by actuator gear 303, the bevel gear 319, and the spindle gear 317 in some embodiments. The spindle operator thereby rotates the rotatable spindle element 316 about the spindle axis of rotation 101 in at least a wrapping direction for linearly tensioning the strap 311 as it winds thereabout.

As variously described, the first and second tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure essentially enables a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element. The tensioner apparatuses 10 and 310 according to the present disclosure essentially respectively comprise a rotatable spindle element as at 16 and 316; a spindle operator characterized by a gear arrangement in some embodiments; a rotary actuator as at 12 and 312; and a motion transducer mechanism as variously described. The rotatable spindle elements 16 and 316 are operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle elements 16 and 316 are rotated in a wrapping direction. The spindle operator(s) are operable to rotate the rotatable spindle elements 16 and 316 at least in the wrapping direction.

The rotary actuators 12 and 312 are rotatable in a first direction as at 102 and in a second direction as at 115 opposite the first direction 102 about an actuator rotation axis 100, and at least portions thereof are linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis 100 between an engaged state in which rotary actuator portions are operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle elements 16 and 316 thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuators 12 and 312 in the first direction 102, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuators 12 and 312, or portions thereof, are operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle elements 16 and 316.

The motion transducer mechanisms described hereinabove are respectively operable, when the rotary actuators 13 and 312 are at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuators 12 and 312, when rotated in the second direction 115, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuators 12 and 312, or portions thereof out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state. The motion transducer mechanism of the first tensioner apparatus 10 may be characterized by a ratchet arrangement comprising a series of cams, each of which have an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said arm-engaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement. One of the at least one locking arm and the series of cams is associated with the rotary actuator, while the other is associated with a chassis assembly configured to rotatably receive the rotary actuator, with the engagement plane being angled with respect to the actuator rotation axis.

The motion transducer mechanism of the second tensioner apparatus 310 may be characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another wherein the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second direction 115. The lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first direction 102. In some embodiments, the lead screw mechanism may be defined by the outer rotary body 302 and the cam follower mechanism may be defined by the inner rotary body 301. In some embodiments, the motion transducer mechanism may be further characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement as described hereinabove.

While the above descriptions contain much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as an exemplification of the disclosure. Although the tensioner apparatuses according to the present disclosure have been described by reference to a number of different features and elements, it is not intended that the novel forms and functions be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosures, the appended drawings, and the following provisional claims.

Claims

1. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a rotatable spindle element operable for wrapping of the flexible elongated tensioning element thereabout, when the rotatable spindle element is rotated in a wrapping direction; a spindle operator by which the rotatable spindle element can be rotated, at least in the wrapping direction; a rotary actuator rotatable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to said first direction about an actuator rotation axis, and being linearly moveable along the actuator rotation axis between an engaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively engaged with the spindle operator so as to be able to rotate the rotatable spindle element thereby in the wrapping direction upon rotation of the rotary actuator in the first direction, and a disengaged state in which the rotary actuator is operatively disengaged from the rotatable spindle element; and a motion transducer mechanism operable, when said rotary actuator is at the engaged state, to cause the rotary actuator, when rotated in the second direction, to perform linear movement of the rotary actuator out from the engaged state and into the disengaged state thereof.

2. The tensioner apparatus of claim 1 comprising a rachet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said armengaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with a chassis assembly configured to rotatably receive the rotary actuator.

3. The tensioner apparatus of claim 2 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by said ratchet arrangement, said engagement plane being angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis.

4. The tensioner apparatus of claim 3 wherein said engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface, the at least one quick release ramped surface for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second direction.

5. The tensioner apparatus of claim 4 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to a chassis assembly for directing the rotary actuator from the engaged state and into the disengaged state.

6. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth, the chassis-gripping teeth being directed into an upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly when said rotary actuator is directed in the second direction.

7. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 5 and 6 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface.

8. The tensioner apparatus of claim 7 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

9. The tensioner apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another.

10. The tensioner apparatus of claim 9 wherein the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second direction.

11. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 9 and 10 wherein the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first direction.

12. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 9 through 11 wherein the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body.

13. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 9 through 12 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement, at least one protuberance of said arrangement being matable with at least one groove of said arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

14. The tensioner apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least one of said inner and outer rotary bodies comprises at least one groove having an oblique angle relative to a body plane thereof, the oblique angle being operable to effect graded linear movement of the inner rotary body relative to the outer rotary body.

15. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 12 through 14 wherein the outer rotary body comprises at least one inner groove and the inner rotary body comprising at least one outer protuberance matable with the at least one inner groove and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the inner rotary body from rotational movement of the outer rotary body.

16. The tensioner apparatus of claim 15 wherein the at least one outer protuberance comprises protuberance side walls obliquely angled relative to an inner body plane of the inner rotary body.

17. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 12 through 16 wherein the outer rotary body comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip thereon.

18. The tensioner apparatus of claim 17 when dependent on claim 15 wherein a series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves are formed in the outer rotary body radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections.

19. The tensioner apparatus according to any of claims 12 through 18 wherein the inner rotary body comprises an upper inner seat, an upper outer seat and an annular ridge extending upwardly therebetween, the rotary actuator comprising an annular cover and a button, the annular cover being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper outer seat, the button being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper inner seat.

20. The tensioner apparatus of claim 19 wherein the inner rotary body comprises at least one electrical contact at the upper inner seat, the button being axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis for engaging the at least one electrical contact for illuminating a lamp assembly via the button.

21. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 9 through 20 wherein movement in the first direction, at the disengaged state, causes re-engagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator.

22. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 21 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the rotatable spindle element.

23. The tensioner apparatus according to 22 wherein the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, the bevel gear being configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1.

24. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 23 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

25. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising a spindle element; a spindle operator; and a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator comprising a motion transducer mechanism configured to cause linear movement of at least a first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly as derived from rotational movement of the motion transducer mechanism; said rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly in a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the spindle element for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element; at least a part of said motion transducer mechanism being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in a second rotational direction for linearly displacing said first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly along the actuator rotation axis thereby disengaging the spindle operator for enabling release of tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element.

26. The tensioner apparatus of claim 25 comprising a rachet arrangement, the ratchet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said armengaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with said chassis assembly.

27. The tensioner apparatus of claim 26 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by the ratchet arrangement, said engagement plane being angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis.

28. The tensioner apparatus of claim 26 wherein said engagement plane provides at least one quick release ramped surface for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction.

29. The tensioner apparatus of claim 28 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the first rotary actuator portion relative to the chassis assembly for directing said portion from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

30. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 25 through 29 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth, the chassis-gripping teeth being directed into an upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly when said rotary actuator is directed in the second rotational direction.

31. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 28 through 30 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface.

32. The tensioner apparatus of claim 31 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

33. The tensioner apparatus of claim 25 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a lead screw mechanism cooperable with a cam follower mechanism movable with respect to one another.

34. The tensioner apparatus of claim 33 wherein the lead screw mechanism rotatably drives the cam follower mechanism from a first axial configuration to a second axial configuration when rotated in the second rotational direction.

35. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 33 and 34 wherein the lead screw mechanism and cam follower mechanism rotate together in the first axial configuration when rotated in the first rotational direction.

36. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 33 through 35 wherein the lead screw mechanism is defined by an outer rotary body and the cam follower mechanism is defined by an inner rotary body.

37. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 33 through 36 wherein the motion transducer mechanism is characterized by a groove and protuberance arrangement, at least one protuberance of said arrangement being matable with at least one groove of said arrangement and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the cam follower mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state from rotational movement of the lead screw mechanism.

38. The tensioner apparatus of claim 36 wherein at least one of said inner and outer rotary bodies comprises at least one groove having an oblique angle relative to a body plane thereof, the oblique angle being operable to effect graded linear movement of the inner rotary body relative to the outer rotary body.

39. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 38 wherein the outer rotary body comprises at least one inner groove and the inner rotary body comprising at least one outer protuberance matable with the at least one inner groove and displaceable therein for causing linear movement of the inner rotary body from rotational movement of the outer rotary body.

40. The tensioner apparatus of claim 39 wherein the at least one outer protuberance comprises protuberance side walls obliquely angled relative to an inner body plane of the inner rotary body.

41. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 36 through 40 wherein the outer rotary body comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip thereon.

42. The tensioner apparatus of claim 41 when dependent on claim 39 wherein a series of circumferentially spaced inner grooves are formed in the outer rotary body radially inward of the series of radiating grip projections.

43. The tensioner apparatus according to any of claims 36 through 42 wherein the inner rotary body comprises an upper inner seat, an upper outer seat and an annular ridge extending upwardly therebetween, the rotary actuator comprising an annular cover and a button, the annular cover being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper outer seat, the button being matable with the inner rotary body at the upper inner seat.

44. The tensioner apparatus of claim 43 wherein the inner rotary body comprises at least one electrical contact at the upper inner seat, the button being axially displaceable along the actuator rotation axis for engaging the at least one electrical contact for illuminating a lamp assembly via the button.

45. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 25 and 33 through 44 wherein movement in the first rotational direction, at the disengaged state, causes re-engagement of a rotary actuator portion with the spindle operator.

46. The tensioner apparatus according to any one claims 25 through 45 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement extending intermediate the rotary actuator and the spindle element.

47. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the gear arrangement comprises a bevel gear, the bevel gear being configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1.

48. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 25 through 47 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

49. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising an element-letting guideway and a rotatable spindle element; a spindle operator; and a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis in at least a first rotational direction for transmitting rotational motion from the rotary actuator to the spindle element by way of the spindle operator thereby rotating the rotatable spindle element about a spindle axis of rotation orthogonal to the actuator rotation axis for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element when the latter is wrapped about at least a portion of the spindle element by way of the element-letting guideway.

50. The tensioner apparatus of claim 49 comprising a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotation movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle operator and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element.

51. The tensioner apparatus of claim 50 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge, the chassis-gripping teeth for rotatably attaching the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge.

52. The tensioner apparatus of claim 51 wherein the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator, the resiliently actuable wall portions being resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis.

53. The tensioner apparatus of claim 51 wherein the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel, the chassis-gripping teeth being received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element.

54. The tensioner apparatus of claim 53 wherein the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel.

55. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 49 through 54 wherein the chassis assembly comprises at least one locking arm and the rotary actuator comprises a series of cams, the at least one locking arm and the series of cams together providing a ratchet arrangement.

56. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 55 when dependent on claims 50 through 54 wherein the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface configured for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in the second rotational direction for enabling release of tension in the flexible elongated tensioning element.

57. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 56 when dependent on claims 53 and 54 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel of the chassis assembly.

58. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 56 and 57 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface.

59. The tensioner apparatus of claim 58 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of an engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

60. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 59 wherein the rotary actuator is characterized by a rotating knob, the rotating knob comprising a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob.

61. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 49 through 60 wherein the rotatable spindle element comprises a central spindle portion, the central spindle portion being configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element.

62. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 49 through 61 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

63. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 62 wherein said spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement having a bevel gear configured to transmit rotational movement from an actuator gear to a spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1: 1.

64. A tensioner apparatus for enabling a user to selectively tension a flexible elongated tensioning element, the tensioner apparatus comprising: a chassis assembly, the chassis assembly comprising an element-letting guideway and a spindle element about which the flexible elongated tensioning element is configured to wrap; a rotary actuator, the rotary actuator being rotatable relative to the chassis assembly about an actuator rotation axis; and a rachet arrangement comprising: a series of cams, each having an arm-engaging wall; and at least one locking arm having a cam-engaging wall engageable with said arm-engaging walls along an engagement plane to induce locking of the rachet arrangement; one of said at least one locking arm and said series of cams being associated with said rotary actuator, while the other is associated with said chassis assembly.

65. The tensioner apparatus of claim 64 wherein the engagement plane is obliquely angled relative to the actuator rotation axis, the ratchet arrangement thereby providing a motion transducer mechanism configured to convert rotation movement into linear movement of at least a portion of the rotary actuator when rotated in a second rotational direction for disengaging the spindle element and enabling a user to release tension from the flexible elongated tensioning element.

66. The tensioner apparatus of claim 64 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of chassis-gripping teeth and the chassis assembly comprises at least one peripheral ridge, the chassis-gripping teeth for rotatably attaching the rotary actuator to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one peripheral ridge.

67. The tensioner apparatus of claim 66 wherein the series of chassis-gripping teeth are integrally formed upon resiliently actuable wall portions of the rotary actuator, the resiliently actuable wall portions being resiliently actuable for enabling the user to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly in the direction of the actuator rotation axis.

68. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 66 and 67 wherein the at least one peripheral ridge defines an upper tension release channel and a lower tensioning channel, the chassis-gripping teeth being received in the lower tensioning channel when the rotary actuator is rotated relative to the chassis assembly about the actuator rotation axis in at least the first rotational direction for tensioning the flexible elongated tensioning element.

69. The tensioner apparatus of claim 68 wherein the rotary actuator is axially displaceable relative to the chassis assembly such that the chassis-gripping teeth are received in the upper tension release channel.

70. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 68 and 69 wherein the ratchet arrangement comprises at least one quick release ramped surface extending along an engagement plane angled with respect to said actuator rotation axis for enabling the user to rotate the rotary actuator in a second rotational direction.

71. The tensioner apparatus of claim 70 when dependent on claim 68 wherein the at least one quick release ramped surface operates to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly for directing the chassis-gripping teeth into the upper tension release channel.

72. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 70 and 71 wherein an overload force is directed into the rotary actuator to axially displace the rotary actuator relative to the chassis assembly by way of the at least one quick release ramped surface.

73. The tensioner apparatus of claim 72 wherein the overload force is determined by an angle of the engagement plane at the at least one quick release ramped surface.

74. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 64 through 73 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a series of radiating grip projections, the series of radiating grip projections for improving a user’s grip on the rotating knob.

75. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 64 through 74 wherein the spindle element comprises a central spindle portion configured to windably receive at least a portion of the flexible elongated tensioning element.

76. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 64 through 75 wherein said tensioner apparatus is used in combination with a waist belt arrangement, the flexible elongated tensioning element being attached to the waist belt arrangement and movable with respect thereto via the tensioner apparatus.

77. The tensioner apparatus according to any one of claims 64 through 76 further comprising a spindle operator configured to transmit rotational movement from the rotary actuator to the spindle element.

78. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 77 wherein the spindle operator is characterized by a gear arrangement comprising an actuator gear, a bevel gear, and a spindle gear.

79. The tensioner apparatus according to claim 78 wherein the bevel gear is configured to transmit rotational movement from said actuator gear to said spindle gear in a ratio greater than 1:1.