STRAP LINKING SYSTEMS HAVING LINKABLE STRAP-RETAINING CONNECTORS

Abstract

 A strap-retaining system includes a first strap-retaining connector including a first strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a first strap, and a first connector coupling portion. A second strap retaining connector includes a second strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a second strap, and a second connector coupling portion that removably couples to the first connector coupling portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/550,654, entitled "Linking Connectors for Straps and Similar Structures," filed August 27, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to linkable strap-retaining connectors that are configured to couple together to form strap linking systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various clips may be used to connect a first strap to a second strap or other structure. Such clips may be used with respect to backpacks, luggage or other articles.

[0004] A known connector for straps is disclosed in US patent 8,407,866, entitled Foldable Attachment Clip" (the "866 Patent"), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The 866 Patent discloses a foldable attachment assembly including a receiving body portion having a hollow interior and a slotted opening extending along a length that receives and retains a crossbar of a stirrup connection portion. The crossbar of the stirrup connection portion is adapted for press-fit insertion through the slotted opening which opens into a retention pocket at the interior of the body portion. Following attachment, the receiving body portion and the stirrup connection portion can rotate relative to one another about an axis defined generally by the crossbar within the retention pocket. Upon application of a tensioning force, the clip is substantially straightened and the receiving body pulls tight against the crossbar in a secure relation.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] A need exists for a strap connector that may be quickly and easily coupled to another strap connector in order to couple different straps together.

[0006] With that need in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap-retaining connector that includes a strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a strap, and a connector coupling portion that is configured to removably couple the strap-retaining connector to at least one other strap-retaining connector.

[0007] The connector coupling portion includes at least one attachment coupler that is configured to secure the strap-retaining connector to the at least one strap-retaining connector. In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion is positioned along at least one perimeter edge of the strap-retaining connector.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion includes a first attachment coupler, and a second attachment coupler that is complementary to the first attachment coupler. The first attachment coupler is configured to removably couple to another second attachment coupler of the at least one other strap-retaining connector, and the second attachment coupler is configured to removably couple to another first attachment coupler of the at least one other strap-retaining connector.

[0009] One or both of the first attachment coupler and/or the second attachment coupler may include at least one locking protuberance.

[0010] The first attachment coupler may include a coupling groove defined between a first clamping wall and a second a clamping wall. The second attachment coupler may include an outer panel coupled to a main body by an extension beam. At least one channel is defined between the outer panel and the main body. For example, a first channel may be above the extension beam between the outer panel and an inner surface of the main body, and a second channel may be below the extension beam between the outer panel and the inner surface of the main body.

[0011] The strap-retaining connector may be sized and shaped the same as the at least one other strap-retaining connector. Optionally, the strap-retaining connector may be sized and shaped differently than the at least one other strap-retaining connector.

[0012] The connector coupling portion may extend from at least one end of the strap-retaining portion. The connector coupling portion may extend from at least one side of the strap-retaining portion.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a strap-retaining system that includes a first strap-retaining connector including a first strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a first strap, and a first connector coupling portion. A second strap retaining connector includes a second strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a second strap, and a second connector coupling portion that removably couples to the first connector coupling portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] 

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective end view of a strap-retaining connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective end lateral view of the strap-retaining connector.

Figure 3 illustrates a simplified end view of a first attachment coupler, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a simplified end view of a second attachment coupler, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a strap linking system including a first strap-retaining connector removably coupled to a second strap-retaining connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the strap linking system having the first strap-retaining connector that retains a portion of a first strap uncoupled from the second strap-retaining connector that retains a portion of a second strap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective front view of the strap linking system having the first strap-retaining connector that retains the portion of the first strap coupled to the second strap-retaining connector that retains the portion of the second strap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a strap-retaining connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 illustrates a top view of a strap linking system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] Embodiments of the present relate generally to structures that are configured to operatively join straps or similar structures such as ropes, cords, webbing or the like (collectively "straps"). In particular, a linkable strap-retaining connector is configured to be linked to one or more complementary linkable strap-retaining strap connectors to establish an adjoined strap linking system that operatively connects multiple straps or similar structures at a common location. In at least one embodiment, in a linked state, the adjoined strap-retaining connectors may operate as a sternum connection for a backpack or the like engaging straps from different sides.

[0017] The strap-retaining connector provides a linkable connector element including a strap adjuster and attachment couplers that can be mated in adjoining relation to one another such that the strap-retaining connector may be coupled to one or more other strap-retaining connectors via complementary attachment couplers. Thus, multiple strap-retaining connectors may be attached to different straps and joined together at a common location while still permitting operative length adjustment of the straps. The mating attachment between the strap-retaining connectors may be easily reversed to facilitate repetitive connection and disconnection by a user as desired.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective end view of a strap-retaining connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the strap-retaining connector 100 is a slider that is configured to adjustably retain a portion of a strap. The strap-retaining connector 100 includes a strap-retaining portion 104 and a connector coupling portion 106. The strap-retaining portion 104 may extend to a first end of the strap-retaining connector 100, and the connector coupling portion 106 may extend to an opposite second end of the strap-retaining connector 100. Optionally, the strap-retaining portion 104 may be at a center of the strap-retaining connector 100, and the connector coupling portion 106 extends on sides of the strap-retaining portion 104. In at least one other embodiment, the strap-retaining connector 100 may include a central strap-retaining portion 104 with a first connector coupling portion 106 extending from a first end (or first side) of the strap-retaining portion 104, and a second connector coupling portion 106 extending from an opposite second end (or second side) of the strap-retaining portion 104. In at least one other embodiment, a first connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a first end of the strap-retaining portion 104, a second connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a first side of the strap-retaining portion 104, a third connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a second end of the strap-retaining portion 104, and a fourth connector coupling portion 106 may extend from a second side of the strap-retaining portion 104.

[0019] The strap-retaining portion 104 provides a strap adjuster that is configured to allow a strap to be loosened and tightened, as desired. The strap-retaining portion 104 is configured to adjustably retain a strap. In at least one embodiment, the strap-retaining portion 104 may include a sew bar that may be used to attach an item in a fixed relation, if desired.

[0020] As described herein, the connector coupling portion 106 allows the strap-retaining connector 100 to attach to one or more additional strap-retaining connectors to provide a strap linking system. Accordingly, the strap-retaining connectors 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure allow for standard strap adjustment functionality while also allowing for two or more strap-retaining connectors 100 to be removably locked together at a desired location.

[0021] The strap-retaining portion 104 includes an end beam 108 connected to opposed lateral beams 110 that, in turn, connect to a barrier wall 112 that is integral with the connector coupling portion 106. A fixed strap bar 114 may extend between the lateral beams 110 between the end beam 108 and the barrier wall 112. A clamp bar 116 may extend between the lateral beams 110 between the end beam 108 and the strap bar 114. The clamp bar 116 may be moveable, while the strap bar 114 is fixed. Optionally, the clamp bar 116 may be fixed, while the strap bar 114 is moveable. In at least one other embodiment, both the strap bar 114 and the clamp bar 116 may be moveable. In at least one other embodiment, the strap-retaining portion 104 may not include one or both of the strap bar 114 and the clamp bar 116. The strap-retaining portion 104 is configured to slidably retain a portion of a strap within strap channels 118, 120, and/or 122 defined between the end beam 108, the lateral beams 110, the strap bar 114, the clamp bar 116, and the barrier wall 112. In general, the strap-retaining portion 104 provides a strap adjuster that is configured to allow an operative length of a strap to be adjusted therein and/or therethrough.

[0022] The connector coupling portion 106 extends from and/or includes a main body 124 that extends outwardly from the barrier wall 112, such as at an opposite end from the strap-retaining portion 104. The main body 124 includes a first surface 126 opposite from a second surface 128. The first surface 126 and the second surface 128 connect to inwardly-angled lateral walls 130 and 132 that angle inwardly towards a distal end wall 134. As shown, the inwardly-angled lateral walls 130 and 132 may provide the connector coupling portion 106 with a tapered or beveled shape. Optionally, the connector coupling portion 106 may not include a tapered or beveled shape. Instead, the lateral walls 130 and 132 may generally be perpendicular to the barrier wall 112 and the distal end wall 134.

[0023] A first attachment coupler 136 extends from or otherwise forms an outer edge of the lateral wall 130, and a second attachment coupler 138 extends from or otherwise forms an outer edge of the lateral wall 132. The first attachment coupler 136 and the second attachment coupler 138 are reciprocal or otherwise complementary to one another. The first attachment coupler 136 is configured to removably link or otherwise couple to a second attachment coupler of another strap-retaining connector (not shown in Figure 1). Similarly, the second attachment coupler 138 is configured to removably link or otherwise couple to a first attachment coupler of another strap-retaining connector. As shown, the first attachment coupler 136 and the second attachment coupler 138 may be positioned along perimeter edges 137 and 139, respectively, of the strap-retaining connector 100.

[0024] The first attachment coupler 136 may include a coupling groove 140 (for example, a slot) between a clamping wall 142 laterally extending from the first surface 126 and a clamping wall 144 laterally extending from the second surface 128. The second attachment coupler 138 may include an outer panel 146 (for example, a tab, finger, arm, or the like) laterally extending from the main body 124 by an extension beam 148. A first channel 150 is above the extension beam 148 between the outer panel 146 and an inner surface 152 of the main body 124, and a second channel (not shown in Figure 1) is below the extension beam 148 between the outer panel 146 and the inner surface 152 of the main body 124.

[0025] In contrast to a buckle interface that connects a male buckle member to a female buckle member, the connector coupling portion 106 is configured to couple the strap-retaining connector 100 to another strap retaining connector (not shown in Figure 1). The connector coupling portion 106 may include both the first attachment coupler 136 and the reciprocal or complementary second attachment coupler 138, in contrast to a buckle assembly having a separable male buckle member and a female buckle member, in which the different male buckle member and the female buckle member each includes only one type of buckle interface (but not both interfaces).

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective end lateral view of the strap-retaining connector 100. As shown, the coupling groove 140 between the clamping wall 142 and the clamping wall 144 may include an open end 160 at the end wall 134, and an opposite end 162 proximate to the barrier wall 112. Opposed locking protuberances 164 and 166 (such as barbs, clasps, enlarged portions, or the like) may extend from the clamping walls 142 and 144, respectively, proximate to the end 162.

[0027] The first channel 150 and the second channel 151 of the second attachment coupler 138 may include open ends 170 and 171 at the end wall 134. One or more locking protuberances 172 may extend into the first channel 150 and/or the second channel 151 proximate to the barrier wall 112.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified end view of the first attachment coupler 136, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the coupling groove 140 is defined between the clamping wall 142 laterally extending from the first surface 126 and the clamping wall 144 laterally extending from the second surface 128. The first attachment coupler 136 is configured to slidably receive and removably retain a reciprocal and complementary second attachment coupler of another strap-retaining connector. Alternatively, the coupling groove 140, the first clamping wall 142, and the second clamping wall 144 may be sized and shaped differently than shown. In at least one embodiment, the first attachment coupler 136 may include only one of the first clamping wall 142 or the second clamping wall 144.

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a simplified end view of the second attachment coupler 138, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer panel 146 laterally extends from the main body 124 via the extension beam 148. The first channel 150 is above the extension beam 148 between the outer panel 146 and the inner surface 152 of the main body 124, and the second channel 151 is below the extension beam 148 between the outer panel 146 and the inner surface 152 of the main body 124.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a strap linking system 200 including a first strap-retaining connector 100a removably coupled to a second strap-retaining connector 100b, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first strap-retaining connector 100a and the second strap-retaining connector 100b may be sized and shaped the same. For example, each of the first strap-retaining connector 100a and the second strap-retaining connector 100b may be sized, shaped, and configured as shown and described with respect to Figures 1-4.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1-5, in order to couple the first strap-retaining connector 100a to the second strap-retaining connector 100b, the first attachment coupler 136 of the second strap-retaining connector 100b is axially aligned with the second attachment coupler 138 of the first strap-retaining connector 100a. In particular, an end 173 of the second attachment coupler 138 of the first strap-retaining connector 100a is aligned with the open end 160 of the first attachment coupler 136 of the second strap-retaining connector 100b. The outer panel 146 of the second attachment coupler 138 is inserted into the open end 160 of the coupling groove 140, the second strap-retaining connector 100b is slid in relation to the first strap-retaining connector 100a in the direction of arrow A. In this manner, the first strap-retaining connector 100a slidably couples to the second strap-retaining connector 100b. With continued urging in the direction of arrow A, the locking protuberances 172 (and the locking protuberances 164 and 166) may resiliently deflect into a secure locking relationship, so as to snapably secure the first attachment coupler 136 to the second attachment coupler 138. Optionally, the first strap-retaining connector 100a and the second strap-retaining connector 100b may not include one or more of the locking protuberances 164, 166, and/or 172.

[0032] In order to disconnect the first strap-retaining connector 100a from the second strap-retaining connector 100b, the first strap-retaining connector 100a is slid relative to the second strap-retaining connector 100b in an opposite direction from arrow A. For example, an individual may slide the first strap-retaining connector 100a and the second strap-retaining connector 100b relative to one another, such as in the direction of arrow A', providing sufficient force to deflect the locking protuberances 164, 166 and/or 172 into a disengaged position so as to unlock and uncouple the first and second strap-retaining connectors 100a and 100b from one another.

[0033] The strap linking system 200 may include additional strap-retaining connectors 100. For example, a third strap-retaining connector (not shown) may couple to the first attachment coupler 136 of the first strap-retaining connector 100a, and/or a fourth strap-retaining connector (not shown) may couple to the second attachment coupler 138 of the second strap-retaining connector 100b, such as described above. Additional strap-retaining connectors 100 may also couple to the third and fourth strap-retaining connectors, and so on.

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective front view of the strap linking system 200 having the first strap-retaining connector 100a that retains a portion of a first strap 300 uncoupled from the second strap-retaining connector 100b that retains a portion of a second strap 302, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective front view of the strap linking system 200 having the first strap-retaining connector 100a that retains the portion of the first strap 300 coupled to the second strap-retaining connector 100b that retains the portion of the second strap 302. Referring to Figures 1-7, the strap-retaining ends 104 of the first strap-retaining connector 100a and the second strap-retaining connector 100b adjustably retain the portions of the first strap 300 and the second strap 302, respectively. The connector coupling portions 106 of the strap-retaining connectors 100a and 100b may be removably coupled to one another, as described above. When the connector coupling portions 106 of the strap retaining connectors 100a and 100b are coupled together, as shown in Figure 7, the strap linking system 200 links or otherwise couples the first strap 300 to the second strap 302, such as proximate to a sternum of an individual.

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a strap-retaining connector 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the connector coupling portion 106 includes a first attachment coupler 136 extending from a first side of the strap-retaining portion 104, and a second attachment coupler 138 extending from a second side of the strap retaining portion 104. A strap linking system may include two or more of the strap-retaining connectors 100 shown in Figure 8, or the strap retaining connector 100 shown in Figure 8 and the strap-retaining connector 100 shown in Figure 1. That is, the strap linking system may include two more strap-retaining connectors 100 that are sized and shaped the same or differently.

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a top view of a strap linking system 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, one or both the strap-retaining connectors 100a and 100b may include two connector coupling portions 106a and 106b extending from opposite ends (or sides) of the strap-retaining portion 104. The connector coupling portions 106a and 106b may be sized and shaped differently (as shown in Figure 9). Optionally, the connector coupling portions 106a and 106b may be sized and shaped the same.

[0037] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide strap-retaining connectors 100 that may be removably coupled together to form strap linking systems 200. The linkable strap-retaining connectors 100 may have the attachment couplers 136 and 18 on an end or nose (such as shown in Figures 1 and 2), which may aid in allowing the strap-retaining connectors 100 to lock webbing in place without slipping. Optionally, the attachment couplers 136 and 138 on the sides of the strap-retaining portion 104 (such as shown in Figure 8) may facilitate seamless integration. The attachment couplers 136 on a rear of the strap-retaining connector 100 (as shown in Figure 9) may facilitate tightening and loosening of webbing while the strap-retaining connectors 100 are coupled together.

[0038] It has been found that the linkable strap-retaining connectors 100 are particularly useful in relation to connections proximate to a sternum of an individual, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In particular, the linkable strap-retaining connectors 100 may eliminate, minimize, or otherwise reduce additional sternum connection construction and hardware.

[0039] It is contemplated that the attachment couplers 136 and 138 may be of any form suitable to provide a reversible linked connection between two or more strap-retaining connectors 100, other than shown. By way of example only, and not limitation, the attachment couplers 136 and 138 may be in the form of tab and slot interfaces, tongue and groove interfaces, interference ratcheting interfaces, and/or the like. However, any number of other reversible connection constructions may likewise be used, if desired.

[0040] Further, the strap-retaining connectors 100 may have various shapes and sizes that may be used interchangeably. For example, the strap-retaining connectors 100 may be rectangular, triangular, pyramid-shaped, box-shaped, and/or the like. In at least one embodiment, the connector coupling portion 106 may be pyramid or diamond shaped, and have attachment couplers along lateral edges thereof.

[0041] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide strap-retaining connectors that are configured to be quickly and easily coupled to one or more other strap-retaining connectors, thereby allowing different straps to be coupled together.

[0042] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0043] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0044] To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0045] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A strap-retaining connector, comprising:

- a strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a strap; and

- a connector coupling portion that is configured to removably couple the strap-retaining connector to at least one other strap-retaining connector.

2. The strap-retaining connector of claim 1,
wherein the connector coupling portion comprises at least one attachment coupler that is configured to secure the strap-retaining connector to the at least one strap-retaining connector.

3. The strap-retaining connector of claims 1 or 2,
wherein the connector coupling portion is positioned along at least one perimeter edge of the strap-retaining connector.

4. The strap-retaining connector of one of the preceding claims,
wherein the connector coupling portion comprises:

- a first attachment coupler; and

- a second attachment coupler that is complementary to the first attachment coupler, wherein the first attachment coupler is configured to removably couple to another second attachment coupler of the at least one other strap-retaining connector, and wherein the second attachment coupler is configured to removably couple to another first attachment coupler of the at least one other strap-retaining connector.

5. The strap-retaining connector of claim 4,
wherein one or both of the first attachment coupler and the second attachment coupler comprises at least one locking protuberance.

6. The strap-retaining connector of claim 4 or 5,
wherein the first attachment coupler comprises a coupling groove defined between a first clamping wall and a second a clamping wall.

7. The strap-retaining connector of one of claims 4 to 6,
wherein the second attachment coupler comprises an outer panel coupled to a main body by an extension beam, wherein at least one channel is defined between the outer panel and the main body.

8. The strap-retaining connector of claim 7,
wherein the at least one channel comprises a first channel above the extension beam between the outer panel and an inner surface of the main body, and a second channel below the extension beam between the outer panel and the inner surface of the main body.

9. The strap-retaining connector of one of the preceding claims,
wherein the strap-retaining connector is sized and shaped the same as the at least one other strap-retaining connector.

10. The strap-retaining connector of one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the strap-retaining connector is sized and shaped differently than the at least one other strap-retaining connector.

11. The strap-retaining connector of one of the preceding claims,
wherein the connector coupling portion extends from at least one end or at least one side of the strap-retaining portion.

12. A strap-retaining system, comprising:

- a first strap-retaining connector as defined in one of the preceding claims including a first strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a first strap, and a first connector coupling portion; and

- a second strap retaining connector as defined in one of the preceding claims comprising a second strap-retaining portion that is configured to adjustably retain a second strap, and a second connector coupling portion that removably couples to the first connector coupling portion.

13. The strap-retaining system of claim 12,
wherein the first connector coupling portion and the second connector coupling portion are positioned along at least one perimeter edge of the first strap-retaining connector and the second strap-retaining connector, respectively.

Drawing