Strap Tighteners Patents (Class 24/68R)
  • Patent number: 6163941
    Abstract: An adjustable buckle device used in conjunction with a strap or the like for holding an object firmly in position is provided. The buckle device includes a buckle body fixed to one end of the strap and a ratchet member fixed to the other end of the strap for firmly releaseably engagement with the buckle body. The buckle body has a base and a locking plate pivotally coupled to the base for firmly engaging with the ratchet member. The locking plate is formed with a stopper for stopping the ratchet member from being released from the buckle body after the ratchet member enters and passes through the buckle body. The locking plate also allows the disengagement of the buckle body and the ratchet member to be conveniently operated by simply lifting up the locking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Industrial Fastener Corp.
    Inventor: Jefferson Lai
  • Patent number: 6125514
    Abstract: A safety clamp, which includes a link for connection to a crane or the like, a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism including a casing, a ratchet wheel mounted in the casing and connected to the link, and steering control means for controlling the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, a supporting bar connected to the casing, a movable bar connected to the ratchet wheel and turned with the ratchet wheel and the link relative to the casing and the supporting bar, and a clamping bar connected to the movable bar and worked with the supporting bar to hold an object between the clamping bar and the supporting bar for enabling the object to be lifted with the safety clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Te-Cheng Yu
  • Patent number: 6092401
    Abstract: A security device affixable to a package includes a housing, a strap, and a crossover connector carried by a cable. The strap is formed with a toothed channel containing a plurality of teeth that lockingly engage with a plurality of locking fingers formed on the housing. The strap is selectively and slidably received within the housing and cannot be removed without the use of a special key. When the key is inserted into the housing, the pins of the key simultaneously deflect the locking fingers out of locking engagement with the teeth of the toothed channel, thus permitting the strap to be removed from the housing. The cable and crossover connector are configured such that the cable is in a figure-8 configuration, thus permitting a single cable to carry the housing and the strap of the security device, and further permitting a single cable to extend across all six surfaces of the parallelepiped package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Sankey, James M. Byrne
  • Patent number: 6038745
    Abstract: An adjustable strap is comprised of an elastic band generally folded in half with one section slightly longer than the other. The end of longer section is folded back over the shorter section and stitched to the end of the shorter section and an adjacent portion of the longer section. An elongated small loop and an elongated large loop are formed on opposite sides of the stitching. A D-ring is connected to the small loop, and a clip hook is hinged to the D-ring for clipping to a supporting structure. The lateral sections of the large loop are both threaded through at least two slots in a buckle, which is slidable along the large loop to divide it into two variable-size storage loops for strapping and holding items. The buckle is slidable for changing the sizes of the storage loops for tightening around the items. A triangular ring is connected to the storage loop farther away from the clip hook. The strap may be wrapped around a supporting structure by clipping the triangular ring to the clip hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Donita M. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5943742
    Abstract: A strap tightening/loosening device includes two side plates with a connecting plate connected therebetween, an inverted U-shaped handle mounted to the side plates with a shaft extending through the handle and the side plates, two ratchets fixedly mounted to the shaft. Each of the two side plates has two slots and an elongated slot, two members slidably and respectively received in the two slots so that one of the members is engaged with the ratchets. A first rod is connected between the two side plates and has a limit member mounted thereto which has two hooks and two tail members extending therefrom. Two slidable plates are connected to the two side plates with a second rod extending through the elongated slots and the slidable plates. The two hooks are disengagably engaged with the second rod. The first rod together with the two hooks are pivoted by an impact of one of the members which is pushed by the cam device defined in each of the distal ends of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 5926927
    Abstract: Adjustable slider buckle means for bracing clothing upon the body of a user includes at least one of ratchet biased closure means and the like selectively adjustable mechanisms in complement with a variable width coupling means. Ready adjustability of, for example, a cinch dimension of the waist band of surf shorts is provided--and a process is likewise taught for adjustin the same simply, irrespective of extreme conditions or externalities such as timing or durational constraints or the fact that a user may be partially or fully submerged in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Marvin Winkler
  • Patent number: 5915765
    Abstract: A latch assembly (20) for securing opposed catches (24), (24') is provided. The latch includes a housing (32); a stationary center link (34); first and second elongated links (36, 38); first and second intermediate links (40, 42); and first, second, and middle crosspins (44), (46), (48). The housing includes opposed upright side walls (52), (54) each including first and second cam slots (58), (60). The center link includes an upright slot (56). The first and second elongated links each include distal and proximal ends (70), (74) and (68), (72). The distal ends each include a hook (22), (22'). Each elongated link further includes an L-shaped slot (86), (88) located between the link's distal and proximal ends. The first and second intermediate links each include distal and proximal ends (92), (96) and (90), (94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joe E. Sternberger
  • Patent number: 5894638
    Abstract: A strapping device includes two side plates with a connecting plate connected therebetween, an inverted U-shaped handle mounted to the side plates with a shaft extending through the handle and the side plates, two ratchets fixedly mounted to the shaft and co-rotatably mounted to the shaft. Each of the two side plates each have two slots and an elongated slot, two members slidably connected between the side plates and received in the two slots so that one of the members is engaged with the ratchets. Two slidable plates are connected to the two side plates with a rod extending through the elongated slots and the slidable plates, each of the peripheries defining the two elongated slots having a recess defined therein so as to receive the rod therein which is lifted by the other member received in the slots. The member to lift the rod is pushed by a cam device defined in each of the distal ends of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 5855045
    Abstract: A assembly is improved in rigidity to sufficiently bear the stress imposed thereon under a tensile force exerted by a strap 27. In the assembly, the strap winding shaft 7 is constructed of a pair of the main-shaft segments 7a, 7b and a core plate segment 8; and, the strap 27 has its first one 27a of its opposite end portions 27a, 27b inserted into both the first slots 24 (which extends the radial direction of the main-shaft segments 7a, 7b) and the second slot 25 (which extends in the thickness direction of the core plate segment 8), and the strap is wound on the strap winding shaft 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Miura
  • Patent number: 5852852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tightening device including a strap portion provided with a serrated portion and with a tightening element, such as band or flap, on which is mounted a locking member including a base fixed on the tightening element; a ratchet connected to the base by a journal and having at least one complementary retaining serrated portion adapted to cooperate with the serrated portion of the strap portion; an elastic return device which maintains the serrated portions in contact with one another in the locking position; and a lever that can be actuated against the force exerted by the elastic return device for disengaging the serrated portions, wherein the strap portion engages through the locking member into a space provided between the journal and a complementary retaining serrated portion of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Rigal
  • Patent number: 5778496
    Abstract: A strapping device includes two plates pivotally connected a U-shaped handle by a shaft to which two ratchets are disposed, each one of two distal ends of the handle has a cam means formed thereto, a control member and a pawl member respectively and movably disposed to the handle and between the two plates, both of the control and the pawl member engaged with the ratchets, a first board and a second board respectively and pivotally disposed between the two plates wherein a front end of the first board is located beneath a rear end of the second board, a first pin movably connected between the two plates and located beneath a rear end of the first board, two sliding plates slidably mounted to outside of the two plates with a first rod extending through third slots in the plates and the fourth slots in the sliding plates, the first rod received in a groove in a front end of the second board, a second rod extending through the fourth slots and first holes in the plates and a third rod connected between the two s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Han-Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 5692269
    Abstract: A tightening ratchet for a lashing strap includes a base body having a central longitudinal direction and one end to which a first end of the lashing strap is fixed. A take-up shaft is rotatably seated on the base body for receiving a second end of the lashing strap and about which the lashing strap can be wound. A releasable tooth adjustment ratchet mechanism is operatively connected to the base body and the take-up shaft for protection against reverse turning of the take-up shaft during a winding of the lashing strap and includes: a ratchet wheel with teeth seated against relative rotation on the take-up shaft; and two ratchet slides seated longitudinally displaceable in two separate guide slits, respectively, in the base body and engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel. The two ratchet slides are located diametrically opposite each other in relation to the ratchet wheel and have a displacement that is essentially congruent with the central longitudinal direction of the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Kamper
  • Patent number: 5655265
    Abstract: An apparatus for tightening strap members comprises a buckle member having a first means for attachment to a strap and a second means for attachment to a strap. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pin-receiving boreholes are provided on slidably related sections of the buckle member such that the boreholes in one section have a vernier relationship with the boreholes in another section, thus permitting a boreholes to come into alignment as the sections are slid past each other at an adjustment increment which is less than the spacing between the boreholes on either section. A method is also provided for using the assembly to tightening a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Fluid Containment, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Schneider, E. C. Crosby, Edward B. Cannan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5626439
    Abstract: A diving outfit, vest and tightening device is provided for securing an air tank to a vest element. The device operates by air pressure supplied from the diver's air tank, and tightening of the belt is achieved by pressurized extension of a piston within a cylinder. The device is useful for securing air tanks to diving vests, and the outfit, vest and device are useful for allowing divers to secure the air tank with a minimal of manual force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Albert J. Rowlands
  • Patent number: 5528803
    Abstract: There is described a winch lock assembly which serves to cinch a sack and its contents closed, thereby locking said contents inside said sack, and at the same time, containing the cinch cord within the winch lock assembly. The winch lock includes a crank assembly, to hand-wind the cinch cord on a shaft inside said winch lock body. When said cinch cord is adequately wound up in order to close the cinch sack, additional force may be applied to said cord with the thumb and index finger of the hand, without said cord unwinding between said torque strokes, due to the clutch-breaking effect of the wound-up cord inside said winch lock body. The crank handle is pivotally mounted on a crank assembly, so as to be folded into crank assembly, thereby locking the crank assembly to said winch lock body.This is accomplished by a locking surface on the crank handle that moves into slots cut into the winch lock body when said handle is folded into the crank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: David M. Frisoli
  • Patent number: 5426827
    Abstract: A tensioning member for achieving and maintaining a desired tension in a flexible strap, web or belt is provided. The tensioning member includes an elongate tensioning member having a pair of cam-like cross-members around which the strap is threaded. The elongate member is rotatable through substantially 180.degree. of arc from a release position to a tensioned position. In the tensioned position, the path of the strap through the tensioning member is longer than when the tensioning member is in the release position. This causes the tension in the strap to increase as the tensioning member is rotated from a release position to the tensioned position. One end of the tensioning member is extended to provide a mechanical advantage for rotating the member to the tensioned position. A keeper or retainer encircling the strap and movable therealong engages the extended end of the tensioning member to secure the tensioning member in the tensioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Pereles Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Tracy, William E. Chase
  • Patent number: 5416952
    Abstract: A snowboard ratchet-type buckling arrangement includes a housing and a strap slidably received within the housing. The strap has a rack of teeth on its upper surface. A tab is pivotally mounted to the housing about a first axis and is spring-biased into engagement with the rack of teeth on the strap. The tab allows the strap to move in a first direction and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction. A lever arm is pivotally mounted about the housing about the first axis and a second axis which is spaced from the first axis. When the lever arm is pivoted about the second axis, saw teeth engage the rack of teeth on the strap to incrementally ratchet the strap through the housing in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Burton Snowboards
    Inventor: David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5402958
    Abstract: A tamper evident seal for assembled components having aligned apertures. The seal includes a hollow housing, a stem, a flexible elongated element, a means for rotating the stem, and a means for opposing the rotation of the stem. The hollow housing has a circular side wall surrounding a central axis, and the side wall has a first wall opening. The stem is contained within the housing for rotation about the axis, and the stem has a stem opening aligned at an initial setting with the first wall opening. The flexible elongated element protrudes from the housing. The means for rotating the stem operates in one direction. The means for opposing rotation of said stem relative to the housing opposes rotation in the opposite direction. In use, the free end of the flexible element is passed through the aligned apertures of the assembled components and then through the circular side wall and stem via the wall and stem openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Mahaney
  • Patent number: 5395018
    Abstract: A mount or holder apparatus and method for releasably securing a lock comprised of a U-shaped shackle and a cross-bar connected across the open end thereof to a bicycle. The holder comprises a plurality of mounting blocks, each mounting block having a first concave mounting surface of a predetermined axial length in which the lock may be cradled and an opposing second concave mounting surface of a predetermined axial length in which a portion of the bicycle may be cradled. The first and second concave mounting surfaces are positioned relative to each other so that the direction of the first axial length is transverse to the second axial length. Each mounting block includes a first means proximate the second concave mounting surface for securing the lock in the first concave mounting surface and a second means proximate to the first concave mounting surface for securing the bicycle in the second concave mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Twofish Unlimited
    Inventor: Robert D. Studdiford
  • Patent number: 5357655
    Abstract: A fixing tie (10) for use in securing the ends of a protective gaiter around a constant velocity joint comprises a flexible plastics strap (11) and an adjustment clip (12). The flexible strap (11) is passed round the end of the gaiter and the free ends pass through an aperture (23) into the clip. One end (27) of the strap (11) is secured in the clip by crimping of integral tabs (17) into contact with the strap. The other end (28) of the strap is received in a split pin (22) which is rotated in a mounting (21) to tighten the strap around the gaiter end. The other end (28) is then secured in position once again by crimping of further integral tabs (18) into contact with the strap and the split pin (22) is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Philip F. Hayward
  • Patent number: 5326080
    Abstract: An apparatus for tightening elastic and non-elastic bands designed for fitting to the frames of pieces of furniture includes a tensioner consisting of a roll arranged for rotation about its own axis. The roll has a pressure member mounted in spaced relationship with the roll so as to permit insertion of bands therebetween. The supplied band is folded backwardly over the top of the pressure member to be fastened to the frame of the piece of furniture. During a first rotation of the roll, the pressure member applies, by friction, a slight tractive force on the band, while permitting it to run with respect to the roll. A subsequent rotation of the roll brings the backwardly folded portion of the band to bear on that portion of the band supplied from the reel, which lies on the least one portion of the surface of the roll, whereby running of the band is then prevented by friction such that a further rotation of the roll causes tightening of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: INTES S.A.S. Di Giuseppe Seroldi E.F. LLI & C.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Seroldi
  • Patent number: 5218745
    Abstract: A tank strap tightening actuator for securing a SCUBA air tank to a diver's backpack by means of a strap which engages the backpack and surrounds the tank with the two free ends of the strap being hooked to said actuator around said tank, said actuator being activated by compressed air to tighten the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventors: Robert Hollis, William D. Walters
  • Patent number: 5205020
    Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for the step-wise tensioning and non-stepped releasing of a lashing strap includes a frame (1; 100), a pivot lever (2) having two pivot arms (16, 16'), and a ratchet mechanism that includes ratchet wheels (3, 3') and locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'). By using a plurality of locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'), the tensioning apparatus is able to absorb a greater lashing force or to tension the lashing strap in locking steps which differ from the tooth pitch t. To release the lashing strap, cams (40) on the pivot arms (16, 16') of the pivot lever (2) move the locking pawls and thus the ratchet mechanism to a disengaged position. The structural height of the tensioning apparatus and the number of components required for it may be reduced by using curved locking pawls (5, 5'; 105, 105'), a curved driving pawl (20), and a leg spring (41) which serves as the sole spring element for biasing the locking pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Kamper
  • Patent number: 5187840
    Abstract: A clasp device for use with a variety of securing members for fastening a selected securing member around an object. A bed plate is mounted on the object around which the securing member is to be fastened. The bed plate includes a first bed plate column and a second bed plate column mounted on opposite ends of the bed plate. A first end of the securing member is secured to the bed plate near the second bed plate column. An arm is pivotally mounted on the first bed plate column and moveable between an open and a closed position, such that in the closed position, the arm overlies the bed plate. The arm includes supporting and guiding structures for adjustably and removably mounting a clamp for the securing member allowing for variable tension on the securing member. A lever pivotally attached to the distal end of the arm moves between the open and closed position. The clasp may be locked in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Kaczorowski
  • Patent number: 5181300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a waistband fastener, especially for trousers, skirts or the like, comprising a latch rail (1) fixed to a waistband portion (A) and bearing a plurality of sawtooth-like teeth (3), on which latch rail a slider (2) connected to the other waistband portion (B) is guided in an adjustable and latchable manner. To enable a simple and advantageous handling and operation of the fastener, a latch finger (12) can be selectively brought into and out of engagement with the teeth of the latch rail by means of a transverse shifting of the slider away from and toward the latch rail. In the first case, the latch finger simply slides over the teeth, by virtue of riding up on their sloping faces, when the slider is moved in one direction (arrow y) along the latch rail. In the other case, the latch finger is shifted out of the tooth gaps (4) and clear of the teeth to permit movement of the slider in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Schaeffer GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5158450
    Abstract: A buckle assembly is disclosed for use in fastening opposite ends of a strap, belt, suspender and the like, which buckle assembly comprises a plug member, a socket member engageable therewith and a tension control means adapted to reciprocate the plug member back and forth through the socket member for a predetermined distance in response to tensile forces applied to the straps. A tension adjusting means is further provided to adjust the compressive tension of the tension control means to a desired extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horita, Shunji Akashi
  • Patent number: 5156506
    Abstract: A load tie-down and arrangement for securing loads onto vehicles, particularly non-uniform and abrasive loads such as logs onto log-hauling trailers, and for enhancing the safety with which such loads can be transported. The tie-down includes a high abrasion resistant webbing capable of being attached at one end to the vehicle and at the other to a winching mechanism. The winching mechanism easily accommodates excess webbing for small load situations and is capable of being easily and quickly tightened or retightened during transport to offset any slack in the webbing which may have been created due to load shifting or settling. A modified tie-down can be used to encircle the load without attachment to the vehicle for increased security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Greenhead Industries
    Inventor: Warner Bailey
  • Patent number: 5103536
    Abstract: A tensioning assembly for the stepwise tightening and releasing of a tensioning strap includes a frame (1), a tensioning lever (2), and a wind-up spindle (4) supporting ratchet wheels (3, 3'). A driving pawl (19) which is movably mounted on the tensioning lever (2) serves to rotate the wind-up spindle (4) when the strap is being tightened. Reverse rotation of the wind-up spindle (4) is prevented by a pair of locking pawls (5, 5') which are movably mounted on the frame (1). The lower or bearing end of the tensioning lever (2) has an unlatching cam (37) which permits the locking pawls (5, 5') to be alternatingly moved out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheels (3, 3'), thus promoting safety by relieving the strap tension in stages. An isolating cam (40) at the bearing end of the tensioning lever (2) permits both locking pawls (5, 5') to be disengaged after the strap tension has been reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Kamper
  • Patent number: 5058243
    Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. In a first embodiment the body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap. In another embodiment, one of the anchor bars is a removable pin in a structure that functions efficiently as a connector for both Nylon and metal straps. In addition to serving as a lifting connection for straps, the connector hereof can serve as a connector for a towing strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Donald D. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5023979
    Abstract: A fastener is assembled for a pair of overlapping members comprising a cloth tab secured at both ends to one of the members and a closure clasp having a bottom, a pair of pivot arms and a closure clasp arm pivotally mounted therein. The closure clasp bottom is secured to the other member to hide the entire closure clasp from view. The tab passes between the closure clasp arm and the bottom and the closure clasp is shiftable along the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventors: Robert B. Bennett, Vincent Hung, Ezra Sassoon
  • Patent number: 5016325
    Abstract: A U-shaped body portion has an attaching end for a cable or hitch connection and an opposite open end for receiving a strap to be connected to the body portion. The body portion includes a pair of anchor bars arranged to receive a doubled back and looped end of a strap arranged to pinch the strap when a pulling tension is applied to the strap. A removable pin is mounted in the body portion and disposed between the anchor bars and the attaching end for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Donald D. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4912813
    Abstract: A belt connection mechanism having a rotatable connection element. The connection element is mounted in a bracket and can be shifted axially out of a locking position against spring force. In the locking position, detents provided on at least one end of the connection element engage in arresting notches of the bracket. In the locking position, an abutment of the connection element rests under the spring force against an abutment surface of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Eisen- und Drahtwerk Erlau Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anton Muller, Hermann Schinko
  • Patent number: 4894889
    Abstract: A tensioning and securing device for a lashing system comprises a U-shaped member (10), for engagement with first lashing elements (24) and a cross-member (16) having holes through which the legs of member (10) extend and which can slide up and down the legs of member (10), the member (16) having hooks at its ends for attachment of second lashing elements (25). The ends of the legs of the member (10) carry a formation or formations (20, 34) for supporting the neck of a removable jack (26) by which the cross member (16) may be jacked towards the loop end of the U-shaped member (10) to tension the lashing. Securing elements (18) on the cross member (16) or on the legs of member (10) allow the cross member (16) to be locked in place, then the jack may be collapsed and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventors: William N. Johnson, Gunnar Holmqvist
  • Patent number: 4860606
    Abstract: This invention relates to a ratchet apparatus adapted to be connected to a hand truck assembly in order to control movement of an article connector assembly about an article to be conveyed. The ratchet apparatus includes a ratchet housing assembly; a ratchet handle assembly connected to the ratchet housing assembly; and a ratchet actuator assembly mounted between the ratchet handle assembly and the ratchet housing assembly. The ratchet handle assembly includes a main handle assembly operable in a reciprocal rotational movement to achieve positive, controlled movement of a connector belt member. The ratchet actuator assembly includes a main actuator assembly having a ratchet dog assembly and a ratchet pawl assembly operably connected to a ratchet drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Harper Truck, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 4815408
    Abstract: A clamping device adapted to receive respectively in each of two linearly spaced members the distill end of a shroud line and a deck plate mount, the members being moveable along a threaded shaft to draw the distall end of the shroud line toward the deck plate member for attachment thereto; and a guage for determining precisely the linear relationship between the distill end of the shroud line and the deck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Raanan Burd
  • Patent number: 4799296
    Abstract: A connector body portion has opposite ends and a hollow interior. A cross bar in the housing is arranged to receive a looped end of a strap thereover comprising free and lifting end portions and arranged to pinch the free end portion between it and the lifting end portion by a lift force on the latter. A releasable anchor in the body portion is arranged for insertion in the loop of the looped end of the strap for holding the latter in a secured position on the body portion and for release from the body portion to release the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Donald D. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4796338
    Abstract: A device for connecting and tensioning two wires. The device includes two operating members or blocks which are movable back and forth relative to each other in a substantially longitudinal direction. The operating members have gripping portions which coact with the wires to tension the wires upon reciprocal movement of the members. In one embodiment the wires are tensioned in one direction of movement of the members relative to each other and in another embodiment the wires are tensioned in both directions of movement of the members relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: The National Telephone Supply Co.
    Inventor: Richard G. Meyers
  • Patent number: 4780939
    Abstract: A fastener for a band or the like, particularly a waistband on garments, comprising a rail provided with detents, the rail being fastened to one end of the band. A slide travels on the rail, the slide being fastened to the other end of the band. An angle-shaped flip lever has a shorter angle leg which, in a flipped position of the flip lever, engages into the detent depressions of the rail, the flip lever being carried by the slide. The flip lever has a window for the free passage of a cover strip lying on the outside in front of the rail, the flip lever including a longer angle leg which extends outward of the fastener in operating position leg. A snap-detent connection secures a covering to the longer leg, the snap-detent connection being formed by providing the convering with an opening into which a tongue of the longer leg extends. The opening is developed as an insertion pocket, open towards the window, for the tongue, the wide surface of which enters into a detent connection with the pocket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Schaeffer Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Belter, Gustav Christians, Erich Klingenburg
  • Patent number: 4706343
    Abstract: An hydraulic load binder is disclosed for universal application, the piston rod assembly, the reservoir assembly and the pump assembly all being commonly housed. The channels to and from the pump and the piston rod chamber and the reservoir chamber are controlled by simple check valves. Two additional channels are provided for communicating the top of the piston rod chamber with the reservoir chamber. One of these additional channels includes a check valve which opens when the pressure in the piston rod chamber reaches a predetermined limit. The other additional channel is controlled by a needle valve, which is opened once a rotatable mechanical locking means is placed in locking position against the extended piston rod. Opening the needle valve depressurizes the piston rod chamber. The piston rod chamber is again pressurized to permit the mechanical lock to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Steven F. Neidigk
  • Patent number: 4682760
    Abstract: A constant force self adjusting cable control device comprising a first member and a second member pivoted to one another about a pivot point, a tension spring connected to the first and second members and yieldingly urging the first and second members in a direction to cause movement about the pivot point and a cable attached to each of the first and second members. The cables are axially aligned such that the axis of the tension spring and the axis of the cables are substantially parallel. The angular displacement between the points of attachment of the spring and the cable and the pivot point on one member forms an angle equal to the angle of the point of attachment of the spring and the cable of the other member and the pivot point whereby substantially constant tension is provided on each of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Acco Babcock Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Baumgarten
  • Patent number: 4627133
    Abstract: The assembly includes a pultruded glass fiber reinforced resin strap each end of which is secured between a pair of plates. At each end the plates and the strap are apertured to receive a retaining rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Bartlow
  • Patent number: 4622721
    Abstract: In a connecting device for components to a belt (14), a belt connection (7) mounted rotatably in the device is used, which is connected integrally in rotation to a ratchet wheel (9) which exhibits only one tooth (10) with which a detent pawl (11) is associated. The belt (14) can be connected rapidly and safely to the device by rotating the belt connection (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Reinhard Smetz, Helmut Speich
  • Patent number: 4619057
    Abstract: The device is composed of a vertical axle positioned in a case made rigid with the rear half-shell of the quarter of ski footwear. The axle having at a middle region thereof, an inclined tooth gear which is actuated by a ratchet lever to cause its co-directional rotation with winding of stays having second ends associated with the front portion of the quarter thus effecting the closure of the boot. The lower end of said axle includes a thread portion adapted to cause upward movement of a block which in turn causes tensioning of cables associated with an element positioned on the foot instep, thereby causing tightening of the same. Also provided are a means of releasing the inclined tooth gear with consequent opening of the boot quarter, and a means of adjusting the tension exerted by the upward movement of the block on the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Caber Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Leo Sartor, Franco Gobbo
  • Patent number: 4604772
    Abstract: A device for tensioning belts or the like, comprising a first portion adapted to have one end of the belt fastened thereto and a second portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the belt spaced through a distance from one end of the belt and locating the same in the tensioning position vis-a-vis the first portion, whereby the two portions which are formed of synthetic material are adapted to be connected to each other and to the belt in a manner to be pivotable such that upon pivotal movement into the tensioning position a limited shortening occurs in the length clamped by the belt between the two points that have been established, and in that the portions are interlockable in the clamping position via an arresting connection, said arresting connection being releasable by means of an actuation portion accessible from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: ITW-Ateco GmbH
    Inventor: Heino Arff
  • Patent number: 4584742
    Abstract: In a tensioning device for tensioning lines having a drive element for the tensioning line, the drive element is coupled to a ratchet wheel which can be set into rotary movement by a pivot lever with a drive pawl. The directionally oriented notches of the ratchet wheel are shaped so that the pivot lever can be operated in an ergonomically favorable direction during tensioning of the tensioning line. This is made possible in that the notch back of the notch of the ratchet wheel which cooperates with a blocking mechanism in its blocking or detent position is remote from the free end of the pivot lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventor: Herrn H. Speich
  • Patent number: 4584741
    Abstract: A clasping device which has a main assembly including a body, and a lever connected by means of links. A first hook is connected with the body, while a second hook is connected with the lever by means of a strap. The strap can be tightened and loosened by rotating the lever between the release and tightening positions. The body has a claw member for temporarily holding the tightened strap. Therefore, by utilizing the claw member, the lever can be repeatedly operated in order to increasingly tighten the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Ryusyo Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kawahara, Akihiko Chiba
  • Patent number: 4570305
    Abstract: In a tensioning device for tensioning lines having a drive part and a ratchet wheel drivable thereby, a plurality of detent pawls, which are associated with the ratchet wheel, prevent an accidental reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel. The arrangement of the detent pawls is made so that only one detent pawl at a time can come into engagement with a tooth of the ratchet wheel. The reverse rotary stroke of the detent pawl is kept small by an appropriate angular association of teeth and detent pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Reinhard Smetz, H. H. Speich
  • Patent number: 4545096
    Abstract: The fastener for waistbands on trousers or skirts has a detent rail fastened to one part of the waistband and a slide displaceable on the rail. The slide carries a pivotal lever which extends beyond its pivot axis into a detent projection. The slide or the lever is detachably connectable to the other part of the waistband. The other waistband part is provided on its inside with a hook which is engageable with an opening in either the slide or the lever. The opening is coordinated with a slide surface that facilitates this engagement even without looking. In this respect the slide surface is the outside surface of the lever, and it is located ahead of, with respect to the engagement direction, and lower than the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Schaeffer Scovill Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Belter, Alberto Stoecker
  • Patent number: 4530135
    Abstract: A roller wheel baler comprising a roller wheel and a braking mechanism, characterized by a touch-and-go transmission across a transverse slotway on the outer rims of a free roller wheel provided in a bevelled groove and a transmission roller wheel provided with oneway ratchet wheel on the pivotal grooves on both terminals thereof and the patterned indentation together with transmission of the handle drive board to roll past a baling rope in-between so that the rope may be pulled to exert binding or tying or baling or tightening stresses, which, together with the arrangement to have an inverted tooth member that is the front tip of the braking board for the braking mechanism thrusted against the topmost rim of the center of the fix support, will cause the active rope to move ahead in just one direction, which, in conjunction with the tightening action rendered by the compressor unit, will secure a reliable baling, packing, tightening, binding, tying operation of the article being treated as such therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Inventor: Kuo M. Hsiang
  • Patent number: 4510651
    Abstract: A removable operating lever is provided for a ratchet buckle device for tightening and tensioning straps. The ratchet buckle has a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted and employs a bifurcated handle member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms rotatably mounted on the reel. The handle has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the handle is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. The buckle has a cross member on the handle member thereof which has mounting means thereon for mounting an elongated lever member which can be employed to actuate the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Ancra Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest Prete, Jr., Howard Knox