Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap tighteners – Accordion straps
Reexamination Certificate
2002-10-01
2004-03-23
Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3677)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap tighteners
Accordion straps
C024S0680BT, C036S050500, C002S418000, C074S089170
Reexamination Certificate
active
06708376
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a length adjustment mechanism for a strap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 3,214,809 issued to Edwards on Dec. 20, 1963 discloses a length adjustment mechanism for a strap having overlapping portions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,245 issued to Binduga on Sep. 14, 1999 discloses an adjustable headband comprising a ratchet mechanism having different resistances.
Although these prior art adjustable mechanisms allow adjusting the length of a strap when desired by the user while normally preventing undesirable movement of the strap, such movement is nevertheless possible when the force applied to the strap exceeds a certain level.
Against this background, there is a need in the industry for a mechanism that allows the length of the strap to be easily adjusted by the user while preventing or at least reducing the possibility of unwanted loosening or tightening of the strap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention seeks to provide a length adjustment mechanism for a strap having a row of teeth. The mechanism comprises a pinion for meshing with the row of teeth and a finger operable actuator pivotable in a first direction and in a second direction. The mechanism also comprises a pivoting link coupled to the pinion, the pivoting link being pivotable about a first pivot axis to impart a pivotal movement to the pinion and a rotating element coupled with the finger operable actuator. The rotating element is pivotable about a second pivot axis and engages the pivoting link in a driving relationship such that movement imparted to the finger operable actuator is communicated to the pinion via the rotating element and the pivoting link to displace the row of teeth.
REFERENCES:
patent: 553399 (1896-01-01), Esterhazy
patent: 2511234 (1950-06-01), Anderson
patent: 2550575 (1951-04-01), Malcom
patent: 2926406 (1960-03-01), Edwards et al.
patent: 3041622 (1962-07-01), Gurtowski
patent: 3090046 (1963-05-01), Bowers, Sr.
patent: 3214809 (1965-11-01), Edwards
patent: 3325824 (1967-06-01), Donegan
patent: 3329968 (1967-07-01), Gordon
patent: 3444560 (1969-05-01), Northup, Jr.
patent: 3500474 (1970-03-01), Austin
patent: 3729779 (1973-05-01), Porth
patent: 3992720 (1976-11-01), Nicolinas
patent: 4297747 (1981-11-01), Nava
patent: 4345792 (1982-08-01), Shephard
patent: 4888831 (1989-12-01), Oleson
patent: 4942628 (1990-07-01), Freund
patent: 5357654 (1994-10-01), Hsing-Chi
patent: 5373588 (1994-12-01), Hede et al.
patent: 5600874 (1997-02-01), Jungkind
patent: 5950245 (1999-09-01), Binduga
patent: 6256798 (2001-07-01), Egolf et al.
patent: 6314588 (2001-11-01), Fang
patent: 2002/0007508 (2002-01-01), Grepper et al.
patent: 2362802 (2001-12-01), None
Extract from the GIRO website showing different helmet adjustment systems, Nov., 2002.
Technical pamphlet of SOFOP S.A. showing the ALBATROS and the OPUS helmets. Nov., 2002.
North Safety Products Ltd.
Sandy Robert J.
Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP
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