Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap tighteners – Accordion straps
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-12
2001-06-19
Sakran, Victor N. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap tighteners
Accordion straps
C024S0680AS, C024S0680CD, C024S909000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247208
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting in proper engagement of restraining devices. More particularly, the invention relates to the tightening of restraining devices such as belts, straps, ropes or the like, including, but not limited to vehicle seat belts used to hold a child safety seat in place.
2. Background Information
Devices for tightening restraining devices, such as belts, straps, ropes or the like, are well known, but suffer a variety of deficiencies. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,773 is directed to an automobile seat belt tightener. The described seat belt tightener is configured to engage a seat belt used to hold a child safety seat in place within a vehicle. The device mounts to the seat belt, and is tightened using a tightener mechanism that includes a non-circular bifurcated pin or reel and a complementary, non-circular aperture in the tightener frame to ensure that the pin or reel cannot be rotated until the pin or reel is fully inserted in the frame.
A ratcheting mechanism is used in the device of the '773 patent to lock the tightened belt in place. However, because ratcheting mechanisms are susceptible to slippage, such a device will not necessarily comply with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) standards. Moreover, the use of the ratcheting mechanism disclosed in the '773 patent adds to the complexity of the device. In addition, the use of a knob as disclosed in the '773 patent for tightening the belt does not provide adequate leverage to the user, thereby rendering installation in difficult to reach places (such as the center rear seat of a vehicle) impractical.
In addition, the device described in the '773 patent is configured as a U-shaped frame for receiving the pin or reel, the pin or reel being configured with a slot therein for receiving the seat belt. Thus, the pin or reel must be inserted into the frame with each use, and therefore care must be taken to guide the slot through the belt so that the belt can be subsequently tightened. Such an operation requires use of both hands and is difficult to implement, particularly when the seat belt tightener is being used in a difficult to reach area. Other known devices which are more simple in design than that described in the '773 patent, are difficult to install, or if easily installed, do not lend to adequate tightening of the belt.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a relatively simple device, which is easy to install and which can provide adequate tension of a restraining device such as a belt, strap or the like in an easy-to-use operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to providing a simple, cost effective device for tightening a restraining device such as a belt, strap, rope or the like that requires very little space, and that can be easily operated to provide complete tightening of the restraining device, even when the restraining device is in a difficult to reach area. Exemplary embodiments can be configured as a unitary structure wherein arms of the unitary structure are each slotted and attached to a base of the unitary structure so that a belt can be easily inserted into the slots. The unitary structure can then be used to clamp the restraining device, such as a seat belt used to hold a child safety seat, in place. Tightening of the belt can be achieved through the use of a removable lever that tightens the belt with each rotation. Upon tightening of the belt to a desired tension, a secure locking mechanism, such as a nut, can be used to hold the belt in its tightened state without concern of belt slippage.
Generally speaking, exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for tightening a restraining device, such as a belt, strap, rope or the like, comprising: a unitary structure having a generally U-shaped configuration formed by a base with two arms, each of said arms including a slot to receive the restraining device, at least one of said arms being rotatable relative to a remaining portion of said unitary structure; and a locking device for selectively retaining said at least one rotatable arm in a fixed rotational position relative to said base.
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Burns Doane , Swecker, Mathis LLP
Sakran Victor N.
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