Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Cord and rope holders – One-piece
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-02
2002-11-05
Sakran, Victor (Department: 3677)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Cord and rope holders
One-piece
C024S12900C, C024S712100, C024S712900, C024S713600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06473944
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention centers around discovered methods of providing a one-way clutching action between a ligature and a frame and applications of the methods to specific products. The mentioned methods create a positive locking (i.e. no possible relative motion) between a ligature and a frame in only one direction and allow a free relative motion between the ligature and the frame in the opposite direction. One-way clutches, by definition, allow relative motion between two objects only in one direction and prevent any relative motion between the two objects in the opposite direction. One objective of this invention is then to discuss the discovered methods of providing a one-way clutching action between a ligature (i.e. rope, etc.) and a frame. Another objective of this invention is to explain the application of the methods of one-way clutching to new or existing products. The methods have diverse applications. Three methods for creating one-way clutching are discussed. The methods are 3-Hole Method, 2-Hole Method and, Loop-Turning Method. The products discussed in this document include wearable items (i.e. shoes, boots, clothing items, hats, helmets, hair bows, etc.), tents, cargo covers, luggage carriers, convertible tops; ligature ladders, ascending/descending devices, packaging items, seat belts, exercise devices, power transmissions, etc. In addition to providing a one-way clutching action between a ligature and a frame, the invention allows quick release or adjustments of the one-way lock between the ligature and the frame without the use of any tools. The frame, depending on the application, may be made from any rigid, elastic (or in between) material. Ligature may include ropes, straps or, wires. The ligature maybe made of metals, plastics or composite materials, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the inventor's discovered methods of creating a one-way clutching action between a body (i.e. a frame) and another flexible body (i.e. a ligature). The term frame is to be interpreted in a broad sense. As explained below, the frame can be a new or an existing product. In general, wherever a ligature has to interact with another object this invention offers practical advantages.
The invention is based on a ligature forming a specific loop within the body of a frame. The ligature after following a path ends up passing underneath the loop. As a result, relative motion between the ligature and the frame is possible only in one direction. This principle is extended into many variations and numerous applications.
There are three ways for creating a one-way clutching action between a frame and a ligature. The methods are: 3-Hole Method, 2-Hole Method and, Loop-Turning Method. The methods are based on creating a dynamic frictional lock between two overlapping segments of the ligature. The dynamic characteristics of the system are due to the proportional increase in the frictional force, within the overlapping segments of the ligature, as a function of the applied force.
The frame in the 2-Hole Method and in the Loop-Turning Method is comprised of sets of paired holes. In the 3-Hole Method, the frame is comprised of sets of 3 holes with two of the holes in each set being paired and specifically spaced. The same applies to the 2-Hole Method where the paired holes should be spaced apart by a specific distance. If the ligature has a round cross section, the inner edge to inner edge distance between the paired holes should approximately be equal to the diameter of the ligature. If the ligature has a flat cross section, the inner edge to inner edge distance between the paired holes should not be longer than the width of the ligature. From the mechanical view point the distance between the paired holes can be critical in providing the necessary positive locking after an overlap between two segments of the ligature is established. Further, the said distance between the said two paired holes can play a role in preventing the frame from biting into the ligature. Such biting can damage the ligature. In the case of a 3-Hole Method, the third hole normally is located in such a manner that the three holes form a triangle.
In either 2-Hole or 3-Hole Methods, the ligature enters and exits the two closely spaced holes sequentially forming a loop called loop
1
between the two closely spaced holes. Then the ligature, in the case of a 2-Hole Method, loops around the edge of the frame and passes underneath loop
1
. In the case of the 3-Hole Method, the ligature after forming loop
1
between the pairs of closely spaced holes
1
and
2
enters and exits from the third hole before passing underneath loop
1
. The end of the ligature out from underneath loop
1
is being named “free end” in all future references. The other end of the ligature will be referred to as the “active end” throughout this document.
The free end can be pulled freely with respect to the frame. However, exertion of any tensile force on the active end of the ligature increases the friction force between the two overlapping layers of the ligature. The increased friction along with the deformation of the ligature at the overlap segment causes the ligature and the frame to form a strong interlock.
The invention provides two different methods for facilitating unlocking or establishing means for quick adjustments of the system. The first method is to introduce a gap between the frame and the ligature. The second method involves employment of means for pulling loop
1
upward. Such upward pulling means can be as simple as an additional ligature loop around loop
1
. The purpose of either method is to allow the user to easily pull the free end of the ligature from underneath loop
1
. Once the free end of the ligature is pulled from underneath loop
1
the tension in the system is relaxed and adjustments or unlocking is then done with ease. To provide the gap, in the 3-Hole Method, an opening is employed. Such opening is located, in a preferred practice, between the paired holes (ie. holes
1
and
2
) and the third hole. Alternatively, a gap between the ligature and the frame is established by setting the third hole at a higher elevation. In the case of a 2-Hole Method, grooved or stepped edge of the frame provides the necessary gap between the ligature and the frame. The purpose of the gap is to provide a space where the user can hold and pull the ligature from underneath loop
1
. The second method of easy unlocking employs an additional complete loop around loop
1
. Although an external body can be used to form the extra complete loop, in a preferred practice, the same ligature that interacts with the frame can be used to form the mentioned complete loop around loop
1
. To form the complete loop around loop
1
the free end of the ligature is passed underneath loop
1
again. Securing means including cable, beaded or, wire tie, etc. can be used to secure the complete loop around loop
1
. Pulling the complete loop upward pulls loop
1
upward and the system becomes unlocked. Pulling outward the end of the ligature that is in the immediate vicinity and underneath loop
1
tightens (locks) the system.
In the Loop-Turning Method the frame is comprised of sets of paired holes. Each two holes that form a pair should be spaced close to each other. A ligature enters and exits one of the paired holes. The ligature then forms ½ turn loop around the body of the frame before entering and exiting the other hole of the paired set. A force applied to the frame causes the frame to move freely along the length of the ligature. However, a simple turning of the mentioned ½ turn loop over the edge of the frame from one side to the other side establishes an overlap between two segments of the ligature. This overlap prevents any relative motion between the frame and the ligature in one direction. Relative motion between the ligature and the frame is possible in the opposite direction. In other words, the simple loop turning makes the assembly a one-way clutch!
The mentioned methods of forming a one-way c
LandOfFree
One-way clutching methods between a ligature and a frame and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with One-way clutching methods between a ligature and a frame and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and One-way clutching methods between a ligature and a frame and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2985700