Force-indicating strap fastener

Abstract

A force-indicating strap fastener includes a base, an axle, a lever, two ratchet wheels, a first detent, a second detent, and a force gauge. The base including a first guiding element formed thereon and a second guiding element formed thereon. The axle is rotationally mounted on the base. The lever is pivotally mounted on the axle. The ratchet wheels are secured to the axle. The first detent is mounted on the base for engagement with the ratchet wheels. Thus, rotation of the axle relative to the base in a first direction is allowed, but rotation of the axle in a second direction opposite to the first direction is avoided. The second detent is mounted on the lever for engagement with the ratchet wheels. Thus, pivoting of the lever in the first direction results in rotation of the axle in the first direction, but pivoting of the lever in the second direction does not entail rotation of the axle in the second direction. The force gauge includes a casing, a spring, an anvil and an indicator. The casing is mounted on the base and formed with a scale. The spring is received in the casing. The anvil includes a first end in contact with the spring and a second end outside the casing. The indicator is connected with the anvil for pointing at a value in the scale depending on the tensile force.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.