# US 2014/0196257 A1 · Releasable connector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0196257 A1 - Document ID: US20140196257A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/155,995 - Filed: 2014-01-15 - Published: 2014-07-17 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-16 - Inventors: Lorne ENTWISTLE - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140196257A1 ## CPC - F16B 2/08: using bands - B65D 63/02: Metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Joints between ends thereof - B65D 63/1027: {the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like} - E05B 75/00: Handcuffs {; Finger cuffs; Leg irons; Handcuff holsters; Means for locking prisoners in automobiles (retaining devices for the body or body parts A61F5/37)} - B65D 2563/107: having a release mechanism, e.g. reusable bundling straps - B65D 2563/108: Appendages formed with/on the strap for purposes other than joining, releasing or bundling, e.g. for fixing the strap to a wall, label plates - Y10T 24/14: Bale and package ties, hose clamps - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A releasable connector is provided, in particular, for connecting rods or bars together, especially rods and bars forming, part of temporary fencing panels, or as a pair of handcuffs. The connector comprises at least one strap that projects from a locks The strap is adapted to be wrapped around part of a first item and the connector is provided with a second means whereby it can be secured to a second item so that the first and second items can be connected together. The lock is located in an aperture defined by the connector adjacent a channel into which a free end of the strap may be inserted. The lock comprises a rotatable barrel that defines at least one projection which on rotation of the barrel engages the strap when it is within the channel to secure the strap in position. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A releasable connector comprising a first means adapted for securement of the connector to a first item and a second means adapted for securement of the connector to a second item, the first means comprising a strap that projects from a lock and that is adapted to be wrapped around a part of the first item, the lock being located in an avenue defined by the connector adjacent a channel into which a free end of the strap may be inserted and the lock comprising a rotatable barrel that defines at least one projection which on rotation of the barrel engages the strap when it is within the channel to secure the strap in position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, comprising a tab or a lug that is adapted to be connected by a fastener either to the second item or to a third item. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second means comprises a second strap and the aperture in which the lock is located is between two channels into which free ends of the straps may be respectively inserted, each strap being securable in position by the projection or at least one of a plurality projections that is defined by the barrel and that engages a part of said strap. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein engagement of the strap by said at least one projection bends the strap thereby locking the strap in position within the channel. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap defines a series of transverse ridges or slots that is engaged by the projection to retain the strap within the channel. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second means comprises a second strap and the aperture in which the lock is located is between two channels into which free ends of the straps may be respectively inserted, the rotatable barrel defining two projections which in a first position of the barrel respectively engage the two straps within their respective channels and which in a second position of the barrel are retracted to free the straps. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each strap defines a series of transverse ridges or slots that is engaged by the projection or projections to retain the strap within its channel and wherein the or each projection is provided with a tooth or notch that is adapted to engage either between adjacent ridges or in a slot of the series of transverse ridges to secure the strap in position within its channel. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap defines a series of transverse ridges or slots that is engaged by the projection to retain the strap within the channel and wherein the rotatable barrel defines a projection in the form of to helical thread, parts of which engage the ridges or slots defined by the strap whereby rotation of the barrel within the aperture causes the strap to be screwed into or out of its channel. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrel defines a keyhole and a key is provided that fits into the keyhole and enables the barrel to be rotated. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a finger-pull is provided at the free end of the or each strap.