Locking webbing adjuster
AssigneeSafewaze LLC
InventorsOwen P. JEWELL, Cortland G. Schurian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A strap adjuster for use in connecting two straps is provided. The strap adjuster is designed to provide secure attachment of a first strap, relative to a second strap. The strap adjuster includes a locking mechanism which allows an operator to securely attach one strap to another. The strap adjuster uses an intuitive, simple locking mechanism that allows a user to easily lock and unlock the strap apparatus. When unlocked, the strap adjuster allows for simple, quick adjustment of the tension between the first and second straps as needed. After adjusting, the operator is able to quickly and securely relock the strap adjuster to hold both straps in place relative to each other. The strap adjuster is designed for use in a variety of conditions and applications.
Claims14
A strap adjuster for use in a connecting two straps comprising:
- a chassis with a first and second strap receiving slot, wherein the first strap receiving slot is configured for receiving a first safety strap, and the second strap receiving slot is configured for receiving a second safety strap;
- a roller positioned within the second strap receiving slot, being generally biased by one or more biasing members towards an upper strap bar, the roller being rotatable around a longitudinal axis extending from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller and capable of longitudinal movement within the second strap receiving slot;
- and
- one or more locking members configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the roller, wherein when the one or more locking members engage with the roller, the roller is fixed into position and nonrotatable, and when the one or more locking members are disengaged from the roller, the roller may freely rotate around the longitudinal axis.
A method of using a strap adjuster for use in connecting straps comprising:
- Squeezing a pair of plungers on the strap adjuster inward, and pulling the pair of plungers downwards to unlock a roller, thereby permitting the roller to rotate around a longitudinal axis extending from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller and providing a gap between the roller and an upper strap bar;
- While holding the plungers inward and downwards, pulling the first end of a first safety strap in a direction opposite the strap adjuster in order to tighten the first safety strap relative to a second safety strap, or pulling the second end of a first safety strap in a direction opposite the strap adjuster in order to loosen the first safety strap relative to a second safety strap;
- and
- Upon reaching a desired length of the first safety strap relative to the second safety strap, releasing the plungers outwards to prevent the roller from longitudinal rotation and permitting the plungers to return upwards by releasing the plungers to lock the first safety strap in place relative to the second safety strap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.