Method and apparatus for tightening a belt, strap, or the like
First Claim
1. Apparatus for tightening a restraining device 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 a 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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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for tightening a restraining device comprising:
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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 a 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In combination, an apparatus for tightening a restraining device and a removable handle for adjusting tightness of said restraining device, said apparatus comprising:
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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 a 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. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Method for tightening a restraining device, comprising the steps of:
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threading a restraining device through slots included in each of two arms of a generally U-shaped unitary structure, at least one of said two arms being rotatable relative to a remaining portion of said unitary structure;
rotating said at least one arm to impart a desired tension to said restraining device; and
retaining said at least one arm in a fixed rotational position by engaging a locking device. - View Dependent Claims (16)
tightening a nut to hold said at least one arm in said fixed rotational position relative to said unitary structure.
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Specification