Method and apparatus for tightening a belt, strap, or the like

• US 6,247,208 B1
• Filed: 07/12/1999
• Issued: 06/19/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cecil Creech
• Original Assignee: Cecil Creech
• Inventors: Creech, Cecil
• Primary Examiner(s): Sakran, Victor N.
• Application Number:
  US09/350,903
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 24/68.BT, 24/68.CD, 24/68.D, 24/68.R, 242/65.B, 249/09
• US Class Current: 24/68.0BT
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 25/00 Implements for fastening, connecting or tensioning of wire or strip
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 7/083 Tensioning by repetetive movement of an actuating member
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/347 with means for permanently locking the retractor during the wearing of the belt B60R22/3405 , B60R22/343, B60R22/415 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 24/909 Winders for flexible material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/21 Strap tighteners
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2175 Cargo tie down
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2179 Split band with tightener

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.

Claims

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.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one arm extends through said base for rotation by a user.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an end of said at least one arm is shaped to mate with a removable handle used to rotate said at least one arm.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an end of said at least one arm which extends through said base includes exterior threads, said locking device being a nut rotatable about said threads to lock said at least one arm in said fixed rotational position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said restraining device is seat belt.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking device is a ratchet mechanism.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking device is a ratchet mechanism in combination with a nut rotatable about exterior threads of said at least one arm.

8. In combination, an apparatus for tightening a restraining device and a removable handle for adjusting tightness of said restraining device, said apparatus 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.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said at least one arm extends through said base for rotation by a user.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an end of said at least one arm is shaped to mate with a removable handle used to rotate said at least one arm.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an end of said at least one arm which extends through said base includes exterior threads, said locking device being a nut rotatable about said threads to lock said at least one arm in said fixed rotational position.

12. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said restraining device is seat belt.

13. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said locking device is a ratchet mechanism.

14. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said locking device is a ratchet mechanism in combination with a nut rotatable about exterior threads of said at least one arm.

15. Method for tightening a restraining device, comprising the steps of:

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.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein said step of retaining includes a step of:

tightening a nut to hold said at least one arm in said fixed rotational position relative to said unitary structure.