Fastener for straps

• US 7,281,701 B1
• Filed: 12/22/2006
• Issued: 10/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Han-Ching Huang
• Original Assignee: Han-Ching Huang
• Inventors: Huang, Han-Ching
• Primary Examiner(s): MARCELO, EMMANUEL MONSAYAC
• Application Number:
  US11/615,214
• Time in Patent Office: 298 Days
• Field of Search: 254/217, 254/218, 254/237, 254/238, 24/68.R, 24/70.ST, 24/69.ST, 24/69.CT
• US Class Current: 254/218
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 7/083 Tensioning by repetetive movement of an actuating member
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2113 Strap tighteners
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/2121 Cargo tie down

Abstract

A fastener includes a frame, a handle and a reel inserted through the frame and handle so that a strap can be reeled when the reel is rotated. Two protective units are formed on the frame or the handle for protecting the reel from the handle or the frame. Two ratchet wheels are connected to the reel. A first detent is movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels. A second detent is movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels.

Claims

1. A fastener comprising:

a frame;

a handle;

a reel inserted through the frame and the handle so that a strap can be reeled when the reel is rotated;

two protective units formed on one of the frame and handle for protecting the reel from the remaining one of the frame and the handle, wherein each of the protective units comprises at least two arched ridges;

two ratchet wheels connected to the reel;

a first detent movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels; and

a second detent movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels.

2. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the protective units are formed on the frame.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the protective units are formed on the handle.

4. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the arched ridges are formed on the frame, and the frame defines two apertures each defined within the arched ridges of a related one of the protective units, and the handle defines two apertures in which the arched ridges are inserted for protecting the reel from the handle when the reel is inserted through the apertures of the frame and the handle.

5. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the arched ridges are formed on the handle, and the handle defines two apertures each defined within the arched ridges of a related one of the protective units, and the frame defines two apertures in which the arched ridges are inserted for protecting the reel from the handle when the reel is inserted through the apertures of the frame and the handle.

6. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the second detent comprises a grip operable for disengaging the second detent from the ratchet wheels.

7. The fastener according to claim 1 comprising an automatic reeling device provided between the handle and the reel.

8. The fastener according to claim 7 wherein the automatic reeling device comprises a coil spring connected to the handle at an end and connected to the reel at another end.

9. The fastener according to claim 8 wherein the automatic reeling device comprises a cover attached to the handle for covering the coil spring.

10. A fastener comprising:

a frame;

a handle;

a reel inserted through the frame and the handle so that a strap can be reeled when the reel is rotated;

two protective units formed on one of the frame and handle for protecting the reel from the remaining one of the frame and the handle, wherein each of the protective units comprises an annular ridge;

two ratchet wheels connected to the reel;

a first detent movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels; and

a second detent movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels.

11. The fastener according to claim 10 wherein the annular ridges are formed on the frame, and the frame defines two apertures each defined within a related one of the annular ridges, and the handle defines two apertures in which the annular ridges are inserted for protecting the reel from the handle when the reel is inserted through the apertures of the frame and the handle.

12. A fastener comprising:

a frame;

a handle;

a reel inserted through the frame and the handle so that a strap can be reeled when the reel is rotated;

two protective units formed on one of the frame and handle for protecting the reel from the remaining one of the frame and the handle;

two ratchet wheels connected to the reel;

a first detent movable on the frame for engagement with the ratchet wheels;

a second detent movable on the handle for engagement with the ratchet wheels;

an automatic reeling device provided between the handle and the reel and comprising, a coil spring connected to the handle at an end and connected to the reel at another end, and a cover attached to the handle for covering the coil spring, wherein the cover is formed with hooks, and the handle defines apertures for receiving the hooks.

13. The fastener according to claim 12 comprising an elastic element provided between the handle and the second detent.

14. The fastener according to claim 13 wherein the elastic element is a torque spring.