Patent Application
20150232012
This invention relates to a cam buckle device, specifically to cam buckle devices such as for example straps or the like that have hooking connections at opposite ends which in many cases can be adjusted lengthwise, but are not generally elastic. The cam buckle device of this invention corrects a problem in the transport of small items.
Cam buckles of the generally non-elastic type do not include any means for self-compensating the length of the cam buckle mechanism. Specifically, when transporting items, current cam buckles, even though pulled taut, can develop a slack in the cam buckle because the item can move vertically downward relative to its carrier thus loosening the straps.
A need therefore exists in the art for dealing with the types of problems mentioned above. Using the particular example of hauling small items, the need exists for a cam buckle device where the transported item will continue to be securely tied-down even over uneven transport and without using undue force on the cam buckle and without damaging the integrity of the item.
Similar problems with respect to other uses of non-elastic cam buckles exist. For example, securing any object with such cam buckles involves tightening them as much as possible without damage to the item, the cam buckle or whatever it is tied to. Slack, even small, can develop, especially with respect to forces that can be generated on bumpy roads or terrain. The need therefore exists for an improved cam buckle that can be advantageously applied to a variety of uses for cam buckles.
Accordingly besides the objects mentioned above, advantages of the present invention are; to provide a cam buckle for cargo and other items that responds elastically to the forces acting on the cam buckle assembly thereby preventing the tied-down item from escaping its restraints, and to provide a cam buckle for cargo and other items that does not over-stress the item being tied-down, and to provide an adjustable elastic member for the cam buckle assembly that can be adapted to the tie-down requirements of the cargo.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are achieved by a generally inelastic cam buckle device that incorporates an elastic member in-line with the tie-down forces that can be adjusted for various modulus' of elasticity, and is used to hold items in place when movement or shifting of the tied-down item or other forces would cause a non-elastic cam buckle device to loosen and thereby possibly fail to perform in certain applications of transport.
The elastic member is secured in-line with tension forces of the generally inelastic cam buckle device in such a manner that when the elastic member is in its normal or relaxed position a certain amount of slack is allowed in that portion of the generally inelastic cam buckle device between points where the elastic member is attached thereto. When the cam buckle device is made taut during a cam buckle application, the elastic member is then stretched. In one embodiment, the modulus of elasticity of the elastic member can be adjusted for varying load requirements. Any slackening of the cam buckle during the application would then be compensated for by the elastic member forcing the slack to be taken up without a loosening of the entire cam buckle assembly.
The cam buckle assembly for transportation items according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated in
The elastic member 7 provides elasticity and self-tensioning in the assembly and is least one member selected from the group consisting of extension spring, torsion spring, helical spring, adjustable helical spring, gas spring, shock absorber, and strut. One embodiment of the elastic member 7 is an adjustable helical spring as shown in
In the extended state, elastic member 7 would attempt to return to its original position. It would be precluded from doing so because its resilient force has been overcome by pulling the cam buckle taut. However, if any slack would be experienced anywhere along distal strap 6 of proximal strap 11 (by shifting of the object or forces experienced while travelling), elastic member 7 would resiliently stretch to take up as much of that slack as is possible.
A specific example of operation and the manner of using the cam buckle assembly for transportable items, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is set forth below. Its normal use is identical to that for cam buckle devices in present use. Namely, one can secure the objects to its transport carrier 16 by attaching a cam buckle assembly 1 as illustrated in
It is to be understood that the elastic member added for the purpose of ensuring the proper function of cam buckles under these types of conditions is selected to have properties that allow the inelastic member to be pulled taut without exceeding the elastic limit or resiliency of the elastic member. Accordingly, the cam buckle assembly for transportable items will prevent or deter potentially harmful slackening when items are being transported over certain terrains or when other forces come into play.
Although the description above is primarily in reference to transporting small items, the same principle of cam buckle has application more generally. The specific example should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing an illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention. Note also that in the preferred embodiment, the elastic member 7 is preferably placed as near to a hook 12 as possible, but could be placed anywhere along strap. Also, it can be of a variety of different lengths, depending on the size and application of the cam buckle. For example, elastic member 7 could be several inches long or many inches long.
While there has been shown and described what are at present considered the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope.
