Device to retain a strap to an object

Abstract

The D-ring includes a post element and a retaining element integral at a first end of both the post element and the retaining element. The retaining element includes a locking mechanism for securing the post element in a fastened position. The post element includes a catch having a first and second chamber and a single aperture to access both. Legs with tips are particularly adapted to be secured by tabs of the aperture assembly. The legs and tips of the locking mechanism are forced through the aperture and past tabs into the second chamber. Seats on the tips engage tabs to lock the D-ring closed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The apparatus of the present invention pertains to a strap retainer in the form of a locking D-ring, such as can be used to secure a child's nylon seatbelt to a grocery carts.

2. Background of the Invention

In the prior art, it is well-known to secure a nylon seatbelt-type child restraint apparatus to a grocery cart or similar vehicle in order to assure the safety of children riding in the shopping cart. It is imperative that such devices be securely attached to the shopping cart without the reasonable possibility of becoming accidentally detached.

However, the prior art devices which have been used to secure the seatbelt-type child restraint apparatus to a grocery cart have typically included two parts: a metal ring and a plastic sleeve. The presence of two separate parts, one being made of metal, required increased manufacturing costs. Moreover, to install this device, a tool has been required. The use of a tool in addition to separate parts has increased the amount of time required to install the prior art device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,118 to Franco et al. (“Franco”) discloses a strap retainer apparatus 100 configured in a D-ring shape. Post element 12 is generally cylindrical with a first end 14 and a second end 16. Stem 32 is formed on second end 16 and has a D-shaped cross section with an inwardly-facing flat surface 34 and an outwardly-facing arcuate surface 36. Bulbous portion 38 is formed above stem 32 with a diameter greater than that of stem 32. Bulbous portion 38 further includes an inwardly-facing backwardly-inclined flat face 40 and an outwardly-facing forwardly-inclined face 42.

Franco also discloses an arcuate retaining element 44 including a first end 46 and a second end 48. First end 46 of arcuate retaining element 44 is integral with first end 14 of post element 12 while second end 48 is lockably engageable with second end 16 of post element 12. Arcuate retaining element 44 is a single molded piece (integral with post element 12) with sufficient flexibility so that, in an unlocked state, arcuate retaining element 44 can easily flexed.

Franco, FIG. 5b, illustrates an aperture assembly formed on second end 48 of arcuate retaining element 44. Aperture assembly includes two portions: a generally round first aperture 76 of a larger diameter and an adjacent, generally D-shaped second aperture 78 of a smaller diameter. D-shaped second aperture 78 includes an arcuate portion 80 facing outward toward a distal end 64 of locking mechanism 58. D-shaped second aperture 78 further includes straight portion 82 facing first aperture 76.

Generally round first aperture 76 is sized to allow bulbous portion 38 to pass therethrough during the locking procedure. Likewise, D-shaped second aperture 78 is sized to accommodate the D-shaped cross section of stem 32 without being large enough to allow bulbous portion 38 to pass therethrough after the locking procedure has been completed.

Passageway 84 is formed from tapering walls 86, 88 which communicate from a larger section in generally round first aperture 76 to a smaller section on straight portion 82 of D-shaped second aperture 78. Aperture element 74 therefore has a “key-hole” type configuration and appearance permitting the bulbous portion 38 and stem 32 to directly enter the round first aperture 76 but not the D-shaped second aperture 78.

In using Franco's invention, the user inserts bulbous portion 38 into generally round first aperture 76 of aperture assembly 74. The user urges the post element 12 forward so as to flex tapering walls 86, 88 apart and allow stem 32 to enter D-shaped second aperture 78 of aperture assembly 74. When stem 32 enters D-shaped second aperture 78, tapering walls 86, 88 snap back into their original orientation. Bulbous portion 38 cannot be released from the D-shaped second aperture 78, unless a separate locking mechanism 58 is pried away.

Thus, Franco discloses a locking mechanism that requires the user to apply force in two directions. The user must apply force downward to force bulbous portion 38 of stem 32 into generally round first aperture 76 and sequently, apply a perpendicular force to urge stem 32 from first aperture 76 to second aperture 78. This arrangement can be difficult to lock as a user is required to apply a series of perpendicular forces.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a strap retainer that does not require a tool, and uses a single aperture to allow a user to apply a single directional force through the single aperture to securely attach a strap retainer to a cart or similar vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A strap retainer according to one aspect of the invention is in the form of a single piece plastic D-ring. The D-ring includes a post element and an arcuate retaining element. A first end of the post element is integral with a first end of the arcuate retaining element while the second end of the arcuate retaining element includes a locking mechanism for securing the second end of the post element in a fastened position. The second end of the post element includes a catch having a first and second chamber and a single aperture to access both. Legs with a tip are particularly adapted to be secured by tabs of the aperture assembly. In an unfastened position, when the second end of the post element is free from the second end of the arcuate retaining element, the arcuate retaining element can be easily slipped around a tubular portion of the grocery cart or similar vehicle. The seatbelt is secured separately to the post element.

The legs and tip with seat of the locking mechanism are forced through the aperture and past tabs into the second chamber. Seats on the tip engage tabs to lock the D-ring closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the apparatus of the present invention in a locked position.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the apparatus of the present invention in a locked position, shown engaging a looped portion of the seatbelt and a portion of the tubular frame of the grocery cart or similar vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the apparatus of the present invention in an unlocked position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of the aperture element and detent element of the present invention in the unlocked position.

FIG. 5 a is a cross-sectional view of the aperture element and detent element in the first stage of locking;

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view of the aperture and detent element in another stage of locking; and

FIG. 5 c is a cross-sectional view of the aperture and detent element in the locked position of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, one sees that FIGS. 1 and 2 are front plan views of the strap retainer apparatus 100 of the present invention in a locked position.

Strap retainer apparatus 100 is generally configured in a D-ring shape. Post element 102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106. Strap retainer 100 can be a single integrally molded piece. A looped portion of a seatbelt 200 of a child restraint apparatus or similar apparatus can be introduced through belt slot 140 of the post element 102 to securely restrain the child. Belt slot 140 is surrounded on all sides by the material of the retainer apparatus, both when the retainer apparatus is in the locked and unlocked position.

Referring to FIG. 3, which shows strap retainer 100 in an unlocked position, one sees that catch 108 is supported on post element 102, but can be formed integral therewith. As shown in FIG. 4, catch 108 preferably has a rectangular-shaped cross section. Catch 108 can have any cross-section, including square and circular. As will be explained in greater detail later, the first chamber 110 and the second chamber 112 of the catch 108 play important roles in the locking mechanism of the strap retainer 100 with simple engagement and subsequent difficult disengagement. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5a, 5b and 5c, first chamber 110 is formed starting at a single aperture 114 and extending down to tabs 116. Second chamber 112 sits below tabs 116 and, due to bottom wall 118, the only entry into the second chamber is between tabs 116. Portals 120, in one embodiment, can be used to allow entry of a special tool (not illustrated) to disengage strap retainer 100 by permitting simultaneous squeezing pressure to release seats 156 (see FIG. 5c) from the tabs 116.

Portals 120 can be a by-product of the molding process for the manufacturing strap retainer 100. Portals 120 are typically disposed only in the second chamber 112.

As further shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, tabs 116 extend horizontally into aperture assembly 108. Alternatively, the tabs 116 can be ramp or arcuate-shaped (not illustrated) to facilitate the locking process by acting as a cam or guide.

Referring back to FIG. 1, one sees an arcuate retaining element 122 including a first end 124 and a second end 126. First end 124 of arcuate retaining element 122 is integral with first end 104 of post element 102 while, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, second end 126 of arcuate retaining element 122 is lockably engageable with second end 106 of post element 102.

Arcuate retaining element 122 has a general arcuate outline giving a D-shaped profile to strap retainer 100. On closer inspection, one sees that arcuate retaining element 122 can be formed from generally straight sections, such as lower horizontal section 128 which includes first end 124 and extends at a right angle from first end 104 of post element 102 lower inclined element 130 rising from lower horizontal section 128 vertical section 132 rising from lower inclined element 130 upper inclined element 134 rising from vertical section 132 and upper horizontal element 136 extending from upper inclined element 134 and including second end 126 and locking mechanism 138 to lockably engage second end 106 of post element 102. Again, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower” and “inclined” are used with respect to the orientation of strap retainer 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4, are approximate, and do not connote a specific angle or direction. Arcuate retaining element 122 is preferably a single molded piece (integral with post element 102) with sufficient flexibility so that, in an unlocked state, arcuate retaining element 122 can easily flexed from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 1.

A strap 200 can be secured to the retainer apparatus 100 by stitching or other attachment and delivered as an assembly for mounting to a cart or similar vehicle. A tubular portion 202 of a frame of a shopping cart or similar vehicle can be inserted within strap retainer 100. By subsequently lockably engaging locking mechanism 138 to second end 106 of post element 102, the locked configuration of FIG. 2, whereby tubular portion 202 is retained and the assembly with the strap 200 is ready to use as a child-restraint.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one sees that locking mechanism 138 on second end 126 of arcuate engaging element 122 includes a generally planar horizontal base section 142 with a first and second (preferably flexible) leg 144, 146 extending therefrom. The legs 144, 146 are disposed downward, facing aperture 114 of catch 108. Each leg 144, 146 has a free end (opposite the end at the base 142) which contains a tip 152. Legs 144, 146 are flexible and can be deflected toward or away from each other. Legs 144, 146 are resilient in that they return to their original position once the deflecting force is removed. Legs 144, 146 can be straight, curved, or have variable thickness.

The tips 152 can be barb or arrow shaped having a sloped portion 148 and a substantially horizontal seat 156. In one embodiment, the tips 152 are mirror images of each other. In alternative embodiments, only one leg 144, 146 has tip 152.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5a, first and second legs 144, 146 and their related tips 152 are sized and spaced to enter aperture 114 of catch 108 without deflection, if the locking mechanism 138 is forced linearly along a vertical axis 158 of the aperture assembly 108. In an alternate embodiment, the only force necessary is a force parallel to the legs 144, 146 as they enter the first and second chambers 110, 112. Further, once locked, first chamber 110 is sized to receive first and second legs 144, 146 without deflection. See, FIG. 5c.

FIG. 5 b illustrates tips 152 passing through tabs 116 and entering second chamber 112. Tabs 116 are sized to permit the tips 152 to pass but only when the legs 144, 146 are deflected toward each other. Sloped portion 148 acts as a guide or cam to permit tips 152 to pass tabs 116. Sloped portion 148 assists in forcing tips 152 toward one another.

FIG. 5 c illustrates that second chamber 112 is sized to receive both tips 152 in their relaxed state. Once relaxed, seats 156 contact tabs 116 causing the locking mechanism 138 to engage aperture assembly 108. In an embodiment, once engaged, the two cannot be separated without damaging strap retainer 100. Optionally, a tool can be passed through portal 120 to disengage locking mechanism from aperture assembly 108.

To operate strap retainer 100, the user starts with strap retainer 100 in the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, a strap 200 is already attached to the retainer via the slot 140. The user then flexes arcuate retaining element 122 so as to retain or engage the tubular portion 202 of a frame of a shopping cart or similar vehicle. The user then inserts tips 152 into aperture 114 of catch 108. Sloped sections 148 guide tips 152 past tabs 116. The user urges the locking mechanism 138 forward so as to flex legs 144, 146 together in a temporarily biased condition and allow the seats 156 to enter second chamber 112 of catch 108. When tips 152 enter second chamber 112, legs 144, 146 flex back into their original unbiased orientation. Seats 156 engage tabs 116 and a detent locking arrangement is formed whereby locking mechanism 138 is locked into aperture assembly 108.

The present invention allows the user to apply a single direction force F along a linear axis 158 of catch 108 or parallel to the direction of the legs 144, 146 to secure the strap retainer 100. First chamber 110 and second chamber 112 are in a singularly linear configuration, and the locking mechanism 138 can only pass in one direction. Aperture 114 is the only entrance into aperture assembly 108 and is blocked by horizontal base section 142 once locked. Bottom wall 118 secures the bottom of second chamber 112 and does not permit a user to access to either chamber with the locking mechanism 138 except through aperture 114.

As shown in FIG. 2, the resulting configuration securely retains the portion of the tubular portion of the frame 202 to the looped portion of a seatbelt 200. Of course, this is typically done for both ends of a seatbelt for a child restraint apparatus. More particularly, a preferred embodiment includes first and second retainer apertures 100 interconnected by a strap 200, wherein the strap 200 includes a buckle along an inter-mediate portion thereof which can be manually opened and secured to permit a child to be restrained while the strap 200 remains secured all times to the cart or similar vehicle. Further, the strap can include a size adjustment ring to alter the length of strap 200 to adjust the strap for the size of the child.

The resulting configuration results in a very tight locking with no tools required for installation, but which is extremely resistant to disengagement not reasonably possible to be done accidentally while a child is being restrained.

Thus, the several aforementioned objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Although a single preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A strap retainer apparatus comprising: a post element having a first end and a second end: a retaining element having a first end attached to the first end of the post element and a second end; a catch disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall; and a locking mechanism disposed on the second end of the retaining element, comprising: two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat; wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are each sized to house the seat; wherein the tips pass into the second chamber and the seats engage the tabs to detently retain the locking mechanism.

2. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tabs are sized so as to bias the flexible legs to flex as the tips are passed into the second chamber and wherein the seat is housed within the second chamber with the legs unbiased.

3. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retaining element is flexible so as to provide a gap between said second end of said post element and said second end of said element when the catch and the locking mechanism are not engaged.

4. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tabs are disposed at a slope.

5. The strap assembly apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retaining element is comprised of a plurality of generally straight portions.

6. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1 wherein the post element and the retaining element are formed of a single molded piece.

7. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1 wherein a force to pass the tip into the first and second chambers is only directed along a central axis of the aperture assembly.

8. The strap retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch includes at least one portal disposed in the second chamber.

9. A shopping cart seat belt assembly for retaining a small child securely within the shopping cart, comprising: a post element having a first end and a second end: a retaining element having a first end integral to the first end of the post element and a second end; a first detent portion disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall; a second detent portion disposed on the second end of the retaining element, comprising: two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat; at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for attachment to one of the post and the retaining element; and a cart; wherein the post element and the retaining element being movable with respect to one another so as to permit the establishment of a gap between the second end of the post element and the second end of the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are not engaged; wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are each sized to house the seat; wherein the tips pass into the second chamber and the seat engages the tabs to detently retain the second detent portion; and wherein a portion of the cart is configured to be bounded by the post element and the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are securely affixed to the cart in a manner that can not readily be manually undone.

10. The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein the retaining element is flexible so as to provide a gap between the second end of the post element and the second end of the retaining element when the first and the second detent portions are not engaged.

11. The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein the cart includes a frame having at least one tubular member which is bounded by the post and the retaining element when the tabs retains the seat so as to securely affix the strap to the cart.

12. The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in claim 9, further including a second strap that is attached to the cart via the same structure that attaches the first strap to the cart.

13. A seatbelt assembly for retaining a small child securely within a shopping cart, comprising: a post element having a first end and a second end: a retaining element having a first end joined to the first end of the post element and a second end; a first detent portion disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall; a second detent portion disposed on the second end of the arcuate retaining element, comprising: two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat; wherein the relative dimensions of the seat and the tabs being such that the engagement of the seat with the tabs results in a secure connection that cannot be undone by pulling the first and second detent portions away from each other; wherein the first detent portion is urged into the second detent portion using only a force directed parallel to the two legs; wherein the post element and the retaining element being movable with respect to one another so as to permit the establishment of a gap between the second end of the post and the second end of the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are not engaged; at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for attachment to one of the post and the retaining element; wherein the first chamber and the second chamber sized to receive the two legs and tip; and wherein the seatbelt assembly provides a secure attachment of the strap to a shopping cart when the first and second detent portions are engaged with one another that is of sufficient permanence that it can be used in retaining a child securely within a shopping cart.

14. A seatbelt assembly for retaining a small child securely within a shopping cart as set forth in claim 13, further comprising a cart to which the seatbelt assembly is secured.