Strip adjusting device

Abstract

A strap adjustment device has a holding body and a strap connector adjustably mounted in the holding body. The holding body has an inner cavity and a top opening extending in a horizontal direction, and at least one protrusion extending into the cavity. The strap connector has a strap connection portion with at least one strap connection element, and an adjustment portion disposed inside the cavity. The adjustment portion has a lower locking element and a spring mounted at an end thereof. When the spring is in a relaxed state, the protrusion prevents the strap connector from moving in the horizontal direction by blocking the lower locking element. Pressing the strap connector against the force of the spring moves the lower locking element under the protrusion, enabling the strap connector to move in the horizontal direction to a new position within the holding body.

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a device that allows adjustment of the position of strips on an apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a device that allows a user to adjust the space between two strips on an article of paper. Background Technology

[0004] Straps on suitcases and backpacks typically have fixed positions, so the distance between the straps is always fixed. This makes the backpack difficult to use for people whose bodies don't perfectly fit the set width between the straps. This necessitates manufacturers producing several different sizes to fit different body types. The goal is to design a system where the spacing between two straps on a device can be adjusted to accommodate users of different body types. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for attaching a strip to an article, wherein the lateral positioning of the strip on the article can be adjusted in a simple manner, such that the strips are positioned wider or narrower relative to each other according to the user's body size. This object is achieved by a strip adjustment device formed by a retaining body, wherein the strip connector is adjustably fixed to the retaining body. The retaining body includes a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, an inner cavity, and a top opening extending in a horizontal direction. At least one of the front wall or the rear wall includes at least one protrusion extending into the cavity. The strip connector includes a strip connecting portion with at least one strip connecting element, and an adjustment portion disposed within the cavity of the retaining body. The adjustment portion has at least one lower locking element and a distal end thereon on which a spring is mounted. The spring is preferably a helical spring. The spring is arranged such that the strip connector can be moved downward into the cavity by pressing the strip connector toward the distal end against the force of the spring. Releasing the downward pressure on the strip connector moves the strip connector back to the raised position, wherein the spring is in a relaxed state. When the spring is in a relaxed state, the at least one protrusion on the retaining body prevents the strip connector from moving in the horizontal direction by blocking the at least one lower locking element from passing through the protrusion. Pressing the strip connector against the force of the spring causes the lower locking element to move below the protrusion, allowing the strip connector to move to a new position within the retaining body in the horizontal direction, whereby the spring can then be released to position the strip connector in its new position.

[0006] Preferably, at least two protrusions are provided along the horizontal range of the retaining body, such that the strip connector can be moved between three different positions in the cavity by pressing the strip connector to compress the spring and sliding the strip connector away from the protrusions.

[0007] To more securely lock the strip connector in place, the strip connector may have two lower locking elements, one of which is located on the side facing the front wall, and the other on the side facing the rear wall. The retaining body then has two protrusions on each of the front and rear walls in each of the horizontal directions, with the protrusions on the front wall facing the protrusions on the rear wall. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, there are four protrusions, with the two protrusions on the front wall facing the two protrusions on the rear wall.

[0008] To prevent the strip connector from being pulled out of the retaining body under tension originating from the strip, at least one lower locking flange is provided on the adjusting portion. When the strip connector is pulled in the direction opposite to the spring, the at least one lower locking flange interacts with the at least one lower locking element to prevent the strip connector from being removed from the retaining body. The lower locking flange extends across the entire width of the retaining body such that it prevents the strip connector from accidentally disengaging when the strip connector is in any of its positions along the retaining body. Preferably, there are two lower locking flanges extending inwardly from each of the front and rear walls of the retaining body, and two lower locking elements on the strip connector. The protrusion on the retaining body extends downward from the lower locking flanges.

[0009] To increase stability and strength under tension, the strip connector may have an upper locking element that interacts with at least one upper locking protrusion on the retaining body. Preferably, the upper locking element is a notch in the adjusting portion, and the at least one upper locking protrusion is located in the notch, further preventing the strip connector from being removed from the retaining body when the strip connector is pulled in the opposite direction to the spring. This two-stage locking from the lower locking element and lower locking flange, and from the upper locking protrusion and upper locking element, enables the device according to the invention to withstand significant tension and prevent the strip connector from being pulled out of the retaining body even when the tension is applied at various angles. In fact, the greater the tension from the strip, the tighter the upper locking protrusion is pressed into the notch in the strip connector, which subsequently creates a more secure connection.

[0010] The spring tension also keeps the strip connector securely connected to the retaining body because, in the relaxed state, the spring presses the upper locking element against the upper locking protrusion and the lower locking element against the lower locking flange, preventing movement of the strip connector within the retaining body. This also prevents any horizontal movement of the strip connector during use due to friction between parts.

[0011] Preferably, a cap is provided to cover the spring. During the compression and release of the spring, the cap slides along the adjusting portion.

[0012] The strip connector element can take any suitable form. For example, the strip connector element can be formed from a single rod separated from the rest of the strip connector by a slot, or it can be formed from multiple rods and slots, or it can be formed into a D-ring. Other types of strip connectors can also be used.

[0013] The retainer is configured to be permanently attached to a strip or article of fabric. In one embodiment, the rear wall of the retainer extends beyond the periphery of the front wall and is formed of a sewnable material, allowing it to be directly sewn to the strip or fabric article of fabric. In another embodiment, the rear wall has at least one slot for attaching webbing, which can be sewn into a closed loop or closed by another latch.

[0014] For ease of assembly of the strip adjustment device, the front and side walls of the retaining body can be formed from a single, integral housing part that snaps onto the rear wall after the strip connector is inserted. In this way, the device can be disassembled by detaching the front wall from the rear wall, but the strip connector remains securely held within the retaining body after assembly. In another embodiment, the front and rear walls can be formed as a single piece, wherein a bottom cover can snap on and off to allow insertion of the strip connector.

[0015] The present invention also relates to an article having two of the aforementioned strip adjustment devices. The strip adjustment devices are arranged on the article in such a way that the spacing between the strip connectors relative to each other and relative to the strips to which they are connected can be adjusted by moving the strip connectors in the horizontal direction within the retainer. The article can be any suitable article, such as a backpack, baby carrier, suitcase, or other item to be carried. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are intended to be illustrative only and not to define limitations of the invention.

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals are used throughout several views to denote similar elements:

[0018] Figure 1 An exploded view of the strip adjustment device according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A front view of the strip connector section is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A side view of the strip connector section is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV;

[0022] Figure 5 A front view of the main body is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A side view of the main body is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the main body is maintained by line VII-VII;

[0025] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 5The cross-sectional view of the main body is maintained by lines VIII-VIII;

[0026] Figure 9 A perspective view of the assembled strip adjustment device is shown;

[0027] Figure 10 A front view of the assembled strip adjustment device is shown;

[0028] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of line XI-XI;

[0029] Figures 12a to 12d The strip connector is shown in three different adjustment positions within the retaining body, as well as the tension and relaxation states of the spring;

[0030] Figure 13 A perspective view is shown of another embodiment of a retaining body in a strip adjustment device according to the invention;

[0031] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Maintain the side view of the main body;

[0032] Figure 15 An alternative embodiment for a strip connector in a strip adjustment device according to the invention is shown; and

[0033] Figure 16 A backpack with two of the strap adjustment devices according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Please refer to the attached diagram for details. Figure 1 An exploded view of a strip adjustment device 1 is shown, which is formed by a retaining body 10 and a strip connector 20, the strip connector being locked into the retaining body 10 to connect two articles together. Figures 1 to 4As shown, the strip connector 20 is formed by a strip connecting portion 21 and an adjusting portion 25, the adjusting portion 25 being configured to insert into the retaining body 10. The strip connecting portion 21 has two strip retaining rods 22, 23 separated by slots to allow the attached strip to be adjusted longitudinally around the rods 22, 23. Other types of strip connecting elements, such as a single rod, may also be used. The adjusting portion 25 has a distal end 26 to which a spring 27 is connected. A cover element 28 is formed above the spring and moves the adjusting portion 25 up and down as the spring is compressed and released. The strip connector 20 also has an upper locking element and a lower locking element configured to lock the strip connector 20 to the retaining body 10 during use. The lower locking element is formed by protrusions 29 extending from the front and rear sides of the adjusting portion, and the upper locking element is formed by a notch 219 in the upper part of the adjusting portion (directly below the strip connecting portion 21).

[0035] Figure 1 and Figures 5 to 8 The retaining body 10 is shown. The retaining body 10 has a front wall 11, a rear wall 12, a side wall 13, a bottom cover 117, and an elongated top opening 14. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cross-section of the internal portion is shown. (As shown) Figure 7 As shown, a lower locking flange 16 is formed inside the front wall 11 of the retaining body 10, extending into a cavity 110 within the retaining body 10. A series of protrusions 15 extend from the lower locking flange 16, spaced apart across the width of the front wall 11. The rear wall 12 also has the lower locking flange 16 and the protrusions 15, facing the lower locking flange 16 and the protrusions 15 on the front wall 11, as shown... Figure 8 As shown. Along the top edge of the front wall 11 is a series of upper locking protrusions 17, spaced apart between protrusions 15 along the width of the front wall 11. The rear wall 12 also has the same upper locking protrusions 17, facing the upper locking protrusions 17 on the front wall 11. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the rear wall 12 extends beyond the periphery of the front wall 11 and forms a lip 112, which can be used to attach the retaining body 10 to an object, such as a fabric strip or a portion of a suitcase. The lip 112 of the rear wall 12 can be made of a sewnable material, allowing it to be sewn directly onto the article.

[0036] exist Figures 9 to 11The assembled strip adjustment device 1 is shown. Here, the strip connector 20 is inserted into the cavity 110 of the retaining body 10 by removing the cover 117, and is locked in place by snapping the cover 117 onto the retaining body 10. Alternatively, the front and rear portions of the retaining body 10 (not shown) can be formed separately, such that the strip connector 20 is placed on top of the rear wall 12, and then the unit formed by the front wall 11 and the side wall 13 is snapped into the appropriate position on top, thereby securing the strip connector 20 internally. The cover 117 (or the unit in the alternative embodiment) can be removed if cleaning is required, but once it is locked in place, it prevents the strip connector 20 from disengaging.

[0037] As from Figure 11 The cross-sectional view shows the assembly in a relaxed spring state, with the protrusion 29 of the strip connector 20 abutting the lower locking flange 16 of the retaining body 10 to prevent the strip connector 20 from being pulled out of the retaining body 10 when subjected to stress from the strip connected to the strip connection portion 21. Furthermore, one of the upper locking protrusions 17 on each side of the retaining body 10 is located in a recess 219 of the strip connector 20 to provide further resistance to prevent the strip connector 20 from being pulled out of the retaining body 10. This double locking provides a very robust and secure device suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0038] Figures 12A to 12D illustrate the horizontal adjustment of the strip adjustment device 1. In the position shown in Figure 12A, the strip connector 20 is positioned between the protrusions 15, as indicated by the dashed lines here. The protrusions 15 abut the lower locking flange 29 of the strip connector 20 and prevent the strip connector 20 from sliding horizontally along the cavity 110 of the retaining body 10. To move the strip connector 20 to different positions to the right or left, the user presses down on the strip connector 20, as shown in Figure 12B, thereby compressing the spring 27 and moving the lower locking flange 29 below the level of the protrusions 15. This allows the strip connector 20 to slide in either direction until the lower locking flange leaves the protrusions 15, as shown in Figure 12C, where the strip connector 20 is now located to the left of the leftmost protrusion 15 in the retaining body 10. When the strip connector 20 is positioned in the desired position, the user releases the strip connector 20, which allows the spring 27 to return to the relaxed state, as shown in Figure 12D. In the relaxed state, also as Figure 11 As shown in 12A, the strip connector 20 is locked in place and cannot move horizontally or be pulled out of the retaining body 10, even under the force of the strip 30 being pulled in the direction of arrow A.

[0039] Figures 13 to 15 An alternative embodiment of the strip adjustment device is shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this embodiment, a retaining body 100 with a front wall 111 and a rear wall 112 can be used. The front wall 111 and the rear wall 112 can be formed as a single piece, having a snap-fit ​​bottom 113 to allow insertion of the strip connector 20. Instead of a sewnable rear wall 112 as in the previous embodiment, or otherwise, a strip connecting slot 114 can be placed on the rear wall 112 to allow attachment of the strip thereon.

[0040] Figure 15 An alternative embodiment of the strip connector 200 is shown. Here, instead of the strip connecting rod, the strip connecting portion 211 is formed as a D-ring. This allows attachments to be attached to the strip connector 200 using clips. Figure 1 In this implementation scheme, the clamp typically does not pass through the strip connecting rods 22 and 23. The adjusting portion 25 can form with... Figures 1 to 1 The adjustment part of 2 is the same as 25.

[0041] Figure 16 The strap adjustment device 1 used on the backpack 50 is shown. As can be seen, the strap adjustment device 1 is used on each shoulder strap 51 of the backpack 50. The distance between the straps 51 can be adjusted by moving the strap connector 20 to the left or right, as shown in Figures 12A to 12D.

[0042] This invention provides a simple, effective and reliable device that allows two strips or other articles to be joined together, while providing unique horizontal adjustability to accommodate users of all body types.

[0043] Therefore, although only a few embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications can be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A strip adjustment device, characterized in that, include: A retaining body includes a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, an inner cavity, and a top opening extending in a horizontal direction; wherein at least one of the front wall or the rear wall includes at least one protrusion extending into the inner cavity; A strip connector, comprising a strip connecting portion and an adjusting portion disposed within the inner cavity, the strip connecting portion having at least one strip connecting element; the adjusting portion having at least one lower locking element and a distal end thereon on which a spring is mounted; and A bottom cover is connected to the retaining body, wherein the front wall, rear wall and side wall of the retaining body form a single piece, and wherein the bottom cover snaps onto the whole after the strip connector is inserted; When the spring is in a relaxed state, the at least one protrusion prevents the strip connector from moving in the horizontal direction by blocking the at least one lower locking element, and wherein pressing the strip connector against the force of the spring causes the lower locking element to move below the at least one protrusion, allowing the strip connector to move to a new position within the retaining body in the horizontal direction.

2. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least two protrusions, which allow the strip connector to move between three different positions in the cavity by pressing the strip connector to compress the spring and sliding the strip connector away from the protrusions.

3. The strip adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one lower locking element includes two lower locking elements, wherein one of the lower locking elements is disposed on the side facing the front wall, and the other of the lower locking elements is disposed on the side facing the rear wall, and wherein the retaining body has two protrusions on each of the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the protrusions on the front wall face the protrusions on the rear wall.

4. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one lower locking flange on the retaining body, which interacts with at least one lower locking element to prevent the strip connector from being removed from the retaining body when the strip connector is pulled away from the top opening.

5. The strip adjustment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an upper locking element on the strip connector and at least one upper locking protrusion on the retaining body, the upper locking element including a notch in the adjustment portion, wherein the at least one upper locking protrusion is located in the notch and further prevents the strip connector from being removed from the retaining body when the strip connector is pulled away from the top opening.

6. The strip adjustment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustment device is configured such that, in the relaxed state, the spring presses the upper locking element against the at least one upper locking protrusion and the at least one lower locking element against the at least one lower locking flange to prevent the strip connector from moving within the retaining body.

7. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cap that covers the spring, the cap moving along the adjustment portion during the compression and release of the spring.

8. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one strip connecting element includes at least one strip connecting rod and an opening.

9. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one strip connecting element includes a D-ring.

10. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear wall of the retaining body includes a sewnable panel having an edge extending beyond the side wall of the retaining body.

11. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear wall of the retaining body has at least one slot for attaching a webbing.

12. The strip adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring is a helical spring.

13. An article characterized in that, The device has a main body and two strip adjustment devices according to claim 1, two of which are attached to the main body in such a way that the spacing between the strip connectors relative to each other can be adjusted by moving the strip connectors in the horizontal direction within the retaining body.

14. The article of claim 13, characterized in that, The main body includes a backpack.

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