System and method for double hook flat strip attachment device

Abstract

The attachment device comprises a first hook and a second hook, the first and second hooks being biased towards each other and interconnected to each other such that the first and second hooks have a first position in which a first curved end of the first hook does not contact a second curved end of the second hook and a second position in which the first curved end of the first hook contacts the second curved end of the second hook.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] In this document, “fixed position”, “anchor position” and “fixed anchor position” will be used interchangeably and are intended to express the same meaning.

[0002] Strap tensioning devices are widely used and currently available in various designs, with ratchet and cam-lock mechanisms being the most common. The strips integrated into these types of tensioning devices are typically end-hooked. These hooks, which can come in various shapes and sizes, are used to secure the free end of the strip to a fixed anchor position.

[0003] The most common hook design used for strip termination, especially in strip tensioning devices designed for use with 1-inch wide webbing, is the hook design commonly referred to as the "S-hook." The S-hook is an "S"-shaped hook where the lower end of the "S" is closed and the upper end is open. In the prior art ( Figure 15a The S-hook is permanently secured to the end of the strip by a sewn loop that captures the closed portion of the S-shaped hook 262. Therefore, the strip will contain an "S"-shaped hook permanently attached to the end of the strip, wherein the open end of the "S"-shaped hook is removably attached to a fixed anchor position. Figure 15b ).

[0004] Most strip tensioning devices on the market today, whether ratchet-type or cam-lock type, use two strips and are configured in a configuration commonly referred to as a fixed-end configuration. In these strip configurations, the opposite ends of the two strips are removably fixed to different anchor locations. Typically, the strip tensioning device is positioned between the anchor locations, where one strip is permanently attached to the tensioning device, and the other strip is pulled through the tensioning device and releasably held in place within it.

[0005] Although the S-hook is the primary device used to secure strip ends to anchors, other devices can also be used to secure strip ends. Two commonly used devices are the prior art "J-hook" 264 ( Figure 16a ) and existing technology carabiner 266 ( Figure 19 Another method is to use no hooks or grapples, but only sewn loops at the ends 241 of the strip. Figure 17 Thus, it is directly attached to the anchor position solely by the sewn end loop. Figure 18 ).

[0006] The J-hook is made of round wire, shaped into a triangle, with a hook-shaped end at one of the three vertices of the triangle, bent perpendicularly to the plane of the triangle. The bent hook portion resembles the curved bottom of the letter "J". The side of the triangle opposite to the "J"-shaped hook end serves as the attachment point for sewing tape. The main difference between the S-hook and the J-hook lies in the orientation of the hook portion of each hook. For the S-hook, the hook portion is aligned parallel to the plane defined by the flat area of ​​the tape, while in the J-hook, the two hook-shaped wire ends are oriented perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat area of ​​the tape.

[0007] In the use of these two types of hooks, the strip permanently fixed to the tensioning device typically also includes an additional webbing loop 242 (prior art) sewn onto the strip and positioned near the location where the strip is permanently attached to the tensioning device. Figure 15c ) or D-shaped metal ring 268 (prior art) Figure 16c By bypassing the anchor point with an S-hook (or J-hook) sewn to the end of the strip, and then securing the hook portion of the S-hook (or J-hook) into a secondary smaller loop or D-ring, the strip can be removably secured to such an anchor point. Figure 15c , Figure 16c The size of this anchor location is much larger than the size of the anchor location that an S-hook (or J-hook) can directly accommodate.

[0008] In some cases, sewn loops or D-rings are placed on the second strip, rather than on the strip permanently attached to the tensioning device. However, including sewn loops or D-rings on such strips limits the minimum length the strip / tensioning device can be pulled. This limitation becomes even more pronounced if both strips contain sewn loops or metal D-rings.

[0009] In the prior art, hooks of the lock hook type for strip attachment 266 ( Figure 19 Operating in a similar manner to S-hooks and J-hooks, another feature is the provision of a more reliable means of removably securing the strip end to the anchor position. Hooks of the lock-hook type typically include a locking gate, which is either manufactured as a spring-loaded gate in the form of wire or as a spring-biased pivoting member made of the same material as the hook itself. In both cases, the locking member of the lock, biased to the closed position by a spring, can be rotated open to allow the hook to be attached to the anchor position. Once the lock is secured to the anchor position, the spring force biased towards the closed position causes the opened member to rotate or pivot back to the closed position.

[0010] Although lock hooks offer a more reliable anchoring method than S-hooks, they lack the anchor capacity of equivalent-sized S-hooks. Anchor capacity refers to the maximum diameter of anchor that a lock hook can attach. This is primarily because the space required for the locking gate's rotation occupies a significant portion of the lock hook's space. Figure 19 ).

[0011] Furthermore, the structure of the hook is susceptible to damage if the applied load subjectes it to severe torsion along the length of the hook body, or if lateral loads act directly on the movable gate. Although movable locking gates with hooks are typically designed to accommodate large tensile loads along the length of the hook, the C-shaped shape of the hook body and the mating locking members are not usually designed to accommodate large torsional or lateral loads.

[0012] Webbing has a rectangular cross-section, with its width much greater than its thickness. Rope, on the other hand, has a circular cross-section. When highly tensioned webbing is routed through a carabiner, the carabiner experiences disproportionate torsional forces along its long axis, especially when the anchor points prevent rotation to balance the torsional forces caused by the webbing. Therefore, the asymmetrical design of the carabiner makes it highly susceptible to damage from non-tensile loads, and it is more vulnerable when paired with webbing than with a rope of circular cross-section.

[0013] The disadvantage of open-end S-hooks and J-hooks lies in their open-end design. Apart from the tension applied to the strip by the tensioning device, there is no other means to reliably hold the hook in position relative to the anchor. If the open-end hook is improperly positioned relative to the anchor, or if there is slack in the webbing, the open-end hook may unintentionally disengage from the anchor.

[0014] Finally, it's worth noting that most S-hooks are manufactured with a conformal coating applied to the hook. While this is considered a clear advantage in protecting the surface of the anchor, it also precludes the possibility of allowing the webbing to move through the closed portion of the S-hook without damaging the conformal coating applied to the hook or webbing. This is not a problem for webbing that is permanently attached to the hook. However, it is a significant issue for applications where it is desirable for the webbing to move through the closed portion of the hook. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The embodiments described herein achieve a removable and reliable connection between the strip end, including the sewn end loop, and a fixed anchor position. Furthermore, the embodiments can be selectively attached to or removed from the sewn end loop in the strip. Therefore, when the strip is used with a strip tensioning device, the user can select to include or remove the embodiments from the strip configuration.

[0016] Unlike S-hooks and J-hooks that are permanently attached to the ends of the strip, the embodiments can be selectively added to or removed from existing sewn loops at the ends of the strip, thus matching the convenience of gate-type lock hooks.

[0017] Furthermore, while providing an effective closed-loop anchoring attachment method, each embodiment offers greater anchor capacity and stronger physical reliability in construction compared to the more traditional and widely used open S-hooks and J-hooks, without the structural fragility of gate-type locking hooks.

[0018] Another, perhaps less obvious, aspect of the embodiments described herein is their similarity in appearance to the universal S-hook. While providing the same functionality as the S-hook, users will immediately recognize the familiarity in design and use, as well as the additional security integrated into the attachment scheme of this embodiment.

[0019] The embodiments described herein also provide means for reliable anchoring attachment when the strip is routed around large-diameter anchor locations that require the embodiment to re-engage with the strip itself, rather than with fixed anchors. This is achieved without integrating additional loops or D-rings onto the strip and without the risk of the embodiment detaching from the strip when it is in a slack state. Furthermore, when configured in this manner, the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the embodiment are not affected.

[0020] Furthermore, the embodiment can be configured to function as a stationary pulley to allow a taut strip to contact and pass over the load-bearing surface of the embodiment without damaging the strip or the surface of the embodiment.

[0021] In one embodiment, an attachment device includes a first hook and a second hook, the first and second hooks being biased toward each other and interconnected such that the first and second hooks have a first position and a second position, in the first position, a first bent end of the first hook not contacting a second bent end of the second hook, and in the second position, the first bent end of the first hook contacting the second bent end of the second hook. In an alternative, the first and second hooks rotate between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the attachment device further includes a housing interconnecting the first and second hooks and providing a mechanism for achieving a biasing force that biases the first and second hooks toward each other. In another alternative, the attachment device further includes a first spring located within the housing, the first spring providing the biasing force. In yet another alternative, the attachment device further includes a central wall located within the housing, the first spring pressing against the housing and the first hook to bias the first hook. In yet another alternative, the attachment device further includes a second spring located within the housing, the second spring pressing against the housing and the second hook to bias the second hook. Alternatively, the first hook has a first opening, and the second hook has a second opening; the first hook has a straight base, and the second hook has a straight base. In another alternative, the first hook and the second hook are laid flat against each other in the second position, such that the first curved end is aligned with the second curved end, and the first opening is open in a direction opposite to the second opening. Alternatively, a portion of each of the first hook and the second hook has a J-shape, and in the second position, the first hook and the second hook are laid flat on each other, such that the J-shape of the first hook is superimposed on the J-shape of the second hook, and the first opening is open in a direction opposite to the second opening. In another alternative, the housing includes a gap sized to receive and secure a flat strip. Alternatively, the first hook includes a first base leg within the housing, and the second hook includes a second base leg within the housing. In another alternative, the first base leg and the second base leg are each a straight leg opposite to the first curved end and the second curved end, respectively. Alternatively, the first leg includes a first central forged portion oriented to press against the first spring to generate a biasing force corresponding to the first hook. In another alternative, the second leg includes a second central forged portion oriented to press against the second spring to generate a biasing force corresponding to the second hook. Optionally, both the first and second springs are leaf springs.In another alternative embodiment, the first bottom leg includes a third forged portion, and the second bottom leg includes a fourth forged portion. The third forged portion is located in a first recess in the housing, which restricts the rotation of the first hook, and the fourth forged portion is located in a second recess in the housing, which restricts the rotation of the second hook. Alternatively, the first hook and the second hook rotate about the first bottom leg and the second bottom leg, respectively, between a first position and a second position.

[0022] In one embodiment, an attachment device includes a first hook and a second hook, the first hook and the second hook being biased toward each other and interconnected, such that the first hook and the second hook have a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first curved end of the first hook is separated from a second curved end of the second hook, wherein a portion of each of the first hook and the second hook has a J-shape. In the second position, the first hook and the second hook lie flat on each other, such that the J-shape of the first hook is superimposed on the J-shape of the second hook, and a first opening is open in a direction opposite to the second opening. In an alternative embodiment, the first hook has a straight base, and the second hook has a straight base.

[0023] In one embodiment, a method of operating an attachment device includes providing the attachment device including a first hook and a second hook, the first hook and the second hook being biased toward each other and interconnected such that the first hook and the second hook have a first position and a second position, in the first position, a first bent end of the first hook not contacting a second bent end of the second hook, and in the second position, the first bent end of the first hook contacting the second bent end of the second hook. The method further involves pushing the first bent end and the second bent end in the second position against a connection point. The method further involves bending the first bent end and the second bent end into the first position by the pushing. The method further involves twisting the attachment device to release the first hook and the second hook back to the second position. Alternatively, the method includes: the first hook having a first opening and the second hook having a second opening, and the first hook having a straight base and the second hook having a straight base, a portion of the first hook and the second hook having a j-shape, and in the second position, the first hook and the second hook lying flat on each other such that the j-shape of the first hook is superimposed on the j-shape of the second hook, and the first opening is open in a direction opposite to the second opening. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1An isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment device 100 is shown, wherein the hook is closed;

[0025] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An isometric exploded view of the attachment device;

[0026] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An isometric view of the attachment device, wherein the hook is closed, and the end cap is not shown;

[0027] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 An isometric view of the attachment device, wherein the hook is in the open position;

[0028] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A front view of the attachment device, wherein the hook is closed;

[0029] Figures 6a to 6d The illustration depicts attaching the sewn end loop to... Figure 1 A series of isometric views of the step-by-step process of the attachment device;

[0030] Figures 7a-7d The illustration depicts Figure 1 A series of isometric views of the step-by-step process of attaching the attachment device to a section of round rod, wherein the attachment device is fixed to a loop sewn to the end of the strip;

[0031] Figures 8a-8d The illustration depicts Figure 1 A series of isometric views of the step-by-step process of attaching the attachment device to the metal ring anchor, wherein the attachment device is fixed to the ring sewn to the end of the strip.

[0032] Figures 9a-9d This shows a series of isometric views depicting the step-by-step process of the strip being routed around a large-diameter fixed anchor, at which point... Figure 1 The hook of the attachment device is attached to the strip along its length. The attachment device is secured to a loop sewn to the end of the strip;

[0033] Figures 10a-10c The illustration depicts attaching the strip to Figure 1 A series of isometric views of the step-by-step process of the attachment device, which is simultaneously secured to a ring-type fixing anchor in a configuration that can accommodate large tensile forces during strip insertion without adversely affecting the strip or the attachment device.

[0034] Figures 11a-11d The depiction will Figure 1A series of isometric views of the step-by-step process of attaching the attachment device to the sewn loop positioned along the strip;

[0035] Figure 12a , Figure 12b , Figure 12c An isometric view depicting an alternative embodiment of the attachment device is shown, wherein the two flat springs from the attachment device are replaced by a single U-shaped spring, and the positions of the two hooks in the attachment device are influenced by the U-shaped spring, wherein... Figure 12b yes Figure 12a A sectional view;

[0036] Figure 13a , Figure 13b and Figure 13c An isometric view depicting an alternative embodiment is shown, in which the two leaf springs from the attachment device are replaced by a single torsion spring, and the positions of the two hooks in the embodiment are influenced by the torsion spring, wherein... Figure 13b yes Figure 13a A sectional view;

[0037] Figure 14 An isometric view depicting a prior art single-strip cam-locking device is shown, arranged in an end-fixed configuration that utilizes a similar... Figure 1 The two attachment devices in the middle are used to releasably secure the strip to the fixed anchor position;

[0038] Figures 15a-15c Isometric views are shown depicting an S-hook strip in the prior art, an S-hook strip with the S-hook fixed to a round rod section, and an S-hook strip with the S-hook fixed to a loop sewn onto the strip.

[0039] Figures 16a-16c Isometric views are shown depicting a J-hook strip in the prior art, a J-hook strip with the J-hook fixed to a round rod section, and a J-hook strip with the J-hook fixed to a D-ring sewn onto the strip.

[0040] Figure 17 An isometric view depicting a loop sewn to the end of a strip in the prior art is shown;

[0041] Figure 18 It shows a depiction of the prior art Figure 17 The loops sewn at the ends of the strips are secured to the round rod section using cow hitch knots in an isometric view.

[0042] Figure 19 The illustration depicts a prior art technique in which a locking hook is fixed to a round rod section and Figure 17The isometric view of the loop sewn to the end of the strip. (Note that the locking gate of the lock hook is shown as being kept open by the round rod section, indicating that the anchor capacity of a typical lock hook is smaller compared to a standard S-hook of the same size.) Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] Attachment device of preferred embodiment 100

[0045] 110 hooks

[0046] 112 Hook Rod

[0047] 114 The apex of the hook

[0048] 116 The end of the hook

[0049] 118 hook bottom leg

[0050] 119 The axis defined by the bottom leg of the hook

[0051] The end of the bottom leg of the 120 hook

[0052] The central forged section (swage) of the bottom leg of hook 122.

[0053] 124 Hook's bottom leg end forging part

[0054] 130 housing

[0055] 132 First end opening

[0056] 133 Second end opening

[0057] 134 Edge

[0058] 135 Cut in the shell

[0059] 136. Folding radius of the shell

[0060] 137 Sidewalls of the shell

[0061] 138 Bottom clearance of the casing

[0062] 140 End gap at the bottom of the casing

[0063] 142. Central gap at the bottom of the shell.

[0064] 143 Inner surface of the bottom of the casing

[0065] 144 Rectangular opening

[0066] 146 Top surface of the casing

[0067] 150 Central Wall

[0068] 154 End tabs at the bottom edge of the central wall

[0069] 156. The intermediate protrusion at the bottom edge of the central wall.

[0070] 158. Semi-pierce on the side edge of the central wall.

[0071] 160 Top edge of the central wall

[0072] 170 Flat spring

[0073] 172. End of leaf spring

[0074] 174. Pre-formed bending shape of leaf springs

[0075] 176 Top edge of leaf spring

[0076] 178 Bottom edge of the leaf spring

[0077] 190 End Cap

[0078] 192. Protrusion of the end cap

[0079] 194. Opening of the end cap

[0080] 196 gap, from end cap to housing

[0081] 198. Overhang, end cap

[0082] 200 gap, between the end caps

[0083] 202 Finger gripping area, end cap

[0084] 210 gap, between the open hooks

[0085] 211 Hook, Closed Position

[0086] 212 hooks, open position

[0087] 214 Hook rotation

[0088] 215 The area between the end cap and the closed hook

[0089] 228. Motive force

[0090] 229 Direction of force

[0091] 230 Force direction

[0092] 232 Central Axis

[0093] 240 strips

[0094] 241. Prior art: sewn loop at the end of the strip

[0095] 242. Prior art sewn loops along strips

[0096] 250 Anchorage location, welded ring sleeve

[0097] 251 Anchor location, round rod section

[0098] 252 Anchor location, larger diameter

[0099] 260. Existing technology, single-strip universal cam lock device

[0100] 262 Existing technology, S-hook strip

[0101] 264. Existing technology, J-hook strip

[0102] 266 Existing technology, locking hook

[0103] 268. Existing technology, D-ring

[0104] 400 alternative embodiments

[0105] 401 U-shaped spring

[0106] 402 Central Wall

[0107] 500 alternative embodiments

[0108] 501 Torsion Spring

[0109] 502 Central Wall

[0110] Some of the terminology used herein is for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting of embodiments of systems and methods for using a double-hook flat strip attachment device (generally referred to as an attachment device). In many embodiments, the attachment device includes two hooks biased toward each other. The hooks move along a direction of rotation away from each other and initially tangential to the plane of the hooks. The hooks are biased toward each other by a leaf spring system, wherein the base of each hook rests against a spring braced by a central portion. The mechanism may be housed in a central body or housing. In some alternatives, the central portion may be omitted, and a single spring may be positioned in the central portion of the housing. In some embodiments, double-sided folding leaf springs may be used.

[0111] Figures 1 to 5The attachment device 100 (an example of a preferred embodiment) includes five distinct components, three of which are used twice in this embodiment. Therefore, when using two leaf springs, the attachment device 100 includes a total of eight components.

[0112] These components are referred to as: hook 110 (two in number), housing 130, central wall 150, leaf spring 170 (two in number), and end cap 190 (two in number).

[0113] The housing 130 serves as the base component of the attachment device 100. In many configurations, other components constituting the attachment device engage with and are constrained by the housing in some way. The hook 110 is C-shaped, with a straight bottom leg 118 that includes two swage details: a center swage 122 and an end swage 124. The hook can take on various optional shapes. In many cases, it is important to include a straight bottom leg to allow the hook to rotate; however, even in this case, alternative designs are possible. Furthermore, although swage is used in many cases, its purpose is to provide a mechanism for spring pressure, thereby providing rotational force. Numerous options are possible for the swage details, including, but not limited to: pins or studs extending through the leg for spring pressure; cutouts or other shape modifications to the leg; bends in the leg; or various other configurations. Two hooks 110 are confined within the housing, held opposite each other, and in contact with each other when in the closed position 211. A central wall 150 is longitudinally positioned within the housing and held in place by a gap 138 at the bottom of the housing and by a plurality of interlocking details 154, 156 engaged in the bottom edge of the central wall. The top edge 160 of the central wall 150 helps to hold the hooks 110 in place within the housing 130. Leaf springs 170 are rectangular in shape and pre-formed as bends oriented along the length of the component. Two leaf springs 170 are used in the attachment device 100, positioned on opposite sides of the central wall 150. The leaf springs 170 provide a motive force that normally biases the two hooks 110 to maintain the closed position 211. Finally, the two end caps 190 are press-fitted onto the open ends 132 and 133 of the housing 130, providing auxiliary protection in the event of any contact incident and enhancing the appearance of the attachment device 100. The end caps 190 also enclose the lower portion of the hook 110 without impeding rotational displacement of the hook. In some embodiments, the leaf spring can be replaced by a coiled spring. Alternatively, the central wall can be removed, and only a coiled spring or a double-sided folding leaf spring can be used. Although a curved hook is shown in the various embodiments illustrated, the ends of the hook are not necessarily curved and can be square, triangular, or other shapes. The key feature of the hook is that it has an area that overlaps with another hook when the two hooks are aligned, and hook shanks on both sides. Furthermore, the housings at both ends can be modified to other forms or omitted. In many embodiments, the device includes a housing with sidewalls and a mechanism for retaining the bottom legs of the hook within the housing so that they can be pressed against one or more springs, thereby being biased toward each other.

[0114] To assemble the attachment device 100, each hook 110 slides into the housing 130 from opposite ends 132, 133. Subsequently, the central wall 150 slides into the housing 130, holding the hook 110 in place. The top edge 160 of the central wall presses into the hook leg 118 on each hook 110, holding the hook leg in an orientation concentric with respect to the fold radius 136 formed between the top surface 146 and the side wall 137 of the housing. A forged portion 124 positioned at the end 120 of the bottom leg 118 of the hook is constrained by a cutout 135 in each end opening 132, 133 of the housing 130. The cutout 135 in each end opening 132, 133 engages with the top edge 160 of the central wall, always preventing the hook from shifting relative to the housing when an outwardly oriented force 230 is applied to either hook shank 112. The central wall 150 is held captive relative to the housing in an end-to-end manner by an interlocking action between the intermediate tab 156 of the bottom edge of the central wall and the central gap 142 of the bottom of the housing. The end tabs 154 of the bottom edge of the central wall press against the inner surface of the bottom of the housing 143, while the top edge 160 of the central wall presses against each corresponding hook leg 118 to hold the central wall 150 in place relative to the housing 130 in a top-to-bottom manner. Inserting the central wall into the housing will temporarily space the housing side walls 137 relative to each other until the central wall 150 moves to its final position. Once the central wall 150 is correctly positioned, the housing side walls 137 will spring back to their original positions, thereby holding the central wall in the position described above.

[0115] The first leaf spring 170 slides into the housing 130 through one of the end openings 132 and 133, such that the top edge 176 of the leaf spring presses against the central forged portion 122 of the hook leg, while each end 172 of the leaf spring presses against the central wall 150, thereby pushing the central forged portion of the hook leg outward away from the central wall. The bottom edge 178 of the leaf spring is pressed into a fold formed between the inner surfaces of the housing side wall 137 and the housing bottom 143. The leaf spring 170 slides into the housing 130 until each end 172 of the leaf spring is defined by the inner surface of a semi-pierce 158 located on the end of the central wall.

[0116] The second leaf spring 170 slides into the housing 130 in a similar manner to the first leaf spring on the opposite side of the central wall 150 from the first leaf spring 170 via one of the end openings 132, 133. When both leaf springs 170 are correctly positioned, the apex 114 on each hook 110 will be inward 229 ( Figure 1 Apply pressure to force the hooks into contact with each other, thereby biasing the hooks to the closed position 211.

[0117] The leaf spring 170 is made of flat leaf spring steel, hence the name leaf spring. However, during manufacturing, the leaf spring is pre-formed into a bent shape 174. By varying the degree of the pre-formed bend 174 and / or the thickness of the material used to manufacture the leaf spring 170, the magnitude of the force pressing the two hooks together can be specifically adjusted. Increasing the degree of the pre-formed bend 174 or increasing the thickness of the leaf spring material will increase the force pressing each hook against the other. Furthermore, changing the length, thickness, or material forming the spring will also change the spring's strength.

[0118] By applying a prime force 228 to the hook shank 112, each hook 110 can be independently rotated 214 outward to the open position 212 away from its point of contact with another hook. The rotation 214 of the hook occurs about an axis 119 defined by the hook's base leg 118. An edge 134 formed by a cut 135 in the housing 130 limits the rotational stroke of each hook 110. Each hook 110, independently of the other hook 110, returns to the closed position 211 as soon as the prime force 228 holding the hook open is removed from the hook shank 112.

[0119] End caps 190 are attached to housing 130 by placing openings 194 in the end caps onto the hook ends 116 of each hook 110. The end caps 190 are then pushed onto the hooks 110, moving about the bends of the hooks until the end caps are positioned facing the end openings 132, 133 of housing 130. The end caps are pressed into place on the housing. Protrusions 192 positioned on the inner wall of the end caps 190 engage with rectangular openings 144 in the housing sidewall 137 and with gaps 140 presented on the bottom of the housing. Once the protrusions 192 on each end cap 190 are fully engaged with the openings 144 in the housing sidewall 137 and the bottom of the housing 140, the end caps are locked in place. In some configurations, such as the one discussed here, the end caps cannot be removed from housing 130 without causing irreparable damage to them.

[0120] Although each end cap 190 is not an integral part of the structural integrity of the attachment device 100, each end cap 190 helps to hold the housing sidewall 137 in place, thereby helping to hold the central wall 150 in place, and in turn helping to hold the hook 110 in place.

[0121] The end cap 190 serves multiple functions. It provides aesthetic appeal to the attachment device while preventing damage to other objects that the embodiment might come into contact with. Furthermore, the end cap helps prevent debris and other objects from entering the housing 130, thereby ensuring proper operation of the hook. Finally, the end cap provides a position 202 for the user to grip the attachment device when securing it to the strip, attaching it to the anchor, or removing it from the anchor.

[0122] The leaf spring 170 is made of flat spring steel and accordingly formed. The housing 130 and the central wall 150 can be easily stamped from sheet steel and formed / punched into their corresponding shapes using molds. Similarly, the hook 110 can be made of steel, either directly formed from round steel or stamped and forged. The materials used to manufacture any individual part will be based on the performance level required for the specific implementation of the attachment device 100.

[0123] The typical load-bearing requirements of existing tensioning devices currently on the market favor the use of the steel materials described above. However, for applications that do not require the performance levels achievable by steel materials, materials such as aluminum or even molded thermoplastic materials can provide the same functionality to the attachment device 100.

[0124] The end cap 190 is ideally suited for manufacturing using molding processes and can be molded from a variety of suitable thermoplastic or other materials, including but not limited to plastics, metals and wood.

[0125] operate:

[0126] Many embodiments of the attachment device 100 can be used with 1-inch wide webbing or strips, and are sized for 1-inch wide webbing or strips of varying thicknesses, including common commercially available webbing options. Many embodiments of the attachment device also accommodate standard 1-inch wide tubular webbing. Furthermore, the size of the attachment device can be adjusted to accommodate webbing widths wider than 1 inch and narrower than 1 inch. It should also be noted that any reference to 1-inch wide webbing is general, as commercially available 1-inch webbing may vary by plus or minus one-tenth of an inch or more.

[0127] The attachment device 100 is a spring-biased device used to secure the sewn end loop of the strip 241 to fixed anchor points 250, 251. Two springs 170 located inside the housing 130 bias two identical hooks 110 toward a closed position 211. When the hooks engage with anchor points 250, 251, the user (or the actual specific situation of the anchor points) causes the two hooks 110, which are positioned opposite each other, to open or separate. After attachment to the anchors, the opposing hooks move back to their original closed position, forming a removable and reliable attachment between the strip loop 241 and the fixed anchor points 250, 251. Figures 7a to 7d , Figures 8a to 8d Please note that the removable, reliable attachment exists independently, regardless of whether the strip is kept in a slack state or tensioned by a tensioning device.

[0128] The attachment of the attachment device 100 to the strip loop 241 is achieved by separating the opposing hooks 110 by a sufficient distance to allow the strip loop to be inserted into the gap 210 formed between the separated hooks. The strip loop 241 is then moved toward the gap 200 existing between the two end cap overhangs 198. The user can insert the strip edge into the gap 196 existing between the housing 130 and the end cap overhangs 198 simply by pinching the strip with their thumb. Figure 5 , Figures 6a to 6d Please note that in Figures 6a-9d and Figures 11a-11d In this context, the label "prior art" specifically refers only to the end of the ring (strip ring 241). Figure 14 In this context, the label "prior art" specifically refers to the cam lock device 260.

[0129] The attachment device 100 can be removably secured to the strip 240, provided that the strip includes loops 241, 242 of sufficient size to allow insertion of the housing 130 (and the attached end cap 190) into these loops. Typically, loop 241 is located at the end of the strip. However, loop 242 positioned at any location along the length of the strip is also acceptable. Figures 11a to 11d ).

[0130] Therefore, the user can directly attach the strip loop 241 to the main anchor position 251. Figure 18 Alternatively, the strip loop 241 can be fixed to the attachment device 100. Figures 6a to 6d ), and then the attachment device 100 is secured to the main anchor positions 250, 251. Figures 7a to 7d , Figures 8a to 8d ).

[0131] After the strip loop 241 is inserted into the gap 196 between each end cap overhang 198 and the housing 130, the strip is substantially spaced from the hook 110 and from the open area 215 present between the two end cap overhangs 198 and the overlapping hook 110. This protects the strip from accidental damage by isolating it from the fixing anchors secured by the attachment device 100. Figure 5 ).

[0132] Depending on the specific properties of anchor locations 250, 251, and 252, the action of attaching the attachment device 100 to the anchor location will differ. Figures 7a-7d , Figures 8a-8d , Figures 9a-9d In most cases, attaching (and removing) the attachment device 100 to most anchor locations is very quick, comparable to the convenience of an open-end S-hook.

[0133] For example, Figures 7a to 7dThe action of attaching the attachment device 100 to a round rod 251 is illustrated. Simply pressing the attachment device 100 against the round rod 251 causes the rod to begin separating the two hooks 110 of the attachment device 100. As the attachment device is pressed further against the rod, the hooks separate further and begin to encircle the rod. During this action, rotating the attachment device clockwise by approximately 90° allows the two hooks to return to the closed position 211, thus completely encircling the round rod, thereby forming a reliable attachment between the attachment device and the round rod.

[0134] To release the attachment device 100 from the rod 251, the action is reversed. The user first rotates the attachment device 90° counterclockwise to move the hook to the open position 212. At the same time, the attachment device is pulled away from the rod, and the attachment device 100 disengages from the rod 251.

[0135] The requirement to perform a combination of pressing and rotating (for attachment) or rotating and pulling (for disengagement) ensures a safe and reliable connection. Simply pulling the attachment device or the strip attached to it will not detach the attachment device from the fixed anchor.

[0136] Figures 8a to 8d Another example illustrates the action of attaching the attachment device 100 to the metal ring 250. The process is similar to the previous example, but requires a slight adjustment to the action. Instead of rotating the embodiment approximately 90° along its length, it is necessary to rotate the central axis 232 through the circular end portion of the hook.

[0137] By combining the rotational movements from the previous examples with those described in this example, the execution of the movements can be further simplified. The movements become quite intuitive, allowing users to quickly learn how to perform attachment and disengagement through simple, continuous movements.

[0138] The most critical aspect is that performing the attachment of the attachment device to the anchor position, or the detachment from the anchor position in the preferred embodiment, requires the coordination of multiple actions, such that no single isolated action is sufficient to detach the attachment device from the fixed anchor. Therefore, the attachment of the attachment device 100 to the fixed anchor achieves a releasable and reliable attachment.

[0139] Furthermore, as long as there is tension in the strip when the attachment device 100 is fixed to the fixed anchor, the detachment of the attachment device 100 from the fixed anchor 250, 251, 252 cannot be performed without first removing (or overcoming) the tension in the strip.

[0140] Figures 9a to 9dA series of isometric views depicting the step-by-step process of a strip being routed around a large-diameter fixed anchor 252 are shown, wherein the hook of attachment device 100 is attached along the length of strip 240. Attachment device 100 is secured to a loop sewn to the end of strip 241. Neither the auxiliary loop 242 nor the auxiliary D-ring 268 sewn to the strip is required. Figure 15c , Figure 16c This ensures a reliable hook-to-strip connection. The hook closure around the strip is achieved by overlapping hooks that completely loop around the strip. The symmetry of the overlapping hooks also minimizes concerns about unevenly applied loads, especially with asymmetrically designed hook / hook locking gates. Figure 19 )compared to.

[0141] Figures 10a to 10c The attachment device 100 is shown as a stationary pulley. The attachment device 100 can be secured to a fixed anchor 250 without first securing the strip to the attachment device. Subsequently, the end of the strip 240 is introduced into the attachment device 100 by directly inserting the free end of the strip into the gap 196 existing between the housing 130 and the end cap overhang 198. Once the strip 240 has been configured as described above, the strip can be pulled through the attachment device, at which point the housing 130 functions as a stationary pulley for the strip. According to... Figure 14 The existing universal cam lock device 260 utilizing a single strip can be configured with the fixed end described above. Figure 7d , Figure 8d It is configured in a similar manner. Since the housing 130 of the attachment device 100 has no conformal coating of any kind, the strip 240 can be pulled across the housing under tension without adversely affecting the housing or the strip.

[0142] Optional Implementation Examples:

[0143] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate two alternative embodiments, 400 and 500, respectively. These alternative embodiments differ from attachment 100 in that they replace the two leaf springs 170 in attachment 100 with a U-shaped spring 401 as shown in Figure 12 or a torsion spring 501 as shown in Figure 13. In many embodiments, it is crucial that the springing action of the leaf spring 190, U-shaped spring 401, or torsion spring 501 sufficiently biases the two hooks 110 toward the closed position 211. Furthermore, in each alternative embodiment 400, 500, the central wall 150 in attachment 100 is replaced with a suitably modified central wall 402, 502 to accommodate the specific spring geometry of each corresponding alternative embodiment.

[0144] The attachment device 100 and the two alternative embodiments 400 and 500 are identical in terms of hook action and how the embodiments are attached to and released from the fixed anchor position.

[0145] While specific embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alternatives to these details can be developed based on the general teachings of this disclosure and its broad inventive concept. Therefore, it is to be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples and embodiments disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An attachment device, comprising: A first hook and a second hook are biased toward each other and interconnected, such that the first hook and the second hook have a first position and a second position, in the first position, a first bent end of the first hook does not contact the second bent end of the second hook, and in the second position, the first bent end of the first hook contacts the second bent end of the second hook, wherein the first hook and the second hook rotate between the first position and the second position; A housing that interconnects the first hook and the second hook, and provides a mechanism for implementing a biasing force that biases the first hook and the second hook toward each other; A first spring located within the housing provides the biasing force; A central wall, located within the housing, wherein the first spring presses against the housing and the first hook to bias the first hook; A second spring located within the housing presses against the housing and the second hook to bias the second hook. The first hook has a first opening, and the second hook has a second opening. Both the first and second hooks have straight bases. A portion of each of the first and second hooks has a J-shape. In the second position, the first and second hooks lie flat on each other such that the J-shape of the first hook overlaps the J-shape of the second hook. The first opening is open in a direction opposite to the second opening. The housing includes a gap sized to receive and secure a flat strip. The first hook includes a first base leg within the housing, and the second hook includes a second base leg within the housing. The first and second base legs are each straight legs opposite to the first and second curved ends, respectively. The first base leg includes a first central forged portion oriented to press against the first spring to generate a biasing force corresponding to the first hook.

2. The attachment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hook and the second hook are laid flat against each other in the second position, such that the first curved end is aligned with the second curved end, and the first opening is open in the opposite direction to the second opening.

3. The attachment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second bottom leg includes a second central forged portion, which is oriented to press against the second spring to generate a biasing force corresponding to the second hook.

4. The attachment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first spring and the second spring are leaf springs.

5. The attachment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first bottom leg includes a third forging portion, and the second bottom leg includes a fourth forging portion. The third forging portion is located in a first recess in the housing, the first recess restricting the rotation of the first hook, and the fourth forging portion is located in a second recess in the housing, the second recess restricting the rotation of the second hook.

6. The attachment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first hook and the second hook rotate around the first bottom leg and the second bottom leg, respectively, between the first position and the second position.

7. A method of operating an attachment device, the method comprising: Provide an attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The first bent end and the second bent end, which are in the second position, are pushed against the connection point; The first bent end and the second bent end are bent into the first position by the pushing action; Twist the attachment device to release the first hook and the second hook back to the second position.

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