Strapping device

Abstract

To provide an easy method for attaching various articles to a post.SOLUTION: A strapping device for connecting articles to a post includes a post adapter that is provided with a first side configured to engage with the post and a second side with a recess part, a hook element that is at least partially disposed in the recess part of the post adapter and a strap that is configured to extend around the post and has a first end configured to be removably coupled to the post adapter and a second end configured to be received in the hook element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a strapping device, and more particularly to a strapping device for connecting items, such as barriers, to posts. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide barriers and gates to protect equipment and to separate areas. Such barriers and gates may be used to separate paths for pedestrians or automobiles and / or to prevent vehicles from striking and damaging the equipment.

[0003] A gate can provide access to an area of ​​interest, such as an area that houses equipment in a factory, in some examples, the gate can be disposed between two posts and rotatably coupled to one of the posts.

[0004] Typically, barriers and gates are permanently fixed to a post and cannot be removed once fixed. Furthermore, the barrier or gate often requires separate fasteners to attach to the post. In practice, these separate fasteners may require many different parts and may become lost during use. Furthermore, once a barrier is attached to a post using these fasteners, it may subsequently require a complicated process to remove it.

[0005] Also, over time, the requirements for fixtures and fittings in an office or factory change, so there is a need to provide an easy way to attach various types of items to posts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure there is provided a strapping device as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a strapping device for connecting an item to a post, the device comprising: a post adapter having a first side configured to engage the post and a substantially planar second side having a recess and one or more connection points, a retaining element at least partially disposed in the recess of the post adapter, and a strap configured to extend around the post, the strap having a first end configured to be removably connected to the post adapter and a second end configured to be received in the retaining element, the retaining element in the recess of the post adapter configured to be substantially covered by the item in use.

[0009] Providing a strapping device having the above described features means that there is a mechanism for quickly and efficiently securing an item, such as a barrier, to a post. Importantly, as no tools are required to install the strapping device, it can be easily and quickly used by a user to attach an item to a post. Eliminating the need for additional tools means that the complexity of attaching an item to a post is greatly reduced.

[0010] The first end of the strap may be removably coupled to a fixed location within the recess of the post adapter.

[0011] The first end of the strap may include a protrusion configured to be received in a slotted channel in a receiver of the post adapter.

[0012] In one example, the fastening element includes a buckle.

[0013] The buckle may include a latch portion configured to be received in a complementary shaped portion of the recess of the post adapter.

[0014] The second end of the strap may include one or more ridges.

[0015] The latching element may include a latch configured to engage the one or more ridges of the strap.

[0016] By providing a latch that engages the one or more ridges on the strap, friction between the latch and the strap is increased, thus providing a resilient connection.

[0017] In one example, the strap comprises twin shot material.

[0018] In one example, the first side of the post adapter is substantially concave.

[0019] The strapping device may include an insert configured to be positioned between the post adapter and the post, the insert including a substantially convex first side configured to abut the first side of the post adapter and a substantially concave second side configured to abut the post, the first side and the second side of the insert having different curvatures.

[0020] The strapping device may include one or more channels in the post adapter configured to receive the strap.

[0021] The strapping device may include a plurality of straps.

[0022] The strapping device may include an article configured to substantially cover the hook element within a recess in the post adaptor. Providing an article that substantially covers the hook element within the recess in the post adaptor means that the strapping device is safer as it is harder for a user to accidentally impact a hook element.

[0023] According to one aspect, a system is provided that includes a strapping device as described above and an article configured to substantially cover the hook element in the recess of the post adapter.

[0024] The article may include a barrier member.

[0025] According to one aspect, a barrier system is provided comprising a barrier member and a post adapter configured to engage the barrier member and a post, the post adapter comprising a strap configured to extend around a post to connect the barrier system to the post.

[0026] According to one aspect, a method of attaching a strapping device to a post is provided, the method comprising the steps of releasably coupling a first end of a strap to a fixed location within a substantially planar recess of a post adapter, wrapping the strap around the post and placing the second end of the strap on a hook element in the recess of the post adapter, and coupling an article to the post adapter at one or more connection points of the post adapter configured to support an article, the article substantially covering the hook element in the recess of the post adapter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a strapping device. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example of a post adapter from a first perspective. [Figure 3a] 1 illustrates an example of a post adapter from a second perspective. [Figure 3b] 1 shows an example of an insert and post adapter. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a strap. [Figure 5a] 1 illustrates an example of a strapping device in which a first end of the strap is not engaged with a post adapter. [Figure 5b] 1 illustrates an example of a strapping device with a first end of a strap engaged with a post adapter. [Figure 6a] 1 illustrates an example of a strapping device in which the second end of the strap is not received in the hook element of the post adapter. [Figure 6b] 1 illustrates an example of a strapping device in which a second end of the strap is received in a hook element of a post adapter. [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of a strapping device coupled to a portion of an item. [Figure 8] 1 shows an example of a strapping device coupled to a barrier. [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of how the strapping device can be attached to a post. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present disclosure relates to a strapping device for connecting an article, such as a barrier or gate, to a permanent fixture, such as a post, comprising a post adapter configured to engage the post and a strap configured to extend around the post and be coupled to the post adapter.

[0029] The post adapter has a first side configured to engage a post and a second side configured to engage an article, such as a barrier. For example, the second side of the post adapter can have an interface to which an article, such as a barrier or gate, can be coupled.

[0030] The strap is configured to engage the post adapter, for example, in a slot in the post adapter. The strap extends from the post adapter such that in use it extends from a first side around a post. The post adapter has a recess disposed on the second side of the post adapter. In other words, the post adapter has a recess in a face of the post adapter between the post adapter and the article.

[0031] The strapping device also includes a hook element configured to hook the strap, in use. The hook element can be disposed within the recess of the post adapter. A first end of the strap can be removably coupled to a fixed point within the recess of the post adapter. A second end of the strap can be removably coupled to the hook element, which can be disposed within the recess of the post adapter.

[0032] 1 illustrates an example of a strapping device 100. The strapping device 100 includes a post adapter 102 and a strap 104 configured to engage with the post adapter 102.

[0033] The post adapter 102 has a first side 106 configured to engage a post (not shown) and a second side 108 configured to be coupled to an article such as a barrier or gate (not shown).

[0034] The first side 106 of the post adapter 102 may be curved to have a shape to interface with a cylindrical post. In other words, the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 may be substantially concave. The first side 106 is substantially opposite the second side 108 of the post adapter 102. In another example, the first side 106 of the post 102 may have an orthogonal profile to interface with a post having a polygonal cross-section.

[0035] A second side 108 of the post adapter 102 may be substantially planar. In one example, the post adapter 102 includes one or more attachment points 112 or protrusions that allow an item, such as a barrier or gate, to be removably attached to the post adapter 102. For example, the barrier or gate may include a corresponding attachment point, such as a recess or hook, at a location corresponding to the attachment point 112 on the post adapter 102.

[0036] The post adapter 102 includes one or more recesses 114. The recesses 114 are configured to receive a hook element 116 of the strapping device 100. The hook element 116 is at least partially received in the recess 114 of the post adapter 102.

[0037] In one example, the recess 114 is also configured to receive the first end of the strap 104. The second end of the strap may be removably received in the latch element 116, as described in more detail below.

[0038] FIG 2 illustrates an example of a post adapter 102 with the strap 104 removed. The post adapter 102 in FIG 2 is shown in a rotated view compared to FIG 1. In FIG 2, multiple recesses 114 are shown to receive multiple straps 104. However, in other examples, only one recess 114 is provided in the post adapter 102. The recess 114 is an opening or aperture in the second side 108 of the post adapter 102.

[0039] In one example, the post adapter 102 has an upper recess 114 for receiving the upper strap 104 and a lower recess 114 for receiving the lower strap 104 .

[0040] A general view of the channels 118 in the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 is shown in Figure 2. They are shown in more detail in Figure 3. The channels 118 may be guides within the post adapter 102 that allow the strap 104 to access the recesses 114 in the second side 108 of the post adapter 102. The channels 118 do not necessarily have to be completely enclosed by the post adapter 102, but may be grooves in the post adapter 102.

[0041] 2, the post adapter 102 may include a receiver 120. The receiver 120 is disposed within the recess 114 of the post adapter 102 and is accessible from both the first side 106 and the second side 108 of the post adapter 102 when the post adapter 102 is not connected to the post or article. The receiver 120 may include a resilient member to which the strap 102 may be attached.

[0042] In one example, the receiver 120 has a fixed location for coupling with the strap 104. For example, the receiver 120 can have a slotted opening 122 for receiving a projection or coupling point on a first end of the strap 104. The coupling point or projection is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0043] In one example, the slotted opening 122 has a first opening having a relatively large dimension and a slotted portion adjacent the first opening having a relatively small dimension. The projection from the first end of the strap 102 may have a head and a neck. The head has a relatively large size compared to the neck. In other words, the projection may be shaped to be able to pass through the larger first opening in the slotted opening 122. The neck of the projection may slide within the slotted portion, and in this example, the head of the projection has a relatively large size compared to the size of the slotted portion so as to be resiliently held in place.

[0044] 3a shows an example of a post adapter 102 with the strap 104 removed. The post adapter 102 in FIG. 3a is shown in a rotated perspective compared to FIG.

[0045] The receiving portion 120 of the post adapter 102 is shown from a different perspective in Figure 3a as compared to Figure 2. The post adapter 102 has one or more insert attachment points 124 that are configured to receive the attachment portions of one or more inserts (shown in further detail in Figure 3b).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3a, the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 can have a substantially concave shape such that it can engage and abut a cylindrical post in use. In other words, the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 can be shaped such that substantially all of the first side 106 of the post adapter is configured to abut a cylindrical post in use. In one example, the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 is shaped to engage a post in a substantially flush manner. In one example, the first side 106 of the post adapter 102 is shaped to engage a 130 mm cylindrical post in a substantially flush manner.

[0047] FIG. 3b illustrates an example of a post adaptor 102 with an insert 142 coupled to the second side of the post adaptor 102. The insert 142 is sized such that one side of the insert can abut the post adaptor 102 in a substantially flush arrangement. The insert 142 can have a second side having a second size that can be configured to abut a different size post. For example, the second side of the insert 142 can be shaped to abut a post size of about 90 mm to 170 mm. In another example, the second side of the insert 142 can be shaped to abut a post size of about 118 mm to 198 mm. In another example, the second side of the insert 142 can be shaped to abut a post size of about 150 mm to 240 mm. However, in other examples, the second side of the insert 142 can be shaped to abut a post of any size. For example, the post can have an orthogonal cross section.

[0048] The insert 142 is configured to be disposed between the post adapter 102 and the post. The insert 142 can have a substantially convex first side configured to abut the first side of the post adapter and a substantially concave second side configured to abut the post, wherein the first side and the second side of the insert have different curvatures.

[0049] That is, the strapping device 100 can fit onto posts of various sizes. Additionally, the strapping device 100 can be retrofitted onto existing posts without requiring modification of the post.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 3 b , the insert 142 includes an attachment portion 144 configured to mate with the insert attachment point 124 of the post adapter 102 .

[0051] The insert 142 may be made from a malleable material that has a relatively high abrasion value to aid in the connection between the insert 142 and the post during use.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows an example of a strap 104. As described above, the strap 104 includes a first end 126 and a second end 128. FIG. 4 shows a protrusion 130 located at the first end 126 of the strap 104. The protrusion 130 has a head and a neck as described above. The size of the head is larger than the size of the neck. The protrusion 130 is configured to be received in a fixed location, such as the slotted opening 122 of the receiver 120 of the post adapter 102, to removably attach the strap 102 to the post adapter 102. The arrangement of the protrusion 130 and the slotted opening 122 means that the strap 104 can be coupled to the post adapter 102 without the need for further attachment. In one example, the first end of the strap 104 can be removably engaged with the receiver 120.

[0053] The strap 104 may include a first bend 132 toward the first end 126 of the strap 104. The first bend 132 allows the first end 126 of the strap 104 to be angled relative to the remainder of the strap 104 to abut the receiver 120.

[0054] The strap 104 may also include a second bend 134 toward the second end 128 of the strap 104. In other examples, the strap 104 does not have a first bend 132 or a second bend 134, but simply has a rounded shape.

[0055] In one example, the strap 104 is formed from a flexible material so that it can be wrapped around the post during use.

[0056] In this example, one or more ridges 136 are shown toward the second end 128 of the strap 104 .

[0057] The strap 104 is configured to provide frictional support between the post adapter 102 and the post. In other words, when an article, such as a barrier, rotates about the post, the strap 104 is configured to be fixed relative to the post.

[0058] In one example, the straps 104 have a twin shot material, such as made from a twin shot injection mold, to provide desired properties, in other words, the straps 104 are designed to provide the strength and friction that allows an item to be attached to a post.

[0059] In one example, the strap 104 may have one or more ridges or protrusions to improve the grip between the strap 104 and the post. The strap 104 may have a friction coating to improve friction between the strap 104 and the post.

[0060] 5a shows the first side 106 of the post adapter 102. In this example, the strap 104 is received in a channel 118 of the post adapter 102. In this view, the first end 126 of the strap 104 is disconnected from the receiver 120. In other words, the projection 130 is not received in the slotted opening 122 of the receiver 120.

[0061] 5b shows the second side 108 of the post adapter 102. In this example, the strap 104 is received in a channel 118 of the post adapter 102. Furthermore, the first end 126 of the strap 104 is coupled to a receiver 120. In other words, the projection 130 is received in a slotted opening 122 of the receiver 120.

[0062] 6a illustrates another view of the example strapping device 100. FIG 6a illustrates an example of a hook element 116 configured to releasably couple with the second end 128 of the strap 104. The hook element 116 is received in the recess 114 of the post adapter 102.

[0063] 6b shows an example of the strapping device 100 in which the second end 128 of the strap 104 is received in a hook element 116. In this example, the hook element 116 is not received in the recess 114.

[0064] 6a and 6b, the hook element 116 includes a channel and a latch 138. The latch 138 is configured to move from a first position to a second position. In one example, the first position is an open position in which the channel is substantially open and the strap 104 can be received by the hook element 116 and move relative to the hook element 116.

[0065] In other words, the latch element 116 comprises a latch 138 configured to engage one or more ridges of the strap 104. The latch element 116 may be a buckle.

[0066] In one example, the second position is a closed position where a channel is substantially closed and the strap 104 may be latched or resiliently held by the latch element 116. In one example, the latch 138 may have a substantially cam-shaped region configured to engage with the ridge 136 of the second end 128 of the strap 104. In other words, the latch element 116 acts as a ratchet and engages with one or more ridges 136 of the strap 104. The latch 138 of the latch element 116 may be ratcheted to tighten the strap 104. In use, a user may latch the latch 138 until it cannot be tightened any further to ensure that the strap 104 is sufficiently tensioned to hold the strapping device 100 and barrier 146 in place.

[0067] As seen in Figure 6b, the latch element has a latch portion 140 configured to engage a complementary shaped latch portion of the post adapter 102 such that, in use, the latch element 116 may be retained within the recess 114. The recess 114 may have an opening or slot complementary shaped to the latch portion 140 to releasably retain the latch portion 140 in use.

[0068] Thus, when the second end 128 of the strap 104 is received in the hook element 116, which in turn is received in the recess 114 of the post adapter 102, both the first end 126 and the second end 128 of the strap 104 are releasably coupled to the post adapter 102. When the strap 104 is wrapped around a post or other fixture, the post adapter 102 is held in place. Because the first end 126 and the second end 128 of the strap 104 are releasably coupled to the post adapter 102, a user can easily disconnect them, allowing the barrier to be easily removed and reinstalled in another location.

[0069] Because the second end 128 of the strap 104 is received in the recess 114, the latch element 116 does not extend beyond the limits of the recess 114. That is, the latch element 116 may be fully received in the recess 114 such that no portion of the latch element 116 protrudes from the recess 114. In this example, there is little chance that the latch 138 of the latch element 116 will actually get stuck or accidentally open.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the strapping device 100 being coupled to an item 146, such as a barrier. For clarity, the post is not shown in Figure 7, but the strap 104 is actually shaped to extend around the post.

[0071] The item 146 may be coupled to the second side 108 of the strapping device 100 . For example, the strapping device 100 may be coupled to an item 146 via one or more attachment points 112 of a post adapter 102, which may be coupled to corresponding attachment points of the item 146. In one example, the attachment points 112 include one or more hooks configured to receive corresponding openings or hooks of the barrier 146 to retain the item 146 to the post adapter 102. In other words, the post adapter 102 includes an interface configured to support the item 146.

[0072] In this example, the article 146 effectively covers the recess 114 that houses the latch element 116 so as to prevent the latch element 116 from being accidentally impacted from the second closed position to the first open position, in use.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the article 146 may include a hinge 148 that is directly connected to the post adapter 102 such that, in use, the article 146 can rotate relative to the post.

[0074] The items 146 may include barriers or gates to prevent a user from accessing an area. However, in other examples, the items 146 may be dispensers or other devices suitable for mounting to a post. For example, the items 146 may include goggle or glove dispensers for users who require these items. In other examples, the items 146 may include electrical boxes, safety signs, electronic devices, lights, and / or tool holders. The strapping device 100 provides a versatile and easy means for allowing a user to secure a variety of different items 146 to a post.

[0075] Given the versatility of the device, the strapping device may be quickly and easily moved from a first position to a second position as needed.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, a projection 130 of a first end 126 of the strap 104 is received in the slotted opening 122 of the receiver 120. The second end 128 of the strap 104 is received in the latch element 116 (not shown). In this example, there are no permanent additional fasteners and a user can use the strapping device 100 to connect a barrier 146 to a post in a safe and removable manner. That is, a user can easily remove the barrier 146 from the post without difficulty and without the use of additional fastening means. This increases the usefulness of the post adapter 100.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows an example in use where the post adapter 102 is connected to the barrier wall.

[0078] In one example, a barrier system is provided that includes a barrier member 146 and a post adapter 102 configured to engage the barrier member 146 and a post. The post adapter 102 includes a strap 104 configured to extend around the post to couple the barrier system to the post.

[0079] 9 illustrates one example of a method for attaching a strap device to a post. At 200, the method includes releasably coupling a first end 126 of a strap 104 to a fixed location within a recess in a post adapter 102.

[0080] At 202 , the method includes wrapping the strap 104 around the post and placing the second end 128 of the strap 104 within a latch element 116 in the recess 114 of the post adapter 102 .

[0081] At 204 , the method includes the optional step of coupling a barrier 146 to the post adapter 102 , the barrier 146 substantially covering the latch element 116 in the recess 114 of the post adapter 102 .

[0082] Attention is directed to all articles and documents related to this application that are filed contemporaneously or prior to this application and that are publicly available herewith, and the contents of all such articles and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0083] All features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0084] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0085] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel, or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel, or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. 1. A strapping device for connecting an item to a post, comprising: a post adapter having a first side configured to engage the post and a substantially planar second side having a recess and one or more connection points; a latch element at least partially disposed in the recess of the post adapter; A strap configured to extend around the post, a first end configured to be removably coupled to the post adapter; and a strap having a second end configured to be received in the hook element; The strapping device, wherein the hook element in the recess of the post adapter is configured to be substantially covered by the item in use.

2. 2. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap is removably coupled to a fixed location within the recess of the post adapter.

3. 3. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap comprises a protrusion configured to be received in a slotted channel in a receiving portion of the post adapter.

4. The strapping device of claim 1 , wherein the fastening element comprises a buckle.

5. The strapping device of claim 4 , wherein the buckle comprises a hook portion configured to be received in the recessed portion of the post adapter.

6. The strapping device of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the strap comprises one or more ridges.

7. The strapping device of claim 6 , wherein the latching element comprises a latch configured to engage the one or more ridges of the strap.

8. The strapping device of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the post adapter is substantially concave.

9. an insert configured to be positioned between the post adapter and the post, the insert comprising: a substantially convex first side configured to abut the first side of the post adapter; and a substantially concave second side configured to abut the post; The strapping device of claim 8 , wherein the first side and the second side of the insert have different curvatures.

10. 10. The strapping device of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a twin shot material.

11. 11. The strapping device of any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a plurality of straps.

12. A strapping device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and an article configured to substantially cover the hook element in the recess of the post adapter.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the article comprises a barrier member.

14. 1. A method of attaching a strapping device to a post, comprising: releasably connecting a first end of a strap to a fixed location within a recess in a substantially planar surface of a post adapter; wrapping the strap around the post and placing a second end of the strap on a hook element within the recess of the post adapter; and connecting an article to the post adapter at one or more connection points of the post adapter configured to support an article, the article substantially covering the hook element in the recess of the post adapter.

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