Securing device with spring closure

Abstract

A securing device has a main body having a top section with a distal end, a side wall connected to the top section, and a hook formed at distal end of the side wall, wherein a gap is formed between the distal end of the top section and the hook. The top section has a first opening at the distal end and a second opening located behind the first opening. A spring gate with overlapping first and second end portions is assembled with the main body by inserting the first end portion into the first opening and inserting the second end portion into the second opening. The spring gate presses into the hook in a resting position to close the gap between the second side wall and the top bar, and the gap is opened by pressing the spring gate inward to release the spring gate from the hook.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a device that allows for releasable connection of a strap to a device or to another strap. In particular, the invention relates to a device that allows for simple and quick attachment and detachment of a loop of a strap to the device, via the use of a spring closure system.2. The Prior Art

[0002] Buckles with spring gate closure systems have been used to attach straps, particularly straps with closed loop ends, to the buckle in a releasable manner. These types of buckles are used when the removal of the strap may be necessary, or can be used as replacement buckles for a broken buckle in which the strap is already sewn in place. The top bar of the buckle has a free end so as to form an open slot, and is closed via a separate spring gate locking element that is inserted through a hole or holes in the end of the top bar. The locking element is then pressed into position so that it extends around a catch on the buckle body, thus closing the open slot and keeping the strap connected to the buckle. The drawback of this design is that the spring gate locking element, which is generally formed by a wire that is bent into an L-shape at its end to insert through the holes, is not stable under high forces, as the wire can bend, causing the ends to slip out of the holes and release the strap. Furthermore, the spring gate locking element in this design must be bent out of its original shape in order to be inserted into the holes of the buckle, which further destabilizes the design.

[0003] An improvement to this type of device is shown in US Patent Nos. 11,439,208 and 11,659,898. In these devices, the part of the device that holds the spring gate is in the form of a slot with an open end, which leaves the free arm on the side of the slot susceptible to breakage under tension. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hook, carabiner or other securing device for attaching a strap, in which the locking element cannot be inadvertently removed from the securing device during use and under high forces on the securing device. It is another object of the invention to provide a securing device in which the locking element can be assembled with the securing device in a simple manner without deforming the locking element. It is a further object of the invention to provide a securing device that is securely attached to the locking element and has a low risk of breakage even under high tension.

[0005] These and other objects are accomplished by a closed loop securing device such as a carabiner clip, having a spring gate closure. The securing device has a main body formed by a top section connected to a curved side wall having a hook on the distal end. The hook is separated from the distal end of the top section by a gap. The top section has a first opening at the distal end and a second opening behind the first opening, for receiving the spring gate.

[0006] The spring gate is in the shape of a loop with overlapping end portions and is configured to be assembled with the main body by inserting the first end portion of the spring gate in the first opening, and inserting the second end portion of the spring gate into the second opening. The spring gate is configured to snap into the hook in a resting position to close the gap between the second side wall and the top bar. The securing device is opened by pressing the spring gate inward to release the spring gate from the hook.

[0007] The hook faces the interior of the main body, and the spring gate rotates inwardly in order to allow access to the main body for attachment of articles to the device. In this embodiment, the spring gate is disposed in the hook in a resting position, so that the securing device is kept in the closed position until forces are applied to move the spring gate inward.

[0008] The spring gate is preferably formed from a metal wire that is bent into a loop with overlapping end portions. Each of end portions of the spring gate have extensions that extend away from a circumferential direction of the spring gate and perpendicular to the end portions. These extensions serve to anchor the spring gate in the first and second openings when the clip is subject to force from connected devices or straps being pulled, and maintain the spring gate in the closed position against the hook. To receive the extensions in the resting position, there are securing indentations disposed adjacent the first and second openings. Inserting the first end portion through the first opening, rotating the spring gate to secure the first end portion in the first securing indention, inserting the second end portion through the second opening and and sliding the second extension into the second securing indentation locks the extensions in the securing indentations. The securing indentations exert a force on the extensions to press the spring gate into the resting position against the hook. To open the spring gate, the user presses the spring gate inward, causing the spring gate to rotate against the spring force of the wire. The wire of the spring gate is preferably manufactured from a material that can retain its shape under pressure, such as spring steel.

[0009] The first opening is preferably elongated so as to accommodate the length of the first extension during insertion into the opening. The second opening has a preferably L-shaped cross-section, with a horizontal leg and a vertical leg. This allows the second extension to be inserted through one of the legs of the L, and then provides for securing of the spring gate by pivoting and sliding of the spring gate along the other leg of the L until the extension is seated in the securing indentation.

[0010] Force on the top section away from the main body presses the extensions deeper into the indentations to prevent the spring gate from opening. Each of the securing indentations are made large enough to permit the spring gate to be rotated between the locked and unlocked position without releasing the spring gate from the openings.

[0011] The top section of the main body further comprises a strap retainer pivotably connected to the top section. The strap retainer is in the form of a closed loop with a central slot for receiving a strap. The strap retainer can be mounted on a post extending from the top section of the main body to allow rotation of the strap retainer around the post.

[0012] In one embodiment, the strap retainer is removable from the securing device and is generally assembled to the securing device after insertion of the spring gate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0014] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the fully assembled securing device according to the invention having the main body, spring gate and strap retainer;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the main body;

[0017] FIG. 3 shows the spring gate;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows the strap retainer;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a first assembly step;

[0020] FIG. 6 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a second step;

[0021] FIG. 7 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a third step;

[0022] FIG. 8 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a fourth step;

[0023] FIG. 9 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a fifth step;

[0024] FIG. 10 shows the spring gate fully assembled with the main body;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along lines 13-13 of FIG. 10; and

[0028] FIG. 14 shows the strap retainer being assembled to the main body in a final assembly step.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, securing device 1 has a main body 10 with a curved side wall 11, a top section 12 and a hook 13, located at the distal end of side wall 11 adjacent a gap G. Hook 13 faces the interior of side wall 11. A spring gate 20 is mounted to main body 10, and can be opened along angle a to allow for attachment of a strap or other object to securing device 1. A strap securing device 30 is connected to top section 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the top section 12 of main body 10 has a first opening 14 located at a distal end of top section 12, and a second opening 15 located above and behind first opening 14. First opening 14 is elongated and extends generally horizontally, while second opening 15 is L-shaped, with the horizontal leg of the L extending toward the distal end of the top section, and the vertical leg of the L extending upward.

[0031] Spring gate 20 is shown in FIG. 3 and is formed of a U-shape wire of a material that can return to its shape after tension is applied, such as spring steel. Spring gate 20 has a first side 21, a bottom 22 and a second side 23. End portion 24 extends perpendicular to first side 21, and end portion 25 extends perpendicular to second side 23, with end portions 24, 26 extending in opposite directions so as to overlap in a vertical direction, with a space in between. An extension 25 is disposed at the end of end portion 24 and an extension 27 is disposed at the end of end portion 26. Extension 25 extends substantially perpendicular to end portion 24 and oblique or perpendicular to first side 21. Extension 27 extends substantially perpendicular to end portion 26 and generally parallel to or oblique to second side 23.

[0032] To secure a strap to device 1, a strap securing device 30 is pivotably attached to main body 10 via a post 18 with a securing knob 19, which is connected to top section 12. Strap securing device 30 is in the form of a closed ring 31 with a strap receiving opening. A strap can be fed through strap securing device 30 and secured in place by sewing or with a strap adjusting device. Strap securing device 30 has a central aperture 34, and a plurality of securing flanges 32 mounted around aperture 34 on the bottom surface of strap securing device 30.

[0033] The assembly of the device 1 is shown in FIGS. 5-10. In a first step, the first side 21 of spring gate 20 is mounted by arranging spring gate 20 at an angle to the resting position that is greater than angle a, until the first opening 14 lines up with the extension 25 (FIG. 5). Extension 25 is then fed through opening 14 until it extends entirely through opening 14, at which point first side 21 is rotated toward hook 13. At this point second side 23 is positioned in front of top section 12, as shown in FIG. 6. Second side 23 is then moved toward second opening 15, where extension 27 is placed into the vertical leg of opening 15 until it extends entirely through opening 15, as shown in FIG. 7 and on the opposite side in FIG. 8. In FIG. 7, one can see that during rotation of first arm 21, extension 25 of first side 21 has now been rotated into a position when it cannot extend back out of opening 14, and rests in a securing indentation 116 in top section 12 (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 8, extension 27 now extends entirely through opening 15, but is still removable, as extension 27 can be pulled out of opening 15. To secure extension 27 to top section 12, second side 23 is pressed toward the distal end of top section 12 in the direction of arrow b shown in FIG. 9, until end portion 26 slides along the horizontal leg of opening 15 and moves extension 27 beyond the vertical leg of opening 15. At this point, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, extension 27 is pressed against securing indentation 16 and cannot be pulled back out of opening 15.

[0034] Cross-sectional views of the base body 10 with fully assembled spring gate 20 are shown in FIGS. 11-13. Here, one can see that extension 25 is pressed into indentation 116 and cannot travel back out of base body 10, as it is located beyond the opening. In FIG. 12, extension 27 is shown in securing indentation 16 and is blocked from traveling back out of opening 15. Pressure in the upward or downward direction by objects that are attached to the securing device cannot pull spring gate 20 out of base body 10, and the tension actually presses extensions 25, 27 even more firmly into the securing indentations 116, 16.

[0035] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, to prevent end portion 26 with extension 27 from sliding back toward the vertical part of opening 15, a protrusion 115 is disposed on the edge of securing indentation 16. Protrusion 115 is angled to allow extension 27 to slide along angled surface 117 and be snapped into place in securing indentation 16, but cannot be removed without excessive force.

[0036] Once spring gate 20 is fully assembled with base body 10, it cannot be easily removed, and withstands high loads without risk of breakage or inadvertent release. The large width of the top section 12, and the comparatively small size of openings 14, 15 ensure structural stability of the based body during high tension as well.

[0037] In a final assembly step, strap securing device 30 is snapped onto base body 10 by sliding post 18 with knob 19 through aperture 34 until knob 19 protrudes through the aperture. At the same time, flexible tabs 32 are then snapped between flanges 17 and post 18 to lock securing device 30 to base body 10.

[0038] The present invention provides a simple and secure way to provide a closure system in which the spring gate and main body are resistant to deformation even under large loads.

[0039] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]As shown in FIGS. 1-4, securing device 1 has a main body 10 with a curved side wall 11, a top section 12 and a hook 13, located at the distal end of side wall 11 adjacent a gap G. Hook 13 faces the interior of side wall 11. A spring gate 20 is mounted to main body 10, and can be opened along angle a to allow for attachment of a strap or other object to securing device 1. A strap securing device 30 is connected to top section 12.

[0030]As shown in FIG. 2, the top section 12 of main body 10 has a first opening 14 located at a distal end of top section 12, and a second opening 15 located above and behind first opening 14. First opening 14 is elongated and extends generally horizontally, while second opening 15 is L-shaped, with the horizontal leg of the L extending toward the distal end of the top section, and the vertical leg of the L extending upward.

[0031]Spring gate 20 is shown in FIG. 3 and is formed of a U-shape wire of a material that can return to its shape after tension i...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a device that allows for releasable connection of a strap to a device or to another strap. In particular, the invention relates to a device that allows for simple and quick attachment and detachment of a loop of a strap to the device, via the use of a spring closure system.2. The Prior Art

[0002] Buckles with spring gate closure systems have been used to attach straps, particularly straps with closed loop ends, to the buckle in a releasable manner. These types of buckles are used when the removal of the strap may be necessary, or can be used as replacement buckles for a broken buckle in which the strap is already sewn in place. The top bar of the buckle has a free end so as to form an open slot, and is closed via a separate spring gate locking element that is inserted through a hole or holes in the end of the top bar. The locking element is then pressed into position so that it extends around a catch on the buckle body, thus closing the open slot and keeping the strap connected to the buckle. The drawback of this design is that the spring gate locking element, which is generally formed by a wire that is bent into an L-shape at its end to insert through the holes, is not stable under high forces, as the wire can bend, causing the ends to slip out of the holes and release the strap. Furthermore, the spring gate locking element in this design must be bent out of its original shape in order to be inserted into the holes of the buckle, which further destabilizes the design.

[0003] An improvement to this type of device is shown in US Patent Nos. 11,439,208 and 11,659,898. In these devices, the part of the device that holds the spring gate is in the form of a slot with an open end, which leaves the free arm on the side of the slot susceptible to breakage under tension. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hook, carabiner or other securing device for attaching a strap, in which the locking element cannot be inadvertently removed from the securing device during use and under high forces on the securing device. It is another object of the invention to provide a securing device in which the locking element can be assembled with the securing device in a simple manner without deforming the locking element. It is a further object of the invention to provide a securing device that is securely attached to the locking element and has a low risk of breakage even under high tension.

[0005] These and other objects are accomplished by a closed loop securing device such as a carabiner clip, having a spring gate closure. The securing device has a main body formed by a top section connected to a curved side wall having a hook on the distal end. The hook is separated from the distal end of the top section by a gap. The top section has a first opening at the distal end and a second opening behind the first opening, for receiving the spring gate.

[0006] The spring gate is in the shape of a loop with overlapping end portions and is configured to be assembled with the main body by inserting the first end portion of the spring gate in the first opening, and inserting the second end portion of the spring gate into the second opening. The spring gate is configured to snap into the hook in a resting position to close the gap between the second side wall and the top bar. The securing device is opened by pressing the spring gate inward to release the spring gate from the hook.

[0007] The hook faces the interior of the main body, and the spring gate rotates inwardly in order to allow access to the main body for attachment of articles to the device. In this embodiment, the spring gate is disposed in the hook in a resting position, so that the securing device is kept in the closed position until forces are applied to move the spring gate inward.

[0008] The spring gate is preferably formed from a metal wire that is bent into a loop with overlapping end portions. Each of end portions of the spring gate have extensions that extend away from a circumferential direction of the spring gate and perpendicular to the end portions. These extensions serve to anchor the spring gate in the first and second openings when the clip is subject to force from connected devices or straps being pulled, and maintain the spring gate in the closed position against the hook. To receive the extensions in the resting position, there are securing indentations disposed adjacent the first and second openings. Inserting the first end portion through the first opening, rotating the spring gate to secure the first end portion in the first securing indention, inserting the second end portion through the second opening and and sliding the second extension into the second securing indentation locks the extensions in the securing indentations. The securing indentations exert a force on the extensions to press the spring gate into the resting position against the hook. To open the spring gate, the user presses the spring gate inward, causing the spring gate to rotate against the spring force of the wire. The wire of the spring gate is preferably manufactured from a material that can retain its shape under pressure, such as spring steel.

[0009] The first opening is preferably elongated so as to accommodate the length of the first extension during insertion into the opening. The second opening has a preferably L-shaped cross-section, with a horizontal leg and a vertical leg. This allows the second extension to be inserted through one of the legs of the L, and then provides for securing of the spring gate by pivoting and sliding of the spring gate along the other leg of the L until the extension is seated in the securing indentation.

[0010] Force on the top section away from the main body presses the extensions deeper into the indentations to prevent the spring gate from opening. Each of the securing indentations are made large enough to permit the spring gate to be rotated between the locked and unlocked position without releasing the spring gate from the openings.

[0011] The top section of the main body further comprises a strap retainer pivotably connected to the top section. The strap retainer is in the form of a closed loop with a central slot for receiving a strap. The strap retainer can be mounted on a post extending from the top section of the main body to allow rotation of the strap retainer around the post.

[0012] In one embodiment, the strap retainer is removable from the securing device and is generally assembled to the securing device after insertion of the spring gate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0014] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the fully assembled securing device according to the invention having the main body, spring gate and strap retainer;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the main body;

[0017] FIG. 3 shows the spring gate;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows the strap retainer;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a first assembly step;

[0020] FIG. 6 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a second step;

[0021] FIG. 7 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a third step;

[0022] FIG. 8 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a fourth step;

[0023] FIG. 9 shows the spring gate being assembled with the main body in a fifth step;

[0024] FIG. 10 shows the spring gate fully assembled with the main body;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along lines 13-13 of FIG. 10; and

[0028] FIG. 14 shows the strap retainer being assembled to the main body in a final assembly step.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, securing device 1 has a main body 10 with a curved side wall 11, a top section 12 and a hook 13, located at the distal end of side wall 11 adjacent a gap G. Hook 13 faces the interior of side wall 11. A spring gate 20 is mounted to main body 10, and can be opened along angle a to allow for attachment of a strap or other object to securing device 1. A strap securing device 30 is connected to top section 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the top section 12 of main body 10 has a first opening 14 located at a distal end of top section 12, and a second opening 15 located above and behind first opening 14. First opening 14 is elongated and extends generally horizontally, while second opening 15 is L-shaped, with the horizontal leg of the L extending toward the distal end of the top section, and the vertical leg of the L extending upward.

[0031] Spring gate 20 is shown in FIG. 3 and is formed of a U-shape wire of a material that can return to its shape after tension is applied, such as spring steel. Spring gate 20 has a first side 21, a bottom 22 and a second side 23. End portion 24 extends perpendicular to first side 21, and end portion 25 extends perpendicular to second side 23, with end portions 24, 26 extending in opposite directions so as to overlap in a vertical direction, with a space in between. An extension 25 is disposed at the end of end portion 24 and an extension 27 is disposed at the end of end portion 26. Extension 25 extends substantially perpendicular to end portion 24 and oblique or perpendicular to first side 21. Extension 27 extends substantially perpendicular to end portion 26 and generally parallel to or oblique to second side 23.

[0032] To secure a strap to device 1, a strap securing device 30 is pivotably attached to main body 10 via a post 18 with a securing knob 19, which is connected to top section 12. Strap securing device 30 is in the form of a closed ring 31 with a strap receiving opening. A strap can be fed through strap securing device 30 and secured in place by sewing or with a strap adjusting device. Strap securing device 30 has a central aperture 34, and a plurality of securing flanges 32 mounted around aperture 34 on the bottom surface of strap securing device 30.

[0033] The assembly of the device 1 is shown in FIGS. 5-10. In a first step, the first side 21 of spring gate 20 is mounted by arranging spring gate 20 at an angle to the resting position that is greater than angle a, until the first opening 14 lines up with the extension 25 (FIG. 5). Extension 25 is then fed through opening 14 until it extends entirely through opening 14, at which point first side 21 is rotated toward hook 13. At this point second side 23 is positioned in front of top section 12, as shown in FIG. 6. Second side 23 is then moved toward second opening 15, where extension 27 is placed into the vertical leg of opening 15 until it extends entirely through opening 15, as shown in FIG. 7 and on the opposite side in FIG. 8. In FIG. 7, one can see that during rotation of first arm 21, extension 25 of first side 21 has now been rotated into a position when it cannot extend back out of opening 14, and rests in a securing indentation 116 in top section 12 (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 8, extension 27 now extends entirely through opening 15, but is still removable, as extension 27 can be pulled out of opening 15. To secure extension 27 to top section 12, second side 23 is pressed toward the distal end of top section 12 in the direction of arrow b shown in FIG. 9, until end portion 26 slides along the horizontal leg of opening 15 and moves extension 27 beyond the vertical leg of opening 15. At this point, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, extension 27 is pressed against securing indentation 16 and cannot be pulled back out of opening 15.

[0034] Cross-sectional views of the base body 10 with fully assembled spring gate 20 are shown in FIGS. 11-13. Here, one can see that extension 25 is pressed into indentation 116 and cannot travel back out of base body 10, as it is located beyond the opening. In FIG. 12, extension 27 is shown in securing indentation 16 and is blocked from traveling back out of opening 15. Pressure in the upward or downward direction by objects that are attached to the securing device cannot pull spring gate 20 out of base body 10, and the tension actually presses extensions 25, 27 even more firmly into the securing indentations 116, 16.

[0035] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, to prevent end portion 26 with extension 27 from sliding back toward the vertical part of opening 15, a protrusion 115 is disposed on the edge of securing indentation 16. Protrusion 115 is angled to allow extension 27 to slide along angled surface 117 and be snapped into place in securing indentation 16, but cannot be removed without excessive force.

[0036] Once spring gate 20 is fully assembled with base body 10, it cannot be easily removed, and withstands high loads without risk of breakage or inadvertent release. The large width of the top section 12, and the comparatively small size of openings 14, 15 ensure structural stability of the based body during high tension as well.

[0037] In a final assembly step, strap securing device 30 is snapped onto base body 10 by sliding post 18 with knob 19 through aperture 34 until knob 19 protrudes through the aperture. At the same time, flexible tabs 32 are then snapped between flanges 17 and post 18 to lock securing device 30 to base body 10.

[0038] The present invention provides a simple and secure way to provide a closure system in which the spring gate and main body are resistant to deformation even under large loads.

[0039] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]As shown in FIGS. 1-4, securing device 1 has a main body 10 with a curved side wall 11, a top section 12 and a hook 13, located at the distal end of side wall 11 adjacent a gap G. Hook 13 faces the interior of side wall 11. A spring gate 20 is mounted to main body 10, and can be opened along angle a to allow for attachment of a strap or other object to securing device 1. A strap securing device 30 is connected to top section 12.

[0030]As shown in FIG. 2, the top section 12 of main body 10 has a first opening 14 located at a distal end of top section 12, and a second opening 15 located above and behind first opening 14. First opening 14 is elongated and extends generally horizontally, while second opening 15 is L-shaped, with the horizontal leg of the L extending toward the distal end of the top section, and the vertical leg of the L extending upward.

[0031]Spring gate 20 is shown in FIG. 3 and is formed of a U-shape wire of a material that can return to its shape after tension i...

Claims

1. A securing device comprising:a main body having a top section with a distal end, a side wall connected to the top section opposite the distal end, and a hook formed at distal end of the side wall with a gap is formed between the distal end of the top section and the hook, the top section having a first opening at the distal end and a second opening located behind the first opening;a spring gate in the shape of a loop with overlapping first and second end portions, the spring gate being configured to be assembled with the main body by inserting the first end portion of the spring gate into the first opening and inserting the second end portion of the spring gate into the second opening,wherein the spring gate is configured to press into the hook in a resting position to close the gap between the second side wall and the top bar, and wherein the gap is opened by pressing the spring gate inward to release the spring gate from the hook.

2. The securing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions of the spring gate have extensions that extend perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the spring gate and are configured such that the extensions prevent the first and second end portions from being removed from the first and second openings when the first and second end portions are inserted into the first and second openings.

3. The securing device according to claim 2, wherein the top section has a first securing indentation adjacent the first opening, the first securing indentation being configured to receive the extension of the first end portion of the spring gate when the first end portion of the spring gate is inserted though the first opening and rotated, so that the extension of the first end portion sits in the first securing indentation.

4. The securing device according to claim 3, wherein the top section has a second securing indentation adjacent the second opening, the second securing indentation receiving the extension of the second end portion of the spring gate when the second end portion of the spring gate is inserted though the second opening and then moved laterally so that the extension of the second end portion sits in the second securing indentation.

5. The securing device according to claim 3, wherein the first opening has an elongated cross-section, and wherein a width of the first opening is at least as wide as a length of the extension of the first end portion.

6. The securing device according to claim 4, wherein the second opening is L-shaped in cross-section, and wherein a width of one leg of the L-shaped opening is at least as large as a length of the extension of the second end portion.

7. The securing device according to claim 6, further comprising a protrusion disposed on a side of the second securing indentation of the second opening, the protrusion preventing the second extension from sliding out of the second securing indentation.

8. The securing device according to claim 1, wherein the spring gate is formed from metal wire.

9. The securing device according to claim 1, further comprising a strap retainer rotatably connected to the top section, the strap retainer having a central opening for receiving a strap.

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