Strap Adjusting Device

The present invention is related to a strap adjusting device, in which an adjustable part of a strap and a non-adjustable part of a strap are held together in a clasp or buckle.

The object of the invention is to obtain a strap adjusting device, which may be assembled in a simple manner. A further object is to obtain an adjusting device for ski pole straps which device may be assembled in a simple manner.

It is previously known to assemble two strap parts in a clasp consisting of three rods oriented across the direction of the strap parts and two pieces along the strap parts joining together said rods. Such clasp will hereinafter be referred to as a "three rod clasp". In such three rod clasps one strap part has been fixed to one of the perpendicularly oriented rods, usually by the strap part being formed in a loop round the rod and the loop being closed by riveting or glueing of the strap.

Swiss patent specification 523 080 describes an adjusting device, in which two strap parts made of comparatively rigid plastic material are passed in the same direction through a three rod clasp, and in which locking of the strap parts takes place with the aid of across-running ridges. The lastmentioned construction will be a possible choice only in comparatively rigid strap materials, in which the ridges mentioned may be obtained e.g. by injection molding.

According to the present invention a strap adjusting device is obtained in which two strap parts are held together in a three rod clasp, whereby none of the strap parts is fixed to the clasp and whereby across-running ridges on the surface of the strap parts are not necessary. The invention comprises a three rod clasp, a strap part in non-adjustable relationship to the clasp, and a strap part in adjustable relationship to the clasp, whereby said strap parts are passed in opposite directions into the three rod clasp. The invention is characterized in that the strap part in non-adjustable relationship to the clasp is passed over the middle rod of the clasp, and that the leading edge thereof that is passed through the clasp is provided with a tab, the width of which is greater than the inner width of the three rod clasp, and that the strap part in adjustable relationship to the clasp is passed over the other strap part and under the two outer rods of the clasp.

The invention will be more closely described with reference to the enclosed drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a view from above of a strap adjustng device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a view from above of the device of FIG. 1 disassembled; and

FIG. 4 shows a hand strap for a ski pole comprising a strap adjusting device according to the invention.

In the drawings 1 denotes a clasp of the type herein referred to as a three rod clasp. 2 denotes a strap part in non-adjustable relationship to the clasp 1. A strap part in adjustable relationship to the clasp 1 is denoted with 3. The clasp 1 comprises two outer across-running rods 4, 6, one middle across-running rod 5 and two joining pieces 7, 6. The end of the strap part 2 is provided with a tab 9, integral with said strap part 2, the width (a) of which is greater than the inner width (b) of the clasp 1. On assembling the strap adjusting device the tab 9 is passed through the two openings of the clasp 1 in such manner that the strap part 2 is placed over the middle rod 5. Thereafter the adjustable strap part 3 is introduced from the opposite direction, in such manner that it is placed over the non-adjustable strap part 2 and under the across-running rods 4 and 6. On tension in the strap parts 2 and 3 the tab 4 will be retained in the clasp 1 partly through friction against the different parts of the clasp 1 partly because the space in the openings of the clasp 1 is insufficient for passage of the tab 9 when both strap parts are placed therein. The openings in the clasps have thus dimensions adapted to the width of the strap parts 2 and 3 and to the added thickness thereof. The adjustable strap part 3 is retained mainly by friction against strap part 2 and the parts of the clasp.

On assembling the strap adjusting device the tab 9 has a further function in stopping strap part 2 from sliding out of the clasp 1 on introduction of strap part 3. The assembling operation is thereby much simplified.

To facilitate the introduction of the tab 9 in the clasp the tab suitably has a bevelled end as seen in FIG. 2.

The strap adjusting device according to the present invention is primarily intended for use in adjustable hand straps for ski poles. Thereby is obtained a hand strap, which may be adjusted continuously by the skier in a simple manner, and which has a very good tensile strength. As seen in FIG. 4 the strap adjusting device is then located in the strap so as to fall on the outer side of the skier's hand. In a hand strap for a ski pole, having a strap adjusting device according to the invention one strap part may suitably comprise a broadened portion providng improved support for the lower side of the skier's hand.

The strap parts comprised by the strap adjusting device may be made in various materials. In hand straps for ski poles leather material, such as chrome tanned leather, is preferred. Other possible materials are textile or plastic material. The three rod clasp is suitably made of a plastic material, having sufficient elasticity and strength, such as nylon, or a metal.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the above-described preferred embodiment are possible in light of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly to be understood that the invention may be practiced without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims wherein the invention is defined.