Securing strap having at least one strap securing interface

[0001] The invention generally pertains to securing straps, and more particularly to a ratcheting strap having at least one additional securement interface.

[0002] There are many reasons for securing items, and ways to secure items. In some cases, items must be secured in place, either while the item is in use or during transportation. One of the most widely used devices for securing is a strap. Once an item has been placed at a desired location or in position, a strap is placed around the item and around another strong, stable, adjacent item. For example, cargo containers and boxes are often strapped to a truck for transportation. The strap will maintain a container or box in position and keep it from falling off the truck.

[0003] One of the benefits of a strap is as a result of a straps flexible nature, it can be wrapped around many types of items and used in many types of environments. Certain items or cargo must be especially secure during use or transportation. For items or cargo such as this, a ratcheting strap is typically utilized. A length of strap will have a ratcheting device on one end. Once an item or cargo is in place, the strap will be put around the item or cargo, and around an adjacent item. The strap end will then be inserted into the ratcheting device, which will pull the strap end through by the ratcheting motion, thereby providing a much tighter and stronger hold than could be accomplished by manually hand-pulling the strap. Once a strap is tightened and the item or cargo secure, the ratcheting device is locked, thus maintaining the tight hold of the strap.

[0004] Straps with ratcheting devices are very popular and widely used. There are some drawbacks though to using a ratcheting strap. One of the most significant drawbacks is that all of the high-tensioned strap securement is maintained by the ratcheting device. While ratcheting devices are manufactured to a high standard and are typically strong, robust devices, there is the possibility of malfunction or failure. When this occurs the results can often be devastating, and can include loss of life, injury and/or loss of the item or cargo.

[0005] The obvious solution to this problem would be to provide a back-up securement means for a ratcheting strap. Optimally, a back-up would be easy to use and be a part of the strap, as opposed to an external, add-on device. An additional securement means would not only add extra protection to an item or cargo, but could also potentially save lives and prevent injury.

[0006] A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

[0007]

	PAT. NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
	5,746,401	Condon	5 May 1998
	6,637,077	Doty	28 Oct. 2003
	2013/03333169	Durand	19 Dec. 2013

[0008] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,401 patent discloses a universal pipe hanger strap for hanging a pipe to a building structure comprising the strap has first and second ends and a plurality of ratchet teeth along at least the sides thereof. A ratchet buckle on the first end of the strap receives the second end of the strap, and latching pawls latchingly engaging the teeth. A universal attachment bracket is spaced intermediate the first and second ends.

[0009] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,077 patent discloses an adjustable strap having two loops of different lengths at each end, and a tensioning mechanism on the strap for adjusting the length and tension of the overall strap. S-hooks are placed on each of the short loops with an open but closable receiving hook positioned to hook the longer loop when the latter is routed back to the short loop. The short and long loops are configured to lie in parallel planes such that the strap may be used in a single loop configuration and have a flat side profile.

[0010] The 2013/03333169 publication application disclose a strap binder that includes a main frame and spool mounted for rotation inside the main frame. The spool has an outer surface and includes a first strap receiving passageway extending inside the pool between opposite first and second openings located on the outer surface of the spool, and a second straps-receiving passageway extending inside the pool from a third opening located on the outer surface of the spool to at least the first passageway. Also disclosed is a method of adjusting a strap in length and a ratchet strap binder including an elongated strap passing inside the at least one strap-receiving passageway.

[0011] For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

[0012]

	PAT. NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
	D681,411	Qin et al	7 May 2013
	D703,898	Neu et al	29 Apr. 2014
	D729,026	Qin et al	12 May 2015
	3,672,003	Morgan	27 Jun. 1972
	4,252,158	McDade	24 Feb. 1981
	5,271,606	Kamper	21 Dec. 1993
	5,516,246	Helton	14 May 1996
	5,692,269	Kamper	2 Dec. 1997
	5,852,852	Rigal	29 Dec. 1998
	6,044,669	Levi	4 Apr. 2000
	7,392,973	Hsieh	1 Jul. 2008
	7,861,382	Madachy et al	4 Jan. 2011
	8,037,580	Huang	18 Oct. 2011
	8,209,821	Chen	3 Jul. 2012
	8,370,997	Wright	12 Feb. 2013
	8,459,914	Tatina	11 Jun. 2013
	8,511,951	Yacucha	20 Aug. 2013
	8,631,544	Shotey at al	21 Jan. 2014
	8,763,209	Kavarsky et al	1 Jul. 2014
	2003/0000047	Mamie et al	2 Jan. 2003
	2004/0094650	Huang	20 May 2004
	2006/0179616	Krause et al	17 Aug. 2006
	2006/0213941	Sweeney	28 Sep. 2006
	2007/0033772	Brownlee et al	15 Feb. 2007
	2007/0122247	Madachy et al	31 May 2007
	2007/0125816	Myers	7 Jun. 2007
	2008/0115335	McCay	22 May 2008
	2008/0307618	Huang	18 Dec. 2008
	2009/0025185	Banes	29 Jan. 2009
	2010/0071174	Adcock	25 Mar. 2010
	2010/0180412	Huang	22 Jul. 2010
	2011/0041301	Liang	24 Feb. 2011
	2011/0167599	Wright	14 Jul. 2011
	2012/0110801	Joubert et al	10 May 2012
	2012/0241545	Borntrager	27 Sep. 2012
	2012/0279020	Riedrich	8 Nov. 2012
	2012/0282057	Tatina	8 Nov. 2012
	2013/0025098	Smith	31 Jan. 2013
	2015/0136626	Hagan et al	21 May 2015

[0013] In its preferred embodiment, the securing strap having at least two strap securing interfaces functions in combination with a ratcheting device and comprises a length of strap having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge.

[0014] The first end of the strap is looped around a strap securing rod on the ratcheting device, and extends back from the ratcheting device along a section of the strap. The two lengths of strap are attached together by attachment means that preferably are comprised of stitching. At intervals along the length of the two attached sections of strap are created openings that comprise two parallel attachment means with a space between the attachment means, thereby creating the openings from the space between each respective pair of attachment means.

[0015] Inserted through one of the openings is one of the strap securing interfaces. At least one more strap securing interface is inserted through another opening. Inserted through other openings is one of at least one strap securing member which preferably is comprised of a D-ring.

[0016] After said strap has been tightened, the second end of said strap is wrapped around the ratcheting device, into and through said strap securing interface, and then into and through said at least one strap securing member, wherein when multiple strap securing members are utilized, said securing strap is sequentially inserted into and through each member.

[0017] In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a securing strap having at least two strap securing interfaces that for a ratcheting device which is maintaining tension on a strap holding an object, in the event that the ratcheting device fails, the strap will remain in place securing the object.

[0018] In addition to the primary object of the invention it is also an object of the invention to provide a securing strap having at least two securing interfaces that:

• • [0019] is easy to use,
  • [0020] can be used secure many different types of objects having various dimensions,
  • [0021] does not interface with the operation of a ratcheting device,
  • [0022] can be used for stationary securement and securement of objects that are being transported,
  • [0023] significantly lowers the risk involved when transporting objects,
  • [0024] can be used on vehicles including trucks, ships and planes,
  • [0025] can be used to secure a person,
  • [0026] is long-lasting and durable, and
  • [0027] is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.

[0028] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a securing strap having at least one strap securing interface (“securing strap 10”). All of the embodiments of the securing strap 10 function in combination with a ratcheting device, and are often referred to as a ratcheting strap. In addition to a ratcheting device, the strap 10 can also be used with other devices such as a cam device. Securing straps which are also known as tie-down straps or latching straps, have long been used to maintain objects or cargo in a stationary location/position either at a fixed location such as in a warehouse, or during transportation such as on a truck, ship or airplane. Additionally, securing straps are utilized for other securement purposes by various industries or persons. For example, securing straps are utilized to maintain lighting trusses during entertainment productions, or even to secure an individual who performs a job/activity at an elevated location, such as an arborist or a telephone or power wire technician.

[0040] The use of a securing strap with a ratcheting device allows the strap to be quickly tightened around an object, cargo or person. The amount of tightening that a ratcheting device provides is significantly greater than a person could achieve by manually tightening a strap.

[0041] Ratcheting devices are typically well-made and durable, and are relied upon as being safe to use. Unfortunately, as with any mechanical device, a ratcheting device can fail especially after prolonged use. When a ratcheting device does fail the results can be serious, and can include loss of an object or cargo, or injury or even death to people.

[0042] The inventive securing strap 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, provides a solution to the problem of ratcheting device failure. And, as an extension of this purpose, the securing strap 10 also provides stronger securement when using a strap. This additional securement can provide greater peace of mind for individuals who are using or relying on a securing strap, as well as affecting insurance costs by lowering the inherent risk of using a strap.

[0043] The first embodiment of the securing strap 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, functions in combination with a ratcheting device 76 having a grip 78 for tightening and releasing the strap, a ratchet mechanism 80 and a strap attachment rod 82. The securing strap 10 is comprised of a length of strap 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, an inner surface 18, an outer surface 20, an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24. The first end 14 of the strap 12 is looped around the strap attachment rod 82 on the ratcheting device 76, and extends back from the ratcheting device along a section of the strap 12. The two lengths of strap 12 are attached together by attachment means 36,84. At intervals along the length of the two attached straps, openings 42, which are known as pick points, are created that comprise two parallel attachment means with a space between the attachment means 36, thereby creating the openings 42 from the space between each respective pair of attachment means 36. Inserted through one opening 42 that is adjacent the ratcheting device 76 is one of at least one strap securing interface 50, and inserted through one of the openings is one of at least one strap securing member 60. Once the securing strap 10 is placed around an object, the strap is tightened by use of the ratcheting device 76 in a conventional manner. After the securing strap 10 has been tightened, the second end 16 of the strap 12 is wrapped around the ratcheting device 76, into and through the at least one strap securing interface 50, and then into and through the at least one strap securing member 60. When multiple strap securing members 60 are utilized, the strap 12 is sequentially inserted into and through each member 60. When securing an object, once the strap 12 is inserted through the ratcheting device 76, the at least one strap securing interface 50 and the at least one strap securing member 60, the securing strap 10 will remain in place securing the object even in the event that the ratcheting device fails.

[0044] The second embodiment of the securing strap 10, which is the preferred embodiment and is shown in FIGS. 3-4, also functions in combination with a ratcheting device 76 having a grip 78 for tightening and releasing the strap 12, a ratchet mechanism 80 and a strap attachment rod 82. The securing strap 10 is comprised of a length of strap 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, an inner surface 18, an outer surface 20, an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24. The first end of the strap 12 is looped around the strap attachment rod 82 on the ratcheting device 76, and extends back from the ratcheting device 76 along a section of the strap 12. The two lengths of strap 12 are attached together by attachment means 84, wherein at intervals along the length of the two attached section of straps, attachment means 36 are utilized to create openings 42 that comprise two parallel attachment means 36 with a space between the attachment means 36, thereby creating the openings 42 from the space between each respective pair of attachment means 36. Inserted through one of the openings 42 that is adjacent the ratcheting device 76 is one of the at least two straps securing interfaces 50, and a second strap securing interface 68 is inserted through one of the openings 42 that is located at a distance from the ratcheting device 76. Inserted through one of the openings 42 that are located between the two strap securing interfaces 50,68 is at least one strap securing member 60. Once the securing strap 10 is placed around an object, the strap 12 is tightened by use of the ratcheting device 76 in a conventional manner. After the securing strap 10 has been tightened, the second end 16 of the strap 12 is wrapped around the ratcheting device 76, into and through the strap securing interfaces 50,68 and into and through the at least one strap securing member 60. When multiple strap securing members are utilized, the strap is sequentially inserted into and through each member. When securing an object, once the strap 12 is inserted through the ratcheting device 76, the at least two strap securing interfaces 50,68 and at least one strap securing member 60, the securing strap 10 will remain in place securing the object even in the event that the ratcheting device fails.

[0045] The third embodiment of the securing strap 10, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, also functions in combination with a ratcheting device 76 having a grip 78 for tightening and releasing the strap 12, a ratchet mechanism 80 and a strap attachment rod 82. The securing strap 10 is comprised of a length of strap 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, an inner surface 18, an outer surface 20, an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24. The first end 14 of the strap 12 is looped around the strap attachment rod 82 on the ratcheting device 76 and extends back from the ratcheting device along a section of the strap 12. The two lengths of strap 12 are attached together by attachment means 36,84. At two locations along the length of the two attached sections of straps, openings 42 are created that comprise two parallel attachment means 36 with a space between the attachment means, thereby creating the openings 42 from the space between each respective pair of attachment means 36. Inserted through one of the openings 42 that is adjacent the ratcheting device 76 is one of the at least two strap securing interfaces 50, and inserted through the second opening, which is located at a distance from the other opening, is the second strap securing interface 68. Once the securing strap 10 is placed around an object, the strap is tightened by use of the ratcheting device 76 in a conventional manner. After the securing strap 10 has been tightened, the second end 16 of the strap 12 is wrapped around the ratcheting device 76 and into and through the at least two strap securing interfaces 50,68. When securing an object, once the strap 12 is inserted through the ratcheting device and the at least two strap securing interfaces 50,68, the securing strap 10 will remain in place securing even in the event that the ratcheting device fails.

[0046] For all the embodiments, after the first end 14 of the strap 12 is wrapped around the strap attachment rod 82 on the ratcheting device 76, and extends along the strap 12, the two lengths of strap 12 are maintained together adjacent the ratcheting device 76 by the use of attachment means 84 comprising stitching 86, at least one rivet 88, an adhesive (not shown), or a nut and bolt combination (not shown), with stitching 86 preferred. Likewise, the attachment means 36 for attaching the two lengths of the strap 12 and for creating each of the at least one openings 42 is comprised of stitching 38, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, least one rivet 40, as shown in FIG. 3, an adhesive (not shown) or a nut and bolt combination (not shown), with stitching preferred. The strap can be made of various materials including nylon, fabric webbing, leather, rubber or plastic.

[0047] The strap securing interface(s) 50,68, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, are each preferably comprised of a clamping buckle 52,70 having a clamp 54,72 with a serrated or non-serrated edge. Additionally, the strap securing interface(s) 50,68 can be comprised of other types of clamping or locking devices such as a buckle. The requirement is that for whatever type of strap securing interface is utilized, the strap can be securely attached to the interface.

[0048] The strap securing member(s) are each comprised of preferably a D-ring 62, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, or a circular ring 64, as shown in FIG. 1. Other types/shapes of rings (or other devices) can also be utilized, as long as the strap 12 can be secured thereon.

[0049] Any of the embodiments of the strap 20 can be used to secure a single object or multiple objects such as cargo. The dimensions of the object or cargo will typically determine the length and width, of the strap that is used. As a result of the flexibility of the strap 10, objects and cargo of various shapes can be secured. For example, a circular structure 96, such as a tree, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, or a square structure 98, such as a truss or shipping container, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0050] It should be noted that while the strap 10 can be effectively utilized with only a single strap securing interface 50, as disclosed in the first embodiment it is highly preferable to use two strap securing interfaces 50,68 either with at least one strap securing member 60, as disclosed in the second embodiment, or no strap securing members 60, as disclosed in the third embodiment.

[0051] While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.