Length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap

Abstract

A length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap having a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly that is selectively releasably engageable with the first connecting assembly and connectable to an elongate strap. The first connecting assembly has a first frame defining a mounting base and a keeper that is mounted to the first frame for movement between a securing position and a release position. The second connecting assembly has a second frame that has a strap receiving assembly relative to which a portion of an elongate strap operatively connected to the second connecting assembly can be moved to thereby selectively change an effective length of an elongate strap with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged. The keeper in the securing position releasably maintains the first and second connecting assemblies together.

1 . A length adjusting mechanism for an elongate strap, the length adjusting mechanism comprising:
 a first connecting assembly; and   a second connecting assembly selectively releasably engageable with the first connecting assembly and connectable to an elongate strap,   the first connecting assembly comprising a first frame defining a mounting base for the length adjusting mechanism,   the first connecting assembly further comprising a keeper that is mounted to the first frame for movement between a securing position and a release position,   the second connecting assembly comprising a second frame that has a strap receiving assembly relative to which a portion of an elongate strap operatively connected to the second connecting assembly can be moved to thereby selectively change an effective length of an elongate strap with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged,   the keeper in the securing position cooperating with the second connecting assembly to releasably maintain the first and second connecting assemblies engaged.   
     
     
         2 . The length adjusting mechanism according to  claim 1  in combination with an elongate strap operatively connected to the second connecting assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the first frame is defined by a formed flat sheet. 
     
     
         4 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the second frame is defined by a formed flat sheet. 
     
     
         5 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein each of the first and second frames is defined by a formed flat sheet. 
     
     
         6 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the keeper is connected to the first frame for pivoting movement relative to the first frame around an axis between the securing and release positions. 
     
     
         7 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the second frame comprises spaced side walls between which the first frame resides with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged. 
     
     
         8 . The combination according to  claim 7  wherein the first frame comprises spaced side walls that reside one each adjacent to the spaced side walls on the second frame with the first and second connecting assemblies engaged. 
     
     
         9 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the first frame comprises spaced flat side walls and a pin extends through the spaced flat side walls and mounts the keeper for pivoting movement above an axis between the securing and release positions. 
     
     
         10 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the second frame comprises first and second spaced side walls that are maintained together by a plurality of pins that make up the strap receiving assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The combination according to  claim 9  wherein the mounting base and spaced flat side walls are formed as a single piece. 
     
     
         12 . The combination according to  claim 11  wherein the single piece is a formed flat sheet. 
     
     
         13 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein the first and second frames have “U”-shaped portions that nest, one within the other. 
     
     
         14 . The combination according to  claim 10  wherein one of the pins is a locking pin that is received in a receptacle on the first frame with the keeper in the securing position. 
     
     
         15 . The combination according to  claim 14  wherein the keeper cams the locking pin into the receptacle as the keeper is changed from its release position into its securing position. 
     
     
         16 . The length adjusting mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein the keeper is normally biased towards its securing position. 
     
     
         17 . The combination according to  claim 10  wherein the plurality of pins comprises at least three pins. 
     
     
         18 . The combination according to  claim 14  wherein the locking pin and another one of the pins are fixed to each of the first and second spaced side walls to define a continuous fixed loop. 
     
     
         19 . The length adjusting mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein the first frame has a flat base from which spaced side walls extend so that the flat base and spaced side walls define a “U” shape, the mounting base resides in a first plane and the flat base on the first frame resides in a second plane and the first and second plane are at an angle with respect to each other. 
     
     
         20 . The length adjusting mechanism according to  claim 1  in combination with a rigid support to which the mounting base is fixedly secured through a fastener.