LOW FRICTION BUCKLE TIGHTENING SYTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

A tensioning device comprises an elongate member, preferably a band, and a frame having first and second sides. The band has a first end that is attachable to the first side of the frame and a second end that is releasably securable to the second side of the frame. A movable clamping member on the frame secures the second end of the band to the second side of the frame by cinching the second end of the band between an engagement surface on the band and a mating engagement surface on the second side of the frame. A restraining member is provided for restraining the clamping member to a first position spaced from the mating locking surface on the second side of the frame, when the restraining member is in a restraining orientation. The restraining member is movable out of the restraining orientation after the band is tensioned to a predetermined level using the second end. The band is tensioned to the aforementioned predetermined level and is secured to the second side of the frame, so that the band establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band.

主权项

1. A tensioning device comprising:
an elongate member; a frame having first and second sides, said elongate member having a first end that is attachable to the first side of said frame and a second end that is releasably securable to the second side of said frame; a movable clamping member on said frame which is adapted to secure the second end of said elongate member to the second side of said frame by cinching the second end of said elongate member between an engagement surface on the elongate member and a mating engagement surface on said second side of the frame; and a restraining member for restraining said clamping member to a first position spaced from said mating locking surface on said second side of the frame, when the restraining member is in a restraining orientation, said restraining member being movable out of said restraining orientation after said elongate member is tensioned to a predetermined level using said second end; wherein when said elongate member is tensioned to said predetermined level and is secured to the second side of said frame, said elongate member establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the elongate member.