US20160192767A1

US20160192767A1 - Retractable strap system

Info

Publication number: US20160192767A1
Application number: US14/987,956
Authority: US
Inventors: George Signorelli
Original assignee: BOARDSPORTS PRODUCTS LLC
Current assignee: BOARDSPORTS PRODUCTS LLC
Priority date: 2015-01-05
Filing date: 2016-01-05
Publication date: 2016-07-07

Abstract

A retractable strap system includes a retractor assembly and a strap. The retractor assembly includes a base plate, a retractor housing, and a center spindle. The retractor housing extends from the base plate and defines a housing cavity therein. The center spindle is rotatably located within the housing cavity of the retractor housing. The strap is partially disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor housing and is operably coupled to the center spindle. The strap is extendable from and retractable within the retractor housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/099,823, filed Jan. 5, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an accessory for improving the transportation of coaster-type vehicles such as, for example, snowboards.

BACKGROUND

Since its introduction, snowboarding has become a very popular recreational sport. To transport the snowboard, a user typically has to carry the snowboard from one location to another. Currently, there are very few options for users transporting snowboards, and all require the user to carry additional items on their person. In one example, the user attaches the snowboard to a backpack and wears the backpack during transportation.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device that allows a user to easily carry their coaster-type vehicle, such as, for example, a snowboard without carrying additional items on their person.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a retractable strap system is provided including a retractor assembly and a strap. The retractor assembly includes a base plate, a retractor housing, and a center spindle. The retractor housing extends from the base plate and defines a housing cavity therein. The center spindle is rotatably located within the housing cavity of the retractor housing. The strap is partially disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor housing and is operably coupled to the center spindle. The strap is extendable from and retractable within the retractor housing.
In some embodiments, the retractor housing may include a base wall having a center post extending perpendicularly therefrom. The center post may be configured to extend through the center spindle to rotatably couple the center spindle and the retractor housing.
It is contemplated that the center spindle may include a ratchet wheel operably coupled to the retractor housing. The ratchet wheel may be configured to selectively engage the retractor housing to prevent rotation of the center spindle about the center post when the strap is fully extended from the retractor housing.
It is envisioned that the retractor housing may include an actuator operably coupled to the center spindle. When the actuator is actuated from a starting position, the center spindle may be actuated such that the ratchet wheel disengages from the retractor housing and the center spindle is rotatable about the center post.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the retractor housing may include a first biasing member disposed on the center post. The first biasing member may be operably coupled to the actuator and resiliently biased to return the actuator to the starting position.
In some embodiments, the retractor housing may include a second biasing member having a first end and a second end. The second biasing member may be coiled about the center post such that the first end of the second biasing member is fixed to the center post and the second end of the second biasing member is secured to the strap. The second biasing member may be resiliently biased to retract the strap to within the retractor housing.
It is envisioned that the center spindle may include a spindle cavity, wherein when the center spindle is disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor assembly and the center post extends through the center spindle, the first and second biasing members are disposed within the spindle cavity.
It is contemplated that the strap may extend between a first end and a second end. The first end of the strap may be secured to a fastening member and the second end of the strap may be secured to the second end of the second biasing member.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the center spindle may include an outer wall having a spindle slot therein. The spindle slot may be configured to receive the second end of the strap within the spindle cavity to secure the second end of the strap to the second end of the second biasing member within the spindle cavity.
In some embodiments, the strap may extend from the spindle slot and may be configured to wrap around the outer wall of the center spindle.
It is envisioned that the retractor housing may include an outer wall defining a housing slot therein. The housing slot may be configured to feed the first end of the strap from within the housing cavity of the retractor housing to provide access to the strap from outside the retractor housing.
It is contemplated that the fastening member may include a first width and the housing slot may include a second width. The first width of the fastening member may be greater than the second width of the housing slot such that the fastening member and the first end of the strap secured thereto may be prevented from retreating into the housing cavity of the retractor housing through the housing slot.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first biasing member may be a compression spring and the second biasing member may be a power spring.
In some embodiments, the retractable strap system may include a receiver assembly having a base plate, a receiver housing, and a capture/release member. The receiver housing may extend from the base plate and define a housing cavity therein. The capture/release member may be actuatably disposed within the housing cavity of the receiver housing. The capture/release member may be configured to selectively secure the strap to detachably couple the retractor housing and the receiver housing.
It is envisioned that the receiver housing may include an outer wall having a socket and the capture/release member may include an outer wall having a window. In a first position, the window may be substantially in registration with the socket and in a second position, the window may translate out of registration with the socket.
It is contemplated that the capture/release member may include an inner surface defining an arcuate recess and the receiver housing may include a base wall defining a center post extending perpendicularly therefrom. When the capture/release member is disposed within the housing cavity of the receiver housing, the center post of the receiver housing may be configured to be located within the arcuate recess of the capture/release member such that the capture/release member may be operably coupled to the receiver housing.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the receiver housing may include a biasing member disposed on a center post of the receiver housing. The biasing member of the receiver housing may be operably coupled to the capture/release member to resiliently bias the capture/release member to the first position.
In some embodiments, the strap may include a fastening member secured thereto. The window of the capture/release member and the socket of the receiver housing may be configured to selectively locate and secure the fastening member.
It is envisioned that the fastening member may include a slot and the window of the capture/release member may include a tooth. When the fastening member is disposed within the window of the capture/release member and the socket of the receiver housing, the tooth may engage the slot of the fastening member such that the fastening member may be selectively secured within the receiver housing in the first position.
It is contemplated that actuating the capture/release member against a bias of the biasing member of the receiver housing may depress the window of the capture/release member relative to the socket of the receiver housing such that the window and the socket may not be in registration. The tooth of the window may dislocate from the slot of the fastening member to release the fastening member from the capture/release member in the second position.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit including a retractable strap system is provided including a retractor assembly, a receiver assembly, and a strap. The retractor assembly includes a first base plate, a retractor housing, and a center spindle. The retractor housing extends from the first base plate and defines a first housing cavity therein. The center spindle is rotatably located within the first housing cavity. The strap is partially disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor housing and is operably coupled to the center spindle. The strap is partially disposed within the first housing cavity. The strap includes a first end secured to the retractor housing and a second end secured to a fastening member. The strap is extendable from and retractable within the retractor housing. The receiver assembly has a second base plate, a receiver housing, and a capture/release member. The receiver housing extends from the second base plate and defines a second housing cavity therein. The capture/release member is actuatably disposed within the second housing cavity of the receiver housing. The capture/release member is configured to locate and detachably secure the fastening member and the second end of the strap secured thereto to detachably couple the retractor housing and the receiver housing.
Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the retractable strap system shown installed on a snowboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of a retractor assembly of the retractable strap system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top, perspective view of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating a center spindle thereof in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a top, perspective view of the center spindle of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of a portion of FIG. 3 encircled by dotted line “X” illustrating a first configuration of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top, plan view of a portion of FIG. 3 encircled by dotted line “X” illustrating a second configuration of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of a receiver assembly of the retractable strap system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the receiver assembly of FIG. 7 illustrating a capture/release member thereof in phantom;

FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of the capture/release member of the receiver assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front, perspective view of a fastening member of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11A is a front view of the receiver assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a phantom view of the capture/release member of the receiver assembly in a first position;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the receiver assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a phantom view of the capture/release member of the receiver assembly in a second position;

FIG. 12 is a front, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the retractor assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a front, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the receiver assembly of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 14 is a kit including the retractor assembly according to FIG. 2 and the receiver assembly according to FIG. 7 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed retractable strap system for use with coaster-type vehicles, such as, for example, a snowboard are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. The exemplary embodiments of a retractable strap system, kits, and operations thereof, are disclosed and discussed in terms of a device for transporting a snowboard. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure may be used with a wide range of coaster-type vehicles.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary retractable strap system 10 for use with a coaster-type vehicle, such as, for example, a snowboard 1. The retractable strap system 10 generally includes a retractor assembly 100, a receiver assembly 200, and a strap 300 configured to detachably couple the retractor assembly 100 and the receiver assembly 200. FIG. 1 also illustrates a first or right binding 400 coupled to the retractor assembly 100 and a second or left binding 500 coupled to the receiver assembly 200. Alternatively, the retractor assembly 100 may be coupled to the left binding 500 and the receiver assembly 200 may be coupled to the right binding 400.
FIGS. 2-6 are various views of the retractor assembly 100. Generally, the retractor assembly 100 incorporates a recoil mechanism to retract the strap 300 as well as to provide a storage area for the strap 300 when the strap 300 is not in use. The retractor assembly 100 includes a base plate 110, a retractor housing 120, and a center spindle 130.
In an embodiment, the base plate 110 includes a plurality of fastener openings 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, and 111 d, configured to receive a plurality of respective fasteners 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d (see FIG. 1). As can be appreciated, the plurality of fasteners 112 a, 112 b, 112 c and 112 d may be used to secure the right binding and the retractor assembly 100 to the snowboard 1. It is readily contemplated that the number of fastener openings and the number of respective fasteners may vary as necessary to secure the right binding and the retractor assembly 100 to the snowboard 1.
The retractor housing 120 extends from a side edge of the base plate 110 and is configured to locate and rotatably support the center spindle 130. In an embodiment, the retractor housing 120 is integrally formed as part of the base plate 110. In another embodiment, the retractor housing 120 is a separate component that is coupled to the base plate 110.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the retractor housing 120 generally includes an outer wall 120 a formed over a base wall 120 b (see FIG. 3). According to an embodiment, the outer wall 120 a includes various openings formed therein to reduce a total weight of the retractor housing 120 and defines a housing cavity 122 providing a cage-like configuration for locating the center spindle 130, as shown in phantom in FIG. 3. A center post 126 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base wall 120 b through the housing cavity 122. The outer wall 120 a of the retractor housing 120 also defines a housing slot 124 configured for receiving the strap 300, as will be discussed below.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an embodiment, the center spindle 130 may include a circular cross-section, sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the housing cavity 122 of the retractor housing 120. However, the center spindle 130 may include alternate configurations as necessary for disposal within the housing cavity 122 of the retractor housing 120.
The center spindle 130 includes an outer wall 131 defining a spindle cavity 132 therein. The spindle cavity 132 includes a ratchet wheel 134 (see FIG. 4) configured to rotatably engage the retractor housing 120 to prevent rotation of the center spindle 130 when the strap 300 is fully extended. The outer wall 131 of the center spindle 130 also includes a spindle slot 136 configured for receiving the strap 300 (see FIG. 5). The center post 126 is configured to locate the center spindle 130 within the housing cavity 122 of the retractor housing 120. To that end, the ratchet wheel 134 includes an opening 138 configured for receiving the center post 126 when the center spindle 130 is disposed within the housing cavity 122. The center post 126 is configured to rotatably couple the center spindle 130 and the retractor housing 120.
With additional reference to FIG. 5, the center post 126 locates a first biasing member 140 (see FIG. 3) and a second biasing member 142 (see FIG. 5). The first biasing member 140 is axially disposed along the center post 126 and is resiliently biased to a starting position in a direction indicated by arrow “A.” In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the first biasing member 140 may be a compression spring.
The second biasing member 142 is wound around the center post 126 such that a first end 142 a of the second biasing member 142 is fixed to a slit 126 a formed axially on the center post 126, as shown in FIG. 5. According to an embodiment, the second biasing member 142 is resiliently biased to a retracted position in a direction indicated by arrow “B.” In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the second biasing member 142 may be a power spring. It will be appreciated that the first and second biasing members 140 and 142 may be other biasing members suitable for their intended purpose.
Briefly returning to FIG. 2, the retractor housing 120 includes a cover plate 128 configured to enclose the center spindle 130 within the housing cavity 122. The cover plate 128 may be removably secured to the retractor housing 120 to allow access to the housing cavity 122 and the center spindle 130 when necessary.
In an embodiment, the cover plate 128 includes an actuator or retraction trigger 129 actuatably disposed therein. The retraction trigger 129 is operably coupled to the first biasing member 140 such that the retraction trigger 129 is resiliently biased to the starting position in the direction indicated by arrow “A” (FIG. 3) relative to the retractor housing 120. The retraction trigger 129 is also operably coupled to the center spindle 130 such that actuating the retraction trigger 129 by depressing the retraction trigger 129 in the direction indicated by arrow “C” (FIG. 3) relative to the retractor housing 120, actuates the center spindle 130 such that the ratchet wheel 134 disengages from the retractor housing 120 and activates the recoil mechanism of the retractor assembly 100.
Continuing with FIG. 5, the second biasing member 142 includes a second end 142 b coupled to a first end 300 a of the strap 300. The second end 142 b of the second biasing member 142 and the first end 300 a of the strap 300 are machine woven together, though other suitable methods of fixedly coupling the two ends are readily contemplated. The strap 300 also includes a second end 300 b configured to fixedly couple to a fastening member 146. The fastening member 146 may be a buckle, or other suitable alternative.
In a first configuration of the retraction assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the strap 300 (leading with the second end 300 b), extends through the spindle slot 136 of the center spindle 130, wraps around the outer wall 131 of the center spindle 130, and extends out of the retractor housing 120 through the housing slot 124. In order to provide user ready access to the strap 300, the second end 300 b of the strap 300 is configured to remain extended out of the retractor housing 120 at all times. Specifically, the fastening member 146 includes a distal end 146 a and proximal end 146 b, wherein the proximal end 146 b has a width “W1” that is greater than a width “W2” of the housing slot 124. As such, both the second end 300 b of the strap 300 and the fastening member 146 are prevented from retracting into the retractor housing 120 through the housing slot 124.
In a second configuration of the retraction assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 6, the second end 300 b of the strap 300 and the fastening member 146 fixedly coupled thereto, are shown fully extended away from the retractor housing 120 in a direction indicated by arrow “E.” As the second end 300 b of the strap 300 and the fastening member 146 are extended, the center spindle 130 rotates about the center post 126 of the retractor housing 120 in a direction indicated by arrow “D,” causing the strap 300 to unwind relative to the outer wall 131 of the center spindle 130.
Since the first end 300 a of the strap 300 is fixedly coupled to the second end 142 b of the second biasing member 142, as the strap 300 is extended further and the center spindle 130 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow “D,” the second biasing member 142 is configured to form a tighter coil around the center post 126 (compare FIGS. 5 and 6). This creates a spring tension on the second biasing member 142, and in turn the strap 300 (through the first end 300 a), to return the strap 300 to the retracted position in the direction indicated by arrow “B.”
Though not specifically shown, once the strap 300 is fully extended, the ratchet wheel 134 of the spindle 130 engages the retractor housing 120 such that the center spindle 130 is prevented from rotating about the center post 126 in the direction indicated by arrow “B.” In this extended configuration, the fastening member 146 can then be detachably secured to the receiver assembly 200 (see FIG. 7).
Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, the receiver assembly 200 is shown. Generally, the receiver assembly 200 is configured to provide an attachment and release mechanism for the fastening member 146 fixedly coupled to the retractable strap 300. The receiver assembly 200 includes a base plate 210, a receiver housing 220, and a capture/release member 230.
With additional reference to FIG. 1, the base plate 210 may include a plurality of fastener openings 211 a, 211 b, 211 c, and 211 d, configured to receive a plurality of respective fasteners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c and 212 d. As can be appreciated, the plurality of fasteners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c and 212 d may be used to secure the left binding 500 and the receiver assembly 200 to the snowboard 1. It is readily contemplated that the number of fastener openings and the number of respective fasteners may vary as necessary to secure the left binding 500 and the receiver assembly 200 to the snowboard 1.
The receiver housing 220 extends from the base plate 210. In an embodiment, the receiver housing 220 is integrally formed as part of the base plate 210. In another embodiment, the receiver housing 220 is a separate component attached to a side of the base plate 210. The receiver housing 220 includes an outer wall 220 a having a socket 221 configured to receive the distal end 146 a of the fastening member 146. The receiver housing 220 has a cage-like configuration forming a housing cavity 222. The housing cavity 222 of the receiver housing 220 is configured to actuatably locate the capture/release member 230.
In an embodiment, the capture/release member 230 may be dome-shaped. No matter the particular shape, the capture/release member 230 is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the housing cavity 222 of the receiver housing 220. The capture/release member 230 includes a top wall 232 and a side wall 234. The side wall 234 is substantially cylindrical and is enclosed at one end by the top wall 232 to define a cavity 236. In an embodiment, the top wall 232 of the capture/release member 230 defines an engagement surface 232 a configured for engagement by the user when actuating the capture/release member 230. The open end of the side wall 234 of the capture/release member 230 forms an opening 234 a configured to provide access to the cavity 236. The side wall 234 of the capture/release member 230 includes a slot or a window 240 configured as a part of an attachment mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastening member 146, when attached to the receiver assembly 200, is received through the socket 221 and located in the window 240 such that at least a portion, such as, for example, the distal end 146 a of the fastening member 146 is disposed within the cavity 236, as shown in phantom in FIG. 8.
With additional reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the window 240 includes a top ledge 240 a and a bottom ledge 240 b each extending between a first side 240 c and a second side 240 d. A width “W3” between the first side 240 a and the second side 240 d of the window 240 is sized to correspond to a width “W4” of the distal end 146 a of the fastening member 146. In an embodiment, the width “W3” is slightly greater than the width “W4.”
To detachably secure the fastening member 146 within the window 240 of the capture/release member 230, the bottom ledge 240 d of the window 240 includes a protrusion or tooth 242 extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The tooth 242 is configured to engage a slot 148 defined on the distal end 146 a of the fastening member 146. Thus, for example, the tooth 242 of the window 240 may be shaped to correspond with a shape of the slot 148 of the fastening member 146 to allow the tooth 242 to be located within the slot 148. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the tooth 242 is bullet-shaped to correspond with a bullet-shaped slot 148 of the fastening member 146. Though not specifically shown, alternative corresponding configurations for the tooth 242 of the window 240 and the slot 148 of the fastening member 146 are also contemplated. In any case, a width “W5” between a first side 242 a and a second side 242 b of the tooth 242 is sized such that the tooth 242 is captured within the slot 148, having a width “W6.” The width “W6” of the slot 148 is slightly greater than the width “W5” between the first 242 a and the second side 242 b of the tooth 242.
Returning briefly to FIGS. 7 and 8 and with additional reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the retractor housing 220 includes a center post 224 extending perpendicularly from a base wall 220 b of the receiver housing 220 and through the housing cavity 222 thereof. The retractor housing 220 has a biasing member 250 axially located on the center post 224 and resiliently biased to a first position in a direction indicated by arrow “F.” The biasing member 250 may be a compression spring, similar to the first biasing member 140 of the retractor assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 250 may also be an alternative biasing member suitable for its intended purpose.
As shown in phantom in FIGS. 8, 11A, and 11B, the top wall 232 of the capture/release member 230 has an inner surface 232 b that defines an arcuate recess 244. A top end 224 a of the center post 224 of the receiver housing 220 is configured to be translatably located in the arcuate recess 244 to operably couple the capture/release member 230 to the receiver housing 220. Since the biasing member 250 is axially located on the center post 224, a top portion 250 a of the biasing member 250 engages the inner surface 232 b of the top wall 232 of the capture/release member 230 to bias or push the capture/release member 230 in the direction indicated by arrow “F” such that the inner surface 232 b is spaced apart from the top end 224 a of the center post 224 by a gap distance “H” (see FIG. 11A) to the first or biased position.
FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of the first or biased position of the capture/release member 230 in the direction indicated by arrow “F.” The bias of the biasing member 250 positions the capture/release member 230 such that the window 240 of the capture/release member 230 is substantially in registration with the socket 221 of the retractor housing 220 such that a top wall 242 c of the tooth 242 is raised above a base wall 221 a of the socket 221. When the tooth 242 is raised above the base wall 221 a of the socket 221, the tooth 242 is in a position to engage the fastening member 146. Accordingly, when the fastening member 146 is inserted through the socket 221 and into the window 240, the fastening member 146 rests on the base wall 221 a of socket 221 and is retained within the cavity 236 of the capture/release member 230 via the engagement between the tooth 242 and the slot 148 of the fastening member 146 as the tooth 242 is disposed therein.
FIG. 11B illustrates an embodiment of the capture/release member 230 in a second or released position. In order to release the fastening member 146, the capture/release member 230 is actuated by depressing the capture/release member 230 relative to the receiver housing 220 in a direction indicated by arrow “G,” against the bias of the biasing member 250 (see FIG. 11A). By translating the capture/release member 230 in the direction indicated by arrow “G,” the capture/release member 230 closes the gap distance “H” between the inner surface 232 b and the top end 224 a of the center post 224 until the top end 224 a abuts the inner surface 232 b. In this process, the window 240 of the capture/release member 230 translates substantially out of registration with the socket 221 (with the fastening member 146 still resting therein) such that the top wall 242 c of the tooth 242 is substantially level with or below the base wall 221 a of the socket 221. It can be appreciated that as the tooth 242 translates in the direction indicated by arrow “G” relative to the stationary fastening member 146, the tooth 242 is dislocated from within the slot 148 of the fastening member 146. As a result, the fastening member 146 is released.
In constructing the retractor assembly 100 and the receiver assembly 200, any suitable materials such as metals and/or plastics may be used. In an embodiment, the various components of the retractor assembly 100 and the receiver assembly 200 may be injection molded. Alternatively, the components may be machined if necessary. After constructing the components of the retractor assembly 100 and the receiver assembly 200, the components may be assembled and bonded together using methods, such as, for example, thermal welding and/or application of adhesives.
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an embodiment in which a first or right binding 600 and a second or left binding 700 is shown including a retractor assembly 650 and a receiver assembly 750, respectively. According to an embodiment, the retractor assembly 650 and the receiver assembly 750 are monolithically formed with the respective bindings 600 and 700. The retractor assembly 650 and the receiver assembly 750 are respectively similar to the retractor assembly 100 and the receiver assembly 200, discussed above. The first and second bindings 600 and 700 may be injection molded to include the retractor assembly 650 and the receiver assembly 750, respectively. However, other methods of monolithically forming the first and second bindings 600 and 700, such as for example, 3-D printing, are also contemplated.
With reference to FIGS. 1-13, when the snowboard 1 is not in use and a user intends on transporting the snowboard 1, the user extends the strap 300 by grasping the second end 300 b or the strap 300 or the fastening member 146 fixedly coupled thereto, and extending the components away from the retractor housing 120 in the direction indicated by arrow “E.”
In doing so, the center spindle 130 rotates about the center post 126 in the direction indicated by the arrow “D,” against the bias of the second spring 142. Though not explicitly shown, in an embodiment in which the strap 300 is fully extended (see FIG. 6), the ratchet wheel 134 of the center spindle 130 engages the retractor housing 120 preventing the center spindle 130 from rotating about the center post 126. The fastening member 146 is then inserted through the socket 221 of the retractor housing 220 and into the window 240 of the capture/release member 230 to secure the strap 300 to the receiver assembly 200.
To release the strap 300 and the fastening member 146 from a locked and extended position (see FIG. 1), the user actuates the capture/release member 230 by engaging the engagement surface 232 a of the capture/release member 230 and depressing the capture/release member 230 in the direction indicated by arrow “G” relative to the receiver housing 220. As a result, the window 240 of the capture/release member 230 translates substantially out of registration with the socket 221 with the fastening member 146 still resting within the socket 221. In this process, the top wall 242 c of the tooth 242 drops to a position substantially level with or below the base wall 221 a of the socket 221 and thereby disengages or dislocates from the slot 148 of the fastening member 146.
To retract the strap 300 back to the retractor housing 120 as shown in FIG. 5, the user actuates the retraction trigger 129 by depressing the retraction trigger 129 relative to the cover plate 128 in the direction indicated by arrow “C,” against the bias of the first biasing member 140. In turn, the ratchet wheel 134 of the center spindle 130 disengages from the retractor housing 100 such that the spring tension in the second biasing member 142 rotates the center spindle 130 about the center post 126 in the direction indicated by arrow “B.” As a result, the strap 300 retracts in the direction indicated by the arrow “B” such that the strap 300 winds around the outer wall 131 of the center spindle 130.
In accordance with the present disclosure, it is further contemplated that a kit 800 (see FIG. 14) may be provided including the retractable strap system 10. In particular, the kit 800 may include the retractor assembly 100 loaded with the strap 300, the receiver assembly 200, and the plurality of fasteners 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d, 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d (see FIG. 1) to secure the first and second base plates 110 and 210 to a coaster-type vehicle, such as, for example, the snowboard 1. The kit 800 may also include instructions for the assembly of the retractable strap system 10, the use of the retractable strap system 10, and a package, container or box configured to retain the same.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A retractable strap system comprising:

a retractor assembly including:

a base plate,

a retractor housing extending from the base plate, the retractor housing defining a housing cavity therein,

a center spindle rotatably located within the housing cavity of the retractor housing; and

a strap partially disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor housing and operably coupled to the center spindle, wherein the strap is extendable from and retractable within the retractor housing.

2. The retractable strap system according to claim 1, wherein the retractor housing includes a base wall having a center post extending perpendicularly therefrom, wherein the center post is configured to extend through the center spindle to rotatably couple the center spindle and the retractor housing.

3. The retractable strap system according to claim 2, wherein the center spindle includes a ratchet wheel operably coupled to the retractor housing, the ratchet wheel being configured to selectively engage the retractor housing to prevent rotation of the center spindle about the center post when the strap is fully extended from the retractor housing.

4. The retractable strap system according to claim 3, wherein the retractor housing includes an actuator operably coupled to the center spindle, wherein when the actuator is actuated from a starting position, the center spindle is actuated such that the ratchet wheel disengages from the retractor housing and the center spindle is able to rotate about the center post.

5. The retractable strap system according to claim 4, wherein the retractor housing includes a first biasing member disposed on the center post, the first biasing member operably coupled to the actuator and resiliently biased to return the actuator to the starting position.

6. The retractable strap system according to claim 5, wherein the retractor housing includes a second biasing member having a first end and a second end, the second biasing member being coiled about the center post such that the first end of the second biasing member is fixed to the center post and the second end of the second biasing member is secured to the strap, wherein the second biasing member is resiliently biased to retract the strap to within the retractor housing.

7. The retractable strap system according to claim 6, wherein the center spindle includes a spindle cavity, wherein when the center spindle is disposed within the housing cavity of the retractor assembly and the center post extends through the center spindle, the first and second biasing members are disposed within the spindle cavity.

8. The retractable strap system according to claim 7, wherein the strap extends between a first end and a second end, the first end of the strap being secured to a fastening member and the second end of the strap being secured to the second end of the second biasing member.

9. The retractable strap system according to claim 8, wherein the center spindle includes an outer wall having a spindle slot therein, the spindle slot being configured to receive the second end of the strap within the spindle cavity to secure the second end of the strap to the second end of the second biasing member within the spindle cavity.

10. The retractable strap system according to claim 9, wherein the strap extends from the spindle slot and is configured to wrap around the outer wall of the center spindle.

11. The retractable strap system according to claim 10, wherein the retractor housing includes an outer wall defining a housing slot therein, the housing slot configured to feed the first end of the strap from within the housing cavity of the retractor housing to provide access to the strap from outside the retractor housing.

12. The retractable strap system according to claim 11, wherein the fastening member includes a first width and the housing slot includes a second width, wherein the first width of the fastening member is greater than the second width of the housing slot such that the fastening member and the first end of the strap secured thereto are prevented from retreating into the housing cavity of the retractor housing through the housing slot.

13. The retractable strap system according to claim 6, wherein the first biasing member is a compression spring and the second biasing member is a power spring.

14. The retractable strap system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a receiver assembly having:

a base plate,

a receiver housing coupled to the base plate of the receiver assembly, the receiver housing defining a housing cavity therein, and

a capture/release member actuatably disposed within the housing cavity of the receiver housing, the capture/release member configured to selectively secure the strap to detachably couple the retractor housing and the receiver housing.

15. The retractable strap system according to claim 14, wherein the receiver housing includes an outer wall having a socket and the capture/release member includes an outer wall having a window, wherein in a first position, the window is substantially in registration with the socket and wherein in a second position, the window translates out of registration with the socket.

16. The retractable strap system according to claim 14, wherein the capture/release member includes an inner surface defining an arcuate recess and the receiver housing includes a base wall defining a center post extending perpendicularly therefrom, wherein when the capture/release member is disposed within the housing cavity of the receiver housing, the center post of the receiver housing is configured to be located within the arcuate recess of the capture/release member such that the capture/release member is operably coupled to the receiver housing.

17. The retractable strap system according to claim 15, wherein the receiver housing includes a biasing member disposed on a center post of the receiver housing, the biasing member of the receiver housing operably coupled to the capture/release member to resiliently bias the capture/release member to the first position.

18. The retractable strap system according to claim 17, wherein the strap includes a fastening member secured thereto, wherein the window of the capture/release member and the socket of the receiver housing are configured to selectively locate and secure the fastening member.

19. The retractable strap system according to claim 18, wherein the fastening member includes a slot and the window of the capture/release member includes a tooth, wherein when the fastening member is disposed within the window of the capture/release member and the socket of the receiver housing, the tooth engages the slot of the fastening member such that the fastening member is selectively secured within the receiver housing in the first position.

20. The retractable strap system according to claim 18, wherein actuating the capture/release member against a bias of the biasing member of the receiver housing depresses the window of the capture/release member relative to the socket of the receiver housing such that the window and the socket are not in registration, wherein the tooth of the window dislocates from the slot of the fastening member to release the fastening member from the capture/release member in the second position.

21. A kit including a retractable strap system, the kit comprising:

a retractor assembly including:

a first base plate;

a retractor housing extending from the first base plate, the retractor housing defining a first housing cavity therein;

a center spindle rotatably located within the first housing cavity;

a strap partially disposed within the first housing cavity, the strap including a first end secured to the retractor housing and a second end secured to a fastening member, wherein the strap is extendable from and retractable within the retractor housing; and

a receiver assembly including:

a second base plate;

a receiver housing extending from the second base plate, the receiver housing defining a second housing cavity therein; and

a capture/release member actuatably disposed within the second housing cavity, the capture/release member configured to locate and detachably secure the fastening member and the second end of the strap secured thereto to detachably couple the retractor housing and the receiver housing.