Shock absorbing strap attachment device

Abstract

An attachment device has a frame with two longitudinal sides and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame between the two sides. The guides define openings through which a strap extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine configuration with peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but returns to the original serpentine configuration when the tension is removed. The shape and material help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles and reduce injury to the user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for attachment to a strap, comprising: 
 a frame having two longitudinal sides and an open center, said two sides being bent in at least one area and said frame flexing under force; and    a plurality of lateral guides positioned within said frame, each guide being connected to said two sides of said frame;    wherein a strap is positionable within said frame by threading the strap around the guides and wherein tension on the strap causes said frame to flex.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame is bent in several areas and has a serpentine configuration.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one flap positioned on at least one of said guides, said flap resting on a strap when a strap is threaded through the guides and preventing the strap from slipping out of the device.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is made of an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein there are at least 2 flaps.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the guides have teeth to further grip a strap threaded through the device.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal sides are parallel with each other.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the guides are positioned parallel to each other.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, neoprene and thermoplastic rubber.