Device to retain a strap to an object

Abstract

The D-ring includes a post element and a retaining element integral at a first end of both the post element and the retaining element. The retaining element includes a locking mechanism for securing the post element in a fastened position. The post element includes a catch having a first and second chamber and a single aperture to access both. Legs with tips are particularly adapted to be secured by tabs of the aperture assembly. The legs and tips of the locking mechanism are forced through the aperture and past tabs into the second chamber. Seats on the tips engage tabs to lock the D-ring closed.

1 . A strap retainer apparatus comprising: 
 a post element having a first end and a second end:    a retaining element having a first end attached to the first end of the post element and a second end;    a catch disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: 
 a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and  
 a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall; and  
   a locking mechanism disposed on the second end of the retaining element, comprising: 
 two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and  
 a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat;  
   wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are each sized to house the seat;    wherein the tips pass into the second chamber and the seats engage the tabs to detently retain the locking mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tabs are sized so as to bias the flexible legs to flex as the tips are passed into the second chamber and wherein the seat is housed within the second chamber with the legs unbiased.  
   
   
       3 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the retaining element is flexible so as to provide a gap between said second end of said post element and said second end of said element when the catch and the locking mechanism are not engaged.  
   
   
       4 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tabs are disposed at a slope.  
   
   
       5 . The strap assembly apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the retaining element is comprised of a plurality of generally straight portions.  
   
   
       6 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the post element and the retaining element are formed of a single molded piece.  
   
   
       7 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a force to pass the tip into the first and second chambers is only directed along a central axis of the aperture assembly.  
   
   
       8 . The strap retainer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catch includes at least one portal disposed in the second chamber.  
   
   
       9 . A shopping cart seat belt assembly for retaining a small child securely within the shopping cart, comprising: 
 a post element having a first end and a second end:    a retaining element having a first end integral to the first end of the post element and a second end;    a first detent portion disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: 
 a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and  
 a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall;  
   a second detent portion disposed on the second end of the retaining element, comprising: 
 two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and  
 a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat;  
 at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for attachment to one of the post and the retaining element; and  
   a cart;    wherein the post element and the retaining element being movable with respect to one another so as to permit the establishment of a gap between the second end of the post element and the second end of the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are not engaged; 
 wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are each sized to house the seat;  
 wherein the tips pass into the second chamber and the seat engages the tabs to detently retain the second detent portion; and  
   wherein a portion of the cart is configured to be bounded by the post element and the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are securely affixed to the cart in a manner that can not readily be manually undone.    
   
   
       10 . The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the retaining element is flexible so as to provide a gap between the second end of the post element and the second end of the retaining element when the first and the second detent portions are not engaged.  
   
   
       11 . The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the cart includes a frame having at least one tubular member which is bounded by the post and the retaining element when the tabs retains the seat so as to securely affix the strap to the cart.  
   
   
       12 . The shopping cart and seatbelt assembly as set forth in  claim 9 , further including a second strap that is attached to the cart via the same structure that attaches the first strap to the cart.  
   
   
       13 . A seatbelt assembly for retaining a small child securely within a shopping cart, comprising: 
 a post element having a first end and a second end:    a retaining element having a first end joined to the first end of the post element and a second end;    a first detent portion disposed on the second end of the post element, comprising: 
 a first chamber defined by an aperture and one or more tabs; and  
 a second chamber in linear communication below the first chamber, below the one or more tabs and bounded by a bottom wall;  
   a second detent portion disposed on the second end of the arcuate retaining element, comprising: 
 two flexible legs extending from the second end of the retaining element to a free end; and  
 a tip at each free end, each tip having a sloped portion and a seat;  
   wherein the relative dimensions of the seat and the tabs being such that the engagement of the seat with the tabs results in a secure connection that cannot be undone by pulling the first and second detent portions away from each other;    wherein the first detent portion is urged into the second detent portion using only a force directed parallel to the two legs;    wherein the post element and the retaining element being movable with respect to one another so as to permit the establishment of a gap between the second end of the post and the second end of the retaining element when the first and second detent portions are not engaged;    at least one strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for attachment to one of the post and the retaining element;    wherein the first chamber and the second chamber sized to receive the two legs and tip; and    wherein the seatbelt assembly provides a secure attachment of the strap to a shopping cart when the first and second detent portions are engaged with one another that is of sufficient permanence that it can be used in retaining a child securely within a shopping cart.    
   
   
       14 . A seatbelt assembly for retaining a small child securely within a shopping cart as set forth in  claim 13 , further comprising a cart to which the seatbelt assembly is secured.