Bi-directional Cam Buckle

Abstract

A bi-directional cam buckle is provided. The invention allows selectable placement of a bi-directional buckle across a strap for secure resistance of bi-directional load pulls. The bi-directional cam device can be threaded in anti-reverse, dual cam, or single cam configurations.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A device for resisting a bi-directional load pull, the device comprising:
 a housing;   dual cam-type engagers secured within said housing and positioned in opposite bias, said engagers having a friction surface and being positionable between an open and a closed position; and   means for securely holding a strap threaded into said device against said engagers when said engagers are in a closed position.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said housing includes first and second plates spaced a sufficient distance apart such that said strap can be threaded between said plates;
 wherein said engagers include pivot rods secured to said first and second plates such that said engagers can be rotatably positioned around said pivot rods between said open and closed positions.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said engagers include a pressure plate having an end distal to said friction surface. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the ratio of the radial length defined by the distance from said distal end of said pressure plate to the center of said pivot rod compared to the radial length defined by the distance from said friction face to said pivot rod is 1:1. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said ratio is 3:2. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said ratio is 2:1. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6  further comprising a connecting rod positioned between said plates. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the distance between said connecting rod and said distal ends of said pressure plates is between 10 and 20 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising springs wrapped around said pivot rods, said springs biasing said engagers into a closed position. 
     
     
         13 . A method for producing a device for resisting a bi-directional load pull, comprising:
 providing a housing adapted to receive cam-type engagers, said engagers being positioned in opposite bias, having a friction surface, and being configured to pivotably move between open and closed positions within said housing; and   providing means for securely holding a strap threaded into said device against said engagers when said engagers are in a closed position, such that said strap is secured against movement relative to said device when pulled in either direction across said engagers.   
     
     
         14 . An exercise system comprising:
 a bi-directional cam device comprising a housing; dual cam-type engagers secured within said housing and positioned in opposite bias, said engagers having a friction surface and being positionable between an open and a closed position; and means for securely holding a strap threaded into said device against said engagers when said engagers are in a closed position;   a strap comprising means for securely affixing said strap to a non-moving surface, said strap being configured for slideable placement across said engagers of said bi-directional cam device when said engagers are in an open position;   a resisting element configured for attachment to said bi-directional cam device; and   a handle attached to said resisting element.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise system of  claim 14 , wherein said resisting element is an elastic member that provides a changing force against muscular pull when said engagers of said bi-directional cam device are in a closed position agains said strap. 
     
     
         16 . A method for securing cargo, comprising:
 providing a plurality of housings, each housing adapted to receive cam-type engagers, said engagers being positioned in opposite bias, having a friction surface, and being configured to pivotably move between open and closed positions within said housing;   providing means for securely holding straps threaded into said housings against said engagers when said engagers are in a closed position, such that said straps are secured against movement relative to said housings when pulled in either direction across said engagers;   placing said straps across a cargo load;   threading said straps into said housings and across said engagers; and   cinching said straps across said engagers to secure said cargo.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of forming a netting of said straps using a plurality of housings across which said straps are selectively placed and selectively cinched.