Adjustable securing device and buckle

Abstract

An adjustable securing device includes a strap having opposed first and second major surfaces wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces includes a fastener, and a buckle attached to the strap, wherein the buckle includes a body containing a slot for receiving the strap, and wherein the buckle includes a buckle fastener arranged for refastenable mating engagement with the strap fastener.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A securing device, comprising:
 (a) a strap having opposed first and second major surfaces and first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces includes a fastener; and   (b) a buckle attached to the strap, wherein the buckle includes a body containing an opening for receiving the strap, and wherein the buckle includes a buckle fastener arranged for refastenable mating engagement with the strap fastener.   
     
     
         2 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a first body portion, and a second body portion spaced from the first body portion, thereby defining an opening between the first body portion and the second body portion. 
     
     
         3 . A securing device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the body further includes at least one neck portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. 
     
     
         4 . A securing device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the buckle first body portion and second body portion are generally coplanar. 
     
     
         5 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the opening is configured to slidably and removably receive the strap. 
     
     
         6 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle includes first and second sides, and wherein the opening extends from one side, thereby forming a slot having a mouth, whereby the strap can be inserted laterally into the slot via the mouth. 
     
     
         7 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle further comprises a reinforcing rib portion extending along a side of the buckle opposite the mouth. 
     
     
         8 . A securing device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the first body portion contains a second opening, and further wherein a first end of the strap is secured to the buckle first portion via the second opening. 
     
     
         9 . A securing device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the buckle fastener is arranged on a surface of the buckle second body portion. 
     
     
         10 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the strap fastener comprises a plurality of fastening elements. 
     
     
         11 . A securing device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle fastener comprises a plurality of fastening elements. 
     
     
         12 . A securing device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the second body portion is arranged at an angle to the first body portion. 
     
     
         13 . A securing device as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the first body portion is configured to be mounted on a surface, and wherein when the first body portion is mounted on a surface, the second body portion extends outwardly away from the mounting surface. 
     
     
         14 . A securing device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the buckle further comprises a foot portion extending from the first body portion in the same direction as the second body portion. 
     
     
         15 . A securing device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the buckle includes a reinforcing side wall portion extending between the first body portion and the second body portion.