Resilient snap connector system

Abstract

The resilient snap connector system includes a resilient connector strap selectively coupled to a first connector and a second connector spaced from the first connector to form a bridged connection between the first and second connectors. In a typical use, the first connector is fixed to a deformable object, such as a tarp, and the second connector is fixed to another object, such as a hull. The resilient connector strap enables connection between the objects when the separation distance may be too long for normal engagement of the connectors by stretching to accommodate the separation. A pull tab is provided on the resilient connector strap to assist in the stretching and coupling.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A resilient snap connector system, comprising:
 a first connector adapted to be fixed to a flexible object, the first connector having a first post and a first fender washer mounted thereon;   a second connector adapted to be fixed to a secondary object spaced apart from the flexible object, the second connector having a second post and a second fender washer mounted thereon;   an elongate resilient connector strap having a first end selectively attachable to the first connector and a second end selectively attachable to the second connector, the elongate resilient connector strap being elastically stretchable; and   an elongate pull tab extending from the second end of the resilient connector strap.   
     
     
         2 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first connector comprises a female snap-fit connector. 
     
     
         3 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the second connector comprises a male snap-fit connector. 
     
     
         4 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the second connector comprises a hook. 
     
     
         5 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the elongate resilient connector strap defines a closed loop. 
     
     
         6 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising a choke tie slidably mounted on a central portion of the elongate resilient connector strap. 
     
     
         7 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the elongate pull tab is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         8 . A resilient snap connector system, comprising:
 a first connector adapted to be fixed to a flexible object, the first connector having a first post;   a second connector adapted to be fixed to another object spaced apart from the flexible object, the second connector having a second post and a head atop the second post, the head having a greater diameter than the post;   an elongate resilient connector strap having a first ring opening defined therein and a second ring opening defined therein, the strap having an oblong cutout defined therein, the cutout merging with the second ring opening at a circumference of the second ring, the strap having ribs defining a neck between the cutout and the second ring opening, the first ring opening being dimensioned and configured for wrapping around the post of the first connector, the second ring opening having a diameter slightly greater than the second post but smaller than the diameter of the head, the cutout having a width greater than the diameter of the second ring opening; and   an elongate pull tab extending from the resilient connector strap;   whereby the first ring opening is secured around the first post and the head of the second post is inserted through the cutout, the resilience of the strap drawing the second post through the neck between the cutout and the second ring opening to secure the second post in the second ring opening.   
     
     
         9 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the elongate pull tab has a plurality of slots are formed therein. 
     
     
         10 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the second connector comprises a hook. 
     
     
         11 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the elongate pull tab is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         12 . The resilient snap connector system according to  claim 8 , wherein said first post is configured as a male snap fastener, whereby said first connector is adapted for being selectively fixed to a female snap fastener attached to the flexible object. 
     
     
         13 . The resilient snap connector system according to  claim 8 , wherein said second post is configured as a female snap fastener, whereby said second connector is adapted for being selectively fixed to a male snap fastener attached to the object spaced apart from the flexible object. 
     
     
         14 . The resilient snap connector system according to  claim 8 , wherein said first connector has a bore extending through the first post and said second connector has a bore extending through the second post adapted for securing said connectors to the flexible object and the object spaced apart from the flexible object, respectively. 
     
     
         15 . A resilient snap connector system, comprising:
 a first connector adapted to be fixed to a flexible object, the first connector having a first post;   a second connector adapted to be fixed to another object spaced apart from the flexible object, the second connector having a second post;   an elongate resilient connector strap having a plurality of first openings and a single second opening formed therethrough, the plurality of first openings being linearly arrayed, each of the first openings being substantially circular and adapted for receiving the first post of the first connector, the second opening being substantially circular and adapted for receiving the second post of the second connector; and   an elongate pull tab extending from the resilient connector strap.   
     
     
         16 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein each of the first openings has a diameter smaller than the second opening. 
     
     
         17 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  16 , wherein the elongate resilient connector strap is tapered. 
     
     
         18 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said elongate pull tab comprises a plurality of gripping ridges formed thereon. 
     
     
         19 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the second connector comprises a hook. 
     
     
         20 . The resilient snap connector system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the elongate pull tab is substantially rectangular.