FASTENER DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates generally to fastener devices.

BACKGROUND

Fastener devices and systems such as buckles, snaps, ladder lock devices, and straps may be used in a variety of applications to secure items. For example, fastener devices and systems may be used on backpacks, suitcases, handbags, briefcases, cargo bags, belts, and cargo straps, among other applications. Fastener devices may be used in combination with other securement devices or systems. For example, a backpack may include zippers or buttons to close compartments of the backpack and fastening systems such as straps and buckles may provide additional structural support (e.g., prevent the zippers from opening due to weight of gear), compress items within the backpack, or provide adjustability to shoulder straps for the backpack. As such, fastening systems may be adjustable (e.g., the strap may be movable with respect to the fastener device to adjust the tensioned portion of the strap) while also being secure under tension (e.g., under tension, the strap may not slide or move with respect to the fastener device).

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved fastener devices, apparatuses, methods, and systems, among other examples. The systems, methods and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

A fastener device is described. The fastener device may include a body portion comprising a first opening and a second opening, the first opening and the second opening configured to form a ladder lock loop for a length of material inserted in the first opening and the second opening; a first wing portion extending from a first corner of the body portion, the first corner between a first side of the body portion and a second side of the body portion; and a second wing portion extending from a second corner of the body portion, the second corner between the second side of the body portion and a third side of the body portion, where the first wing portion and the second wing portion form a recess at the second side of the body portion.

In some examples, the fastener device may include a strap inserted into the first opening and the second opening to form the ladder lock loop.

A fastening system is described. The fastening system includes: a loop of material; and a fastener device configured to pass through the loop and rest against the loop of material under tension, the fastener device including: a body portion including a first opening and a second opening; a strap secured by a ladder lock loop formed by insertion of the strap into the first opening and the second opening, where the strap is configured to provide tension of the fastener device against the loop of material; a first wing portion extending from a first corner of the body portion, the first corner between a first side of the body portion and a second side of the body portion; and a second wing portion extending from a second corner of the body portion, the second corner between the second side of the body portion and a third side of the body portion, where the first wing portion and the second wing portion form a recess at the second side of the body portion, and where under tension, the first wing portion and the second wing portion rest against the loop of material.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, wherein the second side is parallel to a fourth side of the body portion between the first side and the third side, and wherein a line perpendicular to the fourth side that passes from the fourth side through the body portion to the fourth side has a non-zero curvature.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the first opening includes a first rectangular slot and the second opening includes a second rectangular slot parallel to the first rectangular slot.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the body portion further includes a third rectangular slot parallel to the first rectangular slot and the second rectangular slot.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the first wing portion includes a third opening and the second wing portion includes a fourth opening.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the first side forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the second side, and the third side forms the angle of less than 90 degrees with the second side.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the second side is parallel to a fourth side of the body portion, the first side forms an angle of greater than 90 degrees with the fourth side, and the third side forms the angle of greater than 90 degrees with the fourth side.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the fastener device is made of an aluminum alloy.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the first wing portion and the second wing portion extend beyond the second side by a length at least greater than 10 percent of a height of the body portion.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, the first wing portion extends beyond the first side and the second wing portion extends beyond to the third side by a length greater than 10 percent of a height of the body portion.

In some examples of the fastener devices or fastening system described herein, a height of the body portion is less than a width of the body portion.

In some examples of the fastening system described herein, a length of any line from a point on a top side of the fastener device to a point on a bottom side of the fastener device that is perpendicular to the second side is less than a width of the loop of material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 2 illustrate example fastener devices for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example fastener device engaged with a strap for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4 and 5 and illustrate example fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings generally indicate like elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the examples of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various fastener devices and systems are disclosed. The fastener devices and systems disclosed herein may be used in any application in which a fastening system including a strap is used to secure or fasten items or objects or in which the fastening system provides tension. The described fastening system may include a fastener device, which may be made of any rigid material such as plastic or metal (e.g., steel or an aluminum alloy). The fastener device may include one or more openings to securely engage a strap. For example, the fastener device may include two or more slot like openings that form a ladder loop lock through which a strap may be secured. The fastener device may engage a loop of material such that when tension is applied to the fastener device via the strap securely engaged to the fastener device, the fastener device is secured against the loop of material. In some examples, the loop of material may be secured to an item such as a backpack, a suitcase, a handbag, a briefcase, or a cargo bag and one end of the strap may also be secured to the item.

Accordingly, the fastening system may be used to tighten, close, secure, or adjust various aspects of the item between the loop of material and the end of the strap secured to the item. In some examples, an item such as a backpack, a suitcase, a handbag, a briefcase, or a cargo bag may include two loops of material secured to the item, and two fastener devices secured to the same strap may engage the two loops of material in order to tighten, close, secure, or adjust various aspects of the item between the two loops of material. In some aspects, the loop of material may be secured to the strap itself, in which case the strap, loop, and fastener device may function as a belt or cargo strap. The fastener device may be shaped such that the fastener device can be turned sideways to pass through the loop of material and then turned back in order to securely engage the loop of material under tension provided via the strap.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of diagrams of fastener devices. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to a fastening systems including straps of material and loops which the fastener devices are configured to engage.

This description provides examples, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the principles described herein. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing various aspects of the principles described herein. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the application.

FIG. 1a illustrates an example fastener device 100 for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in top view 101, the fastener device 100 includes a body portion 102 that includes a first opening 104-a and a second opening 104-b. The first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b may be configured to form a ladder loop lock for a length of material (e.g., a strap) inserted through the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b, as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5.

The fastener device 100 includes a first wing portion 106-a that extends from a first corner 108-a of the body portion 102 between a first side 110 of the body portion 102 and a second side 112 of the body portion 102. The fastener device 100 includes a second wing portion 106-b that extends from a second corner 108-b of the body portion 102 between a third side 114 of the body portion 102 and the second side 112 of the body portion 102. A fourth side 116 of the body portion is opposite the second side 112.

As shown in FIG. 1a, the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b may extend upwards from the second side 112 by an amount 118 such that the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b form a recess 132 at the second side. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the recess 132 enables the fastener device 100 to be inserted through a loop of material sideways (e.g., either inserting the first side 110 or the third side 114) first and then turning the fastener device 100 such that the portions of the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b adjacent to the first side 110 and the third side 114 rest against the loop of material under tension of the strap. In some examples, the height or length of the recess 132 (e.g., the amount 118 that the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b extend beyond the second side 112) may be greater than 10 percent of the height 134 of the body portion 102.

In some examples, an angle θ₁ between the first side 110 and the fourth side 116 and between the third side 114 and the fourth side 116 may be 90 degrees. In some examples, the angle θ₁ between the first side 110 and the fourth side 116 and between the third side 114 and the fourth side 116 may be greater than 90 degrees. Having the angle θ₁ be greater than 90 degrees may enable the fastener device 100 to more easily pass through and engage with the loop of material. In some examples, the width d1 of the body portion 102 including the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b may be greater than the width d2 of the fourth side 116 by at least 10 percent, by at least 20 percent, or by at least 30 percent. As described herein with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the width d1 being greater than the width d2 allows the portions of the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b adjacent to the first side 110 and the third side 114 to securely rest against a loop of material under tension. In some examples, the width d1 may be greater than the height 134. For example, the width d1 may be greater than the height 134 by a relative amount (e.g., 1.2 times, 1.4 times). In some examples, the width d1 may be greater than the height 134 minus the amount 118 (e.g., by 1.2 times, 1.4 times).

The first wing portion 106-a may have a first edge 142-a that may have an angle 02 to a line 126 that is perpendicular to the fourth side 116 that is 90 degrees, or greater than 90 degrees in some cases. For example, the angle θ₂ may be in the range of 91-95 degrees, in the range of 92-94 degrees, or in the range of 93-95 degrees. The second wing portion 106-b may have a first edge 142-b with the same (mirrored) dimensions and angles as the first edge 142-a of the first wing portion 106-a. In some examples, the first wing portion 106-a may include an opening 122-a and the second wing portion 106-b may include an opening 122-b. The opening 122-a and the opening 122-b may provide a better grip for users of the fastener device 100. Additionally, or alternatively, inclusion of the opening 122-a and the opening 122-b may reduce the weight of the fastener device 100.

FIG. 1a also shows an example cutaway side view 120-a of the fastener device 100 from the line 126 As shown, the line 126 may be perpendicular to the fourth side 116. As shown in the example cutaway side view 120-a, the body portion 102 may have a thickness T between a top side 130 of the body portion 102 and a bottom side 128 of the body portion 102. As shown in the example cutaway side view 120-a, the body portion 102 may have a curvature. For example, the fastener device 100 may form an angle θ₃ at a point 124 that is equidistant along height 134 that is less than 180 degrees. The curvature of the fastener device 100 may be along the body portion 102, and in some cases may extend throughout the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b. In some examples, the curvature of the body portion may extend through the width of the body portion 102 (e.g., the same curvature may be present at any line perpendicular to the fourth side 116). In some examples, the curvature of the body portion 102 may extend within the portion of the body portion 102 that includes the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b (e.g., the remainder of the body portion 102 may be planar). In some examples, the degree of curvature of the body portion may be between 1 and 10 degrees. Accordingly, as shown in the example cutaway side view 120-a, the top side 130 may refer to the side of the body portion 102 from which the perspective of the curvature is convex, and the bottom side 128 may refer to the side of the body portion 102 from which the perspective of the curvature is concave. The curvature of the body portion 102 may support secure engagement of the fastener device 100 to a loop of material and/or may support secure engagement of a strap to the ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b.

FIG. 1a also shows an alternative example cutaway side view 120-b of the fastener device 100. As shown in the alternative example cutaway side view 120-b, the fastener device may have a bend 144 located between the first opening 104-a and the fourth side 116 instead of the curvature through the body portion 102. The bend 144 may result in an angle θ₄ between the portion of the fastener device 100 in front of the first opening 104-a (in between first opening 104-a and the fourth side 116) of less than 180 degrees. In some cases, the angle θ₄ may be approximately 175 degrees, 170 degrees, 165 degrees, or 160 degrees (corresponding to a bend angle of 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, or 20 degrees). In other examples, the bend 144 in fastener device 100 may coincide at least partially with the first opening 104-a (may be partly or fully overlapped along the side view with first opening 104-a), may be between first opening 104-a and second opening 104-b, or may at least partially coincide with second opening 104-b. The bend 144 may support secure engagement of a loop of material in fastener device 100 by increasing the amount of bending that a loop of material makes when passed through second opening 104-b and first opening 104-a.

FIG. 1b illustrates another example fastener device 100 for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b may be the same as the fastener device 100 of FIG. 2, except that the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b includes a third opening 104-n in the body portion 102. Accordingly, the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b includes three openings 104 through which a strap may engage. In some examples, three openings 104 may prove a more secure ladder loop lock than two openings (e.g., less susceptible to slipping under tension). For example, a strap may be passed through the second opening 104-b from the bottom side 128 to the top side 130, then passed through the first opening 104-a from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128, then over the body portion 102 to be passed through the third opening 104-n from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128. In some examples, the strap may be passed through only two openings of the first, second, or third openings 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example fastener device 200 for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in top view 201, the fastener device 200 includes a body portion 202 that includes a first opening 204-a and a second opening 204-b. The first opening 204-a and the second opening 204-b may be configured to form a ladder loop lock for a length of material (e.g., a strap) inserted through the first opening 204-a and the second opening 204-b, as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5.

The fastener device 200 includes a first wing portion 206-a that extends from a first corner 208-a of the body portion 202 between a first side 210 of the body portion 202 and a second side 212 of the body portion 202. The fastener device 200 includes a second wing portion 206-b that extends from a second corner 208-b of the body portion 202 between a third side 214 of the body portion 202 and the second side 212 of the body portion 202. A fourth side 216 of the body portion is opposite the second side 212.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second side 212 may be arched upwards from the first corner 208-a and the second corner 208-b. In some examples, the second side 212 may be arched downwards from the first corner 208-a and the second corner 208-b (e.g., may form a recess). In some examples, the second side 212 may be flat with respect to the first corner 208-a and the second corner 208-b.

In some examples, an angle θ₅ between the first side 210 and the fourth side 216 and between the third side 214 and the fourth side 216 may be 90 degrees. In some examples, an angle θ₁ between the first side 210 and the fourth side 216 and between the third side 214 and the fourth side 216 may be greater than 90 degrees. Having the angle θ₅ be greater than 90 degrees may enable the fastener device 200 to more easily pass through and engage with the loop of material. In some examples, the width d1 of the body portion 202 including the first wing portion 206-a and the second wing portion 206-b may be greater than the width d2 of the fourth side 216 by at least 10 percent, by at least 20 percent, or by at least 30 percent. As described herein with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the width d1 being greater than the width d2 allows the portions of the first wing portion 206-a and the second wing portion 206-b adjacent to the first side 210 and the third side 214 to securely rest against a loop of material under tension.

In some examples, the first wing portion 206-a may include an opening 222-a and the second wing portion 206-b may include an opening 222-b. The opening 222-a and the opening 222-b may provide a better grip for users of the fastener device 200. Additionally, or alternatively, inclusion of the opening 222-a and the opening 222-b may reduce the weight of the fastener device 200.

FIG. 2 also shows an example cutaway side view 220-a of the fastener device 200 from the line 226 As shown, the line 226 may be perpendicular to the fourth side 216. As shown in the example cutaway side view 220-a, the body portion 202 may have a thickness T between a top side 230 of the body portion 202 and a bottom side 228 of the body portion 202. As shown in the example cutaway side view 220-a, the body portion 202 may have a curvature. For example, a point 224 on the that is equidistant from the second side 212 and the fourth side 116 may form an angle θ₆ that is less than 180 degrees. In some examples, the curvature of the body portion 202 may extend throughout the first wing portion 206-a and the second wing portion 206-b as well. In some examples, the curvature of the body portion 202 may extend within the portion of the body portion 202 that includes the first opening 204-a and the second opening 204-b (e.g., the remainder of the body portion 202 may be planar). In some examples, the curvature of the body portion may extend through the width of the body portion 202 (e.g., the same curvature may be present at any line perpendicular to the fourth side 216). In some examples, the degree of curvature of the body portion may be between 1 and 10 degrees. Accordingly, as shown in the example cutaway side view 220-a, the top side 230 may refer to the side of the body portion 202 from which the perspective of the curvature is convex, and the bottom side 228 may refer to the side of the body portion 202 from which the perspective of the curvature is concave. The curvature of the body portion 202 may support secure engagement of the fastener device 200 to a loop of material and/or may support secure engagement of a strap to the ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 204-a and the second opening 204-b.

FIG. 2 also shows an alternative example cutaway side view 220-b of the fastener device 200. As shown in the alternative example cutaway side view 220-b, the fastener device may have a bend 244 located between the first opening 204-a and the fourth side 216 instead of the curvature through the body portion 202. The bend 244 may result in an angle θ₇ between the portion of the fastener device 200 in front of the first opening 204-a (in between first opening 204-a and the fourth side 216) of less than 180 degrees. In some cases, the angle θ₇ may be approximately 175 degrees, 170 degrees, 165 degrees, or 160 degrees (corresponding to a bend angle of 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, or 20 degrees). In other examples, the bend 244 in fastener device 100 may coincide at least partially with the first opening 204-a (may be partly or fully overlapped along the side view with first opening 204-a), may be between first opening 204-a and second opening 204-b, or may at least partially coincide with second opening 204-b. The bend 244 may support secure engagement of a loop of material in fastener device 100 by increasing the amount of bending that a loop of material makes when passed through second opening 204-b and first opening 204-a.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example 300 of a fastener device 100 engaged with a strap 302 for fastening systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The fastener device 100 may be the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1a. In some examples, the fastener device 100 engaged with a strap 302 may be referred to as a fastener device. In some examples, the strap may be made of canvas or a synthetic material (e.g., nylon or any other suitable material). The strap 302 may be, for example, nylon webbing or other similar webbing such as Dyneema, Spectra, Polyester, Acrylic, or Sunbrella webbing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the strap 302 may pass through the second opening 104-b from the bottom side 128 (as shown in FIG. 1a) to the top side 130 and then through the first opening 104-a from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128. Pulling the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 provides tension, but the ladder loop lock formed by the second opening 104-b and the first opening 104-a restricts the strap 302 from sliding with respect to the fastener device 100 when the pulling force is applied to the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310. Pulling the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may allow the fastener device 100 to slide along the strap 302, and pulling force applied to the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may be used to tighten the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100. In order to loosen the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100, the second portion 306 of the strap 302 may be pushed in the direction 320 through the first opening 104-a, and then the resulting slack may be pulled in the direction 310 at the first portion 304 of the strap 302. In some examples, turning the fastener device 100 sideways (e.g., such that the fourth side 116 is not perpendicular to the strap 302) may enable the fastener device 100 to slide along the strap 302. The curvature of the body portion 102 of the fastener device 100, as described with reference to FIG. 1a, and accordingly the curvature of the ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b, prevents the strap 302 from sliding with respect to the fastener device 100 when tension is applied in the direction 310. In some examples, tilting the fastener device upwards (e.g., tilting the second side 112 upwards in the direction of the top side 130) may reduce friction of the strap 302 with the first opening 104-a and therefore enable the fastener device 100 to slide along the strap 302.

Although FIG. 3 shows an example of the fastener device 100 for FIG. 1a engaged with a strap, the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b and the fastener device 200 of FIG. 2 may similarly be engaged with a strap 302. The strap 302 may engage the fastener device 200 of FIG. 2 (e.g., the first opening 204-a and the second opening 204-b) the same way the strap engages the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1a. To engage the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b with a strap, the strap 302 may pass through the third opening 104-n from the bottom side 128 (as shown in FIG. 1a) to the top side 130, then through the second opening 104-b from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128, and then through the first opening 104-a from the bottom side 128 to the top side. As described herein, a three opening ladder loop lock as described with reference to FIG. 1b may be less susceptible to slipping than a two opening ladder lock loop.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example fastening system 400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

The fastening system 400 includes a fastener device 100, a strap 302, and a loop of material 404 secured to the surface 402 of an item. For example, the item may be a backpack, a suitcase, a handbag, a briefcase, or a cargo bag. In some examples, the surface of the item may be made of a cotton material, canvas, leather, or a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. As shown, the loop of material 404 may be secured to the surface 402 of the item via stitching 408 (e.g., first stitching 408-a and second stitching 408-b as shown). In some examples, the loop of material 404 may be secured to the surface 402 of the item by any suitable means, such as via staples, adhesive, or buttons, among other examples. In some examples, the loop of material 404 may be made of a cotton material, canvas, leather, a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester, plastic, or metal. In some examples, the loop of material 404 may have limited capability to stretch. For example, the fastener device 100 may be capable of being inserted through the loop of material 404 without stretching (e.g., substantially) the loop of material 404 (e.g., by being turned sideways relative to the loop of material 404).

The fastener device 100 may be the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1a. As shown, the strap 302 may be secured to the surface 402 of the item, for example via stitching 406, or via any other suitable means, such as via staples, adhesive, or buttons, among other examples.

As shown in FIG. 4, the strap 302 may pass through the second opening 104-b from the bottom side 128 (as shown in FIG. 1a) to the top side 130 and then through the first opening 104-a from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128. Pulling the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 provides tension, but the ladder loop lock formed by the second opening 104-b and the first opening 104-a restricts the strap from sliding with respect to the fastener device 100 when the pulling force is applied to the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 (e.g., the first portion 304 of the strap 302 is under tension).

Pulling the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may allow the fastener device 100 to slide along the strap 302, and pulling force applied to the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may be used to tighten the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100 (e.g., shorten the first portion 304 of the strap 302).

Thus, under tension in the first portion 304 of the strap 302, the portion of the first wing portion 106-a adjacent to the first side 110 and the portion of the second wing portion 106-b adjacent to the third side 114 rest against the loop of material 404. Pulling on the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 accordingly increases the tension in the first portion 304 of the strap 302 between the stitching 406 and the fastener device 100.

In some examples, in order to loosen the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100, the second portion 306 of the strap 302 may be pushed in the direction 320 through the first opening 104-a, and then the resulting slack may be pulled in the direction 310 at the first portion 304 of the strap 302. In some examples, in order to loosen the fastening system, the fastener device 100 may be pulled in the direction 320 and turned sideways (e.g., relative to the page), which may allow the tension in the strap 302 to release through ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b.

The loop of material 404 may have a width 410. With reference to FIG. 1a, in order to securely engage the fastener device 100 with the loop of material 404, the width d1 of the body portion 102 including the first wing portion 106-a and the second wing portion 106-b may be greater than the width 410 of the loop of material 404. In order to engage the fastener device 100 with the loop of material 404, the fastener device 100, while engaged with a strap 302, may be turned sideways and placed through the loop of material 404. For example, either the first side 110 or the third side 114 may be placed through the loop of material 404 first and then the fastener device 100 may be turned back such that the first wing portion 106-a adjacent to the first side 110 and the portion of the second wing portion 106-b adjacent to the third side 114 rest against the loop of material 404. As described herein, the recess 132 in the body portion may enable the fastener device 100 to be passed more easily through the loop of material 404 sideways. For example, because of the recess 132, a height of any line perpendicular to the fourth side 116 from a point on a top side 414 of the fastener device 100 to the bottom side 412 of the fastener device 100 may be less than the width 410 of the loop of material 404 in order to enable the fastener device 100 to pass through the loop of material 404. In some examples, an overall height 134 of the fastener device 100 may be similar to or greater than the width 410 of the loop of material 404, but because of the recess 132 and the angle θ₁, the height of any line perpendicular to the fourth side 116 from a point on a top side 414 of the fastener device 100 to the bottom side 412 of the fastener device 100 may be less than the width 410 of the loop of material 404. As shown, the bottom side 412 may include the first edge 142-b of the wing portion 106-a, the first side 110, the fourth side 116, the third side 114, and the first edge 142-b of the wing portion 106-b. As shown, the top side 414 may include the second side 112 and the top portions of the wing portions 106 (e.g., the portions of the wing portion 106-a and the wing portion 106-b that are adjacent to the second side 112). As described herein, the openings 122 may provide a grip for a user when manipulating the fastener device 100. Although the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1a is shown in the fastening system 400, in some examples, the fastener device 100 of FIG. 1b or the fastener device 200 of FIG. 2 may be used in the fastening system 400.

In some examples, the loop of material may be secured to the strap 302 itself. For example, the strap 302 and the fastener device 100 may form a belt or a cargo strap.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example fastening system 500 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

The fastening system 500 includes a fastener device 100-a and a fastener device 100-b, which may be fastener devices 100 of FIG. 1a. The fastening system 500 includes a strap 302. The fastening system 500 includes a loop of material 504-a and a loop of material 504-b each secured to the surface 502 of an item. The surface 502 of the item may be a surface 402 of an item as described with reference to FIG. 4. The loop of material 504-a and the loop of material 504-b may be loops of material 404 as described with reference to FIG. 4. For example, the item may be a backpack, a suitcase, a handbag, a briefcase, or a cargo bag. As shown, the loop of material 504-a may be secured to the surface 502 of the item via stitching 508 (e.g., first stitching 508-a and second stitching 508-b as shown), and the loop of material 504-b may be secured to the surface 502 of the item via stitching 508 (e.g., first stitching 508-c and second stitching 508-d as shown). In some examples, the loop of material 504-a and the loop of material 504-b may be secured to the surface 502 of the item by any suitable means, such as via staples, adhesive, or buttons, among other examples. Accordingly, the fastening system 500 may be similar to the fastening system 400 of FIG. 4, except that the fastening system includes a second fastener device (the fastener device 100-b) and a second loop of material (the loop of material 504-b) instead of the strap 302 being secured to the surface of the material, as in the fastening system 400.

As shown in FIG. 5, the strap 302 may pass through the second opening 104-b from the bottom side 128 (as shown in FIG. 1a) to the top side 130 and then through the first opening 104-a from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128. Pulling the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 provides tension, but the ladder loop lock formed by the second opening 104-b and the first opening 104-a of the body portion 102-a restricts the strap 302 from sliding with respect to the fastener device 100-a when the pulling force is applied to the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 310. Pulling the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may allow the fastener device 100-a to slide along the strap 302, and pulling force applied to the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 may be used to tighten the fastening system 500 formed by the strap 302, the fastener device 100-a, and the fastener device 100-b. Thus, under tension, the portion of the first wing portion 106-a adjacent to the first side 110-a and the portion of the second wing portion 106-b adjacent to the third side 114-a rest against the loop of material 504-a. Pulling on the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 310 accordingly increases the tension in the first portion 304 of the strap 302 between the fastener device 100-a and the fastener device 100-b.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the strap 302 may pass through the second opening 104-d from the bottom side 128 (as shown in FIG. 1a) to the top side 130 and then through the first opening 104-c from the top side 130 to the bottom side 128. Pulling the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 320 provides tension, but the ladder loop lock formed by the second opening 104-d and the first opening 104-c of the body portion 102-b restricts the strap 302 from sliding with respect to the fastener device 100-b when the pulling force is applied to the first portion 304 of the strap 302 in the direction 320. Pulling the third portion 308 of the strap 302 in the direction 320 may allow the fastener device 100 to slide along the strap 302, and pulling force applied to the third portion 308 of the strap 302 in the direction 320 may be used to tighten the fastening system 500 formed by the strap 302, the fastener device 100-a, and the fastener device 100-b. Thus, under tension, the portion of the first wing portion 106-c adjacent to the first side 110-b and the portion of the second wing portion 106-d adjacent to the third side 114-b rest against the loop of material 504-b. Pulling on the second portion 306 of the strap 302 in the direction 320 accordingly increases the tension in the first portion 304 of the strap 302 between the fastener device 100-a and the fastener device 100-b.

In some examples, in order to loosen the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100-a and the fastener device 100-b, the second portion 306 of the strap 302 may be pushed in the direction 320 through the first opening 104-a, and then the resulting slack may be pulled in the direction 310 at the first portion 304 of the strap 302 and/or the third portion 308 of the strap 302 may be pushed in the direction 310 through the first opening 104-c, and then the resulting slack may be pulled in the direction 320 at the first portion 304 of the strap 302. In some examples, in order to loosen the fastening system, the fastener device 100-a may be pulled in the direction 320 and turned sideways, which may allow the tension in the strap 302 to release through ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 104-a and the second opening 104-b, or the fastener device 100-b may be pulled in the direction 310 and turned sideways, which may allow the tension in the strap 302 to release through ladder loop lock formed by the first opening 104-c and the second opening 104-d.

In some examples, the fastener device 100-b may be fixed to the strap 302, for example via stitching or adhesive. In such examples, the fastener device 100-b may not slide relative to the strap 302, and thus to adjust tension of the fastening system formed by the strap 302 and the fastener device 100-a and the fastener device 100-b, the position of the fastener device 100-a is adjusted relative to the strap 302.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.