Strap Fastener

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2022/082635, filed Nov. 21, 2022, and claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2021 213 555.2, filed Nov. 30, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a strap fastener.

2. Technical Considerations

An existing strap fastener includes a connecting device which comprises a first connecting part which comprises a first base body and two engagement protrusions arranged rigidly on the first base body. The connecting device also comprises a second connecting part which can be placed against the first connecting part in a closing direction, is connected to a strap and comprises a second base body with at least one engagement section arranged rigidly on the second base body, wherein the at least one engagement section can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part along an engagement direction which is different from the closing direction, so that the at least one engagement section is in engagement with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part in a connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part comprises a first magnetic device and the second connecting part comprises a second magnetic device. The first magnetic device and the second magnetic device cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction to support the placing of the first connecting part and the second connecting part against one another.

In the connecting device, (at least) two engagement protrusions are rigidly formed on the first base body of the first connecting part. The second connecting part can be brought into engagement with the rigid engagement protrusions by bringing an (integral) engagement section or multiple (physically separated) engagement sections of the second connecting part into engagement with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are placed against one another along a closing direction, along which magnetic devices of the connecting parts provide a magnetic attraction force so that the connecting parts are attracted to one another along the closing direction. In contrast, the engagement of the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part is effected along an engagement direction that is transverse to the closing direction. In the connected position, the engagement section engages with the engagement protrusions in a form-fit or force-fit manner so that the connecting parts are held together.

In this case, the fact that the engagement direction is different from the closing direction means that the engagement direction is perpendicular or at an oblique angle to the closing direction. The engagement direction is not necessarily exactly perpendicular to the closing direction but can be at an oblique angle to the closing direction. However, the engagement direction is not directed along the closing direction and in particular also not in the direction opposite to the closing direction.

In a fastener device known from EP 3 616 553 A1 for detachably connecting two parts, a first connecting part can be placed against a second connecting part in order to connect the connecting parts to one another. A shoelace is arranged on one of the connecting parts which can be tightened by connecting the connecting parts to one another.

A fastener device is known from EP 3 192 388 B1, in which a first connecting part comprises a rigid engagement protrusion and can be connected to a second connecting part. A strap is adjustably arranged on the second connecting part.

In a connecting device of the type mentioned, it is generally desirable to enable the connecting parts to be connected in a simple, comfortable and haptically pleasant way for a user. The connection should preferably be made possible in a position-tolerant manner, with imprecise placing of the connecting parts against one another. In a connected position of the connecting parts, a secure, resilient connection should be obtained.

SUMMARY

Provided is an improved strap fastener and connecting device in which the connecting parts can be placed against one another in a simple, convenient manner and provide a secure, resilient hold on one another in a connected position.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, provided is a strap fastener where the first base body forms a support section for supporting the second base body in the engagement direction, wherein the engagement protrusions are spaced apart from one another along a transverse direction perpendicular to the engagement direction and perpendicular to the closing direction and at least one section of the support section, viewed along the transverse direction, is arranged between the engagement protrusions.

The first connecting part comprises (at least) two engagement protrusions rigidly formed on the first base body, with which the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part is brought into engagement in the engagement direction to establish the connection. In an operational state, the first connecting part is arranged on a higher-level assembly (for example a strap, an item of clothing, a bag, a belt or the like). A strap is attached to the second connecting part. A load direction acts approximately along the engagement direction, for example, so that when a load is applied between the connecting parts, the at least one engagement section is pulled into engagement with the engagement protrusions.

In the connecting device, the load direction along which a load force acts on the second connecting part in a loaded state under the intended load can preferably be directed in the engagement direction with at least one directional vector component. The load direction thus extends at least approximately in the engagement direction or obliquely to the engagement direction, so that the load direction also points at least in the engagement direction, namely in the case of a vector decomposition with a directional vector component. In the loaded state, the second connecting part is thus (at least also) loaded in the engagement direction relative to the first connecting part and thus in the engagement direction with the at least one engagement protrusion rigidly formed on the first connecting part.

An integral engagement section, for example in the form of a circumferential edge section, can be formed on the second connecting part. However, it is also conceivable and possible that several separate, physically separated engagement sections are present on the second connecting part.

Due to the fact that the engagement protrusions are formed rigidly and non-deformably (with a load acting as intended) on the first base body of the first connecting part, the engagement protrusions can reliably absorb and dissipate forces when engaging with the at least one engagement section of the second base body. The engagement protrusions are preferably formed in one piece with the first base body of the first connecting part, wherein the first base body is rigid and non-deformable overall.

In this context, “non-deformable” should be understood to mean an essentially rigid geometry and choice of material of the base body, which ensures that the base body of the first connecting part with the engagement protrusions formed thereon does not deform under the intended load, i.e. the base body is not elastic. For example, the base body of the first connecting part can be made of metal or a hard plastic material.

Similarly, the base body of the second connecting part with the at least one engagement section formed thereon is rigid and non-deformable and is made of metal or a hard plastic material, for example.

Placing the connecting parts against each other is supported magnetically. For this purpose, the first connecting part comprises a first magnetic device and the second connecting part comprises a second magnetic device. In the connected position, the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and, in particular, also support the placing of the connecting parts against each other. The magnetic devices have a magnetically attracting effect along the closing direction, so that the magnetic devices cause a magnetic attracting force along the closing direction and pull the connecting parts towards each other along the closing direction when they are placed against each other. The magnetic devices can, for example, each be formed by a permanent magnet. However, it is also possible to configure one of the magnetic devices with a permanent magnet and the other of the magnetic devices with a magnetic armature and thus with a passive magnetic element.

Due to the fact that the engagement protrusions are spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction extending transversely to the engagement direction and are preferably arranged in the same axial position, viewed along the engagement direction, a load due to the at least one engagement section acts on the engagement protrusions with a directional vector component (also) in the direction of a spreading of the engagement protrusions along the transverse direction relative to one another, which could possibly be detrimental to the stability of the connection. For this reason, a support section is also provided, which is arranged between the engagement protrusions with at least one section (viewed along the transverse direction).

In non-limiting embodiments, the support section is also arranged spaced apart from the engagement protrusions along the engagement direction. At least one section of the support section is thus arranged between the engagement protrusions and in front of the engagement protrusions in the engagement direction, so that the support section can support an edge section of the second base body of the second connecting part and can thus absorb a load when a load is applied in the engagement direction.

Because the support section thus has a supporting effect in the engagement direction, excessive load is avoided, particularly in the direction of spreading on the engagement protrusions when a load is applied to the connecting device. The stability of the connection can therefore be improved.

The support section can preferably be raised relative to a bottom surface of the first connecting part, i.e. protrude upwards relative to the bottom surface. The second base body forms an outer edge section, which is formed, for example, in a front region of the second base body or can also extend around the second base body. In the connected position, the second base body can come into contact with the support section on the first base body of the first connecting part via the edge section, so that the second base body is supported relative to the first base body of the first connecting part in the engagement direction.

It is conceivable here that the second base body, for example via the engagement section, is always in contact with the support section in the engagement direction in the connected position. Alternatively, it is also possible that in an unloaded position, the second base body is not in contact with the support section in the engagement direction, but only comes into contact with the support section when the connection is loaded relative to one another.

Forces can be advantageously transferred from the second connecting part to the first connecting part via the support section and the contact of the second base body with the support section. If the load direction, along which a force acts between the connecting parts when the connecting device is used as intended, is directed along the engagement direction, the engagement section is pulled into engagement with the engagement protrusions when a load is applied. In the process, the second base body comes into supporting contact with the support section, for example via the at least one engagement section, so that forces acting in the engagement direction are dissipated via the contact of the second base body with the support section. The engagement protrusions serve in particular to provide support along a vertical direction perpendicular to the engagement direction and thus to ensure that the connecting parts are held together.

In one embodiment, the support section is curved in an arcuate manner in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction. For example, the engagement section is curved around a central axis of the second connecting part. The curvature of the support section preferably corresponds to the curvature of an outer edge section of the engagement section, so that in the connected position the engagement section can come into supporting contact with the support section of the first connecting part.

The support section can, for example, extend in an arcuate manner around an angle and in this way provide an arc-shaped support for the second base body, for example the at least one engagement section. Alternatively, for example, individual support sections arranged in a row in the circumferential direction can be provided for localized, distributed support of the second base body. Such individual support sections can, for example, be provided on the first connecting part in the manner of pins or other surface elements in order to provide support in the engagement direction in the connected position.

The at least one section of the support section is arranged between the engagement protrusions and also preferably spaced apart from the engagement protrusions along the engagement direction. The support section is thus located at a different position than the engagement protrusions with respect to the engagement direction. In particular, the support section can be positioned in front of the engagement protrusions in the engagement direction. In this way, a favorable support can be created via the support section, in that the second base body can come into contact with the support section with a favorable lever arm, for example via the at least one engagement section, when load forces act between the connecting parts.

In non-limiting embodiments, the support section extends in the plane perpendicular to the closing direction up to the engagement protrusions or beyond. If the support section has an arcuate shape, the arcuate shape extends over an angular range that extends up to or beyond the engagement protrusions. The support section can therefore also extend below the engagement protrusions, wherein in this case the engagement protrusions protrude radially inwards from the support section, for example.

In non-limiting embodiments, the support section is spaced apart from the engagement protrusions when viewed along the closing direction. In this case, the support section can extend above or below the engagement protrusions when viewed along the closing direction.

In non-limiting embodiments, the support section is formed by a surface section that is parallel or inclined to the closing direction. The support section is rigidly formed on the first base body of the first connecting part. Under load, the support section on the first connecting part comes into contact with the second base body of the second connecting part, so that load forces acting in the engagement direction can be absorbed and dissipated in a favorable manner.

In non-limiting embodiments, the first connecting part comprises a blocking section which is configured to cooperate with the second connecting part in the connected position in order to block the engagement of the at least one engagement section with the engagement protrusions against the engagement direction. Preferably, the second connecting part is twistable about the closing direction relative to the first connecting part in the connected position. In the event of a twisting, the engagement of the at least one engagement section with the engagement protrusions and the blocking of the engagement by the blocking section are maintained. In the connected position, the second connecting part is tiltable relative to the first connecting part in order to move the second connecting part to the blocking section against the engagement direction, in order to separate the first connecting part and the second connecting part from one another.

The connecting parts are to be placed against each other along the closing direction, wherein the placing of the connecting parts against each other is magnetically supported by the magnetic devices of the connecting parts. The connecting parts are magnetically pulled towards each other by the magnetic device during attachment and are also magnetically held together in the connected position.

When the connecting parts are placed against each other, the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part engages with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part in the engagement direction perpendicularly or obliquely to the closing direction, so that in the connected position there is a form-fit or force-fit connection between the connecting parts and the connecting parts are thus held together in a resilient manner by the engagement of the at least one engagement section with the engagement protrusions.

The engagement between the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part and the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part is secured in the connected position by the blocking section of the first connecting part, which is rigidly formed on the first base body of the first connecting part, in that the blocking section cooperates with an associated section of the second connecting part in a blocking manner opposite to the engagement direction and the engagement section can therefore not be moved opposite to the engagement direction to the engagement protrusions, at least not without the blocking being released. Due to the blocking effect of the blocking section, the at least one engagement section is thus blocked in its engagement with the engagement protrusions so that the connecting parts are secured relative to one another in the connected position.

Due to the magnetic effect of the magnetic devices, the connecting parts are held together in the connected position in such a way that the connecting parts are blocked by the blocking section of the first connecting part against the engagement direction. The connecting parts can therefore not be released from each other by a (pure) sliding movement against the engagement direction.

Rather, to release the connecting parts from each other, it is necessary to tilt the connecting parts relative to each other in order to move the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part in a tilting plane spanned by the closing direction and the engagement direction in such a way that the second connecting part can be moved relative to the blocking section against the engagement direction. By tilting the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part, the blocking effect of the blocking section can be released, so that the second connecting part can be moved over the blocking section and thus the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part can be disengaged from the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part.

The blocking effect of the blocking section, which is rigidly formed on the first base body of the first connecting part, ensures that the second connecting part cannot be moved linearly against the engagement direction, but must be tilted in a tilting plane spanned by the closing direction and the engagement direction in order to separate the connecting parts from each other. The tilting movement can take place around a defined tilting axis. However, the tilting movement can also take place along a curved movement path located in the tilting plane, wherein the second connecting part is tilted relative to the first connecting part as a result of the tilting movement. The tilting movement can be superimposed by a rectilinear movement against the engagement direction and/or against the closing direction.

It should be noted that the connecting parts can be tilted relative to each other to separate the connecting parts. However, the connection between the connecting parts is also not established in a straight closing movement, but by the connecting parts being placed against each other along with a tilting and a wobbling motion and are brought into engagement with each other. When establishing the connection, the second connecting part can also be tilted relative to the first connecting part in order to enable the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part to engage with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part.

In the connected position, the second connecting part is twistable about the closing direction relative to the first connecting part. This may enable a placing of the connecting parts against one another in an angle-tolerant manner on the one hand. It is also possible to twist the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part when the connecting parts are in the connected position. In the event of a twisting, the at least one engagement section and the engagement protrusions maintain their engagement. In the event of a twisting, the blocking of engagement by the blocking section is also maintained. A twisting of the connecting parts around the closing direction relative to one another in the connected position thus does not lead to a separation of the connecting parts from one another.

The rotatability between the connecting parts in the connected position may allow for any rotational movement about any angle. However, it is also conceivable that the movement of the connecting parts is limited to a predetermined angle, for example by stops or the like. Preferably, the rotary angle is preferably greater than 10°, further preferably greater than 20°, and particularly preferably greater than 45° or even greater than 90°.

In non-limiting embodiments, the second connecting part can be lifted off the first connecting part for tilting relative to the first connecting part on a side facing away from the engagement protrusions in the opposite direction to the closing direction. In the connected position, the second connecting part engages with the engagement protrusions on the first base body of the first connecting part via the at least one engagement section rigidly formed on the second base body, wherein this engagement takes place in a region of the second connecting part that is in a front region-viewed in the engagement direction. With a rear region with respect to the engagement direction, the second connecting part can be lifted off the first connecting part in the connected position against the closing direction in order to tilt the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part in this way and thereby release the blocking effect of the blocking section of the first connecting part, so that the second connecting part can be moved to the blocking section of the first connecting part and the at least one engagement section can be disengaged from the engagement protrusions against the engagement direction.

In order to facilitate handling for a user, the second connecting part can, for example, have an actuating section on which a user can act to tilt the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part. The actuating section can, for example, be formed by a tab in the rear region of the second connecting part, which a user can pull on in order to lift the second connecting part with the rear region against the closing direction off the first connecting part. However, the actuating section can also be formed, for example, by a recessed grip or another grip section on which a user can grip in order to tilt the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part in this way.

In non-limiting embodiments, the second connecting part comprises a blocking element arranged rigidly on the second base body for cooperating with the blocking section of the first connecting part. The blocking element can, for example, be formed on a base section of the second connecting part forming the at least one engagement section and protrude from the base section along the closing direction. In the connected position, the blocking element cooperates with the blocking section of the first connecting part so that movement of the connecting parts against the engagement direction is blocked. However, by tilting the connecting parts relative to each other, the blocking element can be lifted over the blocking section in order to release the blocking in this way and move the connecting parts relative to each other while tilting them against the engagement direction, so that the engagement between the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part and the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part can be released and the connecting parts can be separated from each other.

For example, the blocking element can be cylindrical in shape and, viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the closing direction, have a circular shape. In the connected position, the blocking element can be twisted about the closing direction with respect to the blocking section so that the connecting parts can be twisted relative to each other.

In non-limiting embodiments, the first base body comprises a recess which is delimited at least in sections by the blocking section. In the connected position, the blocking element is located in the recess so that the engagement of the at least one engagement section with the engagement protrusions is blocked against the engagement direction. The recess can, for example, be formed as a depression on a bottom surface of the first base body of the first connecting part. The recess is thus molded into the bottom surface. The blocking element is brought into engagement with the recess when the connecting parts are placed against each other so that the second connecting part is held on the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part by the engagement.

In non-limiting embodiments, the recess (in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the closing direction) is delimited by at least one boundary wall that implements the blocking section and extends along an arc of a circle. The recess can, for example, have a circular basic shape in which the at least one boundary wall extends in an arcuate manner along an (imaginary) circle centered on an axis.

For example, the recess is limited by two curved boundary walls, which together form the blocking section and, in the connected position, receive the blocking element of the second connecting part between them and thus block movement against the engagement direction of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part. The one or more boundary walls are arranged at a right angle to the bottom surface, for example, and thus provide support surfaces for the blocking element, so that when a load is applied, the blocking element is supported on the boundary walls and thus blocked relative to the first connecting part.

In non-limiting embodiments, the blocking section comprises a run-up slope. The run-up slope is configured to provide a sliding guide for the blocking element against the engagement direction when the second connecting part is tilted relative to the first connecting part. When the connecting parts tilt relative to each other, for example, a blocking element of the second connecting part can come into contact with the run-up slope, so that the blocking element can run onto the run-up slope and thus be moved over the blocking section. Such a run-up slope can therefore make it easier to separate the connecting parts from each other.

The engagement protrusions preferably each form an undercut with respect to the closing direction. The engagement protrusions are thus undercut with respect to the closing direction in that the engagement protrusions protrude transversally to the closing direction from an associated section of the connecting part.

The undercut can be formed by a surface extending perpendicular to the closing direction or obliquely (at an acute or obtuse angle).

Likewise, the at least one engagement section of the second connecting part preferably forms an undercut with respect to the closing direction. The engagement section is thus undercut with respect to the closing direction in that the engagement section protrudes transversely to the closing direction from an associated section of the second connecting part.

The undercut can again be formed by a surface extending perpendicularly or obliquely (at an acute or obtuse angle) to the closing direction.

In non-limiting embodiments, the engagement section extends circumferentially around the closing direction. In this embodiment, the second connecting part preferably has a uniform, circumferential engagement section that engages with the engagement projections to establish the connection.

For example, the engagement section is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the closing direction. This makes it possible to bring the engagement section into engagement with the engagement protrusions on the first connecting part in any rotational position of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part, so that there is engagement between the engagement section and the engagement protrusions in any rotational position of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part and the connecting parts can thus be rotated relative to one another without the engagement of the engagement section with the engagement protrusions being released.

In non-limiting embodiments, the second base body of the second connecting part comprises a base section. In non-limiting embodiments, the base section can form the at least one engagement section so that the at least one engagement section is shaped for engagement with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part on the base section, for example on a circumferential edge section of the base section.

In non-limiting embodiments, for example, the base section is shaped like a disk. The base section can, for example, have a circular cylindrical basic shape with a circular cross-section.

For example, a fastening section can be formed on the base section, via which the strap is connected to the second connecting part.

In non-limiting embodiments, the base section comprises a base surface and the first base body comprises a bottom surface. The base surface and the bottom surface each extend perpendicular to the closing direction. In the connected position, the base surface on the base section of the second connecting part and the bottom surface on the first base body of the first connecting part face each other.

For example, in the connected position, there can be a contact between the base surface and the bottom surface. When the connecting parts are rotated or twisted relative to each other about the closing direction, the base surface and the bottom surface are thus moved against each other in a sliding manner.

However, this is not mandatory. It is also conceivable that there is a gap (and therefore no contact) between the base surface and the bottom surface in the connected position.

In non-limiting embodiments, the base section can be tilted relative to the first connecting part about a tilting axis perpendicular to the closing direction and the engagement direction in order to tilt the connecting parts relative to one another. The tilting of the connecting parts to separate the connecting parts from each other is thus achieved by tilting the base section about a tilting axis relative to the first base body of the first connecting part. The tilting axis can be defined by a contact line between the base section and the first base body. However, it is also conceivable that the tilting axis corresponds to an imaginary line that extends through the base section or outside the base section and corresponds to such a line about which the base section is pivoted relative to one another when the connecting parts are tilted.

In non-limiting embodiments, the first base body comprises a plunge opening into which a section of the base section can be plunged when the second connecting part is tilted relative to the first connecting part in the closing direction. In particular, the plunge opening can be formed in a front region (with respect to the engagement direction) of the first base body and can be shaped, for example, as a recess on the first base body. The base section can plunge into the plunge opening, in particular with a front edge section, when the connecting parts are tilted relative to each other (during connection or disconnection).

The plunge opening can, for example, be shaped as a recess relative to the bottom surface of the first base body. In this case, the plunge opening adjoins the bottom surface, for example, but is recessed relative to the bottom surface and thus set back along the closing direction. In particular, the plunge opening can extend below the engagement protrusions and thus provide a space in the region of the engagement protrusions into which the base section of the second connecting part with the edge section can plunge when the connecting parts are placed against each other to close the connecting device and also when the connecting parts are separated from each other to open the connecting device.

In general, a clearance between the engagement section of the second connecting part and the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part can facilitate tilting of the connecting parts relative to each other for establishing the connection and also for separating. Alternatively, a space for providing a clearance can be provided, for example, by a chamfer or roundness on the engagement section which allows the engagement section to tilt relative to the engagement protrusions.

In particular, if the at least one engagement section is formed on a circumferential edge section of the base section, the plunge opening is formed, for example, as a recess relative to a bottom surface of the first connecting part and adjoins the bottom surface in an area facing the support section. The plunge opening can, for example, extend between the support section and the bottom surface.

The plunge opening can be configured as a recess or as a through-opening on the first base body.

In non-limiting embodiments, the first base body comprises a positive-locking section against which the base section bears in the connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to counteract tilting of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part. The positive-locking section is formed in particular in a front region of the first base body with respect to the engagement direction and is rigidly formed on the first base body. The base section is supported on the positive-locking section, in particular in the closing direction, so that tilting of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part is at least made more difficult by the support on the positive-locking section.

When tilting to separate the connecting parts from each other, the second base body is brought out of cooperation with the positive-locking section on the first base body by moving slightly against the engagement direction within the scope of a clearance. A clearance between the second connecting part and the blocking section of the first connecting part, which enables a (slight) displacement movement of the second connecting part against the engagement direction, or a clearance between the second connecting part and the at least one engagement protrusion, which enables a (slight) tilting movement and a subsequent displacement movement of the second connecting part against the engagement direction, can be provided. As a result of the movement within the scope of the clearance, the second base body is disengaged from the positive-locking section, for example by the second base body sliding off the positive-locking section, which is shaped in the manner of a step, for example. The connecting parts can then be tilted (more) relative to each other so that the connecting parts can be separated from each other.

The positive-locking section can, for example, be formed by a step on which the base section rests in the connected position. In particular, the positive-locking section can have a surface section directed perpendicularly or obliquely to the closing direction, which provides support for the base section.

In non-limiting embodiments, the positive-locking section can also be formed as an engagement opening, for example in the form of a notch, on the support section. The positive-locking section provides a support on the base section perpendicular to the engagement direction, namely along the closing direction, so that the connecting parts cannot easily tilt relative to each other unintentionally in the connected position under load, but are supported against (unintentional) tilting via the positive-locking section.

In non-limiting embodiments, the positive-locking section is spaced apart from the engagement protrusions when viewed along the closing direction. Viewed along the closing direction, the positive-locking section can extend above or below the engagement protrusions.

Additionally or alternatively, the positive-locking section can be spaced apart from the engagement protrusions when viewed along the engagement direction. The positive-locking section is thus located at a different position than the engagement protrusions with respect to the engagement direction. In particular, the positive-locking section can be positioned in front of the engagement protrusions in the engagement direction, so that the positive-locking section is arranged radially outside the engagement protrusions. In this way, a favorable support can be provided via the positive-locking section to prevent the connecting parts from tilting relative to one another, in that the base section can come into contact with the positive-locking section with a favorable lever arm when load forces act between the connecting parts.

In non-limiting embodiments, the engagement protrusions comprise, for example, a sliding slope which serves as a guide slope in order to guide the connecting parts when they are placed against one another, in such a way that the connecting parts can be brought into engagement with one another in an easy, preferably largely automatic manner. Preferably, the sliding slope is configured to guide the second connecting part along the closing direction on the engagement protrusions when it is placed against the first connecting part, such that the second connecting part is offset against the engagement direction with the first connecting part and is thereby moved past the engagement protrusions. After moving past, the second connecting part can then be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions of the first connecting part in the engagement direction. By sliding on the engagement protrusions, the second connecting part is thus guided relative to the first connecting part in such a way that the second connecting part is moved past the engagement protrusions. Once the second connecting part has passed the engagement protrusions with the at least one engagement section, the engagement section can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions on the first connecting part in the engagement direction.

The second connecting part is connected or connectable with a strap, wherein the strap can be fixed and non-adjustable, but may also be arranged on the second connecting part in an adjustable manner.

The first connecting part can also be connected to a strap, but can also be fixedly arranged on an associated assembly, for example a textile object or another object.

In non-limiting embodiments, the engagement protrusions are spaced apart from one another transversely to the closing direction and transversely to the engagement direction in such a way that the strap can be guided-through between the engagement protrusions in the connected position of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The strap is thus received between the engagement protrusions so that the second connecting part is supported on both sides of the strep relative to the first connecting part via the engagement protrusions.

The possible uses listed below are intended to illustrate the wide range of applications of the connecting device, but are not intended to be limiting and, in particular, not exhaustive. The connecting device can be used for:

• • helmet fastener
  • horse halter,
  • removable (chest) pouch,
  • bags, backpacks
  • for roll tops, for closing with (elastic) strap
  • jacket fasteners (e.g. on sleeves, lapels, button placket, or tying up shirt sleeves)
  • roller blinds in motorhomes, caravan privacy screens
  • conceals
  • awnings, tarpaulins, camping tents, tent guy ropes
  • fastening or closing panniers or saddlebags (bike, motorcycle)
  • luggage and load securing, or securing bicycles/prams in and on public transport vehicles
  • sorting & securing system for craftsmen in the vehicle
  • strap fasteners, restraint systems and fastening devices for carrying equipment
  • chest straps, hip straps, shoulder straps
  • detachable handles or carrying straps on bags
  • folding sunshade, e.g. on baby carriages
  • movable and detachable or openable connection of backpack carrying straps
  • suspension for clothes hangers
  • furniture, for example for attaching seating elements
  • sleeping bags, sleeping mats, yoga mats (for rolling up and fastening)
  • towel rails
  • key holder
  • belts
  • tool belts with hook-on tool
  • detachable carrying straps, e.g. on tools and garden equipment, handles for bags and electrical appliances
  • gloves, shoes, golf bags (for closing or fastening together)
  • a mosquito repellent in the baby carriage or tent
  • a luggage strap, for example to secure items in the bike basket
  • for components and accessories on the bike (speedometer, lights, computer, electronic devices, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The idea underlying the disclosure will be explained in more detail below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a non-limiting embodiment of a connecting device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the connecting device;

FIG. 2B shows the exploded view in a different perspective;

FIG. 3A shows a separate view of a first connecting part of the connecting device;

FIG. 3B shows another view of the first connecting part;

FIG. 4A shows a top view of the first connecting part;

FIG. 4B shows a view of the first connecting part from below;

FIG. 4C shows a sectional view along line G-G as shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A shows a view of a second connecting part with a strap attached to it;

FIG. 5B shows another view of the second connecting part with the strap attached to it;

FIG. 6A shows a view of the second connecting part from below;

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the second connecting part;

FIG. 6C shows a sectional view along line I-I as shown in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A shows a view of the connecting device when connecting the connecting parts;

FIG. 7B shows a sectional view along line B-B as shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

FIG. 8B shows a sectional view along line C-C as shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

FIG. 9B shows a sectional view along line D-D as shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a view of the connecting device during further closing;

FIG. 10B shows a sectional view along line E-E as shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C shows a sectional view along line L-L as shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows a view of the connecting device in a connected position of the connecting parts;

FIG. 11B shows a sectional view along line J-J as shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C shows a sectional view along line K-K as shown in FIG. 11B;

FIG. 11D shows a sectional view along line F-F as shown in FIG. 11B;

FIG. 12A shows a top view of the connecting device in a rotational position of the second connecting part relative to the first connecting part;

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C shows a sectional view along the line N-N according to FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D shows a side view of the connecting device from behind;

FIG. 12E shows a top view of the connecting device;

FIG. 12F shows a sectional view along line M-M as shown in FIG. 12E; and

FIGS. 13 to 39 show views of different possible uses of the connecting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F, a strap fastener comprises a connecting device 1 with a first connecting part 2 (so-called female part) and a second connecting part 3 (so-called male part) to be placed against the first connecting part 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the strap closure comprises straps 4, 5, which are fixedly connected or releasably connected with the connecting parts.

The connecting parts 2, 3 of the connecting device 1 of the strap closure can generally be placed against one another along a closing direction X, wherein the connecting parts 2, 3 each comprise a magnetic device 21, 31 in the form of a permanent magnet (or alternatively in the form of a permanent magnet on the one hand and a magnetic armature on the other) which cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another along the closing direction X.

It should be noted that the connecting parts 2, 3 can also be positioned in a direction that deviates from the closing direction X, for example obliquely to the closing direction X. The magnetic devices 21, 31 cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner along the closing direction X and pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another along the closing direction X.

As can be seen from the exploded views according to FIGS. 2A and 2B and the separate views according to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A-4C, the first connecting part 2 comprises a base body 20 which forms a receiving opening 23 for receiving the second connecting part 3. A strap receptacle 22 in the form of a web and an opening adjoining it, to which a strap 5 can be attached or is attached, is arranged on the base body 20. On a side facing away from the receiving opening 23, the base body 20 forms a fastening opening 25 for receiving the magnetic device 21.

The receiving opening 23 is formed as a recess on the base body 20. Within the receiving opening 23, a bottom surface 230 is formed in the form of a flat surface extending perpendicular to the closing direction X, with which the second connecting part 3 can be brought into flat contact when inserted into the receiving opening 23 to establish a connection between the connecting parts 2, 3.

A recess 231 in the form of a depression is formed in the bottom surface 230, into which—as will be described below—a blocking element 303 engages on a base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 when the connecting parts 2, 3 are in the connected position.

The receiving opening 23 is delimited at a front end by a support section 233, which serves as a support and load-bearing means for the second connecting part 3 in the connected position. An plunge opening 232 is formed between the support section 233 and the bottom surface 230, which serves to facilitate the establishment of the connection as well as the separation of the connecting parts 2, 3 in that an edge section 305 of the base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 can be plunged in the plunge opening 232 when the connection is established and also when the connection is separated, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 10B and will be described below.

The plunge opening 232 is formed as a recess relative to the bottom surface 230 and adjoins the bottom surface 230 in such a way that the plunge opening 232 is located between the support section 233 and the bottom surface 230. At the transition between the plunge opening 232 and the bottom surface 230, a inclined transition surface 237 is formed, which serves as a guide for the second connecting part 3 for establishing the connection in the same way as when disconnecting the connection.

On the rigidly formed base body 20, engagement protrusions 240, 241 are arranged on two lateral, raised sections 242, 243 rigidly formed with the base body 20, which-viewed along a height direction H pointing along the closing direction X-are located above the bottom surface 230 and serve to establish a positive or force-locking connection between the connecting parts 2, 3 in a connected position. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 are spaced apart from one another along a transverse direction Q. The engagement protrusions 240, 241 together form an engagement device 24, which enables positive or force-forming engagement with the second connecting part 3. As will be explained below, the base section 300 of the second connecting part 3 is received in a connected position with an engagement section 341 formed thereon between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the bottom surface 230 and is also supported at a front edge 305 on the support section 233, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 are held together securely and reliably thereabove.

Sliding slopes 244, 245 are formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, which are inclined obliquely to the height direction H and cause the second connecting part 3 to slide against an engagement direction Y when the connecting parts 2, 3 are placed against each other along the closing direction X.

The recess 231 is laterally bounded by arcuate boundary walls 236, which together implement a blocking section of the first connecting part 2 and are aligned perpendicular to a bottom of the recess 231 and also to the bottom surface 230. The boundary walls 236 extend in a circular arc around a central axis B of the recess 231, which is directed along a normal direction N of the bottom surface 230.

A run-up slope 235 is formed between the boundary walls 236, which is arranged at the rear of the support section 233 at the recess 231 and provides a sliding surface in order to facilitate the sliding of the blocking element 303 into the recess 231 and also the release of the blocking element 303 from the recess 231.

The bottom surface 230 extends flat along a plane perpendicular to the normal direction N.

The second connecting part 3 is fixedly connected to a strap 4 as shown in the exploded views according to FIGS. 2A, 2B and the separate views according to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A-6C. The second connecting part 3 comprises a base body 30, on which the strap 4 is fixedly and non-adjustably arranged, in that the strap 4 is located in a strap receptacle 32 formed between a base section 300 and a fastening section 301 and is thereby fixedly arranged on the base body 30.

The base body 30 can, for example, be formed in one piece and integrally with the base section 300 and the fastening section 301 by plastic injection molding, with the strap 4 being overmolded in sections and thus firmly and non-adjustably connected to the base body 30.

The base section 300 has a circular cylindrical basic shape and forms a base surface 302 on a side facing the first connecting part 2 (when the connection is made), which base surface is flat and comes into contact with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23 when the second connecting part 3 is attached to the first connecting part 2.

A blocking element 303, which is concentric with the circular cylindrical base section 300 and circular in cross-section, protrudes from the base surface 302 and serves to engage in the recess 231 on the bottom surface 230 of the base body 20 of the first connecting part 2.

A fastening opening 35 is formed within the blocking element 303, which serves to receive the magnetic device 31, for example in the form of a permanent magnet of the second connecting part 3, and within which the magnetic device 31 is fastened.

The base section 300 forms an engagement device 34 of the second connecting part 3 with an engagement section 341, which serves to cooperate with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the engagement device 24 of the first connecting part 2 and, when the connection is made, plunges under the engagement protrusions 240, 241 so that a positive or force-locking connection is made between the connecting parts 2, 3.

In the embodiment shown, the engagement section 341 is formed by a circumferential edge of the base section 300 which protrudes radially with respect to the fastening section 301 and thus forms an undercut via which the engagement section 341 can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the first connecting part 2 which also form undercuts in order to connect the connecting parts 2, 3 to one another.

FIGS. 7A, 7B to 11A-11D show a connection process of the connecting device 1.

The connecting parts 2, 3 are generally attached to each other along the closing direction X, along which the magnetic devices 21, 31 cooperate in a magnetically attracting manner and thus pull the connecting parts 2, 3 towards one another in a magnetically attracting manner. The connecting parts 2, 3 can be brought closer together manually, whereby the magnetic attraction force automatically draws the connecting parts 2, 3 into engagement from a certain proximity and thus establishes the connection of the connecting device 1. An imprecise placing of the connecting parts 2, 3 against each other is therefore sufficient, wherein the connection is then established largely automatically.

If the connecting parts 2, 3 are brought closer together, as can be seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, the base section 300 of the base body 30 of the second connecting part 3 comes into contact with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 along the closing direction X from above, as can be seen from FIGS. 8A, 8B. Due to the inclined sliding slopes 244, 245 formed on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the base section 300 slides along a sliding direction A on the engagement protrusions 240, 241, wherein the base section 300 can come into contact with the bottom surface 230 in the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2 with a rear edge 304, as shown in FIG. 8B, and thereby slides along the bottom surface 230 in a guided manner without the blocking element becoming prematurely caught.

Once the base section 300 has slid off the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the base section 300 has thus passed the engagement protrusions 240, 241 in the closing direction X, the engagement section 341 formed on the circumferential edge of the base section 300 now slides into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 in an engagement direction Y, assisted by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic devices 21, 31, as can be seen from FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10A, 10B. This movement along (approximately) the engagement direction Y takes place in a magnetically assisted manner, wherein an additional load force (introduced via the strap 4) can support the engagement.

When the engaging section 341 moves in the engagement direction Y into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241, the blocking element 303 slides into the recess 231 in the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2, as can be seen in the transition from FIGS. 10A, 10B to FIGS. 11A-11D.

In the connected position shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, the blocking element 303 is located in the recess 231 and the base section 300 is located with the base surface 302 formed thereon flat against the bottom surface 230 within the receiving opening 23 of the first connecting part 2, as can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 11B.

In the connected position, the base section 300 faces the support section 233 with a (front) edge section 305 and rests against the support section 233 in a supporting manner. If a force is introduced into the second connecting part 3 via the strap 4, this force is absorbed and dissipated by the supporting contact of the base section 300 on the support section 233.

As can be seen from FIGS. 11C and 11D, the support section 233 is curved in an arcuate manner around the closing direction X, corresponding to the curvature of the circular cylindrical base section 300, so that there is contact along an arcuate support line or surface between the edge section 305 on the base section 300 and the support section 233.

The support section 233 is arranged with a central section, viewed along the transverse direction Q, between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and is spaced at the central section along the engagement direction Y from the engagement protrusions 240, 241. The support section 233 extends in the cross-sectional plane according to FIG. 11D in an arcuate manner to below the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and beyond, so that a planar support for the base section 300 is provided centrally between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and also directly in the region of the engagement protrusions 240, 241.

In the connected position, the strap 4 on the connecting part 3 is arranged approximately at the height of the engagement protrusions 240, 241 on the connecting part 2 or below the engagement protrusions 240, 241. This has the effect that strap forces introduced via the strap 4 cannot tilt the connecting part 3 in the receiving opening 23 or can only generate a low tilting moment, with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 securing the position of the connecting part 3 on the connecting part 2, in particular along the height direction H.

In the connected position and with load effects between the connecting parts 2, 3, the strap 4 is located between the raised sections 242, 243 and is thus arranged between the engagement protrusions 240, 241, so that the engagement protrusions 240, 241 create a support symmetrical to the strap 4 when force is applied via the strap 4.

In the connected position, the magnetic devices 21, 31 act together in a magnetically attracting manner and thus hold the connecting parts 2, 3 in the connected position.

Due to the engagement of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231, tangential displacement of the connecting parts 2, 3 against the engagement direction Y relative to one another is also blocked. In the connected position, the blocking element 303 is located in the recess 231 in such a way that the blocking element 303 is received between the boundary walls 236 implementing the blocking section and is in blocking contact with the arcuate boundary walls 236, so that the blocking element 303 cannot be moved relative to the boundary walls 236 against the engagement direction Y.

Due to the rotationally symmetrical shape of the blocking element 303 and the circular cylindrical shape of the base section 300, the connecting part 3 can be rotated in the connected position along a circumferential direction U (see FIG. 1) within the receiving opening 23 of the connecting part 2 by any angle about an axis of rotation R, while maintaining the connecting engagement between the connecting parts 2, 3 and also the blocking of the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

This twistability also allows the connecting parts 2, 3 to be attached to each other in any rotational position, whereby when a load is applied via the strap 4, the connecting parts 2, 3 are aligned with each other in such a way that the strap 4 comes to rest between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and the connecting part 3 is thus supported symmetrically on the connecting part 2. Due to the twistability, the connecting parts 2, 3 can be placed against each other with positional tolerance, which makes it easy and convenient to make the connection.

As can be seen from FIGS. 10A-10C, when the base section 300 with a front edge section 305 slides under the engagement protrusions 240, 241, it plunges into the plunge opening 232, which is recessed with respect to both the bottom surface 230 and the recess 231. By plunging the edge section 305 into the plunge opening 232, the blocking element 303 can slide into the recess 231 and the engagement of the engagement section 341 formed on the base section 300 with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 can be established. In addition, the angular range of an opening force applied to the actuating section 40 (tab) can thus be increased and jamming of the edge section 305 during opening can be prevented.

In the connected position, the front edge section 305 of the base section 300 then rests on a form-fitting section in the form of a step 234 formed between the plunge opening 232 and the support section 233 and located at the level of the bottom surface 230, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 11B. By placing the base section 230 against the step 234, the connecting part 3 is additionally supported against tilting relative to the connecting part 2.

Alternatively, the positive-locking section may also be formed, for example, by a notch or the like on the support section 233, in which the base section 300 engages with the edge section 305 and is thereby supported on the support section 233 against tilting associated with a downward movement of the edge section 305 on the support section 233 in the closing direction X.

In the connected position according to FIGS. 11A to 11D, the positive-locking section in the form of the step 234 counteracts, in particular, tilting when a load is applied to the strap 4. Thus, in the connected position, the second connecting part 3 with its base body 30 rests with a first region, formed by the rear region (with respect to the engagement direction Y), on the bottom surface 230 of the base body 20 of the first connecting part 2. In contrast, in a second region adjoining in the engagement direction Y, formed by the region above the plunge opening 232, the second base body 30 of the second connecting part 3 does not rest against the first base body 20 of the first connecting part 2. With a third region adjoining the second region in the engagement direction Y, formed by the front edge section 305 of the base section 300, the second base body 30 rests on the step 234, so that in the connected position a support in the manner of a two-point support is created, with a free space created between them in the region of the plunge opening 232.

In the loaded position, the base section 300 is loaded with the front edge section 305 against the support section 233 and thus held in self-reinforcing contact with the step 234.

If the connecting parts 2, 3 are to be separated from each other, the movement sequence according to FIGS. 7A, 7B to 11A-11D is essentially reversed. In particular, to separate the connecting parts 2, 3, a user can act on an actuating section in the form of a tab 40 (formed by a protruding section of the strap 4) on a rear side of the connecting part 3 facing away from the engagement protrusions 240, 241, thereby lifting the connecting part 3 at its rear end from the bottom surface 230 and thus tilting the connecting part 3 from the connected position according to FIGS. 11A-11D in such a way that the base section 300 with the front edge section 305 slides off the step 234 and the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231, as can be seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this way, the blocking is released against the engagement direction Y between the connecting parts 2, 3, so that the connecting part 3 can be pulled out of engagement from the connecting part 2 against the engagement direction Y and the connecting parts 2, 3 can thus be released from each other.

The tilting takes place in a tilting plane that is perpendicular to the bottom surface 230, i.e. is spanned by the closing direction X and the engagement direction Y. The tilting takes place approximately about a tilting axis K (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) in such a way that the connecting part 3 performs a pivoting movement in the tilting plane perpendicular to the tilting axis K and thus the blocking element 303 is lifted out of the recess 231, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be moved relative to each other against the engagement direction Y and thus be separated from each other.

If, in particular when the connecting device 1 is unloaded, the connection of the connecting parts 2, 3 is to be released, the connecting parts 2, 3 are tilted relative to each other and in particular also moved relative to each other against the engagement direction Y, so that the front edge section 305 (forming the third region) of the base section 300 slides off the step 234 and plunges into the region of the plunge opening 232, as can be seen in FIG. 10B. The positive-locking section created by the step 234 thus does not (or no longer) counteract tilting, so that the connecting parts 2, 3 can be conveniently and easily separated from one another via the actuating section 40 in the event of tilting.

FIGS. 12A to 12F show the connecting device 1 in a rotational position of the second connecting part 3 relative to the first connecting part 2. Here, the second connecting part 3 can be applied to the first connecting part 2 in (any) rotational position, and in any rotational position the engagement section 341 of the second connecting part 3 can be brought into engagement with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 of the first connecting part 2. In the connected position, the second connecting part 3 is twistable relative to the first connecting part 2 along the circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R while maintaining the engagement of the engagement section 341 with the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and while engaging the blocking element 303 in the recess 231.

Under load, when strap forces act between the straps 4, 5 in the connected position of the connecting device 1, the strap 4 is located between the engagement protrusions 240, 241, as can be seen in FIG. 1. In this case, the engagement protrusions 240, 241 are arranged to the side of the strap 4, so that the strap 4 extends between the engagement protrusions 240, 241 (viewed along the transverse direction Q pointing from engagement protrusion 240 to engagement protrusion 241).

If, on the other hand, the second connecting part 3 is rotated along the circumferential direction U about the axis of rotation R relative to the first connecting part 2, as can be seen from FIGS. 12A to 12F, the strap 4 can extend over one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241, with flexible, flexible deformation of the strap 4, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 12B and 12D. During twisting, the strap 4 slides (depending on the direction of rotation) onto one of the engagement protrusions 240, 241 and is thereby deformed so that the strap 4 can be moved over the respective engagement protrusion 240, 241.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, for example in conjunction with FIG. 6C, the strap 4 emerges from the fastening section 301 above the base section 300 at an exit line 306, which is curved in accordance with the cylindrical shape of the fastening section 301. Beyond the exit line 306, i.e. outside the fastening section 301, the strap 4 is not connected to the base section 300 in the region of the protruding edge section forming the engagement section 341, but can move freely relative to the base section 300 and, in particular, can be lifted off the base section 300, which enables the deformation of the strap 4 to slide onto the engagement protrusion 240, 241 when the connecting part 3 is rotated relative to the connecting part 2 in a smooth manner.

The exit line 306 is offset radially inwards with respect to the end-face edge section 305 of the base section 300 and is thus spaced radially from the edge section 305. The strap 4 thus emerges from the fastening section 301 along a line that is set back relative to the edge section 305.

From the position shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F, the connecting part 3 can also be rotated further. In principle, the connecting part 3 can be rotated through any angle to the connecting part 2.

Under load between the straps 4, 5, the connecting parts 2, 3 automatically move back into the position shown in FIG. 1.

It is also possible to attach or detach the connecting part 3 to or from the connecting part 2 in any rotational position.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 12A-12F, the connecting device 1 implements a strap fastener via which straps can be connected to each other. In the connected position, a load direction determined by the straps is directed essentially along the engagement direction Y.

FIGS. 13-39 show exemplary uses of a strap fastener with a connecting device 1 as described with reference to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1-12A-12F.

A strap closure can be used, for example, on a bag or a rucksack, as shown in FIGS. 13-20. The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used to connect strap ends (FIGS. 13, 16, 17 and 20), to connect straps to a bag body (FIGS. 14, 15 and 19) or to close a lid of a bag or rucksack or to attach an object to the bag or rucksack (FIG. 18).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a shoe (FIGS. 21 and 22), as a fastener for pockets on a textile item, for example a jacket or vest (FIG. 23), or as a fastener for a medical bandage (FIGS. 24-26).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a fanny pack (FIG. 27) or for a tool belt (FIG. 28).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can also serve as a holder for objects, in particular tools or objects, for example an electronic device, a light or the like, on a belt, in particular a tool belt (FIG. 29).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for a strap on a musical instrument, for example a guitar (FIG. 30).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used, for example, to attach a strap to a bicycle, for example to a luggage carrier or a basket on a bicycle (FIG. 31).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can also serve as a fastener for a helmet (FIG. 32).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can provide a strap fastener for tying up an object, for example a mat (FIG. 33).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can also provide a fastener for a strap system for stowing luggage in a vehicle, for example a car (FIG. 34).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can be used as a fastener for an adjustment system in the interior of a vehicle, for example for a sunblind (FIG. 35).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can provide a holder for objects on a rack, for example for key rings on a key rack (FIG. 36).

The strap fastener with the Connecting device 1 can serve as a holder for a camera, for example to connect the camera to straps (FIG. 37).

The strap fastener with the connecting device 1 can serve as a fastener for a wristwatch (FIG. 38) or a bracelet (FIG. 39).

In all the applications mentioned, the twistability of the connecting parts 2, 3 solves important aspects of the requirements of the respective application. Conventional plug fasteners or closures, which are often used for this type of application, cannot be rotated.

Other applications are conceivable and possible.

The idea underlying the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown but can also be implemented in other ways.

In particular, a connecting device of the type described can be used not only as a strap fastener for connecting base ends. A connecting device of the type described can be used to connect any number of assemblies.