ATTACHMENT DEVICE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a fastener or attachment device. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a fastener or attachment device for use in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a harness system for use in retaining or harnessing luggage in or on a vehicle during transport.

Background to the invention

For many years the use of roof-racks has been known on vehicles as a means of carrying luggage and, with the increasing popularity of convertible vehicles, the use of boot racks is also now commonplace. Some luggage systems are adapted for carrying particular types of luggage, such as bikes for example, and the luggage is commonly held in place on the vehicle by means of netting, bungees or bars. This type of fixture is not ideal, however, as it provides no protection for the luggage which remains exposed to the elements (e.g. wind and rain).

As an alternative, hard and waterproof luggage boxes are used which fix securely to the roof or boot rack of the vehicle. Whilst such systems protect the luggage, vehicle aesthetics are an important factor for the consumer and so the option to remove the luggage boxes when they are not in use is a desirable one. However, this introduces an inconvenience factor as the systems can be cumbersome to dismantle and require local storage space, such as a garage, which is not always readily available.

As an alternative to carrying luggage externally to the vehicle, the trunk or boot of the vehicle is also used widely to carry luggage. This has the clear advantage

that luggage is protected from the elements. However, in some vehicles the storage space available is not that large, particularly in small family vehicles, and the boot space can easily become crowded. Storage boxes in the boot are an option, but again these occupy space and do not prevent movement of the luggage if it does not exactly fit the size of the box.

The option of carrying luggage on the rear seat of the vehicle, if available, is not currently desirable as this leads to the further problem that luggage has a tendency to roll around, particularly when cornering. This can cause damage to the luggage and can be a dangerous distraction to the driver. The automotive industry is faced with meeting increasing safety standards, so any luggage system which provides an element of danger is neither acceptable, nor marketable.

It is a view to finding a solution to the aforementioned problems that the present invention provides a harness system, suitable for use inside a vehicle, which is convenient to use, safe and aesthetically pleasing. It is a further object of the invention to provide a fastener or attachment device which can be used in the harness system, or in a variety of other applications, to provide a secure means of attaching one part to another.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment device which is operable to attach and detach from a fixture, the device comprising an outer sleeve and an insert member which is received within the outer sleeve and angularly movable relative to the fixture between first and second insert positions. The device is provided with a channel means for permitting the device to be manoeuvred over the fixture as the insert member is moved angularly between the first and the second insert positions and for

retaining the device on the fixture when the insert member is in the second insert position.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer sleeve is movable angularly relative to the fixture between first and second sleeve positions, whereby the attachment device is attached to the fixture by initially moving the insert member angularly between the first and second insert positions and, subsequently, moving the outer sleeve angularly between the first and second sleeve positions.

The insert member and the outer sleeve can move relative to one another so that by first moving one and holding the other static and by then moving the other and holding the first one static, the device can be manoeuvred into a position in which it attaches securely to the fixture, which attachment cannot be broken without deliberately repeating the attachment steps in reverse.

According to a second aspect of the invention, therefore, there is provided an attachment device which is operable to attach and detach from a fixture, the device including an insert member housed within an outer sleeve, wherein the insert member and the outer sleeve are rotatable relative to one another, the device further including a channel means for (i) permitting the device to be manoeuvred over the fixture by initially rotating the insert member relative to the outer sleeve and (ii) retaining the device on the fixture by subsequently rotating the outer sleeve relative to the insert member.

The device is particularly convenient for use in a vehicle as part of a harness system which also includes a harness or strap for securing luggage. In a third aspect, the invention therefore provides a harness system for a vehicle including an attachment device of the first aspect of the invention and a strap or harness,

wherein one end of the harness is attached to the device and the other end of the harness is intended for fixed attachment to the vehicle and/or looping or tying to an item of luggage to be carried in the vehicle.

The harness system provides a convenient, safe and versatile means of securing luggage inside or outside a vehicle and can be readily detached from the vehicle altogether when not needed so that vehicle aesthetics are not compromised. When detached, the harness system can be stored easily within the vehicle boot or other luggage storage compartment by virtue of its relatively small size.

It is particularly convenient for the device to be attachable to an ISOfix compliant fixture of the type commonly used for mounting child seats. If the device is used as one of a pair (or a plurality) of devices, with each being attached to a respective harness, the harnesses may then be used to retain larger items of luggage securely upon the rear seat. This ensures even bulky luggage can be carried securely inside the vehicle, for example on the rear vehicle seat, without the risk of luggage rolling around or falling from the seat.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment device further includes a biasing means which is loaded as a result of the insert member being moved angularly within the outer sleeve between the first and second insert positions whilst the outer sleeve is held in the first sleeve position. The loading of the spring would otherwise cause the outer sleeve to move out of the first sleeve position into the second sleeve position, but for the fact that the fixture, which is received within the channel means during rotation of the insert member between the first and second insert positions, holds the outer sleeve in the first sleeve position. During attachment of the device to the fixture, co-operation between the fixture and the

channel means serves to hold the outer sleeve in the first sleeve position, against the biasing means, until the device is pulled axially away from the fixture.

In one embodiment, the biasing means is a coil spring located within a part- annular groove provided on the outer surface of the insert member.

To achieve this function, one end of the coil spring is preferably engaged with the outer sleeve and the other end of the coil spring is preferably engaged with the insert member.

In one preferred embodiment, the channel means includes an inlet channel which is provided in the insert member to define an entry and exit path for the fixture during attachment of the device to the fixture, and detachment of the device from the fixture, respectively.

The channel means may also include a retaining channel provided in the insert member into which the fixture is received subsequently as the insert member is moved angularly between the first and second insert positions.

It is convenient to form the inlet channel by way of a cross slot provided in the end of the insert member. If the device is intended for use in a vehicle application, it is convenient to form the cross slot in the insert member so as to accommodate a fixture in the form of an ISOfIx compliant bar. The channel means may also include a slot provided in the outer sleeve which is aligned with the slot in the insert member in circumstances in which the device is attached to the fixture and in circumstances in which the device may be detached from the fixture. The slots are therefore aligned initially, to start the attachment process to the fixture, are moved out of alignment as the device is moved to its

attached position and are brought back into realignment when the device is fully attached to the fixture.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, both the insert member and the outer sleeve are displaced angularly through a predetermined amount in moving between alignment of the slots in the detachable condition and alignment of the slots in the attached condition.

It is preferable for the predetermined amount to be approximately 90 degrees, as this provides a convenient and comfortable degree of turning for the user to impart to the insert member to perform the attachment process.

The device may further comprise a stop means to limit the extent of angular movement of the insert member and the outer sleeve relative to one another. For example, the stop means includes a screw in connection with the insert member which is movable in a recess provided in the outer sleeve.

In applications for which it is not necessary for the device to have a high loading requirement, it is convenient for the insert member to take the form of a hollow sleeve, thus reducing the overall weight of the device. Alternatively, for higher loading requirements, the insert may take the form of a substantially solid body. Typical materials from which the insert may be formed include steel, aluminium and plastic. For high load applications steel is preferable, whereas for lighter load applications plastic may be adequate.

In one particular embodiment, the insert member may be formed from a first material but provided with a hollow region which is filled with a material other than the first material. For example, the insert may be formed from steel, to

improve rigidity and strength, but may be rilled with a plastic material to reduce the overall weight.

If the device is to be used as part of a luggage system for securing luggage in place, for example during transport within a vehicle, it is preferable to attach the device to a harness or strap. In one preferred embodiment, therefore, the device may be manufactured to include a harness or strap, one end of which is secured to the device and the other end of which can be secured to the vehicle or used to loop or tie luggage.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a luggage system for securing luggage within a vehicle, the system including a fixture for connection to the vehicle and an attachment device in the form of the device according to the first or second aspect of the invention. The system also includes a harness or strap in connection with the device for retaining luggage in a secure manner when the device is attached to the fixture.

The fixture is preferably an ISOfix compliant mount, such as an ISOfIx bar, of the type commonly provided in vehicles as a mounting feature for child seats.

It will be appreciated that preferred and/or optional features of the first and second aspects of the invention may be provided in the harness system of the third aspect of the invention or in the luggage system of the fourth aspect of the invention, either alone or in appropriate combination.

Brief description of drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an attachment device of a first embodiment of the present invention when attached to a luggage harness or strap,

Figure 2 is a transparent view of the attachment device in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a cut-away section of the attachment device shown in Figures 1 and 2,

Figure 4 is a side view of the attachment device in Figures 1 to 3 when in a first orientation,

Figure 5 is a side view of the attachment device in Figures 1 to 4 when in a second orientation, and

Figures 6(a) to 6(d) illustrate the sequence of steps required to operate the attachment device in Figures 1 to 5 between detached and attached positions.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a first embodiment of the attachment device or fastener of the present invention which is suitable, in particular, for use inside a vehicle. The attachment device, referred to generally as 10, is coupled to a luggage retaining strap or harness 12 via a rigid handle 14. The handle 14 takes the form of a buckle of the type normally found on the end of a seat belt for a vehicle passenger. The handle 14 includes an opening 16 through which the strap 12 is looped. The other end of the strap (not shown) may be securely connected

to the vehicle chassis in a manner akin to that of a conventional passenger seat belt fixing. Alternatively, the other end of the strap may be looped and/or tied around an item of luggage to be carried on a vehicle seat, for example.

The fixture to which the device 10 is to be attached takes the form of a bar or rod 18 which forms part of an ISOfix compliant mounting arrangement. The ISOfix system is well known and is used in vehicles for the secure mounting of a child seat on the rear or front passenger seats. The ISOfix child seat system is an automotive industry standard proposed by the United Nation Economic Commissions for Europe and ISOfix compliant mounting arrangements would be well known to a person skilled in this art (in the United States the ISOfix system is commonly known as the LATCH system). Two ISOfix bars 18 are provided for mounting a child seat and are now commonly fitted to vehicles as a standard feature (only one of the bars is shown in the accompanying Figures). The ISOfix bars 18 are spaced apart by a pre-set, universally standard amount so that any ISOfix compliant child seat can be fitted securely to any vehicle. Often, four ISOfix bars will be provided on a rear seat of a vehicle to accommodate two child seats, one on each side of the rear seat.

The attachment device 10 includes an outer sleeve 20, in the form of a generally tubular member, which receives an insert member 22 in the form of a generally cylindrical body. The insert 22 and the outer sleeve 20 are rotatable relative to one another so that each is movable relative to the fixture between a respective first and second angular position, but the parts 20, 22 are secured together so as to prevent any axial motion, back and forth, between them. The insert 22 and the outer sleeve 20 are co-operable so as to allow the device 10 to move into attachment with (or detachment from) the ISOfix bar 18 when each is its first

angular position, and to prevent detachment of the device 10 from the bar 18 when each is in its second angular position.

The insert 22 is attached, at a first end 22a thereof, to the strap handle 14 by means of an extension 24 provided on the handle 14. The extension 24 is received within a slot provided in the first end 22a of the insert 22 and is secured thereto by means of a screw 26 to provide a rigid connection between the handle 14 and the device 10. The other end of the insert 22 forms the engaging end 22b of the insert 22 which engages, or co-operates, with the ISOfix bar 18 during the attachment process.

The device 10 is provided with a channel means, referred to generally as 30, including a cross slot 32 which extends across the full width of the insert member 22 from one side thereof to the other, a retaining channel 34 which extends part way along the axial length of the insert member 20 in parallel with, but angularly spaced from, the cross slot 32, and a part-annular groove 38 which connects one end of the cross slot 32 with one end of the retaining channel 34. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, the part-annular groove 38 extends part way around the circumference of the insert 22 to connect, at one end, with the innermost end of the cross slot 32 (i.e. that end furthest from the engaging end 22b of the insert member 22) and, at its other end, with the innermost end of the retaining channel 34 (i.e. that end furthest from the engaging end 22b of the insert member 22). The retaining channel 34 is angularly spaced from the cross slot 32 by approximately 90 degrees. The cross slot 32 defines an inlet channel into which the bar 18 is received as the device 10 is initially manoeuvred over the bar 18. The retaining channel 34 includes a blind end located a short distance from the tip of the insert 22 which defines a retaining means for the bar 18 when the device is fully attached thereto.

The channel means further includes a channel formation 40 provided in the outer sleeve 20, including a cross slot 42 (identified in Figure 2) which is sufficiently wide to receive the full diameter of the ISOfix bar 18. The cross slot terminates in a narrow channel 44 which has a narrower width than the slot 42 so that the ISOfix bar 18 cannot pass through it.

A biasing means in the form of an internal coil spring 46 (as seen clearly in Figures 2 to 5) is located inside the outer sleeve 20 within an annular groove 48 formed in the insert 22. A first end 46a of the coil spring 46 locates within the end of the narrow channel 44 in the outer sleeve 20 (as can be seen in Figure I) ₅ whilst the other end 46b of the spring 46 extends, in a secure fashion, into the main body of the insert 22 (as can be seen in Figure 3). The internal spring 46 couples the insert 22 to the outer sleeve 20 in such a manner that if the insert 22 is rotated in an anti-clockwise sense the spring 46 is pre-loaded, with the pre-load increasing to a pre-set maximum once the insert 22 has turned, relative to the outer sleeve 20, through approximately 90 degrees.

The device 10 is further provided with a stop means, in the form of a recess 50 provided in the outer sleeve 20, which cooperates with the screw 26 to ensure the degree of rotation of the parts 20, 22 relative to one another is limited. More specifically, the recess 50 defines first and second abutment surfaces 50a, 50b at its respective ends which serve to limit angular movement of the insert 22, relative to the outer sleeve 20, in anti-clockwise and clockwise directions respectively.

The sequence of steps required to attach and detach the device 10 from the ISOfix bar 18 will now be described in detail, with reference to Figure 6.

Referring to Figure 6(a), the device 10 is initially in a detachable position and detached from the ISOfix bar 18. In this position the insert 22 is in an initial angular position, the outer sleeve 20 is in an initial angular position and the internal spring 46 is unloaded. The cross slot 42 in the outer sleeve 20 is aligned with the cross slot 32 in the insert 22 so that, as a first step in attaching the device 10 to the ISOfix bar, the bar 18 can be inserted fully into the slots 32, 42 by pushing the device 10 forwards (in the direction of arrow A) over the fixture 18. The cross slot 32 in the insert 22, together with the aligned cross slot 42 in the outer sleeve 20, therefore define an entry path for the fixture 18 as it is initially brought into engagement with the device 10. When the ISOfix bar 18 is inserted fully into the cross slots 32, 42, one end the bar 18 projects laterally from each side of the device 10.

It will be appreciated that if the insert 22 and the outer sleeve 20 are not oriented so that the cross slots 32, 42 align, the ISOfix bar 18 can only be inserted part way into the cross slot 32 before it abuts the end of the outer sleeve 20. In such circumstances it is not possible to attach the device 10 to the fixture 18.

Referring to Figure 6(b), the insert 22 is subsequently turned in an anti-clockwise sense (in the direction of arrow B) by manipulating the handle 14. With the ISOfix bar 18 received within the cross slots 32, 42, the outer sleeve 20 is not able to turn at this stage and so remains fixed in its initial angular position. The insert 20 is permitted to move out of its initial position by virtue of the part- annular groove 38 which is manoeuvred over the static bar 18 and, in so doing, causes the coil spring 46 to be loaded against the sleeve 20. This tends to bias the outer sleeve 20 in an anti-clockwise direction, but because the bar 18 is located

within the cross slot 42 the bias loading of the spring is opposed and the outer sleeve 20 is prevented from turning.

Referring to Figure 6(c), once the insert 22 has turned through approximately 90 degrees, into its second position, the ISOfix bar 18 has been manoeuvred into the innermost end of the retaining channel 34 (i.e. that end remote from the engaging end 22b of the insert 22). Further angular movement of the insert 22, beyond the second angular position, is prevented by the provision of the stop means 50, 50a,

50b: as the insert 22 is turned, the screw 26 moves through the recess 50, away from the first abutment surface 50a, until it makes contact with the second abutment surface 50b at the other end of the recess 50, thus limiting rotation of the insert 22.

When the device 10 is in the orientation of Figure 6(c), the cross slot 42 in the outer sleeve 20 aligns with the retaining channel 34 to define an enclosed channel

(as identified by the dashed line 50) from which the ends of the ISOfix bar 18 project, one on either side of the device 10. At this stage the spring 46 is fully loaded and, if it were not for the projecting ends of the ISOfix bar 18 holding the outer sleeve 20 in place against the spring load, the outer sleeve 20 would be urged to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction.

Referring to Figure 6(d), as a final step in fully attaching the device 10 to the bar 18, the device 10 is pulled axially rearwards (in the direction of arrow C) to release the outer sleeve 20 from the position shown in Figure 6(c). The device 10 is pulled rearward, over the bar 18, until the bar 18 is brought into the blind end of the retaining channel 34. Once the device 10 has been drawn sufficiently rearward that the end of the outer sleeve 20 clears the projecting end of the bar 18, the sleeve 20 is no longer held against the biasing force of the spring 46 and,

hence, moves under the spring force, relative to the static insert 22, in an anticlockwise sense (i.e. in the direction of arrow D).

The sprung rotation of the outer sleeve 20 moves the sleeve into its second angular position, displaced 90 degrees from its initial position, to once again bring the cross slot 32 in the insert 22 into alignment with the cross slot 42 in the outer sleeve 20. Here, the relative orientation between the sleeve 20 and the insert

22 is identical to that in the initial position of Figure 6(a), but the whole device 10 has now been turned through 90 degrees to manoeuvre over the bar 18 so that the bar 18 is now trapped within the blind end of the retaining channel 34. The retaining channel 34 in the insert 22, in cooperation with the outer sleeve 20, thus defines a means for retaining the bar 18 in fixed attachment with the device 10.

In order to detach the device 10 from the ISOfix bar 18, the sequence of steps described previously is completed in a reverse order. This requires a deliberate 'unlocking' of the device 10 by rotating the outer sleeve 20 in a clockwise sense to allow the device 10 to be pushed forwards (i.e. in the reverse direction to arrow C), thereby reversing the step shown in Figure 6(d). The channel means 30 is then manoeuvred over the bar 18 by following the sequence of steps illustrated in Figures (a), (b) and (c) in reverse order (i.e. (c), then (b), then (a)). The fixture 18 is finally detached from the device 10 through the cross slots 32, 42, which thus define an exit path for the fixture 18 as it is disengaged from the device 10 to return to the detached condition shown in Figure 6(a).

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the attachment device 10 is convenient to use and can be detached and attached by following a simple sequence of manoeuvres. The connection between the device 10 and the bar 18 is secure and cannot become detached accidentally unless a deliberate sequence of

unlocking steps is performed. With the device 10 attached to the bar 18, the strap 12 can be used to secure luggage in place. The device 10 can therefore be used as a secure means of securing luggage in place inside or outside the vehicle. Moreover, as the device 10 can be detached simply and conveniently from the bar 18, it can be removed and stored elsewhere within the vehicle boot or other storage compartment to improve the vehicle aesthetics.

In practice, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of devices 10 in the vehicle, each of which attaches to a corresponding one of a plurality of ISOfϊx bars 18, for example such as those mounted on the rear vehicle seat. In this way, several straps 12, one associated with each of the devices 10, may be used to hold luggage in place. By way of example, a set of golf clubs may be carried on the rear seat of the vehicle, with two, three or four straps attached securely to a respective one of the rear seat ISOfix bars. This prevents the golf clubs from rolling around, or falling from, the rear seat during transport.

The device is not limited to rear seat use and may equally be used in the front passenger seat of the vehicle or in the vehicle boot. In the latter case, additional fixtures to which the device(s) 10 may be attached are provided on the boot floor or sidewalls.

The attachment device may also be used outside the vehicle such as on the roof or boot rack or when it is necessary to transport particularly bulky or awkwardly shaped luggage with the boot lid open. In the latter case, it is common to see ropes or bungees being used to tie the boot lid loosely to the vehicle chassis, but a more secure connection may be achieved by providing the vehicle with a fixture to which the attachment device 10 can be connected. The strap 12 of the device

10 may then be looped through the boot lid, for example in the region of the boot's locking mechanism, to hold the boot lid securely in a part-open position.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment device 10 need not form a part of a harness arrangement, but may instead be fixed directly to an item of luggage. For example, a pet carrier box may be provided with two attachment devices 10 spaced apart on the carrier by an amount consistent with the ISOfix standard to allow the carrier to be fixed directly to the ISOfix bars in the vehicle seat. In a further alternative embodiment, luggage boxes for other forms of cargo, such as groceries or plants, may be provided with two attachment devices 10 in a similar manner.

It will also be appreciated that the attachment device may be supplied or sold as a separate item, to be attached in a convenient and secure manner to a product of the user's choice. It will also be appreciated that the attachment device is not limited to use within a land vehicle, such as a car, but may equally be used in other modes of transport, such as aeroplanes or boats. In this case, the fixture to which the device 10 is attached need not be an ISOfix compliant fixture, nor need the devices be used in pairs.

The load requirements of the attachment device will determine the material from which the device can suitably be made. If heavier loads are to be secured in place it is preferable to form the insert 22 and the outer sleeve 20 from steel or another strong metal. The insert 22 may be formed as a solid body for higher loading requirements, but for lighter loads the insert 22 may be hollow at its end remote from the cross slot 32. Alternatively, if a steel insert is used the central core may be bored and filled with a plastic material to reduce the overall weight of the device 10 for lighter load applications. In a further alternative embodiment for

lighter loading requirements, the hollow bore may remain unfilled so that the insert simply takes the form of a hollow sleeve.

If the device 10 is intended for use in applications where it is exposed to a harsh environment, such as on a boat for example, it may be preferable to form the device substantially from a plastic or other suitably resistant material. For aesthetic reasons, coloured plastic materials may also be used for vehicle applications, so as to match the device appearance to the vehicle trim.

It will be appreciated that the attachment device has applications outside of vehicle or transport applications, or even luggage systems, and may be used in a variety of other applications for securing one part to another where quick and convenient attachment and detachment of the parts is desirable. For example, the device may have application in constructional applications, on portable luggage items such as rucksacks, or may be useful in a host of outdoor activities (e.g. camping, caravanning, sailing).