Meter for use in detecting tension in straps having predetermined elastic characteristics

Claim 1

In a meter for use in indicating tension in straps having predetermined elastic characteristics, the improvement comprising: a pair of mutually displaceable receivers, each receiver of said pair including a block having planar surfaces defining therewithin a slotted opening for receiving therebetween a selected portion of a strap having a propensity to elongate when placed in tension; means for securing said block to the strap including a clamping pin supported for axial reciprocation along a path intersecting the plane of said planar surfaces; a pair of elongated, juxtaposed arms, each arm of said pair being characterized by a distal end portion integrally related with one receiver of said pair whereby each receiver is supported at one end of said arm; means including a pivot pin for pivotally coupling one arm of said pair to the other arm thereof, whereby the arms are supported for pivotal displacement about a common aXis as motion is imparted to the arms; pressure measuring means mounted on one arm of said pair, at the end opposite said distal end thereof, and having a plunger extended toward the other arm of said pair; means including an anvil mounted on said other arm of said pair in juxtaposition with said plunger for applying thereto pressure of a magnitude dictated by the magnitude of displacement imparted to said receivers; visual read-out means coupled with said pressure measuring means for indicating the magnitude of the pressure applied to said plunger; the distance between said pivot pin and said plunger being at least three times the distance between said pivot pin and said clamping pins.