Web-adjustment housing for a buckle assembly

A web-adjustment housing of a buckle member may include a receiving crossbar, a securing crossbar, and a strut. The receiving crossbar may include a ledge that extends in a first direction at a first angle with respect to a plane that contains or is parallel to a longitudinal axis, and first retaining members configured to securely engage webbing. The securing crossbar may include a surface that extends in a second direction at a second angle with respect to the plane, and second retaining members extending from the surface configured to securely engage the webbing. A receiving channel may be defined between the receiving crossbar and the securing crossbar. A release channel may be defined between the securing crossbar and the strut. The receiving channel and the release channel may define at least a portion of a web channel configured to adjustably retain the webbing.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a buckle assembly, and, more particularly, to a buckle assembly having a web-adjustment housing that defines a web channel.

BACKGROUND

Buckles are used to securely connect components together. For example, various bags, backpacks, and the like have male and female buckle members connected to straps, webbing, or the like. Each strap, for example, is looped through a web channel on a buckle member. In order to connect the looped straps together, the make buckle member is connected to the female buckle member.

A conventional side-release buckle assembly may include a male connection member that is configured to mate with a female connection member, such as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,472, entitled “Buckle.” Each connection member is configured to retain a strap, such as a seatbelt or backpack strap. The male connection member includes integral buttons that may be engaged to release the male connection member from the female connection member, thereby disconnecting the buckle assembly.

The male connection member may include a pair of flexible lateral arms having buttons at distal ends. A rigid strut member may extend between the lateral arms. A strap receiving channel may be formed through the male connection member between the rigid strut member and a strap bar.

In general, buckle members have strap-receiving or web channels that are configured to restrict the movement of webbing therethrough. While an individual may adjust the strap or channel within the web channel, the buckle member typically restricts the movement, so that the web or strap within the web channel remains at a desired length. In order to secure the strap or webbing in position, many individuals double and triple loop portions of the webbing or strap within the web channel.

Some buckle members include numerous small teeth that bite into the webbing or strap. The teeth dig into the material of the webbing or strap, in order to securely retain the webbing or strap at a desired position.

However, buckle members typically have relatively small web channels that may be difficult for an individual to navigate webbing therethrough. As such, the web channels of certain buckle members may be difficult for an individual to move a strap or webbing therethrough in order to adjust a length of the webbing or strap. Further, many known buckle member have web channels that may damage the webbing. As an example, the small teeth of certain buckle members may snag and tear webbing or strap material.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a buckle member of a buckle assembly. The buckle member may include a mating interface and a web-adjustment housing connected to the mating interface. The web-adjustment housing may include opposed lateral walls, a receiving crossbar, a securing crossbar, and a strut. The receiving crossbar may extend between the opposed lateral walls, and include a ledge that extends in a first direction at a first angle with respect to a plane that contains or is parallel to a longitudinal axis. The securing crossbar may also extend between the opposed lateral walls. A receiving channel may be defined between the receiving crossbar and the securing crossbar. The securing crossbar may include a surface that extends in a second direction at a second angle with respect to the plane. One or both of the receiving crossbar and the securing crossbar may also include one or more retaining members configured to securely engage webbing. The strut may also extend between the opposed lateral walls. A release channel may be defined between the securing crossbar and the strut. The receiving channel and the release channel may define at least a portion of a web channel configured to adjustably retain the webbing.

The securing crossbar may also include an apex. The receiving channel may connect to the release channel proximate to the apex.

Each retaining member may include an angled surface that is parallel to the ledge. Each retaining member may have a width that is between ⅕ and ½ a width of a receiving channel of the web-adjustment housing.

The first angle may be 45° from the ledge to the plane. The second angle may be between 45° and 90° from the surface to the plane.

The mating interface may include lateral arms and a guide beam configured to be secured into a reciprocal interface of a female buckle member. Optionally, the mating interface may include a reciprocal interface configured to receive lateral arms and a guide beam of a male buckle member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1illustrates an isometric top view of a buckle member10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The buckle member10may be molded and formed as a unitary piece of material. For example, the buckle member10may be an integral piece of injection-molded plastic or metal.

The buckle member10includes a web-adjustment housing12integrally connected to a mating interface14. It is to be understood that the terms web or webbing refer to webbing, straps, ropes, strings, fabric, sheets, or the like that are configured to be adjustably secured within the web-adjustment housing12. The mating interface14is configured to securely mate with a reciprocal interface of a counterpart buckle member. The buckle member10shown inFIG. 1is a male buckle member having opposed flexible lateral arms16with one or more guide beams18disposed therebetween. Engagement buttons20may be formed proximate to distal ends22of the lateral arms16. While the buckle member10is shown as a male buckle member, the buckle member10may be a female buckle member configured to mate with a male buckle member. In short, the web adjustment housing12may be used with male and female buckle members. Indeed, embodiments of the present invention may be used with respect to any of the buckle members shown and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,088, entitled “Buckle Assembly,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,327, entitled “Buckle Assembly,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,742, entitled “Side Release Buckle Assembly,” PCT Publication WO2012/162615, entitled “Buckle Assembly,” United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0089280, entitled “Side Release Buckle Assembly,” United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0222860, entitled “Buckle Assembly,” and United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0078069, entitled “Strap Adjusting Assembly,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The web-adjustment housing12includes opposed lateral walls24. A receiving crossbar or crossbeam26, a securing crossbar or crossbeam28, and a strut30extend between the opposed lateral walls24. Each of the receiving crossbar26, the securing crossbar28, and the strut30may be perpendicular to the opposed lateral walls24. However, the receiving crossbar26, the securing crossbar28, and the strut30may span between the opposed lateral walls24at various angles, curves, slopes, or the like.

The mating interface14extends longitudinally outward from the strut30. As shown inFIG. 1, the lateral arms16and the guide beam18may longitudinally extend outward from the strut30.

A receiving channel32is defined between the receiving crossbar26and the securing crossbar28. An adjustment channel34is defined between the securing crossbar28and the strut30. The receiving channel32and the adjustment channel34may be configured to adjustably retain a portion of webbing. However, the adjustment channel34may not affect webbing retention. Instead, the adjustment channel34may be a pass-through channel.

The securing crossbar28may include one or more retaining members36, such as block, teeth, barbs, clasps, or the like, extending into the receiving channel32toward the receiving crossbar26. As shown inFIG. 1, two retaining members36extend from the securing crossbar28.

Each retaining member36may include a rectangular top wall38connected to planar lateral walls40and a planar front wall42. A bottom wall44of each retaining member36may angle downwardly from the front wall42. The angle of the bottom wall44may be parallel to a plane of an angled ledge of the receiving crossbar26.

The receiving crossbar26may also angle downwardly from a receiving end45into the receiving channel32. The receiving crossbar26may also include one or more retaining members46.

The retaining members36may be spaced apart from one another by a central gap48. Further, each retaining member36may be spaced from a respective lateral wall24by a gap50. Alternatively, the retaining members36may extend from the lateral walls24.

Similarly, the retaining members46may be spaced apart from one another by a central gap52. As shown inFIG. 1, the retaining members46may extend from respective lateral walls24. However, the retaining members46may alternatively be separated from the lateral walls24by gaps.

FIG. 2illustrates a top view of the buckle member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each retaining member36or46may have a width60that is a fraction of the width62of the receiving channel32. For example, the width60of each retaining member36may be ⅕-⅓ the width62of the receiving channel32. However, the widths may be greater or less than ⅕-⅓ the width62. For example, instead of multiple retaining members36or46, a single centrally located retaining member having ½ the width of the receiving channel32may be used. The relatively large size of each retaining member36or46ensures that the retaining members36or46do not snag or cut into web material, in contrast to smaller teeth that may dig, snag, and cut into web material. Yet, the retaining members36or46securely engage the web material.

FIG. 3illustrates a bottom view of the buckle member10, whileFIG. 4illustrates an end view of the web-adjustment housing12of the buckle member10, andFIG. 5illustrates a lateral view of the buckle member10. As shown inFIG. 3, for example, the retaining members46may be separated from the lateral walls24.

FIG. 6illustrates a cross-sectional view of the buckle member10through line6-6ofFIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 6, the receiving crossbar26may include a planar lip70that is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis72of the buckle member10. The planar lip70integrally connects to an angled ledge74that angles downwardly from the planar lip70. The ledge74may be offset from the longitudinal axis72at an angle θ, which may be approximately 45°, for example. However, the angle θ may be greater or less than 45°, but is generally not longitudinally aligned with the planar lip70or parallel with the longitudinal axis72. Similarly, the bottom wall44of each retaining member36, as well as a bottom leading edge77of the securing crossbar28may be parallel with the ledge74. A receiving inlet76is defined between an upper surface of the receiving crossbar26and a bottom surface of the securing crossbar28.

As shown inFIG. 6, the bottom leading edge77of the securing strip28may terminate at an apex80. An upwardly angled trailing surface82extends from the apex80toward a flat rear wall84of the securing crossbar28. The angle β of the surface82may be 45°-75°, for example, from the surface of the surface82to the longitudinal axis72. However, the angle β may be greater or less than 45°-75° from the surface of the surface82to the longitudinal axis72. In general, the angle β is oppositely oriented from the angle θ. A release channel88is defined between the surface82and an internal surface of the strut30.

The angled ledge74and the trailing surface82may extend in opposite directions with respect to a plane that is parallel to another plane that contains the longitudinal axis72. For example, the angled ledge74may extend downwardly with respect to the plane that is parallel to the other plane that contains the longitudinal axis72, while the trailing surface82extends upwardly with respect to the plane that is parallel to the other plane. In an embodiment, one or both of the angled ledge74and the trailing surface82may extend from locations relative to a plane that contains the longitudinal axis72or a parallel plane. The receiving inlet76may have an open receiving end at a receiving end73of the housing12, while the release channel88may be part of the adjustment channel34, which may have an open end75proximate to a top portion of the housing12. The receiving inlet76and the release channel88may meet at the apex80.

A web-channel90includes the receiving inlet76and the release channel88. The web-channel90provides an undercut path through the web-adjustment housing12. The angled nature of the receiving inlet76and the release channel88provides a circuitous path for webbing100to pass through. For example, as shown, the webbing100includes a free end101and a restrained end103. The restrained end103may be restrained or attached to an object, such as a backpack, belt, or the like, while the free end101may be free and non-restrained. The webbing100may be looped through the securing crossbar28such that a portion of the webbing100is secured at a bite point105formed at a lower edge of the planar lip70. The circuitous path provides increased retaining ability, as the webbing100wraps through angled portions. The webbing100is held tight against the bite point105and against the retaining members36and46at a backangle α. The tooth design interaction of the retaining members36and46, such as the bite point105, provides a simulated undercut. The opposite orientation of the angles β and θ, which may be opposite in one or both of direction and magnitude, provides a locking effect when force is applied to the webbing, such as through the weight of a component secured to the buckle member10. The angle β provides a release angle that is greater than previous buckles because of the simulated undercut defined by the retaining members36and46. Further, the bite point105may dig into the webbing100, which provides added securing force into the webbing100. Moreover, the retaining members36and46(shown inFIGS. 1-6) also securely engage the webbing100, thereby securing the webbing100in place with respect to the web-adjustment housing12. As explained above, the retaining members36and46are large enough to prevent or otherwise reduce the potential for damage to the material of the webbing100.

The retaining members36and46formed on the securing crossbar28and the receiving crossbar26, respectively, provide stepped areas that define high points, in relation to the gaps, which define low points. The retaining members36and46restrict movement of the webbing100through the web channel90. As such, the channel32may be relatively tall, as the retaining members36and46provide retaining force within the receiving inlet76. Without the retaining members36and46, the channel32may be constricted (that is, shorter in height) in order to securely restrict and retain the webbing100in place. The retaining members36and46provide additional bite points that the webbing100distorts around, further providing a retaining force that locks the webbing100in place. The bite points, such as the bite point105, are large enough to provide firm locking points without causing damage to the webbing100(in contrast to standard, small locking teeth). Additionally, because the retaining members36and46are relatively large (in comparison to standard locking teeth), they are firmly and robustly planted on the buckle member10, and are not susceptible to breaking away from the housing12.

As shown, the retaining members36and46extend into the receiving inlet76, but may not extend into the release channel88. Accordingly, the release channel88may be relatively unobstructed, whereas the retaining members36and46provide locking features that extend into the receiving inlet76. In this manner, when an individual desires to adjust the webbing100, the unobstructed, relatively large gap of the channel32allows for quick and easy adjustment, while the circuitous path of the web channel90and the retaining members36and46that extend into the receiving inlet76securely retain the webbing100in place after the individual has adjusted the webbing.

While the buckle member10is described having both the retaining members36and46, the buckle member10may alternatively include only the retaining members36or46. Further, while the buckle member10is shown having two retaining members36and two retaining members46, more or less retaining members36and46may be used.

Additionally, because the web channel90is relatively tall (that is, the distance between the receiving crossbar26and the securing crossbar28is generally greater than known buckle assemblies), the webbing100may be more easily adjusted when engaged by an individual. Additionally, the angle β defines an angle of release for adjustment. The angle β may generally be greater than the angle θ, and provides a relatively high angle of release, which allows for easier adjustment through the web channel90when desired, and the webbing100is engaged by an individual for adjustment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a buckle member having a web-adjustment housing that defines a web channel that provides a circuitous path that is configured to securely lock webbing in place. The web channel may be undercut through the housing, and the retaining members provide additional retaining force that is exerted into the webbing. The retaining members allow the web channel to be large enough to allow the webbing to be doubled and tripled over therein.

In contrast to known buckle members, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an increased height web channel, a web channel that is circuitous, which provides retaining strength, retaining members that provide additional retaining strength, and a high angle of release, which allows the webbing to be easily adjusted within the web channel.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.