Buckle with whistle

An example buckle assembly includes a body and a latch. The body includes an integral whistle portion. The latch is configured to snapably mate with the body.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a fastening system, and, more particularly, to a buckle that is configured to securely connect multiple components together and includes a whistle.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, buckles have been developed to fasten straps to one another. For example, luggage (e.g., backpacks, duffel bags, suitcases, etc.) include various straps releasably connected to one another to close the luggage, adjust the luggage to a user, adjust the luggage to an item being carried, etc.

Certain known buckles include a whistle for the user to signal information (e.g., a location, an upcoming turn, directions, etc.) to another party. When the user blows into the whistle, the whistle produces a whistling sound.

However, these known buckles include a body and a plug. The plug fits into the body to define a whistle cavity. These plugs have high insertion forces and are thus often difficult for operators to install the known fasteners. Improper installation of the plugs may lead to loss of the plug, without which the buckle cannot produce the whistling sound.

Therefore, a need exists for a buckle that is ergonomic for operators to assemble and that remains securely assembled.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an example buckle assembly is disclosed that includes a body and a latch. The body includes an integral whistle portion. The latch is configured to snapably mate with the body.

In another aspect, an example buckle body is disclosed that includes a guiding portion and a whistle portion. The whistle portion is integrally connected to the guiding portion. The whistle portion defines a whistle cavity.

In a further aspect, an example buckle latch is disclosed that includes a locking portion and a whistle portion. The whistle portion is integrally connected to the locking portion. The whistle portion defines a whistle cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a buckle assembly with features that facilitate operators in assembling the buckle assembly and facilitate users in producing a whistling sound with a whistle formed in the buckle assembly.

A first example buckle assembly100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted inFIGS. 1, 2, 14, and 15. The buckle assembly100includes a body104and a latch106. In some embodiments, the structures of the body104are integrally connected to one another. In other words, in some embodiments, the body104is unitary. The latch106snapably locks in the body104. The latch106is configured to releasably mate with the body104in multiple orientations. In other words, the latch106is symmetrically arranged to be flippably mateable with the body104.

With reference toFIG. 3, the body104includes a guiding portion110, a whistle portion112, a first locking wing114, a second locking wing116, and a strap adjuster118. The whistle portion112is connected to and between the first locking wing114and the second locking wing116. The strap adjuster118extends from the whistle portion112. In some embodiments, the body104is formed from a single shot of material (e.g., injection-molded plastic). Thus, in some embodiments, the body104is unitary and integrally formed.

With reference toFIG. 3, the whistle portion112includes a first inner wall122, a second inner wall124, a top wall126, and a bottom wall128. The first inner wall122is connected to and between the top wall126and the bottom wall128. The second inner wall124is connected to and between the top wall126and the bottom wall128. The first inner wall122, the second inner wall124, the top wall126, and the bottom wall128define a guide cavity130.

With reference toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the body104is formed from multiple shots of material (e.g., injection-molded plastic and/or rubber). Thus, in some embodiments, the body104is unitary and integrally formed while the guiding portion110, the whistle portion112, the first locking wing114, the second locking wing116, and the strap adjuster118are respectively formed of one or more materials. For example, in some embodiments, the whistle portion112may be formed of a first material (e.g., a soft-touch elastomer, a glow-in-the dark plastic polymer, a flexible polymer, etc.) and the guiding portion110, the first locking wing114, the second locking wing116, and the strap adjuster118may be formed of a second material (e.g., a rigid plastic polymer). In some embodiments, the guiding portion110, the whistle portion112, the first locking wing114, the second locking wing116, and the strap adjuster118are respectively formed in one or more colors of a like material.

With reference toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the whistle portion112is hingedly connected to the guiding portion110via a living hinge (not shown). In some embodiments, the whistle portion112is metallic and one or more of the guiding portion110, the first locking wing114, the second locking wing116, and the strap adjuster118are non-metallic (e.g., polymer plastic). Thus, in some embodiments, the whistle portion112is a separate structure relative to the guiding portion110, the first locking wing114, the second locking wing116, and the strap adjuster118are non-metallic. Further, in some embodiments, the whistle portion112is connected to the guiding portion110(e.g., adhesively, snapably, via interference fit, etc.).

With reference toFIG. 3the top wall126is shaped to include a sounding edge134. When a user blows into the whistle portion112, air is diverted at the sounding edge134to produce a whistling sound, as will be explained in greater detail below.

With reference toFIG. 8, whistle portion112further includes a first support rib138, a second support rib140, a first ramp wall144, a second ramp wall146, a third ramp wall148, and a lower wall150. The second ramp wall146is between and connected to the first ramp wall144and the lower wall150. The third ramp wall148is between and connected to the first ramp wall144and the lower wall150. The first support rib138and the second support rib140further define the guide cavity130. The first ramp wall144, the second ramp wall146, the third ramp wall148, and the lower wall150define a whistle cavity152. The second ramp wall146and the third ramp wall148are non-parallel. The first ramp wall144and the lower wall150are also non-parallel. Thus, the whistle cavity152is pyramidal in shape.

With reference toFIG. 10, the first ramp wall144, the second ramp wall146, the third ramp wall148, and the lower wall150also define an inlet154. The inlet154is in fluid communication with the whistle cavity152. Additionally, the lower wall150extends from the top wall126.

With reference toFIG. 9, the first support rib138extends from the first inner wall122. The second support rib140extends from the second inner wall124. The first support rib138and the second support rib140support the lower wall150. In operation, the first support rib138and the second support rib140work to form a seal with a user's lower lip as the user blows into the whistle cavity152via the inlet154(shown inFIG. 10).

With reference toFIG. 5, first ramp wall144, the second ramp wall146, the third ramp wall148, and the top wall126define a first outlet156. Thus, the sounding edge134partially defines the first outlet156. Because the first ramp wall144is ramped relative to the lower wall150and the second ramp wall146is ramped relative to the third ramp wall148, the whistle cavity152narrows from the inlet154to the first outlet156.

With reference toFIG. 10, the second ramp wall146(shown inFIG. 8), the third ramp wall148, and the lower wall150define a second outlet158. The sounding edge134further defines the second outlet158. The second outlet158is opposite the first outlet156. The whistle cavity152, the first outlet156, and the second outlet158are in fluid communication with one another.

With reference again toFIG. 10, in operation, a user positions an upper lip (not shown) on the first ramp wall144. The user further positions a lower lip (not shown) on the lower wall150, the first support rib138, and the second support rib140. The first support rib138and the second support rib140are contoured for the user's comfort against the user's lower lip. The upper lip sealingly engages the first ramp wall144, the second ramp wall146, the third ramp wall148, and the lower lip. Further, the lower lip sealingly engages the first support rib138, the lower wall150, the second support rib140, and the upper lip. Thus, the user's upper and lower lips sealingly engage one another and the whistle portion112.

With reference still toFIG. 10, further in operation, a user blows a flow of air Aiinto the whistle cavity152. When the flow of air Aiis blown through the whistle cavity152, the flow of air Aiis sharply diverted at the sounding edge134into a top flow Atand a bottom flow Ab. The top flow Atflows upwardly out of the body104via the first outlet156. The bottom flow Abflows out of the body104via the second outlet158and the guide cavity130. When the top flow Atis diverted upwardly at the sounding edge134, the top flow Atforms swirling vortexes of air. Because the top flow Atis whirling, the top flow Atproduces vibrations in the air above the first outlet156. Thus, the top flow Atgenerates sound waves. In other words, blowing the flow of air Aiinto the whistle cavity152and across the sounding edge134produces a whistling sound.

With reference toFIG. 8, the first locking wing114includes a first outer wall162, the top wall126, and the bottom wall128. The first outer wall162is connected to and between the top wall126and the bottom wall128. Put differently, the first locking wing114is U-shaped and includes a first upper end164and a first lower end166. Thus, the first locking wing114connects to the whistle portion112at the first upper end164and the first lower end166. The first locking wing114further includes a first upper shoulder168and a first lower shoulder170. The first upper shoulder168extends from the top wall126and the first outer wall162. The first lower shoulder170extends from the bottom wall128and the first outer wall162. The top wall126, the bottom wall128, the first inner wall122, the first outer wall162, the first upper shoulder168, and the first lower shoulder170define a first passage172.

With reference again toFIG. 8, the second locking wing116includes a second outer wall174, the top wall126, and the bottom wall128. The second outer wall174is connected to and between the top wall126and the bottom wall128. Put differently, the second locking wing116is U-shaped and includes a second upper end176and a second lower end178. Thus, the second locking wing116connects to the whistle portion112at the second upper end176and the second lower end178. The second locking wing116further includes a second upper shoulder180and a second lower shoulder182. The second upper shoulder180extends from the top wall126and the second outer wall174. The second lower shoulder182extends from the bottom wall128and the second outer wall174. The top wall126, the bottom wall128, the second inner wall124, the second outer wall174, the second upper shoulder180, and the second lower shoulder182define a second passage184.

With reference toFIG. 4, the strap adjuster118includes a front wall190, a first routing bar192, a second routing bar194, a first connector196, and a second connector198. The first connector196and the second connector198extend from the front wall190. The first routing bar192is connected to and between the first connector196and the second connector198. The second routing bar194is connected to and between the first connector196and the second connector198. The first routing bar192is between the second routing bar194and the front wall190. The second routing bar194, the first connector196, the second connector198, and the front wall190define a routing cavity202. The front wall190defines a first window204and a second window206.

With reference toFIG. 10, the first routing bar192defines a notch208. In operation a strap (not shown) is routed through the routing cavity202around the first routing bar192to contact the notch208and the second routing bar194. Frictional forces between the strap and the first routing bar192and additional frictional forces between the strap and the second routing bar194selectively hold the strap stationary relative to the strap adjuster118. In other words, the strap is adjustably retained by the strap adjuster118.

With reference again toFIG. 10, the front wall190further defines the guide cavity130. It should be appreciated that particulates (e.g., sand, dust, dirt, etc.) and fluids (e.g., water, air, soap, etc.) may easily pass through the whistle cavity152, the guide cavity130, the first outlet156, the second outlet158, and the inlet154. Thus, the debris may easily fall out of the whistle portion112. Additionally, the whistle portion112may be easily cleaned.

With reference toFIG. 11, the latch106includes a top212, a bottom214, a first side216, and a second side218. It should be appreciated that the top212is a mirror image of the bottom214, as shown inFIG. 13. It should also be appreciated that the second side218is a mirror image of the first side216, as shown inFIG. 12. Thus, the latch106may lockably mate with the body104in recto and verso orientations, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 14, and 15. In some embodiments, the latch106is formed from a single shot of material (e.g., injection-molded plastic). Thus, in some embodiments, the latch106is unitary and integrally formed.

With reference toFIG. 11, the latch106further includes a guide bar224, a first locking arm226, a second locking arm228, a base230, and a strap loop232. The guide bar224, the first locking arm226, and the second locking arm228extend from the base230. The strap loop232also extends from the base230. The strap loop232is opposite the guide bar224, the first locking arm226, and the second locking arm228. The guide bar224is between the first locking arm226and the second locking arm228.

With reference still toFIG. 11, the first locking arm226includes a first latch body236, a first resilient portion238, and a first rib240. The first resilient portion238is connected to and between the base230and the first latch body236. The first rib240is connected to the first latch body236and the first resilient portion238. The first rib240reinforces the connection between the first latch body236and the first resilient portion238. The first latch body236and the first resilient portion238define a first top shoulder242and a first bottom shoulder244. The first latch body236resiliently pivots relative to the base230via the first resilient portion238. In some embodiments, the first latch body236is bulbous.

With reference again toFIG. 11, the second locking arm228includes a second latch body248, a second resilient portion250, and a second rib252. The second resilient portion250is connected to and between the base230and the second latch body248. The second rib252is connected to the second latch body248and the second resilient portion250. The second rib252reinforces the connection between the second latch body248and the second resilient portion250. The second latch body248and the second resilient portion250define a second top shoulder254and a second bottom shoulder256. The second latch body248resiliently pivots relative to the base230via the second resilient portion250. In some embodiments, the second latch body248is bulbous.

With reference toFIG. 12, in some embodiments, the base230defines a first divot260and a second divot262. The first divot260is between the guide bar224and the first locking arm226. The second divot262is between the guide bar224and the second locking arm228. It should be understood that the first divot260and the second divot262are optional. Thus, in some embodiments, the first divot260and/or the second divot262may be omitted.

With reference toFIG. 12, the strap loop232is U-shaped and includes a first end266and a second end268. The strap loop232is connected to the base230at the first end266and the second end268. The base230and the strap loop232define a strap window270. In operation, a strap is routed through the strap window270and around the strap loop232.

With reference toFIG. 2, in operation, when the latch106is assembled into the body104, the first divot260and the second divot262accommodate the whistle portion112. Additionally, with reference toFIG. 14, the guide bar224slidably engages the body104in the guide cavity130to align the latch106relative to the body104.

With reference toFIG. 14, it should be appreciated that the whistle portion112is aligned with the latch106. Thus, the guide cavity130and the whistle cavity152are generally parallel with the guide bar224. Further, the sounding edge134is generally perpendicular with the guide bar224.

With reference toFIG. 15, in operation, when the latch106is being assembled into the body104, the first latch body236resiliently pivots inwardly toward the first inner wall122via the first resilient portion238to pass through the first passage172. When the first latch body236exits the first passage172, the first resilient portion238pivotably snaps the first latch body236outwardly away from the first inner wall122. Thus, the first top shoulder242is aligned with and engages the first upper shoulder168. Further, the first bottom shoulder244is aligned with and engages the first lower shoulder170. Additionally in operation, to release the latch106from the body104, the user may squeeze the first locking arm226inwardly toward the first inner wall122to disengage the first top shoulder242from the first upper shoulder168and the first bottom shoulder244from the first lower shoulder170. The second locking arm228passes through the second passage184to engage the second upper shoulder180and the second lower shoulder182in the same manner as the first locking arm226(not shown). The second locking arm228may be disengaged from the second upper shoulder180and the second lower shoulder182in the same manner as the first locking arm226(not shown).

With reference toFIG. 16, a second example latch306includes a whistle portion312, a locking portion314, and a strap adjuster318. The whistle portion312is connected to and between the locking portion314and the strap adjuster318. Thus, the locking portion314is opposite the strap adjuster318. In some embodiments, the whistle portion312is integrally connected to the locking portion314and the strap adjuster318.

With reference toFIG. 16, the whistle portion312includes a first side wall322, a second side wall324, a top wall326, and a first lower wall328. The first side wall322is connected to and between the top wall326and the first lower wall328. The first side wall322is connected to the locking portion314. The second side wall324is connected to and between the top wall326and the first lower wall328. The second side wall324is connected to the strap adjuster318. The first side wall322, the second side wall324, the top wall326, and the first lower wall328define a lower cavity330.

With reference toFIG. 16, the top wall326is shaped to include a sounding edge334. Additionally, the whistle portion312further includes a first support rib338, a second support rib340.

The whistle portion312includes a third side wall344, a fourth side wall346, a ramp wall348, and a second lower wall350. The third side wall344is between and connected to the ramp wall348and the second lower wall350. The fourth side wall346is between and connected to the ramp wall348and the second lower wall350. The first support rib338and the second support rib340further define the lower cavity330. The third side wall344, the fourth wall346, the ramp wall348, and the second lower wall350define a whistle cavity352. The ramp wall348and the second lower wall350are non-parallel. Thus, the whistle cavity352is wedge-shaped.

With reference toFIG. 16, the third side wall344, the fourth side wall346, the ramp wall348, and the second lower wall350also define an inlet354. The inlet354is in fluid communication with the whistle cavity352. Additionally, the second lower wall350extends from the top wall326.

With reference toFIG. 16, the first support rib338extends from the first side wall322. The second support rib340extends from the second side wall324. The first support rib338and the second support rib340support the second lower wall350. In operation, the first support rib338and the second support rib340work to form a seal with a user's lower lip as the user blows into the whistle cavity352via the inlet354.

With reference toFIG. 16, the third side wall344, the fourth side wall wall346, the ramp wall348, and the top wall326define a first outlet356. Thus, the sounding edge334partially defines the first outlet356. Because the ramp wall348is ramped relative to the second lower wall350, the whistle cavity352narrows from the inlet354to the first outlet356. Additionally, the third side wall346, the fourth side wall348, and the second lower wall350define a second outlet (not shown). The sounding edge334further defines the second outlet. The second outlet is opposite the first outlet156. The whistle cavity352, the first outlet356, and the second outlet are in fluid communication with one another in the same manner as in the body104, as explained above with reference toFIG. 10.

With reference again toFIG. 16, in operation, a user positions an upper lip (not shown) on the ramp wall348. The user further positions a lower lip (not shown) on the second lower wall350, the first support rib338, and the second support rib340. The first support rib338and the second support rib340are contoured for the user's comfort against the user's lower lip. The upper lip sealingly engages the ramp wall348, the third side wall344, the fourth side wall346, and the lower lip. Further, the lower lip sealingly engages the first support rib338, the second lower wall350, the second support rib340, and the upper lip. Thus, the user's upper and lower lips sealingly engage one another and the whistle portion312.

With reference still toFIG. 16, further in operation, a user blows a flow of air (not shown) into the whistle cavity352. The flow of air is sharply diverted across the sounding edge334to produce a whistling sound in the same manner as with the whistling portion112, as explained above with reference toFIG. 10.

With reference toFIG. 16, the strap adjuster318includes the first routing bar192, the second routing bar194, the first connector196, and the second connector198. The first connector196and the second connector198extend from the second side wall324. The first routing bar192is connected to and between the first connector196and the second connector198. The second routing bar194is connected to and between the first connector196and the second connector198. The first routing bar192is between the second routing bar194and the front wall190. The second routing bar194, the first connector196, the second connector198, and the second side wall324define a routing cavity402.

With reference toFIG. 16, a strap (not shown) may be routed through the routing cavity402around the first routing bar192and the second routing bar194. The strap is adjustably retained in the strap adjuster318in the same manner as with the strap adjuster118, as explained above with reference toFIG. 10.

With reference again toFIG. 16, it should be appreciated that particulates (e.g., sand, dust, dirt, etc.) and fluids (e.g., water, air, soap, etc.) may easily pass through the whistle cavity352, the lower cavity330, the first outlet356, the second outlet358(not shown), and the inlet354. Thus, the debris may easily fall out of the whistle portion312. Additionally, the whistle portion312may be easily cleaned.

With reference toFIG. 16, the locking portion314is shaped to lockably mate with a compatible body in recto and verso orientations. In some embodiments, the latch306is formed from a single shot of material (e.g., injection-molded plastic). Thus, in some embodiments, the latch306is unitary and integrally formed.

With reference toFIG. 16, the locking portion314includes a guide bar424, a first locking arm426, and a second locking arm428. The first locking arm426, and the second locking arm428extend from the first side wall322. The guide bar424is connected to and between the first locking arm426and the second locking arm428.

With reference still toFIG. 16, the first locking arm426includes a first latch body436, a first resilient stem438, and a first resilient rib440. The first resilient stem438is connected to and between the first side wall322and the first latch body436. The first resilient rib440is connected to the first latch body236and the first guide bar424. The first latch body436and the first resilient stem438define a first top shoulder442and a first bottom shoulder444. The first latch body436resiliently pivots relative to the first side wall322via the first resilient stem438and the first resilient rib440. In some embodiments, the first latch body436is bulbous.

With reference again toFIG. 16, the second locking arm428includes a second latch body448, a second resilient stem450, and a second resilient rib452. The second resilient stem450is connected to and between the first side wall322and the second latch body448. The second resilient rib452is connected to the second latch body448and the guide bar424. The second latch body448and the second resilient stem450define a second top shoulder454and a second bottom shoulder (not shown). The second latch body448resiliently pivots relative to the first side wall322via the second resilient stem450and the second resilient rib452. In some embodiments, the second latch body448is bulbous.

With reference toFIG. 16, it should be appreciated that the whistle portion312is arranged transversely relative to the locking portion314. Thus, the lower cavity330and the whistle cavity352are generally perpendicular to the guide bar424. Further, the sounding edge334is generally parallel with the guide bar424.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fastening system, and, more particularly, a buckle assembly that is configured to securely connect multiple components together (e.g., straps) and be ergonomic for an operator to assemble. The buckle assembly includes a body and a latch that releasably mate with one another. The body is unitary and defines cavities to form an integrally built-in whistle. The latch has snap arms, which provide a relatively low insertion force to snapably releasably connect the latch to the body. Additionally, the latch mates with the body in multiple configurations.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above example buckle assembly100includes a unitary latch106that snapably mates with a unitary body104with a built-in whistle portion112. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the above example latch306also has a built-in whistle portion312and may be unitary. Because the body104and the latch106are each unitary, the buckle assembly100may be easier for an operator to assemble, which may prevent assembly line stoppages, reduce scrap due to misassembly, and/or improve manufacturing efficiency. Similarly, because the latch306is unitary, the latch306obviates assembly by an operator, which may also prevent assembly line stoppages, reduce scrap due to misassembly, and/or improve manufacturing efficiency. Thus, the above-disclosed buckle assembly100and latch306conserve resources and may improve manufacturing efficiency as compared to existing fasteners.

While the whistle has been disclosed herein as being incorporated into a buckle, embodiments of the whistle may be incorporated into any fastener for tending a strap, web, or cord or into a zipper pull.

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 claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.