Abstract:
A latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use while permitting free relative rotation. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present non-provisional United States Patent Application claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. Provisional Application 61/932,869 filed on Jan. 29, 2014. The contents of such referenced application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to buckles which are operatively connected to support surfaces such as backpacks, clothing and the like by the use of looped connection straps. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Two-piece buckles that snap together and latch automatically upon adequately inserting a male component into a female component are known and are used in a variety of applications. In past constructions, one of the members (typically the female member defining the buckle body) includes an eyelet with a fixed cross-bar positioned at a distal end located away from the connection point to the other member. A short piece of webbing is looped through the eyelet and the free ends of the webbing are then stitched or otherwise connected to a support surface such as a backpack, article of clothing or other structure. A secure connection between the buckle member and the support surface is thereby established. 
         [0004]    The use of a buckle member of unitary construction with a webbing connection sewn to a support surface provides an excellent connection during use. However, in the event that the buckle member is damaged, replacement of the damaged part requires that one end of the webbing to be cut or otherwise detached from the support surface for rethreading through a replacement buckle member. The free end of the webbing must then be reattached to the support surface. This replacement procedure is thus time consuming and requires substantial skill. Accordingly, a buckle assembly which provides secure attachment during use, while nonetheless facilitating ease of replacement would represent a significant advancement over the current art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required. 
         [0006]    In one aspect thereof, the present disclosure provides a buckle assembly including a receiving body component and a latch component adapted for insertion into the receiving body component. At least the body component comprises a first upstanding ear and a second upstanding ear disposed in spaced-apart relation from one another on opposing lateral sides of the buckle component. The first upstanding ear comprises an entrance opening and the second upstanding ear comprises an exit opening disposed in substantially aligned relation to the entrance opening. A displaceable pin extends matedly through the entrance opening and the exit opening such that the displaceable pin defines a removable cross-bar extending in spanning relation between the first upstanding ear and the second upstanding ear at an elevation such that an attachment strap may be disposed in looped relation to the displaceable pin such that the receiving body component is rotatable relative to the attachment strap. 
         [0007]    Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numbers are used to designate like features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary buckle assembly consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a partial assembly view of a first embodiment of a buckle component consistent with the present disclosure adapted for engagement with a webbing loop illustrating a removable cross-bar in the displaced condition; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic side view illustrating the buckle component of  FIG. 2 , showing surfaces adapted to hold the removable cross-bar in place after insertion 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , illustrating the removable cross-bar in its operative position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a partial assembly view of a second embodiment of a buckle component consistent with the present disclosure adapted for engagement with a webbing loop illustrating a removable cross-bar in the displaced condition; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 5 , illustrating the removable cross-bar in its operative position; 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Before the embodiments of the intention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1-4  in particular, a buckle  10  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the exemplary buckle  10  includes a male latch component  12  having a proximal base  14  and a pair of flexible distal legs projecting away from the proximal base  14 . As shown, the proximal base  14  may include a pair of eyelets  18  for connection to a adjustable strap (nor shown) in a manner as will be well understood by those of skill in the art. The distal legs  16  may each include a lateral shoulder feature  20  for use in establishing a snap connection within a hollow receiving body  30 . As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the receiving body  30  includes a pair of lateral openings  32  on opposing sides for receipt of the lateral shoulder features  20  on the distal legs  16 . The receiving body  30  also includes a cross-bar generally designated as  34  extending between a pair of upstanding ears  36 . The cross-bar  34  engages an attachment strap  38  of fabric or the like in looped relation. 
         [0016]    The male latch component  12  and the female receiving body  30  and cross-bar  34  each can be made as individual monolithic structures of plastic formed by injection molding processes, or the like. However, it is likewise contemplated that other materials of construction such as metals or the like may be used to form one or more of the components if desired. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary polymeric construction materials may include Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6 and ABS. However, virtually any other moldable plastic with adequate strength may be used. 
         [0017]    As shown, the attachment strap  38  may be connected in fixed relation to a support structure  40  such as the surface of a backpack, article of clothing or the like. By way of example only, and not limitation, the attachment strap  38  may be held in place at the support structure  40  by stitching  42  or other connection means as will be well known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0018]    During use, the distal legs  16  may be inserted into, and received by, the hollow receiving body  30  such that the lateral shoulder features  20  project through the lateral openings  32  of the receiving body, whereby the buckle  10  is latched. Due to the presence of the attachment strap  38  in looped relation to the cross-bar  34 , an operative connection is established between the support structure  40  and any strap or other structure which may be connected to the latch component  12 . The relatively lose looped relation between the attachment strap  38  and the cross-bar  34  also permits the buckle  10  to rotate freely about an axis defined by the cross-bar, thereby facilitating ease of manipulation. When the buckle is to be unlatched, a user may press the distal legs  16  towards one another to permit withdrawal of the latch component  12  in a manner as will be well known. 
         [0019]    The features of the present disclosure facilitate the replacement of a buckle component by use of a cross-bar  34  which can be readily disengaged from the attachment strap  38  in the event that the buckle component becomes damaged. In this regard, it is to be understood that while the displaceable cross-bar  34  is illustrated and will be described in operative connection to the receiving body  30  of the buckle  10 , it is likewise contemplated that the same constructions may alternatively be used on the latch component  12  if desired. By way of example only, in such an alternative construction, the cross-bar  34  could replace the base eyelets  18  and extend between ears forming lateral sides of the latch component proximal base. However, the operation of the cross-bar would be the same. 
         [0020]    Referring now jointly to  FIGS. 2-4 , in a first illustrated exemplary construction, the cross-bar  34  is provided by a substantially smooth surface shaft portion  50  of a displaceable pin  52  formed by practices such as injection molding or the like from materials as previously described. By way of example only and not limitation, the displaceable pin  52  may be formed from the same material as the receiving body  30  and/or the latch component  12 . However, different materials of construction may also be used if desired. As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the displaceable pin  52  may include a pair of lateral posts  54  located adjacent to the distal end  56  of the pin  52 . As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the distal end  56  of the pin  52  is adapted to be inserted into an entrance opening  60  in the form of a keyed passageway on one of the ears  36  such that the lateral posts  54  are substantially aligned with a pattern of perimeter insert slots  62  extending radially outwardly from opposing sides of a central portion of the entrance opening  60 . In accordance with one exemplary practice, the insert slots  62  are slightly undersized relative to the lateral posts  54  to facilitate non-reversible, press-fit insertion. In this regard, the lateral posts  54  may each include a leading face  64  which is slightly chamfered and narrower than a rear face  66  which is substantially planar. This construction defines a generally trapezoidal profile to facilitate press-fit insertion and retention. 
         [0021]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, after passing through the entrance opening  60 , the distal end  56  of the pin  52  may be inserted through an exit opening  70  defining a keyed passage on the ear  36  opposing the entrance opening. During this insertion through the exit opening  70 , the lateral posts  54  are substantially aligned with a pattern of perimeter exit slots  72  on opposing sides of a central portion of the exit opening  70 . The perimeter exit slots may be slightly oversized relative to the lateral posts  54  to facilitate unobstructed pass-through when the pin  52  is properly aligned. As will be appreciated, the oversized condition of the exit slots will also prevent locking engagement of the pin  52  within the exit opening  70  in the event that insertion is made from the incorrect side. That is, in the event that the pin  52  is inadvertently inserted from the incorrect side, no locking engagement will take place and the pin  52  may be easily withdrawn for proper insertion through the entrance opening  60 . 
         [0022]    As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the exterior surface of the exit opening  70  includes a pattern of ramped surfaces adapted to engage the lateral posts  54  after insertion. As best seen in  FIG. 3 , this pattern includes four extended ramp surfaces  74  of gradual slope positioned immediately adjacent to the exit slots  72 . The extended ramp surfaces  74  are characterized by an elevation increase as distance increases away from the exit slots  72 . Thus, the highest elevation for each of the extended ramp surfaces  74  is furthest removed from the exit slots  72 . The exemplary pattern of ramped surfaces also includes four barrier ramp surfaces  76  of steeper slope than the extended ramp surfaces  74 . The barrier ramp surfaces  76  are characterized by an elevation decrease as distance increases away from the exit slots  72 . Thus, the lowest elevation for each of the barrier ramp surfaces  76  is furthest removed from the exit slots  72 . As shown, the exemplary pattern of ramped surfaces also includes pair of depressed pin recesses  80 . Each pin recess is located between a pair of the barrier ramp surfaces  76  and is oriented with a length dimension in transverse relation to the exit slots  72 . 
         [0023]    Following insertion of the lateral posts  54  through the exit opening, the pin may be rotated by ¼ turn in either direction to cause the lateral posts  54  to be captured within the pin recesses  80 . Rotation may be carried out by finger tightening using wings  82  at the proximal end of the pin  52 . Alternatively, a tool engagement slot  84  may be used in conjunction with a driving tool such as a screwdriver, coin or the like (not shown). As will be appreciated, during locking rotation, the rear faces  66  of the lateral posts  54  will first move in camming relation over the increasing elevation extended ramp surfaces  74  and will then be guided over the decreasing elevation barrier ramp surfaces  76  for deposit into the pin recesses  80 . In this condition with the lateral posts  54  within the pin recesses  80 , any substantial rotation is blocked by the relatively steep slope of the barrier ramp surfaces  76 . During use, the shaft portion  50  of the pin  54  remains substantially stationary and does not rotate. However, the looped attachment strap  32  nonetheless permits relative rotation between the buckle  10  and the attachment strap  38  about an axis defined substantially by the shaft portion  50 . 
         [0024]    In the event that the buckle  10  is to be disengaged from the attachment strap  38 , the pin  52  may be removed by application of a sufficient torque in either direction to permit the lateral posts  54  to move in a cramming action over the barrier ramp surfaces  76  and the extended ramp surfaces  74  to a position in alignment with the exit slots  72  for withdrawal. As will be appreciated, during this removal operation, a significant initial torque must be applied in order to move the lateral posts away from the pin recesses  80  and over the initial steep slope of the barrier ramp surfaces  76 . Thus, inadvertent removal is avoided. However, once the extended ramp surface  74  is reached, the slope actually decreases towards the exit slots  72  thereby urging the pin  52  towards the proper orientation for withdrawal. Once the lateral posts  54  are in alignment with the exit slots  72 , the distal end  56  of the pin  52  may be withdrawn from the exit opening  70  and towards the entrance opening  60 . Nonetheless, full extraction of the pin  52  will be blocked by the undersized insert slots  62 . Thus, the pin  52  cannot be lost. 
         [0025]    As will be understood, the ability to insert and withdraw the pin  52  permits the selective engagement and disengagement with a looped attachment strap  38 . Thus, the attachment strap  38  may be secured in looped relation to a support structure before establishing an operative connection to the buckle  10 . Likewise, after an operative connection is established, that connection may be reversed to replace a buckle component if desired. The operative connection can then be reestablished without any need to disengage the attachment strap  38  from its support structure  40 . As will be appreciated, this ability for selective engagement and disengagement promotes significant flexibility of operation. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an alternative construction for a buckle component consistent with the present disclosure is provided. In  FIGS. 5 and 6  all elements corresponding to those described previously and designated by like reference numerals increased by  100 . As shown, in this exemplary construction, the hollow receiving body  130  includes a pair of upstanding ears  136  disposed at positions above lateral openings  132  on either side of the receiving body  130 . One of the ears  136  includes an entrance opening  160 . The other one of the ears includes an exit opening  170 . 
         [0027]    In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a displaceable pin in the form of a threaded bolt  152  may pass between the ears  136  in mated relation to the entrance opening  160  and the exit opening  170 . A rotatable sleeve  134  defining a cross-bar in inboard relation to the ears  136  is disposed in surrounding relation to the bolt  152 . The inner diameter of the rotatable sleeve  134  is greater than the outer diameter of the bolt  152  thereby permitting substantially free rotation of the rotatable sleeve  134  relative to the bolt  152 . As illustrated, a nut  192  or other tightening member may be used to secure the bolt  152  in place in spanning relation between the ears  136 . In the final connected condition, the nut  192  may be held within a matched recess  190  to avoid inadvertent turning during use. 
         [0028]    The receiving body  130  and rotatable sleeve  134  each can be made as individual monolithic structures of plastic formed by injection molding processes, or the like. However, it is likewise contemplated that other materials of construction such as metals or the like may be used to form one or both components if desired. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary polymeric construction materials may include Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6 and ABS. However, virtually any other moldable plastic with adequate strength may be used. 
         [0029]    The length of the rotatable sleeve  134  is preferably slightly less than the distance between ears  136 . As will be appreciated, this slightly shortened distance will facilitate substantially free rotation about the bolt  152 . However, it is preferable to avoid substantial exposure of the threads on bolt  152  to avoid undue wear of the surrounding attachment strap (not shown). 
         [0030]    As will be readily understood, the bolt  152  with the surrounding rotatable sleeve may be inserted through the loop of an attachment strap to establish the same kind of operative connection illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The bolt  152  is held in place in by the nut  192 , such that rotation of the bolt  152  is prevented. In this condition, the rotatable sleeve  134  is nonetheless able to rotate substantially freely. During use, the looped attachment strap rides on the rotatable sleeve  134  thereby providing substantially free rotation between the buckle and the attachment strap. This operative connection also reduces the likelihood that the attachment strap will cause the bolt  152  to turn during use. After an initial operative connection is established, that connection may be reversed to replace a buckle component if desired. This reversal may be carried out by simply disengaging the bolt  152  from the nut  192  and withdrawing the bolt  152  from the ears  136 . The operative connection can then be reestablished by reinsertion of the bolt without any need to disengage the attachment strap from its support structure  40 . As will be appreciated, this ability for selective engagement and disengagement promotes significant flexibility of operation. 
         [0031]    Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the disclosure disclosed and defined herein extends 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. 
         [0032]    Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.