Patent Publication Number: US-8522410-B2

Title: Buckle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present non-provisional United States patent application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Applications 61/049,952 filed on May 2, 2008, and 61/112,822 filed on Nov. 10, 2008, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to buckles that include a male component adapted for snapped relation into a female component, with release effected by inward movement of locking members to disengage the male component from a locked condition in the female component. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     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. A piece of webbing can be attached to one or both of the buckle components, and one or both buckle components can be adjustably retained on the webbing. It is also known to have both components in fixed locations relative to a strap or web that is sewn or otherwise fixedly secured to the buckle component. Such buckles are known and use for a variety of application, including outdoor recreational products such as backpacks, bike helmets, life vests and other equipment. Two-part buckles are used also on luggage, bags, clothing and the like. 
     In one known design for buckles of this type, the female component defines a receiving body and includes openings or windows on the lateral, opposed sides of the receiving body. The male component includes arms having outward protrusions slightly wider than the width of the female component at some positions from the entrance to the window. As the male component is inserted into the female component, the arms are deflected inwardly and thereafter are allowed to rebound outwardly when the protrusions align with the windows in the female component. With the protrusion extending slightly outwardly at the window, the male component is secured within the female component. For added security, additional confronting surfaces on the male and female components engage one against another as the male component reaches a final, locked position. The locked relation is released by squeezing the protrusions inwardly from the window, and pulling the male member outwardly. 
     According to another known construction, a pair of anchoring lines are attached at the arms of the male member. The anchoring lines extend inwardly away from the arms to a central elongate box channel oriented generally parallel to the arms. The anchoring lines are threaded through openings in walls of the elongate box channel and run rearwardly along the length dimension of the elongate box channel towards a base portion of the male member. By pulling the anchoring lines in a rearward direction, the arms are pulled inwardly towards the box channel. The inward movement of the arms causes a release from the female member. 
     While buckles of the type described have had success in many application, they are not without deficiencies. For example, to improve resistance to unintended release of the buckle when the buckle is placed under load, bulky, thick components have been used. Some buckles are difficult to release when under load. While such buckles may release easily when not under load, if the engaging surfaces are directed angularly forward, release requires movement of the male lock arms such that the male member is actually driven deeper into the female component as engaging surfaces slide beyond each other. When under load, this causes an increase in the load, and as a result, the release mechanism can be difficult to operate. Further, in manufacturing prior buckles, large tolerances have been used. Accordingly, when latched but not under load, the male and female components may feel loosely fit one in the other and may even rattle or otherwise move one with respect to the other. While such looseness may not affect overall performance of the buckle, the use may feel that the buckle is not secure. The user may adjust the adjustable strap to make the strap exceedingly taut so that rattle is eliminated in that the buckle is under continuous load. This, then, can result in the aforementioned difficulty in releasing the buckle under load. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a buckle with a folding bridge structure extending between locking arms. The bridge structure includes a pivot connection zone adapted to engage an elongate release member to pull the locking arms inwardly upon tensioning the release member. 
     In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a buckle including a female buckle component including an entrance opening and an interior. The buckle further includes a male buckle component including a latch portion adapted for insertion into the female buckle component through the entrance opening. The latch portion includes a first lock arm and a second lock arm. The first lock arm and the second lock arm are disposed in spaced relation to one another. The first lock arm includes a first distal portion and a first proximal portion relative to the entrance opening. The second lock arm includes a second distal portion and a second proximal portion relative to the entrance opening. A flexible bridge member extends in depressed profile spanning relation between the first lock arm and the second lock arm. The bridge member includes a first bridge segment normally extending in angled relation away from the first distal portion of the first lock arm. The bridge member further includes a second bridge segment extending in angled relation away from the second distal portion of the second lock arm. An elongate tensioning member is operatively connected to the bridge member at a depressed connection zone between the first lock arm and the second lock arm. The elongate tensioning member extends rearwardly away from the connection zone to a position outside the buckle. The tensioning member is adapted to draw the connection zone towards the entrance opening upon application of tensioning force along the tensioning member such that the bridge member is at least partially folded and the first lock arm and the second lock arm are pulled towards one another. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention 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 
         FIG. 1  is a view of one exemplary embodiment of a buckle in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of the buckle shown in  FIG. 1  but showing the buckle in a latched condition, with the female buckle component shown in cross-section; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 3  but illustrating the lock arms of the male buckle component in a released position so that the buckle can be separated; 
         FIG. 4  is a view illustrating the buckle shown in  FIG. 1  with the female component disposed within a pocket of a fabric or other support structure; 
         FIGS. 5-7  are views similar to  FIG. 1  illustrating alternative exemplary buckle configurations in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a view of an alternative exemplary buckle configuration in accordance with the present invention utilizing a tension activated release key 
     
    
    
     Before the embodiments of the intention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention 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 invention 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 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a buckle  10  in accordance with the present intention is shown. Buckle  10  includes a male component  12  and a female component  14 . The male component  12  includes a latch  16  and a web attachment structure  18  adapted to engage a web  20  such as an elongate strap or the like. The female component  14  includes a generally hollow receiving body  24  and a perimeter skirt  26  disposed around the receiving body  24 . The perimeter skirt  26  may be a generally flat piece of plastic integrally molded with the receiving body although other materials may likewise be used. As will be described further hereinafter, The perimeter skirt  26  defines an attachment zone for adjoining the female component  14  to a support substrate such as a fabric or the like using stitching, adhesive bonding or other attachment techniques as may be desired. 
     The latch  16  is inserted into and received by the receiving body  24  of the female component  14  whereby buckle  10  is latched. The male component  12  and the female component  14  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. 
     The web  20  can be threaded through an opening in the web attachment structure  18 . This provides a secure relation between the web  20  and the male component  12 . As illustrated schematically in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with one contemplated practice, the female component  14  may be held within a pocket opening formed between layers of a multi-layer fabric support substrate  28 . As previously noted, following insertion, the female component  14  may be secured in place by stitching through the perimeter skirt  26 . In this arrangement, the fabric support substrate  28  substantially encapsulates the female component with the exception of an opening for insertion of the male component  12 . 
     In the exemplary construction illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the latch  16  of the male component  12  includes first and second latch arms  30 ,  32  projecting outwardly from the web attachment structure  18  of the male component  12 . The latch arms  30 ,  32  are mirroring structures that extend into the female component  14  when the buckle  10  is latched. Proximal ends of the latch arms  30 ,  32  define relatively thin flex segments  40 ,  42  respectively. The latch arms  30 ,  32  further include bulbous portions  44 ,  46  respectively located forward of the flex segments  40 ,  42 . The bulbous portions  44 ,  46  project laterally outwardly from axes defined by the non-deflected conditions of the flex segments  40 ,  42 , respectively. Upon lateral force exerted against the bulbous portions  44 ,  46 , the latch arms  30 ,  32  deflect or bend along flex segments  40 ,  42 , respectively, proximate the web attachment structure  18 . 
     In the illustrated exemplary construction, latching structures  48 ,  50  are provided inwardly of the latch arms  30 ,  32  and inwardly of the axes defined by non-deflected flex segments  40 ,  42 . Latching structures  48 ,  50  are thicker than the flex segments  40 ,  42  and extend above and below planes defined by upper and lower surfaces of the flex segments  40 ,  42 . The configuration and operation of the latching structures  48 ,  50  is illustrated and described in United States Patent Application 2008/0134479, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     Upon insertion of the male component  12  into an entrance opening  52 , the latching structures  48 ,  50  cooperate with pediments  54 ,  56  to retain buckle  10  in a latched condition as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . More particularly, as the latch  16  is inserted into the receiving body  24  the latch arms  30 ,  32  pass along interior sides of the receiving body  24 . During insertion, the leading edges of the latching structures  48 ,  50  engage the pediments  54 ,  56 . With continued inward insertion, the bulbous portions  44 ,  46  and the latching structures  48 ,  50  deflect inwardly by camming action between the latching structures  48 ,  50  and the corresponding pediments  54 ,  56 . Upon achieving full insertion with the latching structures  48 ,  50  positioned forward of the pediments  54 ,  56  the latch arms  30 ,  32  rebound outwardly. In moving outwardly, the latching structures  48 ,  50  are moved from inner to outer positions and lock behind the pediments  54 ,  56 . In this locked condition, the bulbous portions  44 ,  46  are accessible through window openings  60 ,  62  respectively. 
     In the locked condition, applying tension to the web  20  or other structure connected to the female component  14  does not cause separation. To unlatch or disengage the buckle  10 , the bulbous portions  44 ,  46  may be pressed inwardly at the window openings  60 ,  62  such that the latch arms  30 ,  32  are deflected inwardly by bending along flex segments  40 ,  42 . Upon inward bending of arms  30 ,  32 , the latching structures  48 ,  50  are moved inwardly, away from direct confrontation with the pediments  54 ,  56 . Continued withdrawal of latch  16  from the receiving body  24  provides inward deflection of arms  30 ,  32 , until the cam surfaces clear one another and the male component  12  pops free of the female component  14 . 
     As illustrated, in the exemplary construction a hinging bridge member  70  extends in spanning relation between the latch arms  30 ,  32 . The bridge member  70  includes a first bridge segment  72  extending away from the latch arm  30  and a second bridge segment  74  extending away from the latch arm  32 . As shown, the bridge segments  72 ,  74  are operatively connected at distal portions of the latch arms  30 ,  32  at positions forward of the corresponding bulbous portions  44 ,  46 . As shown, the bridge segments  72 ,  74  may be integral with the corresponding latch arms  30 , 32 . The bridge segments  72 ,  74  and the latch arms are preferably formed from the same material such as plastic or the like during a molding process. Alternatively, the bridge segments  72 ,  74  may be formed independently from the latch arms  30 ,  32  with operative connection being made by heat welding, adhesive bonding or the like to provide a secure connection. 
     As shown, the bridge segments  72 ,  74  intersect with one another at a connection zone  76  adapted to operatively engage a tension activated release lanyard  80  of elongate geometry. As shown, in the exemplary construction the connection zone  76  is disposed generally along a central axis of the male component  12 . In the illustrated arrangement, the bridge segments  72 ,  74  are slightly arched and extend generally in rearward angled relation away from the distal ends of the corresponding latch arms such that the overall bridge member  70  has a generally depressed profile concave cusp-shaped configuration with the base of the cusp defining the connection zone  76 . By way of example only, and not limitation, it is likewise contemplated that the bridge member may incorporate other depressed profile configurations such as a “V” shaped structure, “U” shaped structure or the like if desired. 
     Regardless of the configuration of the bridge member  70 , the operative connection between the bridge member  70  and the release lanyard  80  may be used to remotely activate the release of the male component  12  from the female component  14 . Such release is best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the male component  12  is in locked relation within the female component  14 , the latch arms  30 ,  32  are in a locking outward position. In this locked position, the latching structures  48 ,  58  are blocked from withdrawal by the corresponding pediments  54 ,  56 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when a rearward tensioning force is applied to the release lanyard  80  as shown by the directional arrow, the connection zone  76  is pulled rearwardly in the direction of the applied tensioning force and the bridge segments  72 ,  74  are drawn towards one another. That is, the bridge member  70  hinges about the connection zone  76  to fold upon itself. As the bridge segments  72 ,  74  move towards one another, the latch arms  30 ,  32  are likewise pulled in. As the latch arms  30 ,  32  are pulled in, the latching structures  48 ,  50  move out of blocked engagement with the corresponding pediments  54 ,  56  thereby permitting release. 
     In the illustrated arrangement, the release lanyard  80  extends in a substantially straight path from the connection zone  76  rearwardly to a position beyond the latch  16 . Accordingly, a user may access the release lanyard  80  when the latch is held at the interior of the receiving body  24 . As noted previously, the locked condition of  FIG. 2  is maintained when tension is applied to the web  20 . However, when tension is applied to the release lanyard  80 , the latch  16  is adjusted to an unlocked state as shown in  FIG. 3  which permits separation. Of course, release may also be achieved by applying inward pressure to the latch arms  30 ,  32  through the window openings  60 ,  62  as in prior designs. 
     While the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  may be desirable for many environments of use, it is likewise contemplated that numerous other configurations may be utilized if desired. By way of example only, and not limitation,  FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative construction for a buckle  110  in accordance with the present invention. In  FIG. 5 , elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. In the exemplary construction of  FIG. 5 , the female component  114  includes a web attachment bar  184  adapted to engage a second web  185  or other connection element extending generally away from the web  120 . Thus, the buckle  110  may define a releasable connective interface between the web  120  and the second web  185 . As shown, in the configuration of  FIG. 5 , the bridge member  170  has a generally “V” shaped configuration wherein the bridge segments  172 ,  174  are generally linear. The connection zone  176  has a depressed stirrup configuration adapted to engage a distal end of the release lanyard  180 . 
     The operation of the buckle  110  of  FIG. 5  is substantially similar to that previously described in relation to  FIGS. 1-4 . Specifically, as latch arms  130 ,  132  are inserted into entrance opening  152 , the latch arms  130 ,  132  are biased inwardly by a cam action between the chamfered edges of the latch arms and the sides of the female component  114 . Once insertion is complete, the latch arms spring outwardly such that bulbous portions are held within window openings  160 ,  162 . Outward withdrawal is blocked by shoulders  186 ,  187 . Thus, the buckle  110  remains in a locked condition even upon the application of tension to the web  120  and the second web  185 . However, when tension is applied to the release lanyard  180 , the latch arms  130 ,  132  are pulled inwardly to an unlocked state which permits separation. Posts  189  running in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the latch arms prevent excessive inward deflection of the latch arms during release. Of course, release may also be achieved by applying inward pressure to the latch arms  130 ,  132  through the window openings  160 ,  162  if desired. 
     Another exemplary buckle  210  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 200 series. In the exemplary construction of  FIG. 6 , the female component  214  includes a web attachment bar  284  adapted to engage a second web  285  or other connection element extending generally away from the web  220 . Thus, the buckle  210  may define a releasable connective interface between the web  220  and the second web  285 . In the exemplary configuration of  FIG. 6 , the bridge member  270  has a generally “U” shaped configuration wherein the bridge segments  272 ,  274  have a generally concave curvature. The connection zone  276  has an eyelet opening adapted engage a distal end of the release lanyard  280 . 
     As shown, the male component  212  in the buckle  210  also includes an alignment element  288  projecting axially towards the entrance opening  252 . In the illustrated exemplary construction, the alignment element  288  includes an elongate neck  290  and a cross member  291  at the distal end of the elongate neck. The cross member  291  has an enhanced width relative to the elongate neck. In the illustrated configuration the cross member  291  has a curved forward edge such that the alignment element has a generally umbrella shaped pattern. However, other geometries such as a “T” shaped configuration or the like may also be used. 
     Regardless of the configuration of the alignment element  288 , the cross member  291  is preferably sized to guide insertion of the male component into the center of the female component in the illustrated proper orientation while blocking insertion when the male component  212  and the female component  214  are at skewed orientations relative to one another. In this regard, the cross member may be configured to ride within a predefined track at the interior of the female component  214  if desired. The use of a leading edge of convex curvature as illustrated may facilitate such central alignment. 
     The operation of the buckle  210  of  FIG. 6  is substantially similar to that previously described in relation to other embodiments. Specifically, as latch arms  230 ,  232  are inserted into entrance opening  252 , the latch arms  230 ,  232  are biased inwardly by a cam action between the chamfered edges of the latch arms and the sides of the female component  114 . Once insertion is complete, the latch arms spring outwardly such that bulbous portions are held within window openings  260 ,  262 . Outward withdrawal is blocked by shoulders  286 ,  287 . Thus, the buckle  210  remains in a locked condition even upon the application of tension to the web  220  and the second web  285 . However, when tension is applied to the release lanyard  280 , the latch arms  230 ,  232  are pulled inwardly to an unlocked state which permits separation. Posts  289  running in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the latch arms prevent excessive inward deflection of the latch arms during release. Of course, release may also be achieved by applying inward pressure to the latch arms  230 ,  232  through the window openings  260 ,  262  if desired. 
     Another exemplary buckle  310  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 300 series. In the exemplary construction of  FIG. 7 , the female component  314  includes a web attachment bar  384  adapted to engage a second web  385  or other connection element extending generally away from the web  320 . Thus, the buckle  310  may define a releasable connective interface between the web  320  and the second web  385 . In the exemplary configuration of  FIG. 7 , the bridge member  370  is formed by bridge segments  372 ,  374  having generally hook shaped configurations. As shown, in this configuration the release lanyard  380  is fed through the aligned hook openings. 
     The operation of the buckle  310  of  FIG. 7  is substantially similar to that previously described in relation to other embodiments. Specifically, as latch arms  330 ,  332  are inserted into entrance opening  352 , the latch arms  330 ,  332  are biased inwardly by a cam action between the chamfered edges of the latch arms and the sides of the female component  314 . Once insertion is complete, the latch arms spring outwardly such that bulbous portions are held within window openings  360 ,  362 . Outward withdrawal is blocked by shoulders  386 ,  387 . Thus, the buckle  310  remains in a locked condition even upon the application of tension to the web  320  and the second web  385 . However, when tension is applied to the release lanyard  380 , the latch arms  330 ,  332  are pulled inwardly to an unlocked state which permits separation. Posts  389  running in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the latch arms prevent excessive inward deflection of the latch arms during release. Of course, release may also be achieved by applying inward pressure to the latch arms  330 ,  332  through the window openings  360 ,  362  if desired. 
     While the use of a release lanyard of substantially pliable construction may be desirable in many environments of use, it is likewise contemplated that any number of other release mechanisms may also be used. By way of example only and not limitation, an exemplary buckle  410  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 400 series. In the exemplary construction of  FIG. 8 , an elongate key member  493  may be positioned within a key slot  494  within the male component  412 . As shown, the key member  493  includes a distal latch hook  495  adapted to engage the reduced diameter connection zone  476  at the intersection of bridge segments  472 ,  474 . 
     In operation, when tension is applied to the key member  493 , the latch arms  430 ,  432  are pulled inwardly to an unlocked state which permits separation of the male component  12  from the female component  14 . Posts  489  running in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the latch arms prevent excessive inward deflection of the latch arms during release. Of course, release may also be achieved by applying inward pressure to the latch arms  430 ,  432  through the window openings  460 ,  462  if desired. 
     As illustrated, the key member  493  includes a web acceptance opening  496 . The web acceptance opening  496  may engage an elongate web or other release element (not shown) that can be activated by a user from a position removed from the buckle  410 . Release tension may also be applied directly to the key member  493  if desired. 
     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention 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 invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.