Patent Publication Number: US-8539646-B2

Title: Coupling systems

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to improved coupling systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a releasable modular coupling system and methods of operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Coupling systems attach members/components to one another. One type of coupling system is a releasable coupling system that enables a user to repeatedly couple or decouple members from one another. For example, a conventional automobile seatbelt is a releasable coupling system which may be used to secure a passenger in a particular seat. Likewise, a belt is a releasable coupling system for securing pants around a user&#39;s waist. Releasable coupling systems include multiple components which are coupled together. An automobile seatbelt includes at least two straps and two intercoupling buckles. Likewise, a belt includes a strap and a buckle. 
     Releasable coupling systems may be used for a variety of applications, each corresponding to a hierarchy of optimal performance characteristics. For example, releasable coupling systems on outdoor backpacks require both high durability and low weight for optimal performance. In contrast, releasable coupling systems used for securing payload on a truck require high durability and high force tolerance. Additional performance factors include manufacturing cost, appearance, intuitive operation, etc. Therefore, the performance characteristics of certain releasable coupling systems may be more or less optimal for certain applications. For example, a VELCRO snap-lock releasable coupling is beneficial for many lightweight applications including a pocket flap closure system. However, a cam buckle is more appropriate for heavier-weight applications because of its relative weight and force tolerance. 
     Conventional releasable coupling systems fail to provide optimal performance characteristics for use as a modular soft good releasable coupling system. A modular releasable coupling system is further defined as a releasable coupling system which facilitates efficient intercoupling of a variety of components in addition to the performance characteristics for a releasable coupling system. For example, the military MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) includes a plurality of PAL (pouch attach ladder) straps that facilitate the releasable coupling of various components to a base member. The system is used primarily on military outerwear such as vests and corresponding components in order to facilitate selective intercoupling schemes and accommodate specific functions. Unfortunately, conventional modular releasable coupling systems including the MOLLE system do not optimize performance characteristics for retail applications. For example, the MOLLE system requires numerous unattractive horizontal straps for intercoupling components. In addition, the MOLLE system and other modular systems require a non-intuitive complex coupling method. Further, most existing modular coupling systems do not include buckles, which could be useful for selectively coupling and/or spacing components. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved coupling system including system components and an intuitive method of operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improved coupling systems. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable coupling system comprising a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle. The lengthwise member is fixably coupled to the base parallel to the lengthwise dimension and substantially medial with respect to the widthwise dimension. The buckle comprises a planar surface and a first and second hooked region extending from the planar surface oriented opposite one another. The first and second hooked regions and the planar surface define a partially enclosed region corresponding to the widthwise dimension and the base rise dimension of the lengthwise member. A gap in the partially enclosed region corresponds to a coupling between the lengthwise member and the base. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for releasably coupling a buckle to a base comprising the acts of providing a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle; coupling the lengthwise member to the base; aligning the buckle with the lengthwise and widthwise dimensions of the lengthwise member; and hooking the buckle over the lengthwise member substantially encircling the lengthwise member, forming a gap corresponding to the coupling between the lengthwise member and the base. 
     Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in the field of releasable coupling systems. Conventional releasable coupling systems fail to provide all of the performance characteristics of the present invention, including but not limited to modularity, intuitive operation, maximum durability, and minimum weight. In particular, embodiments of the present invention may be used to couple a buckle to a base. The base may be a soft good member such as a garment, carrying device, or load bearing strap. The system may be used for releasable coupling of an individual location such as the releasable closure of a pocket or pouch. The system may also be used as a modular coupling system to facilitate multiple releasable coupling locations. In contrast to many releasable coupling systems (i.e. VELCRO, snap locks, etc.) embodiments of the present invention provide durable releasable coupling that is resistant to incidental compression forces and/or debris accumulation. In addition, components of the present invention are capable of being efficiently manufactured. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the physical dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a releasable coupling system in a decoupled configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the releasable coupling system of  FIG. 1  in a partially coupled configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the releasable coupling system of  FIG. 1  in a coupled configuration; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the lengthwise member and base components of the releasable coupling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the buckle of the releasable coupling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a secondary perspective view of the buckle of the releasable coupling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative buckle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a second alternative buckle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative releasable coupling system including the alternative buckle of  FIG. 7  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative releasable coupling system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a reversed perspective view of components of the releasable coupling system illustrated in  FIG. 10  including the buckle of  FIGS. 5-6 ; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative buckle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improved coupling systems. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable coupling system comprising a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle. The lengthwise member is fixably coupled to the base parallel to the lengthwise dimension and substantially medial with respect to the widthwise dimension. The buckle comprises a planar surface and a first and second hooked region extending from the planar surface oriented opposite one another. The first and second hooked regions and the planar surface define a partially enclosed region corresponding to the widthwise dimension and the base rise dimension of the lengthwise member. A gap in the partially enclosed region corresponds to a coupling between the lengthwise member and the base. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for releasably coupling a buckle to a base comprising the acts of providing a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle; coupling the lengthwise member to the base; aligning the buckle with the lengthwise and widthwise dimensions of the lengthwise member; and hooking the buckle over the lengthwise member substantially encircling the lengthwise member, forming a gap corresponding to the coupling between the lengthwise member and the base. Also, while embodiments are described in reference to a soft good based releasable coupling system, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other areas. 
     Reference is initially made to  FIGS. 1-3 , which illustrate perspective views of a releasable coupling system designated generally at  100 . The system  100  includes a base  110 , a lengthwise member  120 , and a buckle  160 . The buckle  160  may be releasably coupled to the base  110  via a coupling method over the lengthwise member  120 . The coupling method includes hooking the buckle  160  over the lengthwise member  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2-3 . The coupling method enables the buckle  160  to translate along the lengthwise member  120  while maintaining the releasable coupling. The coupling method and corresponding component structures will be described in more detail below. The base  110  may be any surface upon which the lengthwise member  120  is coupled. Therefore, the releasable coupling system may be used for a wide variety of coupling applications. The illustrated base  110  is a soft good surface comprising a fabric material such as the external surface of a garment, backpack, or strap. The base  110  further includes a base flap  102  and a base bottom  104 . The base flap  102  overlaps the base bottom  104 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 4  in addition to  FIGS. 1-3  to illustrate details about one embodiment of the lengthwise member  120 . The lengthwise member  120  may be any elongated structure coupled to the base  110  in the manner described below. The lengthwise member  120  includes a lengthwise dimension  140 , a widthwise dimension  142 , and a base rise dimension  144 . It will be appreciated that the lengthwise dimension  140  may not necessarily be the longest dimension with respect to the widthwise and base rise dimension  142 ,  144  respectively. The lengthwise member  120  is coupled to the base  110  via only a base coupling  126 . The base coupling  126  is oriented parallel to the lengthwise dimension  140  and substantially medial along the widthwise dimension  142 . The positioning of the base coupling  126  creates an I-shape (widthwise dimension  142  vs. base rise dimension  144 ) between the lengthwise member  120  and the base  110 . The horizontal top region of the I-shape is formed by the widthwise dimension  142  of the lengthwise member. The vertical middle region of the I-shape is formed by the base coupling  126 . The bottom horizontal region of the I-shape is formed by the base  110  area directly below the lengthwise member  120 . The illustrated lengthwise member  120  includes a flexible member  122  and a rigid member  124 . It will be appreciated that the rigid member  124  is an optional component which may be used for high strength applications. The flexible member  122  may be composed of a flexible material such as nylon and the rigid member  124  may be composed of a substantially rigid material such as a rubber or plastic composite. The flexible member  122  is wrapped and coupled around the rigid member  124  in a lengthwise configuration. The specific wrapping and coupling configuration of the flexible member  122  may include a stop  130 ,  132  (see  FIG. 4 ) on one of the lengthwise sides of the lengthwise member  120  that impedes the operational translation of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120  in a coupled configuration. The coupling between the flexible member  122  and the rigid member  124  includes at least one flexible rigid coupling  128 . The flexible rigid coupling  128  is oriented parallel to the lengthwise dimension  140  and lateral of the base coupling  126  with respect to the widthwise dimension  142 . The flexible rigid coupling  128  extends only through the flexible member  122  and the rigid member  124  and does not extend into the base  110 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 5 and 6  in addition to  FIGS. 1-3  to illustrate details about one embodiment the buckle  160 . The illustrated buckle  160  is a three dimensional rigid structure including a planar surface  162  and a first and second hooking region  164 ,  166 . The first and second hooking regions  164 ,  166  extend from the planar surface  162  and are oriented opposite one another. The hooking regions  164 ,  166  may extend orthogonally from the planar surface  162  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , or they may be extend parallel from the planar surface as illustrated in the alternative buckle embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The first and second hooking regions  164 ,  166  each include two orthogonal sub-regions so as to form an L shape. The L-shaped sub-regions of the hooking regions  164 ,  166  are oriented opposite one another such that the L-shaped regions are facing one another. A gap  180  is formed between the ends of each of the hooking regions  164 ,  166 . The gap  180  is specifically sized to correspond to the width of the base coupling  126  of the lengthwise member to facilitate translation of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . In addition, the hooking regions  164 ,  166  are oriented such that the hooking regions  164 ,  166  are disposed within a widthwise dimension of the planar surface  162 . The hooking regions  164 ,  166  and the planar surface  162  define a partially enclosed region  185 . The partially enclosed region  185  is enclosed with the exception of the gap  180  described above. The partially enclosed region  185  is specifically sized to correspond to widthwise dimension  142  and base rise dimension  144  of the lengthwise member  120  to facilitate translation of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . The hooking regions  164 ,  166  may further include curved lateral recesses  165 ,  167 . The curved lateral recesses  165 ,  167  are configured to receive a user&#39;s thumb/finger to allow the user to exert the necessary translational force upon the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . The translation of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120  will be described in more detail below with reference to the method of releasable coupling. 
     The buckle  160  may also include a set of parallel recesses  171 ,  173  oriented perpendicular to a lengthwise dimension of the buckle  160 . The orientation of the parallel recesses  171 ,  173  facilitates the coupling of a strap  170  to the buckle  160  in a lengthwise orientation. Alternatively, the parallel recesses may be used to couple other types of objects to the buckle, including but not limited to modular members, straps, etc. One alternative buckle  160  coupling scheme will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . The buckle  160  may also include secondary recesses  175 ,  177 . The illustrated secondary recesses  175 ,  177  are oriented parallel to the lengthwise dimension of the buckle  160 . The secondary recesses  175 ,  177  may be used to lower the total weight of the buckle or provide additional coupling options. It will be appreciated that the parallel recesses  171 ,  173  and the secondary recesses  175 ,  177  may be oriented in any direction with respect to the buckle  160  to facilitate different coupling orientation. 
     One non-illustrated application of the system is to form a simplified adjustable securing system. One end of a strap may be routed through the parallel recesses  171 ,  173  of the buckle, thereby adjustably coupling the strap to the buckle. The opposite end of the strap may be designated as the base  110  upon which the lengthwise member  120  is fixably coupled. Therefore, the buckle  160  may releasably couple the two ends of the strap together and the parallel recesses  171 ,  173  will enable a user to adjust a looped length of the strap. This application may therefore be used to secure items on a platform by routing the strap around the item and the platform and then tightening the looped length of the strap by extending the strap through the parallel recesses  171 ,  173 . 
     A second non-illustrated application of the system  100  is to form a multi-location modular soft good system. For example, a garment or backpack may be the base  110  upon which a plurality of lengthwise members  120  is consistent with the embodiments described above. A user may then selectively couple a buckle  160  to any of the lengthwise member. In addition, the user will be able to then translate the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member so as facilitate further selective positioning on the particular soft good item. As described above and below, the buckle  160  may be coupled to various forms of accessories. This type of a modular system is analogous to the operation of the military MOLLE system, which enables users to selectively couple various types of accessories to vests. 
     In operation, the system  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  may releasably couple the buckle  160  to the base  110  via the lengthwise member  120 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a decoupled configuration and  FIGS. 2-3  illustrate a coupled configuration of the system  100 . The buckle  160  may be aligned and/or positioned adjacent to one of the lengthwise ends of the lengthwise member  120 . The buckle  160  may also be aligned and/or positioned in alignment with the widthwise dimension  142  of the lengthwise member  120 . The positioning of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120  will align the partially enclosed region  185  and the gap  180  with the widthwise dimension  142  and the base coupling  126  of the lengthwise member  120 , respectively. The buckle  160  may then be translated parallel to the lengthwise dimension  140  so as to engage the lengthwise member  120  within the buckle  160 . This engagement includes routing the widthwise dimension  142  of the lengthwise member  120  within the partially enclosed region  185  of the buckle  160 . In addition, the engagement includes routing the base coupling  126  within the gap  180  of the buckle  160 . The buckle is thus releasably coupled to the base  110  with respect to a separational force substantially orthogonal to the surface of the base. However, the engagement simultaneously enables the buckle  160  to translate along the lengthwise member parallel to both the lengthwise dimension  140  of the lengthwise member  120  and the surface of the base  110 . The opposite lengthwise end of the lengthwise member  120  may include a stop that prevents the buckle  160  from translating beyond the opposite end of the lengthwise member  120  from which the buckle  160  engaged. The stop may include a fold  132  in the flexible member  122  and a stop coupling  134  that extends through the flexible member  122  and the base  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, the stop may include a fold and some form of surface releasable coupling such as a VELCRO coupling. The buckle  160  may be decoupled from the base  110  and disengaged from the lengthwise member  120  by translating the buckle  160  lengthwise back over the lengthwise end upon which the buckle  160  was initially engaged to the lengthwise member  120 . This operational sequence may therefore be used to selectively couple one or more buckles  160  with a base  110  to form a modular system. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 7 , which illustrates a perspective view of an alternative buckle, designated generally at  260 . The illustrated alternative buckle  260  may be configured or sized to operate with the lengthwise member  120  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The illustrated buckle  260  comprises a single planar surface including both the planar surface  262  and the hooking regions  264 ,  266 . Therefore, the manufacturing of the buckle  260  may be simplified with respect to the buckle  160  embodiment described above. The buckle  260  includes a planar surface  262  which is parallel to the two hooking regions  264 ,  266 . The buckle  260  includes two parallel recesses  271 ,  273  oriented perpendicular to the lengthwise dimension of the buckle  260 . The first and second hooking regions  264 ,  266  each include two orthogonal sub-regions so as to form an L-shape. The L-shaped sub-regions of the hooking regions  264 ,  266  are oriented opposite one another such that the L-shaped regions are facing one another. A gap  280  is formed between the ends of each of the hooking regions  264 ,  266 . The gap  280  is specifically sized to correspond to the width of the base coupling  126  of the lengthwise member to facilitate translation of the buckle  260  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . In addition, the hooking regions  264 ,  266  are oriented such that the hooking regions  264 ,  266  are disposed within a widthwise dimension of the planar surface  262 . The hooking regions  264 ,  266  and the planar surface  262  define a partially enclosed region  285 . The partially enclosed region  285  is enclosed with the exception of the gap  180  described above. The partially enclosed region  285  is specifically sized to correspond to the widthwise dimension  142  and base rise dimension  144  of the lengthwise member  120  to facilitate translation of the buckle  160  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 8 , which illustrates a perspective view of a second alternative buckle, designated generally at  360 . The illustrated alternative buckle  360  may be configured or sized to operate with the lengthwise member  120  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The illustrated buckle  360  incorporates curved hooking regions  364 ,  366  which may be advantageous for manufacturing the buckle  360  with sheet metal. The buckle  360  includes two parallel recesses  371 ,  373  oriented perpendicular to the lengthwise dimension of the buckle  360 . The first and second hooking regions  364 ,  366  each include two orthogonal sub-regions so as to form a C-shape. The C-shaped sub-regions of the hooking regions  364 ,  366  are oriented opposite one another such that the C-shaped regions are facing one another. A gap  380  is formed between the ends of each of the hooking regions  364 ,  366 . The gap  380  is specifically sized to correspond to the width of the base coupling  126  of the lengthwise member, facilitating translation of the buckle  360  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . In addition, the hooking regions  364 ,  366  are oriented such that the hooking regions  364 ,  366  are disposed within a widthwise dimension of the planar surface  362 . The hooking regions  364 ,  366  and the planar surface  362  define a partially enclosed region  385 . The partially enclosed region  385  is enclosed except for the gap  380  described above. The partially enclosed region  385  is specifically sized to correspond to the widthwise dimension  142  and base rise dimension  144  of the lengthwise member  120 , facilitating translation of the buckle  360  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . The hooking regions  364 ,  366  may further include curved lateral recesses  365 ,  367 . The curved lateral recesses  365 ,  367  are configured to receive a user&#39;s thumb/finger to allow the user to exert the necessary translational force upon the buckle  360  with respect to the lengthwise member  120 . 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 9 , which illustrates a perspective view of an alternative releasable coupling system designated generally  400 . The system includes a base  410 , a lengthwise member  420 , and a set of buckles  460 . The lengthwise member  420  further includes a base coupling  426 . The lengthwise member  420  is analogous to the lengthwise member  120  embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . The buckles  460  are coupled on either side of an accessory pouch  490 . The accessory pouch  490  further includes a bottom  492  and a flap  494 . The coupling between the accessory pouch  490  and the buckles  460  includes routing a strap member through the parallel recess of the buckles  460 . It will be appreciated that this type of coupling scheme may be used on various types of accessories including but not limited to pockets, sleeves, pouches, thereby forming a modular system. The illustrated buckles  460  are analogous to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  such that the planar surface is parallel to the hooking regions  464 ,  466 . 
     The buckles  460  are further illustrated to be releasably coupled to the lengthwise member  420 . The releasable coupling between the buckles  460  and the lengthwise member  420  includes attaching the hooking regions of the buckles  460  around the widthwise dimension of the lengthwise member  420 . The coupling between the buckles  460  and the lengthwise member  420  also facilitates translating the accessory pouch  490  with respect to the lengthwise member  420 . The specific method by which the buckles  460  and the accessory pouch  490  are coupled to the lengthwise member  420  may include the acts described below with reference to the method for releasable coupling. 
     Reference is next made to  FIGS. 10-11 , which illustrates an alternative releasable coupling system, designated generally at  500 . The system  500  includes a base  510 , a lengthwise member  520 , and a buckle  560  ( FIG. 11  only). The lengthwise member  520  further includes a flexible member  522  and a rigid member  524 . The lengthwise member  420  is analogous to the lengthwise member  120  embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . The buckle  560  is further coupled to an accessory pouch  590 , which further includes a surface  592 , a strap  594 , and an opening  598 . It will be appreciated that this type of coupling scheme may be used on various types of accessories including but not limited to pockets, sleeves, pouches, thereby forming a modular system. 
     The buckle  560  is further illustrated to be releasably coupled to the lengthwise member  520 . The releasable coupling between the buckle  560  and the lengthwise member  520  includes attaching the hooking regions  564 ,  566  of the buckle  560  around the widthwise dimension of the lengthwise member  520 . The coupling between the buckle  560  and the lengthwise member  520  also facilitates translating the accessory pouch  590  with respect to the lengthwise member  520 . The specific method by which the buckle  560  and the accessory pouch  590  are coupled to the lengthwise member  520  may include the acts described below with reference to the method for releasable coupling. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 12 , which illustrates an alternative buckle designated generally at  660 . The illustrated alternative buckle  660  may be configured or sized to operate with the lengthwise member  120  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The buckle  660  is configured to releasably couple with a lengthwise member  120  in two orthogonal orientations. The illustrated buckle  660  is a three dimensional rigid structure including a planar surface  662  and a first, second, third, and fourth hooking region  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667 . The first, second, third, and fourth hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  extend from the planar surface  662  and are oriented opposite one another. The illustrated hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  extend orthogonally from the planar surface  662  as illustrated. The first, second, third, and fourth hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  each include two orthogonal sub-regions so as to form an L shape. The L-shaped sub-regions of the hooking regions  664 ,  666  are oriented opposite one another such that the L-shaped regions are facing two of the other respective hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667 . For example, the L-shaped region of the first hooking region  664  is oriented opposite both the second hooking region  665  and the third hooking region  666 . A first gap  680  is formed between the ends of each of the first and third hooking regions  664 ,  666  and the second and fourth hooking regions  665 ,  667 . A second gap  681  is formed between the ends of each of the first and second hooking regions  664 ,  665  and the third and fourth hooking regions  666 ,  667 . The gaps  680 ,  681  are specifically sized to correspond to the width of the base coupling of a lengthwise member to facilitate translation of the buckle  660  with respect to the lengthwise member. In addition, the hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  are oriented such that the hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  are disposed within the lengthwise and widthwise dimension of the planar surface  662 . The hooking regions  664 ,  665 ,  666 ,  667  and the planar surface  662  define a first and second partially enclosed region  685 ,  686 . The partially enclosed regions  685 ,  686  are enclosed with the exception of the gaps  680 ,  681  as described above. The partially enclosed regions  685 ,  686  are specifically sized to correspond to a widthwise dimension and base rise dimension of the lengthwise member to facilitate translation of the buckle  660  with respect to the lengthwise member in either a parallel or perpendicular orientation. The buckle  660  also includes a set of parallel recesses  671 ,  673  within the planar surface  662  oriented parallel to a lengthwise dimension of the buckle  660 . The orientation of the parallel recesses  671 ,  673  facilitates the coupling of a strap to the buckle  660  in a widthwise orientation. Alternatively, the parallel recesses may be used to couple other types of objects to the buckle, including but not limited to modular members, straps, etc. It will be appreciated that the parallel recesses  671 ,  673  may be oriented in any direction with respect to the buckle  660  to facilitate different coupling orientation. 
     The system and components described above may be used in conjunction with a method for releasably coupling a buckle to a base. It will be appreciated that analogous acts may be used to releasably decouple a buckle from a base. In addition, the buckle may be coupled to one or more accessories. Therefore, the method may be used to selectively releasably couple the accessories to the base via the buckle. The method includes providing a system with a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle. The lengthwise member is coupled to the base via a fixed lengthwise coupling parallel to a lengthwise dimension of the lengthwise member and substantially medial with respect to a widthwise dimension of the lengthwise member. The coupling between the lengthwise member and the base may include forming an I-shaped region; wherein the top of the I-shaped region includes the bottom of the lengthwise member; wherein the middle of the I-shaped region includes the coupling between the lengthwise member and the base; and wherein the bottom of the I-shaped region includes the base. The buckle may be positioned adjacent to a lengthwise side of the lengthwise member. The buckle is aligned with the lengthwise and widthwise dimension of the lengthwise member. The buckle is hooked over the lengthwise member, substantially encircling the lengthwise member and forming a gap corresponding to the coupling between the lengthwise member and the base. The hooking of the buckle over the lengthwise member may further include hooking each of two hooking regions on the buckle around each end of the widthwise dimension of the lengthwise member. In a coupled configuration, the buckle may be translated along the lengthwise dimension of the lengthwise member. A strap may be routed through the two parallel recesses on the buckle oriented parallel to the widthwise orientation. 
     It should be noted that various alternative system designs may be practiced in accordance with the present invention, including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  or described above. Multiple embodiments may be used in conjunction with a soft good type base as part of larger modular system. In addition, the described system may be used to create a simple releasable strap coupling for applications including but not limited to securing items to a platform. Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above.