U.S. patent application number 13/144740 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for buckle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Brian M. Parisi.
Application Number | 20110271499 13/144740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42340039 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110271499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parisi; Brian M. |
November 10, 2011 |
BUCKLE
Abstract
A buckle includes first and second lateral latch connections
formed by a male component in a female component, and a third latch
connection between the lateral latch connections. The third latch
connection includes a cantilevered latch hook disconnected by
pressing against a portion of the upper surface of the buckle.
Inventors: |
Parisi; Brian M.; (Evanston,
IL) |
Assignee: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Glenview
IL
|
Family ID: |
42340039 |
Appl. No.: |
13/144740 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 17, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2009/064703 |
371 Date: |
July 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61145148 |
Jan 16, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/615 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/45529 20150115;
A44B 11/263 20130101; A44B 11/266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/615 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/26 20060101
A44B011/26 |
Claims
1. A three-point release buckle, comprising: a male component; a
female component; first and second releasable latching connections
of said male component within said female component operable along
opposite sides of said buckle; a third releasable latching
connection of said male component within said female component,
said third releasable latching connection located between said
first and second connections; and said third releasable latching
connection having a cantilevered spring latch operable on one face
of said buckle for releasing a latch along an opposite face of said
buckle.
2. The buckle of claim 1, said female component defining windows
along sides thereof, and said male component having deflectable
arms having catch ledges engaging surfaces of said windows with
said buckle in a latched condition.
3. The buckle of claim 2, said cantilevered spring latch being
defined by said female component.
4. The buckle of claim 3, said male component including a center
bar having a lip engaging said spring latch with said buckle in a
latched condition.
5. The buckle of claim 4, said female component defining a spring
latch stop limiting travel of said spring latch during
unlatching.
6. The buckle of claim 4, said male and female components having
cooperating structure orienting said components for insertion of
said male component in said female component.
7. The buckle of claim 6, said female component having a surface
one of above and below said male component, said surface having a
ridge thereon, and said male component having a cutout for
receiving said ridge.
8. The buckle of claim 1, said cantilevered spring latch being
defined by said female component and having a deflectable portion
on an exposed surface of said female component, said deflectable
portion being connected to a latch hook on an opposite side of said
male component from said deflectable portion.
9. The buckle of claim 8, said male component including a center
bar having a lip engaging said latch hook with said buckle in a
latched condition.
10. A buckle comprising: a male component having lateral arms and a
center bar; a female component defining a pocket for receiving said
lateral arms and said center bar; lateral connections between said
lateral arms and said female component with said buckle in a
latched condition; and a cantilevered spring latch connection
between said male component and said female component including
components of said spring latch on opposite sides of said center
bar.
11. The buckle of claim 10, said female component having upper and
lower plates, with slots defined in said upper plate defining a
portion of said upper plate for said spring latch.
12. The buckle of claim 11, including an end plate depending
downwardly from said portion of said upper plate, and a latch hook
extending into said pocket from said end plate.
13. The buckle of claim 12, said center bar of said male component
having a lip for engaging said latch hook with said buckle in a
latched condition.
14. The buckle of claim 13, said female component defining a ridge
and a said male component defining a cutout orienting said male
component relative to said female component.
15. A buckle comprising: a male component having lateral arms and a
center bar having a lip; a female component defining a pocket for
receiving said lateral arms and said center bar; lateral
connections between said lateral arms and said female component
with said buckle in a latched condition; and a cantilevered spring
latch connection between said male component and said female
component, including a depressible portion of said female component
operably connected to a latch hook engaging said lip with said
buckle in a latched condition.
16. The buckle of claim 15, including slits extending inwardly from
an edge of said female member and thereby defining between said
slits said depressible portion of said female component.
17. The buckle of claim 16, including an end plate depending from
said depressible portion and wings on said end plate extending
outwardly beyond said slits.
18. The buckle of claim 17, said latch hook having an angular
surface engaging said lip as said buckle is connected.
19. The buckle of claim 17, said latch hook and said depressible
portion being on opposite sides of said center bar with said buckle
in a latched condition.
20. The buckle of claim 17, including orienting features between
said male and female components enabling insertion of said male
component in said female component only in a single relative
orientation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/145,148 filed Jan. 16,
2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to buckles and, more
particularly, to so-called three point release buckles having male
and female components that automatically engage one with the other
for locking and require activation at three distinct points for
unlocking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Two-piece buckles that snap together and latch automatically
upon adequately inserting a male component into a female component
are known and used in a variety of applications. It is known to
have a piece of webbing or strap attached to each of the
components, and to have one or both buckle components adjustably
retained on the strap or webbing. It is also known to have one or
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 used for a variety of applications, including
outdoor recreational products like backpacks, helmets, life vests
and other general equipment; military and police equipment and the
like. Two-part buckles are used also on luggage, bags, clothing and
the like.
[0004] In one known design for buckles of this type, the female
component defines a pocket and includes openings or windows on the
lateral, opposed sides of the pocket. 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. To release the buckle, the exposed
protrusions of the arms are squeezed inwardly through the windows
of the female component, allowing the male buckle component to be
withdrawn from the female buckle component. The strength of the
buckle to resist unintended release when pulling force is applied
against either component is determined by the nature of the
engagement between the male and female component. The resistance to
intended release, or stated another way, the difficulty in
unlatching the buckle, is determined by the resistance to bending
of the arms upon squeezing the protrusions inwardly from the
window, and the resistance of the engaging surfaces to slide past
or otherwise disengage from each other.
[0005] Buckles of the type described have had success in many
applications; however, in some applications and uses for snap
together buckles of this type it is desirable that the buckle be
somewhat more difficult or complicated to unlatch, so that the
buckle does not unlatch unintentionally, and so that individuals
other than the user have difficulty in unlatching the buckle. For
example, law enforcement officers, military personnel and the like
can encounter individuals who are resistant to the orders and
commands given them. Physical confrontations can occur. In such a
confrontation, the individual may try to unlatch duty belts,
equipment or weapons belts worn by the officer or military person.
If successful, the individual could use the equipment as a weapon
or otherwise entangle or ensnarl the law enforcement officer or
military personnel in the loosened equipment. Accordingly, for
police officers, military personnel and the like, it can be
desirable that the buckle unlatching sequence be difficult to
perform except by the individual wearing the equipment.
[0006] It is known to provide buckles requiring release not only at
the lateral windows along the sides of the buckle, but also at some
third location on the buckle. If properly positioned, the user of
the buckle can operate the buckle efficiently with one hand, while
another person confronting the wearer would have difficulty
operating the buckle, even with two hands.
[0007] Improvements in a three-point release buckles are desirable
so that the buckles are secure in use, resistant to release by
persons other than the user, yet easily operated by the user to
release when necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a three-point release buckle
having lateral release points at the side of the buckle and a third
release point on the external surface of the buckle positioned so
that the buckle can be operated by an individual using three
fingers of one hand, or two-hands if so desired.
[0009] In one aspect of one form thereof, the present invention
provides a three-point release buckle with a male component, a
female component and first and second releasable latching
connections of the male component within the female component
operable along opposite sides of the buckle. A third releasable
latching connection of the male component within the female
component is located between the first and second connections. The
third releasable latching connection has a cantilevered spring
latch operable along one face of the buckle for releasing a latch
along an opposite face of the buckle.
[0010] In another aspect of another form thereof, the present
invention provides a buckle with a male component having lateral
arms and a center bar, and a female component defining a pocket for
receiving the lateral arms and the center bar. Lateral connections
are provided between the lateral arms and the female component with
the buckle in a latched condition. A cantilevered spring latch
connection is provided between the male component and the female
component, including parts of the spring latch on opposite sides of
the center bar.
[0011] In a further aspect of a further form thereof, the present
invention provides a buckle with a male component having lateral
arms and a center bar having a lip; and a female component defining
a pocket for receiving the lateral arms and the center bar. Lateral
connections are established between the lateral arms and the female
component with the buckle in a latched condition. A cantilevered
spring latch connection is established between the male component
and the female component, including a depressible portion of the
female component operably connected to a latch hook engaging the
lip with the buckle in a latched condition.
[0012] An advantage of one aspect of an embodiment of the buckle
disclosed herein is providing a buckle that operates smoothly for
release by the user, but is difficult to operate by someone other
than the user.
[0013] Another advantage of another aspect of an embodiment of the
buckle disclosed herein is providing a buckle that is strong and
secure.
[0014] A further advantage of a further aspect of an embodiment of
the buckle disclosed herein is providing a buckle that is resistant
to damage from misuse of the buckle.
[0015] Other features and advantages will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to
designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
buckle;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of the buckle shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the male component for the
buckle shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the male component, but
showing the bottom or inverse face from that shown in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the buckle, showing the male
and female components aligned for latching;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle shown in FIG.
2; taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle shown in FIG.
2; taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2
[0024] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
showing the buckle in an unlatched condition.
[0025] Before the embodiments of the invention 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 EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to FIG.
1 in particular, an embodiment of a buckle 10 is shown. Buckle 10
includes a male component 12 and a female component 14. Male
component 12 includes a latch 16 and a web attachment structure 18
including a web bar 20. Female component 14 includes a receiving
body or pocket 24 and a web attachment structure 26 including a web
bar 28. Latch 16 of male component 12 is inserted into and received
by pocket 24 of female component 14 whereby buckle 10 is latched.
Male component 12 and female component 14 can be made as individual
monolithic structures of plastic formed by injection molding
processes, or the like.
[0027] Straps or webs (not shown) can be attached to web bars 20
and 28 in known manner so that buckle 10 can be used to secure
together opposite ends of a single web or to connect ends of
separate webs. Alternatively, one or the other of male component 12
and female component 14, or both male component 12 and female
component 14 can be attached directly to an item or article other
than a strap or web. In the exemplary embodiment shown, web bars 20
and 28 can be used in a manner in which a strap or webbing
encircles the bar, with the strap or webbing secured to itself by
stitching, rivets or other types of fasteners, or adhesive or other
type of attachment, to secure the strap or webbing in a fixed
condition on the bar. Those skilled in the art will readily
understand that other types of sliding clips or locks can be used
with a strap or webbing encircling a web bar so that the end of the
strap or webbing remains adjustable relative to the buckle.
Further, rather than a single web bar, either or both of male
component 12 and female component 14 can include multiple bars so
that the strap or webbing can engage therewith in a serpentine
pattern whereby the male and/or female component is securely
positioned relative to the strap or webbing, but may be adjusted
along the length of the strap or webbing, in known manner. The
arrangement by which one or both of male component 12 and female
component 14 are attached to articles, including a strap or webbing
is not a limiting factor with respect to the application or use of
the present invention.
[0028] It should be understood that a buckle of the invention can
be used in various orientations, vertically, horizontally and at
various angles. To facilitate the explanation and description of
the features of the buckle, terms such as top, bottom, upper,
lower, side, lateral and the like may be used with reference to the
common orientation of the buckle as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9.
However the use of such terms describing orientation should not be
viewed as limiting either on the use of the invention, or the
breadth of the claims to follow.
[0029] Latch 16 of male component 12 includes first and second
lateral latch arms 30, 32 and an intermediate or center bar 34
projecting outwardly from attachment structure 18 of component 12.
Center bar 34 is positioned between and spaced from latch arms 30,
32. Arched braces 36, 38 extend to center bar 34 from proximal
portions of arms 30, 32, respectively, and connect center bar 34
relative to each arm 30, 32 so that some relative deflection can
occur between arms 30, 32 and center bar 34.
[0030] Arms 30, 32 are mirroring structures of one another and
extend into female component 14 when buckle 10 is latched. Proximal
ends of arms 30, 32 define thinner flex segments 40, 42
respectively, and distal ends of arms 30, 32 define enlarged or
bulbous portions 44, 46 respectively. Bulbous portions 44, 46
project laterally both inwardly and outwardly from axes defined by
the non-deflected conditions of flex segments 40, 42, respectively.
Upon lateral force exerted against bulbous portions 44, 46 arms 30,
32 deflect or bend along flex segments 40, 42, respectively,
proximate attachment structure 18.
[0031] On the outer sides thereof, bulbous portions 44, 46 define
catch ledges 48, 50 respectively for engaging the female component
14 in a manner to be described subsequently herein. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, catch ledges 48, 50 angle outwardly and
rearward toward the proximal ends of arms 30, 32. Further with
respect to the exemplary embodiment, on the inner sides thereof,
bulbous portions 44, 46 define thinner, guide plates 52, 54 which
can be used with cooperating structure within female component 14
for directing relative movement of the male and female components
with respect to one another and/or for stiffening distal portions
of arms 30, 32.
[0032] Center bar 34 of the exemplary embodiment shown is a
substantially rectangular, box-like structure including side
members 60, 62 and a base member 64. Braces 36, 38 are generally
connected to base member 64 near the juncture of base member 64
with side members 60, 62. A plate 66 extends between side members
60, 62 and forwardly from base member 64. A distal portion 68 of
plate 66 angles downwardly. A lip 70 depends downwardly at the
distal end edge of plate 66, from the distal edge of angular distal
portion 68. As can be seen in FIG. 5, side members 60, 62; base
member 64; plate 66 and lip 70 define a generally open box-like
structure on the underside of center bar 34. A cutout 72 extends
from the free edge of base member 64 substantially intermediate the
connections to braces 36 and 38.
[0033] Receiving body pocket 24 includes upper and lower plates
100, 102 on the top and bottom thereof, and sides 104, 106 between
plates 100, 102 along the lateral edges. Sides 104, 106 define
inset openings or windows 108, 110, respectively, which are
elongated in configuration. Windows 108, 110 are sized and
positioned to receive the laterally outwardly projecting segments
of bulbous portions 44, 46 respectively when male component 12 is
fully inserted into female component 14. Windows 108, 110 are
defined partly by latch surfaces 112, 114 for engaging catch ledges
48, 50 of male component 12 when the buckle is latched. Latch
surfaces 112, 114 can be angularly oriented complementary to the
angles of catch ledges 48, 50 to provide secure engagement
inhibiting unintentional unlatching of the buckle. An end panel 116
is provided at the inner end of body pocket 24 in the exemplary
embodiment.
[0034] Upper and lower plates 100, 102 and sides 104, 106 define an
entrance opening 120 to the pocket-like structure of receiving body
24, and define the entrance for insertion of the distal ends of
latch arms 30, 32 and center bar 34. The inner surfaces of upper
and lower plates 100, 102 can define ridges, channels or other
configurations for guiding and directing the insertion of male
component 12 into female component 14. Accordingly, as shown in
FIG. 6, ridges 122, 124 extend inwardly along the inner surface of
lower plate 102, and define outwardly flared curved entrance
surfaces 126, 128, respectively, for receiving and engaging the
lower edges of side members 60, 62 on center bar 34 and directing
center bar 34 to a centered position in receiving body 24.
[0035] A center ridge 130 extends inwardly on the inner surface of
lower plate 102 from entrance opening 120. Center ridge 130 allows
male component 12 to be inserted in only one orientation whereby
ridge 130 can pass through cutout 72 as male component 12 reaches
full insertion in female component 14. If male component 12 is
inverted such that the outer surface of plate 66 slides along ridge
130, the male component can not be fully inserted for latching in
that insufficient space is provided between the top edge of ridge
130 and the inner surface of upper plate 100 for male component 12
to be inserted beyond the angular portion of distal portion 68.
Proper orientation of male component 12 in female component 14 is
needed for proper operation of the third latch structure to be
described.
[0036] A spring latch 132 is provided on the inner end of receiving
pocket 24, the end away from entrance opening 120. Spring latch 132
cooperates with center bar 34, and more specifically lip 70 of
center bar 34 to provide a third latch area in addition to the
latch areas provided by latch arms 30, 32 engaging windows 108,
110. Spring latch 132 is defined by slits 134, 136 in upper plate
100, an end plate 138 contiguous with and extending downwardly from
the segment of upper plate 100 between slit 134 and slit 136, and a
latch hook 140 at the opposite end of end plate 138. Latch hook 140
projects into the pocket from the lower end of end plate 138, and
includes a horizontal segment 142 and a vertical lip 144. Latch
hook 140 presents an angular surface 146 exposed to entrance
opening 120 whereby, upon insertion of male component 12 into
female component 14, lip 70 of male component 12 can ride up and
over latch hook 140. The exposed outer surface of the spring latch
132 between slits 134, 136 can be provided with knurls or ridges
148 to facilitate pushing there against when unlatching the
buckle.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 9 an exemplary embodiment of the
invention includes an end edge 150 of lower plate 102 providing a
spring latch stop positioned so to confront and engage the outer
edge of latch hook 140 when the latch hook is depressed adequately
to release center bar 34. This allows spring latch 132 to be
depressed sufficiently to disengage latch hook 140 from lip 70
without over deflecting the spring latch, whereby the spring latch
could break, or lip 70 could be deflected downward a sufficient
amount that it would encounter lower plate 102 and be difficult to
remove. Spring latch 132 in the exemplary embodiment shown further
includes lateral wings 152, 154 projecting from opposite sides of
end plate 138. Lateral wings 152, 154 extend outwardly beyond the
outer edges of slits 134, 136 to prevent excessive movement of
spring latch 132 in an upward direction. Lateral wings 152, 154 can
confront and engage the inside surface of upper plate 100 if spring
latch 132 is moved upward excessively. End edge 150 and wings 152,
154 guard against accidental breakage through misuse of buckle
10
[0038] In using buckle 10, the buckle is latched by inserting male
component 12 into female component 14. Specifically, latch 16 is
aligned with receiving body pocket 24, and distal ends of latch
arms 30, 32 are moved into entrance opening 120. The angular distal
ends of latch arms 30, 32, which are longer than center bar 34,
begin first orientation of male component 12 relative to female
component 14. As center bar 34 enters entrance opening 120,
entrance surfaces 126, 128 and ridges 122, 124 more accurately
align male component 12 with female component 14. If male component
12 is positioned inverted from the desired orientation, as angular
distal portion 68 of plate 66 fully enters the pocket further
advancement is inhibited. Final advancement of male component 12
into female component 14 can occur only if center ridge 130 aligns
with cutout 72.
[0039] The inside width of receiving body pocket 24 is of slightly
narrower dimension than the non-deflected width of latch arms 30,
32; at least upstream of windows 108, 110. Accordingly, the latch
arms are deflected inwardly until bulbous portions 44, 46 progress
into receiving body pocket windows 108, 110. When aligned with the
windows, bulbous portions 44, 46 rebound outwardly such that catch
ledges 48, 50 thereof engage latch surfaces 112, 114, respectively.
The angular orientations of catch ledges 48, 50 and latch surfaces
112, 114 inhibit unintended unlatching if the male and female
components are pulled in opposite directions.
[0040] At the same time that the bulbous portions 44, 46 are moving
into windows 108, 110; lip 70 encounters angular surface 146, and
passes over and beyond latch hook 140 until lip 70 has progressed
beyond vertical lip 144. The buckle is then latched at three
locations, first and second latch connections along the sides of
the buckle whereat catch latches 48, 50 engage latch surfaces 112,
114. A third latch between male component 12 and female component
14 is established by spring latch 132; specifically latch hook 140
engaging lip 70. The latched condition of buckle 10 can be seen In
FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8.
[0041] To unlatch buckle 10, male component 12 is removed from
female component 14 by simultaneously disconnecting the first and
second lateral latches established by catch ledges 48, 50 engaging
latch surfaces 112, 114; and also disengaging latch hook 140 from
lip 70. A user of the buckle simultaneously squeezes the sides of
the buckle to deflect latch arms 30, 32 inwardly to disengage catch
ledges 48, 50 from latch surfaces 112, 114, while at the same time
using a finger or fingers to apply pressure against the outer
surface of upper plate 100 in the area between slits 134, 136,
specifically against knurls or ridges 148. Pressure applied on the
outer surface of female component 14 in the area between slits 134,
136 unlatches spring, latch 132 from center bar 34. Spring latch
132 is thereby moved downwardly, including downward movement of
latch hook 140 until vertical lip 144 is moved beyond engagement
with lip 70. Disengaging the three latch connections simultaneously
allows male component 12 to be pulled from female component 14. If
only one or two of the latch connections are operated, the buckle
will not disengage. All three must be operated simultaneously to
disengage the latch.
[0042] 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.
[0043] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *