U.S. patent application number 15/306776 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for web-connecting assembly having a release button.
The applicant listed for this patent is ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Steven C. KELLER, Scott D. KOLASA.
Application Number | 20170049193 15/306776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52875281 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170049193 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOLASA; Scott D. ; et
al. |
February 23, 2017 |
WEB-CONNECTING ASSEMBLY HAVING A RELEASE BUTTON
Abstract
A web-connecting assembly may include a connecting member and a
securing member. The connecting member may include a connecting
stud and a first web channel. The first web channel is configured
to retain a first web. The securing member may include a housing
defining a retaining chamber, a button pivotally secured to the
housing, and a second web channel. The second web channel is
configured to retain a second web. The button is configured to be
moved between an open position in which a portion of the connecting
stud is able to move into and out of the retaining chamber, and a
closed position in which the button securely traps the portion of
the connecting stud within the retaining chamber. The connecting
member is securely connected to the securing member when the button
securely traps the portion of the connecting stud within the
retaining chamber.
Inventors: |
KOLASA; Scott D.; (Mt.
Prospect, IL) ; KELLER; Steven C.; (Island Lake,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52875281 |
Appl. No.: |
15/306776 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
March 26, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2015/022759 |
371 Date: |
October 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61988967 |
May 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/2596 20130101;
A44B 11/263 20130101; A44B 11/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/26 20060101
A44B011/26; A44B 11/25 20060101 A44B011/25; A44B 11/00 20060101
A44B011/00 |
Claims
1. A web-connecting assembly, comprising: a connecting member
including: a connecting stud; and a first web channel, wherein the
first web channel is configured to retain a first web; and a
securing member including: a housing defining a retaining chamber;
a button pivotally secured to the housing; and a second web
channel, wherein the second web channel is configured to retain a
second web, wherein the button is configured to be moved between an
open position in which a portion of the connecting stud is able to
move into and out of the retaining chamber, and a closed position
in which the button securely traps the portion of the connecting
stud within the retaining chamber, and wherein the connecting
member is securely connected to the securing member when the button
securely traps the portion of the connecting stud within the
retaining chamber.
2. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting
stud comprises a stem connected to a distal head, wherein the
portion of the connecting stud includes the distal head.
3. The web-connecting assembly of claim 2, wherein the head
comprises a circumferential base connected to a distal rim.
4. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the portion of
the connecting stud is configured to rotate relative to the
retaining chamber when the connecting member is securely connected
to the securing member.
5. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing
member comprises opposed guide ramps that lead into the retaining
chamber, wherein the opposed guide ramps are configured to guide
the portion of the connecting stud into the retaining chamber when
the button is in the open position.
6. The web-connecting assembly of claim 5, wherein the button is
configured to be pivoted into the open position through movement of
the portion of the connecting stud on the opposed guide ramps
toward the retaining chamber.
7. The web-connecting assembly of claim 5, wherein the opposed
guide ramps connect to opposed ledges separated from a panel by a
space, wherein the portion of the connecting stud is configured to
be secured within the space when the connecting member is securely
connected to the securing member.
8. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the button
comprises one or more pivot arms that pivotally connect the button
to the housing, wherein the one or more pivot arms extend into the
retaining chamber a distance that exceeds half a depth of the
housing.
9. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the button
comprises a canted beam configured to urge the button into the
closed position.
10. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the button
comprises a barrier lip that is configured to prevent the portion
of the connecting stud from ejecting from the retaining chamber
when the button is in the closed position.
11. The web-connecting assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing
member comprises a button-retaining pin that is configured to
prevent the button from ejecting from the housing.
12. The web-connecting assembly of claim 11, wherein the
button-retaining pin is initially connected to the housing through
one or more flash connections, and wherein the button-retaining pin
is configured to be driven between portions of opposed pivot arms
of the button.
13. A web-connecting assembly, comprising: a connecting member
including: a connecting stud; and a first web channel, wherein the
connecting stud comprises a stem connected to a distal head; a
first web retained within the first web channel; a securing member
including: a housing defining a retaining chamber; opposed guide
ramps that lead into the retaining chamber; a button pivotally
secured to the housing; and a second web channel, wherein the
button is configured to be moved between an open position in which
the distal head of the connecting stud is able to move into and out
of the retaining chamber, and a closed position in which the button
securely traps the distal head of the connecting stud within the
retaining chamber, wherein the opposed guide ramps are configured
to guide the distal head of the connecting stud into the retaining
chamber when the button is in the open position, and wherein the
connecting member is securely connected to the securing member when
the button securely traps the distal head of the connecting stud
within the retaining chamber; and a second web retained with the
second web channel.
14. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the head
comprises a circumferential base connected to a distal rim.
15. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the portion of
the connecting stud is configured to rotate relative to the
retaining chamber when the connecting member is securely connected
to the securing member.
16. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the button is
configured to be pivoted into the open position through movement of
the distal head of the connecting stud on the opposed guide ramps
toward the retaining chamber.
17. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the opposed
guide ramps connect to opposed ledges separated from a panel by a
space, wherein the distal head of the connecting stud is configured
to be secured within the space when the connecting member is
securely connected to the securing member.
18. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the button
comprises: one or more pivot arms that pivotally connect the button
to the housing, wherein the one or more pivot arms extend into the
retaining chamber a distance that exceeds half a depth of the
housing; a canted beam configured to urge the button into the
closed position; and a barrier lip that is configured to prevent
the distal head of the connecting stud from ejecting from the
retaining chamber when the button is in the closed position.
19. The web-connecting assembly of claim 13, wherein the securing
member comprises a button-retaining pin that is configured to
prevent the button from ejecting from the housing, wherein the
button-retaining pin is initially connected to the housing through
one or more flash connections, and wherein the button-retaining pin
is configured to be driven between portions of opposed pivot arms
of the button.
20. A web-connecting assembly configured to retain one or more
webs, the web-connecting assembly comprising: a connecting member
including a connecting stud; and a securing member including: a
housing defining a retaining chamber, and a button pivotally
secured to the housing, wherein the button is configured to be
moved between an open position and a closed position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/988,967, entitled
"Push-Button Release Web-Connecting Assembly," filed May 6, 2014,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a
web-connecting assembly, and, more particularly, to a
web-connecting assembly having a button that is configured to be
engaged to release a separable components.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Buckles are used to securely connect components together.
For example, various bags, backpacks, and the like have male and
female buckle members connected to straps, webbing, or the like.
Each strap, for example, is looped through a web channel on a
buckle member. In order to connect the straps together, the male
buckle member is connected to the female buckle member.
[0004] In various applications, web-retaining devices are used to
secure straps or webs together. Known web-retaining devices include
a hook that is configured to connect to another component. In
general, the hook is long, particularly in relation to the other
component to which it is configured to connect. Also, known
web-retaining devices often include multiple joints or connections
that are susceptible to breaking. Further, manipulating such
devices to actuate gates to unhook the components may prove
difficult for various individuals. As an example, an individual
typically has to press a deflectable beam of the book inward and
then remove a portion of another component within the hook while
the beam is deflected inward. Also, the styling of known
web-retaining devices may be considered outdated.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for a web-retaining device that
is smaller, stronger, and easier to manipulate.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
web-connecting assembly that may include a connecting member and a
securing member. The connecting member may include a connecting
stud, and a first web channel. The first web channel is configured
to retain a first web. The securing member may include a housing
defining a retaining chamber, a button pivotally secured to the
housing, and a second web channel. The second web channel is
configured to retain a second web. The button is configured to be
moved between an open position in which a portion of the connecting
stud is able to move into and out of the retaining chamber, and a
closed position in which the button securely traps the portion of
the connecting stud within the retaining chamber. The connecting
member is securely connected to the securing member when the button
securely traps the portion of the connecting stud within the
retaining chamber.
[0007] The connecting stud may include a stem connected to a distal
head. The portion of the connecting stud may include the distal
head. The head may include a circumferential base connected to a
distal rim. The portion of the connecting stud may be configured to
rotate relative to the retaining chamber when the connecting member
is securely connected to the securing member.
[0008] The securing member may include opposed guide ramps that
lead into the retaining chamber. The opposed guide ramps are
configured to guide the portion of the connecting stud into the
retaining chamber when the button is in the open position.
[0009] The button may be configured to be pivoted into the open
position through movement of the portion of the connecting stud on
the opposed guide ramps toward the retaining chamber.
Alternatively, the button may be configured to be pivoted into the
open only when engaged by an individual. The opposed guide ramps
may connect to opposed ledges separated from a panel by a space.
The portion of the connecting stud may be configured to be secured
within the space when the connecting member is securely connected
to the securing member.
[0010] The button may include one or more pivot arms that pivotally
connect the button to the housing. The pivot arm(s) extend into the
retaining chamber a distance that exceeds half a depth of the
housing. The button may include a canted beam that is configured to
urge the button into the closed position. The button may include a
barrier lip that is configured to prevent the portion of the
connecting stud from ejecting from the retaining chamber when the
button is in the closed position.
[0011] The securing member may include a button-retaining pin that
is configured to prevent the button from ejecting from the housing.
The button-retaining pin may be initially connected to the housing
through one or more flash connections. The button-retaining pin may
be configured to be driven between portions of opposed pivot arms
of the button.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in a connected state, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in a disconnected state, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective front exploded view of a
web-connecting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in a disconnected state in which a
connecting member is in an initial aligned position with respect to
a securing member, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in which a connecting member initially
engages a portion of a securing member, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of a
web-connecting assembly through line 6-6 of FIG. 5, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in which a connecting stud of a connecting
member pivots a button of a securing member into an open position,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of a
web-connecting assembly through line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of a
web-connecting assembly in a secure connected state, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
a connecting stud trapped within a retaining chamber of the housing
of a securing member, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
a button of a securing member preventing a connecting stud from
ejecting from a retaining chamber, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a web-connecting member
connected to webs, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective rear view of a securing
member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of a
securing member having a button positioned within a retaining
chamber, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of a
securing member having a button positioned within a retaining
chamber with a button-retaining pin driven between opposed pivot
arms of the button, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of a
securing member having a button positioned within a retaining
chamber with opposed pivot arms collapsing on a button-retaining
pin, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] Before the embodiments of the disclosure 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
arrangement 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 to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including" and "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 EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly 100 in a connected state, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The web-connecting assembly
100 may include a first component or connecting member 102 (such as
a male connecting web-retainer) that is configured to removably
secure to second component or securing member 104 (such as a female
securing web-retainer that receives and retains a portion of the
male connecting web-retainer), or the like.
[0030] The connecting member 102 may include a first cross beam 106
connected to a second cross beam 108 through lateral struts 110 and
112. The cross beams 106 and 108 may generally be aligned with one
another, such as being parallel to one another, while the struts
110 and 112 are generally aligned with one another, such as being
parallel to one another and perpendicular to the cross beams 106
and 108. As shown, the cross beams 106, 108 and the struts 110, 112
may be curved or otherwise have arcuate portions. Alternatively,
the cross beams 106, 108, and the struts 110, 112 may be straight,
linear components. The cross beams 106, 108, and the struts 110,
112 define an internal web channel 114 that is configured to
receive and retain webbing, such as a strap, belt, cord, rope, or
the like.
[0031] A connecting stud 116, such as a post, column, tab, or other
such protuberance, extends upwardly (as shown with respect to the
orientation of the web-connecting assembly 100 in FIG. 1) from the
cross beam 106. The connecting stud 116 may outwardly extend from
the cross beam 106 about a central axis 118 of the connecting
member 102. The central axis 118 may be a central lateral axis that
bisects the connecting member 102 into two symmetrical halves. As
such, the connecting stud 116 may be coaxial with the central axis
118.
[0032] The securing member 104 may include a cross beam 120
connected to opposed connecting beams 122 through lateral struts
124 and 126. The connecting beams 122 may connect to a central main
body or housing 128. The cross beam 120 may generally be aligned
with the connecting beams 122, such as being parallel thereto,
while the struts 124 and 126 are generally aligned with one
another, such as being parallel to one another and perpendicular to
the cross beam 120 and the connecting beams 122. As shown, the
cross beam 120, the connecting beams 122, and the struts 124, 126
may be curved or otherwise have arcuate portions. Alternatively,
the cross beam 120, the connecting beams 122, and the struts 124,
126 may be straight, linear components. The cross beam 120, the
connecting beams 122, the struts 124, 126, and the housing 128
define an internal web channel 130 that is configured to receive
and retain webbing, such as a strap, belt, cord, rope, or the
like.
[0033] The housing 128 may include a retaining shroud 132 that
extends downwardly from the connecting beams 122 about a central
axis 134 of the securing member 104. The central axis 134 may be a
central lateral axis that bisects the securing member 104 into two
symmetrical halves. In the connected position, the central axis 134
of the securing member 104 may be coaxial with the central axis 118
of the connecting member 102. A button 136 is pivotally secured to
the retaining housing 132.
[0034] In operation, the button 136 is pivoted into an open
position to expose a retaining chamber defined within the retaining
shroud 132. For example, an individual may press an upper portion
of the button 136 to pivot the button into an open position. When
the button 136 is in the open position, at least a portion (such as
a head) of the connecting stud 116 is moved into the retaining
chamber and engaged in a secure position by one or more features
within the retaining chamber. After the connecting stud 116 is
securely positioned in the retaining chamber, the button 136 is
pivoted back to a securing position, in which the button 136
securely traps the connecting stud 116 in the retaining chamber. In
this manner, the connecting member 102 securely connects to the
securing member 104.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of the
web-connecting assembly 100 in a disconnected state, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connecting stud 116 of
the connecting member 102 may include a stem 138 that extends from
the cross beam 106 about the central axis 118. The stem 138
connects to a distal head 140 that includes a circumferential base
142 that connects to a distal rim 144 that radially extends from a
distal portion of the base 142. The stem 138, the head 140, the
base 142, and the rim 144 may have circular cross-sections, which
allow the connecting stud 116 to rotate within the retaining
chamber of the securing member 104 about the central axis 134 when
the connecting member 102 is connected to the securing member
104.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective front exploded view of the
web-connecting assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. As noted, the housing 128 of the securing
member 104 includes a retaining chamber 143, which may be defined
by lateral walls 145 and a rear wall 146. A guide ramp 148 inwardly
extends into the retaining chamber 143 from each lateral wall 145.
As shown, the guide ramps 148 oppose and mirror one another. The
opposed guide ramps 148 are spaced apart from one another, thereby
providing space for the stem 138 of the connecting stud 116 to pass
therebetween. Each guide ramp 148 extends from a lower or distal
front portion 150 of the housing 128 and angles upwardly toward the
central axis 134. As shown, the guide ramps 148 may extend a
relatively short distance into the retaining chamber 143, such that
they do not extend into a central horizontal plane of the housing
128. The guide ramps 148 are configured to guide the connecting
stud 116 of the connecting member 102 into the retaining chamber
143.
[0037] The guide ramps 148 connect to opposed ledges 152 that may
reside in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis 134.
The opposed ledges are spaced apart from one another, thereby
providing space for the stem 138 of the connecting stud 116 to pass
therebetween. A flat panel 154 may extend between the lateral walls
145 within the retaining chamber and is separated from the ledges
152 a vertical distance that allows the head 140 of the connecting
stud 116 to be securely retained therein. The flat panel 154 may
reside in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the ledges
152 reside.
[0038] The button 136 includes an outer engageable face 156 that
connects to an upper panel 158, which may be perpendicular to the
face 156. One or more pivot arms 160 extend inwardly into the
retaining chamber 143 from an interior surface of the face 156. A
pivot joint 162, such as a cylindrical bearing, extends from a
distal end of the pivot arm 160 and is configured to pivotally
retain a reciprocal structure (such as a cylindrical post that fits
into a central opening of the pivot joint 162, or a reciprocal
recessed area that receives and retains the pivot joint 162) that
inwardly extends from one or both of the lateral walls 145. The
pivot arm(s) 160 are configured to allow the button 136 to be
pivoted between open and closed positions with respect to the
housing 128. The pivot arm(s) 160 may extend further away from the
face 156 than the upper panel 158. That is, the pivot arm(s) 160
may be longer than the upper panel 158.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective front view of the
web-connecting assembly 100 in a disconnected state in which the
connecting member 102 is in an initial aligned position with
respect to the securing member 104, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. In order to connect the connecting member
102 to the securing member 104, the connecting stud 116 of the
connecting member 102 is positioned in front and below the housing
128 of the securing member 104 such that the central axis 118 of
the connecting member 102 and the central axis 134 of the securing
member are within a common plane 170 that is coplanar with central
orthogonal planes of the connecting member 102 and the securing
member 104. Then, the connecting member 102 is urged toward the
securing member 104 in the direction of arrow 171 such that the
connecting stud 116 engages the ramps 148 of the housing 128.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective front view of the
web-connecting assembly 100 in which the connecting member 102
initially engages a portion of the securing member 104, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the
connecting stud 116 engages the ramps 148, such that bottom edge
portions of the base 142 overlay the ramps 148.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
the web-connecting assembly 100 through line 6-6 of FIG. 5,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a
bottom edge portion 172 of the base 142 of the connecting stud 116
may be positioned on the ramps 148 that lead into the retaining
chamber 143. In order to position the connecting stud 116 within
the retaining chamber 143, the face 156 of the button 136 may be
engaged (for example, pressed) to pivot the button 136 open about a
pivot axis 182 defined by the interface of the pivot arm 160 and
the reciprocal portion(s) of the housing 128.
[0042] Optionally, an individual may not need to directly engage
the button 136 in order to expose the retaining chamber 143.
Instead, as the connecting stud 116 is urged into the retaining
chamber 143 over the ramps 148 (which guide the connecting stud 116
toward and into the retaining chamber 143) in the direction of
arrow 184, the head 140 of the cylindrical stud 116 abuts into a
lower edge 186 of the button 136 and forces the button 136 to pivot
open in the direction of arc 180, as the connecting stud 116
continues to be urged in the direction of arrow 184.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective front view of a
web-connecting assembly in which the connecting stud 116 of the
connecting member 102 pivots the button 136 of the securing member
104 into an open position, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a lateral axial
cross-sectional view of the web-connecting assembly 100 through
line 8-8 of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, after the
connecting stud 116 slides into the retaining chamber 143 over the
ramps 148, the bottom edge portion 172 of the head 140 slides onto
the ledges 152. As shown, the lower edge 186 of the button 136
abuts into a top of the head 140. The pivot arm 160 is pivoted open
in the direction of arc 180, thereby allowing the head 140 to be
moved into the space between the ledges 152 and the flat panel 154
in the direction of arrow 190. During the pivotal motion of the
button 136, the top panel 158 may pivot over a top wall 192 of the
housing 128, while an upwardly canted beam 194 of the button 136
deflects downwardly against an interior surface of the top wall
192. After the button 136 no longer engages the top of the
connecting stud 116, the canted beam 194 springs back to its
at-rest position, thereby providing a force that returns the button
136 to a closed position.
[0044] In order to securely connect the connecting member 102 to
the securing member 104, the securing member continues to be urged
into retaining chamber 143 in the space between the ledges 152 and
the panel 154 until the head 140 abuts into the rear wall 146 of
the housing 128, thereby positioning the head 140 on the ledges 152
in a secure seated position. In this position, the lower edge 186
of the button 136 no longer contacts the top of the head 140. As
such, the button 136 pivots back to its at-rest position (such as
by the canted beam 194 forcing the button 136 back to the closed
position), thereby trapping the head 140 within the retaining
chamber 143, which in turn securely connects the connecting member
102 to the securing member 104.
[0045] As shown, the pivot arm 160 extends deep into the retaining
chamber 143 proximate to the rear wall 146 of the housing 128. For
example, the length of the pivot arm 160 may exceed half the depth
d of the housing 128. In at least one embodiment, the length of the
pivot arm 160 exceeds 0.75d. Alternatively, the length of the pivot
arm 160 may be greater or lesser than 0.75d. In this manner, the
pivot arm 160 is long enough to provide an opening between the
button 136 and the housing 128 of sufficient clearance to allow the
head 140 of the connecting stud 116 to pass therethrough.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
the web-connecting assembly 100 in a secure connected state,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the
head 140 is securely retained within a space 200 between the ledges
152 and the panel 140. The button 136 traps the head 140 of the
connecting stud 116 within the retaining chamber 143.
[0047] Because the head 140 includes a circular cross-section and
the stem 138 also includes a circular cross-section, the connecting
member 102 may rotate relative to the securing member 104 (or vice
versa) about a central axis 201 (which may be a coaxial combination
of the axes 118 and 134 of the connecting member 102 and the
securing member 104, respectively) of the assembly 100. The ability
of the connecting member 102 and the securing member 104 to rotate
in such a manner provides the assembly 100 with the ability to
adapt to various connection orientations and movements, for
example. Alternatively, the connecting stud 116 may include other
cross-sections that prevent rotation or allow limited rotation
between the connecting member 102 and the securing member 104.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
the connecting stud 116 trapped within the retaining chamber 143 of
the housing of the securing member 104, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure. A barrier lip 202 extends inwardly from
the lower edge 186 of the button 136. The barrier lip 202 is
disposed below the rim 144 of the head 140 of the connecting stud
116. The barrier lip 202 is configured to prevent the connecting
stud 116 from ejecting from the retaining chamber 143, unless the
button 136 is engaged into an open position.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates a lateral axial cross-sectional view of
the button 136 of the securing member 104 preventing the connecting
stud 116 from ejecting from the retaining chamber 143, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the head 140 shifts
within the retaining chamber towards an ejection in the direction
of arrow 210, the rim 144 of the head 140 latches onto the barrier
lip 202, thereby preventing the button 136 from pivoting into an
open position.
[0050] In order to remove the head 140 from the retaining chamber
143 (and disconnect the connecting member 102 from the securing
member 104), the button 136 is engaged so that the pivot arm 160
pivots about the pivot axis 182, thereby removing the barrier lip
202 from the rim 144, and providing a path of sufficient clearance
to allow the head 140 to be removed from the retaining chamber 143.
Once the path of sufficient clearance is formed by way of the
button 136 pivoting to the open position, the connecting member 102
may be disconnected from the securing member 104 in the direction
of arrow 210.
[0051] The button 136 provides a pivoting release. The button 136
is pivotally secured to the housing 128 through one or more pivot
arms 160 that allow the release button 136 to pivot over an arc.
The length of the pivot arm 160 allows the button 136 to pivot open
(thereby providing a path through which the head 140 may pass) and
close. The relatively long pivot arm 160 allows for an opening of
sufficient size to allow the head 140 to enter and exit the
retaining chamber 143. As noted above, the button 136 may include
more than one pivot arm 160.
[0052] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking
geometry that protects against inadvertent separation of the
connecting member 102 from the securing member 104. The locking
interfaces and interaction between the head 140 and the button 136
ensures that the head 140 remains secured within the retaining
chamber 143 until the button 136 is engaged by an individual into
an open position. As shown in FIG. 11, if the head 140 shifts
outward, it latches onto the button 136, thereby ensuring that the
head 140 remains within the retaining chamber 143.
[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the web-connecting
member 100 connected to webs 240 and 250, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the web 240 is
retained within the web channel 130 of the securing member 104,
while the web 250 is retained with the web channel 114 of the
connecting member 102.
[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective rear view of a securing
member 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The securing member includes a housing 302 similar to those
described above. A button-retaining pin 304 is molded onto the
housing 302, such as through a thin layer of material. For example,
the button-retaining pin 304 may be secured through one or more
flash connections of plastic that are configured to break when the
button-retaining pin 304 is urged inwardly into a retaining chamber
in the direction of arrow 306.
[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of the
securing member 300 having a button 308 positioned within a
retaining chamber 309, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown, in an initial position, the pin 304 is
secured within a drive channel 311 through flash connections 310.
The button 308 includes opposed pivot arms 312, similar to the
pivot arm(s) 160 described above. After the button 308 is
positioned within the retaining chamber 309, the pin 304 is driven
into the retaining chamber 309 (thereby breaking the flash
connections 310) through the drive channel 311 so that the pin 304
is positioned between the opposed pivot arms 312.
[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of the
securing member 300 having the button 308 positioned within the
retaining chamber 309 with the button-retaining pin 304 driven
between the opposed pivot arms 312 of the button 308, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pin 304
remains radially secured within the drive channel 311, with a
distal end 314 positioned between portions of the pivot arms
312.
[0057] FIG. 16 illustrates an internal cross-sectional view of the
securing member 300 having the button 308 positioned within the
retaining chamber 309 with opposed pivot arms 312 collapsing on the
button-retaining pin 304, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. When the button 308 is subjected to a force that
squeezes the pivot arms 312 toward one another, interior surfaces
of the pivot arms 312 contact the distal end 314 of the pin 304. As
such, the distal end 314 is sandwiched between the opposed pivot
arms 312. In this manner, the pin 304 limits the distance over
which the pivot arms 312 may inwardly flex, which ensures that the
button 308 does not eject from the securing member 300.
[0058] The pin 304 may be used with any of the embodiments of the
present disclosure. For example, with respect to FIGS. 1-12, the
securing member 104 may include a pin that is driven between
opposed pivot arms 160 in order to ensure that the button 136
remains secured to the housing 128.
[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide web-connecting
assemblies that are shorter than known hooking devices. In
comparison to known hooking devices, embodiments of the present
disclosure provide web-connecting assemblies that are shorter,
stronger, and easier to manipulate. The short, compact length of
the web-connecting assemblies is realized by using a connecting
stud that secures into a retaining chamber, for example, instead of
a hook component.
[0060] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top,
bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the
like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure,
it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to
the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be
inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion
is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical,
and the like.
[0061] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the
embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
disclosure. The 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.
[0062] To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."
Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms
"first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and
are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in
means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted
based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f), unless and until such claim
limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a
statement of function void of further structure.
[0063] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the
following claims.
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