Helmet buckle with magnetic alignment

a magnetic alignment and buckle technology, applied in the field of helmet buckles, can solve the problems of difficult to locate, difficult, if not impossible, use of side release buckles with only one hand, etc., and achieve the effect of convenient removal of the clip

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-10-30
PACIFIC CYCLE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention is a buckle for attachment to a helmet that has straps. In one embodiment, the buckle is made of two parts: a base and a clip. The base includes a base magnet and is secured to one of the side straps. The clip includes a clip magnet and a retention flange. The clip is secured to the chin strap. The buckle is closed when the retention flange is removably engaged with the base. The clip is aligned to the base by magnetic force generated between the base magnet and the clip magnet. In some embodiments of the present invention, a pull tab is provided on the clip to facilitate removal of the clip from the base. In addition, the base may include a center body having at least one wing adjacent to the center body. The at least one wing may further include a tactile pattern to help a user find the center body by touch.

Problems solved by technology

Existing side release buckles suffer from a number of shortfalls when used as a helmet buckle.
Most notably, there are a number of pinch points present on standard side release buckles that have a tendency to pinch the user's chin or cheek when the buckle is engaged.
Additionally, typical bicycle helmets place the buckle under the chin, which may prove difficult to locate if the user is helping a child put on a helmet.
Finally, side release buckles are difficult, if not impossible, to use with only one hand.

Method used

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  • Helmet buckle with magnetic alignment
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  • Helmet buckle with magnetic alignment

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]FIGS. 1-5 show one embodiment of a helmet buckle with magnetic alignment 200 in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the helmet buckle with magnetic alignment 200 is typically attached to a bicycle helmet 100. In the embodiment shown, the helmet buckle with magnetic alignment 200 has a base 202 and a clip 204. The base 202 is attached to side strap 206, and the clip 204 is attached to chin strap 208. Unlike typical bicycle helmets that have two-part chin straps with a buckle located under the rider's chin, the bicycle helmet 100 has a one part chin strap 208 and the buckle with magnetic alignment 200 is located at the base of the side strap 206.

[0023]Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, the helmet buckle the base 202 has two wings 210, each wing including a wing slot 212 through which the side straps 206 pass, thereby attaching the base to the side straps. In the embodiment shown, each wing 210 also includes a texture pattern 214 to help users locate the base 202 by feel. A...

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PUM

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Abstract

A helmet buckle having magnetic alignment reduces pinching caused by typical bicycle helmet buckles. The helmet buckle having magnetic alignment includes magnets in a base and a clip that align the parts to each other and help secure the buckle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 815,625 filed on Apr. 24, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of helmet buckles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a helmet buckle that includes magnets for securely aligning the buckle.BACKGROUND[0003]Bicycle helmets are important pieces of safety equipment that are widely used by cyclists and “action sports” participants. Typical bicycle helmets are held onto a rider's head by a system of straps, including a chin strap that passes under a rider's chin to secure the helmet to the rider's head. A wide variety of buckles are used to secure the chin strap to the rest of the straps. Many bicycle helmets include “side release” buckles, similar to those found on backpacks and duffel bags. Side release buckles ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A42B7/00A44B11/00A42B3/08
CPCA42B7/00A44B11/00A42B3/08A44D2203/00Y10T24/32
Inventor KOONS, BRIANWERWIE, III, JOSEPH J.ROGERS, JEFFREY ALLENBARMORE, CHRISTOPHER K.TRAVAGLINI, ANTHONY J.
Owner PACIFIC CYCLE
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