Buckle assembly

Abstract

A buckle assembly (1) is formed by a convex buckle portion (20) and a concave buckle portion (10). The concave buckle portion (10) has a top wall (11), a bottom wall (12), side walls (13, 14), and a cavity (15) between the top wall (11) and the bottom wall (12), and a locking slot (16, 17) in each of the side walls (13, 14). The convex buckle portion (20) has a bottom (21), two locking legs (24, 25), a center leg (28), and two intermediate legs (31, 32) between the locking legs (24, 25) and the center leg (28). The locking legs (24, 25) extend through the locking slots (16, 17) in the concave portion (10), and locking pawls (26, 27) at the ends of the locking legs (24, 25) engage the edges of the locking slots (16, 17) to secure the buckle portions together. Each locking leg (24, 25) is connected to a flexible retaining member (33, 34) that prevents the locking leg (24, 25) from bending outward beyond a predetermined point. Intermediate legs (31, 32) and / or retaining members (33, 34) form a stop surface that prevents the locking leg (24, 25) from bending inward beyond its contact point with the stop surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a two-piece buckle assembly for connecting two straps together. Specifically, the invention relates to a buckle assembly having a fixing element that prevents excessive outward bending of one leg of the buckle portion. Background Technology

[0002] Two-piece side-release buckles typically consist of a convex buckle portion and a concave buckle portion. The convex buckle portion usually has two locking legs that engage with locking slots in the concave buckle portion. Typically, a center leg in the convex portion increases the stability of the assembly. To prevent the locking legs from bending outwards beyond a certain point, U.S. Patent No. 5,791,026 proposes a flexible retaining member connecting the locking legs to the center leg, preventing the locking legs from bending outwards beyond the length of the retaining member. Additional variations of this type of buckle are also shown in U.S. Design Patents D401,533 and D425,443.

[0003] While these are effective in controlling the movement of the locking leg, it is desirable to construct a buckle in which the center leg is unaffected by the movement of the side locking legs, and in which excessive inward force on the locking leg can also be counteracted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention relates to a buckle assembly formed by a convex buckle portion and a concave buckle portion, wherein the concave buckle portion includes a top wall, a bottom wall connected to the top wall via opposing side walls, a cavity between the top wall and the bottom wall, an insertion opening, and a locking slot in each of the side walls. The convex buckle portion is configured to be locked to the concave buckle portion by inserting the convex buckle portion into the insertion opening. The convex buckle portion has a bottom, two locking legs, a center leg, and two intermediate legs between the locking legs and the center leg. Each of the locking legs is configured to extend through a corresponding locking slot in the concave portion when the convex portion is inserted into the concave portion, and a locking pawl at the end of each of the locking legs engages the edge of the locking slot to secure the convex buckle portion to the concave buckle portion. The convex buckle portion is released by pressing the locking pawl inward until it passes the edge of the locking slot, at which point the convex buckle portion is forced away from the concave buckle portion.

[0005] Each of the locking legs is connected to the other portion of the convex portion by a flexible retaining member, which can be formed as a connecting band. The retaining member prevents the locking legs from bending outward beyond a predetermined point, as the locking legs cannot bend outward beyond the length of the retaining member. When a normal inward force is applied to both locking legs to release the convex buckle portion from the concave buckle portion, the flexible retaining member deforms, providing minimal resistance to the inward bending of the locking legs. However, when an excessive inward force is applied and both locking legs are bent and pushed into contact with the intermediate leg, the intermediate leg provides support for the locking legs and shares the force, thereby forming a stop surface and thus preventing the locking legs from bending beyond their break point. The intermediate leg preferably has an outer contour that matches the inner contour of the locking legs to minimize friction when the locking legs press inward against the intermediate leg.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate leg is connected to the bottom portion of the convex buckle portion and extends substantially parallel to the locking leg. A retaining member is attached to the free end of the locking leg and the bottom of the intermediate leg. However, the retaining member may be attached to the locking leg and the intermediate leg at any point on both, or it may be attached to other areas of the convex portion. In one embodiment, the retaining member is attached to the intermediate leg on the side of each intermediate leg facing the center leg, such that the retaining member extends upward and over the top of the intermediate leg before being attached to the locking leg. This way, the retaining member does not interfere with any inward movement of the locking leg during disengagement of the convex buckle portion from the concave buckle portion.

[0007] The retaining member is preferably molded integrally with the locking leg as a single piece and is formed of the same material as the rest of the buckle assembly. The retaining member is molded thin enough to be flexible. The intermediate legs are formed such that they have greater rigidity than the retaining member, so that when the locking leg bends inward and outward, only the retaining member moves and the intermediate legs do not. For this purpose, the intermediate legs are made thicker than the retaining member. Attaching the retaining member to the bottom of the intermediate legs also helps prevent the intermediate legs from bending during the bending of the locking leg. The bottom of the intermediate legs may be thicker than the rest of the intermediate legs to help keep the intermediate legs stable during use of the buckle assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment, the concave buckle portion has an opening opposite to the insertion opening, and the center leg has a foot member at its distal end, and the foot member extends through the opening when the convex buckle portion and the concave buckle portion are locked together.

[0009] In another embodiment, the retaining member is not connected to the intermediate leg, but extends above and around the intermediate leg without contacting it. In this embodiment, the intermediate leg has a hook at its distal end, and the retaining member is formed by a corresponding hook on the locking leg. When the locking leg bends outward, the hook on the locking leg engages with the hook on the intermediate leg to prevent the locking leg from bending further outward.

[0010] In another embodiment, a hook-shaped retaining member engaging the middle leg is also connected to the center leg of the convex buckle to provide further stability and resistance to outward bending.

[0011] In another embodiment, the intermediate leg connects to and extends inward from the locking leg, and the retaining member extends from the locking pawl around the intermediate leg, makes a U-turn, and connects to the center leg. The outward bending of the locking leg causes the retaining member to press against the underside of the intermediate leg and prevents the locking leg from bending excessively outward.

[0012] The buckle assembly according to the invention is configured to allow a strap to be attached to each of the buckle portions such that attaching the buckle portions together connects two straps. To achieve this, each of the convex and concave buckle portions has at least one strap retainer attached thereto. The strap can be sewn closed around a single strap retainer or can be wound around a double-bar arrangement for adjustability.

[0013] In summary, the two intermediate legs, together with the flexible retaining member, effectively prevent excessive bending and damage to the buckle legs in any direction. The new design improves the buckle's strength, stability, and durability. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are intended for illustration only and not as definitions of limitations on the invention.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, which are consistent throughout several views, similar reference numerals denote similar elements:

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of the assembled buckle assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of the buckle assembly;

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the buckle assembly, showing the convex buckle portion and the concave buckle portion in an unassembled state;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the convex buckle portion according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is an end view of the buckle assembly according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the convex buckle portion according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top view of the implementation plan;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the convex buckle portion according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the implementation plan;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the convex buckle portion according to the invention; and

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top view of the implementation plan. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Please refer to the attached diagram for details. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A buckle assembly 1 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a concave buckle portion 10 and a convex buckle portion 20. The concave buckle portion 10 includes a top wall 11, a bottom wall 12, and opposing side walls 13, 14. Figure 3 As shown, the cavity 15 defined by the opening 115 extends between the top wall 11 and the bottom wall 12. Locking slots 16 and 17 are respectively provided in the side walls 13 and 14. A retaining rod 18 is connected to the end of the concave buckle portion 10 opposite to the opening 115.

[0028] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the convex portion 20 is formed by a bottom 21, which is connected on one side to retaining rods 22, 23 and to locking legs 24, 25 extending from the other side. Locking legs 24, 25 terminate in locking pawls 26, 27, which engage in locking slots 16, 17 within the concave buckle portion 10 when the convex buckle portion 20 is inserted into the concave buckle portion 10. Pressing the locking pawls 26, 27 inward until they pass the edges of the locking slots 16, 17 releases the convex buckle portion 20 from the concave buckle portion 10 by forcing it out of the cavity 15.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the convex buckle portion 20 has a central leg 28 terminating at the foot member 29. When assembled with the concave buckle portion 10, the foot member extends to the end of the cavity 15 and serves to further stabilize the convex buckle portion 20 within the concave buckle portion 10. Figure 5 As shown, when assembling the buckle portion, the foot component 29 can be seen through the hole 19 in the concave portion 10.

[0030] Two intermediate legs 31 and 32 are provided between the center leg 28 and the locking legs 24 and 25. The intermediate legs 31 and 32 extend upward from the bottom 11 and are smaller in width and height than the locking legs 24 and 25. The sides of the intermediate legs 31 and 32 facing the locking legs 24 and 25 are slightly curved and follow the inner contour of the locking legs 24 and 25, so that when the locking legs are pressed against the intermediate legs 31 and 32 under strong force, excessive friction and resistance can be avoided, thereby causing the intermediate legs 31 and 32 to form a stop surface that the locking legs 24 and 25 cannot cross.

[0031] Connected to the intermediate legs 31 and 32 are flexible retaining members 33 and 34. The flexible retaining members 33 and 34 are connected to the intermediate legs 31 and 32 at their bottom sides facing the center leg 28, and to the locking legs 24 and 25 at their top sides facing the center leg 28. Inward pressure on the locking pawls 26 and 27 causes the locking legs 24 and 25 to bend inward and contact the intermediate legs 31 and 32, which stabilize the locking legs 24 and 25 and prevent excessive inward movement that could damage the buckle portion. Outward pressure on the locking legs 24 and 25 is compensated by the flexible retaining members 33 and 34, which, due to the length and stiffness of the material of the retaining members 33 and 34, are only allowed to bend outward to a predetermined amount. The retaining members 33 and 34 are positioned on the inner surfaces of the locking pawls 26 and 27 and the intermediate legs 31 and 32 such that they do not interfere with any inward movement of the locking legs 24 and 25. The retaining components 33, 34 are integrally molded with the intermediate legs 31, 32 and locking pawls 26, 27 into a single piece, and are molded thin enough to allow the locking legs 24, 25 to bend in the inward and outward directions, but in a limited manner.

[0032] exist Figures 6 to 11 An alternative implementation scheme for the convex buckle portion can be seen in the diagram. Figure 6 and Figure 7In this design, the convex portion 40 is formed by a bottom 41, which connects to retaining rods 42 and 43 on one side and to locking legs 44 and 45 extending from the other side. The locking legs 44 and 45 terminate in locking pawls 46 and 47, which engage in locking slots 16 and 17 in the concave buckle portion 10 when the convex buckle portion 40 is inserted into the concave buckle portion 10. Pressing the locking pawls 46 and 47 inward until they pass the edge of the locking slots 16 and 17 releases the convex buckle portion 40 from the concave buckle portion 10 in the same manner as the convex portion 20 described above, by forcing the convex buckle portion 10 out of the cavity 15.

[0033] The convex buckle portion 40 has a central leg 48 terminating at the foot member 49. Two intermediate legs 51 and 52 are provided between the central leg 48 and the locking legs 44 and 45. The intermediate legs 51 and 52 extend upward from the bottom 41 and are smaller in both width and height than the locking legs 44 and 45. The intermediate legs 51 and 52 form a stop surface that the locking legs 44 and 45 cannot cross when the locking legs 44 and 45 are pressed inward.

[0034] Flexible retaining members 55 and 56 are connected to the locking legs 44 and 45. Inward pressure on the locking pawls 46 and 47 causes the locking legs 44 and 45 to bend inward and engage with the intermediate legs 51 and 52, which stabilize the locking legs 44 and 45 and prevent excessive inward movement that could damage the buckle portion. The flexible retaining members 55 and 56 have free ends terminating at hooks 57 and 58, and the intermediate legs 51 and 52 have corresponding hooks 53 and 54 at their free ends. Outward pressure on the locking legs 44 and 45 causes hooks 57 and 58 to engage hooks 53 and 54, respectively, preventing any further outward movement of the locking legs 44 and 45. The retaining members 55 and 56 extend around hooks 53 and 54 and engage with hooks 53 and 54 on the side of the intermediate legs 51 and 52 facing the center leg 48, such that the retaining members 55 and 56 do not interfere with the inward movement of the locking legs 44 and 45. The retaining components 55 and 56 are integrally molded with the locking pawls 46 and 47 into one piece.

[0035] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows the basis Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of the scheme is described above, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements. However, in this embodiment, the flexible retaining member 55 has an extension 59 that extends from the hook 57 and is directly attached to the center leg 48. Similarly, the flexible retaining member 56 has an extension 60 that extends from the hook 58 and is directly attached to the center leg 48. These extensions add additional stability to the flexible retaining members 55 and 56 to prevent accidental breakage. Figure 6 and Figure 7The outward bending of the locking legs 44 and 45 causes the hooks 57 and 58 to engage with the hooks 53 and 54, preventing the locking legs 44 and 45 from moving further outward.

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Another alternative embodiment of the buckle assembly according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the convex portion 160 is formed by a bottom 61, which is connected on one side to the belt retaining rods 62, 63 and to locking legs 64, 65 extending from the other side. The locking legs 64, 65 terminate in locking pawls 66, 67, which engage in locking slots 16, 17 in the concave buckle portion 10 when the convex buckle portion 160 is inserted into the concave buckle portion 10. Pressing the locking pawls 66, 67 inward until they pass the edge of the locking slots 16, 17 releases the convex buckle portion 160 from the concave buckle portion 10 in the same manner as the convex portions 20 and 40 described above, by forcing the convex buckle portion 160 out of the cavity 15.

[0037] The convex buckle portion 160 has a central leg 68 terminating at the foot member 69. Two intermediate legs 71, 72 are attached to locking legs 64, 65, which extend inwardly from the locking legs 64, 65.

[0038] Flexible retaining members 73 and 74 are connected to locking pawls 66 and 67, the flexible retaining members extending in a U-shape and connected to the center leg 68. Retaining member 73 is formed by parallel legs 75 and 77, and retaining member 74 is formed by parallel legs 76 and 78. Inward pressure on the locking pawls 66 and 67 causes the locking legs 64 and 65 to bend inward, at which point the retaining members 73 and 74 are pushed towards and contact the center leg 68, thereby preventing further inward movement that could damage the buckle portion. Outward pressure on the locking legs 64 and 65 causes the legs 75 and 76 of the retaining members 73 and 74 to press upward against the intermediate legs 71 and 72, preventing the locking legs 64 and 65 from bending further outward, thereby protecting the locking legs 64 and 65 from damage. The retaining members 73 and 74 are integrally molded as a single piece with the locking pawls 66 and 67 and the center leg 68.

[0039] Therefore, although only a few embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications can be made thereon without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A buckle assembly comprising: The concave buckle portion includes a top wall, a bottom wall connected to the top wall via opposing side walls, a cavity between the top wall and the bottom wall, an insertion opening, and a locking slot in each of the side walls; The convex buckle portion is configured to be locked to the concave buckle portion by inserting the convex buckle portion into the insertion opening. The convex buckle portion includes a bottom, two locking legs, and two intermediate legs disposed between the two locking legs. Each of the locking legs is configured to extend through a corresponding locking slot in the concave buckle portion when the buckle portions are locked together. Each of the locking legs is connected to a retaining member that prevents the locking leg from bending outward beyond a predetermined point, and the intermediate leg and the retaining member are arranged such that when inward pressure is applied to the locking leg, the intermediate leg or the retaining member forms a stop surface to prevent the locking leg from moving inward upon contact with the stop surface. The retaining member is a flexible retaining member, and each of the retaining members is configured to engage the intermediate leg adjacent to the retaining member when the locking leg bends outward, to prevent the locking leg from bending further outward.

2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central leg extending between the two intermediate legs, such that each of the intermediate legs is disposed between one of the locking legs and the central leg.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the middle leg is connected to the bottom and extends parallel to the locking leg.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein each intermediate leg is connected to the locking leg adjacent to the intermediate leg.

5. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is attached to the free end of the locking leg.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is attached to the intermediate leg.

7. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein the retaining member is attached to the intermediate leg on the side of each intermediate leg opposite to the locking leg of the locking leg.

8. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein the retaining member is integrally molded as a single piece with the locking leg and the intermediate leg.

9. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate leg has a higher stiffness level than the retaining member, such that the intermediate leg does not move when the locking leg bends outward.

10. The buckle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central leg extending between the two intermediate legs, wherein the concave buckle portion has an opening opposite the insertion opening, and wherein the central leg has a foot member at its distal end, and wherein the foot member extends through the opening when the convex buckle portion and the concave buckle portion are locked together.

11. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the convex buckle portion and the concave buckle portion has at least one belt retainer connected thereto.

12. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the intermediate legs has a hook disposed on its distal end; and wherein each of the retaining members has a hook configured to engage the hook of the intermediate leg adjacent to the retaining member when the corresponding locking leg bends outward.

13. The buckle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central leg extending between the two intermediate legs, such that each of the intermediate legs is disposed between one of the locking legs and the central leg, wherein each of the retaining members is connected to the central leg.

14. The buckle assembly of claim 4, further comprising a central leg extending between the two intermediate legs, wherein each of the intermediate legs is disposed between one of the locking legs and the central leg, and wherein each of the retaining members is connected to the central leg.

15. The buckle assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the retaining members has a U-shaped design with two parallel legs, and wherein the outward bending of the locking leg causes one of the parallel legs of each of the retaining members to press against the intermediate leg adjacent to the retaining member in the intermediate leg to prevent further outward bending of the locking leg.

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