Buckle for helmet
Through the magnetic buckle design, the problem of difficulty for wearers to operate the helmet buckle with one hand in the workplace is solved, and convenient buckle connection and separation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410040960.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-11
AI Technical Summary
It is often difficult for wearers to unbutton the buckle with one hand when operating the helmet buckle in a workplace environment, especially when wearing gloves.
The magnetic buckle design of the base assembly and the external assembly is adopted, and the release member of the ferromagnetic material and the shaft are pivoted, and the one-handed operation of the buckle is achieved in combination with the difference in magnet attraction.
The wearer can easily connect and separate the buckles with one hand, even when wearing gloves, improving operational ease.
Smart Images
Figure CN120284035A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application generally relates to a helmet, such as a safety helmet. More specifically, this application generally relates to a buckle for a helmet. Background Art
[0002] Helmets, such as safety helmets, are often used in workplace environments, such as industrial or construction sites, to protect the wearer's head from injuries caused by impacts with other objects such as falling objects. Helmets typically have a chin strap to keep the helmet in place in case the helmet slips off the wearer's head, for example when the wearer leans over. The chin strap typically includes a buckle that can be unfastened so that the wearer can remove the helmet from their head.
[0003] The wearer of a helmet typically also wears gloves, such as safety gloves, when in a workplace environment. However, it is often difficult to operate the buckle of a helmet while wearing safety gloves. In addition, it is often desirable to unfasten the buckle with one hand, which can also be difficult, especially when wearing gloves.
[0004] The inventors have recognized many deficiencies and problems in the prior art in this field. Through the applied effort, creativity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions constructed according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and many examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include an apparatus that provides an improved buckle for a helmet, such as a safety helmet.
[0006] In various aspects, a buckle includes a base assembly and an outer assembly. The base assembly may include a base having a protrusion and a first base magnet at least partially positioned within the protrusion. The outer assembly may be removably coupled to the base assembly. The outer assembly may include a connector, a shaft, and a release member pivotally coupled to the connector by the shaft. The release member and the shaft may include ferromagnetic materials. The release member may include a release member opening. The release member may be configured to pivot from a first position to a second position relative to the connector. When the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base may be at least partially positioned inside the release member opening. When the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base may be positioned outside the release member opening.
[0007] In various examples, the base assembly includes a second base magnet at least partially positioned within the base. The outer assembly may include an outer assembly magnet at least partially positioned within the connector. The outer assembly magnet may be positioned adjacent to the second base magnet.
[0008] In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening. The first base magnet can be at least partially positioned within the connector opening.
[0009] In various examples, the base includes an arm, and the arm includes the protrusion. The protrusion can be positioned at a distal end of the arm.
[0010] In various examples, the arm is configured to flex.
[0011] In various examples, a channel is defined to at least partially surround the arm and the protrusion.
[0012] In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening, and the protrusion includes a nub. The protrusion can be at least partially positioned within the connector opening. When the release member is in a first position, the nub can be at least partially positioned within the release member opening.
[0013] In various examples, the connector and the base include a non-ferromagnetic material.
[0014] In various examples, the base includes a flange, and the flange includes an inclined portion. The connector can be in contact with the flange.
[0015] In various examples, when the release member is in a first position, a first force is required to separate an external component from the base component. When the release member is in a second position, a second force can be required to separate the external component from the base component. The first force can be greater than the second force.
[0016] In various aspects, a helmet includes a buckle. The buckle can include a base component and an external component. The base component can include a base having a protrusion and a first base magnet at least partially positioned within the protrusion. The external component can be removably coupled to the base component. The external component can include a connector, a shaft, and a release member pivotally coupled to the connector by the shaft. The release member and the shaft can include a ferromagnetic material. The release member can include a release member opening. The release member can be configured to pivot relative to the connector from a first position to a second position. When the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base can be at least partially positioned inside the release member opening. When the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base can be positioned outside the release member opening.
[0017] In various examples, the base component includes a second base magnet at least partially positioned within the base. The external component can include an external component magnet at least partially positioned within the connector. The external component magnet can be positioned close to the second base magnet.
[0018] In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening. The first base magnet can be at least partially positioned within the connector opening.
[0019] In various examples, the base includes an arm, and the arm includes the protrusion. The protrusion may be positioned at a distal end of the arm.
[0020] In various examples, the arm is configured to flex.
[0021] In various examples, a channel is defined to at least partially surround the arm and the protrusion.
[0022] In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening, and the protrusion includes a bump. The protrusion may be at least partially positioned within the connector opening. When the release member is in a first position, the bump may be at least partially positioned within the release member opening.
[0023] In various examples, the connector and the base include a non-ferromagnetic material.
[0024] In various examples, the base includes a flange, and the flange includes an inclined portion. The connector may contact the flange.
[0025] In various examples, when the release member is in a first position, a first force is required to separate an external component from the base component. When the release member is in a second position, a second force may be required to separate the external component from the base component. The first force may be greater than the second force.
[0026] The foregoing Summary is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should in no way be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments other than those outlined herein, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Accordingly, certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described above, and non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views, unless otherwise indicated. The components shown in the drawings may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the drawings.
[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a helmet according to an exemplary embodiment is provided.
[0029] Figure 2 A top perspective view of a buckle according to an exemplary embodiment is provided.
[0030] Figure 3 A top perspective view of a portion of a buckle according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 2 of a buckle.
[0031] Figure 4 A top perspective view of a base assembly of a buckle according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 2 of a buckle.
[0032] Figure 5 A top view of a base assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 4 of a base assembly.
[0033] Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of a base assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 4 of a base assembly.
[0034] Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of an outer component of a buckle according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. Figure 2 of a buckle.
[0035] Figure 8 An exploded view and a cross-sectional view of a buckle according to an exemplary embodiment are provided. Figure 2 of a buckle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] One or more embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, and in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all, of the embodiments are shown and described herein. In fact, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.
[0037] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Additionally, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, this feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Further, with respect to the use of the terms "comprising" and "including" and their variants in the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including".
[0038] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X uses A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing instances. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context with respect to the singular form, the articles "a" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims generally should be construed to mean "one or more".
[0039] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled", "fixed", "attached to", etc. refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, and indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features.
[0040] As used herein, the term "directly positioned on" means that a first component is positioned on a second component such that they are in contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term "directly positioned between" means that a first component is positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component is in contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, the first component "positioned between the second component and the third component" may or may not be in contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, the first component "positioned between the second component and the third component" is positioned such that there may be other intermediate components other than the first component between the second component and the third component.
[0041] As used herein, approximate terms such as "approximate", "substantially", or "about" mean within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, an approximate term may refer to within a five percent margin of error.
[0042] Now referring to Figure 1 , a perspective view of a helmet 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. The helmet 10 may be configured as a safety helmet, such as a hard hat. The helmet 10 may include a plurality of straps 11. The helmet 10 may include a buckle 100 coupled to the plurality of straps 11.
[0043] Now referring to Figure 2 , a perspective view of the buckle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is provided. The buckle 100 may define an X direction, a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction( Figure 5 ). The X direction may be a longitudinal direction L, and the Y direction may be a transverse direction T( Figure 5 ).
[0044] The buckle 100 may include an outer component 200 and a base component 300. The outer component 200 of the buckle 100 may be removably coupled to the base component 300. The buckle 100 may include a plurality of strap attachment openings 102. For example, the outer component 200 may define the strap attachment openings 102, and the base component 300 may define the strap attachment openings 102. A strap 11 may extend through these strap attachment openings 102.
[0045] Now also referring Figures 3 - 8 to, various views of at least a portion of the buckle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment are provided. Figure 3 A top perspective view of the buckle 100 is provided, with the release member 220 hidden. Figure 4 A top perspective view of the base component 300 is provided. Figure 5 A top view of the base component 300 is provided. Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the base component 300 is provided. Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of the outer component 200 is provided. Figure 8 An exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the buckle 100 are provided.
[0046] In various examples, the base component 300 may include a base 310. The outer component 200 may include a connector 210, a release member 220, and a shaft 230. The release member 220 may be pivotally coupled to the connector 210 using the shaft 230. The connector 210 may be positioned directly on the base 310. The connector 210 may be positioned between the base 310 and the release element 220 along the Z direction, for example, directly between the base 310 and the release element 220.
[0047] Referring Figures 4 - 6 to, the base 310 may include a flange 320. The flange 320 may include an inclined portion 322. The surface of the inclined portion 322 may extend at an angle relative to a plane defined by a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. This angle may be at least 10 degrees and may be up to 60 degrees.
[0048] The base 310 may include a protrusion 332 extending from the base 310. The base component 300 may include an arm 330 extending from the base 310. The protrusion 332 may extend from the distal end of the arm 330. In various examples, a channel 331 is defined as at least partially surrounding the arm 330 and the protrusion 332. Thus, the arm 330 and the protrusion 332 are capable of flexing relative to the base 310. As Figure 6 best shown in, the arm 330 may extend at an angle relative to a plane defined by a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. The base 310, the flange 320, and the arm 330 may include a non-ferromagnetic material, such as plastic.
[0049] The protrusion 332 may include a bump 333. The bump 333 may be positioned on the upper part of the protrusion 332. The bump 333 may define an angle extending relative to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The angle may be at least 10 degrees and may be up to 60 degrees.
[0050] The base assembly 300 may include a first base magnet 340 and / or a second base magnet 350 ( Figure 6 ). For example, the first base magnet 340 may be at least partially positioned within the protrusion 332. The second base magnet 350 may be at least partially positioned within a hole defined by the bottom of the base 310.
[0051] Reference Figure 7 , which provides a bottom perspective view of the external component 200, the release element 220 may be configured to pivot relative to the connector 210. The release member 220 may pivot about an axis defined by the shaft 230. The shaft 230 may extend in the transverse direction T through both the release member 220 and the connector 210. The release member 220 may define a release member opening 222. The connector 210 may define a connector opening 212. The connector opening 212 and the release member opening 222 may be aligned in the Z direction ( Figure 5 ). The release member 220, the shaft 230, or both may include a ferromagnetic material. For example, the release member 220, the shaft 230, or both may include stainless steel. The connector 210 may include a non-ferromagnetic material, such as plastic.
[0052] The connector 210 may include an external component magnet 240. The external component magnet 240 may be at least partially positioned within a hole defined by the body of the connector 210. When the external component 200 is removably coupled to the base assembly 300, the external component magnet 240 may be positioned adjacent to the second base magnet 350 of the base assembly 300. For example, the external component magnet 240 may be aligned with the second base magnet 350 in the Z direction.
[0053] Returning to Figure 2 , the release member 220 may be configured to pivot relative to the connector 210 from a first position to a second position. When the release member 220 is in the first position, as shown, the protrusion 332 of the base 310 may be at least partially positioned inside the release member opening 222. When the release member 220 is in the second position (not shown), the protrusion 332 of the base 310 may be positioned outside the release member opening 222.
[0054] In operation, a user (e.g., the wearer of the helmet 10) can pivot the release member 220 from a first position to a second position and vice versa. For example, the user can press down on the distal end of the release member 220 to pivot the release member opening 222 away from the protrusion 332 of the base 310. As previously described, the first base magnet 340 can be positioned within the protrusion 332 of the base 310. Also, as described above, the release member 220 can be made of a ferromagnetic material. Thus, when the release member 220 is in the first position, the magnetic force attracting the release member 220 towards the first base magnet 340 located within the protrusion 332 can be greater than when the release member 220 is in the second position. Therefore, when the release member 220 is in the first position, a first force may be required to separate the external component 200 from the base component 300. When the release member 220 is in the second position, a second force may be required to separate the external component 200 from the base component 300. The first force can be greater than the second force.
[0055] To separate the external component 200 from the base component 300, the user can press down on the distal end of the release member 220 to pivot the release member 220 from the first position to the second position. Then, the user can move the external component 200 away from the base component 300 until the magnetic attraction between the first base magnet 340 and the release member 220 is not significant.
[0056] The user can accomplish the separation of the external component 200 from the base component 300 with one hand. For example, the user can use their thumb to press down on the release member 220 while also sliding the external component 200 away from the flange 320 of the base 310 of the base component 300. Notably, the angle of the bump 333 of the protrusion 332 can allow the release member 220 to more easily slide over and above the protrusion 332 of the base 310.
[0057] Once the external component 200 is separated from the base component 300, the user can reconnect the external component 200 to the base component 300. For example, the user can place the external component 200 near and above the base component 300. The magnetic force between the various magnets within the buckle 100 (e.g., the external component magnet 240, the first base magnet 340, and / or the second base magnet 350) and the various components made of ferromagnetic material (e.g., the release member 220 and / or the shaft 230) can attract the external component 200 to the base component 300 and connect the external component 200 to the base component 300.
[0058] It should be noted that when the external component 200 is being coupled to the base component 300, the inclined portion 334 of the bump 333 of the protrusion 332 and the inclined portion 322 of the flange 320 of the base 310 of the base component 300 can contribute to the correct positioning of the external component 200 relative to the base component 300. For example, the inclined portion 334 of the bump 333 and the inclined portion 322 of the flange 320 can extend away from each other. In this way, the deviation of the longitudinal alignment of the external component 200 relative to the base component 300 can be automatically corrected because when the external component 200 is moved downwardly towards the base component 300, the external component 200 can slide along the inclined portion 334 of the bump 333 and / or the inclined portion 322 of the flange 320.
[0059] The buckle 100 of the present disclosure has various benefits. For example, as discussed, a user (e.g., a wearer of a helmet) can couple and decouple the buckle 100 with one hand. Additionally, a user can couple and decouple the buckle 100 with one hand and while wearing gloves (e.g., safety gloves).
[0060] Conclusion
[0061] The above description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the corresponding figures, as well as what is described in the abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. However, it should be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that other embodiments can be implemented with modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter and are thus considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be interpreted in accordance with the breadth and scope of the appended claims. Additionally, although the foregoing description and the related figures describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those expressly described above are also expected to be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims
1. A buckle, comprising: A base assembly, the base assembly comprising: A base including a protrusion; and A first base magnet at least partially positioned within the protrusion; and an outer assembly removably coupled to the base assembly, the outer assembly comprising: A connector; A shaft; and A release member pivotally coupled to the connector by the shaft, wherein: The release member and the shaft comprise ferromagnetic material, The release member includes a release member opening, The release member is configured to pivot from a first position to a second position relative to the connector, When the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base is at least partially positioned inside the release member opening, and When the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base is positioned outside the release member opening.
2. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein: The base assembly includes a second base magnet at least partially positioned within the base, The outer assembly includes an outer assembly magnet at least partially positioned within the connector, and The outer assembly magnet is positioned adjacent to the second base magnet.
3. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes a connector opening, wherein the first base magnet is at least partially positioned within the connector opening.
4. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes an arm, the arm including the protrusion, and The protrusion is positioned at a distal end of the arm.
5. The buckle according to claim 4, wherein, The arm is configured to flex.
6. The buckle according to claim 5, wherein, A channel is defined as at least partially surrounding the arm and the protrusion.
7. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein: The connector includes a connector opening, The protrusion includes a bump, The protrusion is at least partially positioned within the connector opening, and When the release member is in the first position, the bump is at least partially positioned within the release member opening.
8. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The connector and the base comprise non-ferromagnetic material.
9. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a flange, the flange including an inclined portion, and The connector contacts the flange.
10. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein: When the release member is in the first position, a first force is required to separate the outer assembly from the base assembly, When the release member is in the second position, a second force is required to separate the outer assembly from the base assembly, and The first force is greater than the second force.
11. A helmet, comprising: A buckle, the buckle comprising: A base assembly, the base assembly comprising: A base including a protrusion; and A first base magnet at least partially positioned within the protrusion; and An outer assembly removably coupled to the base assembly, the outer assembly comprising: A connector; A shaft; and A release member pivotally coupled to the connector by the shaft, wherein: The release member and the shaft comprise ferromagnetic material, The release member includes a release member opening, The release member is configured to pivot from a first position to a second position relative to the connector, when the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base is at least partially positioned inside the opening of the release member, and when the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base is positioned outside the opening of the release member.
12. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein: the base assembly includes a second base magnet at least partially positioned within the base, the outer assembly includes an outer assembly magnet at least partially positioned within the connector, and the outer assembly magnet is positioned adjacent to the second base magnet.
13. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein, The connector includes a connector opening, wherein the first base magnet is at least partially positioned within the connector opening.
14. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein: the base includes an arm, the arm includes the protrusion, and the protrusion is positioned at a distal end of the arm.
15. The helmet according to claim 14, wherein, The arm is configured to flex.
16. The helmet according to claim 15, wherein, A channel is defined at least partially around the arm and the protrusion.
17. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein: the connector includes a connector opening, the protrusion includes a bump, the protrusion is at least partially positioned within the connector opening, and when the release member is in the first position, the bump is at least partially positioned within the opening of the release member.
18. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein, The connector and the base include non-ferromagnetic materials.
19. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein: the base includes a flange, the flange includes an inclined portion, and the connector contacts the flange.
20. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein: when the release member is in the first position, a first force is required to separate the outer assembly from the base assembly, when the release member is in the second position, a second force is required to separate the outer assembly from the base assembly, and the first force is greater than the second force.