Quick-release buckle

Abstract

A quick-release buckle (1) comprising a male component (2) and a female component (3). The male component (2) is provided with a plate-shaped insert (2a), developing along a respective main development plane, and at least one coupling tooth (20), which is cantilevered from a wall of the plate-shaped insert (2a) lying on the main development plane. The female component (3) is provided with a box-shaped body (3a) defining a containment channel (C), developing along an insertion direction (X), and at least one coupling window (30), developing along one wall of the box-shaped body (3) and facing the containment channel (C). The containment channel (C) is configured to receive the plate-shaped insert (2a) to be inserted along the insertion direction (X), and the coupling tooth (20) is configured to couple within the coupling window (30), so as to constrain the plate-shaped insert (2a) along the insertion direction (X).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-release clip, in particular for wearable articles.

[0002] In more detail, the present invention can be conveniently used to equip clothing, backpacks, belts, personal protective equipment or any other type of article which, in case of need, must be easily and immediately released and removed from the user's body.

[0003] For example, in the case of bulletproof vests, it is necessary to provide a system for the immediate removal of the vest from the user's body, which can be easily implemented even in emergency conditions determined by a partial inability of the user to move.

[0004] In fact, especially in the context of article use for military purposes, in an injured or semi-mobile condition the user must still be able to release the bulletproof vest (or backpack or any other type of belt worn by the user), separating the respective portions of the vest from each other and thus allowing the article to be easily removed from the body.

[0005] For this purpose, the use of quick-release clips or buckles generally arranged at belts attached to the wearer's hips or shoulders and easily accessible, is known to allow the quick release by manual action.

[0006] Such quick-release clips or buckles typically consist of two components, each stably associated with a part of the article which must be separated, mutually reversibly engageable by means of appropriate mechanical hooking systems. Generally, such systems are implemented by mating surfaces appropriately configured to couple and resist tensile actions under normal use.

[0007] At least one of the two portions is further provided with a manual actuator in the form of a tab and / or cord, adapted to be pulled along a direction transverse to the coupling / decoupling direction of the two portions. By intervening on the actuator, it is therefore possible to release the mechanical mating of the two components, allowing the detachment thereof and the consequent possibility to separate the article from the user's body.

[0008] An example of the known systems described above is illustrated in US10104943B2, which describes a quick-release buckle configured to reversibly connect a pair of belts so as to fix or remove a bulletproof vest from a user's body. The buckle comprises a male component, provided with a cavity, and a female component, provided with a tooth which can be coupled within the cavity of the male component to constrain the female component to the male component.

[0009] The Applicant has found that the known buckles of the type described above have major drawbacks and application limitations.

[0010] In particular, the cavity of the male component is covered by the female component when the buckle is closed, i.e., when the female component and the male component are constrained to each other.

[0011] It was therefore observed that a user, in order to verify a correct buckle closure, must rely solely on an auditory check. In more detail, a user must recognise a sound caused by a click of the tooth of the female component in the cavity of the male component in order to ascertain that the buckle has been closed.

[0012] However, a control of this nature is hardly feasible in emergency conditions, where the user must quickly don a bulletproof vest, or in situations where a user's hearing capabilities are limited, e.g., due to loud noises from gunfire, or due to the use of earplugs. Conditions such as those just mentioned are extremely frequent in contexts which require the use of a bulletproof vest.

[0013] Therefore, the known buckles of the type described above ensure limited reliability, since a user may not realise that they have been incorrectly closed, resulting in a risk of injury or impediment to movement due to accidental disengagement between the male component and the female component.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release buckle which can overcome the problems described above.

[0015] It is also intended to offer a quick-release buckle which ensures improved safety and reliability for a user.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to propose a quick-release buckle which allows a user to reliably ascertain a correct closure thereof, even in particularly hectic or noisy situations.

[0017] More in particular, a quick-release buckle according to claim 1 is the subject matter of the present invention.

[0018] The quick-release buckle comprises a male component provided with a plate-shaped insert, developing along a respective main development plane, and a coupling tooth, developing cantilevered from a wall of the plate-shaped insert lying along the main development plane and along a direction transverse to the main development plane.

[0019] The quick-release buckle further comprises a female component with a box-shaped body, defining a containment channel extending along an insertion direction, and a coupling window, developing along one wall of the box-shaped body and facing the containment channel.

[0020] The coupling tooth of the male component is configured to couple within the coupling window of the female component, so as to constrain the plate-shaped insert along the insertion direction.

[0021] In more detail, the coupling window is configured to receive the coupling tooth such that at least a portion of the coupling tooth extends across the coupling window, protruding externally relative to the containment channel. The Applicant has found that the fact that the coupling tooth is positioned cantilevered on the plate-shaped insert of the male component, and that it is configured to couple within the coupling window of the female component, advantageously allows a user to verify a correct closure of the buckle by relying on, in addition to an auditory check (sound caused by a click of the coupling tooth in the coupling window), a visual check, in particular by directly visualising, through the coupling window, a positioning of the coupling tooth with respect thereto.

[0022] Therefore, the quick-release buckle has improved reliability and safety, since a user can rely on a visual check to ascertain a correct closure of the buckle, which can be carried out quickly, at any time and without hindrance, even if the bulletproof vest must be donned quickly, or if there is loud noise, or if the user is wearing earplugs. In other words, the buckle has improved reliability.

[0023] In accordance with a further aspect, the invention relates to a wearable article comprising one or more buckles according to the above.

[0024] In at least one of the aforesaid aspects, the invention can comprise one or more of the following preferred features.

[0025] Preferably, the male element comprises a pair of coupling teeth, specular relative to the insertion direction, while the box-shaped body comprises a pair of coupling windows, each configured to engage a respective coupling tooth.

[0026] Preferably, moreover, the male component comprises a groove between the coupling teeth, while the female component comprises an appendage extending within the containment channel, configured to insert within the groove.

[0027] Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises a deformable portion, on which the coupling window is formed, and a guide portion, configured to guide the plate-shaped to be inserted during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert into the containment channel.

[0028] In detail, the coupling tooth is configured to act against the deformable portion so as to elastically push the deformable portion away from the plate-shaped insert during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert into the containment channel.

[0029] Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises at least one weakening line adjacent to the deformable portion and interposed between the guide portion and the deformable portion.

[0030] Preferably, the guide portion is open towards the deformable portion, and the deformable portion is hinged to the guide portion along an overturning axis, transverse to the insertion direction.

[0031] Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises a weakening line arranged at the overturning axis.

[0032] Preferably, the coupling tooth is configured to act against the deformable portion, to define a rotation of the deformable portion about the overturning axis and a distancing of at least part of the deformable portion away from the plate-shaped insert during the insertion of the plate-shaped insert into the containment channel.

[0033] Preferably, the deformable portion is delimited by a pair of respective ends transverse relative to the overturning axis and comprises, at the respective ends, respective stop elements extending within the containment channel so as to define an end-of-stroke of a rotation of the deformable portion about the overturning axis while inserting / removing the plate-shaped insert into / from the containment channel.

[0034] Preferably, the stop elements are 'L'-shaped.

[0035] Preferably, the guide portion comprises respective insertion seats configured to engage a corresponding stop element.

[0036] Preferably, the plate-shaped insert extends cantilevered from an attachment portion of the male component along the insertion direction. Preferably, the containment channel extends cantilevered from the attachment portion of the female component along the insertion direction. Preferably, the attachment portion of the male component comprises a respective concave engagement seat, opposite to the plate-shaped insert along the insertion direction.

[0037] Preferably, the attachment portion of the female component comprises a respective concave engagement seat, opposite to the containment channel along the insertion direction, and external relative to the containment channel.

[0038] Preferably, the attachment portion of the male component comprises at least one respective hooking seat, opposite to the plate-shaped insert along the insertion direction, configured to receive a fastening belt of a wearable article.

[0039] Preferably, the attachment portion of the female component comprises at least one respective hooking seat, opposite to the containment channel along the insertion direction, and external relative to the containment channel, configured to receive a respective fastening belt of a wearable article.

[0040] Preferably, at least one of the male component and the female components comprises a pair of hooking seats placed side-by-side along a direction transverse to the insertion direction, and a respective engagement seat is interposed, along the direction transverse to the insertion direction, between the hooking seats of the pair of hooking seats. Preferably, the buckle comprises a grip element carried by the box-shaped body, made in the form of an eyelet engaging a pull cord.

[0041] In detail, a pull on the pull cord corresponds to a movement of a portion of the box-shaped body away from the plate-shaped insert to define a removal of the coupling tooth from the coupling window.

[0042] Preferably, the male component and the female component have a respective overall thickness between 12mm and 16mm.

[0043] Further features and advantages will better appear from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a quick-release buckle according to the present invention. Such a description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore non-limiting purposes, wherein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of the quick-release buckle subject-matter of the present invention in an open configuration; figure 2 shows a view of the buckle of figure 1, in a closed configuration; figure 3 shows a side view of a female component of the buckle of figures 1 and 2; figure 4 shows a front view of the female component of figure 3; figure 5 shows a side view of a male component of the buckle of figures 1 and 2; figure 6 shows a front view of the male component of figure 5; figure 7 shows a side view of the buckle of figure 2; figures 8 and 9 show a sectional view of the buckle of figure 7 along the line A-A and along the line B-B, respectively; figure 10 shows the buckle of figures 1 and 2 mounted on a wearable article; figures 11 and 12 show the buckle in a further embodiment thereof; figures 13 and 14 show the buckle in a further embodiment thereof.

[0044] In the context of the present description, the term 'buckle 1' is used overall to denote a quick-release buckle in accordance with the present invention. With reference to figures 1-6, the buckle 1 comprises a male component 2, provided with a plate-shaped insert 2a.

[0045] The plate-shaped insert 2a develops along a respective main development plane.

[0046] Therefore, as can be seen in figure 5 and figure 6, the plate-shaped insert 2a has a pair of main walls 20a, 20b opposite each other and arranged substantially parallel to the main development plane.

[0047] The buckle 1 also comprises a female component 3, provided with a box-shaped body 3a defining a containment channel 'C' developing along an insertion direction 'X'.

[0048] In accordance with an embodiment, the containment channel 'C' has a transverse section, formed in a plane transverse relative to the insertion direction 'X', having a quadrangular shape.

[0049] The containment channel 'C' is configured to receive the plate-shaped insert 2a in insertion along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0050] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the containment channel 'C' is counter-shaped relative to the plate-shaped insert 2a. Therefore, the buckle 1 is movable between an open configuration (illustrated in figure 1), in which the plate-shaped insert 2a is released from the containment channel 'C', and a closed configuration (illustrated in figure 2), in which the plate-shaped insert is inserted within the containment channel 'C'.

[0051] In the closed configuration, male component 2 and the female component 2 are constrained to each other, in particular by mechanical mating.

[0052] In detail, the box-shaped body 3a comprises at least one coupling window 30 developing along one wall of the box-shaped body 3a itself and facing the containment channel 'C': The plate-shaped insert 2a is provided with at least one coupling tooth 20, extending along a transverse direction relative to the main development plane and cantilevered from a wall of the plate-shaped insert 2a lying on the main development plane. In other words, the coupling tooth 20 extends cantilevered from one of the main walls 20a, 20b of the plate-shaped insert 2a.

[0053] When the buckle 1 is in the closed configuration, the coupling tooth 20 is configured to couple within the coupling window 30, so as to constrain the plate-shaped insert 2a along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0054] In detail, the window 30 is positioned on a wall of the box-shaped body 3a, which, during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C', is facing the coupling tooth 20.

[0055] Therefore, when the buckle 1 is in the closed configuration, the coupling tooth 20 is configured to engage a peripheral edge of the coupling window 30, and vice versa, so that the male component 2 is constrained to the female component 3, and vice versa.

[0056] In other words, when the buckle 1 is in the closed configuration, the coupling tooth 20 defines a mechanical mating with the coupling window 30, and vice versa. In other words, thanks to the coupling tooth 20 and the coupling window 30, it is possible to constrain a movement of the plate-shaped insert 2a along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0057] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the window 30, developing along one wall of the box-shaped body 3 itself and facing the containment channel 'C', allows a user to see the coupling tooth 20 through the coupling window 30 itself.

[0058] Advantageously, the coupling window 30 thus allows a visibility of the coupling tooth 20 when the buckle 1 is in the closed configuration, ensuring improved reliability and safety of the buckle 1 itself.

[0059] In fact, a user can rely on a visual check to ensure that the buckle 1 is actually and correctly closed, in particular by visually inspecting the coupling window 30 to verify a correct positioning of the coupling tooth 20 with respect thereto.

[0060] Therefore, by visual inspection at any time a user is capable of discerning between a correct insertion of the coupling tooth 20 within the coupling window 30 and an incorrect (e.g., partial) insertion of the coupling tooth 20 within the coupling window 30.

[0061] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, with reference to figure 9, the coupling window 30 is configured to receive the coupling tooth 20 such that at least a portion of the coupling tooth 20 extends across the coupling window 30, protruding externally relative to the containment channel 'C'.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the male element 2 comprises a pair of coupling teeth 20 side by side.

[0063] In detail, the coupling teeth 20 are specular relative to the insertion direction 'X'.

[0064] In accordance with an aspect of such an embodiment, as can be seen in figures 5 and 6, the male component 2 also comprises a groove 21, interposed between the coupling teeth 20 of the pair of coupling teeth 20. In accordance with an aspect of such an embodiment, the box-shaped body 3a of the female component 3 comprises a pair of coupling windows 30, each configured to engage a respective coupling tooth 20 of the male component 2.

[0065] In accordance with an aspect of such an embodiment, as visible in figures 3, 4 and 8, the box-shaped body 3a of the female element 3 further comprises an appendage 31 extending within the containment channel 'C' and configured to be inserted within the groove 21.

[0066] Advantageously, the pair of coupling teeth 20 and the respective pair of coupling windows 30 allows a connection between the male component 2 and the female component 3 (defined by the insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C' and the coupling of each coupling tooth 20 into a respective coupling window 30) with improved stability, thus ensuring an improved fastness of the buckle 1. Advantageously, moreover, the appendage 31 in cooperation with the groove 21 confers further stability to the buckle 1 when it is in the closed configuration, preventing any rotations of the male component 2 about a transverse axis relative to the main development plane of the respective plate-shaped insert 2a.

[0067] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the coupling tooth 20 is configured to couple within the coupling window 30 by means of snap-fitting.

[0068] In detail, the box-shaped body 3a comprises a deformable portion 4, on which the coupling window 30 is formed, and a guide portion 5, configured to guide the plate-shaped insert 2a during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C'.

[0069] The coupling tooth 20 is configured to act against the deformable portion 4, so as to elastically move the latter away from the plate-shaped insert 2a during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C'.

[0070] Therefore, during an insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C', the coupling tooth 20 acts against the deformable portion 4 until it couples within the coupling window 30. When the coupling is complete, the deformable portion 4 reaches a rest position by elastic return, constraining the coupling tooth 20 and the plate-shaped insert 2a along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0071] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the box-shaped body 3a comprises at least one weakening line 6 adjacent to the deformable portion 4 and interposed between the guide portion 5 and the deformable portion 4.

[0072] The weakening line 6 is configured to facilitate moving the deformable portion 4 away from the plate-shaped insert 2a during the insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C', resulting in an advantageous and facilitated insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a within the containment channel 'C'.

[0073] Therefore, a user can place the buckle 1 in the closed configuration quickly, without having to exert a high force on the male component 2 and on the female component 3.

[0074] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference to figures 3 and 4, the guide portion 5 is open towards the deformable portion 4, and the deformable portion 4 is hinged to the guide portion 5 along an overturning axis 'R', transverse relative to the insertion direction 'X'.

[0075] Preferably, the box-shaped body 3a comprises at least one weakening line 6 arranged at the overturning axis 'R'.

[0076] In detail, during the insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C', the coupling tooth 20 is configured to act against the deformable portion 4 to define a rotation of the latter around the overturning axis 'R' and a movement of at least part of the deformable portion 4 away from the plate-shaped insert 2a. When the coupling tooth 20 reaches the coupling window 30, the deformable portion rotates as it approaches the plate-shaped insert 2a, engaging the coupling tooth 20 and consequently constraining the plate-shaped insert along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0077] Advantageously, such an embodiment allows an even more simplified insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a into the containment channel 'C', since a rotation of the deformable portion 4 is feasible with little force applied to the male component 2 and to the female component 3.

[0078] In accordance with such an embodiment, the deformable portion 4 is delimited by a pair of respective ends 4a, 4b transverse relative to the overturning axis 'R'.

[0079] Preferably, the deformable portion 4 comprises, at each end 4a, 4b, respective stop elements 7 extending within the containment channel 'C' to define an end-of-stroke of a rotation of the deformable portion 4 about the overturning axis 'R' during an insertion / removal of the plate-shaped insert 2a into / from the insertion channel 'C'.

[0080] In accordance with an embodiment, the stop elements are 'L'-shaped.

[0081] In accordance with an embodiment, the guide portion 5 comprises respective insertion seats 8, configured to engage a corresponding stop element 7.

[0082] Advantageously, the stop elements 7, possibly in cooperation with the insertion seats 8, allow to avoid possible breakage of the buckle 1, and in particular the formation of cracks between the deformable portion 4 and the guide portion 5.

[0083] In accordance with an embodiment, one of the male component 2 and the female component 3 comprises a respective attachment portion 'A1', 'A2'. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the male component 2 comprises a respective attachment portion 'A1' and the female component 3 comprises a respective attachment portion 'A2'.

[0084] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plate-shaped insert 2a extends cantilevered from the attachment portion 'A1' of the male component 2 along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0085] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the containment channel 'C' and the box-shaped body 3a extend cantilevered from the attachment portion 'A2' of the female component 3 along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0086] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion 'A1' of the male component 2 comprises a respective concave engagement seat 9 opposite to the plate-shaped insert 2a along the insertion direction 'X'.

[0087] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion 'A2' of the female component 3 comprises a respective concave engagement seat 10, opposite to the containment channel 'C' along the insertion direction 'X', and external relative to the containment channel 'C'. Preferably, both the male component 2 and the female component 3 comprise a respective engagement seat 9, 10 defined above and, during an insertion of the plate-shaped element 2a within the containment channel 'C', as well as in the closed configuration of the buckle 1, the engagement seat 9 of the male component 2 is opposite relative to the engagement seat 10 of the female component 3.

[0088] Advantageously, each engagement seat 9, 10 due to its concavity defines a lead-in portion for a finger of a user (in particular for a thumb and an index finger) which can grasp the buckle 1 in an easy manner to act on the male component 2 and on the female component 3 so as to push them against each other to define an insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a within the containment channel 'C'.

[0089] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion 'A1' of the male component 2 comprises at least one respective hooking seat 11, opposite to the plate-shaped insert 2a along the insertion direction 'X', configured to receive a fastening belt of a wearable article 100.

[0090] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion 'A2' of the female component 3 comprises at least one respective hooking seat 12, opposite to the containment channel 'C' along the insertion direction 'X' and external with respect to the containment channel 'C', configured to receive a fastening belt of a wearable article 100. Preferably, the hooking seat 11 of the male component 2 and the hooking seat 12 of the female component 3 are configured to receive a fastening belt measuring between 20mm and 45mm, more preferably 25mm, or 40mm.

[0091] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, if the hooking seats 11, 12 of the male component 2 and of the female component 3, respectively, are configured to receive a fastening belt of size 40mm, the male component 2 and the female component 3, when assembled, define: a length (measured along the insertion direction 'X') between 130mm and 134mm, preferably 132mm, a width (measured along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 'X' and lying along the development plane of the plate-shaped element 2a) between 53mm and 57mm, preferably 55mm, and a thickness (measured along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 'X' and transverse relative to the development plane of the plate-shaped element 2a) between 20mm and 12mm,.

[0092] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, if the hooking seats 11, 12 of the male component 2 and of the female component 3, respectively, are configured to receive a fastening belt of size 25mm, the male component 2 and the female component 3, when assembled, define: a length (measured along the insertion direction 'X') between 134mm and 138mm, preferably 136mm, a width (measured along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 'X' and lying along the development plane of the plate-shaped element 2a) between 53mm and 57mm, preferably 55mm, and a thickness (measured along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 'X' and transverse relative to the development plane of the plate-shaped element 2a) between 20mm and 12mm.

[0093] Preferably, the hooking seat 11 of the male component 2 and the hooking seat 12 of the female component 3 are configured to receive a fastening belt comprising cuts suitable for facilitating replacement of the fastening belt itself.

[0094] In accordance with an embodiment, both the attachment portion 'A1' of the male component 2 and the attachment portion 'A2' of the female component 3 comprise respective hooking seats 11, 12.

[0095] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings 1-7, 13 and 14, at least one of the male component 2 and the female component 3, and preferably both, comprises a pair of respective hooking seats 11, 12 placed side-by-side along a direction transverse to the insertion direction 'X', and the respective engagement seat 9, 10 is interposed, along a direction transverse to the insertion direction 'X', between the pair of hooking seats 11, 12 of the pair of hooking seats 11, 12.

[0096] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings 11 and 12, at least one of the male component 2 and the female component 3, and preferably both, comprises three respective hooking seats 11, 12 side-by-side along a direction transverse to the insertion direction 'X'.

[0097] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, and with reference to figure 1, the buckle 1, and in particular the female component 3, comprises a grip element 13 carried by the box-shaped body 3a.

[0098] In detail, the grip element 13 is made in the form of an eyelet 13a engaging a pull cord 13b.

[0099] A pull of the pull cord 13b, along a direction transverse to the insertion direction 'X', corresponds to a movement of a portion of the box-shaped body 3a, in particular the deformable portion 4, away from the plate-shaped insert 2a, to define a removal of the coupling tooth 20 from the coupling window 30.

[0100] Therefore, by pulling the pull cord 13b, it is possible to release the male component 2 from the female component 3 to define the open configuration of the buckle 1. Therefore, the pull cord 13b is capable of defining, by pulling the pull cord 13b itself, a lifting of the deformable portion 4 to allow a removal of the coupling tooth 20 from the coupling window 30.

[0101] The buckle 1 is mounted or mountable on a wearable article 100 of various types, such as a jacket or rucksack.

[0102] Preferably, as shown in figure 10, the buckle 1 is mounted on a bulletproof vest 100, in particular in a side portion thereof, intended in use to encircle a user's hip.

[0103] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the male component 2 and the female component 3 have a respective overall thickness between 10 mm and 6 mm.

[0104] Preferably, the male component 2 and the female component 3 are thick enough to give the buckle 1, when assembled, a total thickness between 20 mm and 12 mm.

[0105] In detail, 'thickness' is defined as an encumbrance measured along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 'X' and the main development plane of the plate-shaped insert 2a.

[0106] Advantageously, such an encumbrance thickness enables a wearer to easily don a wearable article comprising the buckle 1, since a thickness comprised within a range such as that mentioned above does not result in an impediment to movements of the wearer near the buckle 1.

[0107] Preferably, the buckle 1 is mounted at a portion of a bulletproof vest adjacent to the user's hip, therefore, the above-mentioned encumbrance thickness allows the user to easily move their arm along their sides.

[0108] The present invention is capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0109] In detail, thanks to the arrangement of the coupling window 30 and the coupling tooth 20, the buckle 1 ensures a user has visual feedback that it has been closed correctly.

[0110] Thanks to the weakening line 6, the buckle 1 ensures an easy insertion of the plate-shaped insert 2a within the insertion channel 'C'.

[0111] Thanks to the locking elements 7, possibly in cooperation with the insertion seats 8, the buckle 1 is capable of preventing unwanted breakage due to an excessive displacement of the deformable portion 4.

[0112] Thanks to the engagement seat 9, 10, the buckle 1 allows a user to easily grasp the male and female components 2, 3 so as to move them towards each other to insert the plate-shaped insert 2a within the containment channel 'C'.

Claims

1. Quick-release buckle (1) comprising: - a male component (2), provided with a plate-shaped insert (2a) developing along a respective main development plane; - a female component (3), provided with a box-shaped body (3a) defining a containment channel (C) developing along an insertion direction (X), wherein the containment channel (C) is configured to receive the plate-shaped insert (2a) to be inserted along the insertion direction (X); wherein the box-shaped body (3a) comprises at least one coupling window (30) developing along one wall of said box-shaped body (3) and facing the containment channel (C), and wherein the plate-shaped insert (2a) is provided with at least one coupling tooth (20) extending along a direction transversal to the main plane and cantilevered from a wall (20a, 20b) of the plate-shaped insert (2a) lying on the main development plane, the coupling tooth (20) being configured to couple within the coupling window (30), so as to constrain the plate-shaped insert (2a) along the insertion direction (X).

2. Quick-release buckle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling window (30) is configured to receive the coupling tooth (20) such that at least a portion of the coupling tooth (20) extends across the coupling window (30), protruding externally from the containment channel (C).

3. Quick-release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box-shaped body (3a) comprises a deformable portion (4), on which the coupling window (30) is formed, and a guide portion (5) configured to guide the plate-shaped insert (2a) to be inserted within the containment channel (C) while inserting said plate-shaped insert (2a) into the containment channel (C), the coupling tooth (20) being configured to act against the deformable portion (4), so as to elastically move said deformable portion (4) away from the plate-shaped insert (2a) while inserting said plate-shaped insert (2a) into the containment channel (C).

4. Quick release buckle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the box-shaped body (3a) comprises at least one weakening line (6) adjacent to the deformable portion (4) and interposed between the guide portion (5) and the deformable portion (4), said weakening line (6) being configured to facilitate a movement of the deformable portion (4) away from the plate-shaped insert (2a) while inserting the plate-shaped insert (2a) into the containment channel (C).

5. Quick-release buckle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide portion (5) is open towards the deformable portion (4), and wherein the deformable portion (4) is hinged to the guide portion (5) along an overturning axis (R), transverse to the insertion direction (X).

6. Quick release buckle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the box-shaped body (3a) comprises a weakening line (6) arranged at the overturning axis (R).

7. Quick-release buckle (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the coupling tooth (20) is configured to act against the deformable portion (4), to define, while inserting said plate-shaped insert (2a) into the containment channel (C), a rotation of the deformable portion (4) about the overturning axis (R) and a movement of at least part of the deformable portion (4) away from the plate-shaped insert (2a).

8. Quick release buckle (1) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the deformable portion (4) is delimited by a pair of respective ends (4a, 4b) transverse relative to the overturning axis (R) and comprises, at said ends (4a, 4b), respective stop elements (7), in particular L-shaped, extending within the containment channel (C), and wherein the guide portion (5) comprises respective insertion seats (8) configured to engage a corresponding stop element (7), so as to define an end-of-stroke of a rotation of the deformable portion (4) about the overturning axis (R) while inserting said plate-shaped insert (2a) into the containment channel (C) and / or while removing said plate-shaped insert (2a) from the containment channel (C).

9. Quick release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate-shaped insert (2a) extends cantilevered from an attachment portion (A1) of the male component (2) along the insertion direction (X), and / or wherein the containment channel (C) extends cantilevered from an attachment portion (A2) of the female component (3) along the insertion direction (X).

10. Quick release buckle (1) according to claim 9, wherein the attachment portion (A1) of the male component (2) comprises a respective concave engagement seat (9), opposite to the plate-shaped insert (2a) along the insertion direction (X), and / or wherein the attachment portion (A2) of the female component (3) comprises a respective concave engagement seat (10), opposite to the containment channel (C) along the insertion direction (X), and external relative to the containment channel (C).

11. Quick release buckle (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the attachment portion (A1) of the male component (2) comprises at least one respective hooking seat (11), opposite to the plate-shaped insert (2a) along the insertion direction (X), and / or wherein the attachment portion (A2) of the female component (3) comprises at least one respective hooking seat (12), opposite to the containment channel (C) along the insertion direction (X), and external relative to the containment channel (C), wherein the hooking seat (11, 12) is configured to receive a fastening belt of a wearable article, preferably the hooking seat (11, 12) being configured to receive a fastening belt measuring between 20mm and 45mm, more preferably 25mm or 40mm.

12. Quick-release buckle (1) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein at least one of the male component (2) and the female component (3) comprises a respective pair of hooking seats (11, 12) placed side-by-side along a direction transverse to the insertion direction (X), and wherein the corresponding engagement seat (9, 10) is interposed, along said direction transverse to the insertion direction (X), between the hooking seats (11, 12) of the pair of hooking seats (11, 12).

13. Quick-release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male element (2) comprises a pair of coupling teeth (20), mirrored relative to the insertion direction (X), and a groove (21) interposed between the coupling teeth (20), and wherein the box-shaped body (3a) of the female element (3) comprises a pair of pass-through coupling windows (30), each configured to engage a respective coupling tooth (20), and an appendage (31) extending within the containment channel (C), configured to be inserted within the groove (21).

14. Quick-release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a grip element (13) carried by the box-shaped body (3a), the grip element (13) being made in the form of an eyelet (13a) engaging a pull cord (13b), wherein a pull of the pull cord (13b) corresponds to a movement of a portion of the box-shaped body (3a), in particular of the deformable portion (4), away from the plate-shaped insert (2a) to define a removal of the coupling tooth (20) from the coupling window (30).

15. Quick-release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male component (2) and the female component (3) have a respective overall thickness between 10mm and 6mm.

16. Wearable article (100), comprising at least one quick-release buckle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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