Buckle assembly

Abstract

A buckle assembly 200 for a quick-release connector comprising a plate 202 comprising a port 204 configured to engage an insert of the quick-release connector, the port having a wall including an enga

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a buckle assembly for a quick-release connector. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the buckle assembly. BACKGROUND A quick-release or quick-detach (QD) buckle is a fastening mechanism designed for rapid attachment or detachment. QD buckles are typically used in scenarios in which it is desirable to quickly detach or connect straps from a piece of equipment. QD buckles are typically used with military or firearms gear, camera equipment, and other industrial applications. Existing QD buckles comprise a male part and a female part. The female part is typically provided by a buckle assembly, such as the buckle assembly 100 shown in perspective view in Figure 1 A, which includes a body 102 defining a pair of ports 104 at opposing sides of the body 100. These ports 104 provide the female part of the QD buckle and each includes an internal channel for engagement with a portion of an insert (the male part of the buckle), such as an insert 120 (also shown in perspective view in Figure 1B). The buckle assembly 100 also includes a slot 106 for receiving a strap. The insert 120 shown in Figure 1B consists of a tubular body 122 and a plurality of ball-shaped members 124 or members with rounded ends protruding from a surface of the tubular body 122. The ball-shaped or rounded-end members 124 are able to act as detents but are retractable upon actuation of a retracting member 126. For example, when the retracting member 126 is depressed (actuated), the ball-shaped members 124 recede into the tubular body 122, thereby effectively reducing the size of the insert 120 so that it can be inserted into a suitably sized port. When the retracting member 126 is no longer depressed, the ball-shaped members 124 return (or extend) back to their original position. The ball-shaped members 124 are rotatable. A problem with existing QD buckles, such as the buckle assembly 100 of Figure 1 A, is that when a strap is wrapped around a user, such as around user’s neck, the buckle and strap typically do not lie flat against the user’s body. This is due to the strap typically resting with a major face against the user’s neck. This can result in the strap and buck sitting with their side against the user’s body as it hangs from their neck. This rotation of the strap and corresponding rotation of the buckle can be exacerbated by varying body shape. This means that to the insert with a port on known QD buckles, the buckle needs to be rearranged. This typically requires two hands with one holding and rotating the buckle and one holding the insert. The present invention seeks to overcome the above problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a buckle assembly for a quick-release connector comprising: a plate comprising: a port configured to engage a corresponding insert of the quick-release connector, the port having a wall including an engagement member arranged in use to engage at least a portion of the insert to removably retain the insert; and at least one slot configured to accept a strap; wherein a slot normal of an opening of the at least one slot is (substantially) aligned with a port normal of an opening of the port. The term “removably retain” may be understood in the context of this aspect as the engagement member of the wall engaging with a portion of the insert such that the insert is retained in place with the port until an action (e.g., an action carried out by a user) causes removal of the insert from the port. The phrase “a slot normal of an opening of the at least one slot is (substantially) aligned with a port normal of an opening of the port” may be understood in the context of the present invention as meaning that lines that intersect the respective openings of the at least one slot and the port at right angles are aligned with some degree of tolerance, such as 5 degrees (°) or 10°. The buckle assembly of the present invention is advantageous because the slot normal and the port normal being aligned leads to the strap sitting more comfortably against the user’s body during typical use. Preferably, the port is positioned proximate a centre of the plate. More particularly, the port may be positioned proximate a centre of a major face (i.e., a face having the greatest dimensions) of the plate. In this way, the port may be the same distance from either side of the plate. Advantageously, this position of the port is equally accessible for both left and right-handed people. In some examples, the engagement member is an indent. In this way, inserts comprising a suitable portion for engaging with (e.g., occupying) the indent can be quickly inserted into, and engaged with, the port. The indent may advantageously facilitate quick-release or detachment of the insert from the port. Preferably, the indent extends fully around the wall to form a continuous channel. In other words, the indent extends fully around an inner face defining a perimeter of the port. For example, if the port comprises a substantially circular crosssection, the continuous channel follows a circular path around the perimeter of the port. Advantageously, the continuous channel can engage with the portion of the insert, regardless of the orientation at which the insert is inserted into the port. Further advantageously, inserts comprising a suitable engagement portion for independent rotation, such as ball-shaped members or members with rounded outwardly facing features, that are free to rotate in at least one axis, may freely rotate within the continuous channel. In some examples, the wall extends at least partially through a thickness of the plate. The “thickness of the plate” may be understood in the context of this invention as a dimension of the plate of which the plate spans the least, relative to a length and a width, to which the thickness is also typically perpendicular. In this way, the port can be at least partially defined by the plate and may be further defined by a protrusion from the plate. Advantageously, less material may be required to manufacture the buckle assembly than if the wall was fully defined by a protrusion from the plate. Preferably, the wall extends fully through a thickness of the plate. In other words, the wall defines sides of a through-bore. In this way, the port may be fully defined by the plate, thereby further reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the buckle assembly. Further advantageously, the port can be accessed from both sides of the plate. This is advantageous in examples wherein the indent may be positioned proximate a centre of the wall, because the engagement process is the same regardless of which side an insert is inserted. Preferably, the engagement member is positioned such that it is the same distance from either face of the plate. For example, the engagement member is positioned centrally along an axis of the wall. In other words, the engagement member is preferably positioned proximate a centre of the thickness of the wall. In examples in which the engagement member is a continuous channel, the continuous channel may be positioned proximate a centre of the thickness of the wall. In this way, the engagement member may be positioned the same distance from either face of the plate. Alternatively, the engagement member comprises a pair of engagement members that are each positioned the same distance from the respective face of the plate to each is nearest. Advantageously, the engagement member may be equally easy to access from either side of the plate, thereby further improving the ease of use of the buckle. In some examples, the plate further comprises at least one side port configured to engage a corresponding insert of the quick-release connector, the at least one side port having a side port wall having a side port engagement member arranged in use to engage at least a portion of the insert to removably retain the insert; wherein the at least one side port is positioned proximate a respective edge of the plate; and wherein a side port normal of an opening of the at least one side port is unaligned with the port normal. The side port engagement member may be the same as the engagement member of the port in construction. The side port normal and the port normal being unaligned may be understood as the side port and the port occupying planes that are unaligned. In otherwords, to place an insert inside the at least one side port, a different angle of approach is required. By extension, the at least one side port is also unaligned with the at least one slot. Advantageously, the at least one side port provides greater customisability to the user. Depending on the intended use of the buckle assembly, the user may prefer one of the port or the at least one side port. Preferably, the side port normal is substantially orthogonal to the port normal. In this way, a wide range of angles of approach can be used by the user to engage the insert the with the port or the at least one side port. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to use. In some examples, the plate comprises an elevated portion extending away from a face of the plate that at least partially defines the side port wall. For example, the elevated portion may extend away from the face of the plate at the edge of the plate. In this way, a dimension of the buckle assembly may be reduced because a portion of the plate defines the at least one side port wall, rather than a separate component that fully protrudes from the plate. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be more compact. Preferably, the plate comprises a pair of opposing elevated portions that respectively extend away from opposing faces of the plate, the elevated portions at least partially defining opposing portions of the side port wall. In this way, a dimension of the buckle assembly may be further reduced. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be more compact. In some examples, the at least one side port is centred on the respective edge of the plate. In this way, the at least one side port may be easily accessed regardless of the orientation of the buckle assembly. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to use. In some examples, the at least one side port comprises a first side port and a second side port, each side port being positioned proximate a respective edge of the plate. Preferably, the first side port and the second side port are positioned proximate opposing edges of the plate. In this way, at least one of the side ports may be easily accessed regardless of the orientation of the buckle assembly. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to use. In some examples, the plate comprises at least one cutout, each being positioned adjacent one of the at least one side ports. In this way, the amount of material required to form the buckle assembly may be reduced. Advantageously, a cost of manufacture may be reduced. Preferably, the cutout extends fully through a thickness of the plate. In other words, the cutout may provide a through-bore in the plate. In this way, the cutout may provide a feature for the user to grasp, for example by hooking a finger through the cutout. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to manoeuvre. Preferably, a space defined by the at least one side port and a space defined by the adjacent cutout are continuous. In other words, a gap of the side port surrounded by the side port wall may be connected to a gap defined by the cutout. In this way, when the insert is occupying the side port, a forward end of the insert may be reachable via the cutout, and the user may encourage the insert to leave the side port via the cutout. Advantageously, an insert stuck or jammed in the side port may be more easily removed. In some examples, the at least one slot comprises a first slot and a second slot, each being positioned proximate opposing sides of the plate. In this way, one of the slots may be accessed from either side of the plate. Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to use. In some examples, the plate is an integral piece. In other words, all the components of the buckle assembly together may be formed from one piece of material (i.e., the plate). Advantageously, the buckle assembly may be easier to manufacture. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing the buckle assembly of the first aspect, the method comprising: obtaining the plate; and forming the port and the at least one slot on the plate. In some examples, the plate is obtained via an extrusion moulding process. Advantageously, the plate can be manufactured at scale. In some examples, forming the port and the at least one slot on the plate comprises: removing, using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, material from the plate to form the port and the at least one slot; and removing, using a router, material from the wall of the port to form the engagement member. Advantageously, these steps can be carried out at scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Example buckle assemblies and methods of manufacture are described below with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a prior art buckle assembly; Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a prior art quick-release insert; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example buckle assembly for a quick-release connector; Figure 3 shows a frontal view of the example buckle assembly; Figure 4 shows a top-down view of the example buckle assembly; Figure 5 shows a side view of the example buckle assembly; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross-section A-A of the example buckle assembly; and Figure 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example method of manufacture of the example buckle assembly of Figures 2 to 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION As set out above, Figure 1A and Figure 1B generally illustrate at 100 a prior art buckle assembly. On the other hand, Figures 2 to 6 show a buckle assembly, for example as generally illustrated at 200 in, for example, Figure 3, the example buckle assembly being accordance with an aspect disclosed herein. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the buckle assembly 200. Figure 3 shows a frontal view of the buckle assembly 200. Figure 4 shows a top-down view of the buckle assembly 200. Figure 5 shows a side view of the buckle assembly 200. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross-section A-A of the buckle assembly 200. The buckle assembly 200 is intended for use with a quick-release (or quick-detach (QD)) connector (not shown) comprising an insert. For example, the buckle assembly 200 is suitable for use with a QD connector having the insert 120 of Figure 1B. Alternative inserts can be envisaged. For example, the insert could have a snap-fit feature such that when the insert is pushed into a port having an indent or cavity, a portion of the insert engages with the indent or indent or cavity by expending outwards. The buckle assembly 200 comprises a plate 202. The plate 202 is substantially planar in some examples. This makes it more comfortable when in contact with a user. The plate 202 typically comprises a metal material, such as stainless steel. In other examples, however, this may also comprise any other material suitable for bearing a load (e.g., camera equipment), such as Nylon. The plate 202 comprises a port 204. The port 204 has a generally circular crosssection, as illustrated in Figure 6, which shows a cross-section A-A of the buckle assembly 200. The port 204 is positioned proximate a centre of the plate 202 in some examples. In other words, the port 204 is positioned proximate a centre of a dominant face (i.e., a face with the largest surface area) of the plate 202. In the illustrated examples, the port 204 is positioned in the exact centre of the plate 202, but this is not required and the position of the port 204 can deviate from the exact centre of the plate 202 (e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances). This position of the port 204 can make the port 204 equally easy to access by both right and left-handed people. In several examples, since the port 204 is positioned the same distance from any pair of opposing sides of the plate 202, the ease of access is independent of the side from which the user is approaching. The port 204 is configured to engage a corresponding insert (such as the insert 120 of Figure 2B) of the quick release connector. The port 204 comprises a wall 208 having an engagement member 210 arranged in use to engage at least a portion of the insert to removably retain the insert. In other words, in various examples, when the insert is inserted or otherwise placed within the wall 208 of the port 204, the engagement member 210 acts to retain the insert in place until an action is performed (e.g., by the user) that causes removal of the insert. The engagement member 210 is an indent 210 in some examples. The indent 210 provides a space for a corresponding feature of the insert to occupy to achieve engagement. While the indent 210 is shown as continuous in the illustrated examples, the indent 210 could comprise several discrete indents distributed about the wall 208. These are preferably would be equally spaced to correspond to locations of corresponding engagement features of the insert. For example, using the insert 120 as an example, the ball-shaped members can be aligned with a corresponding indent 210. The insert 120 can be inserted into the port 204 when the ball-shaped members are receded. When the ball-shaped or rounded-end members 124 are adjacent corresponding indents 210, the retracting member 126 can be released so that the ball-shaped members 124 occupy their corresponding indents 210. In this configuration, the insert 120 is retained. In this position, the ball-shaped or rounded-end members 124 are restricted from lateral movement by the indent 210 such that the insert 120 is engaged with, and retained by, the wall 208. The insert 120 can be subsequently removed by re-actuating the retracting member 126 to retract the ball-shaped or rounded-end member 124 so that they are no longer engaged with the indent 210. Accordingly, the port 204 is compatible with any insert having a feature suitable for interacting with and engaging with the indent 210. In various examples, the indent 210 extends fully around the wall 208. That is, the indent 210 extends around the perimeter of the wall 208 to form a continuous channel 210 in some examples. This continuous channel 210 is particularly suitable for inserts having, for example, ball-shaped members, such as the insert 120 shown in Figure 1B. In particular, the ball-shaped members 124 are rotatable, such that rotating the insert 120 does not cause a corresponding rotation in the buckle assembly 200. Instead, the ballshaped members 124 are able to freely roll within the indent 210 in response to rotation of the insert 120. The wall 208, in several examples, extends at least partially through a thickness (or depth) of the plate 202. In other words, the wall 208 at least partially extends through a dimension of the plate that is generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the port 204. The thickness of the plate is typically in range of 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably 9 mm to 11 mm, and most preferably around 10 mm. As shown in Figure 3, the thickness of the plate 202 extends along the z-axis. Therefore, it can be said that the plate 202 at least partially defines the wall 208 of the port 204. This can advantageously reduce the amount of material required to form the wall 208 because at least a part of the plate 202 defines the wall 208. Typically, the wall 208 extends fully through the thickness of the plate 202, as is the case with the illustrated examples. Therefore, it can be said that the plate 202 fully defines the wall 208 of the port 204, such as be defining the walls of a through-bore in the plate. The aforementioned advantage of reducing the amount of material required to form the wall 204 applies to a greater extent because the plate 202 fully defines the wall 208 of the port 204. In addition, the wall extending fully through the thickness of the plate 202 provides the advantage of allowing the port 204 to engage the insert of the quick-release connector regardless of the side from which the insert is inserted. For example, the insert can be inserted into the port 204 along either a positive or negative direction along the z-axis. The engagement member 210 (e.g., the continuous channel 210) is positioned such that it is the same distance from either face of the plate 202. In some examples, the engagement member 210 comprises a pair of continuous channels, and each continuous channel 210 is positioned the same distance from the corresponding face of the plate 202 to which it is nearest. Alternatively, as shown in the illustrated examples, the engagement member could comprise a single continuous channel 210 positioned proximate a central point along an axis of the wall 204. The plate 202 also comprises at least one slot 206 in various examples. The slot 206 is an opening in the plate 202 that extends fully through the thickness of the plate 202. In other words, as a through-bore. In some examples, the slot 206 extends across a majority (i.e., more than 50%) of the plate 202 in one direction. With reference to Figure 3, the slot 206 extends across a majority of the plate 202 in the x-axis. In the illustrated examples, the plate 202 comprises a first slot 206A and a second slot 206B. Each slot 206 is disposed or positioned on a respective side of the port 204, and each slot 206 is disposed or positioned proximate a respective side of the plate 202. The first slot 206A and second slot 206B are positioned proximate opposing sides of the plate 202 in some examples. Each slot 206 is configured to accept a strap (not shown). For example, a leading end of the strap can be inserted through the slot 206 and folded back on itself to form a loop. From there, the leading end of the strap can be connected to a body of the strap, for example by stitching the leading end of the strap to the body of the strap. The port 204 and the at least one slot 206 each comprise an opening in various examples. The opening of the port 204 has a port normal 212. The opening of the at least one slot 206 also comprises a slot normal 214. The port normal 212 of the port 204 is substantially aligned with the slot normal 214 of the at least one slot 206. That is, the normal of each opening extends in the same general direction. With reference to Figure 3, each normal 212, 214 extends generally along the z axis. In some examples, the plate 202 also comprises at least one side port 216. The at least one side port 216 is substantially similar in construction to the port 204 in the centre of the plate. Each side port 216 has a substantially circular cross-section in various examples. Each side port 216 may comprise a side port wall 218 having a side port engagement member 220 arranged in use to engage at least a portion of an insert to removably retain the insert. One distinction between the construction of the at least one side port 216 when compared with the port 204 in the centre of the plate 202 relates to the position of the engagement member 220 on the side port wall 218. Whilst the port 204 is arranged such that the engagement member 210 is substantially the same distance from either face of the plate 202 (e.g., by the presence of the single continuous channels 210 positioned substantially the same distance from their respective proximal faces of the plate 202), the at least one side port 216 is arranged such that the engagement member 220 is positioned on the side port wall 218 at a distance away from the edge to which it is proximate. This is because the at least one side port 216 is only accessible from one direction. The at least one side port 216 differs from the port 204 in the centre of the plate 202 in positioning in several plates. In particular, the at least one side port 216 is positioned proximate a respective edge of the plate 202 in a number of examples. More specifically, the at least one side port 216 is centred on the respective edge (i.e., a longitudinal axis thereof) of the plate 202 in this example. In some circumstances, the at least one side port 216 is formed by an elevated portion 222 of the plate 202. The elevated portion 222 extends away from the face of the plate 202 at the edge of the plate 202 proximate the at least one side port in a number of examples. In the illustrated examples, the plate 202 comprises a pair of opposing elevated portions 220 that respectively extend away from opposing faces of the plate 202. Each elevated portion 220 typically extends perpendicularly away from the respective face of the plate 202. These elevated portions 220 are intended to partially define opposing portions of the side port wall 218, and the rest of the side port wall 218 is defined by a thickness of the plate 202 in some examples. The elevated portions 220 may alternatively be considered as respective continuations of the edge, with a gap defined between each continuation that provides the side port 216. A thickness of the elevated portions 220 or continuations 220 is at least 2 millimetres (mm), such that a thickness of the side port wall 218 is at least 2 mm. This thickness is selected to ensure that the side port 216 can support a load (e.g., a piece of equipment) without breaking. This thickness is typically in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferable 9 mm to 11 mm, and most preferably 10 mm. The at least one side port 216 also differs from the port 204 in alignment in various examples. Specifically, in some examples, the at least one side port 216 also has an opening from which a side port normal 224 extends. In such examples, the side port normal 224 of the opening of the at least one side port 216 is unaligned with the port normal 212 of the opening of the port 204. By extension, the side port normal 224 of the opening of the at least one side port 216 is also unaligned with the slot normal 214 of the opening of the slot 206. In the illustrated examples, the side port normal 224 of the opening of the at least one side port 216 is substantially orthogonal to the port normal 212 of the opening of the port 212. For example, with reference to Figure 3, the side port normal 224 extends along the x-axis. In the illustrated examples, the plate 202 comprises a first side port 216A and a second side port 216B. The first side port 216A and the second side port 216B are positioned proximate opposing edges of the plate 202 in various examples. More specifically, the first side port 216A and the second side port 216B are positioned such that the respective openings are colinear with the respective edges in several examples. Therefore, the user can engage the insert from a plurality of insertion directions. As discussed above, the angle of approach for the port 204 can be the positive or negative z-direction. Including the first side port 216A and the second side port 216B, the angle of approach can also be the positive or negative x-direction. The plate 202 also comprises at least one cutout 226 in a number of examples. In the illustrated examples, the plate 202 comprises a first cutout 226A and a second cutout 226B. In some examples, the cutouts 224 are each positioned adjacent a respective one of the side ports. Various examples include the first cutout 226A being positioned adjacent the first side port 216A whilst the second cutout 226B is positioned adjacent the second side port 216B. The cutouts 224 are also positioned on either side of the port 204 in several examples. The cutouts 224 are able to reduce the amount of material required to produce the buckle assembly 200. Each cutout 226 extends fully through the thickness of the plate 202. In other words, the cutouts 224 each form spaces in the plate 202 as a through-bore in various examples. The space defined by the at least one side port 216 and the space defined by the respective adjacent cutout 226 are continuous in a number of examples. This is clearly shown in Figure 2, where it can be seen that the space defined by the first side port 216A and the space defined by the corresponding first cutout 226A are continuous. Thus, the side ports 216 are accessible from the front and the back or, with reference to Figure 3, along either the positive or negative x-direction. Therefore, when an insert is engaged with a side port 216, a forward face of the insert can be accessed via the cutout 226. This can be useful when the insert is jammed in place because the user can urge the insert out by applying a force against the forward face of the insert. Each cutout 226 also comprises a raised wall portion 228 in some examples. This raised wall portion 228, in several examples, is adjacent the port 404 and can be considered to be a portion of the wall 206 of the port 404 that extends into the cutout 226. This raised wall portion 228 can be useful in ensuring that the wall 206 of the port has a sufficient thickness for the wall 206 to bear a load. It will be appreciated that this raised wall portion 228 might not be necessary if the cutout is sufficiently far away from the port 404. Figure 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example method 700 of manufacture of the buckle assembly 200 of Figures 2 to 6. Step 702 comprises obtaining the plate 202. This can be achieved, in some examples, via an extrusion moulding process. For example, a block of material (e.g., stainless steel) can undergo an extrusion process to obtain the plate 202. Step 704 comprises forming the port 204 and the at least one slot 206 on the plate 202. For example, this can be achieved removing, using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, material from the plate 202 to form the port 204 and the at least one slot 206 and removing, using a router, material from the wall 208 of the port to form the engagement member 210.

Claims

1. A buckle assembly for a quick-release connector comprising:a plate comprising:a port configured to engage a corresponding insert of the quick-5 release connector, the port having a wall including an engagementmember arranged in use to engage at least a portion of the insert to removably retain the insert; andat least one slot configured to accept a strap;wherein a slot normal of an opening of the at least one10 slot is aligned with a port normal of an opening of the port;wherein the plate further comprises:at least one side port configured to engage a corresponding insert of the quick-release connector, the at least one side port having a side port wall having a side port engagement member arranged in use to15 engage at least a portion of an insert to removably retain the insert;wherein the at least one side port is positioned proximate a respective edge of the plate; andwherein a side port normal of an opening of the at least one side port is unaligned with the port normal.20 2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the port is positioned proximatea centre of the plate.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement member is an indent.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 3, wherein the indent extends around the 25 wall to form a continuous channel.

5. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the wall extends at least partially through a thickness of the plate.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 5, wherein the wall extends fully through a thickness of the plate.18 12257. The buckle assembly of claim 6, wherein the engagement member is positioned such that it is the same distance from either face of the plate.

8. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the side port normal is orthogonal to the port normal.5 9. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the plate comprisesan elevated portion extending away from a face of the plate that at least partially defines the side port wall.

10. The buckle assembly of claim 9, wherein the plate comprises a pair of opposing elevated portions that respectively extend away from opposing faces of 10 the plate, the elevated portions at least partially defining opposing portions of the side port wall.

11. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one side port is centred on the respective edge of the plate.

12. The buckle assembly of any of any preceding claim, wherein the at least 15 one side port comprises a first side port and a second side port, each side port being positioned proximate a respective edge of the plate.

13. The buckle assembly of claim 12, wherein the first side port and the second side port are positioned proximate opposing edges of the plate.

14. The buckle assembly of any of any preceding claim, wherein the plate 20 comprises at least one cutout, each being positioned adjacent a respective one of the at least one side ports.

15. The buckle assembly of claim 14, wherein the cutout extends fully througha thickness of the plate.

16. The buckle assembly of claim 15, wherein a space defined by the at least 25 one side port and a space defined by the adjacent cutout are continuous.18 122517. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one slot comprises a first slot and a second slot, each being positioned proximate opposing sides of the plate.

18. The buckle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the plate is an 5 integral piece.

19. A method of manufacturing the buckle assembly of claim 1, the method comprising:obtaining the plate; andforming the port and the at least one slot on the plate.10 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plate is obtained via an extrusionmoulding process.

21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein forming the port and the at least one slot on the plate comprises:removing, using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, material15 from the plate to form the port and the at least one slot; andremoving, using a router, material from the wall of the port to form the engagement member.

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