A buckle

Abstract

A buckle comprising: a first connector, a second connector, and a lock configured to the first connector and the second connector together, wherein the first connector an open configuration and a closed configuration, the first connector comprising: least one through hole configured to receive a strap; an opening configured, when first connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to the through hole the strap; and a removable stopper configured, when the first connector is in the closed configuration, to block the opening in order to prevent the strap from exiting the through hole via the opening.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of the disclosure relate to a buckle. Some relate to a buckle for use as part of a wearable equipment.BACKGROUND

[0002] Buckles can be used to connect the ends of a strap (e.g., a belt) together. Buckles can also be used to connect straps to other straps.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a buckle comprising: a first connector, a second connector, and a lock configured to lock the first connector and the second connector together, wherein the first connector has an open configuration and a closed configuration, the first connector comprising: at least one through hole configured to receive a strap; an opening configured, when the first connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to the through hole for the strap; and a removable stopper configured, when the first connector is in the closed configuration, to block the opening in order to prevent the strap from exiting the through hole via the opening.

[0004] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

[0005] The opening may be located in a wall of the through hole.

[0006] The removable stopper may be formed at least in part from a corrosion resistant material. The removable stopper may comprise a bar. The bar may be threaded and the first connector may comprise a corresponding thread such that the bar is connectable to the first connector via the threads.

[0007] The first connector may comprise an elongate channel configured to receive the bar and the thread of the first connector is located at an entrance of the elongate channel.

[0008] The through hole may be slit shaped. The opening may extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length of the slit.

[0009] The second connector may have an open configuration and a closed configuration, the second connector comprising: at least one through hole configured to receive a strap having first and second ends secured to wearable equipment; an opening configured, when the second connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to the through hole for the strap, while the first and second ends of the strap remain secured to the wearable equipment; and a removable stopper configured, when the second connector is in the closed configuration, to block the opening in order to prevent the strap from exiting the through hole via the opening, while the first and second ends of the strap remain secured to the wearable equipment.

[0010] The first connector may comprise: a plurality of through holes each configured to receive a strap having first and second ends secured to wearable equipment; a plurality of openings each configured, when the first connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to each through hole for the straps, while the first and second ends of the straps remain secured to the wearable equipment.

[0011] The removable stopper may be configured, when the first connector is in the closed configuration, to block each opening in order to prevent the straps from exiting the through holes via the openings, while the first and second ends of the straps remain secured to the wearable equipment.

[0012] Each of the plurality of through holes may have a fixed spatial relationship from one another and are distinct from one another.

[0013] Each of the through holes may be slit shaped and may be offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits.

[0014] One of the first connector and the second connector may comprise a male portion and the other of the first connector and the second connector comprises a female portion configured to receive the male portion.

[0015] Each of the first connector and the second connector may comprise a male portion and a female portion, wherein the female portion of the first connector is configured to receive the male portion of the second connector and the female portion of the second connector is configured to receive the male portion of the first connector.

[0016] At least one of the male portions may be L-shaped.

[0017] Each connector may comprise at least one opening configured to receive at least part of the lock.

[0018] The buckle may comprise a locked configuration in which the lock is received by the openings, the lock is retained in the openings, and prevents disconnection of the first connector and the second connector from one another.

[0019] The lock may comprise a resiliently biased portion configured to release the lock from the recesses.

[0020] The lock may be separate from the first connector and the second connector.

[0021] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a buckle comprising: a first connector, a second connector and a lock configured to lock the first connector and the second connector together, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises: at least one through hole configured to receive a strap; and at least one opening configured to receive at least part of the lock; and a locked configuration in which the lock is received by and retained in the openings, thereby preventing disconnection of the first connector and the second connector from one another.

[0022] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a wearable equipment comprising the buckle of any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0023] While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0024] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an example strap;

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an example wearable equipment;

[0027] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a first connector of an example buckle;

[0028] FIG. 3B shows a front view of a first connector of an example buckle;

[0029] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a second connector of an example buckle;

[0030] FIG. 4B shows a front view of a second connector of an example buckle;

[0031] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a lock of an example buckle;

[0032] FIG. 5B shows a front view of a lock of an example buckle;

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example buckle;

[0034] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an example buckle;

[0035] FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of an example buckle; and

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an example buckle.

[0037] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Wearable equipment such as torso protection equipment or rucksacks may be required to be adjusted to improve the fit of the wearable equipment to a wearer. Wearable equipment may comprise one or more straps, such as MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) straps or PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) straps and one or more buckles to enable the wearable equipment to be adjusted.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an example strap 10. The strap 10 comprises a seam 11, loop 12, a first end 13 and a second end 14. The loop 12 is formed by attaching the first end 13 of the strap 10 to another part of the strap 10. The seam 11 may comprise any suitable type of connections means (e.g., stitching, adhesive, etc.). The loop 12 may be configured to be attached to a buckle such that the strap 10 is connectable to another element via the buckle. The strap 10 is elongate in the direction between the first end 13 and the second end 14.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an example wearable equipment 20 (i.e., a torso protection equipment). The torso protection equipment 20 comprises a front torso panel 21 and a rear torso panel 22. The torso panels 21, 22 may be configured to prevent ballistics from penetrating the torso of a wearer. The torso panels 21, 22 are connected by shoulder straps 23, 24 located on the torso panels 21, 22.

[0041] The torso panels 21, 22 comprise a plurality of torso straps 10. One end 13, 14 of each torso strap 10 may be attached (e.g., stitched) to the torso panels 21, 22. The torso panels 21, 22 may also be connected to each other by the plurality of torso straps 10 via one or more buckles. The torso straps 10 connecting the torso panels 22 improves the fit of the torso protection equipment 20 against the wearer.

[0042] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a first connector 100 of an example buckle and FIG. 3B shows a front view of the first connector 100 of the buckle.

[0043] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B and 6 include Cartesian co-ordinate axes 90 to enable the reader to orientate the FIGs relative to one another. The x-axis defines a length dimension, the y-axis defines a width dimension and the z-axis defines a height dimension. Each of the dimensions is orthogonal to the others.

[0044] FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the first connector 100 comprises a plurality of through holes 110, 120, 130 that are configured to receive a (torso) strap 10. The through holes 110, 120, 130 may be configured to receive a strap 10. The strap 10 may be attached at each of its ends 13, 14. That is, neither of the end of the strap 10 are “free”. For example, each end 13, 14 of the strap 10 may be attached to a wearable equipment 20, or, in the case of the strap 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, one end 13 (i.e., the second end 13) of the strap 10 is attached to the strap 10 itself to form a loop 12 and the other end (i.e., the second end 14) is attached to a wearable equipment 20.

[0045] As shown best in FIG. 3B, each through hole 110, 120, 130 is defined by a wall 112, 122, 132. Each through hole 110, 120, 130 is slit shaped, i.e., forms a slit. Each through hole 110, 120, 130 is defined by a length in the length dimension and a width in the width dimension. The length of the through hole 110, 120, 130 may be the same or slightly greater than the width of a strap 10. The length of each through hole 110, 120, 130 may be in the range of 20 mm to 60 mm. The length of each through hole 110, 120, 130 may be around 25 mm, 38 mm or 48 mm. Each through hole 110, 120, 130 may comprise the same length. Each through hole 110, 120, 130 may comprise different lengths.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the through holes 110, 120, 130 have a fixed spatial relationship from one another and are distinct from one another. It should be understood that the first connector 100 may comprise any suitable number of through holes 110, 120, 130 (e.g., one or more through holes 110, 120, 130 configured to receive a strap). As shown best in FIG. 3B, the though holes 110, 120, 130 have a fixed spatial relationship in the length dimension. The through holes 110, 120, 130 may considered to be aligned in the width dimension and / or the height dimension. Each of the though holes 110, 120, 130 may be slit shaped and each of the through holes 110, 120, 130 may be offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits.

[0047] FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the first connector 100 comprises a plurality of openings 111, 121, 131. Each opening 111, 121, 131 provides access to the through holes 110, 120, 130 such that a strap 10 can be received in the through holes 110, 120, 130 via the openings 111, 121, 131. In effect, each opening 111, 121, 131 provides an entrance and a passageway to a through hole 110, 120, 130. An opening 111, 121, 131 may be located in a wall 112, 122, 132 of the through holes 110, 120, 130. It should be understood that the first connector 100 may comprise a single opening 111, 121, 131.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 3B, the openings 111, 121, 131 are shaped such that a strap 10 is received in the through holes 110, 120, 130 in a direction (the z direction in the FIGs) that is substantially orthogonal to the length of the through holes 110, 120, 130. Each opening 111, 121, 131 comprises a length in the direction that is substantially orthogonal to the length of the through holes 110, 120, 130. The length of the openings 111, 121, 131 is substantially similar to half the length of the through holes 110, 120, 130. The length of the openings 111, 121, 131 may be greater than half of the length of the through holes 110, 120, 130. The length of the openings 111, 121, 131 being sized in this manner provides the benefit of making installation of a strap 10 into a through hole 110, 120, 130 via the opening 111, 121, 131 easier.

[0049] The first connector 100 comprises a removable stopper 140 that is configured to block the openings 111, 121, 131 in order to prevent straps 10 that are located in the through holes 110, 120, 130 from exiting the though holes 110, 120, 130 via the openings 111, 121, 131.

[0050] For example, the removable stopper 140 may be configured to secure a strap 10 having no free ends such that removal of the strap 10 from the through hole 110, 120, 130 via an opening 111, 121, 131 is prevented.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the removable stopper 140 is received by the first connector 100. The removable stopper 140 may be received by a channel in the first connector 100. The channel may be configured to receive the removable stopper 140. The removable stopper 140 may be a bar (e.g., a rod or a pin). The channel may be elongate in order to receive the bar 140. As shown in FIG. 3B, the openings 111, 121, 131 represent discontinuities in the channel.

[0052] The elongate channel shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B comprises an entrance 150 and extends from the entrance 150 to an end 151 of the elongate channel. The end 151 and / or the entrance 150 may comprise a thread. The thread may be integrally formed as part of the first connector 100 and / or be separable from the first connector 100. The removable stopper 140 may comprise one or more threads. The removable stopper 140 may comprise a thread at the end of the removable stopper 140 that is received by the end of the elongate channel 151. The thread at the end of the removable stopper 140 that is received by the end 151 may correspond with the thread in the end such that the removable stopper 140 is connectable to the end via the threads. As shown in FIG. 3B, the end 151 may comprise a nut. The nut may comprise threads that correspond with the threads of the removable stopper 140. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first connector 100 comprises an aperture that enables the nut to be removed from the elongate channel.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the removable stopper 140 may comprise a thread at the end of the removable stopper 140 that is received the entrance 150 of the elongate channel. The thread at the entrance 150 of the elongate channel may correspond with the thread at the end of the removable stopper 140 such that the removable stopper 140 is connectable to the first connector 100 via the thread. The diameter of these threads may be greater in size that the diameter than the rest of the removable stopper 140. The diameter may be considered to be the extent in the width and depth dimensions. These threads having a greater diameter than the rest of the removable stopper 140 ensure that the stopper is more secure whilst being retained in the elongated channel.

[0054] The buckle may be used in a variety of different environments (e.g., wet, dry, hot, cold etc.). The buckle may be exposed to corrosive substances (e.g., salt water). The first connector 100 may be formed of a corrosion resistant material (e.g., polyoxymethylene and / or nylon). The removable stopper 140 may be formed at least in part of a corrosion resistant material (e.g., stainless steel).

[0055] During testing, the inventor has found that a buckle comprising a removable stopper 140 has greater performance under load (i.e., strength) than a buckle 50 without a removable stopper 140 and an elongate channel.

[0056] The buckle may comprise a first connector 100 and a second connector. The first connector 100 and the second connector may be configured to be connected together (i.e., to each other). FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an example of the second connector 200 and FIG. 4B shows a front view of an example of the second connector 200.

[0057] The example second connector 200 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B comprises a plurality of through holes 210, 220, 230, a plurality of openings 211, 221, 231, a plurality of walls 212, 222, 232, a removable stopper 240, an elongate channel comprising an entrance 250 and an end 251. These features may be the same as those described above in relation to the first connector 100. It should be understood that one or more of these features may be different or not present in the second connector 200.

[0058] The first connector 100 and / or the second connector 200 may comprise a one or more fasteners / fastening means configured to connect / fasten the first connector 100 to the second connector 200. The one or more fasteners of each connector 100, 200 may include at least one of a male portion and a female portion. That is, the first connector 100 or the second connector 200 may comprise a male portion and the other of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 may comprise a female portion configured to receive the male portion.

[0059] In some examples, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, each of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 may comprise both a male portion and a female portion. The connectors 100, 200 may be considered to be androgynous. During testing, the inventor has found that the connectors 100, 200 having both a male portion and a female portion provides a stronger connection than a pair of connectors where a first connector has only male portions and a second connector has only female portions.

[0060] FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the first connector 100 comprises a plurality of male portions 161, 162 and a plurality of female portions 171, 172. FIGS. 4A and 4B show that the second connector 200 comprises a plurality of male portions 261, 262 and a plurality of female portions 271, 272.

[0061] The male portions 161, 162 of the first connector 100 may be shaped such that they correspond with the shape of the female portions 271, 272 of the second connector 200. The male portions 161, 162 may be configured such that once the male portions 161, 162 are received by the female portions 271, 272 of the second connector 200, the connectors 100, 200 are secured together. As shown best in FIG. 3B, the male portions 161, 162 are L-shaped in a plane defined by the height (z) dimension and the length (x) dimension. The male portions 161, 162 being L-shaped provides the benefit that the male portions 161, 162 can be slid into the female portions 271, 272 of the second connector 200 and secured to the second connector 200.

[0062] The male portions 261, 262 of the second connector 200 may be shaped such that they correspond with the shape of the female portions 171, 172 of the first connector 100. The male portions 261, 262 may be configured such that once the male portions 261, 262 are received by the female portions 171, 172 of the first connector 100, the connectors 100, 200 are secured together. As shown best in FIG. 4B, the male portions 261, 262 are L-shaped in a plane defined by the height (z) dimension and in the length (x) dimension). The male portions 261, 262 being L-shaped provides the benefit that the male portions 261, 262 can be slid into the female portions 171, 172 of the first connector 100 and secured to the first connector 100.

[0063] The male portions 161, 162, 261, 262 and female portions 171, 172, 271, 272 may be shaped such that when a male portion 161, 162, 261, 262 is received by a female portion 171, 172, 271, 272, relative movement of the connectors 100, 200 is restricted (e.g., to a single dimension). For example, FIGS. 3A and 4A shows that the male portions 161, 162, 261, 262 comprise a protrusion and the female portions 171, 172, 271, 272 comprise a recess shaped to receive the protrusion such that relative movement of the connectors 100, 200 is limited to the length (x) dimension (i.e., not the width or heigh dimensions).

[0064] The buckle may comprise a lock configured to lock the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 together (e.g., when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are secured to each other).

[0065] The lock may be integral with one or more of the first and second connectors 100, 200. The lock may be separate from the connectors 100, 200.

[0066] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a lock 300 of an example buckle and FIG. 5B shows a front view of a lock 300 of an example buckle. In this example, the lock 300 is separate from the connectors 100, 200. The lock 300 comprises a grip 301. The grip 301 is configured such that a user of the buckle can grip the lock (e.g., more easily than a lock without a grip). The lock 300 comprises a retainer 302. The retainer 302 may be configured to retain the lock 300 within one or more of the connectors 100, 200. The lock 300 may comprise a resiliently biased portion 303. The resiliently biased portion may be configured to release the lock 300 from a recess (e.g., in one or both of the connectors 100, 200). The resiliently biased portion 303 may be resiliently biased in the height (z) dimension as shown best in FIG. 5B.

[0067] Each of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 may comprise at least one opening that is configured to receive at least part of the lock 300. FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the first connector comprises a first opening 181 and a second opening 182 that are configured to receive at least part of the lock 300. FIGS. 4A and 4B show that the second connector 200 comprises an opening 281 configured to receive at least part of the lock 300.

[0068] The openings 181, 182 of the first connector 100 may be through holes. The openings 181, 182 of the first connector 100 may be tunnel shaped.

[0069] The opening 281 of the second connector 200 may be a recess. The opening 281 may be configured to receive the end of the lock 300 that comprises the retainer 302. The opening 281 may comprise a groove in a wall of the opening 281 that is configured to receive the retainer 302. The second connector 200 and the lock 300 may be configured such that the lock 300 can be retained in the opening 281 by a friction fit.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example buckle 50. The buckle 50 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. The first connector 100 and second connector 200 are connected to one another via the male portions 161, 162, 261, 262 and female portions 171, 172, 271, 272. The buckle 50 comprises a lock 300 configured to lock the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 together. Each connector 100, 200 comprises at least one opening 181, 182, 281 configured to receive at least part of the lock 300. The first connector 100, the second connector 200 and the lock 300 may be as described above. It should be understood that FIG. 6 does not include all of the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B for clarity.

[0071] The buckle 50 may comprise a locked configuration in which the lock 300 is received by the openings 181, 182, 281, the lock 300 is retained in the openings 181, 182, 281 and prevents disconnection of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 from one another.

[0072] In the example buckle 50 shown in FIG. 6, the buckle 50 is in a locked configuration. The lock 300 is received at least in part by each of the openings 181, 182, 281. The lock 300 is retained by the opening 281 of the second connector 200. For example, the lock 300 may be retained in the opening 281 of the second connector 200 by a protrusion 302 of the lock 300 being retained in a correspondingly shaped recess of the second connector 200. The protrusion 302 may be retained in the recess of the second connector 200 such that the lock 300 is prevented from being removed from the opening 281 of the second connector 282 (e.g., without excess force by a user). It should be understood that while the illustrated example shows that the lock 300 is retained by the second connector 200, the first connector 100 may (additionally or alternatively) be configured to retain the lock 300.

[0073] In the locked configuration, separation of the first connector 100 from the second connector 200 is prevented by the lock 300. As shown in FIG. 6, the lock 300 being received and retained by the openings 181, 182, 282 prevents relative movement of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 (e.g., in the length dimension). The prevention of this relative movement ensures that the male portions 161, 162, 261, 262 and the female portions 171, 172, 271, 272 of the connectors 100, 200 remain connected to one another.

[0074] In order for the buckle 50 to exit the locked configuration, the lock 300 must be at least partially removed from the openings 181, 182, 281 (i.e., such that the lock 300 is no longer retained by the openings 181, 182, 281). The lock 300 being partially removed from the openings 181, 182, 281 may allow relative movement of the first and second connectors 100, 200 (e.g., such that that the male portions 161, 162, 261, 262 and the female portions 171, 172, 271, 272 of the connectors 100, 200 can be removed from one another).

[0075] In order to remove the buckle 50 from the locked configuration, a user may remove the lock 300 from openings 181, 182, 281 of the first and second connectors 100, 200 (e.g., by gripping the grip 301 and pulling the lock 300). In some examples, a user may also be required to apply a force to the resiliently biased portion 303 of the lock 300 in the length (x) dimension. Application of the force to the resiliently biased portion 303 ensures that the lock 300 can be removed from the openings 181, 182 of the first connector.

[0076] The inventor has found that some existing buckles when used as part of a wearable equipment (e.g., a rucksack or ballistics vest) are required to be located on a particular side (left or right side) of a user as those buckles are not configured to be used by a user when located on the other side of the user. For example, some existing buckles may be configured to be used on the left side of a wearable equipment but not on the right side of a wearable equipment.

[0077] The inventor has found that the lock 300 and openings 181, 182, 281 of the connectors 100, 200 being configured in the manner described above, enables the buckle 50 to be equally suitable for use on the left side of a user and on the right side of a user and enables the buckle 50 to be ambidextrous (i.e., it provides equal ease of use for both left-handed and right-handed users). In particular, these advantages may be caused by the configuration of the grip 301 and / or the resiliently biased portion 303.

[0078] The first connector 100 may have an open configuration and a closed configuration. FIG. 6 shows the first connector 100 of the buckle 50 in the closed configuration. The removable stopper 140 is configured to block the openings 111, 121, 131 of the first connector 100 such that a strap received by the through holes 110, 120, 130 are prevented from exiting the through holes 110, 120, 130 via the openings 111, 121, 131.

[0079] In order to transition the first connector 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the removable stopper 140 may be at least partially removed from the channel in the first connector 100. The removable stopper 140 being removable provides the benefit of the buckle 50 being serviceable (i.e., the buckle 50 and / or straps received by the buckle can be repaired rather than having to replace a whole wearable equipment 20). The removable stopper 140 enables the buckle 50 to be serviced / repaired in a variety of locations such as when a user is deployed to a remote location (e.g., a mountainous region) in which having spare wearable equipment 20 may be detrimental to the user (i.e., the buckle 50 may be field serviceable).

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the second connector 200 may have an open configuration and a closed configuration. FIG. 6 shows the second connector 200 of the buckle 50 in the closed configuration. The removable stopper 140 of the second connector 200 is configured to block the openings 211, 221, 231 of the second connector 200 such that a strap received by the through holes 210, 220, 230 is prevented from exiting the through holes 210, 220, 230 via the openings 211, 221, 231.

[0081] In order to transition the second connector 200 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the removable stopper 140 may be at least partially removed from the channel in the second connector 200.

[0082] The buckle 50 may be elongate. The buckle 50 may have a length that is greater than its width or depth. FIG. 6 shows that the buckle 50 is elongate (i.e., in the length dimension). The length of the buckle 50 may be 130 mm to 150 mm. The length of the buckle 50 may be 138 mm.

[0083] The buckle 50 may be substantially rectangular in shape. FIG. 6 shows that the buckle 50 is substantially rectangular in shape in a plane defined by the length and height dimensions.

[0084] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an example buckle 60 and FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the example buckle 60. The buckle 60 comprises a first connector 100, a second connector 200, a lock 300 and at least one removable stopper 140. It should be understood that the buckle 60 may comprise any of the features of the buckle 50 shown in FIG. 6 and as described above. For example, the buckle 60 may comprise the first connector 100, the second connector 200 and the lock 300 as described above. It should be understood that FIGS. 7A and 7B do not include all of the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B for clarity.

[0085] The buckle 60 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B differs from the buckle 50 shown in FIG. 6 in that the buckle 60 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B comprises connectors 100, 200 that comprise one through hole 110 (i.e., rather than 3 through holes). Each of the connectors 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B consist of one through hole configured to receive a strap. Each of the connectors 100, 200 comprise one male portion 161, 261 and one female portion 171, 271. The buckle 60 shows a nut located at the entrance 150 of the channel rather than at the end 151 of the channel.

[0086] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an example buckle 70. The buckle 70 may comprise one or more of the features of the buckles 50, 60 described above. For example, the buckle 70 may comprise the first connector 100, the second connector 200 and the lock 300 as described above. The buckle 70 differs from the other buckles described herein in that the buckle 70 shown in FIG. 8 does not comprise a removable stopper 140 or a channel configured to receive the removable stopper 140. It should be understood that FIG. 8 does not include all of the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B for clarity.

[0087] The buckle 70 comprises a first connector 100, a second connector 200 and a lock 300 configured to lock the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 together. Each of the first and second connectors 100, 200 comprise: at least one through hole 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, 230. The buckle 70 comprises at least one opening 181, 182, 281 configured to receive at least part of the lock 300. The buckle 70 comprises a locked configuration in which the lock 300 is received by and retained in the openings 181, 182, 281, thereby preventing disconnection of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 from one another.

[0088] It should be understood that a wearable equipment 20 may comprise one or more of the buckles 50, 60, 70 described herein.

[0089] The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one . . . ” or by using “consisting”.

[0090] In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components.

[0091] As used herein, the term “determine / determining” (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, “ determine / determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0092] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0093] Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0094] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0095] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0096] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0097] The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0098] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0099] In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

[0100] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0101] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A buckle comprising:a first connector, a second connector, and a lock configured to lock the first connector and the second connector together, wherein the first connector has an open configuration and a closed configuration, the first connector comprising:at least one through hole configured to receive a strap;an opening configured, when the first connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to the through hole for the strap; anda removable stopper configured, when the first connector is in the closed configuration, to block the opening in order to prevent the strap from exiting the through hole via the opening.

2. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the opening is located in a wall of the through hole.

3. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the removable stopper is formed at least in part from a corrosion resistant material.

4. The buckle of claim wherein the removable stopper comprises a bar.

5. The buckle of claim 4, wherein the bar is threaded and the first connector comprises a corresponding thread such that the bar is connectable to the first connector via the threads.

6. The buckle of claim 5, wherein the first connector comprises an elongate channel configured to receive the bar and the thread of the first connector is located at an entrance of the elongate channel.

7. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the through hole is slit shaped.

8. The buckle of claim 7, wherein the opening extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length of the slit.

9. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the second connector has an open configuration and a closed configuration, the second connector comprising:at least one through hole configured to receive a strap having first and second ends secured to wearable equipment;an opening configured, when the second connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to the through hole for the strap, while the first and second ends of the strap remain secured to the wearable equipment; anda removable stopper configured, when the second connector is in the closed configuration, to block the opening in order to prevent the strap from exiting the through hole via the opening, while the first and second ends of the strap remain secured to the wearable equipment.

10. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises:a plurality of through holes each configured to receive a strap having first and second ends secured to wearable equipment;a plurality of openings each configured, when the first connector is in the open configuration, to provide access to each through hole for the straps, while the first and second ends of the straps remain secured to the wearable equipment.

11. The buckle of claim 10, wherein the removable stopper is configured, when the first connector is in the closed configuration, to block each opening in order to prevent the straps from exiting the through holes via the openings, while the first and second ends of the straps remain secured to the wearable equipment.

12. The buckle of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of through holes have a fixed spatial relationship from one another and are distinct from one another.

13. The buckle of claim 12, wherein each of the through holes are slit shaped and are offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits.

14. The buckle of claim 1, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector comprises a male portion and the other of the first connector and the second connector comprises a female portion configured to receive the male portion.

15. The buckle of claim 14, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector comprise a male portion and a female portion, wherein the female portion of the first connector is configured to receive the male portion of the second connector and the female portion of the second connector is configured to receive the male portion of the first connector.

16. The buckle of claim 15, wherein at least one of the male portions is L-shaped.

17. The buckle of claim 1, wherein each connector comprises at least one opening configured to receive at least part of the lock.

18. The buckle of claim 17, further comprising a locked configuration in which the lock is received by the openings, the lock is retained in the openings, and prevents disconnection of the first connector and the second connector from one another.

19. The buckle of claim 18, wherein the lock comprises a resiliently biased portion configured to release the lock from the recesses.

20. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the lock is separate from the first connector and the second connector.

21. A buckle comprising:a first connector, a second connector and a lock configured to lock the first connector and the second connector together, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises:at least one through hole configured to receive a strap having first and second ends secured to wearable equipment; andat least one opening configured to receive at least part of the lock; and a locked configuration in which the lock is received by and retained in the openings, thereby preventing disconnection of the first connector and the second connector from one another.

22. (canceled)

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