Fastener with deflectable body

Abstract

A fastener integrates a support structure, a pawl, and an integral polymeric spring located intermediately between the support structure and the pawl. When a band of belt material is threaded through the connector, a spring deflects and the pawl imparts a holding force to the band. The pawl and its holding force are devised and oriented to impose an axial bias so that the band can be pulled in one direction to tension the belt, while sliding motion in the opposite direction is substantially obstructed. This directionally obstructive effect is readily overridden by manual deflection of the pawl by a manually accessible activator, such as a button integrally formed with the pawl. By these means and instruments, an operator can quickly and spontaneously adjust the length or tension of a band of belt material passing through the fastener.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FASTENER WITH DEFLECTABLE BODY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of co-pending U.S.

[0002] Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 834,303 titled TENSION CONTROL FASTENER filed on March 8, 2025, 63 / 834,449 titled TORSION SPRING FASTENER filed on March 20, 2025, 63 / 834,644 titled FASTENER PROVIDING BELT TORSION filed on April 8, 2025, 63 / 835,007 titled BELT RETAINING HARDWARE filed on May 12, 2025, 63 / 835,242 titled DEFLECTABLE BELT FASTENER filed on May 30, 2025, 63 / 835,243 titled DEFLECTABLE BELT FASTENER filed on May 31, 2025, and 63 / 835,404 titled FASTENER WITH DEFLECTABLE BODY filed on June 16, 2025, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The disclosure relates to buckles, clips, and similar devices used in the holding and adjusting of bands of material, such as woven webbing. It particularly relates to plastic hardware that is used to adjust the functional length of a band of material by folding the band back on itself, and entrapping the resulting loop in a fixed position upon the hardware component. It also particularly relates to hardware that entraps a band by compression. It closely relates to devices that use jaws or pawls to impart a preferential holding bias to a band of interposed material.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure also expressly relate to separable plastic fasteners in which one component of the fastener employs a pair of opposed prongs disposed in the plane of the fastener. In this class of fasteners, a hardware connector having two hooked prongs characteristically engages with catches in a compatible receiver component. The momentarily spring-loaded connector prongs are deflected by the receiver as the two parts are slid together, until the hooked ends of the prongs engage with openings in the receiving part. Fasteners of this type are commonly known as side-release buckles.

[0006] In the practical applications of such side-release buckles, the fastener normally includes accommodation of a band of woven webbing in one or both of the components. For adaptability and practical use, belt systems of this class are commonly devised to be adjustable in their length or degree of tension at least one location within the belt system.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Buckles are designed for use with bands of material, such as leather, plastic, fabric, or woven webbing. Buckles often provide a fixed end and an adjustable end to a length of belt material. Many modern buckles are molded in plastic, and rely on windings of the belt material about two or more angled crossbars to make a secure but impermanent fixture between the belt material and the fastener.

[0007] In common practice, belt adjustment is typically made by winding the band of material about a sequence of crossbars integrally formed in the connector part or the receiver part. In this way, the band of material makes sharp turns and bears against itself when placed in tension, so that a pulling force in a defined direction draws the opposing layers of belt material into compressive contact. This pressure obstructs sliding movement of the belt.

[0008] To readjust the band’s length or tension, such winding methods require manipulations of the assembled elements so that a free loop of material is temporarily formed and held away from the part surfaces. This separation undermines the compressive effect of the layered bands. This manipulation normally requires that the band be slackened and turned 90°, so that a loose loop can be moved apart from the crossbars.

[0009] This operation can be difficult or inconvenient to perform, particularly in the routine instance where the belt component is under tension while the article is being worn or otherwise actively used by the operator. In this circumstance, extension of the belt’s practical length typically requires that the retaining hardware be manually turned relative to the already strained band. Adjustment of belt length in these conditions often cannot be achieved with the desired speed or ease.

[0010] The winding strategy also imposes a minimal assembly thickness in order to impart the necessary orientation and compression upon the layered belt materials. This arrangement further exposes the webbing to wear, mandates dimensional constraints that affect part weight and volume, limits production efficiency, and excludes compact form factors that might improve operator comfort and convenience.

[0011] A subset of modem polymeric buckles commonly includes a pronged connector and a partially hollow receiver component that are assembled as a reversibly connectable belt system. Belts made according to this arrangement often also require adjustment of their length to suit the user or the application. When the belt is under tension, it is typically necessary to first separateAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO the buckle components before adjusting the belt length. This requirement adds a level of inconvenience to many consumer products that rely on adjustable belts or harnesses.

[0012] Serrated crossbars and side-release fasteners with opposed prongs have been in common use to secure bands of material for over a hundred years. Diverse devices using sliding or pivoting loose components such as pins, plates or pawls to secure webbing are widespread in commercial practice.

[0013] Directionally-biased strap adjustment systems are generally known from diving masks and personal protective face gear, but historically have been mainly realized in relatively compliant materials, and applied to uses that impose only a light load upon the pawl mechanism.

[0014] A more recently developed type of belt attachment is the plastic side-release fastener. A side-release fastener characteristically includes a connector component and a receiver component. The connector component typically includes two opposed prongs, while the receiver component is typically partially hollow, and includes a pair of open catches to receive hooks at the ends of the connector’s prongs. The assembled components are made separable when the user, in a pinching action, manually depresses the two hooks within the open catches.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] The disclosure details the design and formation of adjustable fasteners for use with bands of material, such as woven belts of webbing. The disclosed fasteners implement integrally-molded elongate springs formed between a supporting frame and a deflectable body within a connector component. Fastener designs conforming to this disclosed model, and providing convenient adjustment of belt length or tension, are readily realized in a variety of polymeric materials.

[0017] The deflectable body typically includes a manually-accessible mechanical activator, such as a tab or button, and a pawl. The deflectable body is integrally connected to a supporting frame by a pair of elongate, intermediating springs.

[0018] The intermediating springs are of a material and proportion so that, upon deflection, they accommodate the presence of a persistent internal force. When deflected from their neutral, as-molded state, the springs can accordingly exert an entrapping angular force between the supporting frame and the deflectable body. The springs are normally composed of the constituent polymer of a monolithically molded part.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO In practical uses of the disclosed fastening system, angular force is employed to impart a selective holding effect upon a band of belt material entrained through an open margin formed between the deflected pawl and an integral crossbar. The referenced integral crossbar is structurally continuous at both of its ends with the supporting frame.

[0019] The proximate edges on the pawl and crossbar mutually define an entrapping margin. The pawl and crossbar are typically provided with serrations, and supplementary detailed reliefs, that conspire to pleat and pucker the interposed compliant belt material in a manner that imparts a directionally- selective grasp upon it.

[0020] When a band of material is threaded through the fastener, the conscientious disposition of these forces and devices permits a gliding action of the entrained material in one direction, and a jamming, obstructive action upon it in the opposite direction.

[0021] The jamming action is readily relieved by manual deflection of the serrated pawl from the entrained belt material via the connector’ s mechanical activator, allowing the band to then slide equally in either direction, without meaningful differential bias.

[0022] In operation, the deflectable body therefore experiences angular motions both passively, through its frictional interaction with the compliant belt material, and actively, through the user’s operations during installation and adjustment of the belt material.

[0023] The springs in the disclosed embodiments commonly have an extended dimension along the longitudinal axis of the belt assembly and are connected to their integral support frame and their integral deflectable body by two bends at either ends of their length. The elongate springs are typically disposed in bilaterally symmetrical pairs, in part to retain the margin between pawl and frame at a relatively consistent transverse dimension, while allowing the gap to vary during states of relative angular deflection.

[0024] Notably, the beam length and associated bends distribute imposed stresses so that a relatively firm and consistent retentive force is imparted to the entrained belt material, while the stresses imposing that force are extensively distributed. The stresses are distributed most predominantly within the dedicated elongate spring, but also comprehensively within the molded volume of the part. One type of elongate torsion spring may be understood to act, with continuous and local expression about their centroid, as both a bending beam and a torsion bar. However, an elongate torsion spring is meant to encompass both springs that provide a torsionaccommodating effect owing to their elongation along the longitudinal axis of the connector orAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO fastener, and linear springs that are elongate in the sense that they are meaningfully extended in the transverse axis such that they are inset from the width of their associated pawl.

[0025] In use, the disclosed fastener designs allow an adjustment of belt length or tension to be made by deflecting the pawl away from the belt material though an externally-introduced flexural action. In the broad application of the disclosed principles, deflection is made by simple manipulation of the monolithic part and the deflectable body can be induced to turn about a virtual fulcrum, or virtual fulcrum region, in free space. Because of the intuitive nature and ease of this operation, users are expected to choose to thread the belt material in this manner, and the connectors disclosed herein are designed to accommodate such direct manipulation.

[0026] Nevertheless, within the suite of designs described herein, a pivoting flexural action has been expressly made to turn about either a fixed or a transient mechanical fulcrum. A fixed fulcrum has a center of rotation that remains constant, while the effective center of rotation of a transient fulcrum describes a path during its pivoting operation. This disclosure describes a variety of applications that constructively integrate the flexural connector component with a compatible receiver and allow the deflectable body to pivot against the enclosing receiver.

[0027] By way of example, the broader disclosure usefully encompasses side-release fasteners, in which the determinate location of the springs within the connector, and between its paired prongs, allows the connecting function and the adjustment function to be integrated within a compact form factor. In these applications, the belt may be freely adjusted to a desired length or tension, and may also readily be released and reconnected while retaining the same belt position. In accordance with this understanding, the collection of disclosed designs includes a suite of side-release fasteners in which a pronged connector component and a partially-hollow receiver component are expressly devised to structurally interact.

[0028] The deflectable body within the connector component of these side-release embodiments is guided and governed by its structural interaction with its commensurate receiver. The guiding structures include pivotal features such as drum shapes, which turn about an established transverse centerline, and rockers, which, depending on their specified geometry, can have either a solitary or transient pivotal centerline. Complementary structures are formed in the receiver to both realize and delimit the requisite range of angular motion. These structures may include ridges, rails, channels, or sockets.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO The development of the system for different types of belt materials, different dimensions, and different operational demands informs the set of features encompassed within the design, and their proportion. Further disclosed refinements of the design incorporate strain-relief features embodied in a tab, pin, or flange located at the extremity of the manual activator. In relatively demanding applications, these features discourage the premature or disadvantageous loss of hold upon the entrained belt material by arresting the deflection of the pawl at a structurally delimited threshold.

[0029] Particular derivations of side-release fasteners within the disclosed systems are formed with sufficient compactness that the activator, such as a tab or button, can be made substantially flush to the receiver surface. This low-profile format is useful in many practical circumstances, where accidental release of belt tension would otherwise be a risk. Within these disclosures, this protective property is further enhanced by provision for protective caps that snap over the entrained loop of belt material, but permit ready manual access to the activator.

[0030] In the following designs and instructive disclosures, these factors are diversely integrated in fasteners to be used in conjunction with bands of belt material, in a manner that allows convenient belt connection and adjustment operations to be achieved within a range of compact and effective fastening devices.

[0031] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fastener comprising a support frame and at least one longitudinal beam extending from the support frame. The at least one longitudinal beam is configured to flex with respect to the support frame. The fastener further comprises a deflectable body coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam. The deflectable body is configured to pivot relative to the support frame and to engage webbing coupled to the support frame to control movement of the webbing relative to the support frame.

[0032] Embodiments of the fastener further may include configuring the deflectable body to have a pawl provided at one end of the deflectable body. The longitudinal beam may extend transversely from the pawl. The longitudinal beam may be connected to the deflectable body by a knuckle proximate an opposite end of the deflectable body. The knuckle may be a reduced width relative to the deflectable body. The deflectable body may taper from the pawl to the opposite end. The support frame may include a crossbar. The longitudinal beam may be configured to bias the pawl toward the crossbar, the webbing being disposed between the pawl and the crossbar. A leading edge of the pawl may overlie the crossbar to resist movement of theAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO webbing in one direction. The longitudinal beam may distribute torsion along its length to reduce fatigue. The deflectable body may include a molded pitch angle in an as-molded state. The longitudinal beam may be integrally molded with the support frame and the deflectable body.

[0033] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fastener for securing a webbing. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a support frame configured to include a webbing path, a deflectable body coupled to the support frame, and at least one longitudinal beam operatively coupled to the support frame and the deflectable body. The longitudinal beam and the deflectable body are arranged in substantially the same plane as the webbing when entrained through the webbing path.

[0034] Embodiments of the fastener further may include configuring the deflectable body to have a pawl portion and a push button portion coupled to the longitudinal beam. The support frame may include a crossbar. The pawl portion may be configured to engage the crossbar located in the webbing path. The pawl portion of the deflectable body may be biased to resist movement of the webbing in a first direction while permitting movement of the webbing in a second, opposite direction. The deflectable body may be substantially co-planar with respect to the webbing path. The support frame, the deflectable body and the at least one longitudinal beam may be integrally molded as a single piece. The longitudinal beam may distribute torsion along its length to reduce stress in the deflectable body. The longitudinal beam and the deflectable body may be configured to reduce fatigue of a polymeric part. The deflectable body may be manually deflectable. The deflectable body may include a pawl configured to engage a crossbar of the support frame to secure the webbing located in the webbing path.

[0035] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fastener for securing a webbing. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a support frame including first internal frame contours and a deflectable body coupled to the support frame. The deflectable body includes opposing second internal frame contours configured to mate with the first internal frame contours of the support frame. The first and second internal frame contours define a channel for passage of the webbing. Each of the first and second internal frame contours are convex and dimensioned to have a width that is less than the width of the webbing in a flat state. The webbing forms out-of-plane pleating in the channel such that, depending on an operational state of the fastener, the pleating promotes either sliding of the webbing or entrapment of the webbing.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Embodiments of the fastener further may include configuring the channel to have a width less than a width of the webbing in a relaxed condition. The channel may be configured to induce pleating in the webbing under tension. The induced pleating may promote entrapment of the webbing when moving the second internal frame contour toward the first internal frame contour to a closed position. The induced pleating may promote tracking of the webbing when the entrapping margin is open. The support frame may include a crossbar. The crossbar may have two or more pleating ribs with alternating concavities and convexities in alignment with one another. The two or more pleating ribs may be dimensioned to promote out-of-plane pleating of the webbing. The two or more pleating ribs may be aligned to establish a frequency and pattern of longitudinal pleating in the webbing. The pleating may raise the webbing away from sharp edges of the support frame. The pleating may impart a folded structure at selective locations of the webbing.

[0036] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fastener comprising a support frame and at least one longitudinal beam configured to connect a deflectable body to the support frame. The deflectable body includes a pawl portion biased to engage a crossbar of the support frame. The deflectable body is configured to permit adjustment of an entrained webbing while the webbing is under tensile load by manipulating the deflectable body to disengage the pawl portion from the entrained webbing.

[0037] Embodiments of the fastener further may include configuring the pawl portion to be biased toward the crossbar by the at least one longitudinal beam. The pawl portion and the crossbar may define an entrapping margin that resists webbing movement in one direction and permits sliding movement in the opposite direction. The deflectable body may include a manually depressible button portion to selectively disengage the pawl portion from the entrained webbing. The deflectable body may be configured to provide continuous incremental adjustment of the webbing length while under load. The deflectable body may be configured to prevent inadvertent release of the webbing during tensioned adjustment. The pawl portion of the deflectable body and the crossbar of the support frame may include interdigitated serrations.

[0038] A connector assembly comprises the fastener and a receiver configured to releasably secure the fastener. The receiver may be configured to permit insertion of the fastener along a longitudinal axis and removal along a reverse direction. The receiver may include an internal stop configured to obstruct further movement of the deflectable body into the receiver.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fastener comprising a support frame and at least one beam extending from the support frame. The at least one beam is configured to flex with respect to the support frame. The fastener further comprises a deflectable body coupled to the at least one beam. The deflectable body is configured to pivot relative to the support frame and to engage a webbing coupled to the support frame to control movement of the webbing relative to the support frame. The deflectable body has a molded-in pitch axis inclined relative to the support frame when in its as-molded state. The beam and the deflectable body are arranged in substantially the same axis as the support frame when the webbing is entrained through the webbing path.

[0039] Embodiments of the fastener further may include configuring the deflectable body to be additionally deflectable to an elevated position pivotally opposite the molded-in pitch axis.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a first oblique external perspective view of a deflectable pawl connector, FIG. 2 is a second oblique external perspective view of the deflectable pawl connector of FIG. I,

[0041] FIG. 3 is a first oblique underside perspective view of the deflectable pawl connector of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,

[0042] FIG. 4 is a second oblique underside perspective view of the deflectable pawl connector of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 inclusive,

[0043] FIG. 5 is a top view of the deflectable pawl connector of FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 inclusive, FIG. 6 is an underside view of the deflectable pawl connector of FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 inclusive,

[0044] FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of a deflectable pawl connector formed in accordance with the disclosure, showing one hooked prong cut away to show the contours of a torsion spring,

[0045] FIG. 8 is a cutaway underside perspective view of deflectable pawl connector component of FIG. 1, cut away in the same manner as the connector in FIG. 7,

[0046] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of the deflectable pawl connector, cut away in the manner of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a receiver for use with the deflectable pawl connector shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 9 inclusive,

[0047] FIG. 11 is an underside perspective view of the receiver shown in FIG. 10,

[0048] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures in a state of partial sliding engagement,

[0049] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures in a state of secure engagement,

[0050] FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures in a state of secure engagement, the view cut away along the components’ aligned longitudinal centerlines,

[0051] FIG. 15 is a cutaway side view of the joined deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures showing the pawl in its relaxed, as-molded state,

[0052] FIG. 16 is a cutaway side view of the joined deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures showing the pawl in an elevated position,

[0053] FIG. 17 is a cutaway side view of the joined deflectable pawl connector and receiver of the preceding figures showing a band of adjustable material looped through the connector, the threading process raising the pawl into a lifted position where it imparts a degree of spring force and an obstructive directional bias to a band of belt material,

[0054] FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view of the joined deflectable pawl connector, receiver, and band of adjustable material shown in FIG. 17,

[0055] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the engaged deflectable pawl connector and receiver showing one end of a band of material adjustably attached to the connector, and another end of a band of material fixed to the receiver by doubling it back over the receiver’s crossbar and stitching the band to itself,

[0056] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the assembled deflectable pawl connector, receiver, and bands of material, in which the tail of adjustable band is drawn out to apply controlled tension to the secured belt assembly,

[0057] FIG. 21 is a first oblique top perspective view of a clenching connector, in which the pawl is originated with its front edge below the middle crossbar rather than above, whereby its attainable spring force may be increased relative to the connector formed according to the model of the preceding instance,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 22 is a second oblique top perspective view of the clenching connector shown in FIG. 21,

[0058] FIG. 23 is a first oblique underside perspective view of the clenching connector shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22,

[0059] FIG. 24 is a second oblique underside perspective view of the clenching connector shown in FIG. 21 through FIG. 23 inclusive,

[0060] FIG. 25 is a cutaway side view of the clenching connector, as shown in FIG. 21 through FIG. 24 inclusive, illustrating the pawl in its relaxed, as-molded position,

[0061] FIG. 26 is a side view of the gripping connector cut away along the longitudinal midline, FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram symbolically showing a geometrically simplified threading path of a band of adjustable belt material through the gripping connector,

[0062] FIG. 28 is a schematic cutaway mold diagram showing the formation of cavities for the deflectable pawl connector,

[0063] FIG. 29 is a schematic cutaway mold diagram showing the formation of cavities for the clenching connector,

[0064] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a rotatable button connector, in which the connector is designed so that the button and pawl rotate about a fulcrum physically embodied in cylindrical features,

[0065] FIG. 31 is an underside perspective view of the rotatable button connector of FIG. 30, showing its cylindrical guiding features,

[0066] FIG. 32 illustrates an underside perspective view of the rotatable button connector of FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 partially installed in a compatible rotating receiver, showing cooperating, recessed cylindrical features in the rotating receiver,

[0067] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a rotatable lift-tab connector, having a liftable tab instead of the push button implemented in preceding embodiments,

[0068] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a rotatable lift-tab connector installed interchangeably in a modular system with the rotating receiver, as shown coupled with rotatable button connector in FIG. 32,

[0069] FIG. 35 is a cutaway perspective view of the lift-tab connector of FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, illustrating the pull-tab connector partially engaged with the rotating receiver,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 36 is a first top perspective view of a pivotable connector, in which a pivotable extension is located directly over the turning center of a rotatable fastener,

[0070] FIG. 37 is a second top perspective view of the pivotable connector shown in FIG. 36, FIG. 38 is a first underside perspective view of a pivotable coupling using transverse torsion bars, in which a deflectable tab is located directly over the turning center of a rotatable fastener,

[0071] FIG. 39 is a second underside perspective view of the pivotable connector shown in FIG.

[0072] 38,

[0073] FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of a pivotable connector installed in a receiver, FIG. 41 is an underside perspective view of a pivotable connector installed in a receiver, FIG. 42 is a top perspective view of a connector devised to have an especially low profile,

[0074] FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of a receiver having an especially low profile, compatible with the low-profile connector of FIG. 42,

[0075] FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of an assembled low-profile fastener comprising the low-profile connector of FIG. 42 and the low-profile receiver of FIG. 43,

[0076] FIG. 45 is an underside perspective view of the assembled low-profile fastener shown in FIG. 44,

[0077] FIG. 46 is a top perspective view of an intermediate-thickness receiver for use in a modular application of the disclosed design principles,

[0078] FIG. 47 is an underside perspective view of an intermediate-thickness receiver for use in a modular application of the disclosed design principles,

[0079] FIG. 48 is a top perspective view of an intermediate-thickness connector for cooperative use with the intermediate-thickness receiver shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, geometrically derived so that it can be replicated within a separable two-part mold,

[0080] FIG. 49 is an underside perspective view of the intermediate-thickness connector of FIG.

[0081] 48,

[0082] FIG. 50 is a first perspective view of a schematic geometrical model of a first mold half that can be used to replicate the connector shown in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49,

[0083] FIG. 51 is a second perspective view of a schematic geometrical model of a first mold half depicted in FIG. 50,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 52 is a first perspective view of a schematic geometrical model of a second mold half that can be used in cooperation with the first mold half of FIG. 50 and FIG. 51 to replicate the connector shown in FIG. 50 and FIG. 51,

[0084] FIG. 53 is a second perspective view of a schematic geometrical model of the second mold half depicted in FIG. 51,

[0085] FIG. 54 is a top perspective view of a modification of the connector shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, in which the middle crossbar is flush with the top face of the supporting frame, FIG. 55 is an underside perspective view of the modified connector shown in FIG. 54, FIG. 56 is a first top perspective view of a further modification of the connector shown in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49, in which the middle crossbar extends beyond the top face of the supporting frame,

[0086] FIG. 57 is a second top perspective view of the modification of the connector shown in FIG. 56,

[0087] FIG. 58 is a first top perspective view of a modification of a connector for use in a curved fastener having components geometrically conformed to a cylindrical template,

[0088] FIG. 59 is a second top perspective view of a modification of the cylindrically curved connector of FIG. 58,

[0089] FIG. 60 is a side view of the cylindrically curved connector of FIG. 58 and FIG. 59, FIG. 61 is a side view of a cylindrically curved receiver commensurate and interoperable with the cylindrically curved connector of FIG. 58, FIG. 59, and FIG. 60,

[0090] FIG. 62 is a top perspective view of the cylindrically curved receiver of FIG. 61, FIG. 63 is a side view of a cylindrically curved connector assembled from the cylindrically curved connector and the cylindrically curved receiver, as collectively illustrated in FIGS. 58 through 62 inclusive,

[0091] FIG. 64 is a top perspective view of the assembled cylindrically curved connector shown in FIG. 63,

[0092] FIG. 65 is an underside perspective view of the assembled cylindrically curved connector shown in FIG. 63 and FIG. 64,

[0093] FIG. 66 shows a variant of a cylindrically curved connector in which the control button is rectangular and geometrically continuous with its associated pawl,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 67 illustrates a cylindrically curved receiver devised to be operationally compatible with the rectangular button connector variant shown in FIG. 66,

[0094] FIG. 68 is a first top perspective view of a cylindrically curved rectangular button fastener assembled from the connector of FIG. 66 and the receiver of FIG. 67,

[0095] FIG. 69 is a second top perspective view of the cylindrically curved rectangular button fastener shown in FIG. 68,

[0096] FIG. 70 is a first top perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed system in which the connector is provided with triangular serrations in an interdigitated sawtooth pattern, FIG. 71 is a second top perspective view of the sawtooth connector of FIG. 70, FIG. 72 is a first underside perspective view of the sawtooth connector of FIG. 70 and FIG. 71,

[0097] FIG. 73 is a second underside perspective view of the sawtooth connector shown in FIG.

[0098] 70 through FIG. 72 inclusive,

[0099] FIG. 74 shows a top perspective view of variant of the fastener adapted for a belt of proportionally thicker material, having a relatively deeper thickness, which can concordantly accommodate an increased range of angular travel, and which furthermore includes a belt separator, continuous with its middle crossbar, located between its outer and inner crossbars, FIG. 75 shows a top perspective view of the rugged fastener shown in FIG. 74, FIG. 76 is a cut away side view of the rugged fastener shown in FIG. 74 and FIG. 75, revealing its convolute torsion springs,

[0100] FIG. 77 is a first top perspective view of a rugged receiver proportioned to receive the rugged connector of FIG. 74 through FIG. 76 inclusive,

[0101] FIG. 78 is a second top perspective view of the rugged receiver of FIG. 77,

[0102] FIG. 79 is a first top perspective view of a rugged connector component and a rugged receiver component in the process of assembly into a rugged fastener,

[0103] FIG. 80 is a second top perspective view of a rugged connector component and a rugged receiver component in the process of assembly shown in FIG. 79.

[0104] FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of a stress-relieving receiver devised for use with a removable metal binding barrel connector,

[0105] FIG. 82 is an underside perspective view of the stress-relieving receiver shown in FIG.

[0106] 81,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 83 is a top perspective view of the stress-relieving receiver of FIG. 80 through FIG.

[0107] 82 showing a partially installed metal binding barrel connector and its binding screw,

[0108] FIG. 84 is an underside perspective view of the stress-relieving receiver of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 83,

[0109] FIG. 85 is a stress-relieving connector compatible with the stress-relieving receiver shown in FIG. 81 though FIG. 84,

[0110] FIG. 86 is an underside perspective view of the stress-relieving connector shown in FIG.

[0111] 85,

[0112] FIG. 87 is a perspective assembly view, in which the binding barrel is fully installed in a stress-relieving receiver, and in which the stress-relieving receiver and stress-relieving connector are partially engaged,

[0113] FIG. 88 is a first top perspective assembly view in which the stress-relieving receiver and stress-relieving connector are fully engaged,

[0114] FIG. 89 is a second top perspective assembly view in which the stress-relieving receiver and stress-relieving connector are fully engaged with one another,

[0115] FIG. 90 is a top perspective assembly view in which the stress-relieving receiver and stress-relieving connector are fully engaged with one another, and in which the cap of FIG. 88 is shown separately and positioned above the assembled fastener to identify the relationship of its snap fittings with compatible undercut catches formed in the stress-relieving connector, FIG. 91 is a perspective view of an alternate, ribbed cap that is structurally compatible with the stress-relieving connector depicted in FIG. 85 through FIG. 90 inclusive,

[0116] FIG. 92 is a first top perspective view of the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener with the cap snapped in place, leaving the activator button slightly raised above the outer surface of receiver,

[0117] FIG. 93 is a second top perspective view of the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener with the cap snapped in place, as in FIG. 92,

[0118] FIG. 94 is a first top perspective view of the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener showing a band of webbing installed, leaving the activator button substantially flush with the outer surface of the receiver,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 95 is a second top perspective view of the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener showing a band of webbing installed, is the same state as the assembly shown in FIG. 94,

[0119] FIG. 96 is a top perspective illustration of the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener of FIGS. 94 and 95 showing the band of webbing in a stressed state,

[0120] FIG. 97 is a sectional cutaway side view of the circumstance shown in FIG. 96, showing the angular stopping effect provided by the stress-relieving features in the vicinity of the elevated end of the activator button,

[0121] FIG. 98 is a first top perspective view of a monolithic binding connector having a pawl at one end and a set of binding crossbars at the other,

[0122] FIG. 99 is a second top perspective view of a monolithic binding connector having a pawl at one end and a set of binding crossbars at the other, showing the binding of a belt material about its set of binding crossbars,

[0123] FIG. 100 is a sectional cutaway side view of the monolithic binding connector, showing the use winding of the belt material about the binding crossbars,

[0124] FIG. 101 is a first top perspective view of a monolithic connector component in which the outer faces prongs are made geometrically continuous with the frame to permit passage of the connector through a belt loop,

[0125] FIG. 102 is a second top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 101,

[0126] FIG. 103 is a first underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 101 and FIG. 102, FIG. 104 is a second underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 101 through FIG. 103 inclusive,

[0127] FIG. 105 is a cutaway top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 101 through FIG. 104 inclusive,

[0128] FIG. 106 shows a top perspective view of a receiver compatible with the connector of FIG. 101,

[0129] FIG. 107 shows an underside perspective view of a receiver compatible with the connector of FIG. 101,

[0130] FIG. 108 is a first top perspective view of a pronged fastener with an upright activator tab functionally compatible with pivoting arbor system receiver shown in FIG. 32, FIG. 33, and FIG.

[0131] 35,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 109 is a second top perspective view of a pronged fastener with an upright activator tab shown in FIG. 108,

[0132] FIG. 110 is a first top perspective view showing a pivotable coupling using transverse torsion bars, in which a deflectable tab is located directly over the turning center of a rotatable fastener,

[0133] FIG. 111 is a second top perspective view of the coupling shown in FIG. 110,

[0134] FIG. 112 is a first top perspective view a low-profile coupling using elongate transverse torsion bars, in which the pawl is manually deflectable,

[0135] FIG. 113 second top perspective the low-profile coupling of FIG. 112,

[0136] FIG. 114 first underside perspective the low-profile coupling of FIG. 112 and FIG. 113, FIG. 115 second underside perspective the low-profile coupling of FIG. 112 through 114 inclusive,

[0137] FIG. 116 cutaway perspective the low-profile coupling of FIG. 112 through FIG. 115 inclusive,

[0138] FIG. 117 is a first top perspective view of an exemplary connector operationally compatible with the receiver shown in FIG. 81 through FIG. 84, in which the modification includes a variety of guides to promote the occurrence of a particular pleating pattern in the entrained belt material,

[0139] FIG. 118 is a second top perspective view of the exemplary connector shown in FIG. 117, FIG. 119 is a top plan view of the exemplary connector shown in FIG. 117 and FIG. 118, FIG. 120 is a first top perspective view of an exemplary connector FIG. 117 through FIG.

[0140] 119 inclusive,

[0141] FIG. 121 is a top perspective view of a connector having a round button and providing elongate torsion beams implemented in an inverse attachment scheme,

[0142] FIG. 122 is an underside plan view of the connector of FIG. 121,

[0143] FIG. 123 is a first top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 121 and FIG. 122,

[0144] FIG. 124 is a second top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 121 through FIG. 124, FIG. 125 is a first underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 122 through FIG.

[0145] 125,

[0146] FIG. 126 is a second underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 122 through FIG. 126,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 127 is a top perspective view of a receiver devised to operate cooperatively with the connector illustrated in FIGS. 121 through 126,

[0147] FIG. 128 is an underside perspective view of the receiver of FIG. 127,

[0148] FIG. 129 is a top perspective view of the connector of FIGS. 121 through 126 aligned for installation in the compatible receiver shown in FIGS. 127 and 128,

[0149] FIG. 130 is a top perspective view of the connector of FIGS. 121 through 126 installed in the compatible receiver shown in FIGS. 127 and 128,

[0150] FIG. 131 an underside perspective view of the connector of FIGS. 121 through 126 installed in the compatible receiver shown in FIGS. 127 and 128.

[0151] FIG. 132 is a top plan view of a second example of a connector having a round button and elongate torsion beams implemented in an inverse attachment scheme, in which the connector also includes a deflection limiting tab,

[0152] FIG. 133 is an underside plan view of the connector shown in FIG. 132,

[0153] FIG. 134 is a first top perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 132 and FIG. 133, FIG. 135 is a second top perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 134,

[0154] FIG. 136 is a first underside perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 135,

[0155] FIG. 137 is a second underside perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 136,

[0156] FIG. 138 is a first top perspective view of a partially hollow receiver operationally compatible with the connector shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 136, the receiver having accommodation for a removable hardware crossbar,

[0157] FIG. 139 is a second top perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 138.

[0158] FIG. 140 is a top perspective view of a connector having dentils integrated on its crossbar and pawl,

[0159] FIG. 141 is an underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 140,

[0160] FIG. 142 is a top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 140 upon which webbing has been entrained in a pleated state,Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 143 is an underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 140 upon which webbing has been entrained in a pleated state,

[0161] FIG. 144 is a schematic isolated top perspective view of the pleated webbing shown in FIG. 142 and FIG. 143,

[0162] FIG. 145 is a top perspective view of an arched receiver compatible with the connector described in FIGS. 140 through 143 inclusive,

[0163] FIG. 146 is an underside perspective view of the arched receiver shown in FIG. 145, FIG. 147 is a plan view of the receiver initially disclosed in FIG. 140,

[0164] FIG. 148 illustrates the connector initially depicted in FIG. 140, cut away along its longitudinal centerline,

[0165] FIG. 149 is a plan view of a compact flat connector in which the default, as-molded position of the pawl places the underside of its leading serrated edge in the vicinity of the upper serrated edge of its associated crossbar,

[0166] FIG. 150 illustrates the compact flat connector shown in FIG. 149 cut away along its longitudinal centerline,

[0167] FIG. 151 is a top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 147 and FIG. 148, FIG. 152 is an underside perspective view of the connector of FIG. 147, FIG. 148, and FIG. 149,

[0168] FIG. 153 illustrates a compact flat receiver compatible with the connector initially depicted in FIG. 149,

[0169] FIG. 154 shows an underside view of the compact flat receiver of FIG. 153.

[0170] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0171] Belt-fastening hardware using pairs of in-plane, hooked beam springs, often called siderelease buckles, have been widely applied in waistbands, apparel, bags, backpacks, luggage, personal accessories, camping gear, tents, upholstery, part bundling, load securing, vehicle assembly, and medical devices.

[0172] Polymeric side-release buckles designed for use with woven webbing are readily available in sizes from 8mm to 80mm. These fasteners inherit a minimal transverse dimension from the width of webbing with which they are matched. Adjustment of the length or tension of the associated band or bands of material is often a prerequisite of a system’s targeted function.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO The most common types of webbing intentionally limit stretching of the webbing so that the imposed tensile load is applied in a secure and predictable fashion.

[0173] In current practice, side-release buckles are often expressly designed for use with woven webbing. Polymeric webbing is commonly made of synthetic material such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester. Webbing can also be cotton, linen, or may use a mix of fibers. Two-ply nominally tubular webbing is formed with an interlocked weft, and is normally pressed, bonded, or stitched into a flat state. Webbing can be diversely interwoven, dyed, printed, or ornamented for decorative effect.

[0174] In these discussions, the term webbing is used for its familiarity and the predominance of its application in commercial practice, but wherever the term is employed, it should be taken to implicitly encompass belt material of other sorts. Belt material refers to any length or strip of material that can be usefully used in a belt system.

[0175] In general, the belt material does not need to be patterned with a particular relief, or possess a particular filament diameter, weave pattern, spatial frequency, or surface relief. The principle instructions of this disclosure can be applied to an array of belt materials, so long as they possess sufficient resiliency or compressibility to be made selectively captive by a pawl within a fastener assembly. Accordingly, belt material can be leather, fabric, polymeric, elastic, elastomeric, laminated, or composite. The composition can be natural, synthetic, or a blend. The belt material can be monolithically integrated with, mechanically attached to, adhered to, or fused with a fastener component.

[0176] A belt is any system that applies a strip of material to make an attachment with itself or with a discrete item. Belt attachment can be made by simple knotting, but is commonly made with the aid of hardware, such as a clip or buckle. A belt can have a range of hardware components positioned along its length. A belt can include a band that connects directly to an item, rather than forming a continuous enclosure within itself. A belt can include one length that connects a hardware connector and a hardware receiver, or can include two discrete lengths.

[0177] Harnesses are assemblies that include a plurality of belts, envisioned in diverse embodiments within the disclosed system, and are widely used with human, animal, and material restraints. In general, the range of current market applications for belt systems can serve as a minimal basis to inform the anticipated full range of the disclosed principles and devices.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO In this disclosure, a pawl is any positionable element that bears in an axially differential way upon a band of material. The pawl can have a straight leading edge, or include a flat transverse ridge. The default state of a pawl upon an interposed band can be a neutral, resting state, in which case mutual resistance is activated by the passage of the material under the pawl.

[0178] Within the disclosure, systems can also be devised so that, once a band is threaded upon a connector, a pawl imposes a persistent compressive force upon the interposed band. In this circumstance, the imposed compressive force is typically greatest when the band is slack, and its contribution to the clamping effect decreases as the belt leader is placed in tension and the pawl is drawn down upon the band of compliant belt material. At this stage, the clamping force is increasingly provided by belt tension. Therefore, as a design target, the default spring-loaded state of the fastener need only provide enough pressure upon the given belt material to initiate the gripping action.

[0179] While plain pawl edges are envisioned within the anticipated design range, in the detailed, disclosed versions in this disclosure, bordering edges of a pawl and a crossbar within a supporting framework are provided throughout with edge irregularities that assist in the axial restraint of the confined band. The irregularities on the integrally formed pawl initiate resistive engagement, and help to deform and entrap webbing or other fabric bands in a state of biased directional retention.

[0180] The particular geometry of these serrations, and other complementary relief protrusions in the connector, can be derived to correspond to anticipated materials, or ranges of materials, possessing intrinsic thicknesses, surface reliefs, or thread pitches. Mature designs include irregular volumetric discontinuities that optimize the entrapment and release of the captive belt material. The volumetric discontinuities compel the belt fabric to pleat into complex geometries so that its passage through the connector is preferentially obstructed.

[0181] In this disclosure, serration is deemed to include linear sawtooth patterns, convolutions, and all their intermediate forms. Serrations are typically formed commensurately on a pawl and an operationally cooperative crossbar. Serration is also deemed to include crenelations.

[0182] Crenelations are stepped patterns encompassing substantially linear edge features.

[0183] A subset of crenelations includes trapezoidal dentils, such that each dentil in the crenelate edge tapers toward the limit of the trapping margin. The disclosure encompasses hybrid serrations, for example, where the leading edge of the dentil is crenelate, while the gullet is aAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO concave radius. In any practical application, the election of the serration geometry may be directly informed by an expected belt material and its conformability and compliance.

[0184] Another subset of serrations includes interdigitated serrations. Interdigitated serrations include verging pairs of edges in which an abstract plane perpendicular and transverse to the major plane of the fastener intersects the two opposed and verging serrated edges.

[0185] This intentional spatial overlap provides a particular circumstance in which the band of belt material is deeply crimped by the action of the pawl against the crossbar. The crimping effect of interdigitated edges can be further promoted by complementary relief features that compel the belt material to locally crimp or pleat. Depending on the belt weave, surface, or composition, the serrations may be devised to contact the introduced belt material in localized pinching actions, or with a continuous bearing force across a sinuate margin.

[0186] In this disclosure, verging marginal edges are edges that are close enough to one another and sufficiently correspondent in geometry to entrap a deformable band of belt material. Verging marginal edges are generally described in this disclosure as leaving an open margin in their relaxed, as-molded state. In the disclosed designs and their envisioned extensions, verging marginal edges arc expressly spaced so that the anticipated belt material can be entrained in a selectively obstructive relationship that provides a notable condition of directionally-biased resistance.

[0187] In conventional use, a torsion spring is any length of material that can hold or return a spring force by twisting along its length. In the disclosed designs, spring force is provided to the pawl by imparting torsion to an elongate spring that is placed intermediately between a supporting frame and the integral pawl. The torsion spring property can be provided by a simple short bar, but in this disclosure is typically devised to include a continuous elongate beam having one or more bends along its length.

[0188] In specific disclosed embodiments, polymeric springs accommodating torsion are exemplified by compact, elongate beams disposed so that torsion can be imposed along their length within a relatively narrow volume. This arrangement distributes stress along the torsion bar so that an especially effective and durable spring element results. It permits a range of angular travel that accommodates the passage of webbing having a range of thicknesses through the part.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO The geometry of the disclosed designs can be diversely adapted to accommodate the anticipated materials and the desired performance profile, and envisions many variants in which the elongate springs are provided with curved profiles. A curved, tapered, or convolute profile may be imparted to the spring elements to regulate their imposed force, angular motion, longevity, elongation, or to prevent undesirable structural interference, and are informed by the dictates of the application.

[0189] In certain exemplary uses of a disclosed fastener system, a pair of bilaterally symmetrical polymeric springs is flexurally deployed by manual pressure on the activator button, so that the pawl turns to an elevated position when the activator is depressed. A length of webbing is then threaded through a hardware connector in a designated manner, and pressure on the activator is released. After this release, the serrated pawl intrinsically comes to bear on the interposed belt material. The deflected, spring-loaded, serrated end of the pawl bears upon, or intrudes into, the entrained belt material to preferentially deter its sliding motion. The activator may be upright, angled, or plane-parallel relative to the primary plane of the local belt material.

[0190] The axially-biased gripping property is imparted by such means as pinching or jamming of the webbing within the trapping margin, by directly applied spring force, by friction, by local folding, pleating, or deformation of the webbing, by intrusion of relief features between the fibers of woven webbing, or by any of these effects and operations in combination, so long as the operational result suits the requirements or parameters of the application.

[0191] Belt systems can be subject to a wide range of practical demands. Accordingly, this disclosure includes descriptions of stress-relieved variants that transfer tension imposed on the belt material to the fastener in a relatively more distributed manner, with the practical result that the maximum resistive load on the fastener is meaningfully increased.

[0192] The operation range of the exemplary fastener systems in this disclosure may be further understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0193] Side-release fasteners use two components that can be snapped together, and then intermittently separated by pressing on the opposed hooked ends of two engaged beams. The part that carries the hooked beams is termed the connector, while the part including the catching function is termed the receiver. Any combination of such connectable parts is termed a fastener.

[0194] FIGS. 1 through 6 inclusive illustrate a range of views of a side -release connector component formed according to the disclosure. Specifically, deflectable pawl connector 10Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO includes a depressible button integrally formed with a pawl. The button can be depressed, so that the torsion spring is deformed, and a lifting force is imparted to the pawl, and most prominently to its serrated edge. The spring force and the particularities of the system’s geometry can be applied to diversely regulate belt tension.

[0195] The interaction of a connector with a compatible receiver may be appreciated by advance reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, which illustrate a commensurate receiving component. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show receiver 50 expressly compatible with deflectable pawl connector 10. The two hardware components are mechanically assembled to form an adjustable side-release belt fastener.

[0196] FIGS. 7 through 9 inclusive show deflectable pawl connector 10 cut away along section axis XI, indicated in the plan view of FIG. 5, in order to reveal the curved contours of its dual torsion springs. FIGS. 12 through 14 inclusive describe the assembly process of the connector and receiver.

[0197] The connector in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 exhibits bilateral symmetry, and is formed as a discrete item of continuously molded polymer. It includes two hooked prongs, as well as two curved and tapered torsion springs that connect the frame of the part to a central deflectable body. The illustrated embodiment implements interdigitated, crenelated, trapezoidal serrations that include a nominal rounding fillet at their internal and external comers.

[0198] Its underside features of the connector are curved in such a way that, when installed in the receiver, they provide a rocking action against an internal face of the receiver. The fulcrum of the rocking action is variable during its operation. When the fulcrum is located near the outer extent of the receiver, in the vicinity of the opening of the receiver where the prongs of the connector are first entered, the arrangement provides an initial mechanical advantage of approximately 4:1, so that little pressure on the button is needed to alleviate the spring force imposed by the loaded pawl.

[0199] Realizations of the invention include designs in which the operative mechanical advantage varies between 4:1 to 1:2. The particular design within the disclosed principles can impart a fixed mechanical advantage, but can also provide a transient range of effective values as the components flex and interact. This transient and variable mechanical advantage is most notably expressed when connectors are provided with underside curvatures having relatively large constituent radii.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Referring now to drawings of the connector, the frame of deflectable pawl connector 10 integrates support armature 12, top crossbar 14, underside crossbar 16, and middle crossbar 18. Middle crossbar 18 has a rabbeted profile. The crossbars include bevels and radii that serve to guide an introduced band along a determinate path, and to promote the desired conditions of selective axial resistance.

[0200] The inner extent of these surrounding connector features defines rectangular band opening 20. Band opening 20 is proportioned to accommodate the passage of two bands of belt material of predetermined width and thickness. Two prongs 22 are disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline of the connector.

[0201] Prongs 22 originate at beam bases 24, and include deflectable beams 26 and hooks 28. The curved shape of the hooks is operationally compatible with an opening of the anticipated receiver. Torsion spring 30 is connected to support armature 12 by torsion bar base 32. Torsion spring 30 includes torsion spring shoulder 34 which connects torsion spring 30 to deflectable body 36.

[0202] Three parallel rocker ribs 38 have a continuous contour including an acute bend formed next to torsion bar base 32. The acute bends in rocker ribs 38 collectively act as a rocking fulcrum whenever deflectable body 36 is installed in a receiver and is upwardly deflected through the deflection of torsion springs 30.

[0203] Deflectable body 36 further includes push button 40 and pawl 42. Pawl 42 is provided with pawl serrations 44. Middle crossbar 18 is provided with middle crossbar serrations 46. The verging property of the interdigitated and crenelated serrations within deflectable pawl connector 10 identifies trapping margin 48.

[0204] Designs conforming to the model typified by deflectable pawl connector 10 are scalable and can accommodate a wide range of belt materials. Webbing provided in 25mm widths is made in a range of weights and weaves, commonly having caliper thicknesses between 1.0mm and 2.0mm. Depending on the fiber and weave, webbing is compressible to a dimension less than its nominal caliper thickness. Accordingly, the dimensions of the interdigitated serrations can target a material, or a range of materials, in view of assessed operational properties.

[0205] The trapping margin 48 is preferably substantially less than the caliper thickness of the anticipated uncompressed webbing, and also less than its compression thickness under a predetermined load, so that the compressed thickness of the webbing is not counterproductivelyAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO drawn back through the connector when the webbing is tensioned. This disclosure describes a collection of structural and material provisions that cooperate to deter such unwanted pull-through.

[0206] While solutions with the disclosed principles are diverse, the scale of the interdigitation of the serrations can usefully consider the compressed thickness of the webbing and its inherent stiffness and drape, such that the entrapped webbing becomes crimped within the operating margin between pawl serrations 44 and middle crossbar serrations 46. Pawl serrations 44 and middle crossbar serrations 46 can be beveled, radiused, or set back in various ways to influence the passage or restriction of the webbing in one direction or the other.

[0207] FIGS. 7 through 9 inclusive represent views of deflectable pawl connector 10 illustratively cut away to show the particular geometry of the torsion beam. Torsion spring 30 is tapered as it departs from torsion bar base 32 connecting it to support armature 12, reaching its most attenuated section as it approaches torsion spring shoulder 34. The top side of the torsion bar is provided with a moderate concavity, while its underside exhibits variable curvature consistent with its function as a fulcrum. The edges of torsion bar are provided with a radius, which reduces the likelihood of comer fractures occurring in torsion spring 30.

[0208] Deflectable pawl connector 10 includes push button 40 and pawl 42. Push button 40 is raised in relief of pawl 42. Rocker ribs 38 on the underside allow for a rocking action, but also serve to stiffen pawl 42 so that the spring face imparted by torsion springs 30 is not diminished by bending of pawl 42. Rocker ribs 38 provide alignment features for reliably guiding the connector into the receiver.

[0209] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show receiver 50 compatible with deflectable pawl connector 10. The two hardware components are mechanically joined to form a fastener with a readily separable connection. The fastener is normally joined to a band of material to form a separable belt. In the exemplary disclosed system, the separable belt can be adjusted in its length or tension by deflection of push button 40 and the consequent lifting of pawl 42.

[0210] Receiver 50 includes a boxlike housing defined by receiver sidewalls 52, top panel 54, and underside panel 56. Guide rails 58 are disposed on the internal face of underside panel 56. Release ports 60 are formed in the sides of receiver 50 and allow manual access to hooks 28 when deflectable pawl connector 10 is captive in the receiver. In the version shown, release ports 60 are inset within top panel 54 and underside panel 56 so that hooks 28 are partially housedAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO when deflectable pawl connector 10 is installed. Yoke extensions 62 support receiver crossbar 64 which are proportioned so that a band of material can be directly attached to receiver 50.

[0211] Relative to underside panel 56, top panel 54 is interrupted by button inlet 66. Button inlet 66 is geometrically continuous with button well 68. Button inlet 66 is proportioned to allow the sliding passage of push button 40, while button well 68 is proportioned to allow the deflective passage of push button 40 and the associated volume of deflectable body 36 when the button is depressed.

[0212] FIG. 12 through FIG. 14 inclusive depict stages in the assembly of the two hardware components into assembled side-release fastener 90. The perimeter of button inlet 66 is derived so that push button 40 serves as a mechanical guide during mating of the parts, and so that the button is centered, unobstructed, and free to be depressed from its raised position during later use. Assembly of the connector is made by introducing deflectable pawl connector 10 into receiver 50. The polymer hardware components are guided together by the cooperative shape of their geometrically commensurate features.

[0213] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of deflectable pawl connector 10 and receiver 50 of the preceding figures in a state of partial sliding engagement. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of deflectable pawl connector 10 and receiver 50 of the preceding figures in a state of secure engagement. FIG. 14 through 18 show views cut away along sectional axis X2 in FIG. 5.

[0214] FIG. 14 is a cutaway perspective view of deflectable pawl connector 10 and receiver 50 in a state of secure engagement, the view cut away along the parts’ longitudinal centerline. FIG.

[0215] 14 through 18 inclusive depict views of the assembled fastener instructively cut away along axis X3, as demarcated in FIG. 3.

[0216] Deflectable pawl connector 10 and receiver 50 can accordingly be joined and separated in the general manner of side-release fasteners. Of particular relevance to the utility of the disclosed exemplary system is its operation in conjunction with a band of entrained belt material.

[0217] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are cutaway side views illustrating operations of deflectable pawl connector 10 and receiver 50 joined to form assembled side-release fastener 90. FIG. 15 shows the side-release fastener components snapped into a joined state, with deflectable body 36 in its relaxed, as-molded state. FIG. 16 depicts the parts in a state of secure engagement, with push button 40 depressed and pawl 42 consequently elevated. It may be seen by comparison of the figures that trapping margin 48 is increased by the depression of push button 40, until theAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO momentary displacement of deflectable body 36 is physically stopped by either button well 68, or the internal face of underside panel 56.

[0218] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show a band of material, such as webbing, being introduced through the features of deflectable pawl connector 10 prior to its installation in a receiver. FIG. 17 is a cutaway side view, while FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view of the same circumstance. FIG. 17 shows flexible band 70 of belt material, such as woven webbing, as it has been threaded through the opening in the end of pivotable button connector, interposed within support armature 12, top crossbar 14 and underside crossbar 16, and about middle crossbar 18, through the trapping margin 48 between middle crossbar serration 46 and pawl serration 44, leaving a long lead on the underside of flexible band tail 78 and the band of material exits through the same opening it originally entered.

[0219] In this process, loop 74 is formed about middle crossbar 18, such that it traverses trapping margin 48. The release of active deflection force on push button 40 causes pawl serration 44 to bear upon flexible band 70 at band cinching point 76. In this state, flexible band tail 78 can be pulled to slide flexible band 70 in one direction but a pulling force on band lead 72 causes flexible band 70 to bind in trapping margin 48 owing to the influence of the interleaved serrations and spring force imparted between them by the spring loading of pawl 42.

[0220] Depression of push button 40 induces the elevation of the pawl 42 to the position shown in FIG. 16, and allows flexible band 70 to move freely in either direction. When deflectable pawl connector 10 is apart from a receiver, this releasing action is imparted by manually opposing the surrounding frame from the displaceable body. The fastener is nevertheless devised so that the adjustment of band length can be conveniently made when the connector and receiver are snapped together.

[0221] Because the pair of hooks 28 are securely caught in release ports 60, and prongs 22 captive between top panel 54 and underside panel 56, those counterposed structural elements act as positional restraints against the deflecting force on deflectable body 36. The collective arrangement therefore acts as a kind of hinge, although its functional features are complexly distributed within and between the assembled parts.

[0222] FIG. 19 illustrates belt system 92, which includes assembled side-release fastener 90, flexible band 70, and band extension 80. Band extension 80 can be continuous with flexible band 70, or can be a discrete length of material. Band extension 80 is looped over receiver crossbar 64Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO to form extension loop 84, so that band extension tail 86 is laid upon the lead length 82 of flexible band extension and joined to the lead length 82 by lead stitching 88.

[0223] In FIG. 20, flexible band tail 78 is shown in a drawn-out and extended position relative to the state shown in FIG. 19, unidirectional arrow P indicates that flexible band 70 can be pulled freely to any workable length, while flexible band 70 is deterred from pulling in the opposite direction by the entrapment of flexible band 70 between pawl serration 44 and middle crossbar serration 46. Tension is introduced by pulling flexible band tail 78 along the axis indicated by the arrow at Tl.

[0224] Bidirectional arrow T2 indicates that tension imposed at Tl is imparted across the set of conjoined components within adjustable-length, side-release fastener belt system 92. The constraining action of flexurally spring-loaded pawl 42 allows the belt system 92 to be tensioned or relaxed at the convenience of the operator.

[0225] This completes the description of a foundational realization of adjustable-length, siderelease fastener belt system 92. The disclosed principles can be implemented in diverse ways. Irrespective of the implementation, it may be appreciated that the connector design allows the band of material threaded through its structure to remain closely aligned with the major plane of the connector, while also remaining secured to the webbing or other belt material. This departs from the current widespread practice of introducing the webbing in a perpendicular direction through the underside of the part.

[0226] By these means, the disclosed design practices allow a releasable belt system to conform to a slimmer, more comfortable, and more attractive format. The adjustability of the belt length by the activation of an easily accessible button provides an intuitive operational format to the user.

[0227] When disengaged from the receiver, the trapping margin in the connector can be readily opened by placing two fingertips under the ends of the prongs and depressing the button. The other hand can then be used to draw the band of material to a desired length or state of tension. In any circumstance, excessive belt tension can be immediately relieved by simple finger pressure.

[0228] Whether the connector is disengaged or installed in a receiver, its operation stands in contrast to the acute bends and loosened material encountered in current adjustable belt hardware, which can confuse and frustrate an operator, sometimes in critical circumstances.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 21 through FIG. 100 inclusive describe useful variations of the preceding foundational design, and further demonstrate the principles of the exemplary and elementary form detailed in the preceding descriptions. The following discussions disclose structural variants, and also propose molding strategies for obtaining fine trapping margins within the connectors, without the use of fine, high aspect-ratio mold features that would entail a risk of premature mold degradation.

[0229] Drawings in FIGS. 21 through 25 inclusive depict a variation of the fastener that uses a lift tab in place of a push button. FIG. 25 represents a cutaway view derived from sectional axis X4 as demarcated in FIG. 21. FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 detail the operative pathway of belt material captive within the connector, cut away along medial plane X2 as identified in FIG. 5.

[0230] FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 describe two differing but related mold geometries that are useful for forming a range of trapping margins by locating metal-to-metal shutoffs at the location of the parts’ trapping margin.

[0231] FIG. 30 through FIG. 32 show a variant of a push-button fastener in which the system’s fulcrum is provided with a specific physical locus. FIG. 33 through FIG. 35 show a variant in which the pawl is lifted by a tab located toward the trapping margin. FIG. 36 through FIG. 39 show four views of a side-release connector component in which a deflectable tab is located directly over a physically embodied center of rotation. FIG.40 and FIG. 41 illustrate a use of the pivotable connector of FIG. 36 through FIG. 39 in an assembled side-release fastener.

[0232] Returning now to the drawings, FIGS. 21 through 25 offers a series of views of an embodiment in which the pawl is molded in a way that enables greater spring force to be imparted on an interposed belt by the central deflectable body. The added force is imparted by increasing the angular travel of the pawl required to interpose the band of material into the trapping margin.

[0233] This angular increase is imposed by lowering the origination point of the serrated pawl edge to a position below the serrated edge of the middle crossbar. In the illustrated variant, the effective fulcrum is also moved toward the button, decreasing mechanical advantage, but increasing the attainable angular elevation to accommodate the increased angular travel of the pawl.

[0234] Referring now to the specifics of the drawings, deep rocker connector 100 is integrally formed to include deep rocker side armatures 102, deep rocker top crossbar 104, deep rockerAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO underside crossbar 106, and deep rocker middle crossbar 108. Belt opening 110 is formed in one end of deep rocker connector 100.

[0235] Hooked prongs 112 provide a connection means, while deflectable torsion springs 114 connect elevated button 116 and deep pawl 118 to the balance of the part. Underside rocker rails 122 include a region having a relatively acute radius of curvature, so that the installed part preferentially pivots about the momentary location of its center of curvature.

[0236] A distinguishing property of deep rocker connector 100 is shown in FIG. 25. Concave underside hollow 124 is formed in association with interdigitated acute pawl serration 126, which is originated in a position aligned with the underside of interdigitated acute middle crossbar serration 128. It may be apprehended by the relative resting location of the serrations and the trapping margin that the elevation of the pawl to a functional elevation will, for an equal torsion spring design, impart an increase force upon a trapped section of belt material. The relative acute rake of the serration introduces a further factor that can increase the holding force of a spring-loaded pawl.

[0237] The particular pathway of the belt material within a connector is shown in the diagrams in FIG. 26 and 25. The diagrams use the sectional geometry of deflectable pawl connector 10, but the principles apply equally to deep rocker connector 100 and further variants of the principle using a spring-loaded pawl. FIG. 26 shows deflectable pawl connector 10 in its default state. FIG. 27 shows a symbolic diagram of the routing of the belt material through the connector.

[0238] The belt material is introduced following the alphabetical order of the marked points. AB is substantially parallel to the major plane of the connector. BC deflects toward the underside of the part, then abruptly upward along DC toward the rabbet in middle crossbar 18. Segment DE orients the band of material so that it can be crimped between the serrations on pawl 42 and the middle crossbar 18. Segment EF is sloped to draw the belt material against the shaped top profile of middle crossbar 18, while the beveled underside of top crossbar 14 cooperates in this function. Tail segment FG extends out of the connector, and allows for manual interaction with the device.

[0239] The principles of the disclosure only require that the guiding opening in the connector, through which the band enters and exits, to be twice the functional thickness of the anticipated band. Crossbars can be profiled and repositioned to accommodate such compact embodiments, and such repositioning can electively locate crossbars so that they stand flush with, or in relief, of the main surface. Embodiments where the belt material is kept within the abstract geometricalAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO shell of the part, as embodied in both deflectable pawl connector 10 and deep rocker connector 100, can shelter webbing from abrasion. Minimized connectors superficially exposing the webbing can be lighter and use less material, provided the principles of the disclosure are conscientiously applied.

[0240] FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 schematically depict and contrast mold strategies for forming close trapping margins though the use of shutoffs. A shutoff occurs in a metal mold where metal is pressed against metal in the closed mold state. A draft angle occurs where the injected or cast material meets a metal cavity.

[0241] A plain or flat shutoff occurs where the plane of contact is orthogonal to the primary mold separation axis. In this geometrical condition, effective mold contact pressure is maximized, and unwanted flashing is minimized. Angled shutoff surfaces are nevertheless common, but can become unworkable when angles depart only a few degrees from the axis of travel.

[0242] FIG. 28 shows connector mold 130 having top mold half 132 and bottom mold half 134. Connector mold 130 also includes side core 136, which forms the hollow through which the belts enter and exit the finished molded part. Plain margin shutoff 138 is provided where the interdigitated serrations are formed, so that a separation of the injectate inflow is preserved when the mold is filled. This strategy allows a narrow trapping margin to be formed, without requiring impractical, high aspect-ratio mold features.

[0243] FIG. 29 shows deep connector mold 140 having top deep mold half 142 and bottom deep mold half 144. Deep connector mold 140 also includes deep connector side core 146, which forms the hollow through which the belts enter and exit the finished molded part. Oblique margin shutoff 148 is provided where the angled, interdigitated serrations are formed, such that the mold halves locally meet at an oblique plane that is shared by geometrically aligned faces of serrations on top and bottom mold halves.

[0244] In the case shown, the effective shutoff angle is in the vicinity of 45°, so that a separation of the injectate inflow is again preserved when the mold is filled. This generalization of the preceding strategy enables a wide range of pawl and serration geometries that provide the spring-loaded pawl with reliable engagement with webbing or other belt material.

[0245] FIG. 30 through FIG. 35 show two variants of deflectable connector in which the fulcrum is provided with a specific physical locus, in the form of interfitting cylindrical elements thatAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO collectively form a pivoting arbor. FIG. 30 through FIG. 32 show embodiments using a push button arbor connector, while FIG. 33 though FIG. 35 illustrate pull-tab embodiments sharing the same pivotable underside features. FIG. 32, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35 demonstrate the interoperability of the push button and pull-tab connectors with a common receiver.

[0246] As shown analogously in preceding embodiments, arbor connector 150 has arbor connector sidebars 152, arbor connector top crossbar 154, arbor connector underside crossbar 156, and arbor connector middle crossbar 158. Arbor connector prongs 160 extend from arbor connector sidebars 152, arbor torsion springs 162 functionally connect to arbor deflectable body 164. Arbor deflectable body 164 includes arbor connector button 166 and arbor connector pawl 168. Arbor pawl serration 170 is formed along the marginal edge of arbor connector pawl 168.

[0247] Underside features include arbor flanges 172 of partial cylindrical geometry, which are continuous with arbor ribs 174. Dentils 176 are formed with raised points that are devised to resistively engage entrained belt material without tearing, and provide a directionally selective bias. Arbor connector crossbar serration 178 is structurally conformal with arbor pawl serration 170.

[0248] A compatible receiver is devised to receive the cylindrical arbor features formed in the connector to generate a sort of pinless hinge. Arbor system receiver 180 includes arbor receiver crossbar 182, arbor button recess 184, arbor button platform 186, and concave cylindrical arbor recesses 188. Concave cylindrical arbor recesses 188 inversely correspond to the set of arbor flanges 172. The assembled releasable arbor fastener operates through rotation of the cylindrical elements, as though arbor deflectable body 164 was rotating about a virtual hinge pin.

[0249] Pull-tab connector 190 shares many of the functional arbor structures of the preceding connectors. Pull tab 192 includes undercut finger grip 194. Undercut finger grip 194 can be formed with the aid of a sliding pin in the mold design. Deflection paddle 196 provides a second method by which an operator can induce lift in the pawl when the part is installed with a receiver. Spine 198 is geometrically continuous with deflection paddle 196.

[0250] The underside of pull-tab connector 190 shares the pivotal geometry of arbor connector 150. As indicated in FIGS. 34 and 35, pull-tab connector 190 can be installed in a receiver identical to the one described in conjunction with arbor connector 150. This set of figures describes how differing connectors can be integrated within a modular deployment of the disclosed designs.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 35 is a drawing of pull-tab connector 190 partially engaged in arbor system receiver 180, with the drawing cut away so that the principles of their cooperating internal workings can be observed. Pull-tab connector 190 follows the model of arbor connector 150 by the inclusion of a pull-tab within an analogous frame and crossbar combination, as well as by the presence of cylindrical arbor flanges.

[0251] FIGS. 36 through 39 depict a third option within the modular arbor-based system embodied by pivotable pawl connector 200. Pivotable pawl connector 200 includes pivotable pawl frame 202 and pivotable pawl prongs 204. Integral transverse features include pivotable pawl top crossbar 206, pivotable pawl underside crossbar 208, and pivotable pawl middle crossbar 210.

[0252] Deflectable elements include pivotable pawl 212, upright tip 214, pivotable pawl arbor 216, and tipple pawl underside ribs 218. Pivotable pawl torsion springs 220 functionally connect the frame elements to the central deflectable elements. Pivotable pawl crossbar serration 224 and pivotable pawl serration 226 establish an operative margin between the deflectable elements and the frame elements. Tooth array 228 includes a row of supplementary relief elements derived to engage with the surface of an anticipated section of belt material.

[0253] Pivotable pawl connector 200 is differentiated by the location of upright tip 214 directly over pivotable pawl arbor 216. Deflection of pivotable pawl 212 can be enacted by applying manual force to upright tip 214 so that a band of material is trapped between pivotable pawl 212 and pivotable pawl middle crossbar 210.

[0254] FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 show two views of assembled pivotable pawl fastener 230. Pivotable pawl receiver 232 is commensurate with pivotable pawl connector 200 generally follows the geometrical model of preceding partially-hollow receivers, such that the two hardware components can be combined as pivotable pawl fastener 230, and outfitted with attached band 234. Attached band 234 is connected to pivotable pawl receiver by attached loop 236.

[0255] A particularly compact embodiment can be achieved when a portion of the underside structure of the connector is permitted to extend through the underside panel of a compatible designed receiver.

[0256] FIGS. 42 through 45 inclusive describe a connector having an especially low profile in which this extension is expressly permitted by the design.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 42 illustrates a connector component devised to have an especially low profile, here embodied in low-profile connector 240. FIG. 43 shows low-profile receiver 260 dimensionally and operationally compatible with low-profile connector 240. FIG. 44 and 45 show assembled low-profile fastener 270, comprising low-profile connector 240 and the low-profile receiver 260.

[0257] Low-profile connector 240 integrally includes low-profile support frame 242, low-profile top crossbar 244, low-profile underside crossbar 246, and low-profile middle crossbar 248. Low-profile middle crossbar 248 includes dentilation 250. Low-profile pawl 254 and low-profile button 256 serve analogous functions to similar structures in previous examples. Low-profile understructure 258 includes torsion springs and ribbed structures.

[0258] Low-profile receiver 260, shown in FIG. 43, includes low-profile shell 262, low-profile receiver crossbar 264, low-profile underside opening 266, and hinge bevel 268. In the operation of this embodiment, low-profile underside opening 266 in low-profile receiver 260 allows the incidental angular passage of low-profile understructure 258 through the underside of low-profile receiver 260. Hinge bevel 268 promotes rotation about the region of the housing near the primary joint between the two components.

[0259] Low-profile undcrstructurc 258 momentarily extends through low-profile underside opening 266, for example, during threading of strip of webbing, but can be fully housed within the boundary volume of low-profile receiver 260 once the button is released onto the entrained webbing. Low-profile connector 240 can be molded monolithically in a two-part mold cavity, owing to the longitudinal offsetting of its crossbars.

[0260] The remaining examples of connectors can all be molded in two-part cavities, and all can be fitted into modular receiver 280. Crossbars can be offset in various relative positions, and the simple moldable property retained, so long as the molded crossbars do not obstruct the separation of the mold. FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 illustrate modular receiver 280, devised and proportioned for a modular application using the disclosed design principles.

[0261] FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 show inset crossbar modular connector 290 for cooperative use with modular receiver 280 shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, in which the upper limit of inset middle crossbar 292 is recessed from the top surface of the supporting frame of the connector. The general form of the part follows previously described side-release connectors.

[0262] Inset middle crossbar’ 292 in this modular' example is surmounted by pleating ribs 294. Each pleating rib 294 is aligned with, and set back from, a dentil in the crenelated edge of insetAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO middle crossbar 292. Side fluting 296 increases the operator’s grip on the connector. Dentil reinforcements 298 are aligned with dentils on the pawl side of the trapping margin.

[0263] FIGS. 50 through 53 show schematic geometrical models of mold inserts having cavities that can be applied, in combination, to replicate parts in a two-part mold scenario. FIG. 50 and FIG. 51 schematic geometrical model of a first mold half, while FIG. 52 and FIG. 53 show a schematic geometrical model of a second mold half. In this scenario, the core and cavity are indistinct in definition, as each half locally extends in relief beyond the major parting plane.

[0264] Lower mold half 300 mirrors, in incuse geometry, the underside of inset crossbar modular connector 290. Principal lower cavity 302 reflects major underside features. Marginal lower shutoff line 304 follows the path of the crenelated margin. Mold elliptical post 306 contributes to button formation, while rectangular land 308 contributes to crossbar formation.

[0265] Upper mold half 310 mirrors, in incuse geometry, the top faces and relief features of inset crossbar modular connector 290. Principal upper cavity 312 reflects major features on the top of the anticipated part. Marginal upper shutoff line 314 follows the path of the crenelated margin, and, by mechanical convergence with marginal lower shutoff line 304 during mold closure, allows a narrow trapping margin to result in the molded part.

[0266] Flush crossbar connector 320, shown in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57, includes opposed prongs 322, flush supporting frame 324, and deflectable center torsion mechanism 326, but modifies of the base geometry of the connector so that flush middle crossbar 328 is level with the top face of flush supporting frame 324.

[0267] Raised crossbar connector 330, shown in FIG. 59 and FIG. 60, includes raised crossbar prongs 332, raised crossbar ribbed frame 334, and raised crossbar pawl mechanism 336. Raised crossbar connector 330 modifies the foundational connector geometry so that raised middle crossbar 338 extends beyond the top face of the supporting frame. The crossbar is raised above the top surface of the surrounding frame.

[0268] The versatile location, orientation, and position of the middle crossbar, as collectively embodied and exemplified by inset middle crossbar 292, flush middle crossbar 328, raised middle crossbar 338, allows a base design to be adapted to a variety of belt materials within a modular fastening system. The positioning of the crossbar is typically integrated with knowledge of the pawl design, the optimal slope angle, and the presumed thickness of the belt material.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Raised pleating ribs, as exemplified by pleating ribs 294 in inset crossbar modular connector 290, are carried through the preceding set of modular designs in dimensional accordance with their respective crossbar features. The pleating ribs, in cooperation with their corresponding crenelated dentils, induce the entrained band of material to locally adopt a pleated or folded contour, so that passage of the material through the trapping margin is impeded in a directionally biased manner.

[0269] As earlier noted, the disclosed designs can be variously derived to accommodate curved assembly paths. In relevant applications, curved fastener parts can better accommodate anatomical shapes, or other enclosed bodies, such as bundles or assemblies. In applications of the principles of the disclosure, convexly curved fasteners can also be derived to provide increased relative travel of the activator, and increased relative elevation of the pawl, presuming a button of a given angular extent.

[0270] FIGS. 58 through 65 detail a first cylindrically and convexly curved implementation of the disclosed system, in which the deflectable body elements are permitted to pass through the underside of the receiver during deflection through a force imparted by an elliptical button.

[0271] FIGS. 66 through 69 show a second cylindrically and convexly curved implementation of the disclosed system, in which the deflectable body elements are retained with the receiver. This second curved variant employs a rectangular button to activate the entrapment and selective release of the entrained belt material. The disclosed exemplary curved fasteners are convex as viewed from their normally external side, and therefore geometrically inherit concavity on their innermost faces. The concave side of the fastener would normally be the side compressed against the bound body or load during use.

[0272] Referring now to the first cylindrically and convexly curved implementation detailed in FIGS. 58 through 65 inclusive, compact convex connector 340 includes compact curved frame 342, which is incused on its two lateral faces with reeding 344. Compact curved prongs 346 include prong recesses 348, which reduce weight and material, but largely preserve prong resilience.

[0273] Compact curved torsion springs provide a mechanical and operational bridge between compact curved frame 342 and deflectable components exemplified by compact curved pawl 352 and compact curved elliptical button 354. Compact curved middle crossbar is here provided with a series of regularly spaced integral pleating guide ribs 358.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 61 and FIG. 62 show cylindrically curved receiver 360. Cylindrically curved receiver 360 includes convex outer wall 362 and apertured concave inner wall 364. Release indents 366 allow access to captive prongs in the assembled fastener state. Cylindrically curved receiver crossbar 368 permits attachment of a band of material.

[0274] FIGS. 63 through 65 inclusive portray assembled cylindrically curved fastener 370. It may be appreciated by observation of the assembly views that the parts are geometrically amenable to interfitting in a manner analogous to planar implementations.

[0275] The present disclosure means to identify a range of useful design variants. One variable factor is the shape and surface contour of the deflectable body. Referring now to the second cylindrically and convexly curved two-part fastener detailed in FIGS. 66 through 69 inclusive, rectangular button connector 380 includes rectangular button frame 382 and rectangular button connector prongs 384. Rectangular button 386 has nearly perpendicular comers at the end of the button which stands elevated in the connector’s relaxed, as-molded state.

[0276] The button corners are rounded, and rectangular button 386 tapers slightly toward the distal end. Its outer face is provided with a slight convex curvature that geometrically integrates the activator with the pawl through a continuous external surface. Ribbed crossbar 388 is analogous in location and function to similar crossbars in the preceding connectors.

[0277] FIG. 67 illustrates convex rectangular receiver 390. Convex rectangular receiver 390 includes rectangularly ported shell 392 and convexly curved rails 394. Rectangularly ported shell 392 includes an opening dimensioned to receive rectangular button 386 and providing a tolerance allowing for movement of the button through its effective range of travel. Hook ports 396 provide catches for the hooked ends of rectangular button connector prongs 384.

[0278] Rectangularly ported receiver crossbar 398 traverses the receiver and leaves a slot through which a band of material may be threaded.

[0279] FIG. 68 and 69 illustrate two perspectives of rectangular button connector 380 functionally combined with convex rectangular receiver 390 to yield rectangular button fastener 400. It may be appreciated that the structural or superficial relief features of the design can be substantially varied while retaining its advantageous operational characteristics. Such relief modifications can also be diversely applied to accommodate decals, films, veneers, emblems, or other forms of decoration.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO FIG. 70 through 73 inclusive illustrate four views of an embodiment of the disclosed system in which the connector is provided with serrations in an interdigitated sawtooth pattern. Sawtooth connector 410 bears structural features analogous to prior examples, including sawtooth connector frame 412, sawtooth connector prongs 414, can central body 416 includes torsion bars, a pawl and an elliptical button. Sawtooth arrays 418 are disposed on either side of the pawl margin. The saw teeth have acute vertices that are only slightly rounded in order to avoid damage to an anticipated band of belt material, such as a finely woven fabric.

[0280] FIG. 74 through 80 inclusive describe a rugged variant of the fastener adapted for a belt of proportionally thicker material, which can amenably accommodate an increased range of angular travel. Proportionally thicker materials include belt materials having a larger absolute caliper measure, but also occur when the parts are small relative to accommodate narrow webbing of moderate thickness.

[0281] FIG. 74 and FIG. 75 depict perspective views of rugged connector 420. FIG. 76 shows rugged connector 420 cut away along longitudinal axis X5. Rugged connector 420 includes rugged frame 422 and rugged prongs 424. Rugged prongs 424 are partially hollowed to reduce material use and regulate spring force. Convolute torsion spring 426 includes a scries of bends 428 that regulate the potential spring force in the torsion spring. The relationship of rugged connector 420 with a compatible receiver may be understood by anticipatory reference to FIG.

[0282] 77 through FIG. 80.

[0283] Protruding pivots 430 extend from the underside of rugged deformable body 432. Rugged deformable body 432 conceptually inherits elements detailed in prior examples, including a pawl, an elliptical button, and underside guide ridges. Extended middle crossbar 434 includes rugged relief ribs 436 and webbing separator 438.

[0284] The cutaway view in FIG. 76 shows the contours of convolute torsion spring 426 and shows the full series of bends 428 in convolute torsion spring 426. The side cutaway view also reveals how protruding pivots 430 extend beyond the anticipated bounds of the receiver shell. FIG. 76 also indicates the partitioning function of webbing separator 438.

[0285] FIG. 77 and FIG. 78 show two views of rugged receiver 440. Rugged receiver 440 includes rugged shell 442, rugged guide ribs 444, and rugged finger inlets 446. Rugged receiver crossbar 448 is proportionally thicker than that in prior embodiments to carry proportionally higher loads. Rugged receiver crossbar 448 is placed apart from the main body of rugged shellAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO 442 to provide a relatively wide gap that accommodates proportionally thicker bands of belt material.

[0286] FIG . 79 and FIG. 80 show fastener 450 including rugged connector 420, rugged receiver 440, showing the two components aligned but not securely engaged, as in a first stage in the process of assembly. The components are designed to permit angular travel such that heavy-duty webbing such as tubular weaves can be accommodated within the fastener. The convoluted torsion spring form allows extended movement of the deformable body, while retaining a functional perimeter that usefully bears on the interior of rugged shell 442.

[0287] Protruding pivots 430 are deflected from their depicted position during installation of rugged connector 420 within rugged shell 442 of rugged receiver 440. This ramping contact partially elevates rugged deformable body 432 and facilitates threading of belt material when the connector is fully installed in rugged receiver 440. This modification has been found effective in fasteners having relatively small form factors, where scale- variant haptic factors can affect successful manual operations of the fastener.

[0288] In the rugged variant of the disclosed design suite, the serrations surrounding the entrapping margin arc proportionally more rounded and exhibit a lower relative spatial frequency to ensure engagement with a relatively thicker and less compliant belt material.

[0289] Tubular webbing weaves can exhibit a conspicuous transverse surface ribbing. In certain anticipated conditions, as when the webbing is in sliding oppositely in mutual compression, the passing bands of material can superficially interlock and buckle within the housed volumes of a connector. Webbing separator 438 guarantees the smooth passage of such highly textured webbing through the relevant regions of the connector.

[0290] FIGS. 81 through 97 inclusive describe a stress-relieving fastener system which includes an open yoke to accommodate a removable metallic binding barrel connector. Partially hollow, open-yoke receiver 460 within the stress-relieving system also includes a port made in the underside of the part, in order to allow an undercut stop to be formed in the shell of the receiver.

[0291] The removable metal binding barrel allows lengths of belt material to be spontaneously exchanged. A binding barrel is a standard hardware component providing a head and a hollow shaft having an internally-formed thread. When a matching externally-threaded cap screw is installed in the binding barrel, a reversibly-assembled, double-headed hardware element is formed.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Binding barrels are commonly paired with cap screws that match the thread pitch and finish of the binding barrel. Binding barrels are commonly used in belt-making, saddlery, and other leatherwork, as they can provide an attractively finished bar that can reversibly retain a loop of previously stitched or riveted belt material. For example, binding barrels permit belts of differing weights, colors, or patterns to be interchanged upon the receiver component.

[0292] An undercut stop is provided in the same exemplary embodiment of the receiver. The undercut stop, in cooperation with an inset tab in a connector component, obstructs potential overextension of the deformable body of the installed connector component. Finally, interchangeable snap-fit caps cover the workings of the pawl, and can provide functional, tactile, or ornamental variations to the comprehensive hardware line.

[0293] Accordingly, FIG. 81 through FIG. 84 are perspective views detailing a stress-relieving receiver devised for use with a removable metal binding barrel connector. Open-yoke receiver 460 includes open yoke receiver shell 462 and open yoke receiver rails 464. Two countersunk binding barrel holes 466 extend through the material of the open yoke of the receiver. Stressrelief port 468 extends into the shell such that an undercut space is formed in the receiver part. Two bilaterally symmetrical shoulder ramps 470 extend from the internal face of the top panel of open yoke receiver shell 462.

[0294] The two opposite countersunk binding barrel holes 466 include through-holes dimensioned to be slightly greater than the predetermined external diameter of binding barrel 472. Internally-threaded binding barrel shaft 474 can then pass through a first binding barrel hole 466 and enter its opposite counterpart, until the passage is stopped by the binding barrel head in its commensurate countersunk recess.

[0295] The assembly of the metal binding barrel fastener can be stopped either upon the bottom of the countersink, or where the cap screw encounters the end of the binding barrel. Binding barrels are known which are knurled or forged to deter shaft rotation, however, the binding barrel assembly can be left free to rotate within the open-yoke receiver 460 without diminishing its functionality.

[0296] Cap screw 476 includes externally-threaded cap screw shaft 478. Cap screw shaft 478 can be of any length compatible with the internally-threaded hollow shaft of its companion binding barrel. As illustrated, binding barrel 472 and cap screw 476 are provided with hexagonal toolAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO recesses in their heads, though the hexagonal recess is exemplary, as a wide range of cap screw head forms is available.

[0297] FIG. 85 and FIG. 86 depict stress-relieved connector 480 compatible with open-yoke receiver 460 shown in FIGS. 81 through 84. Stress-relieved connector 480 includes features corresponding to elements, including stress-relieved connector frame 482, stress-relieved connector serrated crossbar 484, stress-relieved connector prongs 486, stress-relieved connector spring beams 488, and stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490. Fingertip recess 492 allows the user to locate the operative region of the activator button by touch. The button can be provided with ridges, dimples, bosses, or other alternate tactile indicators.

[0298] Stress-relieving stop 494 extends from stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490 and generally follows the contour of the most elevated segment of the perimeter of the raised region of stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490. Stress-relieving stop 494 is stepped in from the body’s outer surface. Stress-relieved connector serrated pawl 496 is located at the opposite end of stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490.

[0299] A set of four inset cap catches 498 are disposed on the inner perimeter of stress-relieved connector frame 482, two toward the end of the part and two toward the middle. Cap catches 498 provide four attachment points for an equal number of snap fittings on a compatible and commensurate cap, which may be appreciated by anticipatory reference to FIG. 88.

[0300] FIG. 87 shows binding barrel 472 and cap screw 476 fully installed in the bay of openyoke receiver 460, with open-yoke receiver 460 and stress-relieved connector 480 in a state of partial engagement. As with preceding and analogous side-release embodiments, stress-relieved connector prongs 486 are devised to be made captive in open-yoke receiver 460.

[0301] FIGS. 88 through 90 inclusive illustrate the assembled combination of open-yoke receiver 460, binding barrel 472, cap screw 476, and stress-relieved connector 480. FIG. 90 introduces snap-fit cap 500, while FIG. 91 shows ribbed cap 510, which can be freely interchanged with snap-fit cap 500. FIG. 92 and FIG.93 show the same assembly further having snap-fit cap 500 installed upon stress-relieved connector 480.

[0302] When the connector and receiver are assembled without any belt material entrained about the serrated pawl, the leading shoulders of stress-relieved connector spring beams 488 encounter shoulder ramps 470, and are progressively deflected in a direction that partially retracts stress-Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO relieved connector deflectable body 490. Snap-fit cap 500, while removable, does not structurally interfere with this engagement when snapped in place.

[0303] This guiding and ramping effect is concurrently reiterated by sliding contact between the curved and angled underside of stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490. These operating relief features guide stress-relieved connector deflectable body 490 such that stress-relieving stop 494is guided into stress-relief port 468 without unwanted collision or obstruction between the fastener parts. The surfaces in relevant embodiments are typically shaped to distribute insertion forces and promote operational cooperation, and can vary in geometry according to the demands of a particular fastener system.

[0304] FIG. 90 details snap-fit cap 500 devised to mechanically engage with stress-relieved connector 480, and cover its internal workings, cap catches 498 inset in stress-relieved connector 480. Ribbed snap-fit cap 500 includes cap panel 502 having surface pattern 504. Mid-profile pawl allowance 506 accommodates expected pawl elevation during active travel, and the associated belt fold and thickness. Surface pattern 504 here takes the form of three, embossed tapered darts. Surface pattern 504 can include embossed ornamental designs, tactile reliefs, or applied foils or labeling.

[0305] Snap-fit cap 500 includes four snap fittings 508, in this example including two arcuate snap fittings and two elongate linear snap fittings. The space between two elongate linear snap fittings is deepened to leave a tool notch when the cap is in place on the connector. A tool notch permits a screwdriver or other flat tool to be inserted underneath cap panel 502 to deflect and remove the cap in instances where the cap resists manual removal.

[0306] For reasons that may include, for example, the thickness of the personalization, group affinity, belt material, or visual appeal, it may be useful to provide a variety in the applicable caps. FIG. 91 is a perspective view of alternate, ribbed cap 510 that can be fitted into the same recesses as snap-fit cap 500. Ribbed cap 510 includes ribbed cap panel 512 having parallel raised ribbing 514 and low-profile pawl allowance 516.

[0307] Four ribbed cap snap fittings 518 extend from ribbed snap-fit cap 500, including two arcuate snap fittings and two elongate snap fittings. Ribbed cap snap fittings 518 are devised to mechanically engage with cap catches 498 inset in stress-relieved connector 480. For convenience and ready interchangeability, the illustrated caps are designed to be fully removable.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO However, while not depicted here, it is also appreciated that a cap can be fitted with hinge pins and the connector having commensurate pin recesses, or that the cap may be linked to the connector by an integral live hinge, and that these alternate cap arrangements may be preferable in specific applications of the disclosed fastener systems. The cap can include relief features on its internal side that provide supplementary hold on the belt material, rather than permitting its free passage.

[0308] The connector and receiver can be pre-assembled without webbing for testing or fitting purposes, without requiring the operator to manually depress the activator button. The relative elevation of the activator button is significant in the operation of the illustrated embodiment, as the full release of webbing can result from less than 1mm of deflection of the central body. The difference between the resistive load can vary by a factor of 100 or more between its fully entrapped state and fully released state.

[0309] The elevation of the activator button is an indicator of the state of capture release. In FIGS. 88, 89, 90, 92, and 93 it may be seen that the end of the activator button remains slightly elevated above the receiver. In FIG. 94 and FIG. 95, the activator button is substantially flush with the surrounding receiver. In FIG. 96 and FIG. 97, the activator button is lifted above the level shown in FIGS. 88, 89, 90, 92, and 93, indicating that the deflectable body has been stopped at the extremity of its structurally limited travel. The measured angular movement depends upon the scale of the part, and factors such as the mechanical advantage implicit in the fulcrum shape and location.

[0310] FIG. 94 and FIG. 95 inclusive illustrate the assembled stress-relieving side-release fastener in which a band of webbing 520 has been installed, leaving the activator button substantially flush with the outer surface of the receiver. Webbing 520 exhibits pervasive weft 522, and its dimensional extent encompasses webbing leader length 524, webbing loop 526, and webbing tail 528.

[0311] FIG. 96 and FIG. 97 illustrate a contrasting state of operation in which the stressrelieving function of the mated parts is engaged. Tension imposed on the webbing by a withdrawing force upon leader length 524 induces stress-relieved connector serrated pawl 496 to be drawn inward toward a position where the dimension of the margin between the neighboring serrated edges is minimized. In the operation of the invention, it has been found that this nearconvergence of the serrated is associated with preserving the optimal hold upon the webbing.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Inward overextension of the pawl can lead to a diminishment of the fastener’s holding power, as the defining margin can potentially bypass its minimized state, increasing the gap. In the present embodiment, under progressively increased belt tension, stress-relieving stop 494 comes to bear against the undercut surface provided by stress-relief port 468 at the operational stage where the margin is substantially minimized, and the hold on the webbing is maximized.

[0312] Owing to the contact between stress-relieving stop 494 and the undercut surface of stressrelief port 468, forces imparted to the deflectable body by the tensioned webbing are partially transferred to the shell of the receiver, and by that region of contact distributed through the assembly. The ribbing of the underside of the deflectable body limits buckling of the body, but allows some elastic response, so that the serrated pawl remains pressing firmly on the webbing.

[0313] The application of these principles and understandings allows increased loads to be successfully carried by the fastener. Embodiments of the disclosed designs can be derived which, at the destructive limit, experience holding loss due to limits of the polymeric material rather than precipitate slippage of webbing through the connector’s serrated margin.

[0314] The elongate springs in the preceding examples are normally manipulable within a predetermined angular range, irrespective of their state of engagement with a receiver. It is foreseen that the connector component may commonly be threaded with webbing while the connector is kept independent of its compatible receiver. The webbing is adjustable within the concept of the disclosure without any operational or structural contribution from the receiver.

[0315] Certain fastener formats can demonstrably apply the principles of the disclosed flexural holding features, absent any secondary and separate hardware component. Accordingly, FIG. 98 through FIG. 100 illustrate one exemplary monolithic realization of operative features of the disclosure. This embodiment may be appreciated as suitable for uses where the side-release function is inconvenient or unnecessary, as when a continuous belt assembly is to be repeatedly slipped over the ends of a bundle, and the belt is tightened or released.

[0316] While it does not provide the instantaneous release provided by a side-release buckle, the monolithic part nevertheless provides the convenient tensioning and release of previously detailed examples. The illustrated monolithic part may be appreciated as a representative of, and surrogate for, a range of fasteners integrating diverse aspects of the previously disclosed principles.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO The monolithic part provides an analogous utility to the separable fasteners, in that a belt entrained about the serrated crossbar and held by the pawl can be freely adjusted without reorienting the part. In the illustrated example, a second attachment location is provided exploiting the property of self-binding over a set of oriented crossbars.

[0317] While the binding crossbars provide a reversible connection between the belt material and the fastener, the relative inconvenience of adjustment in that manner would commonly induce a user to leave the binding at that location as a semi-permanent connection. However, the mode of use is ultimately determined by the user, and major and minor adjustments of the belt materials in this setup can be made at the discretion of the operator.

[0318] Returning to the drawings, FIG. 98 through FIG. 100 inclusive show monolithic adjustable fastener 530 having an entrapping pawl toward one end of the fastener, and a set of binding crossbars at the other. Monolithic adjustable fastener 530 includes monolithic fastener frame 532, monolithic fastener outer crossbar 534, monolithic fastener inner crossbar 536, and monolithic fastener middle crossbar 538. Monolithic fastener springs 540 arc disposed symmetrically about monolithic fastener deflectable body 542.

[0319] Monolithic fastener activator 544 extends outward beyond the bounds of monolithic fastener frame 532, while monolithic fastener pawl 546 is typically located within it. FIG. 98 though FIG. 100 depict the deflectable body in a moderately deflected state, so that the attainable proximity of the serrated edges can be visualized. Proximities of this fine degree can alternately be generated as the relaxed, as-fabricated state by additive manufacturing, and such options are fully imagined with the scope of the system. Crossbar series 548 includes four bars of varied shape oriented to traverse the width of looped belt 550.

[0320] The winding of looped belt 550 follows the practice in which a length of belt material is induced to bear on itself through a series of crossbars in order to keep it removably attached to a fastener. Primary loop 552 surrounds the innermost crossbar, followed by first two-ply binding fold 554, second two-ply binding fold 556, and third two-ply binding fold 558. The compound series of folds provides a resistive hold that can only be released by careful manual unwinding. Monolithic fasteners can be useful in systems that require simplicity, or the economics of small part counts.

[0321] The disclosure envisions embodiments where the belt and hardware are fitted to clothing. The fitting of a belt can be reversible or permanent, and can be affected by such factors asAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO anticipated cycles of machine washing. Applications of the hardware system anticipate effects upon the clothing hardware and the washing equipment.

[0322] Designs also anticipate preexisting design factors such as industry-standardized belt loops. Belts compatible with such apparel require that one end of the belt be passable through the sequence of loops. FIGS. 101 through 107 inclusive show waistband connector 560 and dimensionally compatible waistband receiver 580, collectively providing a hardware system in which the maximum width of the connector is reduced relative to the receiver width.

[0323] In FIGS. 101 through 105 inclusive, it may be seen that the outermost longitudinal faces of the prongs are substantially flush with the integral outermost longitudinal faces, forming an effectively continuous surface geometry that can be passed through a series of pre-existing fabric belt loops with reduced catching on the fabric loops.

[0324] Waistband connector 560 includes waistband connector frame 562, parabolic indents 564, waistband connector prongs 566, and waistband connector hooks 568. Extended crossbar includes crossbar tail 572. The central deflectable body includes angular control tab 574 having outer control tab bevel 576 and inner control tab bevel 578.

[0325] Waistband receiver 580 includes outer panel 582, inner panel 584, and intermediating sidewalls 586. Waistband receiver sidewall extensions 588 are geometrically continuous with intermediating sidewalls 586. A pair of ramped ribs 590 extend inward from the internal face of inner panel 584. Ramped guides 592 extend outward from the inner face of outer panel 582. Receiver tab port 594 creates an undercut feature having a beveled interior face in the spatial vicinity of the internal face of outer panel 582.

[0326] In the assembly of the fastener, sidewall extensions 588 guide waistband connector 560 into its installed position in waistband receiver 580. The angular relief at the front of ramped ribs 590 assists in the initial passage of angular control tab 574 into the partially hollow receiver. Ramped guides 592 bean on the beam shoulders such that the central deflectable body is diverted from its resting state. Angular control tab 574 consequently enters receiver tab port 594.

[0327] The degree of contact between outer control tab bevel 576 and the undercut face of receiver tab port 594 may be influenced by the particular design, or the state or proportion of any relevant belt material. In the illustrated design, waistband connector 560 will install in waistband receiver 580 irrespective of the presence or absence of any belt material on the fastener.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO When an assembled fastener including a connector and receiver of the type shown in FIG. 101 through FIG. 107 inclusive is placed in active use, and its deflectable central body actively pivoted, the shoulders of the beams in the vicinity of the connection to their connection to the deflectable central body will bear ramped ribs 590, while the underside of the central deflectable body pivots about its effective fulcrum until it contacts internal face of the inner panel 584.

[0328] Semielliptical reinforcing boss 596 locally braces inner panel 584 so that deformation under load is reduced, and the deflectable central body is made relatively more resistant to excessive inward deflection of the serrated pawl. Semielliptical fillet 598 blends the reinforcing boss 596 with inner panel 584. This buttressing feature can be scaled to the anticipated loadbearing target of the given pail design and material. In general, pail contours can pre-stressed to include curved or domed geometries that counteract deformative forces subsequently encountered in the operation of the fastener system.

[0329] The disclosed fastener system is adaptable to hardware and belt material of varied dimension and proportion. The structural demands for practical operation of hardware can vary with the scale of the part, and with other factors such as the expected operational environment, whether the expected activation is by a bare hand or gloved hand, or whether the targeted operator experiences atypical mobility or dexterity.

[0330] FIGS. 108 through 111 inclusive illustrate two types of gripping belt fasteners with upright integral activators providing accentuated manual accessibility. The parts also include a rabbeted, serrated crossbar, a deflectable pawl, and a pair of torsion springs.

[0331] FIGS. 108 and 109 essentially depicts a further option within the modular arbor-based system shown, such that tippable pawl connector 600 is functionally compatible with arbor system receiver 180 shown in FIG. 32, FIG. 33, and FIG. 35. Tippable pawl connector 600 is differentiated by the location of protruding tip 602 directly over arbor partial wheels 604.

[0332] Deflection of tippable pawl 606 can be enacted by applying manual force to protruding tip 602 so that a band of material is trapped between tippable pawl 606 and tippable pawl connector middle crossbar 608.

[0333] The remaining supplementary examples describe relatively simple embodiments that can be used with small scale or narrow materials, such as lacing. FIG. 110 and FIG. Ill areAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO perspective views showing a pivotable coupling using transverse torsion bars, in which a deflectable tab is located directly over the turning center of a rotatable fastener.

[0334] Tippable pawl coupling 610 encompasses a surrounding frame and crossbar set analogous to similar features in the preceding designs. In this variant, torsion bars 612 connect the supporting frame to upright tab 614 and structurally integral coupling pawl 616. Tippable pawl coupling 610 includes fixed crossbar 618 so that a band of flexible belt material can be looped around the crossbar and, for example, stitched or riveted in place. Operational details of tippable pawl coupling 610 can be further understood by reference to the related design in the final set of figures.

[0335] FIG. 112 through FIG. 116 inclusive illustrate a low-profile coupling using elongate transverse torsion bars, in which the pawl is manually deflectable. As with exemplary preceding examples, this part also includes a rabbeted, serrated crossbar, a deflectable pawl, and a pair of torsion springs.

[0336] FIG. 112 through FIG. 115 inclusive are perspective views of directly adjustable coupling 620. FIG. 116 is a cutaway top perspective view of low-profile direct adjustable coupling 620 shown in FIG. 112, as if cut away along its longitudinal centerline. In this example, the pawl is deflected directly from the underside to insinuate the belt material into the coupling. The pawl is deflected in a similar fashion to adjust the length of the belt.

[0337] Direct adjustable coupling 620 includes coupling sides 622, coupling top crossbar 624, coupling underside crossbar 626, and coupling middle crossbar 628. Coupling fixed crossbar 630 traverses and interconnects coupling sides 622. Direct adjustable coupling torsion bars 632 connect coupling sides 622 to integral collar 634. Integral collar 634 is mechanically integrated with directly displaceable pawl 636. Dentil array 638 extends from the underside of directly displaceable pawl 636. During displacement of the pawl, torsion is imparted helically within the elongate torsion bars.

[0338] In both tippable pawl coupling 610 and direct adjustable coupling 620, the elongated torsion springs extend transversely well past the projected perimeter of their respective pawls, and connect with the relatively narrow width of their respective upright activators at a sort of reinforced knuckle. While envisioned embodiments of the beam may include longitudinal beam segments or bends, in these examples the elongated beams act expressly as torsion bars. TheAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO described elongation distributes torsion along the beam, and reduces local stresses that might otherwise fatigue a polymeric part.

[0339] FIG. 117 through FIG. 120 represent four views of an exemplary connector operationally compatible with the receiver shown in FIG. 81 through FIG. 84, in which the modification includes a variety of guides to promote the occurrence of a particular pleating pattern in the entrained belt material. Pleating connector 640 includes pleating connector frame 642, whose form and resulting operation is modified by convex internal frame contour 644. Pleating connector 640 includes pleating connector prongs 646 and pleating connector deflectable body 648, in embodiments analogous to preceding examples.

[0340] Middle crossbar pleating guides 650 are raised from the main body of a middle crossbar. Interior crossbar inner pleating guides 652 and interior crossbar outer pleating guides 654 are raised from the main body of an interior crossbar formed integrally within pleating connector frame 642. Exterior crossbar inner pleating guides 656 and exterior crossbar outer pleating guides 658 are raised from the main body of an exterior crossbar formed integrally within pleating connector frame 642.

[0341] Interior crossbar inner pleating guides 652 arc formed at a slightly oblique angle relative to the bilateral centerline of pleating connector 640. Interior crossbar outer pleating guides 654 are oriented at a slightly greater angle. Exterior crossbar inner pleating guides 656 and exterior crossbar outer pleating guides 658 are similarly disposed. The raised pleating guides of the interior and exterior crossbars are transversely spaced apart from one another so they are spatially offset from middle crossbar pleating guides 650.

[0342] Convex internal frame contours 644 are dimensioned to be somewhat less than the width of the anticipated belt material. When the entrained belt material bears against the restricted channel established by convex internal frame contours 644, the extra belt material width is in part taken up in that vicinity as out-of-plane pleating. The arrays of pleating guides promote the occurrence of concavities and convexities in the locally shaped belt material at selective locations. A specific frequency and pattern of longitudinal pleating results, particularly when the belt material is placed under tension.

[0343] Depending upon the state of operation of the entrapping mechanisms, the induced pleating either promotes sliding or entrapment. When the entrapping margin is closed, the pleating imparts a complex folded structure that increases hold. When the entrapping margin isAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO open, the pleating imparts a folded structure that raises the belt material away from sharp edges on which the belt material might otherwise catch.

[0344] The disclosed principle employing the activation of a deflectable body by a pair of elongate torsion springs can be diversely realized. For example, the loci of attachment of the elongate beams can be inverted and obtain an analogous entrapping effect. FIGS. 121 through 126 inclusive depict round button connector 660. Round button connector 660 employs integral, elongate torsion beams implemented in an inverse attachment scheme.

[0345] Round button connector 660 also integrates ramps in its underside channels, which have an analogous effect to guiding ramp features in preceding receivers. These counterpart features should be understood to be representative of the structural substitutions that can be made within the envisioned range of the system by transposing interacting relief features between a given connector and its compatible receiver.

[0346] FIG. 127 and FIG. 128 describe round button receiver 690 devised to operate cooperatively with round button connector 660. FIG. 129, FIG. 130, and FIG. 131 illustrate the process of assembly of round button connector 660 and round button receiver 690 into round button fastener 700. Irrespective of the introduced principles detailed in this disclosure, the insertion and detachment of the two components of round button fastener 700 superficially operate according to practices known from the conventional use of side-release fasteners.

[0347] Round button connector 660 includes round button connector frame 662. Round button connector frame 662 incorporates round button connector top bar 664 round button connector bottom bar 666, and round button connector middle crossbar 668. Round button connector prong beam 670 connects congruently with round button connector hook 672 and round button connector beam 674. The pair of round button connector beams 674 joins the sides of round button connector pawl 676. Round button connector pawl 676 has a brachiated contour that stiffens the deflectable body without imposing impractical part thickness.

[0348] In this embodiment of the connector, the elongate round button connector beams 674 are geometrically continuous with and emergent from round button connector hook 672. The structural connection with the central deflectable body is made along the sides of round button connector pawl 676. A pair of round button connector channels 682 are formed in the underside of round button connector 660, and include ramped channel regions 684 formed in the endAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO toward the entrapping serrated margin. The entrapping serrated margin is structurally bound by round button pawl edge 686 and round button crossbar edge 688.

[0349] Round button receiver 690, shown in FIG. 127 and FIG. 128, show a partially-hollow receiver configured to be operationally compatible with round button connector 660. Round button connector shell 692 defines round button receiver well 694. A pair of parallel round button receiver rails 696 extend from round button receiver well 694. Round button receiver crossbar allows a loop of belt material to be attached to the receiver.

[0350] FIG. 129, FIG. 130, and FIG. 131 show the process of assembly of round button connector 660 and round button receiver 690 into round button fastener 700. In the process of sliding and snapping the parts together, round button connector prong beam 670, round button connector hook 672, and round button connector beam 674 are induced to collapse towaid the longitudinal centerline of round button connector 660 and nest in the concavity formed in the outer profile of round button connector pawl 676. In this operation, ramped channel regions 684 progressively bear upon parallel round button receiver rails 696 so that the central deflectable body is lifted to a partially elevated position. FIGS. 121 through 126 inclusive and FIG. 129 depict round button connector 660 in its relaxed, as-molded state, while FIGS. 130 and 131 show the partial elevation of the pawl imparted by the installation procedure.

[0351] The operation of round button fastener 700 follows principles and practices and principles described previously. In the illustrated realization, the transposition of the connecting loci of the elongate beams permits the hooks to be nested around the round activator button such that a relatively larger finger recess can be integrated in the design. Accordingly, this variant is applicable to fasteners of particularly compact dimension. As in prior examples, the mutually ramping property not only elevates the pawl, but obstructs any excessive inward deflection when the belt material is under tension and captive within the entrapping margin.

[0352] As noted, the principles of the disclosure can include, exclude, integrate, and adapt features in consideration of factors such as part scale, polymer composition, targeted performance parameters, or webbing structure. FIG. 132 through FIG. 137 depict regulated round button connector 710. Like round button connector 660, regulated round button connector 710 integrates elongate torsion beams implemented in an inverse attachment scheme, in the sense that each elongate beam has a first connection to the supporting frame at a location relativelyAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO farther from the entrapping margin, and a second connection to the central deflectable body at a location relatively closer to the entrapping margin.

[0353] Regulated round button connector 710 includes a deflection limiting tab adapted to operate with a round button. Previously described examples having analogous deflection limiting extensions include the connector shown in FIG. 85 and FIG. 86, the connector in FIG. 101 through FIG. 105, and the connector shown in FIG. 117 to FIG. 120.

[0354] FIG. 138 and FIG. 139 illustrate deflection limiting round button receiver 740. Deflection limiting round button receiver 740 is operationally compatible with regulated round button connector 710 shown in FIG. 132 through FIG. 136. Deflection limiting round button receiver 740 also includes a pair of countersunk pilot holes to accommodate hardware to serve as a removable crossbar, in the manner described in reference to FIG. 81 through FIG. 84.

[0355] Referring now to the deflection limiting fastening devices shown in the drawings, regulated round button connector 710 includes bracket support frame 712, which includes belt pleating guide convexities 714. Regulated round button connector 710 includes prong segments 716, hook segments 718, and bending beam segments 720. The sequence of segments connects bracket support frame 712 to buttressed deflectable body 722. The perimeter of elevated round button 724 includes arcuate deflection limiting extension 726. Reinforced pawl 728 fans out from the end of buttressed deflectable body 722 opposite to elevated round button 724 and its arcuate deflection limiting extension 726.

[0356] Buttressed deflectable body 722 is surmounted by brachiated spine 730, which branches out so that its three extensions align with an equal number of dentillations formed in reinforced pawl 728. On the underside of buttressed deflectable body 722, two rocker channels 732 divide the underside into three rocker ramps 734. An entrapping margin is bounded by pawl interdigitated edge 736 and crossbar interdigitated edge 738.

[0357] Deflection limiting round button receiver 740 is dimensioned to receive commensurate elements of regulated round button connector 710, and includes regulated round button receiver shell 742 and regulated round button receiver interior 744. Regulated round button receiver port 746 intrudes through regulated round button receiver shell 742 to create an undercut for arcuate deflection limiting extension 726. An opposing pair of countersunk pilot holes 748 allows installation of a binding barrel and fixing cap screw.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO Deflection limiting round button receiver 740 and regulated round button connector 710 are connectable in the manner described in reference to FIG. 129 through FIG. 131. As in the fastener installation shown in FIG. 129 through FIG. 131, the contact between the underside of the deflectable body during insertion progressively lifts the deflectable connector body about a fulcrum so that the pawl elevates to an intermediately raised position. In the present example, the ramping effect between the connector and receiver includes contact between regulated round button receiver shell 742 and the set of rocker ramps 734 on the connector.

[0358] Upon the threading of webbing through regulated round button connector 710, reinforced pawl 728 bears on the webbing under the influence of the three spurs of brachiated spine 730 and the three ribs of rocker ramps 734. The opposing configuration provides a longitudinally rigid deflectable body that resists unwanted deformation. The ribbed structure provides a robust structure without the excessive material bulk.

[0359] FIG. 94 through FIG. 97 describe the interaction of an exemplary length of webbing with an exemplary fastener. FIG. 140 through 148 further detail disclosed principles, with particular attention to the effect of filamentous woven material introduced upon the fastener. In particular, upon spindling of webbing upon a crossbar formed in accordance with the disclosed instructions, a local relief pattern is introduced in the weave of the webbing that can be engaged with a pawl edge that intentionally mirrors the geometry of the locally spindled exposed weave. The interlocking geometry is characteristically identified by a shared convolute lineation in two or three dimensions.

[0360] FIG. 140 and FIG. 141 show two views of a monolithically molded connector component. FIG. 142 and FIG. 143 show two views of the connector showing how the entrained webbing becomes pleated owing to the influence of the contacted surface geometry of the connector. FIG. 144 is an extracted schematic drawing showing how the interdigitated connector margin is geometrically associated with fibers within the weave of the webbing.

[0361] FIG. 145 and FIG. 146 show a receiver compatible with the connector part shown in FIGS. 140 through 143, and in the plan view of FIG. 147 and the cutaway view of FIG. 148. Arched receiver 780 constructively interacts with deflectable elements within interdigitated connector 750. Arched receiver 780 also includes an integral reinforcing grille on its underside.

[0362] The interaction of an exemplary section of webbing may be evaluated by reference to FIGS. 142 though FIGS. 144. Interdigitated connector 750 includes inset shoulder 752, integralAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO crossbar dentils 754, integral pawl dentils 756, and underside stops 758. Webbing section 760 has lower length 762, upper length 764, and intermediate winding 766. Intermediate winding 766 is influenced as webbing section 760 contacts the external surface of interdigitated connector 750.

[0363] Pleats occur in webbing section 760 as a series of longitudinal valleys 768 and longitudinal peaks 770. Details of the webbing structure shown in FIG. 144 include edge roll 772, weft fibers 774, and warp fibers 776. Derived contour 778, indicated in the drawing by a bold dotted line, is an abstract lineation in free space defined by the periodic relief pattern generated by spindling the woven webbing about the complex geometry of the connector's crossbar.

[0364] In the example shown, the momentary configuration and location of an isolated weft fiber in a pleated band of webbing substantially correspond with the derived convolution. The extraction of derived contour 778 can proceed from knowledge of the isolate behavior of the webbing, or from its observed deformation upon a spindle of complex surface geometry.

[0365] Irrespective of its derivation, the contour can be physically implemented in the relevant and correlated features in the part, such as the serrated edges bordering the connector's entrapping margin.

[0366] It may be appreciated from FIG. 144 that derived contour 778 corresponds to the edge of the pawl when the pawl is in a partially elevated state. This correspondence initiates a progressively enmeshing relationship, so that the webbing is abruptly entrapped when drawn in the predetermined direction of bias in the connector. In the depicted example, the arrays of integral crossbar dentils 754 and integral pawl dentils 756 are spatially offset from each other, so that they enmesh at a second and finer scale than the interdigitated convolutions from which they extend.

[0367] In the presently considered design, a supplementary structural interaction is enabled between interdigitated connector 750 and arched receiver 780. Stop pillar 782 within arched receiver 780 mechanically bounds the travel of inset shoulder 752 on interdigitated connector 750 when the parts are sufficiently engaged. Inset shoulder 752 and interdigitated connector 750 may be devised in a complementary manner such that they contact one another in certain operational circumstances.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO For example, they can obstruct further movement of the central body into the receiver. The features can also be mutually devised to apply a force against the central deflectable body and the longitudinal beams of interdigitated connector 750 such that the front edge of the pawl is induced to move toward the associated crossbar, such that the action reduces or eliminates the margin between the pawl and the crossbar. The design can also be proportioned so that the leading edge of the pawl overlies the compatibly devised crossbar. These structural conditions, when conscientiously imposed, can increase resistance of webbing movement in the resistively biased direction.

[0368] Ramped hook guides are geometrically complementary to the shape of the ends of the hooked prongs on interdigitated connector 750. Reinforcement grille 786 extends from the underside of arched receiver 780. Reinforcement grille 786 includes a pattern of grille ribs 788 that are derived to deter deformation of relevant regions of the shell of arched receiver 780 during operative instances in which tension is imposed upon the captive webbing.

[0369] In the operation of the connector, pleating generated by the guided positioning of the webbing within the connector allows free sliding movement of the webbing when the pawl is lifted away from the crossbar, but definitively entraps the webbing when the pawl is allowed to entrap the webbing. In the adjustment of the webbing length or tension, the rapidity of the entrapment of the entrained webbing owes in part to the spatial correspondence of the convolute edges bordering the interdigitated margin, as instructed by derived contour 778. The disclosed structure also promotes tracking, namely, the guidance discourages the moving webbing from departing from the bilateral centerline of the connector.

[0370] Notably, tracking of the webbing is optimized when the webbing is constrained in the vicinity of the crossbar to its pleated width rather than its static flat width. As depicted schematically in the drawings, pleating of a deformable belt material inherently reduces its measured transverse width. The volumetric geometry of interdigitated connector 750 substantially constrains the pathway of the pleated webbing to its reduced transverse dimension such that the webbing consistently tracks to the connector's centerline during sliding operations, while also promoting the formation of the entrappable pleats.

[0371] Reinforcement grille 786 on the underside of arched receiver 780 resists bowing of the receiver shell when the pawl is in contact with the entrapped webbing and pulled inward by a withdrawing force applied to lower length 762 of webbing section 760. The function ofAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO reinforcement grille 786 can also be supplied by alternate means such as prestressing the receiver shell into a domed shape, by providing a slot for a metal plate, or by the use of overmolding in the underside panel to generate a composite plied structure.

[0372] The foregoing principles can be applied diversely within and beyond the preceding exemplary fastener components. FIG. 149 and FIG. 150 depict straight connector 790 informed by instructions analogous to those imparted by derived contour 778. However, in its as-molded state, straight connector 790 places the lower edge of its pawl at the level of the upper edge of its associated crossbar, in an initial state detailed as a variant of the fastener in preceding descriptions.

[0373] The difference in approach is particularly evident in the contrasting configurations of interdigitated connector 750, shown in the cutaway drawing of FIG. 148, and straight connector 790, as shown in the cutaway drawing of FIG. 150. In certain design conditions, the relatively elevated initial position of the deflectable body implicitly reduces the attainable compactness of the fastener.

[0374] Straight connector 790 includes convolute derived crossbar 792 and deflectable center body 794. Pawl lattice 796 extends from the upper and lower faces of deflectable center body 794. Shoulder alignments guides 798 aide in seating of the connector within a compatible receiver, exemplified by compact flat receiver 800 shown in FIGS. 153 and 154.

[0375] Compact flat receiver 800 includes extended port 802 though its underside. Integral grillwork 804 reinforces the shell of compact flat receiver 800. The general form and functions of compact flat receiver 800 follow previously disclosed structures and operative practices.

[0376] From the foregoing discussion, it may be appreciated that the exact form of the disclosed devices can be idiosyncratically adapted to the operational dynamics of the comprehensive system. Applications of the system may be diversely modified, and are not constrained by any presumed set of regularities in their design, or by any proscriptive toolmaking traditions.

[0377] This disclosure provides a range of methods or devices that provide useful fastening and adjustment in retention systems that employ belt material. In realized examples of the system, the minimized margin can be disposed fully closed by the physical meeting of the serrated edges, owing to the angular motion of the deflection and the flexural path of the integral elements. In other realized designs, deflection of the central body past the serrated crossbar requiresAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO deformative force and leaves the deflectable body in a loaded state and bearing on the crossbar, rather than in its relaxed, as-molded state.

[0378] Many of the examples are predicated on the use of processes employing conventional injection-molding methods that employ cores, cavities, pins, and other mechanical structures that require free ejection paths. Additive manufacturing permits geometries that are precluded by the practicalities of mold separation. Additive manufacturing may require sacrificial armatures or other supporting structures. Where economics permit, the disclosed principles can be adapted to current or future additive methods, and parts made by such methods accordingly may differ in their geometric requirements.

[0379] By the foregoing discussion, it may be appreciated that torsion springs can be conformed to accommodate the diverse properties of webbing or other belt material. The performance of elongate, torsion-accommodating springs can be modulated by applying variations such as notching in any axis, sinuosities, edge radii, apertures, or longitudinal divisions, without departing from the envisioned scope of its core methodology.

[0380] Material selection also influences part design. Side-release buckles can be fabricated from any workable polymer, but in current practice, side-release buckles arc most commonly fabricated using formulations of nylon or polyoxymethylene (acetal; polyacetal; POM).

[0381] Semicrystalline polymers are known to impede migration of polymer chains to the extent that loss of force in a loaded spring does not meaningfully diminish over time. Semicrystalline polymers materials are accordingly useful within applications of the disclosed fasteners.

[0382] Semicrystalline acetal is available in both homopolymeric and copolymeric formulations, and can be composed to exhibit a range performance characteristics, including a range of elastic moduli and melt viscosities. Within the disclosed designs and processes, the melt viscosity value can be chosen to promote a particular result at the trapping margin, while the elastic modulus influences the imposed spring force. Shrinkage in semicrystalline polymers can be relatively high, which can influence permissible draft angles and fine-scale undercuts. It is generally understood that such factors affect ultimate part design, and that a range of mechanical requirements interactively influence the practice of mold design and operation.

[0383] Realization of a working design within the instructions of the disclosure is influenced by factors such as the polymer’s modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, polymer creep, coefficient of friction, surface energy or polarity, wear or impact resistance, as well asAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO environmental factors such as variation in thermal response. Accordingly, proportions and dimensions of the disclosed components can vary considerably, yet remain within the disclosure’s intended range and scope.

[0384] While the principal implementations are expected to employ polymer as the base material, it is foreseen that in certain applications metal may be usefully implemented in combination with polymer, or in its place. In critical environments, compliant mechanisms have successfully used titanium in place of plastic, owing to titanium’s ability to reliably retain a spring force in an analogous manner.

[0385] Steel and copper alloys are also included as materials in flexural devices. A polymeric part or coating conforming to the disclosure can be molded over an insert of stamped metal or formed metal wire. It may be appreciated that the preceding disclosure provides instruction that can be applied to an extensive range of practical devices and processes.

[0386] The preceding text and drawings demonstrate that the disclosed class of fasteners can be shaped to any curve, as when conformed to the anticipated contour of an anatomical body part, such as a waistline or limb. The design range is not, however, intended to be limited only to the specified cases. For example, a fastener in which a connector component and a receiver component share a common helical geometry can provide a comfortable transition between a backpack and a human body. In this case, fasteners can be provided in geometrically mirrored pairs that are bilaterally asymmetrical.

[0387] Mating connector elements can accordingly be oriented in various axes and to various curvatures. Whether angled, helical, conic, annular, or cylindrical, it is understood that the disclosed geometries can be translated by various geometrical methods and still yield intuitive and geometrically continuous engagement of the mating fastener components.

[0388] Molded parts that remain knowingly or incidentally connected by flashing at their margin can be post-processed to present a functional separation though such means as mechanical force, die cutting, solvent immersion, or polishing in a chamber suffused with evaporated solvent. Unwanted flashing can also be removed by thermal means such as an oven, lamp, or laser. A laser can be directed to follow a serrated path corresponding to the desired margin.

[0389] Multiple connectors can join a compound receiver, as in a harness with a plurality of belts. Disclosed fasteners can be applied in footwear or other wearable appliances as a juncture within a lacing system. Fasteners can be outfitted with additional operative mechanicalAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO structures, such as swivels or obstructive interlocks. Fasteners and webbing can integrate secondary attachment means, such as hook- and- loop fasteners or snaps.

[0390] The disclosed principles can be applied within any system using a strap, belt, leash, lead, collar, bridle, tourniquet, tie-down, encircling tie, breakaway band, necklace, watchband, hat, helmet strap, face mask, lanyard, bracelet, necklace, clothing fixture, harness, luggage closure, purse, carryall, shoulder strap, upholstery fixture, or waistband.

[0391] Broad pursuits enabled by the disclosed principles include equipment for travel, athletics, first aid, hiking, camping, hunting, sailing, swimming, or diving, and may encompass medical, veterinary, equestrian, tactical, automotive, nautical, undersea, aerospace, law enforcement or military applications. Applications can include any securing use, including part bundling, cargo holding, or temporary or extended clamping of product assemblies.

[0392] The disclosed belt systems may be configured to serve any short-term or long-term practical need. The system is enabling in environmentally challenging conditions, such as cold or wet weather, where gloved hands may obstruct conventional belt adjustment. Features or components can be intentionally scaled to accommodate such extreme environments.

[0393] Current belt adjustment systems often require fine coordination, manipulation and motor control. The disclosed adjustment mechanisms are understood to be widely enabling, and may be expressly applied to improve or allow accessibility to individuals having atypically limited neuromuscular control. Button size, shape, extension, placement, texture, and tactile marking can be conscientiously adapted to such needs and uses.

[0394] Throughout the preceding examples, the momentary deflection of integral elongate polymeric or metallic springs brings an angular force to bear upon an entrained band of material, such that retraction of the band is obstructed in a predetermined direction.

[0395] Belt material can be conveniently and intuitively tensioned by pulling on the free end of the captive band, even after the belt is held in tension. A button located on the deflectable body allows the applied angular force to be relieved, so that the band of material may pass in either direction, and can be easily released, even after the belt is placed in tension.

[0396] Variants of the system integrate this flexural entrapping operation with side-release fasteners. The leverage provided by direct pivotal contact between a connector and receiver allows convenient and accessible adjustment of the belt length or tension while the side-releaseAttorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO fastener is in its connected state. The mechanical advantage of the pivoting action can be arranged so that only a moderate touch is needed to release the serrated pawl from the webbing.

[0397] The engaged connector and receiver provide a side-release buckle, while presenting its useful functions in an attractive, low-profile format. The provision within the buckle design for a separable cap and separable belt add further options for individualization of the comprehensive belt system. The disclosed designs are accordingly made amenable to fastening products that require esthetic, stylistic, affinity, or brand qualities, as well as implementations that are purely pragmatic or utilitarian.

[0398] Accordingly, the disclosed designs and underlying principles should be understood to be applicable to a wide range of uses beyond those described and depicted in the present documentation, and should be limited only by the broadest reach of their legally allowed claims.

[0399] What is claimed is:

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO CLAIMS1. A fastener, comprising:a support frame;at least one longitudinal beam extending from the support frame, the at least one longitudinal beam being configured to flex with respect to the support frame; anda deflectable body coupled to the at least one longitudinal beam, the deflectable body being configured to pivot relative to the support frame and to engage webbing coupled to the support frame to control movement of the webbing relative to the support frame.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the deflectable body includes a pawl provided at one end of the deflectable body, the longitudinal beam extending transversely from the pawl.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal beam is connected to the deflectable body by a knuckle proximate an opposite end of the deflectable body.

4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the knuckle is a reduced width relative to the deflectable body.

5. The fastener of claim 3, wherein the deflectable body tapers from the pawl to the opposite end.

6. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the support frame includes a crossbar, the longitudinal beam is configured to bias the pawl toward the crossbar, the webbing being disposed between the pawl and the crossbar.

7. The fastener of claim 2, wherein a leading edge of the pawl overlies the crossbar to resist movement of the webbing in one direction.

8. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal beam distributes torsion along its length to reduce fatigue.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO9. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the deflectable body includes a molded pitch angle in an as -molded state.

10. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal beam is integrally molded with the support frame and the deflectable body.

11. A fastener for securing a webbing, comprising:a support frame configured to include a webbing path;a deflectable body coupled to the support frame; andat least one longitudinal beam operatively coupled to the support frame and the deflectable body,wherein the longitudinal beam and the deflectable body are arranged in substantially the same plane as the webbing when entrained through the webbing path.

12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the deflectable body includes a pawl portion and a push button portion coupled to the longitudinal beam.

13. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the support frame includes a crossbar, the pawl portion being configured to engage the crossbar located in the webbing path.

14. The fastener of claim 13, wherein the pawl portion of the deflectable body is biased to resist movement of the webbing in a first direction while permitting movement of the webbing in a second, opposite direction.

15. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the deflectable body is substantially co-planar with respect to the webbing path.

16. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the support frame, the deflectable body and the at least one longitudinal beam are integrally molded as a single piece.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO 17. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the longitudinal beam distributes torsion along its length to reduce stress in the deflectable body.

18. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the longitudinal beam and the deflectable body are configured to reduce fatigue of a polymeric part.

19. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the deflectable body is manually deflectable.

20. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the deflectable body includes a pawl configured to engage a crossbar of the support frame to secure the webbing located in the webbing path.

21. A fastener for securing a webbing, comprising:a support frame including first internal frame contours; anda deflectable body coupled to the support frame, the deflectable body including opposing second internal frame contours configured to mate with the first internal frame contours of the support frame, the first and second internal frame contours defining a channel for passage of the webbing,wherein each of the first and second internal frame contours are convex and dimensioned to have a width that is less than the width of the webbing in a flat state, andwherein the webbing forms out-of-plane pleating in the channel such that, depending on an operational state of the fastener, the pleating promotes either sliding of the webbing or entrapment of the webbing.

22. The fastener of claim 21 wherein the channel has a width less than a width of the webbing in a relaxed condition.

23. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the channel is configured to induce pleating in the webbing under tension.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO 24. The fastener of claim 23, wherein the induced pleating promotes entrapment of the webbing when moving the second internal frame contour toward the first internal frame contour to a closed position.

25. The fastener of claim 23, wherein the induced pleating promotes tracking of the webbing when the entrapping margin is open.

26. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the support frame includes a crossbar, the crossbar having two or more pleating ribs with alternating concavities and convexities in alignment with one another.

27. The fastener of claim 26, wherein the two or more pleating ribs are dimensioned to promote out-of-plane pleating of the webbing.

28. The fastener of claim 26, wherein the two or more pleating ribs are aligned to establish a frequency and pattern of longitudinal pleating in the webbing.

29. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the pleating raises the webbing away from sharp edges of the support frame.

30. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the pleating imparts a folded structure at selective locations of the webbing.

31. A fastener, comprising:a support frame; andat least one longitudinal beam configured to connect a deflectable body to the support frame, the deflectable body including a pawl portion biased to engage a crossbar of the support frame, andwherein the deflectable body is configured to permit adjustment of an entrained webbing while the webbing is under tensile load by manipulating the deflectable body to disengage the pawl portion from the entrained webbing.Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO32. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the pawl portion is biased toward the crossbar by the at least one longitudinal beam.

33. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the pawl portion and the crossbar define an entrapping margin that resists webbing movement in one direction and permits sliding movement in the opposite direction.

34. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the deflectable body includes a manually depressible button portion to selectively disengage the pawl portion from the entrained webbing.

35. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the deflectable body is configured to provide continuous incremental adjustment of the webbing length while under load.

36. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the deflectable body is configured to prevent inadvertent release of the webbing during tensioned adjustment.

37. The fastener of claim 31, wherein the pawl portion of the deflectable body and the crossbar of the support frame include interdigitated serrations.

38. A connector assembly, comprising:the fastener of claim 31 ; anda receiver configured to releasably secure the fastener.

39. The connector assembly of claim 38, wherein the receiver is configured to permit insertion of the fastener along a longitudinal axis and removal along a reverse direction.

40. The connector assembly of claim 38, wherein the receiver includes an internal stop configured to obstruct further movement of the deflectable body into the receiver.

41. A fastener, comprising:Attorney Docket No.: D2112-7003WO a support frame;at least one beam extending from the support frame, the at least one beam being configured to flex with respect to the support frame; anda deflectable body coupled to the at least one beam, the deflectable body being configured to pivot relative to the support frame and to engage a webbing coupled to the support frame to control movement of the webbing relative to the support frame,wherein the deflectable body has a molded-in pitch axis inclined relative to the support frame when in its as-molded state, andwherein the beam and the deflectable body are arranged in substantially the same axis as the support frame when the webbing is entrained through the webbing path.

42. The fastener of claim 41, wherein the deflectable body is additionally deflectable to an elevated position pivotally opposite the molded-in pitch axis.

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