SELF LOCKING BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to fasteners, and, more particularly,
to a buckle assembly configured to be quickly released.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This is an application for patent of addition to main application No.
195/DEL/2008 dated 23.1.2008 titled 'Double Guard Quick Release Fastener'. A fastener is a hardware device configured to join or affix two or more objects together. Moreover, the fastener may be used to close a container such as a bag, a box, or an envelope. The fastener may be configured to removably or permanently join or affix two or more objects together. The fastener configured to removably join or affix two or more objects together may be fastened and unfastened as per a user requirement. The fasteners may be of different types such as a batten, a bolt, a screw, a button, a clip, a buckle and the like.
[0003] The buckle may be configured to removably connect two parts of any
device together. Further, the buckle may be used for connecting opposite ends of a strap together. The buckle may be used in various applications such as in wrist watches, in clothing belts, in vests and the like. Specifically, in military vests the buckle may be configured not only to connect the two portions of the vests but also to facilitate protection by locking the two parts of vests together. Generally, separation of buckle halves requires moving two release portion of the buckle toward one another with one hand and pulling the buckle halves apart from each other. Further, such separation of the buckle halves is inconvenient in emergency conditions. Furthermore, various traditional buckles used in military applications are unable to be easily detached in emergency conditions.
[0004] Accordingly, there is need for a buckle mechanism that is capable of being
released quickly and at the same time connection provided by the buckle assembly is strong. Further, there is need for a buckle mechanism that is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands. Still further, there is need of a buckle mechanism that is configured to prevent accidental release thereof. Moreover, there is a need of a buckle mechanism that is easy to operate.
[0005] The fastener described in application No. 195/DEL/2008 dated 23.1.2008 titled 'Double Guard Quick Release Fastener' described one such mechanism of buckle. However there is stability problems associated with repeated usage of flexible strings of invention described in application No. 195/DEL/2008 dated 23.1.2008. Therefore there is need to further improve the buckle mechanism where it is stable even after repeated usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the
general purpose of the present invention is to provide a self locking buckle assembly configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. This is an application for patent of addition to main application No. 195/DEL/2008 dated 23.1.2008 titled 'Double Guard Quick Release Fastener'.
[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved
buckle assembly which is robust, strong and yet capable of being released quickly.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a buckle
assembly, which is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a buckle
assembly that is configured to prevent accidental release thereof.
[0010] Furthermore, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
buckle assembly that is easy to operate.
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a self locking buckle assembly. The self locking buckle assembly includes a wedge fork, a ferrule, an elongated strip, and a socket member. The wedge fork includes a base portion and a body portion. The base portion includes a securing means for securing a webbing thereto. The body portion includes a pair of legs and a ferrule guide member. The pair of legs is adapted to be extending from the base portion. Each of the pair of legs includes a leg base portion and a prong. The prong includes a notch portion configured thereon. The ferrule guide member is adapted to be extending from the base portion and disposed in between the pair of legs. The ferrule is adapted to be slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member. The ferrule includes a narrower end portion, a broader end portion extending from the narrower end portion, and a tape guide member. The elongated strip includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is connected to the tape guide member of the ferrule and the distal end portion adapted to be used for facilitating movement of the ferrule. The socket member defining a hollow portion and including a first side portion and a second side portion, each of the first side portion and the second side portion includes an opening configured thereon. The opening is adapted to facilitate removable retaining and locking of the prong of the each of the pair of legs to the socket member.
[0012] Although the present invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawmgs, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a self locking buckle assembly in
assembled position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the self locking buckle assembly
of FIG. 1 in disassembled position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a wedge fork, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3b illustrates a top view of the wedge fork depicting one side face of
the wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 c illustrates a top view of the wedge work depicting another side
face of the wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3d illustrates a side view of the wedge fork, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3e illustrates an end view of the wedge fork, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4a illustrates a front view of a ferrule in one orientation thereof,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4b illustrates a front view of a ferrule in another orientation thereof,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4c illustrates one side top view of a ferrule, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4d illustrates another side top view of the ferrule, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4e illustrates a side view of the ferrule, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4f illustrates an end view of the ferrule, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5a illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly depicting one
face thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5b illustrates a perspective view of the socket assembly depicting
another face thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5c illustrates a front view of the socket assembly depicting another
face thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5d illustrates a side view of the socket assembly, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5e illustrates an end side view of the socket assembly, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6a illustrates a front view of the vest depicting used position of the
self locking buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 6b illustrates a back view of the vest depicting used position of the
self locking buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative
purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular buckle assembly, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
[0036] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order,
quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0037] Referring to FIG.l and FIG. 2, a self locking buckle assembly 100
configured to removably connect two parts of any device together, is shown. The self locking buckle assembly 100 includes a wedge fork 200, a ferrule 300, an elongated strip 400 and a socket assembly 500.
[0038] Now referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3a to 3e, the wedge fork 200
includes a base portion 202 and a body portion 204. The base portion 202 includes a securing means 206a and a webbing guide 206b. In one embodiment of the present invention, the securing means 206a is an eye hook 206a. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular form of the securing means 206a used. The base portion 202 is configured to secure a webbing
208 to the webbing guide 206b. The webbing 208 may be configured to be secured to one of the two parts to be secured together. The webbing 208 may be a load bearing webbing. The body portion 204 includes a pair of legs, such as a leg 210a and a leg 210b (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pair of legs 210") and a ferrule guide member 212. Each of the pair of legs 210 is configured to be flexible in nature. More specifically, each of the pair of legs 210 and the ferrule guide member 212 is extending from the base portion 202. Each of the pair of legs 210 includes a leg base portion 214 and a prong 216.
[0039] The prong 216 includes an operative upper face 218. The upper face 218
of the prong 216 includes a notch portion 220 configured therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the notch portion 220 is configured to be arcuate in shape. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the notch portion 220 includes a proximal end portion 222 and a distal end portion 224. In one embodiment of the present invention, the distal end portion 224 of the notch portion 220 may include a cut-out portion (not shown) adapted to facilitate locking of the ferrule 300 thereto. Further, the ferrule guide member 212 includes an elongated central notch portion 214a. The ferrule guide member 212 is configured to act as a guide for the ferrule 300.
[0040] Now referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4a to 4f, the ferrule 300
includes a narrower end portion 302, a broader end portion 304, a tape guide member 306, an operative front face 308 and an operative back face 310. The narrower end portion 302 includes a first eye hook 312 and a second eye hook 314. The first eye hook 312 is extending perpendicularly from the operative front face 308 of the ferrule 300 and the second eye hook 314 is extending perpendicularly from the operative back face 310 of the ferrule 300. The broader end portion 304 is configured to be extending and expanding from the narrower end portion 302. The broader end portion 304 includes a third eye hook 316 and a pair of slide members, such as a slide member 318a and a slide member 318b (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pair of slide members 318"). In one embodiment of the present invention, the broader end portion 304 of the ferrule 300 may include a locking means on either side thereof corresponding to the cut-out portion of the distal end portion 224 of the notch portion 220 of the prong 216 for facilitating
removable locking with the prong 216. The third eye hook 316 is configured to be extending perpendicularly from the operative back face 310 of the ferrule 300. Similarly, each of the pair of slide members 318 is extending perpendicularly from end portions of the broader end portion 304. More specifically, each of the pair of slide members 318 is extending perpendicularly from the operative back face 310. The ferrule 300 is configured to be slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member 212. More specifically, the ferrule 300 is slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member 212 by means of the second eye hook 314 and the third eye hook 316. Further, the pair of slide members 318 is configured to be slidingly disposed in the notch portion 220 of the prong 216. More specifically, the pair of slide members 318 is configured to be slidingly moved along the notch portion 220 of the prong 216 in a way such that the movement of the pair of slide members 318 enables movement of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210. Further, movement of the ferrule 300, and accordingly movement of the pair of slide members 318 towards the leg base portion 214 enables movement of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 towards each other and movement of the ferrule, and accordingly movement of the pair of slide members 318 away from the leg base portion 214 enables movement of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 away from each other. Further, the ferrule 300 is configured to be secured to the elongated strip 400.
[0041] Now referring back to FIG. 2, the elongated strip 400 includes a proximal
end portion 402 and a distal end portion 404. The proximal end portion 402 is connected to the tape guide member 306 of the ferrule 300. The distal end portion 404 is firstly passed through the first eye hook 312 of the ferrule 300 and then passed through the eye hook 206a of the wedge fork 200. The distal end portion 404 of the elongated strip 400 may be used for the movement of the ferrule 300.
[0042] Now referring to FIG. 1, FIG 2 and FIG. 5a to FIG. 5e, the socket member
500 includes an upper portion 502, a lower portion 504, a first side portion 506, a second side portion 508, a first end portion 510 and a second end portion 512. The upper portion 502, the lower portion 504, the first side portion 506 and the second side portion 508 are configured to define a hollow portion there between. The first side portion 506 and the second side portion 508
include an opening 514 configured thereon. The opening 514 is configured to retain and lock the prong 216 of the each of the pair of legs 210 therein. The socket member 500 includes an eye hook 516 configured on the first end portion 510. The eye hook 516 is configured to secure a webbing 518 thereto. Further the webbing 518 is configured to be secure to one of the two items secured to each other. The webbing 518 may be a load bearing webbing. The upper portion 502 includes a rectangular cut portion 520 configured thereon. The rectangular cut portion 520 is configured to be accommodating a portion of the ferrule 300.
[0043] Further, referring to FIG 6a and FIG 6b the self locking buckle assembly
100 configured to be disposed on a bulletproof vest 600 is disclosed. As shown in the FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the wedge fork 200 along with the ferrule 300 and the elongated strip 400 may be secured on one of a front torso panel 602 or a rear torso panel 604 and the socket member 500 may be disposed on one of the front torso panel 602 or the rear torso panel 604 to which the wedge fork 200 is not secured. Further, the elongated strip 400 may be secured to a pull down sling 606 of the bullet proof vest 600. The pull down sling 606 may be pulled downwards for the quick release of the self locking buckle assembly 100.
[0044] In use, generally the wedge fork 200 along with the ferrule 300 and the
elongated strip 400 may be connected to one part of a device, such as the front torso of panel 602 of the bullet proof vest 600, and the socket member 500 may be connected to another part of the device, such as the rear torso panel 604, that is to be secured with the first part of the device, such as the front torso panel 602 of the bullet roof vest 600. Firstly, the wedge fork 200 may be inserted in the socket member 500 such that the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 may be locked in the opening 514 of the first side portion 506 and the second side portion 508 of the socket member 500. In this way first locking is achieved between the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 of the wedge fork 200 and the socket member 500. Further, the ferrule 300 may be pushed away from the leg base portion 214, i.e. in the upward direction, enables movement of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 away from each other. More specifically, upward movement of the pair of slide members 318 towards the distal end portion 224 enables locking of the pair of slide members 318 in the distal end portion 224 of the of the prong 216 of the wedge fork 200.
Further, this locking of the pair of slide members 318 in the distal end portion 224 of the notch enables stronger locking of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 of the wedge fork 200 and the socket assembly 500. In this way the device, such as the bullet proof vest 600, may withstand more load then without use of the self locking buckle assembly 100.
[0045] Further, for releasing of the self locking buckle assembly 100, the user
may have to move the elongated strip 400, in a downward direction or the direction towards the leg base portion 214. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the elongated strip 400 is connected to the pull down sling 606, downward movement or the movement towards the leg base portion 214, of the pull down sling 606 enables downward movement of the ferrule 300. In such a way, the pair of slide members 318 moves towards the leg base portion 214 and thereby releasing of the locking of the pair of slide members 318 in the distal end portion 224 of the notch portion 220 of the wedge fork 200. Accordingly, further downward movement of the ferrule 300 or further movement the pair of slide members 318 moves towards the leg base portion 214, enables movement of the prong 216 towards each other and thereby releasing locking of the prong 216 of the pair of legs 210 with the opening 514 of the first side portion 506 and the second side portion 508 of the socket member 500. Accordingly, the wedge fork 200 may be separated from the socket member 500, and thereby separating the front torso of panel 602 from the rear torso panel 604.
[0046] Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages.
The self locking buckle assembly, as described herein, is capable of being released quickly and at the same time connection provided by the self locking buckle assembly is strong. Further, the self locking buckle assembly is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands. Furthermore, the self locking buckle assembly is configured to prevent accidental release thereof. Still further, the self locking buckle assembly is simple in construction and easy to use.
[0047] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously
many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

I/We Claim:
1. A self locking buckle assembly, the self locking buckle assembly comprising:
a wedge fork, the wedge fork comprising,
a base portion comprising a securing means for securing a webbing thereto;
a body portion, the body portion comprising,
a pair of legs extending from the base portion, each of the pair of legs comprising a leg base portion and a prong, wherein the prong comprises a notch portion configured thereon; and
a ferrule guide member extending from the base portion and disposed in between the pair of legs;
a ferrule adapted to be slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member, the ferrule comprising a narrower end portion, a broader end portion extending from the narrower end portion, and a tape guide member;
an elongated strip having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion connected to the tape guide member of the ferrule and the distal end portion adapted to be used for facilitating movement of the ferrule; and
a socket member defining a hollow portion and comprising a first side portion and a second side portion, each of the first side portion and the second side portion comprising an opening configured thereon, wherein the opening is adapted to facilitate removable retaining and locking of the prong of the each of the pair of legs to the socket member.
2. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the webbing guide means is
an eye hook.
3. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs is flexible.
4. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the notch portion is configured on an operative upper surface of the prong.
5. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the notch portion is configured to be arcuate in shape.
6. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the notch portion includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion includes a locking means for facilitating locking of the ferrule thereto.
7. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the ferrule guide member includes an elongated central notch portion configured thereon.
8. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the narrower end portion of the ferrule comprises a first eye hook and a second eye hook, wherein the first eye hook is extending perpendicularly from an operative front face of the ferrule and the second eye hook is extending perpendicularly from an operative back face of the ferrule.
9. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the broader end portion includes a third eye hook and a pair of slide members, wherein the third eye hook is configured to be extending perpendicularly from an operative back face of the ferrule, and, wherein each of
the pair of slide members is extending perpendicularly from end portions of the broader end portion from the operative back face of the ferrule.
10. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is slidingly disposed on the ferrule guide member by means of the second eye hook and the third eye hook.
11. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the broader end portion of the ferrule comprises a locking means disposed on either side thereof corresponding to the cut-out portion the distal end portion of the notch portion of the prong for facilitating removable locking with the prong.
12. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of slide members is configured to be slidingly disposed in the notch portion of the prong.
13. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 12, wherein the sliding movement of the pair of slide members in the notch portion enables movement of the prong of the pair of legs.
14. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 13, wherein movement of the pair of slide members towards the leg base portion enables movement of the prong of the pair of legs towards each other and movement of the pair of slide members away from the leg base portion enables movement of the prong of the pair of legs away from each other.
15. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal end portion of the elongated strip is passed through the first eye hook of the ferrule and the eye hook of the wedge fork.
16. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the
socket member comprising a rectangular cut-out portion configured thereon for accommodating
at least a portion of the ferrule.
17. The self locking buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket member comprises a second Aye hook for facilitating securing of a webbing thereto.