Apparatus and method of locking two devices to each other through a receiver base, a pair of pivoting locking tabs, each having first and second arms extending out from a pivot point, and an insert that is partially engaged within a cavity formed by the receiver base and locking tabs. The receiver base is configured to be engageable with a first device. The insert is configured to be engageable with a second device. An optional push button assembly that has a retractable lip is engageable with the receiver base to block rotational movement of the locking tabs unless the lip of the push button is retracted. The apparatus may also include magnetic actuators and corresponding electronic switches that provide two stage locking and, optionally, provide contact state signaling to an external controller and computer to verify locked/unlocked status of the insert relative to the receiver base cavity and locking tabs.

A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

A quick-unfasten protective vest (1) including a quick-release system (2), a front body portion (3) and a rear body portion (4). The protective vest is characterised in that the front body portion (3) and the rear body portion (4) are detachably connected to each other by a quick-release system (2) including snap buckles (5) connected by ties (6) to a central release mechanism (7). A single tie (6) is guided from each snap buckle (5) to the central release mechanism (7) so that all ties (6) coincide in the central release mechanism (7). The central release mechanism (7) is adapted to release the snap buckles (5) substantially simultaneously and to separate the front body portion (3) from the rear body portion (4) of the vest (1).

A buckle assembly can include a first buckle, a second buckle, and an operating component. The first buckle component can include a locked portion. The second buckle component can be configured to be engaged with the first buckle component, and the second buckle component can include a locking portion engageable with the locked portion. The operating component can be partially embedded in the second buckle component and partially exposed out of the second buckle component. The operating component can be slidable relative to the second buckle component such that sliding movement of the operating component relative to the second buckle component causes disengagement between the first buckle component and the second buckle component. The operating component can include an abutting portion, and the abutting portion can abut against the locking portion to resiliently deform the locking portion during the sliding movement of the operating component.

A buckle assembly can include a first buckle, a second buckle, and an operating component. The first buckle component can include a locked portion. The second buckle component can be configured to be engaged with the first buckle component, and the second buckle component can include a locking portion engageable with the locked portion. The operating component can be partially embedded in the second buckle component and partially exposed out of the second buckle component. The operating component can be slidable relative to the second buckle component such that sliding movement of the operating component relative to the second buckle component causes disengagement between the first buckle component and the second buckle component. The operating component can include an abutting portion, and the abutting portion can abut against the locking portion to resiliently deform the locking portion during the sliding movement of the operating component.

A linking device that can be added between the existing buckles of an external harnesssuch as a strap or collar. The linking device includes a GPS receiver and a radio frequency transmitter. The GPS receiver determines the present location of the linking device and the transmitter transmits the location information to a remote device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or dedicated base station. The present location of the linking device can be determined and displayed on the remote device. The linking device also monitors the state of its connections to the external harness and can take action in response to a change of state.

A buckle assembly that includes an insertion part and a receiving part. The insertion part has a housing with a projecting appendage that features one or more catches. The receiving part has a housing with an opening designed to accept the appendage of the insertion part. A first magnetic component is positioned in or on the receiving part, and a second magnetic component is positioned in or on the insertion part. At least one of the magnetic components is a permanent magnet, and the two components are arranged so they attract each other when the parts are brought together, helping to guide and engage them during assembly. Additionally, the receiving part includes a pair of pivoting latches that engage with the catches on the insertion appendage to securely lock the two parts together.