BUCKLE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A buckle system and a method of accommodating a plurality of stack-up configurations of the buckle system is provided. The buckle system includes a base assembly, a locking assembly, and a plurality of optional universal assemblies. Each universal assembly is configured to selectively engage with or be disengaged from the base assembly, thereby changing the stack-up of the buckle system. The locking assembly is configured to be secured to the base assembly, thereby securing the buckle system in its current stack-up configuration. The buckle system can be moved between stack-up configurations by adding and removing universal assemblies, as desired. Each universal assembly is configured to rotate about a vertical axis of the base assembly, thereby accommodating a variety of strap configurations. The locking assembly is configured to translate vertically relative to the base assembly, and to be secured at various vertical positions, thereby accommodating a variety of stack-up configurations.

Claims

1. A buckle system that is configured to facilitate a variety of stack-up configurations, the buckle system comprising: a base assembly comprising a base plate and an engagement post extending therefrom; a plurality of universal assemblies, each universal assembly comprising a universal plate and being configured to selectively engage with the engagement post of the base assembly, thereby moving the universal assembly to an engaged configuration; and a locking assembly comprising a main body and a retractable trigger slidably engaged therewith, the locking assembly being configured to selectively engage with the engagement post of the base assembly, thereby moving the locking assembly to an engaged configuration, wherein each universal plate of each universal assembly defines a respective receiving aperture that is configured to receive the engagement post when the respective universal assembly is in its engaged configuration, wherein the main body of the locking assembly defines a receiving aperture that is configured to receive the engagement post when the locking assembly is in its engaged configuration, and wherein the trigger of the locking assembly comprises a locking plunger that moves in and out of the receiving aperture of the main body, thereby moving the locking assembly between a locking configuration and a positioning configuration.

2. The buckle system of claim 1, wherein the receiving aperture of each universal plate defines a cross section that is configured to facilitate rotation of each universal assembly about a primary axis of the engagement post.

3. The buckle system of claim 2, wherein the cross section is a circle.

4. The buckle system of claim 2, wherein the receiving aperture of the main body of the locking assembly defines a cross section that is configured to inhibit rotation of the locking assembly about the primary axis of the engagement post.

5. The buckle system of claim 4, wherein the cross section of the receiving aperture of the main body is an elongated shape that substantially matches a corresponding cross section of the engagement post.

6. The buckle system of claim 1, wherein the engagement post includes a first engagement feature, the first engagement feature being associated with a first stack-up configuration, the first stack-up configuration including the base assembly, each universal assembly in its respective engaged configuration, and the locking assembly in its engaged configuration.

7. The buckle system of claim 6, wherein the first engagement feature is a first aperture extending through the engagement post, and wherein the locking plunger is configured to be received by the first engagement feature when the locking assembly is in its locking configuration, thereby moving the buckle system to a locked configuration associated with the first stack-up configuration.

8. The buckle system of claim 7, wherein the engagement post comprises a second engagement feature, the second engagement feature being a second aperture extending through the engagement post and being associated with a second stack-up configuration, the second stack-up configuration omitting at least one of the plurality of universal assemblies.

9. The buckle system of claim 8, wherein moving from the first stack-up configuration to the second stack-up configuration comprises disengaging the locking assembly from the base assembly, disengaging each omitted universal assembly from the base assembly, reengaging the locking assembly with the base assembly, and positioning the locking assembly relative to the second engagement feature.

10. The buckle system of claim 6, wherein the engagement post comprises a second engagement feature, the second engagement feature being associated with a second stack-up configuration that omits at least one of the plurality of universal assemblies, wherein moving from the first stack-up configuration to the second stack-up configuration comprises disengaging the locking assembly from the base assembly, disengaging each omitted universal assembly from the base assembly, reengaging the locking assembly with the base assembly, and positioning the locking assembly relative to the second engagement feature.

11. The buckle system of claim 6, further comprising a replacement post having an engagement feature, the engagement feature of the replacement post being associated with a second stack-up configuration that omits at least one of the plurality of universal assemblies, wherein moving from the first stack-up configuration to the second stack-up configuration comprises disengaging the locking assembly from the base assembly, disengaging each omitted universal assembly from the base assembly, removing the engagement post from the base assembly, securing the replacement post to the base plate of the base assembly, reengaging the locking assembly with the base assembly by engaging the locking assembly with the replacement post, and positioning the locking assembly relative to the engagement feature of the replacement post.

12. A buckle system comprising: a base assembly comprising a base plate and an engagement post extending perpendicularly therefrom, the engagement post being one of a first post and a second post; a locking assembly comprising a main body, a trigger slidably engaged with the main body, and a biasing mechanism engaged with the trigger, the locking assembly being configured to selectively engage with the engagement post of the base assembly, thereby moving the locking assembly to an engaged configuration, wherein the trigger moves along a first plane between retracted and extended positions, wherein the biasing mechanism biases the trigger towards the extended position, wherein the main body of the locking assembly defines a receiving aperture extending perpendicular to the first plane, the receiving aperture being configured to receive the engagement post when the locking assembly is in its engaged configuration, wherein the trigger of the locking assembly comprises a locking plunger that moves in and out of the receiving aperture of the main body, thereby moving the locking assembly between a locking configuration and a positioning configuration.

13. The buckle system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of universal assemblies, each universal assembly comprising a universal plate and being configured to selectively engage with the engagement post of the base assembly, thereby moving the universal assembly to an engaged configuration, wherein each universal plate of each universal assembly defines a respective receiving aperture that is configured to receive the engagement post when the respective universal assembly is in its engaged configuration, wherein the receiving aperture of each universal plate defines a cross section that is configured to facilitate rotation of each universal assembly about a primary axis of the engagement post, and wherein the receiving aperture of the main body of the locking assembly defines a cross section that is configured to inhibit rotation of the locking assembly about the primary axis of the engagement post.

14. The buckle system of claim 13, wherein the cross section of the receiving aperture of each universal plate is a circle, and wherein the cross section of the receiving aperture of the main body is an elongated shape that substantially matches a corresponding cross section of the engagement post.

15. The buckle system of claim 13, wherein the engagement post includes a first engagement feature, the first engagement feature being associated with a first stack-up configuration that includes the base assembly, each universal assembly in its respective engaged configuration, and the locking assembly in its engaged configuration.

16. The buckle system of claim 15, wherein the first engagement feature is a first aperture extending through the engagement post, and wherein the locking plunger is configured to be received by the first engagement feature when the locking assembly is in its locking configuration, thereby moving the buckle system to a locked configuration associated with the first stack-up configuration.

17. The buckle system of claim 16, wherein the base assembly is configured to accommodate a plurality of stack-up configurations, each stack-up configuration being accommodated by the provision of a plurality of engagement features on the engagement post.

18. The buckle system of claim 17, wherein the provision of the plurality of engagement features on the engagement post is accomplished, at least in part, by a first engagement feature of the second post being positioned differently from a first engagement feature of the first post.

19. A method of using a buckle system having a base assembly, a plurality of universal assemblies, and a locking assembly, the method comprising: engaging each of the plurality of universal assemblies with the base assembly, engaging the locking assembly with the base assembly, positioning the locking assembly relative to a first engagement feature of the base assembly, engaging a plunger of the locking assembly with the first engagement feature of the base assembly, thereby securing the buckle system in a first stack-up configuration by preventing disengagement of the locking assembly and the universal assemblies from the base assembly, disengaging the plunger from the locking assembly, thereby moving the locking assembly to a positioning configuration, disengaging the locking assembly from the base assembly, disengaging at least one of the plurality of universal assemblies from the base assembly, reengaging the locking assembly with the base assembly, positioning the locking assembly relative to a first engagement feature of the base assembly, engaging the plunger of the locking assembly with the second engagement feature of the base assembly, thereby securing the buckle system in a second stack-up configuration by moving the locking assembly from the positioning configuration to a locking configuration, wherein the at least one disengaged universal assemblies are omitted from the second stack-up configuration.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing a first engagement post from the base assembly and installing a second engagement post to the base assembly, wherein the first engagement post comprises the first engagement feature, and wherein the second engagement post comprises the second engagement feature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a top, plan view of a buckle system embodying the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows disassembled views of components of the buckle system.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a top, plan view of a base assembly of the buckle system.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a top, plan view of a universal assembly of the buckle system.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a top, plan view of a locking assembly of the buckle system.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a top, plan view of the locking assembly with a top plate removed to illustrate internal features of the locking assembly.

[0025] FIGS. 7-14 show photographic images of a buckle system embodying the present invention.

[0026] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0028] As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0029] The present invention covers a buckle system 10 and methods of use thereof. The buckle system 10 includes a variable multiple restraint system which has one lock and release mechanism and is configured for secure attachment of a person or object to an apparatus, as desired. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the buckle system 10 is utilized to securely attach a person to a transport litter, stretcher, backboard, gurney, or similar apparatus for medical transport. In alternative embodiments, the buckle system 10 of the present invention is adapted for safety straps for automobile race driving, parachuting, climbing, ziplining, roller coasters, car seat attachment, or any other type of safety strap usage. In some embodiments, the buckle system 10 of the present invention is permanently affixed to an apparatus to which a subject is to be attached, but in other embodiments, the buckle system 10 is self-contained and can be used in conjunction with an apparatus to which a subject is to be attached.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the buckle system 10 includes a base assembly 100, a locking assembly 200, and optional intermediate components, such as but not limited to universal assemblies 300, each being a component or subassembly of the buckle system 10 (each a buckle component). Each buckle component is configured to be connected to a fabric strap extension through a respective strap connection loop 180, 280, 380 of the buckle component. In a preferred embodiment, each buckle component is made of metal, but alternatively, other rigid, durable materials with comparable strength to metals are used. In an exemplary embodiment, each buckle component is substantially flat with two opposing ends: a wide end defining a strap connection loop 180, 280, 380 for connection to a strap extension and a narrowed tongue end configured to engage with at least one other buckle component. In some embodiments, one or more of the buckle components are similar in appearance to a standard seatbelt buckle plate. In alternative embodiments, various buckle components of the present invention form a variety of shapes.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base assembly 100 includes a base plate 110 and an engagement post 150 extending from a tongue end of the base plate 110. In some embodiments, the engagement post 150 forms a substantially rectangular (with or without rounded corners), oval-shaped, or similarly elongated cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis aligned with a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, respectively, of the engagement post 150. The engagement post 150 defines a plurality of distally displaced engagement features 152, such as locking holes, extending through the engagement post. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each engagement post locking hole 152 defines a substantially rectangular cross-section and each locking hole 152 extends laterally through the engagement post 150. Nevertheless, other embodiments of the present invention include an engagement post and/or engagement features forming different shapes and/or having a different orientation. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement post 150 has a beveled distal end, as shown in FIGS. 7-14, configured to assist in quick engagement with other buckle components. In other embodiments, the distal end of the engagement post 150 is substantially flat. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the wide end of the base plate 110 further defines a strap connection loop 180 and the base assembly 100 includes a friction bar 190 for looping a strap extension around.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, a universal assembly 300 includes a universal plate 310 having a tongue end that defines a receiving aperture 330 configured to receive the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100. In the embodiment shown, the receiving aperture 330 is circular in shape with a diameter slightly larger than the widest part of the engagement post 150. This configuration allows each universal assembly 300 and associated strap(s) to be pivoted or rotated about a vertical axis of the engagement post 150, thereby facilitating alignment of each strap to a desired position that will be most effective for restraining the subject person or object. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the wide end of the universal assembly 300 defines a strap connection loop 380 and includes a friction bar 390 for looping a strap extension around.

[0033] When assembled around the engagement post 150, the tongue end of a first universal plate 310 is configured to rest on the tongue end of the base plate 110 immediately distal of the base plate 110. Any additional universal assembly 300 used is configured to be placed immediately distal of the previously assembled universal assembly 300. The present buckle system 10 is customizable such that a user can effectively use the buckle system 10 without any universal assemblies 300 and associated straps or with any number of universal assemblies 300 that will fit with the system and their associated straps, as desired. For instance, some buckle systems 10 of the present invention include four universal assemblies 300 used in combination with a base assembly 100 and a locking assembly 200 while other buckle systems 10 include only a base assembly 100 and a locking assembly 200 with no universal assemblies 300. The customizability of the buckle system 10 makes the present invention capable of accommodating different needs. It will be further appreciated that some embodiments of the present invention are intended to be scalable to include either smaller or larger sized buckle components having higher or lower maximum numbers of buckle components.

[0034] In alternative embodiments, one or more non-pivotable intermediate components are used instead of one or more universal assembly 300, such as intermediate plates having a tongue end that defines a receiving aperture that is shaped or otherwise keyed to the engagement post 150. In some such embodiments, each non-pivotable intermediate component defines a receiving aperture that is shaped to closely fit around the engagement post 150. In this way, each non-pivotable intermediate plate is configured to extend in a predetermined direction relative to the base assembly 100.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6, an exemplary embodiment of a locking assembly 200 includes a main body 210 and a trigger 250 slidably engaged therewith. In some embodiments, the main body 210 includes a top plate 212, a bottom plate 214, a post end spacer 260, and a strap end spacer 270. In some such embodiments, the post end spacer 260 and the strap end spacer 270 are positioned between the top plate 212 and bottom plate 214, thereby forming a void for receiving the trigger 250. In some embodiments, the spacers 260, 270 are affixed to the top and bottom plates 212, 214 via a strong adhesive or fasteners extending therethrough. In alternative embodiments, the top plate 212, post end spacer 214, strap end spacer 270, and bottom plate 214 are formed or molded into one piece.

[0036] The main body 210 of the locking assembly 200 includes a tongue end defining a receiving aperture 230. In some embodiments, the receiving aperture 230 extends through and is defined at least partially by the top plate 212, post end spacer 260, and bottom plate 214. The receiving aperture 230 is configured to receive the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100 when the locking assembly 200 is in an engaged configuration. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the receiving aperture 230 of the locking assembly 200 is keyed to the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100, thereby inhibiting rotation of the locking assembly 200 relative to the base assembly 100. In some embodiments, the receiving aperture 230 of the locking assembly 200 is slightly larger than, and shaped similar to, a cross-section of the engagement post 150 such that the locking assembly 200 is configured to key to the base assembly 100 by closely fitting around the engagement post 150 when assembled with the base assembly 100.

[0037] The wide end of the locking assembly 200 defines a strap connection loop 280 through the main body 210. In some embodiments, the strap connection loop 280 extends through and is at least partially defined by the top plate 212, strap end spacer 260, and bottom plate 214 and is configured to receive a strap extension. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 200 is configured to be assembled with an attached strap in an approximately 180-degree opposite position relative to a strap attached to the base assembly 100. In alternative embodiments, the locking assembly 200 is positioned at other angular positions in relation to the base assembly 100. In an assembled configuration, the tongue end of the locking assembly 200 is configured to lie either immediately distal of the tongue end of a universal assembly 300 or alternative intermediate component or immediately distal of the tongue end of the base plate 110 when no universal assemblies 300 or alternative intermediate components are being used with the buckle system.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly trigger 250 is positioned between the top plate 212 and the bottom plate 214, in approximately the same plane as the post end spacer 260 and the strap end spacer 270. The trigger 250 includes a locking plunger 254 and at least one actuation feature 252. The strap end spacer 270 includes a backstop 272 shaped and configured to receive the trigger 250. The trigger locking plunger 254 is configured to extend through a plunger guide opening 262 in the post end spacer 260 to the locking assembly post receiving aperture 230. The plunger guide 262 is keyed to the trigger plunger 254 so as to help guide the plunger 254 in the proper lateral direction but sized large enough to accommodate forward and backward movement of the trigger 250.

[0039] In some embodiments, the locking assembly 200 includes a biasing mechanism 240 for biasing the trigger 250 towards an extended position. In some such embodiments, the biasing mechanism 240 is positioned between the strap end spacer backstop 270 and the trigger 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly 200 is configured to move from the engaged configuration to a locking configuration upon the trigger moving to its extended position while the locking assembly 200 remains engaged with the base assembly 100. When the locking assembly is in the locking configuration, the locking plunger 254 of the trigger 250 is engaged with the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100, thereby moving the buckle system to a locked configuration. In some embodiments, the locking plunger 254 extends into the receiving aperture 230 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the receiving aperture 230, thereby facilitating engagement of the locking plunger 254 with the engagement post 150 when the locking assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the biasing mechanism 240 comprises springs for biasing the trigger 250 towards its extended position. In alternative embodiments, the biasing mechanism is one spring, one or more piston-and-cylinders, or any other type of biasing mechanism.

[0040] The trigger 250 of the locking assembly 200 includes one or more actuation features 252 to allow a user to apply force to counteract the biasing force from the biasing mechanism 240 and to move the trigger 250 towards a retracted position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6, the trigger 250 actuation features 252 are actuation knobs that extend outward from the wide end of the locking assembly 200. The actuation knobs are configured so that a user can apply force to the actuation knobs toward the wide end of the locking assembly 200 to counteract the biasing force and retract the trigger, thereby moving the buckle system from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. In some such embodiments, the trigger locking plunger 254 is retracted from the receiving aperture 230 of the locking assembly 200, thereby moving the locking assembly 200 to a positioning configuration. When the locking assembly 200 is in the positioning configuration, the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100 is capable of sliding within the receiving aperture 230 of the locking assembly 200, thereby facilitating disengagement or repositioning of the locking assembly 200 relative to the base assembly 100. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the actuation feature comprises one knob, a lever, a depressible button, or any other type of actuation mechanism to counteract the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 240.

[0041] In some embodiments, the locking assembly trigger plunger 254 is engaged with an engagement feature 152 of the engagement post 150 when the buckle system 10 is in the locked configuration. In some embodiments, the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100 includes multiple engagement features 152 configured for receiving the trigger locking plunger 254. The particular engagement feature 152 to be utilized in a multi-engagement feature embodiment is determined based on the number (and thickness) of universal plate(s) 310, or alternative intermediate plate(s), being used with the buckle system 10. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement post 150 has one engagement feature 152 for receiving the trigger locking plunger 254, thereby controlling or otherwise influencing the number (and thickness) of universal plate(s) 310, or alternative intermediate plate(s), that can be used.

[0042] To assemble the buckle system 10 of the present invention, any universal assemblies 300 and/or alternative intermediate components to be utilized are engaged with the engagement post 150 of the base assembly 100, the locking assembly trigger 250 is retracted, the locking assembly 200 is engaged with the engagement post 150, and the locking assembly trigger 250 is released, the biasing mechanism 240 moving the trigger 250 into extended, locked position with the trigger locking plunger 254 engaging an engagement post engagement feature 152. By moving the buckle system 10 to the locked configuration, the locking assembly 200 is secured to the base assembly 100, and any universal plates 310 or alternative intermediate plates are secured therebetween.

[0043] Actuation of the actuation features 252 to counteract the biasing mechanism 240 disengages the trigger plunger 254 from an engagement feature 152 of the engagement post 150, such as by removing the trigger plunger 254 from an engagement hole, and allows the locking assembly 200 and any universal plates 310 or alternative intermediate plates to be removed from around the engagement post 150.

[0044] The biasing mechanism 240 biases the trigger 250 and holds the buckle system 10 in a locked position. In further embodiments of the present invention, the buckle system 10 includes an additional safety lock for retaining the trigger plunger 254 within an engagement feature 152 to prevent accidental release of the buckle system 10.

[0045] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

[0046] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0047] Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

[0048] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.