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FASTENING SYSTEM(S)

20260020630 ยท 2026-01-22

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    Various fastening systems for an object (e.g., a wearable such as footwear) are disclosed, including a buckle assembly and a prong for adjusting tension. The buckle assembly may a pawl. The prong includes an array of teeth to engage with the pawl formed on the base. The fastening system is configurable between an engaged condition and a released condition based on the positioning of the slider relative to the base.

    Claims

    1. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; and a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising: a base including a pawl configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; a second anchor disposed at a proximal end of the buckle assembly, the second anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a tension member connecting: the first anchor to the prong, or the second anchor to the base, the tension member having a tension member shape; at least one tension member guide being fixedly attachable to the object, the tension member guide including a slot configured to allow the tension member to pass therethrough such that the tension member shaped tension member may fold back on itself such that an edge of the tension member may form an angle as it passes through the tension member guide, the angle having a vertex; wherein the slot forms an arc, the arc curving away from the vertex of the angle formed by the tension member passing through the tension member guide.

    2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tension member guide acts as a pulley to draw the two portions of the object together in response to increased tension on the prong assembly applied via ratcheting engagement of the pawl of the buckle assembly with the row of teeth of the prong.

    3. The system of claim 2, wherein the tension member guide provides a mechanical advantage.

    4. The system of claim 3, wherein the mechanical advantage is at least 2:1.

    5. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising a base including a pawl and configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; wherein the buckle assembly is configured to allow a distal end of the prong to pass into a front side of the buckle assembly and protrude out a back side of the buckle assembly; and a sheath member proximal to the back side of the buckle assembly, the sheath member comprising: an opening configured to receive the distal end of the prong after the distal end of the prong has passed through the buckle assembly; and a channel configured to cover at least a portion of the prong.

    6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sheath member is configured to confine the proximal end of the prong therein.

    7. The system of claim 5, wherein the sheath member is fixedly attachable to the object.

    8. The system of claim 5, wherein the sheath member is integrally formed in the object.

    9. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; and a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising: a base including a pawl configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; a second anchor disposed at a proximal end of the buckle assembly, the second anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a tension member connecting: the first anchor to the prong, or the second anchor to the base, such that a proximal end of the tension member is free; a sheath member proximal to the first anchor, the sheath member comprising: an opening configured to receive and restrain the proximal end of the tension member; and a channel configured to cover at least a portion of the proximal end of the tension member.

    10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first anchor comprises a cam buckle configured to adjust a useable length of the tension member.

    11. The system of claim 9, wherein the sheath member is fixedly attachable to the object.

    12. The system of claim 9, wherein the sheath member is integrally formed in the object.

    13. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising a pawl and configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; and a buckle guard disposed proximal the buckle assembly, the buckle guard configured to protect the buckle assembly from impact.

    14. The system of claim 13, wherein the buckle guard comprises first and second embankment members, the first embankment member flanking a first side of the buckle assembly and the second embankment member flanking a second side of the buckle assembly.

    15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first and second embankment members have a height, the height of the embankment members corresponding to a depth of the buckle assembly, the depth of the buckle assembly being the distance from a top face of the buckle assembly to a bottom face of the buckle assembly.

    16. The system of claim 13, wherein the buckle guard is integral to the buckle assembly.

    17. The system of claim 13, wherein the buckle guard is a separate component from the buckle assembly.

    18. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising a pawl and configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; the buckle assembly further comprising first and second digit surfaces, the first digit surface comprising a protrusion extending from a first side of the buckle assembly, the second digit surface comprising a protrusion extending from a second side of the buckle assembly, opposite the first; where the first and second digit surfaces are individually configured to engage with a distal phalanx of an index finger of a user, a distal phalanx of a middle finger of the user, or a distal phalanx of a ring finger of the user; and the prong assembly further comprising a third digit surface, the third digit surface configured to engage with a thumb of the user such that the user may use one hand to engage with the first, second, and third digit surfaces and squeeze the prong into the buckle assembly.

    19. The system of claim 18, wherein the third digit surface comprises a depression or ledge formed in the prong assembly.

    20. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising a pawl and configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; wherein the buckle assembly further comprises a cap slidably engaged with a base, and a biasing member configured to bias the buckle assembly into a locked condition, the biasing member having a long axis oriented parallel to a long axis of the prong when the prong is engaged with the buckle assembly; and wherein the prong has a linear groove formed on a side opposite the row of teeth, the linear groove being configured to provide clearance for the biasing member.

    21. A fastening system for an object, the fastening system comprising: a prong assembly configured to selectively draw two portions of the object together, the prong assembly comprising: a first anchor disposed at a proximal end of the prong assembly, the first anchor being fixedly attachable to the object; a prong disposed at a distal end of the prong assembly, the prong having a row of teeth formed on a surface thereof; a buckle assembly that is engageable with the prong, the buckle assembly being fixedly attachable to the object, the buckle assembly comprising a pawl and configured such that tension on the prong assembly is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the row of teeth of the prong; wherein the buckle assembly is configured to allow a distal end of the prong to pass into a front side of the buckle assembly and protrude out a back side of the buckle assembly; and the prong further comprising at least one prong retention member disposed on a distal end of the prong, the at least one prong retention member being configured to compress laterally toward a centerline of the prong upon entering the front side of the buckle assembly and expand upon exiting the back side of the buckle assembly to trap the prong in the buckle assembly.

    22. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least one prong retention member comprises: a ramp configured to engage the front side of the buckle assembly upon the prong entering the buckle assembly and translate a longitudinal force applied to the prong for pressing the prong into the buckle assembly into a later force compressing the prong retention member toward the centerline of the prong; and a ledge configured to engage with the back side of the buckle assembly and trap the prong in the buckle assembly.

    23. The system of claim 22, wherein the fastening system further comprises: a sheath member proximal to the back side of the buckle assembly, the sheath member comprising: an opening configured to receive the distal end of the prong after the distal end of the prong has passed through the buckle assembly; and a channel configured to cover at least a portion of the prong.

    24. The system of claim 23, wherein the at least one prong retention member is set back from a distal tip of the prong, such that when the ledge is engaged with the back side of the buckle, the distal tip of the prong is inside the sheath member.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    [0022] The accompanying figures of the drawing, which are included to provide a further understanding of general aspects of the system/method, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These illustrative aspects of the system/method, and together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the system. No attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than necessary for a fundamental understanding of the system and the various ways it is practiced. The following figures of the drawing include:

    [0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable provided with illustrative configurations of a fastening system;

    [0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one configuration of the fastening system of FIG. 1 provided with a set of digit surfaces;

    [0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another version of a fastening system with different digit surfaces;

    [0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example configuration of a fastening system with a version of a guard around a buckle assembly for protection;

    [0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fastening system taken across plane 5-5 in FIG. 4;

    [0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example configuration of a fastening system with an indicial plate (e.g., instruction) for a consumer to understand operation;

    [0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the indicia plate, including an accommodation portion for receiving a buckle assembly;

    [0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a configuration of a fastening system configured with an eyelet interface system;

    [0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic of assembling the fastening system with one or more portions of the wearable;

    [0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view illustrating another configuration of the buckle assembly that may include a locking mechanism;

    [0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a buckle assembly, and the buckle assembly may be shaped sleek and compact;

    [0034] FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of a base configured with a different configuration having a spring;

    [0035] FIG. 12B illustrates a configuration wherein the pawl may include a retractable pawl;

    [0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the prong formed with a plurality of teeth;

    [0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic of various orientations of the tension members;

    [0038] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic of a wearable configured as a hand accessory, such as a wristband;

    [0039] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the fastening system of FIG. 15 that may include a buckle assembly and twin-prong;

    [0040] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the buckle of the fastening system of FIG. 15;

    [0041] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a tension member terminating at a wearable by an anchor;

    [0042] FIG. 19 is an illustrative perspective of a configuration of a wearable integrated with one or more fastening systems configured as a joint support;

    [0043] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a prong of the fastening system integrated with a toothed attachment;

    [0044] FIG. 21 illustrates a configuration of the wearable configured as a bike shoe;

    [0045] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the fastening system configured with the eyelet of the wearable;

    [0046] FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of the fastening system integrated with a wearable;

    [0047] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic of various configurations of a tension member guide;

    [0048] FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic of another configuration of the tension member guide that may include an elliptical groove;

    [0049] FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic view of a roller tension member guide and the tension members;

    [0050] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an illustrative configuration of a wearable provided with one or more fastening systems;

    [0051] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the wearable;

    [0052] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of a wearable;

    [0053] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a wearable with a protective overlay;

    [0054] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable in an opened condition;

    [0055] FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable in a closed condition where the digit interface for the prong is built into the wearable;

    [0056] FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0057] FIG. 34 illustrates a rear view of the wearable in FIG. 33;

    [0058] FIG. 35 illustrates a close-up view of a fastening system integrated with the wearable, where the buckle can receive 2 prongs that can be individually adjusted;

    [0059] FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0060] FIG. 37 illustrates a top view of the fastening systems integrated with the wearable of FIG. 36;

    [0061] FIG. 38 illustrates a rear perspective view of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0062] FIG. 39 illustrates a rear perspective view of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0063] FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a bottle holder;

    [0064] FIG. 41 illustrates a side-perspective view of a hand-held bottle holder;

    [0065] FIG. 42 illustrates a side-perspective view of a hand-held camera holder;

    [0066] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a prong where a looped tension member serves as a digit holder;

    [0067] FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the prong looped with the tension member;

    [0068] FIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the prong looped with the tension member;

    [0069] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a buckle-housing prong;

    [0070] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the buckle-housing prong of FIG. 46;

    [0071] FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the fastener assembly;

    [0072] FIG. 49 illustrates a side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 48;

    [0073] FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 48;

    [0074] FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of a buckle assembly;

    [0075] FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of another configuration of the buckle assembly of FIG. 51;

    [0076] FIG. 53 illustrates a sectional view of the buckle assembly taken along a section 52-52 in FIG. 52;

    [0077] FIG. 54 illustrates a side view of another configuration of the prong;

    [0078] FIG. 55 illustrates a top view of a wearable configured as a shoe;

    [0079] FIG. 56 illustrates a front view of another configuration of a wearable configured as a mini-pack;

    [0080] FIG. 57 illustrates a front view of another configuration of a wearable configured as a chest band of a backpack;

    [0081] FIG. 58 illustrates a rear perspective view of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0082] FIG. 59 illustrates a schematic of a user wearing another configuration of a wearable;

    [0083] FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0084] FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic of another configuration of a wearable;

    [0085] FIG. 62 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener;

    [0086] FIG. 63 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener;

    [0087] FIG. 64 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener;

    [0088] FIG. 65 illustrates a plan view of a fastener;

    [0089] FIG. 66 illustrates a side-perspective view of a fastener;

    [0090] FIG. 67 illustrates a side-perspective view of a fastener;

    [0091] FIG. 68 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0092] FIG. 69 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0093] FIG. 70 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0094] FIG. 71 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0095] FIG. 72 illustrates a perspective view of an anchor of a prong of a fastener;

    [0096] FIG. 73 illustrates a side elevation view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0097] FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0098] FIG. 75 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener;

    [0099] FIG. 76 illustrates a side elevation view of a terminal end of a prong provided with a variant of a control tab configured to manipulate/aid in orienting (or attaching) a fastener to an object (such as a wearable);

    [0100] FIG. 77 illustrates a side elevation view of the control tab illustrated in FIG. 76;

    [0101] FIG. 78 illustrates a side elevation view of a trigger formed on the terminal/proximal end of a prong of a fastener;

    [0102] FIG. 79 illustrates a side elevation view of a buckle assembly of a fastener;

    [0103] FIG. 80 illustrates a rendering of an exploded view of a buckle assembly wherein a slider and a base are illustrated;

    [0104] FIG. 81 illustrates a bottom perspective view illustrating a fastening system in an exploded condition;

    [0105] FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color and a dark color;

    [0106] FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color and a dark color;

    [0107] FIG. 84 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a fastener rendered with different colored materials;

    [0108] FIG. 85 illustrates an exploded view of a slider and a base of a buckle assembly;

    [0109] FIG. 86 illustrates a bottom plan view of a fastener rendered to illustrate a window through which tooling features are positioned to enable optimal manufacturing;

    [0110] FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color;

    [0111] FIG. 88 illustrates wire frame and rendered perspective views of a shoe configured with an open-vamp for easy entry and exit;

    [0112] FIG. 89 illustrates a perspective view of a workboot configured with a guard adjacent to the buckle assembly;

    [0113] FIG. 90 illustrates a perspective view of an outdoor adventure boot with a ramp formed out of material to protect the fastener;

    [0114] FIG. 91 illustrates a perspective view fastener utilized to secure a removable device from another object, such as a water bottle held into a pack (e.g., the waist-worn fanny pack);

    [0115] FIG. 92 illustrates a perspective view of a helmet provided with a fastener configured to adjust the fitment of the helmet on the head of a user;

    [0116] FIG. 93 illustrates a perspective view of a glove provided with a tension member and a fastener;

    [0117] FIG. 94 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener in which a single slider can act on more than one prong (e.g., the first prong and the second prong as shown);

    [0118] FIG. 95 illustrates various side elevations of a prong comparing lower profiles to reduce visual or operational mass of the buckle and prong;

    [0119] FIG. 96 illustrates a perspective view of a workboot;

    [0120] FIG. 97 illustrates various views of various configurations of prongs and buckles for different applications;

    [0121] FIG. 98 illustrates a perspective view of a water bottle configured with a fastener for single-handed operation to tighten a handle formed on the water bottle;

    [0122] FIG. 99 illustrates a perspective view fastener on an electronics prong configured to enable single-handed attachment and/or adjustment;

    [0123] FIG. 100 illustrates an illustrative wearable with a fastener for readily removably supporting an object (e.g., a water bottle);

    [0124] FIG. 101 illustrates a perspective view of a graphic formed on a first surface of the prong and a second surface of a buckle;

    [0125] FIG. 102 illustrates a graphic formed on a fastener configured to convey information to a user (e.g., a child who is learning to tighten their shoes in a fun and entertaining way, wherein the alligator is eating a plurality of donuts, and its tail is growing as it eats the donuts);

    [0126] FIG. 103 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener;

    [0127] FIG. 104 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener;

    [0128] FIG. 105 illustrates various renderings of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener.

    [0129] FIG. 106 illustrates a rendering of a fastener configured on a wearable electronics package;

    [0130] FIG. 107 illustrates various views of various configurations of a prong;

    [0131] FIG. 108 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or wearables incorporating fasteners;

    [0132] FIG. 109 illustrates various views of various configurations of a plurality of fasteners;

    [0133] FIG. 110 illustrates a control tab formed on a prong (albeit the control tab could be formed on a buckle assembly);

    [0134] FIG. 111 illustrates a control tab formed with a central rib and a buckle guard ring provided for various requirements such as directional control and/or attachment (e.g., via stitching); and

    [0135] FIG. 112 illustrates a bottom view of a control tab with a non-planar profile.

    [0136] FIG. 113 illustrates three examples of prongs (left to right): 1) a prong without prong retention members; 2) a prong with prong retention members disposed at the distal tip; and 3) a prong with prong retention members set back from the distal tip such that the distal tip may remain inside a sheath member.

    [0137] FIG. 114 illustrates a perspective view of a sheath member to control the distal end of a prong.

    [0138] FIG. 115 illustrates an exploded view of a sheath member.

    [0139] FIG. 116 illustrates a cut-away view of a sheath member.

    [0140] Similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label in the appended figures. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letter. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar components and/or features with the same first numerical reference label, irrespective of the suffix.

    Statements Regarding Chemical Compounds and Nomenclature

    [0141] In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the invention.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

    [0142] In the following description, numerous specific details of the devices, device components and methods of the present invention are set forth in order to provide a thorough explanation of the precise nature of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to those of skill in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details.

    [0143] Illustrative configurations are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed configurations. The following detailed description is intended to be considered illustrative only, with the true scope and spirit indicated by the following claims.

    [0144] It should be noted that the following description is configured for a fastening system utilized on an object. The object may be a wearable. Possible wearables include, but are not limited to, footwears, garments, helmets, watches, cameras, bottles, head pods, jackets, wrist braces, knee braces, backpacks, and the like. The fastening system is utilized on the wearable/object to illustrate the increasing, decreasing, or preserving tightness (sometimes referred to herein as binding).

    [0145] Fasteners for wearables such as footwear may include lace-based tying systems. The laces may interface with a plurality of guides or holes in the object and may be tied to tighten it when worn around a body part. Under typical use, the laces may tend to loosen, resulting in the object loosening around the body part. Fasteners may also include belts, which pass through a buckle that fixes the buckle therein. However, the above fasteners lack robustness and ease of use. Moreover, due to their larger sizes, the fastening systems may be prone to damage accidentally inflicted by other footwear during any activity.

    [0146] To this end, illustrative embodiments of a fastening system are disclosed, wherein the illustrative embodiment is applicable for closing, attaching, and securing purposes in various applications, including wearables such as footwear and clothing and apparatuses like bags, helmets, etc. The fastening also finds utility in bundling and fastening multiple individual units like electrical cables, wires, etc.

    [0147] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a wearable 102a configured as footwear (e.g., a motorcycle boot). The wearable 102a may include at least one fastening system, or as illustrated, fastening system 104a and 104b (hereinafter referred to as fastening system 104). The fastening system 104 may be positioned at one or multiple portions on the wearable 102a and operated across discrete conditions (e.g., opened condition, closed condition, tighter condition, looser condition, or the like). For example, when the fastening system 104 is in an engaged condition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, areas of the wearable 102a near the fastening system 104 are tightened around a user's foot. Further, the fastening system 104 may be in a disengaged condition (not shown) where the wearable 102a is loose, and a user's foot may be removed from the wearable 102a.

    [0148] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view 200 of a fastening system 202 configured with a buckle assembly 202 and a prong 204 passing through the buckle assembly 202. The buckle assembly 202 may be adjoined to the wearable 102 (FIG. 1) by any of several methods such as, but not limited to, stitching, riveting, threaded fastening, adhering, co-moulding, over-moulding, etc. In the present illustrative configuration, the buckle assembly 202 is attached by a replaceable threaded fastener, and the buckle assembly 202 may include a first set of digit surfaces 206. The first set of digit surfaces 206 (for example) may be operable by the user's index finger and the middle finger to manipulate the buckle assembly 202, as described later herein. If configured with the set of digit surface 206, one of the sets of digit surfaces is located on a sidewall of the buckle assembly 202 while the other sets of digit surfaces are on an oppositely disposed sidewall, as shown in FIG. 2.

    [0149] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the buckle assembly 202 includes a slider 208 and a base 210. In one configuration, the first set of digit surfaces 206 may be formed on the base 210. The prong 204 may be configured with a third digit surface 212. In the illustrative configuration, prong 204 may include a first end 214 and a second end 216, oppositely disposed to the first end 214. The first end 214 of the prong may be the free end of the prong, and the second end may include an anchor 220. The anchor 220 is designed to hold the prong 204 securely and may be attached to the wearable 102. In particular, the anchor 220 may be attached to the wearable via a threaded fastener (not shown). As such, in some configurations, the anchor 220 may include a groove 222, which may be configured to accommodate a post, or a pin formed on the wearable 102. Accordingly, the prong 204 may be adjoined to the wearable 102. The anchor 220 ensures that the prong 204 is securely fixed and prevents accidental detachment from the buckle assembly 202 during use.

    [0150] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the base 210 may be configured with a fourth digit surface 218 to receive a user's digit (finger or thumb). The tightening of the buckle assembly 202 may occur when a force is applied to the first set of digit surfaces 206 and an equal but opposite (reactionary) force is applied to the third digit surface 212. The loosening of the buckle assembly 202 may occur when another force is applied to the slider 208 (usually at a fifth digit surface 224) and the fourth digit surface 218.

    [0151] In an illustrative configuration generally shown in various embodiments herein and the applicant's related applications, the buckle assembly may further include a jack. The jack may be positioned adjacent to the slider. The jack may be fastened to the slider or formed into the slider as a single unit. The jack may include a clamp that may receive the prong and allow the prong to pass through. After the prong is passed through the clamp, the jack may lift the prong when the slider is transitioned from the first (engaged condition) to the second (disengaged condition) position. As a result of lifting the prong, the pawl and the array of teeth are disengaged, thereby releasing the prong from the buckle assembly. The jack, stopper, and lifter may be similar to the jack, stopper, and lifter implemented in the fastening systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/217,433, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/974,697 by the same inventor, Mark. S. Soderberg. Therefore, these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

    [0152] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view 300 of an illustrative configuration of a fastening system 302 configured for two-finger operation. The illustrative fastening system 302 may be provided with a first digit surface 304 and a second digit surface 306. The second digit surface 306 may be adjoined to a tension member 310. This configuration enables two-finger operation of the fastening system 302 whereby the user pinches the first digit surface 304 towards the second digit surface 306. Similarly, the two-finger operation may be altered whereby the first digit surface 304 and a third digit surface 308 (formed, for example, on a slider) are pinched to adjust the fastening system 302 further.

    [0153] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view 400 of a configuration of a fastening system 402 provided with a buckle guard 404 (in FIG. 5). The buckle guard 404 is either an integrated feature of a base 406 of the fastening system 402 or a separate component adjoining the base 406. If integrally formed, the buckle guard 404 is (for example) injection-moulded as features with the base 406. If configured as an adjoining component, the buckle guard 404 may be separately injection-moulded, compression-moulded, a small part with only the features of the buckle guard 404, or include other features such as attachment points. Generally, the buckle guard 404 may be provided to guard the fastening system 402 from impact or general wear.

    [0154] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fastening system 402 taken across plane 5-5 in FIG. 4. As illustrated, the buckle guard 404 has features to generally deflect an object (e.g., a rock 510) from directly hitting the moving components of the fastening system 402 which are more fragile.

    [0155] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view 600 of an illustrative configuration of a fastening system 602 provided with an indicia plate 604. The indicia plate 604 may be adjoining the fastening system 602 and a wearable (not shown). The indicia plate 604 may include ornamental details and/or information for using the indicia plate 604.

    [0156] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view 620 of the indicia plate 604 (in FIG. 6). Further, the indicia plate 604 may include an accommodation portion 622 for receiving a buckle assembly 202 (e.g. buckle assembly 302, FIG. 3). Accordingly, the buckle assembly 202 may be attached to the accommodation portion 622. The indica plate 604 may be attached to a wearable. The indicia plate 604 may be permanent or removable by a user after a training period (either instantaneous or over a few uses). The attachment may be enabled via, for example, an adhesive joint, a clamp, a sewing joint, or using a fastener like a clip, a screw, a nut-bolt assembly, etc.

    [0157] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view 800 of a configuration of a fastening system 802 configured with an eyelet interface system 810. The fastening system 802 may include a buckle assembly 202 and a prong 204. In some configurations, the fastening system may be installed into traditional eyelets of a wearable (e.g. footwear). The following describes one of several configurations that may be utilized. The buckle assembly 202 may be configured with a first extended portion 820 and the prong may be configured with a second extended portion 822. The extended portions 820, 822 may take several forms generally configured to interface with a feature on the wearable (e.g. an eyelet).

    [0158] With reference again to FIG. 8, the prong 204 and/or the buckle assembly 202 may be provided with a c-clip 824,826 or other fastener to enable the prong 204 to be attached to the various wearables via the second pin 806.

    [0159] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic 900 of assembling the fastening system 104 with one or more portions of the wearable 102. Further, the first extended portion 820 and the second extended portion 822 may adjoin a first groove 902 and a second groove 904 respectively, each groove formed as an eyelet on the wearable 102. In some configurations, existing eyelets may be used, or, in an alternative configuration, many eyelets could be formed in the wearable to allow for adjustability location(s) of the fastening system(s) 104.

    [0160] With continued reference to FIG. 9, the first extended portion 820 and the second extended portion 822 may be configurated with a feature (e.g. a circumferential groove) to receive a fastener like a c-clip (e.g. c-clip 824 and c-clip 826).

    [0161] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view 1000 illustrating another configuration of the buckle assembly. The buckle assembly 202 may include a locking mechanism for the tension member 310 (refer to FIG. 4) of the wearable 102. The locking mechanism may include an extended portion 1002 from the base 210. The extended portion 1002 may further include a protruded head post extending therefrom. Further, the locking mechanism may include a connector 1004. The connector 1004 may further include a slot. The slot may be configured to engage the head post in a snap-fit arrangement such that the connector 1004 may be connected and interlocked to the extended portion 1002. Accordingly, the tension member may pass through a space between the connector 1004 and the extended portion 1002.

    [0162] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view 1100 of another configuration of a buckle assembly 1102. The buckle assembly 1102 may be shaped sleek and compact as compared with the buckle assembly 202 (FIG. 2). This sleek shape may help to protect from damage, due to a low-profile structure thereof, that may be further protected by a cover (e.g. a flap). The configuration may confine the buckle assembly 202 to one or more flaps of the wearable 102. Accordingly, the sleek shape of the buckle assembly 202 illustrated by FIG. 11 may include a reduced height, and hence, the buckle assembly 202 may not protrude from the wearable. Accordingly, damage to the buckle assembly 202 may be prevented.

    [0163] FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view 1200 of a configuration of a base 1202. The base 1202 may be configured with a different configuration having a spring such as a convex spring 1218 or a concave spring 1220. The base 210 may include a bottom surface 1203 adjoining the wearable 102 and a top surface 1206 oppositely disposed to the bottom surface 1203. Further, the buckle assembly 202 may include a first wall 1202 and a second wall 1204 parallel and offset to the first wall 1202. The pawl 1208 may include a plurality of counter teeth. The array of teeth of the prong may designed as the plurality of counter teeth, i.e., teeth comprising a profile opposite to the profile of the pawl 1208. As such, in some configurations, the pawl 1208 may be configured to engage the array of teeth in a least invasive manner, when the prong 204 is moving relative to buckle assembly 202.

    [0164] In an illustrative configuration, the slider may be connected to the cap via a biasing member (not shown in figures). The biasing member may be configured to enable a quick return of the slider from the second position (disengaged condition) to the first position (engaged condition). Further, the biasing member may include, but is not limited to a coil spring, a leaf spring, and the like. For example, with reference to FIG. 12A, the biasing member may include the concave spring 1218, and the convex spring 1220. The concave spring 1218, and the convex spring 1220 may contact the slider 208 and enable the slider 208 to transition from the second position (disengaged condition) to the first position (engaged condition). The concave spring 1218 and the convex spring 1220 may be accommodated within cavities 1214 and 1216 formed on the first wall 1202 and the second wall 1204 respectively.

    [0165] FIG. 12B illustrates a configuration wherein the pawl 1208 may include a retractable pawl which may be adjusted to move down within the base 210. For example, a portion of the base 210 below the pawl 1208 may be formed as a hollow structure. This hollow structure may accommodate a plurality of biasing members, such as, springs configured to support the pawl 1208. Accordingly, during movement of the prong 204 against the buckle assembly 202, especially during the engaged condition and while tightening the wearable, the pawl 1208 may be retracted vertically downwards within the base 210. Consequently, no damage or wear may be subjected to the array of the teeth of the prong, thereby increasing the robustness of the fastening system 104.

    [0166] In an illustrative configuration, the first wall 1202 and the second wall 1204 may include a first rail 1210 and a second rail 1212 (not shown in the figure). In an embodiment, the first wall 1202 and the second wall 1204 may be configured to slidingly accommodate the slider 208 therebetween. Further, the slider 208 may also include a first guide and a second guide, configured to engage the first rail 1210 and the second rail 1209. For example, the first guide may be slidingly engaged with the first rail 1210, and the second guide may be slidingly engaged with the second rail 1209. The first and second guides may align the slider at the first, second, and intermediate positions, the first position indicating the engaged state of the fastening system 104, and the second position indicating the disengaged state of the fastening system 104.

    [0167] In an illustrative configuration, the slider 208 may enclose the first wall 1202 and the second wall 1204. In such configurations, the first rail 1210 and the second rail 1209 may be externally formed on the first wall 1202 and the second wall 1204. Further, the first guide and the second guide may be internally formed within the slider 208 and may engage the first rail 1210 and the second rail 1212 respectively.

    [0168] In an alternative configuration, the pawl 1208 may be formed approximately half of the width while a second pawl 1209 may be half-phase to provide micro-stepping of the prong, especially during the movement of the prong.

    [0169] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view 1300 of the prong 1302 formed with a plurality of teeth 1304. Further, the teeth 1304 may include with side edges 1306 shaped as a fillet for ejecting dirt, dust, and debris. Accordingly, such curved profile may enable easy removal of debris or dirt particles accumulated therein.

    [0170] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic of various orientations of the tension members 310. The tension members 310 may pass through a tension member guide 1404. The tension member guide 1404 may include a semi-circular groove which may be configured to orient, or configure the tension members 310 in various configurations, such as for example, a lowermost configuration 1402a, an intermediate configuration 1402b, 1402c, and an uppermost configuration 1402d. The tension member guide 1404 may be configured to position the tension members 310 in the lowermost configuration 1402a, in the intermediate configuration 1402b, 1402c, and in the uppermost configuration 1402d based on the positioning and quantity of the fastening system.

    [0171] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic 1500 of a wearable 1502 configured as a hand accessory such as a wristband, a wrist support bandage, a glove, and the like. The wearable 1502 may also include a fastening assembly 1504. The fastening assembly 1504, in this configuration, may include a twin-prong fastening system passing through a single buckle. In this configuration, the twin-prong configuration may include two prongs passing through a single buckle. Each of the prong from the two prongs may be separately attached to tension members 310, which may be attached to distinct parts of the wearable 1502. The fastening assembly 1504 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 16-17B.

    [0172] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view 1600 of the fastening system 1504 of FIG. 15. In an illustrative configuration, the fastening system 1504 may include a buckle assembly 1602, and twin-prong 1604 formed by two prongs. As explained earlier, the twin-prongs 1604 may be configured to pass through the buckle assembly 1602. Further, the twin-prongs 1604 may be attached to multiple tension members, i.e., each prong from the twin-prongs 1604 may be individually attached to tension members 310. Further, the tension members 310, as explained earlier, may be attached to different parts of the wearable 102. For example, each end of the tension members 310 may be attached to the wearable 102 using an anchor, or stitched to the wearable 102, and the other end may be attached to the twin prongs 1604.

    [0173] In an illustrative configuration, with continued reference to FIGS. 16-17 and explained earlier, the twin-prongs 1604 may be configured to pass through the buckle assembly 1602. Particularly, the twin prongs 1604 may pass through one or more tunnels 1706, 1708 formed in the buckle assembly 1602. Further, each prong from the twin-prongs 1604 may include an array of teeth (not shown in figures), which may be configured to engage pawls (not shown in figures) formed on the bottom of each tunnel from the tunnels 1706, 1708, or on the base 1710.

    [0174] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1700 of the buckle of the fastening system 1504 taken along a section 17-17 thereof. In an illustrative configuration, and as explained earlier, the tension members 310 may be attached to the twin-prong configuration. As explained earlier, the each prong from the twin-prongs 1604 may include an array of teeth configured to engage pawls formed on the bottom of each tunnel from the tunnels 1706, 1708, or on the base 1710.

    [0175] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view 1800 of a tension member 1802 (similar to tension member 310) terminating at a wearable 1804 by an anchor 1806. The anchor 1806 may include a cam-buckle lock 1808 fixated on the wearable 1804. Further, the tension member 1802 may be coupled to the buckle lock 1808, thereby fixating the tension member 1802 to the wearable 1804. As such, in some configurations, the buckle lock 1808 may be actuated to provide or release tension from the tension members 310, 1802 to tighten or loosen the fastening system 1504 on the wearable 1804. The tension member 1802 may be hidden inside a sheath member 1820, which may be configured to receive the end of the tension member 1802. In one alternative, the tension member 1802 may terminate at an end 1822 and may include an elastic 1824 for pulling the tension member 1802 into the sheath member 1820. The proximal end of the tension member 1802 may be connected to prong, or alternatively, a buckle assembly.

    [0176] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view 1900 of a configuration of a wearable 1902 integrated with one or more fastening systems 1904. The wearable 1902 may include a joint support (e.g., a knee support brace). The wearable 1902 may include one or more fastening systems 1904. The one or more fastening systems 1904 may be configured to tighten one or more portions of the wearable 1902. In an illustrative configuration, one or more fastening systems 1904 may be directly integrated into the wearable 1902. As such, the tension member of the wearable 1902 may be modified or integrated with external attachments that enable the tension member to function as a prong. Also, it is to be noted that similar to configurations of the fastening system disclosed above, the one or more fastening systems 1904 may also include a buckle assembly which allows passage of the tension member therethrough.

    [0177] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view 2000 of a prong 2002 of the fastening system of FIG. 19. In an illustrative configuration, the prong 2002 may be integrated with a toothed attachment 2004. The prong 2002 may be integrated into the tension member 2006 and may include a first array of teeth 2008 and a second array of teeth 2010. In one configuration, the tension member 2006 may pass through the tunnels of the buckle assembly (not shown in figures). Further, the tunnels of the buckle assembly may include pawls configured to interact with the first array of teeth 2008 and the second array of teeth 2010, and the one or more fastening systems 1904 (FIG. 19) may function in various configurations, i.e., engaged condition and disengaged conditions accordingly.

    [0178] Wearables such as a high-ankle footwear (e.g., a basketball shoe) may be integrated with various configurations of the fastening systems. For example, the various configurations of the fastening systems may include a single fastening system attached to a network of tension members, one or more fastening systems, and the like. Such configurations are illustrated in conjunction with FIGS. 21 and beyond.

    [0179] FIG. 21 illustrates a configuration of the wearable 2104 configured as a bike shoe. Accordingly, such wearables need to be tightened at multiple positions, such as eyelet, vamp, and the like. Therefore, the fastening system 2102 in such scenarios, may be integrated into the wearable 2104 at a position between the eyelet and the vamp. Further, as seen in the figure, the fastening system 2102 may be attached to the tension member 310. The tension member 310 may pass over the eyelet and the vamp and subsequently attached to the fastening system 2102. It must be noted that each portion, such as the vamp and the eyelet may include multiple tension members 310, which may be further transversely oriented and looped around the prong of the fastening system 2102.

    [0180] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view 2200 of the fastening system 104 integrated to the wearable 2102. The eyelet of the wearable 2102 may be covered by the tension member 310, and the vamp of the wearable 2102 may be covered by another tension member 310. The tension members 310 may be perpendicularly folded about folding sections 2204a, 2204b, and 2204c, until both tension members are arranged linearly in a stacking arrangement, and further adjoined about the second end 404 of the prong of the fastening system 104.

    [0181] FIG. 23 illustrates a top view 2300 of the fastening system 104 integrated with a wearable, at folding sections 2302a, 2302b, one or more guides (for example, guide 2402 in FIG. 24) may be integrated. The guides may include grooves formed with a predefined shape and may be configured to fold a portion of the tension member passing therethrough perpendicularly. In an illustrative configuration, instead of the eyelet being tightened using the tension member 310, another fastening system may be integrated thereon. For example, referring to FIG. 22, the eyelet portion may be tightened using the fastener 104, and the vamp may be tightened using the tension member 310. As such, the tension member 310 may be folded perpendicularly about the folding sections 2302a and 2302b, and hence may be further attached to the fastening system 104.

    [0182] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic of various configurations of a tension member guide 2402. Further, the tension member guide 2402 may include a solid portion 2404 surrounded by a groove 2406. In such configurations, the groove 2406 may include a triangular groove. The triangular groove may include a right-angled triangle, with a base perpendicular to a height, and a hypotenuse adjoined to corner vertices of the base and the height.

    [0183] In some configurations, at the folding sections 2204a, 2204b, 2204c, 2302a, and 2302b, at least one tension member guide 2402 may be integrated. Further, at least one of the tension members 310 may be passed through the tension member guide 2402, particularly through the grooves 2406. The at least one of the tension members 310 may be folded at the hypotenuse of the groove 2406, and hence the portion of the at least one of the tension members 310 and 502b after passing through the grooves 2406 may be perpendicular to the portion of tension member 502a, 502b entering the grooves 2406. In an illustrative configuration, one or more tension member guide 2402 may be stacked together such that each guide may allow respective passage of each of the tension members 310 through. The perpendicular portions of the tension member, i.e., portion of the tension members 310 exiting through the groove 2406 of each guide 2402 may be attached in unison, followed by fixation to the second end 404 of the prong of the fastening system 104. The other ends of the tension members 310 may be internally stitched within the wearable 102 and may be accessible through a tension member opening 2204.

    [0184] FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic of another configuration of the tension member guide. Further, the tension member guide 2502 may include an elliptical groove 2504. The guide 2502 may be positioned in such a manner that the portion of the tension members 310 exiting the elliptical groove 2504 may be perpendicular to the portion of the tension members 310 entering the elliptical groove 2504. Such positions may include orienting the guide 2502 at a predefined acute angle, or an angle ranging about 0-45 with respect to the wearable 102, such that the elliptical groove 2504 may also be oriented at such angles.

    [0185] FIG. 26 illustrates a schematic view 2600 of a roller tension member guide and the tension members 406 passing therethrough. In an illustrative configuration, the guide for the at least one tension member 310 may also be formed as a roller guide. For example, referring to FIG. 26, a roller guide 2602 may be affixed to any of the wearables illustrated in FIGS. 1-25. The roller guide 2602 may include a roller barrel 2604 enclosing a roller axle 2606. The roller axle 2606 may be further adjoined to a roller guide frame 2608. As such, in some configurations, the roller barrel 2604 may be rotatable about the roller axle 2606. Further, the at least one tension members 310 may be configured to pass through a gap between the roller barrel 2604 and the roller guide 2602. In an illustrative configuration, the roller barrel 2604 may be shaped in an elliptical shape, due to which the at least one tension members 310 passing therethrough may be distinctly oriented. For example, the portion of the at least one tension members 310 entering the roller guide 2602 may be distinctly oriented from the portion of the at least one tension members 310 exiting the roller guide 2602, due to the shape of the roller barrel 2604.

    [0186] The fastening systems are illustrated in FIGS. 1-26 may be implemented across various ranges of applications, which may also include a camera-holding glove, a bottle holder, and footwear such as basketball shoes, football shoes, and a number of other applications, some of which have been disclosed herein. Some applications are illustrated in detail, in conjunction with FIGS. 27-45.

    [0187] FIG. 27 is a perspective view 2700 of an illustrative configuration of a wearable 2702. The wearable 2702 may be provided with one or more fastening systems 2704. As configured, the wearable 2702 is a footwear. The one or more fastening systems 2704 may be integrated into other eyelet(s) of the footwear 2702. The actuation of the one or more fastening systems 2704 may be configured to tighten/loosen the wearable 2702.

    [0188] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view 2800 of another configuration of the wearable 2802. Juxtaposed with the wearable 2702, instead of the one or more fastening systems 2704 being positioned at the eyelet of the wearable 2702, the fastening system 2804 may be positioned at one or more locations on the wearable 2802 as illustrated. Further, the fastening system 2804 may be attached to the prongs 2806 passing into pockets configured to conceal an end portion of the prongs 2806.

    [0189] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view 2900 of a configuration of the wearable 2902. The wearable 2902 may include three fastening systems 2904a, 2904b, 2904c (generically referred to individually as a fastening system 2904) attached thereto. In such configurations, a fastening system 2904 may be attached to respective tension members 2908. For example, the fastening system 2904a proximate to the collar of the wearable 2902 may be attached to tension member 2908a, the fastening system 2904b proximate to the arch-area of the wearable 2902 may be attached to the tension member 2908b, and the fastening system 2904c proximate to the toe-area of the wearable 2902 may be attached to the tension member 2908c. It is noted that the tension members 2908a, 2908b, 2908c may be attached to the wearable 2902 beyond the eyelet opposite to the corresponding fastening systems 2904. Further, since the distance between opposite eyelets at near the toe is less than the distance between opposite eyelets at the tongue, the tension member 2908c may be positioned at the same eyelet. Therefore, to connect the tension member 2910 to the fastening system 2904 proximate to the toe-area, a guide 2906 may be used. If the wearable 2902 is configured with the guide 2906, the guide 2906 directs the tension member 2908c such that the portion of the tension member 2908c exiting the guide 2906 may be parallel to the portion of the tension member entering the guide 2906. Accordingly, the portion of the tension member 2908c exiting the guide 2906 may be attached to the fastening system 2904c. While there are many purposes for providing the guide 2906, one is to spread the force of the 2908c across a larger area (while, admittedly, reducing the effective applied tension).

    [0190] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view 3000 of another configuration of a wearable 3002. Further, the wearable 3002 may include features for protecting a fastening system 3004 and/or a prong(s) 3006. In this configuration, each fastening system from the fastening systems 3004 may be covered with a guard flap 3008. The guard flaps 3008 may be adjoined to the wearable 3002 (i.e., part of the knitted upper forming the vamp) and may be configured to enclose the buckle assembly of the fastening systems 3004 therein.

    [0191] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view 3100 of a wearable 3102 in an opened condition. Further, the wearable 3102 may be integrated with one or more fastening systems with at least one integrated prong 3106. If provided with an integrated prong, may be formed into the wearable 3102, and the buckle assembly may be integrated and enclosed by one or more guard flaps 3104. Accordingly, such configuration of the wearable 3102 may be operated in various conditions, which may include an opened condition (FIG. 31) and a closed condition (FIG. 32). In the opened condition, as illustrated by FIG. 31, the at least one integrated prong 3106 may be pulled out from the buckle assembly, such that the wearable 3102 is opened and ready to be worn.

    [0192] FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view 3200 of a wearable 3102 in a closed condition. The prong 3204 may pass through a buckle assembly 3206, and guard flaps 3106 may be adjoined to the vamp of the wearable 3102, thereby closing the wearable 3102 after being worn by the user.

    [0193] FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view 3300 of an alternative configuration of a wearable 3302. The wearable 3302 may be configured as a bike shoe with a compact structure. In such configuration, the eyelets (e.g., eyelet 3304) of the wearable 3302 may be configured to allow passage of the tension member 3306 therethrough, and the tension member 3306 may be configured to exit the wearable 3302 from an opening 3308 thereon. The tension member 3306 may be further attached to the fastening system 3310.

    [0194] FIG. 34 illustrates a rear view 3400 of the wearable 3302 provided with a fastener 3404. The fastener 3404 may be integrated into the heel counter portion of the wearable 3302 with a heel counter tension member 3406 affixed to the wearable 3402 and also affixed to the fastening system 3404. It is noted that the fastening system 3404 may include some, none, or all of the features of the fastening systems illustrated and discussed in the entirety of this document.

    [0195] FIG. 35 illustrates a front perspective view of a wearable 3502 provided with two fastening systems 3504, 3506. If so configured, the fastening system 3504 may be integrated with a tension member 3508 while the other fastening system 3506 may be integrated with a cuff prong 3510.

    [0196] FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view 3600 of another configuration of a wearable 3602, configured as, but not limited to, footwear for kids. The wearable 3602 may be integrated with fastening systems 3604.

    [0197] FIG. 37 illustrate a top view 3700 of the fastening systems integrated with the wearable 3602 of FIG. 36 wherein a buckle assembly 3702 (similar or identical to the fastening system 3604, FIG. 36) may include a prong 3704. The buckle assembly 3702 and prong 3704 may include indicia, such as indicia 3706 (e.g., as illustrated depicting visuals of various characters familiar to kids). The indicia 3706 may be formed on the buckle assembly 3702 and on the prong 3704. The indicia 3706 may represent an artistic illustration, such as, the balloon going distant from the character by distances D1 and D2 when the prong 3704 is manipulated relative to the buckle assembly 3702.

    [0198] FIG. 38 illustrates a rear-perspective view 3800 of another configuration of a wearable 3802 configured as a helmet such as but not limited to safety helmets for construction laborers, sports helmets for athletes, motorcycle helmets, and the like. As such, the wearable 3802 may be integrated with a fastening system 3804. The fastening system fastening system 3804 may be integrated with a tension member 3806. Accordingly, the fastening system 3804 may be configured to tighten the wearable 3802 by tensioning the tension member 3806, in a similar manner as explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2-4.

    [0199] FIG. 39 illustrates a rear-perspective view 3900 of another configuration of a wearable 3902 provided on a watch, such as but not limited to analog-type wristwatches, smartwatches, fit bands, and the like. As such, the wearable 3902 may include fastening systems 3904 integrated into straps thereof, which may be configured to tighten the wearable 3902 around the wrist of the user in a similar manner as explained with other embodiments and variants thereof.

    [0200] FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view 4000 of another configuration of a bottle holder 4002. FIG. 41 illustrates a side-perspective view 4100 of a hand-held bottle holder 4102, such as a fanny pack.

    [0201] FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view 4100 of a bottle holder application (body based as illustrated by FIG. 40, and hand-held by FIG. 41). The bottle holder may also be integrated with fastening systems. For example, referring to FIG. 40, the body-based squeeze-bottle holder 4002 may include a fastening system 4004 configured to connect a first portion 4006, and a second portion 4008. Accordingly, the fastening system 4004 when actuated, may be configured to pull the first portion 4006 and the second portion 4008. A squeeze bottle 4010 held between the first portion 4006 and the second portion 4008 may be tightened or loosened based on the actuation of the fastening system 4004.

    [0202] With continued reference to FIG. 41, the figure illustrates an application as a hand-held bottle holder 4102. The hand-held bottle holder 4102 may be equipped with a fastening system 4104. The fastening system 4104 may be coupled to one or more straps 4106 integrated with the hand-held bottle holder 4102. Particularly, the straps 4106 may be attached to the prong and buckle assembly of the fastening system 4104, and are configured to tighten the hand-held bottle holder 4102 upon actuation of the fastening system 4104. The extent of tightening or loosening the straps 4106 may be adjusted based on the actuation of the fastening system 4104.

    [0203] FIG. 42 illustrates a configuration of a hand-held camera holder 4202 integrated with a fastening system 4204. The fastening system 4204 may be attached to one or more straps 4210 and 4212. For example, the strap 4210 may be attached to the buckle, and the strap 4212 may be looped to the strap 4210 of the fastening system 4204. The extent of tightening or loosening the one or more straps 4210 and 4212 may be adjusted based on actuation of the fastening system 4204.

    [0204] In an alternative configuration, as explained earlier, the strap of the fastening systems is illustrated in FIGS. 1-42 may be stitched, attached, or formed with the tension member of the wearable. Alternatively, the tension members may also be looped with the straps. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 43-45.

    [0205] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view 4300 of a strap 4302. The strap 4302 may include a free end 4308. Further, a tension member 4304 may be looped opposite to the free end 4308. The end opposite to the free end 4308 of the strap 4302 may include a triangular groove 4306 and one or more side-grooves 4310. Further, the triangular groove 4306 may be formed in conjunction to the one or more side-grooves 4310. The tension member 4304 may pass through the one or more side grooves 4310 and may emerge from the triangular groove 4306. Further, the portion of the tension member 4304 entering the one or more side grooves 4310 may be perpendicular to the portion of the tension member 4304 exiting the triangular groove 4306.

    [0206] FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view 4400 of another configuration of the prong 4402 looped with the tension member 4304. As such, in these configurations, an end 4402 opposite to the free end 4308 may be formed as a ramped-shaped structure. Further, the prong 4402 may also include a triangular groove 4306 and one or more side-grooves 4310. Further, the triangular groove 4306 may be formed in conjunction to the one or more side-grooves 4310, as explained in FIG. 43. In a similar manner to FIG. 43, the tension member 4304 entering the one or more side grooves 4310 may be perpendicular to the portion of the tension member 4304 exiting the triangular groove 4306.

    [0207] FIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view 4500 of another configuration of the strap 4302 looped with the tension member 4304. The strap 4302 may include another configuration of the groove 4502, which may be similar to the groove 4306. As such, in these configurations, the grooves 4306 (refer to FIG. 43), 4502 may include a triangular groove, such as but not limited to, a right-angled triangular groove. The grooves 4306, 4502 may be in line or formed in conjunction to one or more side grooves 4504 (similar to side grooves 4310). The grooves 4306, 4502 and the one or more side grooves 4504 may function similarly to the tension member guide of FIG. 26, in which the multiple tension members may be guided in such a manner that the tension members exiting the grooves 4306, 4502 may be parallel. The end 4402 of the strap may be sloped from both surfaces, i.e., the top surface and the bottom surface may be sloped at the end 4402, such that the end 4402 is formed in a triangular shape. Accordingly, the tension members 4304 exiting the grooves 4306, 4502 may converge to a point, particularly at a leading edge of the end 4402. At the point at which the strap may be converged, the tension members 4304 may be stitched, or fixed, and hence, the tension members may attach with the strap 4302.

    [0208] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view 4600 of another configuration of a buckle-housing strap 4602. The buckle-housing strap 4602 may be provided with a first end 4604 and a second end 4606. The first end 4604 may include a groove which may be configured to accommodate a buckle assembly. As such, in these configurations, the groove may be formed as a triangular groove which may serve as a housing for the buckle assembly. Further, the second end 4606 may be formed as an anchoring groove, which may also be configured to engage with a pin on the wearable. The second end 4606 may be shaped as a circular slot. As such, the second end 4606 may be configured to fixate the buckle-housing strap 4602 onto the wearable. Such configurations are beneficial in case the fastening system is externally integrated into the wearable.

    [0209] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view 4700 of another configuration of the buckle-housing prong 4602 of FIG. 46. As such, similar to the buckle-housing strap 4602 of FIG. 46, the buckle-housing strap 4602 herein may include the first end 4604 and the second end 4606. In contrast to the buckle-housing strap 4602 of FIG. 46, the first end 4604 may be formed as a rectangular groove, and the second end 4606 may be formed as a triangular slot.

    [0210] FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view 4800 of another configuration of the fastener assembly 4802. The fastener assembly 4802 illustrated herein may include a prong 4804 passing through a buckle assembly 4806.

    [0211] The prong 4804 may include a first end 4808 and a second end 4810. The first end 4808 may illustrate a free end of the prong 4804, and the second end 4810 may include at least one-digit surfaces. For example, the second end 4810 may include a first digit surface 4812 and a second digit surface 4814. The first digit surface 4812 may be oppositely disposed to the second digit surface 4814 on the second end 4810.

    [0212] The buckle assembly 4806 may include a slider 4816 and a base 4818. The slider 4816 herein may be push-fit to the base 4818 in a snap-and-fit arrangement. Moreover, the slider 4816 may include another digit surface, i.e., a third digit surface 4820. Similar to the fastening systems disclosed in FIGS. 1-46, the slider 4816 may be configured to slide on base 4818 to allow movement of the prong 4804 through. The base 4818 may include another digit surface, i.e., a fourth digit surface 4822.

    [0213] To tighten the fastener assembly 4802, the user may be configured to position a thumb on the fourth digit surface 4822, and an index finger on the first digit surface 4812. Further, the user may create a pinching action using the thumb and the index finger to move the prong 4804 relative to the 4806 in a single direction, i.e., in a counterclockwise direction which results in the first end 4808 being moved away from the buckle assembly 4806.

    [0214] The user may subject another pinching action on the digit surfaces of the fastener assembly 4802. As such, to allow free movement of the prong 4804 in the buckle assembly 4806, the user may be configured to position their thumb on the fourth digit surface 4822, and their index finger on the third digit surface 4820. Further, the user may apply a predefined force onto the third digit surface 4820 via their index finger to move the slider 4816 relative to the base 4818. Consequently, the prong 4804 may be free to move relative to the buckle assembly 4806.

    [0215] During the configuration wherein the prong 4804 may be free to move, the user may position the thumb on the second digit surface 4814 and the index finger on the first digit surface 4812 to grasp the second end 4810. Accordingly, the user may subject a push or a pull action on the second end 4810 of the prong 4804. Hence, the prong 4804 may be maneuvered in both directions. i.e., in a clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction.

    [0216] The slider 4816 may be configured to slide on the base 4818. Accordingly, the base 4818 may include one or more features, such as a ramp groove, a ramp, and ramped buckle guards. For example, both sidewalls of the slider 4816 may include a ramp groove and ramped buckle guards. Such structure may be configured to accommodate and allow movement of the slider 4816 on the base 4818. This is explained in FIGS. 49-50.

    [0217] FIG. 49 illustrates a side view 4900 of the fastener assembly 4802. The fastener assembly 4802, particularly the base 4818 may include at least one wall, and each wall may include a ramp groove 4902 formed thereon. Moreover, the at least one wall may also include at least a triangular pocket 4904. The triangular pocket 4904 and the ramp groove 4902 may be configured to guide or trek the slider 4816 relative to the base 4818.

    [0218] In an illustrative configuration, the base 4818 may further include at least one extended portion. The at least one extended portion may include a first extended portion 4906 and a second extended portion 4908. The first extended portion 4906 and the second extended portion 4908 may be configured to control an orientation and positioning of the tension member, prong 4804, and the like.

    [0219] FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view 5000 of the fastener assembly 4802. As explained earlier, the base 4818 may include at least one wall, and each wall may include the ramp groove 4902 formed thereon. As illustrated herein, the base 4818 may include a first wall 5002 and a second wall 5004. The first wall 5002 and the second wall 5004 may include the ramp groove 4902, and the triangular pocket 4904 (refer to FIG. 49). Further, the first wall 5002 and the second wall 5004 may include a first ramp 5006 and a second ramp 5008 respectively. The first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008 may be positioned above the ramp groove 4902. The first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008 may be configured to allow ease in the assembly of the slider 4816, especially when the slider 4816 may be push-fit onto the base 4818.

    [0220] The slider 4816 may include a first slider wall 5010 and a second slider wall 5012. Each of the first slider wall 5010 and the second slider wall 5012 (not shown) may include a first lifter pin and a second lifter pin (not shown). The first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may inwardly protrude from the first slider wall 5010 and the second slider wall 5012. Further, each of the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may include ramped ends, i.e., ends shaped as a ramp. The ramped ends may be shaped corresponding to the first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008.

    [0221] While assembling the slider 4816 with the base 4818 (refer to FIG. 48), the ramped ends of the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may contact the first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008. Accordingly, the slider 4816 may be subjected to a push-force by the user, and the ramped ends of the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may slide vertically downwards over the first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008.

    [0222] Furthermore, as the ramp groove 4902 may be disposed below the first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008, after sliding over the first ramp 5006 and the second ramp 5008, the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may engage the ramp groove 4902 of the first slider wall 5010 and the second slider wall 5012 respectively. The first lifter pin and the second lifter pin, similar to the lifter of the applicant's related applications may be configured to lift the prong 4804 upon actuation of the slider 4816.

    [0223] The ramp groove 4902 may include a linear portion 5014 and a transverse portion 5016 adjoining the linear portion 5014. When the slider 4816 may be assembled with the base 4818, the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may enter the ramp groove 4902 of the first wall 5002 and the second wall 5004 respectively, particularly at the linear portion of the ramp groove 4902. Furthermore, when the slider 4816 may slide over the base 4818, the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may progressively move through the transverse portion, thereby lifting the prong 4804 similarly described in the applicant's related application.

    [0224] The ramp groove 4902 may terminate at a stopper portion 5018 formed adjacent to the transverse portion 5016. The stopper portion 5018 may act as a stopper for the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin. For example, the motion of the first lifter pin and the second lifter pin may be restricted at the stopper portion 5018.

    [0225] In an illustrative configuration, each of the first slider wall 5010 and the second slider wall (not shown in figure) may be formed as a triangular-shaped structure, or as a structure corresponding to the triangular pocket 4904. Accordingly, when the slider 4816 may be assembled to the base 4818, the first slider wall 5010 and the second slider wall may engage the triangular pocket 4904 of the first wall 5002 and the second wall 5004.

    [0226] With continued reference to FIG. 50, the base 4818 as illustrated herein may include a biasing member 5020, and a pawl 5022. The biasing member 5020 may be configured to bias the slider 4816 against the base 4818. Similar to the fastening systems in the applicant's related applications, the base 4818 in the fastener assembly 4802 herein may also include a locator 5022 engaged to an end of the biasing member 5020. Further, the other end of the biasing member 5020 may be coupled to the slider 4816. Particularly, the biasing member 5020 may be accommodated between parallel pillars extending from a bottom surface of the slider 4816. The biasing member 5020 may facilitate a quick return of the slider 4816 to an initial position after being manipulated or maneuverer by the user.

    [0227] The pawl 5022 may be further engaged to a plurality of teeth (not shown) of the prong 4804. The pawl 5022 may be configured to engage to the plurality of teeth to prevent motion of the slider 4816 against the base 4818, in a fashion similar to the pawl and teeth of the fastening systems illustrated and discussed in the entirety of this document.

    [0228] FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view 5100 of another configuration of a buckle assembly 5102. The buckle assembly 5102 may include a base 5104 and a slider 5106 adjoined to the base 5104. Further, the base 5104 may include a ramp 5106 and a chain tab 5108 oppositely disposed to the slider 5106. The chain tab 5108 may include a slot 5110. The slot 5110 may be configured to allow passage of a chain loop 5112 therethrough.

    [0229] FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view 5200 of another configuration of the buckle assembly 5102 of FIG. 51. As explained earlier, the slot 5110 may be configured to allow passage of a chain loop 5112 therethrough. Therefore, the buckle assembly 5102 illustrated herein may include the chain loop 5112 engaged to the chain tab 5108 by passing through the slot 5110. The chain loop 5112 may be further engaged to a tension member of the wearables, disclosed throughout this document.

    [0230] FIG. 53 illustrates a sectional view 5300 of the buckle assembly 5102 taken along a section 52-52 in FIG. 52. As explained earlier, the chain loop 5112 may be engaged to the tension member of wearables. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 53, the tension member 5302 may be looped with the chain loop 5112. Further, a portion of the tension member 5302 exiting the 5112 may be fixated to a portion entering the chain loop 5112 using a loop fastener 5304.

    [0231] In contrast to a user engaging the various digit surfaces of the prong 4804, the prong 4804 may be provided with a pull-up ring. The user may be configured to manipulate the prong 4804 by looping a finger through the pull-up ring. This is explained in detail in FIG. 54.

    [0232] FIG. 54 illustrates a side view 5400 of another configuration of the prong 4804 (refer to FIG. 48). As such, in some configurations, the second end 4810 of the prong 4804 may be modified in a curved conical shape, forming a receptacle for a pull-up ring 5402. The pull-up ring 5402 may be movably adjoined to the second end 4810. For example, the pull-up ring 5402 may be pivoted to the second end 4810. Hence, the user may loop the finger through the pull-up ring 5402 at various positions as described by indicia and may exert necessary pull to the prong 4804 via the pull-up ring 5402.

    [0233] The various configurations of the fastener assembly 4802 as described in FIGS. 48-54 may be implemented across a wide range of wearables, such as but not limited to shoes, backpacks, shoulder straps of the backpacks, caps, and the like. Moreover, the fastener assembly 4802 may also be implemented across medical equipment such as tourniquets, wrist supports, and the like. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 55-61.

    [0234] FIG. 55 illustrates a top view 5500 of a wearable 5502 configured as a shoe. As such, in some configurations, the fastener assembly 4802 may be integrated along with the wearable 5502 or retrofitted with any existing wearable 5502. When the fastener assembly 4802 may be integrated with the wearable 5502, the fastener assembly 4802 may be installed at one or more eyelet portions of the wearable 5502. In case the fastening system 4802 may be retrofitted with any existing wearable 5502, the fastener assembly 4802 may be adjoined to the collar of the wearable 5502. Further, the prong 4804 of the fastener assembly 4802 may be adjoined to the laces 5504 of the wearable. Accordingly, the fastener assembly 4802 when actuated may be configured to tighten the laces 5504 of the wearable 5502, thereby resulting in the 5502 being tightened.

    [0235] FIG. 56 illustrates a front view 5600 of another configuration of a wearable configured as a mini-pack. In this configuration, the wearable may include a pair of shoulder straps. As illustrated herein, the pair of shoulder straps may be configured in-line with a pair of fastener assemblies, i.e., each shoulder strap may be configured with the fastener assembly 4802. In this configuration, each prong 4804 may be coupled to each bottom portion 5608 of the pair of shoulder straps, and each buckle assembly 4806 may be coupled or attached to each top portion 5610 of the pair of shoulder straps. Consequently, the fastener assembly 4802 may be actuated, i.e., the prong 4804 may be manipulated relative to the buckle assembly 4806 to tighten the mini-pack after being worn.

    [0236] FIG. 57 illustrates a front view 5700 of another configuration of a wearable configured as a chest band of a backpack (not shown). As illustrated herein, a single fastener assembly 4802 may be configured to tighten the pair of shoulder straps 5704 across the chest of the user. Particularly, the buckle assembly 4806 may be coupled to a first shoulder strap from the pair of shoulder straps 5704 via tension member 5706 and anchor 5706. The prong 4804 may be coupled to a second shoulder strap (opposite to the first shoulder strap) via anchor 5708. Accordingly, when the fastener assembly 4802 may be actuated, the prong 4804 may be manipulated relative to the buckle assembly 4806 to pull the pair of shoulder straps closer, i.e., decrease a distance between the shoulder straps.

    [0237] FIG. 58 illustrates a rear-perspective view 5800 of another configuration of a wearable 5802. In this configuration, the wearable 5802 may be configured as a cap. As known, the wearable 5802 may include a closure. Accordingly, the closure may be configured as a fastener assembly 5806 (similar to the fastener assembly 4802). Particularly, the prong 4804 may be adjoined to a first rear panel 5808, and the buckle assembly 4806 may be adjoined to a second rear panel 5810. Hence, when the fastener assembly 4802 may be actuated, the prong 4804 may be manipulated relative to the buckle assembly 4806, to pull the first rear panel 5808 closer to the second rear panel 5810.

    [0238] FIG. 59 illustrates a schematic 5900 of a user wearing another configuration of a wearable 5902. In this configuration, the wearable 5902 may include eyewear, such as ski goggles. As such, the wearable 5802 may be equipped with a fastener assembly 4802. Particularly, the prong 4804 may be adjoined to a tension member 5904, and the buckle assembly 4806 may be adjoined to a chassis 5906 of the wearable 5902. As may be appreciated, the tension member 5904 may be pulled closer to the chassis 5906 upon actuation of the fastener assembly 4802.

    [0239] FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic 6000 of another configuration of a wearable 6002. In this configuration, the wearable 6002 may include garments, such as jackets and the like. In this configuration, at least one sleeve 6004 of the garment 6002 may be configured with the fastener assembly 4802 (refer to FIG. 48). Particularly, as seen, the buckle assembly 4806 may be attached to a first portion 6006 of at least one sleeve 6004, and the prong 4804 may be attached to a second portion 6008 of at least one sleeve 6004. The fastener assembly 4802 as illustrated herein, when actuated, may be configured to pull the first portion 6006 to the second portion 6008, thereby tightening at least one sleeve 6004 around the wrist of the user.

    [0240] FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic 6100 of another configuration of a wearable 6102. The wearable 6102 herein may include medical equipment such as a tourniquet. In this configuration, the wearable 6102 may be equipped with a fastener assembly 4802 (refer to FIG. 48). Particularly, the prong 4804 may be attached to a tension member 6104, and the buckle assembly 4806 may be adjoined to the wearable 6102. The fastener assembly 4802 as illustrated herein, when actuated to manipulate the prong 4804 relative to the buckle assembly 4806, may be configured to tighten the wearable 6102 around a body part of a user, incredibly close to a wound site.

    [0241] FIG. 62 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener.

    [0242] FIG. 63 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener.

    [0243] FIG. 64 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener.

    [0244] FIG. 65 illustrates a plan view of a fastener.

    [0245] FIG. 66 illustrates a side-perspective view of a fastener.

    [0246] FIG. 67 illustrates a side-perspective view of a fastener.

    [0247] FIG. 68 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0248] FIG. 69 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0249] FIG. 70 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0250] FIG. 71 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0251] FIG. 72 illustrates a perspective view of a proximal end of a prong of a fastener. The anchor as illustrated herein may include an indicia grip, i.e., an indicia configured to function as a grip. The indicia grip may be formed on one or more digit surfaces.

    [0252] FIG. 73 illustrates a side elevation view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0253] FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a buckle assembly of a fastener. The buckle assembly herein may include a slider and a base. The base may include one or more digit surfaces, as explained earlier. The one or more digit surfaces herein may also include the indicia grip.

    [0254] FIG. 75 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener.

    [0255] FIG. 76 illustrates a side elevation view of a terminal end of a prong provided with a variant of a control tab configured to manipulate/aid in orienting (or attaching) a fastener to an object (such as a wearable).

    [0256] FIG. 77 illustrates a side elevation view of the control tab illustrated in FIG. 76.

    [0257] FIG. 78 illustrates a side elevation view of a trigger formed on the terminal/proximal end of a prong of a fastener.

    [0258] FIG. 79 illustrates a side elevation view of a buckle assembly of a fastener.

    [0259] FIG. 80 illustrates a rendering of an exploded view of a buckle assembly wherein a slider and a base are illustrated. In this configuration, some or all of the features found in various configurations explained earlier may be present. The configuration may include ramp groove(s) and associated components such as a lifter for moving the prong off the pawl(s).

    [0260] FIG. 81 illustrates a bottom perspective view illustrated a fastening system in an exploded condition. The slider may be inserted (with an unshown spring) by urging the slider towards a bottom of the base. The components cooperate to orientate a lifter under the prong.

    [0261] FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color and a dark color (e.g., black on the left configuration and white on the right configuration).

    [0262] FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color and a dark color (e.g., black on the right configuration and white on the left configuration).

    [0263] FIG. 84 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a fastener rendered with different colored materials.

    [0264] FIG. 85 illustrates an exploded condition of a slider and a base of a buckle assembly. The slider may be configured with a lifter that is short protrusions that urge the prong away from a surface of a base (and a pawl formed on the surface).

    [0265] FIG. 86 illustrates a bottom plan view of a fastener rendered to illustrate a window through which tooling features are positioned to enable optimal manufacturing. Additionally, a pair of protrusions configured as a lifter are shown. The pair of protrusions may be able to lift a prong when the slider is actioned to release the prong relative to the base.

    [0266] FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener rendered in a light color.

    [0267] FIG. 88 illustrates wire frame and rendered perspective views of a shoe configured with an open-vamp for easy entry and exit. Also shown are covers over the buckle to protect the fastener. In one configuration, the covers may be formed out of fabric, foam, or the like in a way which fully integrates with the overall manufacturing and appearance of the shoe.

    [0268] FIG. 89 illustrates a perspective view of a workboot configured with a guard adjacent to the buckle assembly. The guard protects the buckle assembly from impact (e.g. boards on a work sight of a construction working). Also shown in this configuration is a sheath member for receiving a distal end of the prong.

    [0269] FIG. 90 illustrates a perspective view of an outdoor adventure boot with a ramp formed out of material to protect the fastener. While any of a variety of manufacturing methods may be utilized to form a ramp, one way is compression-moulding of foam (e.g., EVA foam); however, a large number of alternatives may be implemented. The configuration also shows a pair of transition tension members configured to carry the strapping force towards the sole of the boot.

    [0270] FIG. 91 illustrates a perspective view fastener utilized to secure a removable device from another object, such as a water bottle held into a pack (e.g., the waist-worn fanny pack).

    [0271] FIG. 92 illustrates a perspective view of a helmet provided with a fastener configured to adjust the fitment of the helmet on the head of a user.

    [0272] FIG. 93 illustrates a perspective view of a glove provided with a tension member and a fastener. This glove may improve fitment by providing on-the-fly single handed adjustment of the circumferential tightening of the glove.

    [0273] FIG. 94 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener in which a single slider can act on more than one prong (e.g., the first prong and the second prong as shown). It should be mentioned that two prongs may be shown, but some configurations may require multiple even or odd groupings of prongs for various configurations. While the illustrated configuration shows a single action to adjust two prongs, the buckle could be configured to have single action.

    [0274] FIG. 95 illustrates various side elevations of a prong comparing lower profiles to reduce visual or operational mass of the buckle and prong.

    [0275] FIG. 96 illustrates a perspective view of a workboot.

    [0276] FIG. 97 illustrates various views of various configurations of prongs and buckles for different applications. The prongs shown have either paired or singular operation depending on the specific application.

    [0277] FIG. 98 illustrates a perspective view of a water bottle configured with a fastener for single-handed operation to tighten a handle formed on the water bottle.

    [0278] FIG. 99 illustrates a perspective view fastener on an electronics prong configured to enable single-handed attachment and/or adjustment.

    [0279] FIG. 100 illustrates an illustrative wearable with a fastener for readily removably supporting an object (e.g., a water bottle).

    [0280] FIG. 101 illustrates a perspective view of a graphic formed on a first surface of the prong and a second surface of a buckle. The graphic(s) are able to cooperate to provide instructions or information to the user based on the position of the prong relative to the base.

    [0281] FIG. 102 illustrates a graphic formed on a fastener configured to convey information to a user (e.g., a child who is learning to tighten their shoes in a fun and entertaining way, wherein the alligator is eating a plurality of donuts and its tail is growing as it eats the donuts).

    [0282] FIG. 103 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener.

    [0283] FIG. 104 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener.

    [0284] FIG. 105 illustrates various renderings of various configurations of a fastener and/or products formed with a fastener.

    [0285] FIG. 106 illustrates a rendering of a fastener configured on a wearable electronics package.

    [0286] FIG. 107 illustrates various views of various configurations of a prong.

    [0287] FIG. 108 illustrates various views of various configurations of a fastener and/or wearables incorporating fasteners.

    [0288] FIG. 109 illustrates various views of various configurations of a plurality of fasteners.

    [0289] FIG. 110 illustrates a control tab formed on a prong (albeit the control tab could be formed on a buckle assembly). The control tab may have a non-planar cross-section configured to be a bistable mechanism. In a worn condition, as illustrated, the control tab urges the prong into a worn condition. In an entry condition (not shown) the control tab holds the prong in an entry location. Movement from the worn and entry conditions is aided by an audible and tactile click due to the shape and material properties of the control tab.

    [0290] FIG. 111 illustrates a control tab formed with a central rib and a buckle guard ring provided for various requirements such as directional control and/or attachment (e.g., via stitching).

    [0291] FIG. 112 illustrates a bottom view of a control tab with a non-planar profile. Also shown is a protruding indicia configured to provide an improved tactile experience when tightening the device.

    [0292] FIG. 113 illustrates three examples of prongs: 1) prong 11300 without prong retention members; 2) prong 11302 with prong retention members 11310 disposed at the distal tip; and 3) prong 11304 with prong retention members set back from the distal tip such that the distal tip may be retained inside a sheath member. Upon being inserted into a buckle assembly and out the other side, the prong retention members may function like an arrowhead to prevent the complete disengaging of a prong from the buckle when, e.g., removing a shoe. The small slots inboard of the prong retention members are one way to allow the retention members to collapse inward to allow insertion into a buckle assembly.

    [0293] FIG. 114 illustrates a perspective view of a sheath member 11400 to control the distal end of a prong. Sheath members can be created to hide the free end of the prong for appearance and to prevent it from being snagged on anything. In the illustrated embodiment, a section of a textile panel is formed over the top of the shoe for closure with the buckle assembly and prong incorporated. There is a space 11404 for a user's fingers to conveniently squeeze and tighten the buckle using the finger ledge. This space also allows room to access the webbing loop that holds the buckle assembly so that if the buckle assembly needs to be replaced, the webbing loop can be accessed. The replacement part may include a screw for attachment or other method to attach through the existing webbing by a consumer.

    [0294] The end of the sheath member is open in this case for dirt and water egress. In other embodiments, the sheath member could be closed ended with a hole in the bottom layer of the textile band to allow egress.

    [0295] FIG. 115 illustrates an exploded view of a sheath member. The closure panel is made up of a closure panel that is capped with a cover to form the sheath member. These 2 parts may be textile or plastic. They may be thermoformed or molded. Or the sheath member may be formed as it is attached to create a tunnel shape. The parts may be stitched or bonded together with HF Welding with or without a thermoplastic bonding layer. A loop of webbing, plastic, or cut textile is looped through a bar at the end of the buckle assembly to retain it. It can be inside the 2 layers as shown or slit and inserted from the bottom. In other embodiments, a window may be cut in the closure panel to accept a formed or molded tunnel from the bottom.

    [0296] While this embodiment contemplates a closure strap, this sheath member could also be formed in other parts of the shoe for instance on the medial or lateral vamp of the footwear.

    [0297] FIG. 116 illustrates a cut-away view of a sheath member. It can be seen how the extension beyond the prong retention member allows the end of the prong to stay engaged in the sheath member.

    [0298] In an alternative configuration, a fastening system for a wearable is disclosed, the fastening system including: a buckle assembly including: a base including: a bottom adjoining the wearable; a top oppositely formed to the bottom; and a first pawl formed on the top; a slider slidingly engaged to the base, the slider including: a slider body; a second pawl disposed within the slider body; and at least one digit surface disposed transverse to the slider body; a prong passing through the buckle assembly, the prong including: a first end; a second end oppositely disposed to the first end; a bottom surface disposed between the first end and the second end; and a top surface oppositely disposed to the bottom surface, wherein at least one of the bottom surface and the top surface includes: a set of teeth; an engaged condition, wherein the set of teeth is engaged to the first pawl or the second pawl to restrict the motion of the prong relative to the buckle assembly; and a disengaged condition, wherein the set of teeth is disengaged from the first pawl or the second pawl such that the prong is free to move relative to the buckle assembly.

    [0299] In an alternative configuration, a fastening system may include the base further including: a first end including: a first pin configured to engage a first slot on the wearable to anchor the base to the wearable.

    [0300] In an alternative configuration, fastening system may further include: the first end of the prong further including at least one of: a second pin configured to engage a second slot on the wearable to anchor the prong to the wearable; and a loop configured to accommodate a tension member of the wearable to adjoin the prong to the loop.

    [0301] In an alternative configuration, the fastening system may further include: the base further including: a first wall adjoined perpendicular to the bottom, the first wall including: a first guide rail; and a second wall disposed parallel, and offset to the first wall by a predefined distance, the second wall including: a second guide rail.

    [0302] In an alternative configuration, the fastening system may further include: the slider further including: a first rail formed corresponding to the first guiding rail; a second rail formed corresponding to the second guiding rail, wherein, when the slider is engaged to the base: the first rail is configured to engage the first guiding rail; and the second rail is configured to engage the second guiding rail.

    [0303] In an alternative configuration, wherein the first end of the prong further includes: an anchor slot configured to engage an anchor post of the wearable.

    [0304] The fastening system is illustrated herein is an affordable, user-friendly device designed to bind items together for many other applications securely. The fastening system can be crafted from a flexible material like plastic, such as nylon, urethane, or ceramic. In one exemplary embodiment, the materials may be clear nylon.

    [0305] The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and/or tables discussed herein are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to specific configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Various aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined similarly. Also, technology evolves and thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with diverse types of context awareness classifiers.

    [0306] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles a and an refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, an element means one element or more than one element. About and/or approximately as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like encompass variations of 20% or 10%, 5%, or 0.1% from the specified value as such variations are appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. Substantially, as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of 20% or 10%, 5%, or 0.1% from the specified value as such variations are appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

    [0307] As used herein, including in the claims, and as used in a list of items prefaced by at least one of or one or more of indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of at least one of A, B, and C includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of at least one of A, B, and C may include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

    [0308] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except as limited by the prior art. While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

    Statements Regarding Incorporation by Reference and Variations

    [0309] All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference). In addition to any references noted elsewhere in this application, the following references are incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/217,433 filed on Jun. 30, 2023, entitled FASTENING SYSTEM AND METHOD(S), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/974,697 filed on Oct. 27, 2022 and issued on Nov. 7, 2023 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,805,855.

    [0310] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the present invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, methods steps set forth in the present description. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods can include a large number of optional composition and processing elements and steps.

    [0311] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a cell includes a plurality of such cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. As well, the terms a (or an), one or more and at least one can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms comprising, including, and having can be used interchangeably. The expression of any of claims XX-YY (wherein XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide a multiple dependent claim in the alternative form, and in some embodiments is interchangeable with the expression as in any one of claims XX-YY.

    [0312] Every device, system, formulation, combination of components, or method described or exemplified herein can be used to practice the invention, unless otherwise stated.

    [0313] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

    [0314] All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. References cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety to indicate the state of the art as of their publication or filing date and it is intended that this information can be employed herein, if needed, to exclude specific embodiments that are in the prior art. For example, when composition of matter are claimed, it should be understood that compounds known and available in the art prior to Applicant's invention, including compounds for which an enabling disclosure is provided in the references cited herein, are not intended to be included in the composition of matter claims herein.

    [0315] As used herein, comprising is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by, and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, consisting essentially of does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms comprising, consisting essentially of and consisting of may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

    [0316] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that starting materials, biological materials, reagents, synthetic methods, purification methods, analytical methods, assay methods, and biological methods other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.