Buckle Fastener with Magnet

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A buckle assembly comprising: a receiving part comprising a receiver housing; an insertion part comprising an insertion housing configured to releasably engage the receiver housing; a first magnetic component disposed on or within the receiver housing; and a second magnetic component disposed on or within the insertion housing, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to magnetically attract one another during assembly.

2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to draw the insertion part into engagement with the receiving part during assembly.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein both the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component comprise permanent magnets.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first magnetic component or the second magnetic component comprises a ferrous material.

5. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic components are perpendicular to one another.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic components is configured to provide lateral alignment of the insertion part and the receiving part during engagement.

7. The buckle assembly of claim 1, further comprising an insertion appendage extending from the insertion housing, wherein the receiver housing defines an insertion opening configured to receive the insertion appendage.

8. The buckle assembly of claim 7, further comprising a latch disposed within the receiver housing, the latch being pivotably mounted and configured to engage a corresponding catch on the insertion appendage when the insertion part is magnetically drawn into the receiving part.

9. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet comprises a neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) material, a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) material, or an alnico-based magnet material.

10. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components is insert-molded into the receiver housing or the insertion housing during manufacturing.

11. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein the insertion housing and receiver housing are fabricated from a polymeric material and the first and second magnetic components are embedded therein.

12. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein magnetic attraction provides at least partial self-alignment and engagement between the insertion part and the receiving part.

13. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein a major axis of the first magnetic component is perpendicular to a major axis of the second magnetic component.

14. The buckle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of latches pivotably mounted relative to the receiver housing.

15. The buckle assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the pair of latches comprises at least one tooth.

16. The buckle assembly of claim 15, wherein the pair of latches are configured to interlock via the at least one tooth of each of the pair of latches.

17. A buckle assembly comprising: an insertion part comprising an insertion housing configured to releasably engage the receiver housing, wherein the insertion housing includes an insertion appendage having one or more catches; a receiving part comprising a receiver housing that defines an insertion opening configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion appendage; a first magnetic component disposed on or within the receiver housing; a second magnetic component disposed on or within the insertion housing, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to magnetically attract one another during assembly; a latch pivotably mounted to the receiver housing and configured to engage the one or more catches; and a third magnetic component disposed on or within the latch.

18. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein both the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component comprise permanent magnets.

19. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein one of the first magnetic component or the second magnetic component comprises a ferrous material.

20. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein the permanent magnet comprises a neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) material, a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) material, or an alnico-based magnet material.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures; where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate, respectively, perspective views of connected and disconnected buckle assemblies with at least one magnetic component in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 1c and 1d illustrate top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the connected buckle assembly.

[0009] FIG. le illustrates a top plan view of the disconnected buckle assembly.

[0010] FIG. If illustrates a cross-sectional top plan view of the disconnected buckle assembly, taken along cutline B-B of FIG. 2f.

[0011] FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly.

[0012] FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly, taken along cutline A-A of FIG. 2a.

[0013] FIG. 2c illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly, taken along cutline B-B of FIG. 2f.

[0014] FIG. 2d illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly, taken along cutline C-C of FIG. 2f.

[0015] FIG. 2e illustrates a side elevational view of the disconnected buckle assembly.

[0016] FIG. 2f illustrates a side elevational view of the connected buckle assembly.

[0017] FIG. 2g illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly, taken along cutline A-A of FIG. 2a.

[0018] FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle housing removed to show the latch mechanism.

[0019] FIG. 3b illustrates a top plan view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle housing removed to show the latch mechanism.

[0020] FIG. 3c illustrates a top plan view of the connected buckle assembly with both male and female housings removed to illustrate the latches and magnetic components.

[0021] FIG. 3d illustrates a perspective view of the latches in the engaged position.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of example buckle assembly in accordance with another aspect of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within and/or including the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as first, second, top, bottom, side, front, back, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, while in some examples a first side is located adjacent or near a second side, the terms first side and second side do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.

[0024] The terms about, approximately, substantially, or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as, or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms e.g., and for example set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0025] The term and/or means any one or more of the items in the list joined by and/or. As an example, x and/or y means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, x and/or y means one or both of x and y. As another example, x, y, and/or z means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, x, y, and/or z means one or more of x, y, and z.

[0026] A buckle assembly can be used to join two or more components, such as a lead (e.g., straps, ropes, strips, cordage, or another material to be fastened). Such buckles may have various uses in different applications. For example, a buckle assembly may be used on bags, safety gear (e.g., helmets), collars, or any other application that may need to be fastened.

[0027] Conventional buckle assemblies exhibit certain deficiencies that can limit their convenience, versatility, and/or cost-efficiency. For example, assembly of existing two-part buckles is typically manual, requiring alignment and applied force by the user. Many such designs also rely on internal springs to achieve latching or return functionality, introducing additional manufacturing complexity and cost. Furthermore, existing buckles often fail to operate effectively when oriented upside-down, restricting their usability in dynamic or disoriented environments. Further, during disassembly, users are typically required to manually separate the components, which includes the necessity to forcefully disengage all locking featuresa process that may be cumbersome or impractical under certain conditions.

[0028] The disclosed buckle assembly comprises at least two componentsreceiving part (e.g., female component) and an insertion part (e.g., male component)typically made from molded plastic. When connected, the two-piece buckle assembly functions as a load-bearing closure with a quick-release feature via one or more buttons. Buckle assemblies are designed for repeated use, enabling consistent and reliable engagement and disengagement. Assembly typically involves bringing the receiving part and the insertion part into proximity and forcefully engaging their corresponding locking portions to form a secure, unified structure.

[0029] The disclosed buckle assembly enhances this process by incorporating one or more magnetic components between the two components. The magnetic components serve to assist in drawing the components together and engaging the locking portions automatically, thereby facilitating the formation of the combined physical unit. Disassembly, whether or not magnetically assisted, involves disengaging the locking portionseither through applied force or magnetically biased separationwhich results in the physical separation of the male and female components.

[0030] In one example, a buckle assembly comprises: a receiving part comprising a receiver housing; an insertion part comprising an insertion housing configured to releasably engage the receiver housing; a first magnetic component disposed on or within the receiver housing; and a second magnetic component disposed on or within the insertion housing, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to magnetically attract one another during assembly.

[0031] In another example, a buckle assembly comprises: an insertion part comprising an insertion housing configured to releasably engage the receiver housing, wherein the insertion housing includes an insertion appendage having one or more catches; a receiving part comprising a receiver housing that defines an insertion opening configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion appendage; a first magnetic component disposed on or within the receiver housing; a second magnetic component disposed on or within the insertion housing, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to magnetically attract one another during assembly; and a pair of latches pivotably mounted to the receiver housing and configured to engage the one or more catches.

[0032] In yet another example, a buckle assembly comprises: an insertion part comprising an insertion housing configured to releasably engage the receiver housing, wherein the insertion housing includes an insertion appendage having one or more catches; a receiving part comprising a receiver housing that defines an insertion opening configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion appendage; a first magnetic component disposed on or within the receiver housing; a second magnetic component disposed on or within the insertion housing, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic components comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the first and second magnetic components are configured to magnetically attract one another during assembly; a latch pivotably mounted to the receiver housing and configured to engage the one or more catches; and a third magnetic component disposed on or within the latch.

[0033] In some examples, the first and second magnetic components are configured to draw the insertion part into engagement with the receiving part during assembly.

[0034] In some examples, both the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component comprise permanent magnets.

[0035] In some examples, one of the first magnetic component or the second magnetic component comprises a ferrous material.

[0036] In some examples, the first and second magnetic components are perpendicular to one another.

[0037] In some examples, magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic components is configured to provide lateral alignment of the insertion part and the receiving part during engagement.

[0038] In some examples, the buckle assembly further comprises an insertion appendage extending from the insertion housing, wherein the receiver housing defines an insertion opening configured to receive the insertion appendage.

[0039] In some examples, the buckle assembly further comprises a pair of latches disposed within the receiver housing, the latches being pivotably mounted and configured to engage corresponding catches on the insertion appendage when the insertion part is magnetically drawn into the receiving part.

[0040] In some examples, the permanent magnet comprises a neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) material, a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) material, or an alnico-based magnet material.

[0041] In some examples, at least one of the first and second magnetic components is insert-molded into the receiver housing or the insertion housing during manufacturing.

[0042] In some examples, the insertion housing and receiver housing are fabricated from a polymeric material and the first and second magnetic components are embedded therein.

[0043] In some examples, magnetic attraction provides at least partial self-alignment and engagement between the insertion part and the receiving part.

[0044] In some examples, a major axis of the first magnetic component is perpendicular to a major axis of the second magnetic component.

[0045] In some examples, the buckle assembly further comprises a pair of latches pivotably mounted relative to the receiver housing.

[0046] In some examples, each of the pair of latches comprises at least one tooth.

[0047] In some examples, the pair of latches are configured to interlock via the at least one tooth of each of the pair of latches.

[0048] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate perspective views of buckle assemblies 100 in connected and disconnected configurations, respectively, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The receiving part 102 is configured to mate with the insertion part 104 to assume a connected position. As illustrated, the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 interlock in the inserted state (i.e., the connected potion). In order to securely mate the insertion part 104 into the receiving part 102, the insertion part 104 is urged into the insertion opening 128 of the receiving part 102 via insertion force 154. For example, each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 can include both mechanical engagement features (e.g., a latch mechanism 158) and magnetic components 130a, 130b, which are configured to magnetically couple with one another. FIGS. 1c and 1d illustrate top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the connected buckle assembly 100. FIG. 1e illustrates a top plan view of the disconnected buckle assembly 100, and FIG. 1f shows a cross-sectional top plan view of the disconnected buckle assembly 100, taken along cutline B-B of FIG. 2f.

[0049] The disclosed buckle assembly 100 overcomes limitations in existing buckles by integrating magnetic components 130a, 130b into the insertion part 104 and receiving part 102, thereby enabling magnetically assisted alignment and engagement during assembly. This reduces user effort and enables reliable operation in any orientation, including upside-down. The design eliminates the need for internal springs, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing component costs. Moreover, the disclosed buckle assembly 100 facilitates automatic separation of the insertion part 104 and receiving part 102 during disassembly, requiring only that one locking feature be forcefully disengaged.

[0050] Each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 can be fabricated as a housing (e.g., the receiver housing 114 and the insertion housing 124) with one or more internal or attached components, such as the magnetic elements 130a, 130b, the latch mechanism 158 (e.g., the latches 106, catches 116, etc.), or other features. The structural portions of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 may be formed using various manufacturing techniques, including injection molding, CNC (computer numerical control) machining, or molding processes utilizing engineered or moldable plastics. For example, the components may be constructed from a variety of materials, including polymeric materials (including synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other plastics), composites (e.g., fiberglass), metals or metal alloys, or combinations thereof. In one example, the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 may be produced via mold tooling and plastic injection molding. In another example, these components may be 3D-printed using thermoplastic materials, allowing for high precision and detailparticularly advantageous for features requiring complex geometries or tight tolerances.

[0051] Additive manufacturing techniques offer the benefit of eliminating the need for mold tooling typically required in injection molding, thereby reducing initial production costsespecially valuable for low-volume manufacturing. In some examples, one or more components of the buckle assembly 100 may be fabricated using additive manufacturing methods such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, vat photopolymerization, or other suitable 3D printing processes.

[0052] Each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 is provided with one or more lead openings 120 for guiding or attaching a lead 122. The leads 122 are represented in dashed lines in FIGS. 1c through 1f. In operation, the leads 122 can be attached to each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 so that buckle assembly 100 can be used to secure together opposite ends of a single lead 122 or to secure ends of separate leads 122. Therefore, the leads 122 may represent either separate belts or opposite ends of a single belt.

[0053] Each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 is provided with one or more lead openings 120 for guiding or attaching a lead 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving part 102 includes a single lead opening 120 for fixed attachment of a lead 122, sometimes by threading it through and, where desired, sewing. The insertion part 104 includes two lead openings 122 located on opposite sides of a central bar 126, enabling adjustable attachment of a lead 122. The lead 122 is threaded from a rear lateral surface through a first lead opening 122, over the central bar 126, and out through a second lead opening 122, in a conventional manner.

[0054] Example leads 122 include, inter alia, straps (e.g., helmet straps, backpack straps, belts, etc.), ropes, strips, cordage, or another material to be fastened. The leads 122 may be fabricated from, for example, plastic, nylon, leather, fabric, etc. In some examples, each of the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 may be adjustably positioned along the length of a lead 122. Other structures, or components, however, may be used to couple to the insertion part 104 and/or the receiving part 102 in addition to, or in lieu of, the leads 122. Alternative configurations are also possible. For example, both receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 may include only one lead opening 122 each for fixed attachment, or both may include multiple lead openings 122 for adjustable connections. The reverse arrangement is also contemplated, in which the lead 122 is fixed to the insertion part 104 and adjustably connected to the receiving part 102. For example, the insertion part 104 and/or the receiving part 102 may be coupled to an item (e.g., helmet, bag, belt, garment, etc.) via mechanical fasteners (e.g., snaps, rivets, carabiner clips, etc.), adhesives, etc.

[0055] The receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104 can be coupled to one another via the magnetic elements 130a, 130b and/or the latch mechanism 158. The latch mechanism 158 can include, for example, a pair of latches 106, a pair of catches 116, or other features. For example, the pair of latches 106 can engage the pair of catches 116 via a contact surface 156. During assembly, the surfaces of the latches 106 cooperate with the surfaces of the insertion part 104 such that the latches 106 pivot when biased by the insertion part 104 the during assembly (with the assistance of magnetic forces) to secure the receiving part 102 and the insertion part 104.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 1f, each of the latches 106 comprises one or more teeth 136 and a button surface 140. In some examples, the assembly and disassembly mechanisms may further include intermeshing gear-like features having teeth 136 disposed on one or both of the upper and lower surfaces of the components. These features are configured to provide synchronized movement during locking and unlocking operations, ensuring smooth engagement and disengagement of the components in a repeatable and reliable manner.

[0057] The teeth 136 of the latches 106 engage one another when in the closed position. During assembly of the buckle assembly 100, the leading surface 118 of the insertion appendage 112, which extends from the insertion part 104, is initially positioned in close proximity to correspondingly-shaped receiver surfaces 138 defined within the receiving part 102. As the two parts are brought nearer, magnetic attraction between the magnetic components 130a, 130beach disposed in one of the insertion part 104 and receiving part 102draws the insertion appendage 112 toward and into the insertion opening 128 of the receiver housing 114. This magnetic force facilitates the initial engagement and alignment of the parts. As the insertion appendage 112 continues to advance into the receiving part 102, latches 106 positioned within the receiver housing 114 are pivoted outwardly to accommodate the insertion motion.

[0058] Upon further insertion, the latches 106 pivot back inwardly as the insertion appendage 112 passes through, allowing internal locking features such as button locks 142 to engage, via contact surfaces 156, with corresponding catches 116 formed along the sides of the insertion appendage 112. This engagement creates a secure mechanical interlock between the insertion part 104 and receiving part 102, forming a coupled physical assembly held together both magnetically and mechanically.

[0059] To disassemble the buckle assembly 100, a user applies force to external button surfaces 140, which actuates the internal button lock surfaces 142, disengaging them from the catches 116 on the insertion appendage 112. For example, the button surfaces 140 can be pinched or squeezed towards one another (e.g., opposite that indicated by arrows 152) to disengage the insertion part 104 from the receiving part 102 where the pinching motion causes the latches 106 to pivot about their axis.

[0060] Once the mechanical latch is released, exterior button portions 148 of the receiving part 102 may be pressed to contact and push against male component portions 134 of the insertion part 104, thereby facilitating separation of the two parts.

[0061] FIG. 2a provides a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly 100. FIGS. 2b and 2c illustrate perspective cross-sectional views of the connected buckle assembly 100, taken along cutlines A-A and B-B of FIGS. 2a and 2f, respectively. FIG. 2d is a side cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly 100, taken along cutline C-C of FIG. 2f. FIGS. 2e and 2f show side elevational views of the disconnected and connected buckle assemblies 100, respectively. FIG. 2g illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the connected buckle assembly 100, taken along cutline A-A of FIG. 2a.

[0062] Details of the latch mechanism 158 are illustrated in greater detail at FIGS. 3a through 3d. Specifically, FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly 100 with the receiver housing 114 removed to show the latch mechanism 158, and FIG. 3b provides a top plan view of the connected buckle assembly 100 with the receiver housing 114 removed to show the same latch mechanism 158, which is illustrated as a pair of latches 106 and a pair of catches 116. FIG. 3c illustrates a top plan view of the connected buckle assembly 100 with both the insertion housing 124 and the female housing 114 removed to show the latches 106 and magnetic components 130a, 130b. FIG. 3d illustrates a perspective view of the latches 106 in the engaged position.

[0063] The receiving part 102 includes a receiver housing 114, in which a lead opening 120 is formed, defining at least one insertion opening 128 configured to receive a portion of the insertion part 104. The receiver housing 114 is further configured to house a first magnetic component 130a. The first magnetic component 130a can be inserted in the receiver housing 114 during its manufacturing process, such as overmolding or insert molding. For example, the first magnetic component 130a can be placed into a mold and then plastic is injected around it to form a single, integrated receiving part 102.

[0064] In some embodiments, the receiver housing 114 is constructed from a set of spaced-apart plates 146 secured at or near their edges by one or more sides 144, thereby forming a pocket-like structure that defines the insertion opening 128. As shown, the receiver housing 114 includes an upper plate 146 (e.g., a first plate) and a lower plate 146 (e.g., a second plate), spaced apart and joined by a first side 144 and a second side 144. The receiver housing 114 further includes one or more pivot openings 108, configured to interface with the pivot shafts 132 of the latches 106.

[0065] Each of the first side 144 and second side 144 includes a respective latch 106 (collectively forming the pair of latches 106) configured to secure the insertion appendage 112 of the insertion part 104. The latches 106 are pivotably mounted to the receiver housing 114 and shaped to engage catches 116 formed at or near the leading end of the insertion appendage 112.

[0066] Each latch 106 is positioned within a corresponding window 110 and is configured to pivot relative to the receiver housing 114. To enable this pivoting motion, each latch 106 includes one or more pivot shafts 132. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch 106 includes two concentric pivot shafts 132one oriented upwardly and one oriented downwardly. The distal ends of the pivot shafts 132 may incorporate sloped surfaces 150 to facilitate installation of the latches 106 into the receiver housing 114 during manufacturing (e.g., through a sliding motion during installation).

[0067] The latches 106 are pivotably mounted to the receiver housing 114 via the pivot shafts 132, which are received within corresponding pivot holes 108 formed in the upper and lower plates 146 of the receiver housing 114. Each latch 106 pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to both the direction of insertion 154 and the primary plane of the buckle assembly 100. In the locked position, the latches 106 engage corresponding holding catches 116, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insertion appendage 112 from the insertion opening 128. With reference to FIG. 3c, the latches 106 are further shaped such that they surround the insertion appendage 112 when assembled. That is, the interlocking teeth 136 are meshed above and below the insertion appendage 112. In some embodimentsnot illustrated, but if desiredthe latches 106 may be biased toward the locked position by spring elements, such as coil springs disposed in blind bores within the receiver housing 114.

[0068] Each latch 106 is configured as a two-armed lever. When an external force is applied, as indicated by arrows 152, the latch pivots to an open position, disengaging from the catches 116 and permitting withdrawal of the insertion appendage 112. During engagement, the front end of the insertion appendage 112 enters the insertion opening 128, deflecting the latches 106 until the catches 116 snap into place behind the latches 106, thereby locking the insertion part 104 into the receiving part 102.

[0069] The insertion part 104 includes an insertion appendage 112 that extends in the direction of insertion 154. Near its distal end, the insertion appendage 112 includes catches 116 on one or, as shown, both lateral sides. The catches 116 project in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion 154 and parallel to the primary plane of the insertion part 104, corresponding to the lead 122 width.

[0070] As described above, the insertion part 104 includes an insertion housing 124 from which the insertion appendage 112 extends. The insertion housing 124 is further configured to house a second magnetic component 130b. The second magnetic component 130b can be inserted in the insertion housing 124 during its manufacturing process, such as overmolding or insert molding. For example, the second magnetic component 130b can be placed into a mold and then plastic is injected around it to form a single, integrated insertion part 104.

[0071] During operation, the insertion appendage 112 is inserted into and received by the insertion opening 128 of the receiving part 102, as indicated by Arrow B, thereby latching the buckle assembly 100. As the insertion appendage 112 is urged into the insertion opening 128, the latches 106 pivot in the directions indicated by Arrows A and A until the latches 106 engage and retain the insertion appendage 112 in the locked position.

[0072] During assembly, the first magnetic component 130a and the second magnetic component 130b cooperate with one another to facilitate assembly. That is, the magnetic components 130a and 130b are incorporated into the insertion part 104 and receiving part 102, respectively, to facilitate magnetic attraction and assist in the coupling of the buckle assembly 100. The magnetic components 130a, 130b are configured to generate an attractive magnetic force sufficient to draw the insertion part 104 into proper alignment with and toward the receiving part 102 to initiate or complete mechanical engagement.

[0073] In some embodiments, both magnetic components 130a and 130b are permanent magnets. In other embodiments, one component (e.g., the first magnetic component 130a) is a permanent magnet, while the opposing component (e.g., the second magnetic component 130b) is a ferromagnetic material, such as mild steel, stainless steel, or another suitable magnetically responsive material. The inverse is also contemplated where the first magnetic component 130a is a ferromagnetic material, while the second magnetic component 130b is a permanent magnet. This flexibility allows for variations in manufacturing, cost, and material compatibility, while still achieving consistent magnetic attraction.

[0074] As noted, the magnetic components 130a, 130b may be embedded into or overmolded within the respective housing structures (e.g., receiver housing 114 and/or insertion housing 124) using insert molding techniques. This ensures that the magnets or ferrous elements are mechanically secured within the buckle components and properly aligned to provide a repeatable magnetic interface. In other examples, the receiver housing 114 and/or insertion housing 124 can be two-part components that are joined together where the magnetic components 130a, 130b are sandwiched between two components, which can then be joined together via, for example, adhesive, welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding), etc.

[0075] When the receiving and insertion parts 102, 104 are brought into general proximity, the magnetic attraction between components 130a and 130b acts to guide the components into engagement along the direction of insertion 154. The resulting magnetic force assists in aligning the insertion appendage 112 with the insertion opening 128 and in overcoming minor misalignments or resistance, thereby facilitating smooth engagement and partial or complete latching of mechanical locking elements such as latches 106 and catches 116. For example, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic components 130a, 130b is configured to provide lateral alignment of the insertion part 104 and the receiving part 102 during engagement.

[0076] A variety of high-strength permanent magnets may be used as the magnetic components 130a, 130b, including: neodymium iron boron (NdFeB); samarium cobalt (SmCo); alnico; ceramic (ferrite) magnets, etc. The choice of magnetic material depends on application-specific criteria such as required holding force, environmental exposure (e.g., humidity, temperature), weight, cost, and size constraints. Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) are rare-earth magnets offering extremely high magnetic energy density, ideal for compact, high-force applications. Samarium cobalt (SmCo) is another rare-earth magnet offering high temperature stability and corrosion resistance. Alnico is an alloy composed of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, offering lower strength than rare-earth magnets. Finally, ceramic (ferrite) magnets are cost-effective and corrosion-resistant, though generally weaker in magnetic performance compared to, for example, NdFeB. Thus, NdFEB magnets can be used where maximum holding strength is required in a compact form factor, especially in applications involving dynamic motion or load-bearing conditions.

[0077] The use of magnetic engagement not only enhances the case of initial alignment and connection but may also provide tactile or audible feedback indicating partial or full engagement of the buckle assembly 100. This magnetic assistance feature is particularly beneficial in applications where quick and intuitive coupling is desirable, such as in safety equipment, wearable gear, or adaptive fastening systems.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the first magnetic component 130a is geometrically larger second magnetic component 130b. For example, the volume of the illustrated first magnetic component 130a is greater than the volume of the second magnetic component 130b. In some embodiments, however, the magnetic components 130a, 130b may be of similar size, shape, and material composition. The size of the first magnetic component 130a and the second magnetic component 130b can be dictated by the type of material (e.g., whether a ferrous material, a permanent magnet, or the type of permanent magnet).

[0079] As illustrated, the first and second magnetic components 130a, 130b are generally perpendicular to one another. For example, the illustrated first magnetic component 130a runs the width of the receiving part 102 such that it is substantially parallel to the lead opening 120 formed in the receiving part 102, while the second magnetic component 130b runs the length of the insertion appendage 112.

[0080] Orienting one of the magnetic components 130a, 130b perpendicularly relative to the other may provide some advantages. For example, when the magnetic axes of two components are arranged orthogonally-such that one magnetic component is magnetized along a direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the other-this orientation can facilitate improved self-alignment between the mating parts during engagement. In such embodiments, the perpendicular orientation may generate a rotational or lateral moment that assists in guiding the components into a final locked or latched configuration.

[0081] Furthermore, perpendicular magnetic orientation may mitigate a tendency of opposing magnetic poles to repel or cause magnetic fatigue due to prolonged direct pole-to-pole contact. This configuration may also be advantageous in applications where a softer pull-in force or a more gradual dynamic coupling is desired, or where directional resistance to shear or torsional loads is beneficial. In some examples, the perpendicular orientation of magnetic fields can help distribute magnetic forces more evenly, thus improving the repeatability and consistency of the mechanical engagement between the components.

[0082] While the buckle assembly 100 has been described as including a pair of latches (i.e., two latches 106) and two magnetic components (i.e., first and second magnetic components 130a, 130b), the number and arrangement of latches and/or magnetic components may vary based on user needs. For example, the buckle assembly 100 may be configured with a single latch 106 that can be manipulated to disconnect the assembly. In another example, one or more magnetic components may be installed, attached, or embedded in other portions of the buckle assembly 100, such as within the one or more latches 106.

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of example buckle assembly 100 in accordance with another aspect of the subject disclosure. In this example, the buckle assembly 100 is substantially similar to the assemblies shown in FIGS. 1a-1f, 2a-2g, and 3a-3d, except that it includes a single latch 106 and employs a third magnetic component 130c. The third magnetic component 130c may be positioned within the latch 106 and configured to magnetically engage the second magnetic component 130b during assembly and when assembled, for example. Placing a magnetic component within the latch 106 can enhance retention strength and help mitigate inadvertent release. In configurations with two latches 106, a magnetic component may be positioned within each latch to provide similar benefits.

[0084] While the present device and/or system have been described with reference to certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present device and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified.

[0085] Therefore, the present device and/or system are not limited to the particular examples disclosed. Instead, the present device and/or system will include all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.