ADJUSTABLE RETENTION BUCKLE WITH MODULAR COMPONENTS

Abstract

A retention buckle features a frame with two adjacent roller pins with improved lateral movement and height adjustment features. The buckle has particular use for headbands and features a low-profile, contoured shape to accommodate a human head. Single and multiple headbands may be threaded through the buckle in a manner to allow easy and secure tightening while allowing easy disassembly when not in use. Varied height rollers and side members, and in an embodiment adjustable rollers and side members, allow for adaptation to different width headbands. Tool holders may also be incorporated into the architecture.

Claims

1. An adjustable retention buckle for flaccid objects, the buckle comprising: at least one rigid frame defining an exterior and an interior; a plurality of inner supports residing within the interior of the at least one frame, said inner supports having a distance between them that is variable.

2. The adjustable retention buckle of claim 1, the inner supports being rollers anchored for rotation, being anchored within an upper cross member and a lower cross member of the frame.

3. The adjustable retention buckle of claim 2, each inner support further comprising two axial pins situated within oblong slots fashioned in the upper and lower cross members.

4. The adjustable retention buckle of claim 3, at least one axial pin of each inner support being removable therefrom.

5. The adjustable retention buckle of claim 1, the buckle further comprising a pair of horizontal cross members and a pair of vertical outside members rigidly anchored together to form the at least one rigid frame.

6. The adjustable buckle of claim 5, the vertical outside members being adjustable for length.

7. The adjustable buckle of claim 6, each vertical outside member further comprising a plurality of member bodies slidingly engaged upon a spine.

8. The adjustable buckle of claim 7, each vertical outside member further comprising a pair of set screws fashioned to pass through a socket in each member body and interface with a series of detents located on the spine.

9. The adjustable buckle of claim 5, the inner supports being adjustable for length.

10. The adjustable buckle of claim 8, each inner support further comprising two inner support bodies threadingly engaged on a support spine.

11. The adjustable buckle of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of pairs of outside members of different lengths and a plurality of pairs of inside support members of corresponding lengths to the pairs of outside members.

12. The adjustable buckle of claim 5, further comprising a tool holder situated on at least one outside support member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific example embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of an embodiment of an adjustable retention buckle.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an alternate front perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1, the bottom plan view being identical.

[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of three different lengths of outside vertical fixed bars for use with the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of three different lengths of rollers for use with the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1 in practice securing a headband.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the headband of FIG. 10.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a headband being routed through the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the headband of FIG. 12, being routed back in the opposite direction, through the adjustable retention buckle.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1, securing two headbands.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a close-up view of the headbands and adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 14, taken in circle XV.

[0034] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1, utilizing adjustable for length components.

[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the adjustable length outer vertical bar utilized in FIG. 16.

[0036] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the adjustable for length outer vertical bar of FIG. 17, collapsed.

[0037] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an adjustable length outer vertical bar of FIG. 16.

[0038] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an adjustable length inner roller for use with the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 16.

[0039] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the adjustable length roller of FIG. 20, assembled.

[0040] FIG. 22 is a front elevation of an alternate embodiment of an adjustable retention buckle.

[0041] FIG. 23 is a rear elevation of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0042] FIG. 24 is a side elevation of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0043] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22, the bottom view being identical.

[0044] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0045] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0046] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0047] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a pair of rollers used with the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 22.

[0048] FIG. 30 is an alternate outer vertical bar with tool holding capability.

[0049] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the adjustable retention buckle of FIG. 1, utilizing the tool holding outer bar of FIG. 29.

[0050] Reference numbers utilized in the Specification: [0051] 100one embodiment of an adjustable retention buckle; [0052] 110top and bottom cross-beams; [0053] 112oblong roller slots; [0054] 114keyway [0055] 120outside vertical bars; [0056] 120ashort length outside vertical bar; [0057] 120bmedium length outside vertical bar; [0058] 120clong length outside vertical bar; [0059] 122screws; [0060] 130internal support roller; [0061] 130ashort length internal roller; [0062] 130bmedium length internal roller; [0063] 130clong length internal roller; [0064] 132roller pins; [0065] 140headband; [0066] 140asecond headband; [0067] 142headband end; [0068] 150adjustable outside vertical bars [0069] 152vertical bar body sections; [0070] 154vertical bar spine; [0071] 156set screw detents; [0072] 158set screw; [0073] 160adjustable roller; [0074] 162roller body; [0075] 164threaded roller spine; [0076] 170outside vertical bar with tool holder; [0077] 172tool; [0078] 200alternate embodiment of an adjustable retention buckle; [0079] 210outer frame of buckle; [0080] 212oblong slots; [0081] 230alternate rollers; [0082] 232alternate roller pins; [0083] Ldistance between center of roller pins; and [0084] Mdistance between roller pin center and connection axis of outside bar.

DESCRIPTION

[0085] With reference now to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the adjustable retention buckle are herein described. It should be noted that the articles a, an, and the, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Reference numbers are used to designate the same part throughout the drawings and similar numbers designate similar parts in various embodiments.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an embodiment of an adjustable retention buckle includes two upper and lower crossbars 110, two vertical outside bars, or outside support members, 120, and two internal rollers, or inner support members, 130. Each outside bar 120 features an oblong cross-section and is secured to the upper and lower crossbars 110, or cross-members, by screws 122 and by residing in keyways 114 provided in the inner surface of the crossbars 110 (FIG. 7). The keyed nature of the outside bars 120 and the crossbars 110 prevent rotation of the outside bars during use and operation of the buckle 100, particularly in the tightening of a headband. The rollers 130 reside between the outside bars 120, with axial roller pins 132 residing within oblong slots 112 provided in the crossbars 110. The upper and lower crossbars 110 are slightly bent into a shallow U-shape. This shape distinguishes the front from the back and provides an accommodation for the curvature of the human head, making the placement and use of the buckle more comfortable and lower in profile than a knot.

[0087] The construction of this first embodiment engenders the ability to adjust the buckle 110 for varied widths of headbands. FIGS. 8 and 9 depict different length outside bars (120a, 120b, 120c) and rollers (130a, 130b, 130c) which may be positioned between two opposed cross beams 110. Outside vertical bars 120 and inner rollers 130 would simply be manufactured to various sizes to match and be used to create a unitary buckle. While depicted in short, medium, and longer lengths, there is no limit to the length variation that may be constructed, so long as it is determined to be useful.

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates the upper and lower crossbars 110 of the assembly, which serve to secure the components within the mechanism. The upper and lower crossbars 110 feature horizontal slots that accommodate the roller pins 132. These predetermined slots 112 facilitate the movement of the two rollers 130, enabling the insertion, routing, adjustment, tensioning, and removal of various bands of differing thicknesses within the mechanism.

[0089] Additionally, the slots 112 are configured to route multiple headbands.

[0090] However, alternative configurations could include smaller pieces with reduced slots designed to specifically accommodate a single headband, as well as a hybrid rail that has adjustable slots to switch between the two options.

[0091] Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the smallest overall profile based on the user's desired number of headbands, while still being modular for additional options in the future.

[0092] Outside fixed bars 120 bars serve multiple functions within the design. First, they secure all four corners of the mechanism after being fastened top and bottom, left and right, to the upper and lower crossbars 110, as shown in FIG. 7. They establish the overall working height of the mechanism, ensuring that the appropriately sized headband can function effectively within the design. The outside bars 120 provide the necessary external force when tensioning the headband securely against the user's head in its final position and also provide stability to the mechanism and assist in maintaining the headband's position on the user's head. Additionally, they offer a surface for customization, allowing for the machining of designs, logos, emblems, and other visible features once the headband has been routed. They can even be manufactured to accommodate tools, as is described later.

[0093] Rollers 130 are specifically designed to hold the headband 140 securely while allowing for rotational adjustment. The rollers 130 can rotate 360 and slide side-to-side in slots 112 to accommodate both single and multiple headbands of varying thicknesses. This enables smooth feeding and adjustment of the headband material, as well as loosening or removing the strap from the mechanism. They also clamp towards the outer fixed bars to tension and secure the headband when tightened. Furthermore, these sliding and rotating bars also function to wrap the headband material around them while in the mechanism, offering flexibility for different headband styles and configurations.

[0094] FIGS. 10-14 focus primarily on illustrating the correct routing methods for both-single and multiple headbands through the adjustable retention buckle of type shown in FIG. 1 and in other embodiments. The headband 140 is routed through the buckle 100 in a manner that ensures secure retention while maintaining a clean aesthetic. These figures depict various routing paths and configurations, showcasing how the system can accommodate both single and double headband applications.

[0095] This first embodiment is held in place using threaded screws located in two outer holes at opposed ends of the crossbars 110. These screws pass through the top and bottom crossbars 110 and thread into the opposite ends of outside bars 120, effectively locking and enclosing the assembly on all four sides of the rectangular shape. While threaded screws are illustrated in this example, other fastening methods may also be employed. These alternatives include spring and ball detents, magnets, pins, dowels, and various other securing techniques not shown.

[0096] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a headband 140 that has been folded in half to create equal lengths, with both tips 142 aligned side by side and pulled straight. The headband 140 is threaded through the back side of the mechanism as is illustrated in FIG. 12. For proper routing, the inner sliding rollers 130 must be slid within the slots 112 toward the outer fixed bars 120, increasing distance L and reducing distance M (FIG. 6) and allowing the headband material to pass freely in between these two components.

[0097] Proper routing of the band 140 allows for the tips of the band 140 to be routed back through the buckle 100. FIG. 13 illustrates a band that has been correctly routed between the two inner sliding rollers 130 and is now being directed back over the left roller in the opposite direction, passing through the space separating the left inner sliding roller 130 from the left outside bar 120 of the buckle. The right end has previously been so routed.

[0098] With the headband correctly routed, the band material can now freely slide in the desired direction based on the user's inputs. Once attached to the circumference of an individual's head, the inner rollers 130 and headband material press firmly against the outer bars 120, creating the necessary tension to hold the headband 140 securely in place. The mechanism can be tightened without the need to tie the headband, simply by spreading or pulling the ends of the headband outward in opposite directions until the desired tension or fit is produced. This action causes an increase in the distance L to release the material and allow movement. Releasing the tension allows material thickness to push the inner rollers 130 away from the outside bars 120, increasing M and decreasing L. As such, variation in the distance L between the inner support rollers 130, whether by increasing or decreasing, is a particularly useful aspect of the invention lending to this adjustability.

[0099] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the previously described routing methods, demonstrating how the same techniques can be applied to two (or more) headbands. This approach provides a clear representation of the routing mechanism as it adapts from handling a single headband to accommodating multiple headbands in a similar manner.

[0100] To loosen the mechanism, the user grasps the upper and lower rails 110 and pull them directly away from the head. This action causes the inner support rollers 130 to rotate in the opposite direction from how the band was initially fed into the mechanism. The mechanism can also be tightened without being secured on the head by pulling the straps outward in opposite directions to reach the desired length. To completely remove the headband from the adjustable retention buckle, the headband 140 or the loop created by it can be pulled backward through the opposite end of the buckle mechanism until the band material is fully released.

[0101] Alternatively, the design could feature a hybrid configuration, integrating the upper and lower crossbars 110 combined with the internal height adjustment, shown in FIGS. 16-22. For this embodiment, varying height outside bars 150 and rollers 160 and would be utilized with the same crossbars 110 and screws 122. This approach would allow for the adjustment of the remaining components between the two crossbars 110, accommodating various user band heights.

[0102] The working principle behind the adjustable outside bars 150 (shown in FIGS. 17-19) involves a multi-piece body, where the top and bottom outer sections 152 slide over an internal spine 154 that features a linear detent mechanism 156 for height adjustment. A user positions the body sections 152 over the spine until achieving a desired overall height. Then set screws or grub screws 158 are tightened down through sockets provided in the outer bodies into divots 156 within the spine 154, locking the spine 154 and body sections 152 in place. These screws can be secured with thread-locker to prevent them from loosening unintentionally. More or fewer pieces could be incorporated into the execution of the design to enhance its functionality, performance, or manufacturability. Additionally, these upper and lower outer body sections 152 could be incorporated into single piece designs also containing the upper and lower crossbars 110 of the buckle, 100, leaving the internal linear detent mechanism for height adjustment or separation between the opposed crossbars 110.

[0103] The adjustable rollers 160, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, are also multi-piece bodies, where the top and bottom outer body sections 162 thread into a central roller spine 164. This design enables adjustment of the overall height to accommodate different headband sizes as spines of varied lengths may be incorporated in to the roller 160. More or fewer pieces could be incorporated into the execution of the design to enhance its functionality, performance, or manufacturability. To maintain the adjusted height of the assembly, securing methods such as thread locker, set screws, internal retention rubber O-rings, or washers, or other strategies known or later discovered in the art, may be implemented. It should also be readily understood that the roller spine 164 may be incorporated with one or the other roller body sections 162.

[0104] Another alternate embodiment 200 is depicted in FIGS. 22-29, where a unitary outer frame 210 is used to support two alternate roller pins 230 within opposed oblong slots 212 of construction similar to the first described embodiment. Functionally, this unitary embodiment 200 merely lacks the adjustability of the previous embodiment, but it does present a more stable and secure construction as there are fewer parts that may become detached from one another. This does cause a slight modification in the roller 230 assembly. Rollers 230 may feature at least one roller pin 232 in a threaded engagement with the main body of roller 230. Pins may be loosened or tightened by accessing a hex slot in the head of the pin 232 to twist it into or out of engagement. By removing just one pin 232, the entire roller may be angled into one slot 212 and the remaining pin 232 secured through its opposite. Thus, it should be readily understood that only one pin 232 needs to be removable. Alternatively, the modular roller 160, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 could be utilized.

[0105] Additional utility may be added by utilizing a tool holder 170 as a component of the buckle, shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. Outside rails may be interchanged for additional benefits, including a design that would magnetically hold a tool in position for use during a match. As an example, an Allen key 172 may be secured within a specialized outside vertical bar 170 so that players could keep the key with them and easily find the Allen key 172 to adjust their marker velocity to the proper field speed before game play. The tool holder may also be adapted to be a part of one of the horizontal crossbars 110.

[0106] The components of either buckle embodiment could be manufactured using various methods and materials. These include 3D printing and CNC machining, with material options such as aluminum, titanium, steel, copper, brass, and precious metals like gold and silver. Other potential materials include carbon fiber and other composite materials, as well as injection-molded plastics and polymers. This design allows for flexibility in manufacturing techniques, ensuring a wide array of material and structural variations to meet diverse application requirements. Additionally, there are manufacturing techniques and methods not listed that could also be utilized.

[0107] All of the aforementioned components and embodiments of the present invention listed above, may include extra slotting or racking holes for manufacturing purposes when anodizing or applying performance or aesthetic coatings. Furthermore, there may be additional functional and customizable features integrated into the components, to enhance the novelty of the invention, which have not yet been explicitly detailed or designed.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. The embodiments described are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.