Abstract
A wireless quick release buckle. The release buckle includes a male plug fastened into a female socket creating a locked buckle assembly. A wireless signal from a remote control is used to quickly release the male plug from the female socket. The male plug further includes springs, a lock rod and riveted hinges attached to plug arms; the hinges are secured to allow the plug arms to simultaneously move inward. The male plug further includes an actuation mechanism which includes a small motor and a receiver to receive a signal from the remote control which activates the actuation mechanism to thereby quickly release the buckle.
Claims
1. A remote controlled buckle assembly comprising: a remote control transmitter; a buckle comprising a male plug and a female socket, the male plug comprises a base portion, riveted hinges, male plug arms and a locking mechanism to prevent the buckle from unlatching, wherein the riveted hinges are placed between the male plug arms and the base portion, wherein the locking mechanism includes a lock rod having two free ends, and a spring provided on each of the two free ends, each male plug arm being attached to the locking mechanism by the two springs, wherein the lock rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the male plug arms simultaneously move inward, the male plug is released from the female socket, wherein the base portion of the male plug is partially assembled inside a heavy duty nylon strap casing using tubular webbing, wherein the strap casing is a highly abrasion resistant, thick weave hollow tubular design, and wherein the strap casing offers great protection, high strength and flexibility, wherein the strap casing comprises an O-ring made of lightweight polypropylene, wherein the O-ring is used to allow other devices and equipment to be connected to the buckle assembly, the strap casing further comprises a remotely actuated release mechanism configured to lock and release the male plug from the female socket, wherein the actuated release mechanism includes an actuation system driven by mechanical and electrical components, the actuation system is adapted to be powered by a direct current that activates a receiver, the mechanical and electrical components comprise: a motor that is equipped with a drive shaft anchoring a custom spur centrifugal clutch, the centrifugal clutch turns a series of three spur gears that act as a gear reduction to a rack-and-pinion arm, wherein said rack-and-pinion arm converts a rotational motion from the motor into a linear motion and is connected to the lock rod for lock and quick release actions; and wherein the buckle is also configured to be manually released by applying pressure on the male plug arms.
2. The remote controlled buckle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the remote controlled transmitter being selectively operable to transmit a signal to said receiver to release the male plug from the locked position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a wireless quick release buckle assembly, including a remote control transmitter, a two-sided buckle (male plug and female socket) a strap casing, slide, and O-rings: Many different arrangements of the various components depicted in FIG. 1, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female socket of the buckle;
(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the male plug of the buckle;
(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the male plug and several internal components;
(6) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a wireless quick release buckle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
(7) FIG. 6A to 6C illustrate alternative equipment and devices used with a wireless quick release buckle assembly.
(8) FIG. 6A illustrates an athlete with speed parachute with attached buckle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
(9) FIG. 6B illustrates a rodeo/bull rider with attached buckle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
(10) FIG. 6C illustrates a buckle assembly attached to the resistance bands on an athlete according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(11) The present invention will be described as it applies to its preferred embodiment. It is not intended that the present invention be limited to the described embodiment. It is intended that the invention cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalences which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
(12) FIG. 1 As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention of a wireless quick release buckle assembly referred to generally by the reference number 10. In general, the buckle assembly 10 includes a remote control transmitter 12, a female socket 14 with a nylon casing 40 supporting an O-ring 26, and a male plug 16 covered in a weaved strap casing 18, and attached with a nylon casing 40 enclosing another O-ring 26.
(13) FIG. 2 is a general description of the female socket 14 which is a part of the side release buckle, commonly employed in standard bags, suitcases and pouches. The female socket 14 is attached with a nylon casing 40, supporting an O-ring 26.
(14) FIG. 3 is the male plug 16 which is a part of the side release buckle, commonly employed in standard bags, suitcases and pouches, the male plug 16 is modified in a unique manner to offer a different use other than commonly employed. The male plug 16 is rather comprised of a heavy duty nylon strap casing 18 using tubular webbing. The arms 20 of the male plug are supported by riveted hinges 30, wherein the riveted hinges 30 secure the male plug arms 20 while allowing inward movement. The male plug 16 comprises a base portion 24, wherein the riveted hinges are placed between the male plug arms 20 and the base portion 24. Further, the male plug 16 comprises a locking mechanism to prevent the buckle from unlatching, wherein the locking mechanism includes a lock rod 22 having two free ends, and a spring 60 provided on each of the two free ends, each male plug arm 20 being attach to the locking mechanism by the two springs, wherein the lock rod 22 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position using the riveted hinges 30 to force the male plug arms 20 to simultaneously move inward, therefore the male plug 16 is released from the female socket 14. Furthermore, the heavy duty nylon strap casing 18 is a highly abrasion resistant, thick weave hollow tubular design, and wherein the strap casing 18 offers great protection, high strength and flexibility. The strap casing 18 embeds a plastic slide 54 wherein the strap casing includes another O-ring 26 attached to a nylon strap 48 which allows other devices and equipment to be connected to the buckle assembly 10, wherein the O-rings 26 are made of lightweight polypropylene which offers durability and resistance to weather.
(15) FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the male plug 16 of the present invention further comprising a remotely actuated release mechanism configured to lock and release the male plug 16 from the female socket 14, wherein the actuated release mechanism includes an actuation system driven by mechanical and electrical components, the actuation system is adapted to be powered by a direct current that activates a receiver 36. The thick webbed layer of tubular strap casing 18 houses a metal frame 32 which is shaped to attach and secure the male plug 16 to an actuator box 42, and all its internal parts. The remote control 12 sends a signal to the receiver 36 to release the male plug from the locked position, the receiver 36 is wired 62 to a motor 50. Inside the actuator box 42 is the motor 50, the motor is equipped with a drive shaft anchoring a custom spur centrifugal clutch 64 which turns a series of three spur gears 44 that act as a gear reduction to a rack-and-pinion arm 28, wherein said rack-and-pinion arm 28 converts a rotational motion from the motor into a linear motion and is connected to the lock rod 22 for lock and quick release actions, the custom spur gears 44 are coupled to drive the rack and pinion gear arm 28. A rod post 52 is attached to the top of the rack and pinion gear arm 28 which is secured to the lock rod 22. The buckle is also configured to be manually released by applying pressure on the male plug arms 20.
(16) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a remote controlled buckle assembly 10 shows a radio frequency remote control transmitting device 12 comprised of many electronic components, such as a Surface Acoustic Wave resonator which controls and stabilizes the transmitting frequency, and encoder which encodes the transmitting data, it transmits a signal using learning code, most learning remotes use a technology that ensures the memory is saved whenever you change the batteries. When the transmitter 12 is activated, it transmits a learning code signal to a receiver 36 such as a multi-channel relay board. When a learning code signal is received by the receiver 36, the RF passes through connectors and a DIP switch will trigger Relays ON/OFF. The DIP switch is wired to relay signal to a motor 50 of the actuator; the signal powers an actuation mechanism comprising the centrifugal clutch, gears, and a rack and pinion arm.
(17) The block diagram of FIG. 5 shows only one possible configuration for the present invention, as any numbers of configurations are possible. For example, various size and shapes of the buckles can be created for large or smaller restraint needs, Bluetooth technology using wireless applications, other signals could be used such as light signals, sonic signals, etc.
(18) FIG. 6 Accordingly, Exercises associated with the remote controlled buckle assembly 10 may vary depending on use and the desired workout routine. For example.
(19) FIG. 6A illustrates an athlete using a speed parachute device, the athlete is running to build up momentum and as he reaches a certain distance, a coach or the athlete uses a remote transmitter to quickly release buckle to create an overspeed effect according to an exemplary embodiment.
(20) FIG. 6B illustrates a rodeo/bull rider with his hand secure around rope with the buckle assembly attached for quick release according to an exemplary embodiment.
(21) FIG. 6C illustrates an athlete using the resistance bands, the athlete is running to build up momentum and as he reaches a certain distance, a coach or the athlete uses a remote transmitter to quickly release buckle to create an overspeed effect according to an exemplary embodiment.
PARTS LIST FOR FIGS. 1-6
(22) Buckle assembly 10 Remote control 12 Female socket 14 Male plug 16 Male strap casing 18 Male plug arms 20 Lock Rod 22 O-ring 26 Rack & Pinion gear arm 28 Riveted hinges 30 Metal frame 32 Power Source 34 Modulator/receiver 36 Nylon strap 40 Actuator box 42 Spur gears 44 Battery power source 48 Actuator motor 50 Rod post 52 Plastic slide 54 On/Off switch 56 Metal springs 60 Wiring 62 Centrifugal Clutch 64
