Patent Grant
11530895
The invention relates to adjustable webbing, strap, and the like, and more particularly, to a buckle assembly that includes a slider capable of adjusting the length of a webbing or strap and securing the webbing or strap at the desired length.
Adjustable webbing, straps, slings, belts, and the like (commonly referred to hereinafter as “strap”) are almost universally used on various articles. For example, people typically carry articles such as firearms and rifles by hanging them by a carry strap. A rifle strap helps to carry a rifle on a person's shoulder comfortably for long periods of time. A shooting strap has a loop that can be adjusted. Often a metal slider with moving parts (e.g., in the form of a movable crossbar) is provided for adjusting the length of the strap. Some improved versions of such sliders may often include an automatic locking mechanism, where if a tab is released from manipulation after the opening and closing of the slide fastener, a locking pawl disposed in the slider automatically makes an action to maintain a locked position of the slider, and if the tab is not manipulated, the slider is maintained in a sliding locked state. However, the moving parts of the metal slider can get jammed up due to rust or dust. The moving metal parts may further be cumbersome to operate in extreme hot or extreme cold weather conditions.
Some straps are provided with plastic or metal sliders that do not have any moving parts for adjusting the length of the strap. However, such sliders provide for a single friction level, and some users might find this single friction level to be too low while some other users may find this single friction level to be too high for the application at hand.
Accordingly, opportunities exist for providing solutions to the above-noted shortcomings in the art.
This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a strap buckle assembly. The strap buckle assembly comprises an inlet end portion where a strap is received therein, and an outlet end portion where the strap is received therein. A main tensioner bar is medially located within the buckle assembly and having upward facing surface of a first width and a downward facing surface of a second width greater than the first square area. A first supporting tensioner bar is located between the inlet end and the main tensioner bar. A second supporting tensioner bar is located between the main tensioner bar and the outlet end. A first strap path is defined where the strap is positioned upwardly of the first supporting tensioner, downwardly of the main tensioner bar, and upwardly of the second supporting tensioner. A second strap path is defined where the strap is positioned downwardly of the first supporting tensioner, upwardly of the main tensioner bar, and downwardly of the second supporting tensioner. Frictional forces imparted to the strap when arranged within the first strap path are greater than frictional forces imparted to the strap when arranged within the second path strap.
According to some embodiments, the inlet end portion comprises a strap guide bar defining an aperture for receiving the strap therethrough.
According to some embodiments, the strap buckle assembly further comprises a top bar and a bottom bar.
According to some embodiments, the main tensioner bar, the first supporting tensioner bar, and the first supporting tensioner bar extend between the top bar and the bottom bar.
According to some embodiments the outlet end portion comprises a connection bar adapted for an end of the strap to couple therewith.
According to some embodiments, the connection bar comprises two split bars.
According to some embodiments, the split bars comprise a first split bar extending from a top bar and a second split bar extending from a bottom bar.
According to some embodiments, a gap is provided between the first split bar and the second split bar for inserting a loop formed at the end of the strap through the gap for removably securing the loop to the connection bar.
According to some embodiments, the first surface has a first surface roughness value.
According to some embodiments, the flat surface has a second surface roughness value higher than the first surface roughness value.
According to some embodiments, the main tensioner bar, the first supporting tensioner bar, the first supporting tensioner bar, the top bar, and the bottom bar are formed of a plastic material.
The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.
The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “an object” can include a plurality of such objects, and so forth.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.
As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments+/−20%, in some embodiments+/−10%, in some embodiments+/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments+/−0.5%, and in some embodiments+/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.
In at least one embodiment, inlet end portion 28 as well outlet end portion 29 may include a flared configuration 14, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, first surface 34 of main tensioner bar 12a can include a low friction indicator 22. Similarly, second surface 36 of main tensioner bar 12a can include a high friction indicator 24. First surface 34 of main tensioner bar 12a has a first width 64 (see
In various embodiments, one or more of main tensioner bar 12a, first supporting tensioner bar 12b, and second supporting tensioner bar 12c can embody small projections such as projections 47 on a face thereof. Projections 47 may be tapered and/or slanting. Projections 47 operate to provide a gripping effect on strap 42 placed thereon against sliding displacement in at least one direction over the surface containing projections 47. In one embodiment, projections 47 are configured to apply pressure against interstices of a fabric of strap 42 to thereby securely hold strap 42, resisting against sliding movement over the surface containing projections 47. The strap 42, however, may be readily disengaged from projections 47 by pulling strap 42 over and away from said face in a direction that is the same as the direction of slant of projections 47. Projections 47 are strategically positioned and slanted such as to reduce the possibility of slipping of strap 42 when strap 42 experiences pulling forces in a direction that is parallel to a major axis of strap 42. The projections 47 may have relatively sharp outer edges or tips, or alternately have edges or tips that are blunted—based on the application at hand.
In various embodiments, strap 42 may represent an adjustable strap that embodies a loop with one end of strap 42 such as secured strap end 42a secured at or near outlet end portion 29 with the other end of strap that includes free end portion 42b passed through inlet end portion 28 and removably secured by means of passing the free end portion 42b either through the first strap path 52 for high friction securement or through the second strap path 54 for low friction securement.
According to one embodiment, secured strap end 42a is inserted into two split bars 16, and the adjustable free end portion 42b is looped through slider 100 either through the first strap path 52 or through the second strap path 54 to complete the length-adjustable loop portion of strap 42. Slider 100 then operates to hold strap 42 in loop form. Any axial tension applied on adjustable free end portion 42b creates a pulling or tension force in the segment of strap 46 that is lying against first surface 34 or against second surface 36 (depending on whether strap 46 is strung along first strap path 52, i.e., high friction configuration, or along second strap path 54, i.e., low friction configuration). In one embodiment, strap 42 strung along second strap path 54 may make a first angle 74 with an edge of first surface 34. Similarly, in one embodiment, strap 42 strung along first strap path 52 may make a second angle 76 with an edge of second surface 36.
In various embodiments, slider 100 can be used with articles such as webbing, fasteners strap, dog collar harness, nylon webbing, camping bag belt, suitcase, backpack, sports equipment, and pet products. In various embodiments, the slider may be composed of materials such as polyoxymethylene (polyformaldehyde). Alternate materials of construction may include one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset sheet materials, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. Various embodiments of the slider may be formed of a plastic material, and the slider may comprise thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, or similar other materials. In at least embodiment, the slider is formed by molding technics. In at least embodiment, the slider is composed of a material such as iron, with nickel plated on the surface to prevent rust or corrosions. Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the slider is a design choice based on the desired appearance and/or functionality of the slider.
In some embodiments, the strap may be used for attachment to a chest, ankle, leg, shoulder, or other harness or band, or for otherwise securing an article attached to the strap to a user or the user's apparel. It should be appreciated that the slider as described can be configured in any desired size, depending on the size of the item to be moved. For example, the slider can have a length and/or height of about 3-6 inches (e.g., 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, or 6 inches). In one embodiment, the slider is approximately 25 mm/1 inch in inner length and 3 mm/0.12 inch in line diameter and may accommodate a 1-inch-wide webbing or strap. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and can be configured to be larger or smaller than the range given above.
The strap buckle assembly as disclosed herein provides for two levels of friction. In combat situations, there is a need to quickly slacken the strap carrying the gun in order for a soldier to quickly get the gun ready for firing; the second strap path 54 (i.e., the low friction configuration) can be used for such situations. In other situations, for example, when a fellow comrade is wounded, a soldier carrying the wounded comrade may not want the gun strap to get loosened inadvertently; the first strap path 52 (i.e., the high friction configuration) can be used for such situations.
The use of the strap buckle assembly as disclosed herein is not limited for the carriage of guns and firearms and can be used for any other suitable applications that may benefit from the characteristics described herein or that utilizes a webbing attachment including, cameras, ID tags, duffle bags, handbags, carry bags, backpacks, and similar other items. The strap may be made of leather, nylon or similar other materials used for making straps and webbings. The slider can be flat and having a rectangular, square, triangular, circular, or similar other suitable shape. The embodiments provided herein provide a slider that meets safety requirements, is composed of relatively few operating parts, provides for a firm and secure latching effect, and yet permits quick release when required.
Some existing metal bucket assemblies may include metal hardware with two moving parts, along with a spring-loaded cam piece and teeth to catch the strap. Some other existing bucket assemblies that do not include moving parts may be formed of metal or plastic; however, the non-moving aspect provides for just one level of friction, and otherwise precludes the ability to adjust the level of friction offered. Existing bucket assemblies do not provide for adjustability of friction in the manner provided by the embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments disclosed herein may advantageously overcome such shortcomings.
The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/192,379, filed on May 24, 2021, and entitled “Buckle Assembly With Dual Friction Levels,” the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4562945 | Erlandson | Jan 1986 | A |
| 5353538 | Hakedal | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5426827 | Tracy | Jun 1995 | A |
| 6068167 | Hopson | May 2000 | A |
| 20140000073 | Hortnagl | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20140203053 | Rivas-Schlanger | Jul 2014 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63192379 | May 2021 | US |
