BACKGROUND
A buckle is used for fastening two distal portions of an elongated object. A buckle may be connected to a first distal portion of a band and may removably fasten to a second distal portion of the band.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the present disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a back view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a front view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5 is a top view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6 is a left side view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of an assembled ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 8A is an exploded top perspective view of a ratchet buckle with separate top cover and bottom cover, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 8B is an exploded top perspective view of a ratchet buckle with single housing, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 8C is a top perspective view of a single housing of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a top cover of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a bottom cover of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a ratcheting assembly with a lever clasp connected to a rocker pin of a ratchet buckle with a spring, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a ratcheting assembly with a lever clasp and rocker pin, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 12A is a front view of a rocker pin of a rachet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 12B is a back perspective view of a rocker pin of a rachet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13 is a top view of components of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of components of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ratchet buckle connected to a first distal end of an elongated component, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a second distal end of an elongated component, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to a ratchet buckle. In some embodiments, an apparatus and methods of the present disclosure provide a ratchet buckle that acts as a ratchet system to create selections for the length of a band and provides ease of clasping and unclasping the band by the ratchet buckle.
A buckle is used for fastening two distal portions of an elongated component, such as a band, a belt, a strap, etc. For example, a buckle may be connected to a first distal portion of a band and may removably fasten to a second distal portion of the band. A buckle may be used to secure the elongated component around another object (e.g., a wrist of a person, a waist of a person, a bale of hay) or to secure, via the elongated object, an object against a surface (e.g., secure objects in a truck, etc.).
Existing buckles for elongated components (e.g., bands) only have a few options for how tight the elongated component (e.g., band) can be because of a limited selection of connection points where the buckle can connect to the second distal portion of the elongated component (e.g., limited selection of where the buckle can go through). This causes the band not to fit right on all users (e.g., too loose, or too tight). Existing buckles can also be difficult to secure to and unsecure from the second distal portion of the band (e.g., manipulate on and off) because of the precision required to find the correct connection point to secure the buckle (e.g., the precision required to find the correct hole in which to fit the buckle). This is especially difficult for some users (e.g., children, elderly people, people with mobility difficulties, etc.) who are increasingly starting to wear watches and other devices that require buckling. Among other things, the holes in elongated components of conventional buckles may stretch permanently and become loose or become damaged the more they are worn.
The devices, components, systems, and methods of the present disclosure solve one or more of these shortcomings of conventional systems. The present disclosure may provide a buckle that has more precise options for length.
The present disclosure includes a ratcheting buckle that can be used on anything that involves an elongated component (e.g., band), such as watches, straps, or cinches. The ratcheting buckle allows for a band to adjust to many smaller incremental sizes compared to traditional bands. The buckle configuration of the present disclosure enables this ratcheting without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, usability, or functionality.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure is implemented as a ratcheting buckle that includes a housing assembly and a ratchet assembly. The housing assembly includes a top cover, and a bottom cover that couples to the top cover to form a channel. The ratcheting assembly is positioned between the top cover and the bottom cover in the channel. The ratcheting assembly includes a rocker pin, rocker tooth, a flexible spring force, and a lever clasp. The rocker pin is an elongated device, centrally located, that serves as the axis for the rocker tooth. The rocker tooth is a projection from the rocker pin that is strategically positioned to engage with anything inserted inside the channel when in the locked orientation. The locked orientation occurs when the rocker pin is rotated so that the rocker tooth is projecting into the channel rather than running substantially parallel to it. The rocker tooth is projected into the channel when the only force being applied to the lever clasp is the flexible spring force, absent user intervention. The unlocked orientation occurs when the rocker pin is rotated so that the rocker tooth does not project into the channel and runs substantially parallel to the channel. The rocker tooth does not project into the channel when an outside force is applied to the lever clasp causing the rocker pin to rotate until it is substantially parallel to the channel. The rocker pin is rotatably connected to a lever clasp which is a user-operated mechanism used to control the rotation of the rocker pin. The lever clasp is positioned so that a component of the lever clasp is connected to the rocker pin between the top cover and bottom cover and another component is outside the housing assembly making it accessible to a user. The flexible spring force exerts a gentle but effective force on the rocker pin locking it in a position causing the rocker tooth to be projected inside the channel unless there is user interaction. The spring is configured to provide the spring force to cause the rocker tooth to be in the locked orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom cover. The spring that is configured to provide the flexible spring force may be one or more torsional springs attached to the lever clasp.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure also includes an elongated component. The elongated component may have a first distal portion that is connected to the ratchet buckle and a second distal portion that passes through the channel formed by the ratchet buckle. The elongated component (e.g., band) may have a slot at the first distal end (e.g., proximate the ratchet buckle) so that after passing through the ratchet buckle, the second distal portion (e.g., the longer end of the band distal the ratchet buckle) is received into the slot. This allows for the excess length of the elongated component (e.g., band) to be tucked under the used part of the elongated component (e.g., band). This may allow the band to not have an extra plastic loop to hold the second distal portion in-place.
The present disclosure has technical advantages over conventional systems. In some embodiments, the present disclosure has a greater selection of connection points than a conventional system. This allows the present disclosure to secure better to objects (e.g., not be too tight or too loose) compared to conventional systems. The present disclosure may be easier to secure to and unsecure around an object (e.g., ratcheting buckle securing to the second distal portion of the band) than conventional solutions. This may allow the present disclosure to be easier for users (e.g., children, elderly people, people with mobility difficulties, etc.) than conventional systems.
Although in some embodiments, the present disclosure is described as a ratchet buckle and band, in some embodiments, other components may be used, such as other elongated components and/or other components that include a ratcheting assembly.
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101 of the housing compartment may have protrusions that extend to the bottom cover 102. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 102 may have protrusions that extend to the top cover 101. In some embodiments, there may be a portion of the lever clasp 103 outside of the housing assembly and a portion inside that connects to the ratcheting assembly. In some embodiments the portion of the lever clasp 103 outside the housing assembly may be designed to fit against the bottom cover 102. In some embodiments the portion of the lever clasp 103 outside the housing assembly may have contoured grooves and protrusions, allowing the user to grip and manipulate the lever clasp 103 more easily.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100 (e.g., ratchet buckle 100 of FIG. 1), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 102 may be a hard shell designed to protect the bottom portion of the ratchet assembly. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 102 may have protrusions that extend to the top cover 101 which may allow the top cover 101 and bottom cover 102 to connect and protect the sides of the ratchet assembly.
FIG. 3 is a back view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 302 may be an elongated device, centrally located, that serves as the axis for the rocker tooth. In some embodiments, the rocker tooth may be a projection from the rocker pin 302 that is strategically positioned to engage with anything inserted inside the channel 301 when in the locked orientation (i.e., projects into the channel rather than is parallel with the channel). The rocker pin 302 may be rotatably connected to the lever clasp 103. In some embodiments, a distal end of the rocker pin 302 may be configured to rotatably couple with the lever clasp 103 responsive to being inserted into a socket 304 formed by the lever clasp 103. In some embodiments, rotation of the rocker pin 302 may be responsive to rotation of the lever clasp 103. The socket connection may be comprised of a cavity in the lever clasp 103 that fits either the rocker pin 302 or a protrusion from the rocker pin 302. The rocker pin 302 may also have some force applied to it. In some embodiments, that force may be applied by a torsional spring 104. The torsional spring 104 may be configured to provide the spring force that causes the rocker tooth 303 to be in the locked orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom cover 102. This force may keep the rocker pin 302 positioned so that the rocker tooth 303 is projecting inside the channel 301 unless a greater force moves it.
FIG. 4 is a front view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100 with the rocker tooth 303 in a locked orientation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101 and the bottom cover 102 may both have projections that connect on the sides to form a channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may be designed to fit complementarily to and align with the top cover 101 and help form the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) may have a rocker tooth that projects into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) when there is no force applied to the lever clasp 103. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may be designed to be pulled out of alignment with the top cover 101, causing the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) to rotate and the rocker tooth 303 be parallel to the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) and be in an unlocked orientation.
FIG. 5 is a top view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may be a handle that allows the user to manipulate the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) from outside the housing assembly. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may be able to manipulate the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) when rotatably connected to the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3), such that when the lever clasp 103 is moved around a pivot point, the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) is also rotated around the pivot point (e.g., the pivot point around which the lever clasp 103 is moved). In some embodiments, the pivot point may be the center of the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the rotatable connection may be made through a socket connection wherein the lever clasp 103 has a cavity filled by the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3), or a projection of the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may be designed to fit against the top cover 101 with two protrusions going into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) and connecting with the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3).
FIG. 6 is a left side view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101, the bottom cover 102, and the lever clasp 103 may be visible from a left side view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101, the bottom cover 102, and the lever clasp 103 may be visible from a right side view of an assembled ratchet buckle 100.
FIG. 8A is an exploded top perspective view of a ratchet buckle 100 with separate top cover 101 and bottom cover 102, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101, the bottom cover 102, the rocker pin 302, and the lever clasp 103 may all be connected by a hinging rod 801 that runs through a corresponding opening formed of each of the top cover 101, the bottom cover 102, the rocker pin 302, and the lever clasp 103. In some embodiments, the bottom cover 102 and the top cover 101 may both have protrusions that extend to the sides that have holes. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may have protrusions with holes. In some embodiments, the torsional spring may be shaped to have at least one full spiral, and the rocker pin 302 may be hollow allowing the hinging rod 801 to be inserted into at least one cavity on each component, connecting all the components and allowing for each component to have the same axis (e.g., that goes through the hinging rod 801). In some embodiments, this axis may be the axis around which the rocker pin 302 and the lever clasp 103 rotate.
FIG. 8B is an exploded top perspective view of a ratchet buckle 100 with single housing 800, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top cover 101 and the bottom cover 102 may be a single unit forming the housing 800. In some embodiments, the housing 800, the rocker pin 302, and the lever clasp 103 may all be connected by a hinging rod 801 that runs through a corresponding opening formed of each of the housing 800, the rocker pin 302, and the lever clasp 103. In some embodiments, the housing 800 may have protrusions that extend to the sides that have holes. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 may have protrusions with holes. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 302 may be hollow allowing the hinging rod 801 to be inserted into at least one cavity on each component, connecting all the components and allowing for each component to have the same axis (e.g., that goes through the hinging rod 801). In some embodiments, this axis may be the axis around which the rocker pin 302 and the lever clasp 103 rotate. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 302 and the lever clasp 103 may be one unit (as described further in FIG. 11B).
FIG. 8C is a top perspective view of a single housing 800 of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the single housing 800 of a ratchet buckle substantially includes a top cover 101 and a bottom cover 102, but as a single, inseparable unit.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a top cover 101 of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a bottom cover 102 of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a ratcheting assembly 1100 made of a lever clasp 103 connected to a rocker pin 302 of a ratchet buckle with a spring 104, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the ratcheting assembly may include a lever clasp 103 and a rocker pin 302 with a rocker tooth 303. In some embodiments, the ratcheting assembly may further include one or more (e.g., two) torsional springs 104. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 302 may be attached to the lever clasp 103 by fitting into a socket 304 on the lever clasp 103. The socket 304 may have two connecting points that are shaped to fit almost completely around two ends of the rocker pin 302 creating a rotational connection between the lever clasp 103 and the rocker pin 302. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 and the rocker pin 302 are separate pieces, as depicted in FIG. 11A.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a ratcheting assembly 1100 made of a lever clasp 103 connected to a rocker pin 302 of a ratchet buckle, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the ratchetin assembly may include a lever clasp 103 and a rocker pin 302 with a rocker tooth 303. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 302 may be attached to the lever clasp 103 via a molding process. In some embodiments, the lever clasp 103 and the rocker pin 302 are one piece, as depicted in FIG. 11B.
FIG. 12A is a front view of a rocker pin 1200 (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) of a rachet buckle, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rocker pin 1200 includes a body including a first distal end and a second distal end opposite the first distal end. The rocker pin body may have an axis. The rocker pin 1200 may further includes a rocker tooth 303 extending from the rocker pin body. The rocker tooth 303 has a perimeter that may be a triangular prism converging with a semicircle.
FIG. 12B is a back perspective view of a rocker pin 1200 (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3) of a rachet buckle, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rocker tooth 303 may be shaped with a rounded component facing the front of the watch and a triangular prism component (e.g., right triangular prism) extending out of the rounded component. The rounded component of the rocker tooth 303 may allow anything inserted into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) to pass over it with minimal engagement between the parts when the rocker tooth 303 is in the unlocked orientation. In some embodiments, the triangular prism component may engage anything inserted into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) when the rocker tooth 303 is in the locked orientation and may more easily facilitate unidirectional travelling of things inserted into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3).
FIG. 13 is a top view of components of a ratchet buckle 100 (e.g., a ratchet assembly with a top cover removed), according to some embodiments.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ratchet buckle 100 (e.g., a ratchet assembly with a top cover removed) in a locked orientation, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a ratchet buckle 100 rotationally connected (e.g., hinging connection) to an elongated component 1500, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the elongated component 1500 is composed of an elongated component body and ratcheting tabs. The connection between the ratchet buckle 100 and the elongated component 1500 may occur between the first distal end of the elongated component 1500 and protrusions from the bottom cover (e.g., the Bottom Cover 102 of FIG. 1). The first distal end of the elongated component 1500 may have a slot portion forming a slot 1501. In some embodiments, the second distal end of the elongated component 1500 may pass into the slot 1501 after it has passed through the ratchet buckle 100. In some embodiments, the slot portion of the elongated component 1500 may not be coplanar with the one or more portions of the elongated component 1500 body to receive the excess length portion of the elongated component 1500.
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second distal end of the elongated component 1500, according to certain embodiments. This component may have one or more ratcheting tabs 1601 that protrudes out from it. A ratcheting tab 1601 may be a projection from the elongated component 1500 that engages with the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) when the elongated component 1500 is inserted into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) of the ratchet buckle (e.g., the Ratchet Buckle 100 of FIG. 1) with the ratcheting tabs 1601 facing the bottom cover (e.g., the Bottom Cover 102 of FIG. 1). The elongated component 1500 is configured to slide between the top cover (e.g., the Top Cover 101 of FIG. 1) and the bottom cover (e.g., the Bottom Cover 102 of FIG. 1) in an opposite direction of the spring force to cause the ratcheting tab 1601 to contact the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) and prevent the elongated component 1500 from sliding in a same direction as the spring force. The contact between the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) and the ratcheting tab 1601 may be maintained until the user interacts with the lever clasp to cause the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) to rotate out of contact with the ratcheting tab 1601 to permit sliding of the elongated component in the same direction as the spring force. In some embodiments, a ratcheting tab 1601 may be a triangular prism with multiple faces. A face of the ratcheting tab 1601 may contact the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) and may be substantially parallel to the corresponding face of the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the ratcheting tab 1601 may be inserted into the channel (e.g., the Channel 301 of FIG. 3) at a tab angle corresponding to a tooth angle, the tooth angle being the angle at which the rocker tooth (e.g., the Rocker Tooth 303 of FIG. 3) projects from the rocker pin (e.g., the Rocker Pin 302 of FIG. 3).
In some embodiments, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate a ratchet buckle 100 (e.g., each of FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the same ratchet buckle 100). In some embodiments, the ratchet buckle 100 may include a top cover 101, a bottom cover 102, a ratchet assembly 1100 which has a lever clasp 103, rocker pin 302, and one or more (e.g., two) torsional springs 104. FIG. 3 illustrates the channel 301 that may be formed between the top cover 101 and the bottom cover 102 where a band may be slid into the ratchet buckle 100 with ratcheting tabs 1601 facing towards the bottom cover 102 to buckle the band in place. The tabs may be protrusions placed incrementally on the bottom of the band.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.
The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers.
The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A, X includes B, or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and can not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation. When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±10%.
For simplicity of explanation, methods herein are depicted and described as a series of acts or operations. However, acts in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the methods could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure may, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Patent Application
20240365933
