BUCKLE FOR A HELMET

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Chinese Application No. 202410040960.4, filed January 10, 2024, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a helmet, such as a safety helmet. More specifically, the present application relates generally to a buckle for a helmet.

BACKGROUND

Helmets, such as safety helmets, are often used in workplace environments such as industrial or construction sites to protect the wearer’s head from injury due to impact with other objects, such as falling objects. Helmets often have a chin strap to keep the helmet from falling off the wearer’s head when, for example, they lean over. The chin strap often includes a buckle that can be unbuckled so that the wearer may remove the helmet from their head.

The wearers of helmets often also wear gloves, such as safety gloves, while in the workplace environments. However, operating the buckle of the helmet while wearing safety gloves is often difficult. Further, it is often desirable to unbuckle the buckle with one hand, which can also be difficult, especially while wearing gloves.

The inventor has identified numerous deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include apparatuses to provide for improved buckles for helmets, such as safety helmets.

In various aspects, a buckle includes a base assembly and an outer assembly. The base assembly may include a base having a protrusion and a first base magnet positioned at least partially within the protrusion. The outer assembly may be removably coupled to the base assembly. The outer assembly may include a connector, a shaft, and a release member that is pivotably coupled to the connector with the shaft. The release member and the shaft may include a ferromagnetic material. The release member may include a release member opening. The release member may be configured to pivot relative to the connector from a first position to a second position. When the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base may be positioned at least partially interior to the release member opening. When the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base may be positioned exterior to the release member opening.

In various examples, the base assembly includes a second base magnet positioned at least partially within the base. The outer assembly may include an outer assembly magnet positioned at least partially within the connector. The outer assembly magnet may be positioned proximate to the second base magnet.

In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening. The first base magnet may be positioned at least partially within the connector opening.

In various examples, the base includes an arm that includes the protrusion. The protrusion may be positioned on a distal end of the arm.

In various examples, the arm is configured to flex.

In various examples, a channel is defined at least partially around the arm and the protrusion.

In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening and the protrusion includes a nub. The protrusion may be positioned at least partially within the connector opening. The nub may be positioned at least partially within the release member opening when the release member is in the first position.

In various examples, the connector and the base comprise a non-ferromagnetic material.

In various examples, the base includes a flange that comprises a ramped portion. The connector may be in contact with the flange.

In various examples, when the release member is in the first position, a first force is required to decouple the outer assembly from the base assembly. When the release member is in the second position, a second force may be required to decouple the outer assembly from the base assembly. The first force may be greater than the second force.

In various aspects, a helmet includes a buckle. The buckle may include a base assembly and an outer assembly. The base assembly may include a base having a protrusion and a first base magnet positioned at least partially within the protrusion. The outer assembly may be removably coupled to the base assembly. The outer assembly may include a connector, a shaft, and a release member that is pivotably coupled to the connector with the shaft. The release member and the shaft may include a ferromagnetic material. The release member may include a release member opening. The release member may be configured to pivot relative to the connector from a first position to a second position. When the release member is in the first position, the protrusion of the base may be positioned at least partially interior to the release member opening. When the release member is in the second position, the protrusion of the base may be positioned exterior to the release member opening.

In various examples, the base assembly includes a second base magnet positioned at least partially within the base. The outer assembly may include an outer assembly magnet positioned at least partially within the connector. The outer assembly magnet may be positioned proximate to the second base magnet.

In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening. The first base magnet may be positioned at least partially within the connector opening.

In various examples, the base includes an arm that includes the protrusion. The protrusion may be positioned on a distal end of the arm.

In various examples, the arm is configured to flex.

In various examples, a channel is defined at least partially around the arm and the protrusion.

In various examples, the connector includes a connector opening and the protrusion includes a nub. The protrusion may be positioned at least partially within the connector opening. The nub may be positioned at least partially within the release member opening when the release member is in the first position.

In various examples, the connector and the base comprise a non-ferromagnetic material.

In various examples, the base includes a flange that comprises a ramped portion. The connector may be in contact with the flange.

In various examples, when the release member is in the first position, a first force is required to decouple the outer assembly from the base assembly. When the release member is in the second position, a second force may be required to decouple the outer assembly from the base assembly. The first force may be greater than the second force.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a helmet, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 provides a top perspective view of a buckle, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 provides a top perspective view of a portion of the buckle of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 provides a top perspective view of a base assembly of the buckle of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 provides a top view of the base assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 provides a bottom perspective view of the base assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 provides a bottom perspective view of an outer assembly of the buckle of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 provides an exploded and cross-sectional view of the buckle of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

As used herein, 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 employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs 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.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, terms of approximation may refer to being within a five percent margin of error.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a helmet 10 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The helmet 10 may be configured as a safety helmet, such as a hard hat. The helmet 10 can include a plurality of straps 11. The helmet 10 can include a buckle 100 that is coupled to the plurality of straps 11.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, a perspective view of a buckle 100 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The buckle 100 may define an X direction, a Y direction that is orthogonal to the X direction, and a Z direction that is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction (FIG. 5). The X direction may be a longitudinal direction L and the Y direction may be a transverse direction T (FIG. 5).

The buckle 100 may include an outer assembly 200 and a base assembly 300. The outer assembly 200 of the buckle 100 can be removably coupled to the base assembly 300. The buckle 100 can include a plurality of strap attachment openings 102. For example, the outer assembly 200 may define a strap attachment opening 102 and the base assembly 300 may define a strap attachment opening 102. The straps 11 may extend through the strap attachment openings 102.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3-8, various views of at least a portion of the buckle 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 3 provides a top perspective view of the buckle 100 with the release member 220 hidden. FIG. 4 provides a top perspective view of the base assembly 300. FIG. 5 provides a top view of the base assembly 300. FIG. 6 provides a bottom perspective view of the base assembly 300. FIG. 7 provides a bottom perspective view of the outer assembly 200. FIG. 8 provides an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the buckle 100.

In various examples, the base assembly 300 can include a base 310. The outer assembly 200 can include a connector 210, a release member 220, and a shaft 230. The release member 220 can be pivotably coupled to the connector 210 with the shaft 230. The connector 210 may be positioned directly on the base 310. The connector 210 may be positioned between, such as directly between, the base 310 and the release member 220 along the Z direction.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the base 310 may include a flange 320. The flange 320 can include a ramped portion 322. A surface of the ramped portion 322 may extend at an angle relative to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The angle may be at least 10 degrees and up to 60 degrees.

The base 310 may include a protrusion 332 that extends from the base 310. The base assembly 300 may include an arm 330 that extend from the base 310. The protrusion 332 may extend from a distal end of the arm 330. In various examples, a channel 331 is defined at least partially around the arm 330 and the protrusion 332. As such, the arm 330 and the protrusion 332 may be able to flex relative to the base 310. As best seen in FIG. 6, the arm 330 may extend at an angle relative to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The base 310, the flange 320, and the arm 330 may comprise of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as plastic.

The protrusion 332 may include a nub 333. The nub 333 may be positioned on an upper portion of the protrusion 332. The nub 333 may define an angle that extends relative to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The angle may be at least 10 degrees and up to 60 degrees.

The base assembly 300 may include a first base magnet 340 and/or a second base magnet 350 (FIG. 6). For example, the first base magnet 340 may be positioned at least partially within the protrusion 332. The second base magnet 350 can be positioned at least partially within an orifice defined by the bottom of the base 310.

With reference to FIG. 7, which provides a bottom perspective view of the outer assembly 200, the release member 220 may be configured to pivot relative to the connector 210. The release member 220 may pivot on an axis defined by the shaft 230. The shaft 230 may extend through both the release member 220 and the connector 210 in the transverse direction T. The release member 220 may define a release member opening 222. The connector 210 may define a connector opening 212. The connector opening 212 and the release member opening 222 may be aligned in the Z direction (FIG. 5). The release member 220, the shaft 230, or both, may comprise of a ferromagnetic material. For example, the release member 220, the shaft 230, or both, may comprise stainless steel. The connector 210 may comprise of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as plastic.

The connector 210 may include an outer assembly magnet 240. The outer assembly magnet 240 may be positioned at least partially within an orifice defined by the body of the connector 210. When the outer assembly 200 is removably coupled to the base assembly 300, the outer assembly magnet 240 may be positioned proximate to the second base magnet 350 of the base assembly 300. For example, the outer assembly magnet 240 may be aligned with the second base magnet 350 in the Z direction.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the release member 220 may be configured to pivot relative to the connector 210 from a first position to a second position. When the release member 220 is in the first position, as depicted, the protrusion 332 of the base 310 may be positioned at least partially interior to the release member opening 222. When the release member 220 is in the second position (not depicted), the protrusion 332 of the base 310 may be positioned exterior to the release member opening 222.

In operation, a user (e.g., a wearer of the helmet 10) may pivot the release member 220 from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. For example, a user may press down on the distal end of the release member 220 to pivot the release member opening 222 away from the protrusion 332 of the base 310. As previously mentioned, the first base magnet 340 may be positioned within the protrusion 332 of the base 310. Also, as mentioned, the release member 220 can be manufactured from a ferromagnetic material. As such, a magnetic force that attracts the release member 220 towards the first base magnet 340 that is within the protrusion 332 may be greater when the release member 220 is in the first position than when the release member 220 is in the second position. Therefore, when the release member 220 is in the first position, a first force may be required to decouple the outer assembly 200 from the base assembly 300. When the release member 220 is in the second position, a second force may be required to decouple the outer assembly 200 from the base assembly 300. The first force may be greater than the second force.

To decouple the outer assembly 200 from the base assembly 300, a user may press down on the distal end of the release member 220 to pivot the release member 220 from the first position to the second position. Then, a user may move the outer assembly 200 away from the base assembly 300 until the magnetic attraction between the first base magnet 340 and the release member 220 is insignificant.

The user may accomplish decoupling the outer assembly 200 from the base assembly 300 with one hand. For example, a user may use their thumb to press down on the release member 220 while also sliding the outer assembly 200 away from the flange 320 of the base 310 of the base assembly 300. Notably, the angle of the nub 333 of the protrusion 332 may allow for the release member 220 to more easily be slid above and over the protrusion 332 of the base 310.

Once the outer assembly 200 is decoupled from the base assembly 300, a user may recouple the outer assembly 200 to the base assembly 300. For example, a user may place the outer assembly 200 near and above the base assembly 300. The magnetic force between the various magnets within the buckle 100 (e.g., outer assembly magnet 240, first base magnet 340, and/or second base magnet 350) and the various components that are made from ferromagnetic material (e.g., the release member 220 and/or the shaft 230), may attract the outer assembly 200 to the base assembly 300 and couple the outer assembly 200 to the base assembly 300.

Notably, the ramped portion 334 of the nub 333 of the protrusion 332 and the ramped portion 322 of the flange 320 of the base 310 of the base assembly 300 may assist with correct positioning of the outer assembly 200 relative to the base assembly 300, when the outer assembly 200 is being coupled to the base assembly 300. For example, the ramped portion 334 of the nub 333 and the ramped portion 322 of the flange 320 may extend away from each other. As such, a deviation of the longitudinal alignment of the outer assembly 200 relative to the base assembly 300 may be automatically corrected because the outer assembly 200 may slide along the ramped portion 334 of the nub 333 and/or the ramped portion 322 of the flange 320 as the outer assembly 200 moves downward towards the base assembly 300.

The buckle 100 of the present disclosure has various benefits. For example, and as discussed, a user (e.g., a wearer of the helmet) may couple and decouple the buckle 100 with one hand. Further, a user may couple and decouple the buckle 100 with one hand and while wearing a glove, such as a safety glove.

Conclusion

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.