Buckle

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to the field of fastening mechanisms, specifically metal buckles designed for high-strength applications in tactical and protective gear. This includes plate armor and carrier systems utilized by military, law enforcement, and commercial sectors. The invention addresses the need for a versatile, adjustable, and field-repairable buckle system capable of supporting varied release configurations, such as side and shoulder releases, with potential integration into a centralized quad release system for simultaneous buckle disengagement.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable, customizable metal buckle featuring a sliding and locking mechanism designed for high-strength, field-repairable applications. The buckle consists of a precision-machined female component with a grooved sliding feature that accommodates interchangeable webbing slots, enabling configurations for side release, shoulder release, and other customizable uses. The locking mechanism employs a ball-lock and captive screw system, securing the slide in place with reliable engagement. This buckle is intended for manufacture with anodized aluminum, providing lightweight durability and corrosion resistance.

The invention includes three primary configurations: a 5.5-inch slide with three webbing slots for side release, and 1-inch and 1.5-inch slides with a single webbing slot for shoulder release applications. A future design iteration will support a quad release system, allowing synchronized release of all connected buckles through a remote pull mechanism. This system is particularly suited for tactical applications, including military and law enforcement armor, where customizable, durable, and field-repairable buckles are essential.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1a-b: Displays the three buckle configurations—1.0-inch, 1.5-inch, and 5.5-inch—with the same female housing and varied slide and male components.

FIGS. 2a-c: Shows the female buckle's outer shell with key structural elements, including attachment points, sliding groove, and a contoured feature for manual release.

FIGS. 3a-e: Provides a top view of the female buckle housing, highlighting the locking feature, attachment of mechanism arms, and interlocking teeth.

FIGS. 4a-c: Depicts the slide bar with webbing slot, field repairable slit, and locking features including the circular ball-bearing slot and captive screw slot.

FIGS. 5a-d: Illustrates the male buckle component with interlocking teeth and shows the mated configuration, with future quad release integration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, various configurations of the invention are set forth in order to illustrate specific examples in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that the examples provided do not limit the invention, and that other configurations, modifications, and structural adjustments may be employed without departing from the scope of the claims appended hereto. The following description is thus not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the invention is determined solely by the claims.

The description herein aims to provide an enabling disclosure of the present buckle system in its most effective and currently known form. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that numerous changes can be made to the various features described while still achieving the invention's objectives. Additionally, certain advantages of the disclosed buckle system may be obtained by employing specific features independently without requiring all features concurrently.

The present invention is an adaptable metal buckle system designed for tactical and protective applications, particularly where load-bearing durability, rapid release, and field reparability are crucial. The invention is configured to be used with various tactical and commercial gear, including but not limited to plate carriers and load-bearing harnesses.

Composition and Assembly of the Buckle

The buckle system consists primarily of a female buckle housing, a corresponding male engagement component, and an adjustable slide bar, collectively enabling modular deployment and customized functionality. This configuration allows the buckle to serve multiple roles, such as side or shoulder release, by adjusting the specific slide component selected.

Female Buckle Housing:

The female buckle housing forms the primary structural element, constructed as a paired assembly of two mirrored shells. These shells are configured to enclose the internal locking mechanism and provide external engagement points for attaching webbing or other securing elements. The shells are constructed from anodized aluminum to confer corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, and high tensile strength. In another embodiment, the design will have a single central hub as opposed to two shells. Various configurations can be manufactured while maintaining the same utility disclosed herein.

Within the housing, an attachment region is configured to retain the locking mechanism arms via a cylindrical rod or similar fastening element, which may be secured through pressure fitting or other methods appropriate for the intended load requirements. This design ensures that the buckle system maintains its integrity even under substantial load conditions.

The outer shells of the female component include a contoured region for manual operation, allowing the user to quickly release the male buckle by pressing inward on the mechanism arms, thereby disengaging the internal locking features.

Locking Mechanism Arms:

Positioned within the female housing are two arms forming the locking mechanism, which are mirror images of each other and designed to rotate around the central attachment point within the housing. The arms are biased by a torsion spring to maintain a default closed position, ensuring reliable engagement with the male component.

Each arm includes a set of teeth, aligned to interlock with complementary teeth on the male component. This interlocking system provides robust load-bearing capability, enabling the buckle to handle substantial tension without disengagement.

The arms are secured in place by a cylindrical rod positioned at the central attachment point, concentrating the load at this point and ensuring structural stability. Minor modifications to the attachment means may be made in future iterations to accommodate specific manufacturing or application requirements.

Slide Bar:

The slide bar component serves as an adaptable element, allowing the buckle to be customized according to specific use requirements. The bar features a webbing slot of selectable width, with common configurations including widths of 5.5 inches, 2 inches, 1.5 inches, and 1 inch, suitable for various release mechanisms such as side and shoulder release applications. These are exemplary configurations, and the widths are not limited to only these widths as some embodiments will use other dimensions.

A slit along the slide bar allows for the insertion or removal of webbing loops, providing field repairability. This feature is particularly advantageous in field operations where rapid repairs may be necessary, eliminating the need to return the buckle to the manufacturer for servicing.

The slide bar also includes a ball-lock mechanism, in which a ball bearing mates with an extruded locking feature on the female buckle housing. A captive screw enables the user to secure the slide bar in place, ensuring reliable engagement and preventing unintended sliding.

Male Buckle Component:

The male component is designed to engage securely with the female housing, using an interlocking system of teeth that align with the teeth on the locking mechanism arms. This engagement provides a strong, load-bearing connection suitable for high-stress applications.

The male component's design ensures that the user can disengage it quickly by pressing the mechanism arms on the female buckle housing. This feature facilitates rapid release, which is essential for tactical operations requiring quick detachment of equipment.

Optional Multi-Release Buckle System

In a potential future configuration, the buckle system will support a multi-release (e.g., quad release capability), enabling simultaneous release of multiple connected buckles through a centralized release mechanism. This system may include a remote pull feature, allowing the user to disengage all buckles in the system concurrently for quick removal of attached gear in critical situations. Such functionality will prove advantageous in emergency scenarios or applications where rapid disengagement is essential.

Field Repairability

The present invention addresses a significant industry need for field-repairable buckles, allowing tactical and law enforcement personnel to maintain equipment functionality in the field. The slit feature in the slide bar enables the straightforward replacement or adjustment of webbing components, allowing for repairs to be conducted without the need for specialized tools or factory servicing. This feature significantly reduces operational downtime and enhances equipment reliability.

Manufacturing Considerations

The disclosed buckle system is designed with manufacturability in mind, with possible adjustments to certain features or tolerances to streamline production. Modifications may be applied to the dimensional tolerances of specific components, or to the attachment mechanisms of the locking arms, ensuring that production efficiency does not detract from the system's performance or field serviceability.

The present invention discloses an innovative and adaptable metal buckle system offering a combination of versatility, durability, and field repairability suited to the demanding requirements of tactical and protective gear. The buckle system's customizable configurations and modular components provide distinct advantages over existing buckle designs, with options for rapid-release functionality and field maintenance. Additionally, the planned incorporation of a quad release system further expands the utility of the invention, aligning with the operational needs of military, law enforcement, and other high-performance applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1: This figure illustrates the three configurations of the buckle system: the 1.0-inch, 1.5-inch, and 5.5-inch versions. Each configuration retains the same female buckle structure, with adjustments made to the slide and male components to accommodate different release applications.

FIG. 2: This figure presents the outer shell of the female buckle. Reference [1] denotes the outer shell, composed of two mirrored parts that together form the female housing. Reference [2] marks the central region where the arms of the locking mechanism ([5]) are attached, secured by a cylindrical rod via sonic welding or pressure fitting. Reference [3] shows the groove along each shell, allowing the webbing bar to slide into position on the female buckle. Reference [4] highlights a curved feature that provides space for fingers to press the mechanism's arms to release the male buckle ([6]).

FIG. 3: This figure shows a top view of the assembled female buckle with both outer shells ([1]) in place. Reference [7] is the extruded locking feature, designed to mate with ball bearings to secure the slide bar. The image also details the connection of the mechanism's arms ([5]) with the female outer shell ([1]). A torsion spring is positioned between the arms to bias them toward engagement. These components are attached using a cylindrical rod or similar securement method, concentrated around attachment area [2]. Reference [8] identifies the teeth of the mechanism, which interlock with the male buckle's teeth ([13]). The mechanism arms ([5]) are structurally identical, with slight modifications to enable smooth rotation without interference.

FIG. 4: This figure focuses on the slide bar and its features. Reference [9] indicates the webbing slot, shown here as a 1.5-inch slot, though other sizes are available. Reference [10] shows the slit, facilitating field repairability by enabling webbing loops to be added or removed easily. Reference [11] denotes the circular slot where a ball bearing mates with the extruded region ([7]) for locking purposes, while reference [12] shows the longitudinal slot that houses the captive screw for secure locking.

FIG. 5: This figure displays the male buckle component, with reference [13]indicating the teeth that mate with the corresponding teeth ([8]) on the mechanism's arms ([5]). The image to the right demonstrates the buckle's mated configuration. Future iterations of this design may incorporate adjustments to facilitate manufacturability and to accommodate a quad release system, allowing for simultaneous release of multiple buckles.

FIG. 6: Flow of Adjustable, Field-Repairable Metal Buckle System

FIG. 6.101: Select and Install the Appropriate Slide Bar.

The correct slide bar (1.0-inch, 1.5-inch, or 5.5-inch) is selected based on the required release application. The chosen slide bar is then aligned and inserted into the grooves on the female buckle housing to initiate setup.

FIG. 6.103: Engage the Ball-Lock Mechanism to Secure the Slide Bar.

Once the slide bar is positioned, the captive screw is tightened, driving a ball bearing into an extruded locking feature within the female housing, which secures the slide bar and prevents unintended movement.

FIG. 6.105: Attach Webbing to the Adjustable Slot in the Slide Bar.

A webbing loop is threaded through the adjustable slot on the slide bar. The slit allows easy insertion or removal of webbing, making the buckle system field-repairable and adaptable.

FIG. 6.107: Insert the Male Component into the Female Housing.

The male buckle component is aligned and inserted into the female housing, engaging the internal locking arms. The interlocking teeth on the male component and the arms provide a stable, load-bearing connection.

FIG. 6.109: Engage the Torsion Spring to Secure the Locking Arms.

The torsion spring biases the locking arms toward a locked position, ensuring that the male component remains securely engaged under load-bearing conditions.

FIG. 6.111: Manually Disengage the Male Component by Pressing the Contoured Region.

To release the male component, the user presses the contoured region on the female housing, which disengages the locking arms from the male component's teeth, allowing for quick removal.

FIG. 6.113: Activate the Quad Release System for Simultaneous Release (Optional).

For systems equipped with the optional quad release, a remote pull mechanism can be engaged to release all connected buckles simultaneously, enabling rapid detachment of all attached equipment.