FASTENING SYSTEM(S) AND METHOD(S)

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/740,363, filed Dec. 31, 2024, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Some fastening systems provided on an object may be damaged due to accidental contact with other objects or during various activities. Compromised fastening systems may become temporarily or permanently damaged.

SUMMARY

The disclosed fastening system (along with its variations) may be used in various applications ranging from objects (e.g., footwear, clothing, watch, helmet, and baggage, etc.) to industrial applications (e.g., closure mechanisms, attachment devices, or security measures, etc.). The fastening system may be configured to secure footwear firmly or bundle and fasten individual items (e.g., wires, electrical cables, etc). At its core, the fastening system may include a strap passing through a buckle assembly, in which the strap can be adjusted relative to the buckle assembly. Although the fastening system can be integrated into a single circular design (i.e., in a partial or entire circular configuration), one configuration involves having them as separate components (e.g., a fastening system used with footwear). If configured as footwear (e.g., boot, sandal, work boot, sport shoe, ski boot, etc.), the strap may be attached to one portion or one part of the footwear while the buckle assembly may be attached to a different portion or part of the footwear. Actuating the strap and buckle assembly causes the two different portions of the footwear to move closer together, i.e., to tighten the footwear or further apart from each other to loosen the footwear. While specific examples, configurations, and/or applications of the fastening system are provided, the scope of the disclosure is determined by the granted claims ultimately defining the present disclosure's breadth and depth. The following example(s) illustrate the functionality of the described fastening system. functionality of the described fastening system.

In one aspect, A fastening system for an object comprises a strap having a row of teeth disposed on a surface thereof, the strap having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end being configured to be fixed to an object; a buckle assembly configured to receive the distal end of the strap, the buckle assembly comprising a base being configured to be fixed to the object, the base including a pawl configured to engage with the teeth of the strap, and a cap slidingly engaged with the base, the cap comprising: first and second lifters, wherein the first and second lifters are configured to lift the strap out of engagement with the pawl in response to a pinching force being applied to pinch the cap and base together; and first and second lateral cap retainer members wherein the first lateral cap retainer member is configured to slidingly engage with a first internal surface of the base to prevent unwanted decoupling of the cap from the base in a first lateral direction, and wherein the second lateral cap retainer member is configured to slidingly engage with a second internal surface of the base to prevent unwanted decoupling of the cap from the base in a second lateral direction; and wherein tension on the strap is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the teeth of the strap.

In one aspect, the first lateral cap retainer member is integrally formed with the first lifter, and wherein the second lateral cap retainer member is integrally formed with the second lifter. In one aspect, the base further comprises a first wall and a second wall formed on the base and extending vertically, wherein the first and second walls of the base are spaced apart to allow the strap to pass therebetween. In one aspect, the first internal surface of the base is an internal surface of the first wall, and wherein the second internal surface of the base is an internal surface of the second wall.

In one aspect, the first wall includes a first clearance pocket formed therein, the first clearance pocket configured to allow entry of the first lifter and the first lateral cap retainer member; and wherein the second wall includes a second clearance pocket formed therein, the second clearance pocket configured to allow entry of the second lifter and the second lateral cap retainer member to facilitate assembly of the cap onto the base.

In one aspect, the cap is configured such that the first and second lifters are configured to apply a lifting force to the strap at a position along a length of the strap that corresponds to the location of the pawl relative to the length of the strap. In one aspect, the pawl comprises teeth, the teeth of the pawl being configured to mate with the teeth of the strap.

In one aspect, the cap and base are configured to allow the cap to transition from a first position to a second position in response to the pinching force being applied to pinch the cap and base together, the first position allowing ratcheting engagement of the strap with the buckle assembly in response to a force pushing the strap into the buckle assembly; and the second position allowing the strap to disengage from the buckle assembly via the first and second lifters lifting the strap out of engagement with the pawl. In one aspect, the system further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the cap into the first position.

In one aspect, the first and second lifters are spaced apart to allow the strap to pass therebetween. The proximal end of the strap is configured to be fixed to the object via a length of webbing. In one aspect, the proximal end of the strap is configured to be fixed directly to the object. In one aspect, the cap further comprises at least one medial cap retainer member configured to engage with a surface of the base to prevent unwanted decoupling of the cap from the base in a direction parallel to the length of the strap. In one aspect, the cap and base are configured to slidingly engage with each other via a ramp or track to convert the pinching force into a lifting force to lift the strap out of engagement with the pawl. In one aspect, the system is configured to prevent movement of the pawl relative to the base.

In one aspect, the cap includes: a first chamfered portion along a first lateral side of the cap; and a second chamfered portion along a second lateral side of the cap.

In one aspect, a fastening system comprises: a strap having a row of teeth disposed on a surface thereof, the strap having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end being configured to be fixed to an object; a buckle assembly configured to receive the distal end of the strap, the buckle assembly comprising: a base being configured to be fixed to the object, the base including a pawl configured to engage with the teeth of the strap; and a cap slidingly engaged with the base, the cap comprising first and second lifters and at least one medial cap retainer member, wherein the first and second lifters are configured to lift the strap out of engagement with the pawl in response to a pinching force being applied to pinch the cap and base together, and wherein the at least one medial cap retainer member is configured to engage with a surface of the base to prevent unwanted decoupling of the cap from the base in response to a force applied in a direction parallel to the length of the strap; and wherein tension on the strap is adjustable via ratcheting engagement or selective disengagement of the pawl with the teeth of the strap.

In an illustrative configuration, a fastening system for an object is disclosed, the fastening system may include a buckle assembly including: a base including: a bottom adjoining the object; a top oppositely disposed from the bottom; and a first lateral side formed on the top; a first track formed on the first lateral side; a second lateral side oppositely disposed to the first lateral side by a predefined distance; a second track formed on the second lateral side; and a bridge connecting the first lateral side and the second lateral side; a cap slidingly engaged with the base, the cap including: a trigger; a first lateral side formed on the trigger; a first chamfered portion formed at a base of the first lateral side; a first lifter formed on the first chamfered portion; a second lateral side oppositely disposed to the first lateral side; a second chamfered portion formed at a base of the second lateral side; a second lifter formed on the second chamfered portion; a restrainer disposed between the first chamfered portion and the second chamfered portion; a plurality of medial cap retainer members formed in line with the restrainer; a strap including: a proximal end configured to attach to the object; a distal end oppositely disposed from the proximal end; a front surface disposed between the proximal end and the distal end; a back surface parallel to and offset from the front surface; an array of teeth formed on the back surface, wherein the array of teeth includes: a portion of the array of teeth is adjacent to the object; an installation condition, wherein: the cap and the base are separated by a fastened condition, wherein: the cap is at a first position; the strap is restrained with on the pawl by the restrainer, wherein the array of teeth is fixedly engaged with the pawl; the medial cap retainer member is engaged to the bridge; a released condition, wherein: the cap is at a second position; the strap is lifted by the first lifter and the second lifter; the array of teeth is decoupled from the pawls and the strap is free to move relative to the base.

In an illustrative configuration, a fastener assembling method is disclosed. The fastener assembling method may include: providing a buckle assembly including: a base including: a bottom adjoining the wearable; a top oppositely disposed from the bottom; and a first base wall formed on the top; a first track formed on the first lateral side; a second base wall oppositely disposed to the first base wall by a predefined distance; a second track formed on the second base wall; and a bridge connecting the first base wall and the second base wall; a cap slidingly engaged with the base, the cap including: a trigger; a first lateral side formed on the trigger; a first chamfered portion formed at a base of the first lateral side; a first lifter formed on the first chamfered portion; a second lateral side oppositely disposed to the first lateral side; a second chamfered portion formed at a base of the second lateral side; a second lifter formed on the second chamfered portion; a strap restrainer disposed between the first chamfered portion and the second chamfered portion; a plurality of medial cap retainer members formed in line with the restrainer; and a strap passage formed within the first lateral side and the second lateral side; providing a strap including: a proximal end configured to attach to the object; a distal end oppositely disposed from the proximal end; a front surface disposed between the proximal end and the distal end; a back surface parallel to and offset from the front surface; an array of teeth formed on the back surface, wherein the array of teeth includes: a portion of the array of teeth is adjacent to the wearable; providing an installation tool, the installation tool including; an extender end; and a grip; an assembly condition, including: inserting the extender in the strap passage for elastically extending the first lateral side and the second lateral side in a horizontal direction; sliding the first lifter and the second lifter over the first base wall and the second base wall to enter a first clearance pocket and a second clearance pocket of the first base wall and the second base wall respectively, thereby assembling the cap with the base; and inserting the distal end of the strap within the strap passage after assembling the cap with the base. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, there may be discussion herein of beliefs or understandings of underlying principles relating to the devices and methods disclosed herein. It is recognized that regardless of the ultimate correctness of any mechanistic explanation or hypothesis, an embodiment of the invention can nonetheless be operative and useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures of the drawing, which are included to provide a further understanding of general aspects of the system/method, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These illustrative aspects of the system/method, together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the system. No attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than necessary for a fundamental understanding of the system and the various ways it is practiced. The following figures of the drawing include:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one illustrative configuration of an object equipped with an illustrative configuration of a fastening assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the object of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the fastening assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom-perspective view of the fastening assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a right-perspective view of the fastening assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a left-perspective view of the fastening assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an illustrative configuration of a buckle assembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the buckle assembly taken along section 8-8′ in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the buckle assembly taken along section 9-9′ in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 illustrates a right-perspective view of an illustrative configuration of a cap;

FIG. 11 illustrates a left-perspective view of the cap;

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cap;

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the cap;

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of the cap;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an illustrative configuration of a base;

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear perspective view of the base;

FIG. 17 illustrates a left-bottom perspective view of the base;

FIG. 18 illustrates a right-bottom perspective view of the base;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of the base;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the base;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front perspective view of the cap and the base in one example of an installation condition;

FIG. 22 illustrates a left-perspective view of the cap and the base in the installation condition;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an installation tool to assemble the cap to the base;

FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of the installation tool of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of assembling the buckle assembly;

FIG. 26 illustrates a right-bottom perspective view of the buckle assembly;

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of the buckle assembly;

FIG. 28 illustrates a bottom-sectional view of the buckle assembly;

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the buckle assembly;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of one configuration of a strap;

FIG. 31 illustrates a bottom-perspective view of the strap;

FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of the strap;

FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view of the strap;

FIG. 34 illustrates a front view of the strap;

FIG. 35 illustrates a sectional view taken along section 35-35′ in the strap of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 illustrates a schematic of the installation condition of the fastening system;

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic of the fastening system in the engaged condition;

FIG. 38 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the fastening system in an engaged condition;

FIG. 39 illustrates another sectional perspective view of the fastening system in the engaged condition;

FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic of the fastening system in a disengaged condition;

FIG. 41 illustrates a sectional view of the fastening system in the disengaged condition.

Similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label in the appended figures. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letter. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar components and/or features with the same first numerical reference label, irrespective of the suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative configurations are described with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed configurations. The following detailed description is intended to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit indicated by the following claims.

It should be noted that the following description is configured for a fastening system utilized on an object. The object may include, but are not limited to, footwear, garments, helmets, watches, cameras, bottles, head pods, jackets, wrist braces, knee braces, backpacks, and the like. The fastening system is utilized on the object/object for the illustrative purpose of increasing, decreasing, or preserving tightness (sometimes referred to as binding).

Fasteners for objects such as footwear, due to their larger sizes, or multiple fasteners on the footwear may be prone to damage accidentally imposed by footwear worn by other individuals. For example, a footwear equipped with one or more fasteners (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as fastener assembly) may be stepped on by another individual footwear during any activity. Consequently, the fastening assembly may be dismantled or disassembled, i.e., parts of the assembly may be separated or permanently damaged. Moreover, after being damaged, reassembling such parts may be difficult.

Illustrative configurations of a fastening system are disclosed to reduce or prevent damage imposed upon the fastening system. The illustrative configurations are applicable for closing, attaching, and securing purposes in various applications, including objects such as footwear and clothing and apparatuses like bags, helmets, etc. The fastening also finds utility in bundling and fastening multiple individual units like electrical cables, wires, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of an object 102. The object 102 may include, but is not limited to, footwear, clothing, watches, helmets, luggage, and the like. For example, the object 102 in FIG. 1 is illustrated as footwear. In this configuration, the object 102 may include a fastening system 104. The fastening system 104 may be attached to a first webbing 106 and a second webbing 108. Moreover, the fastening system 104 may be configured in an installation configuration, an engaged condition, and a disengaged condition.

The first webbing 106 may be positioned proximate to the tongue 110 of the object 102, and the second webbing 108 may be proximate to a quarter 112 of the object 102. Further, the first webbing 106 may be looped into one or more webbing portions to cover the tongue 110 across the object 102. For example, the first webbing 106 may be looped about a loop 114 and divided into two webbing portions, i.e., a first webbing portion 107A and a second webbing portion 107B. The first webbing portion 107A may originate from the object 102 and may cover the tongue 110. In contrast, the second webbing portion 107B may originate from the loop 114 and attached to the fastening system 104. Similarly, the second webbing 108 may be divided into two webbing portions, i.e., a third webbing portion 109A and a fourth webbing portion 109B. The third webbing portion 109A may be attached to the fastening system 104. Further, the second webbing 108 may be looped over a loop 115 to form the fourth webbing portion 109B, which may be attached to the object 102 via a clasp 116. The first webbing 106, and the second webbing 108 may be tensioned, or pulled and configured along with the fastening system 104 to tighten one or more portions of the object 102, as illustrated hereinafter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view 200 of the object 102 of FIG. 1. As seen, the fastening system 104 may be positioned transpose relative to a longitudinal axis 2-2′ passing through the object 102. As such, the fastening system 104 may be positioned transpose relative to a longitudinal axis 2-2′ by a predefined angle to cover the portion between the tongue 110 and the quarter 112.

In an illustrative configuration, as described herein, the first webbing 106 and the second webbing 108 may be tensioned to tighten one or more portions of the object 102. For example, the first webbing portion 107A may be pulled by a predefined length to tighten the tongue 110 of the object 102, while the third webbing portion 109A may be pulled by a pre-defined distance to tighten the quarter 112. Based on the predefined length, one or more components of the fastening system 104 may be configured or adjusted to maintain the tension in the first webbing portion 107A and the third webbing portion 109A.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view 300 of the fastening system 104. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom-perspective view 400 of the fastening system 104. The fastening system 104 may include a buckle assembly 302 and a strap 304 passing through the buckle assembly 302. The buckle assembly 302 may include a cap 306 and a base 308. The base 308 may be attached to the second webbing portion 107B. Moreover, the strap 304 may include a proximal end 310, a distal end 312, a top 314, and a bottom 316. The proximal end 310 may be attached to the third webbing portion 109A, and the bottom may include an array of teeth 402.

Based on the predefined length, one or more components of the fastening system 104 may be configured to maintain the tension in the first webbing portion 107A and the third webbing portion 109A. In other words, to tighten the tongue 110, the buckle assembly 302 may be adjusted or repositioned transverse relative to the object 102 by a length equivalent to the predefined length by which the first webbing portion 107A and the second webbing portion 107B may be pulled. Similarly, to tighten the quarter 112, the strap 304 may be adjusted or repositioned relative to the buckle assembly 302 transverse by a length equivalent to the predefined length by which the third webbing portion 109A and the fourth webbing portion 109B may be pulled. Accordingly, to maintain the desired tension within the first webbing 106 and the second webbing 108 to tighten the tongue 110 and the quarter 112, the strap 304 may be adjusted and locked within the buckle assembly 302 based on the predefined lengths. Particularly, the array of teeth 402 of the strap 304 may be engaged to a pawl (not shown in figure), to lock the strap 304 with the buckle assembly 302.

FIG. 5 illustrates a right-perspective view 500 of the buckle assembly 302. The buckle assembly 302 may include a cap 306 and a base 308. The cap 306 may be configured to slide over the base 308. As such, the cap 306 may slide over the base 308 in one or more positions to maneuver the fastening system 104 between the installation, engaged, and disengaged conditions.

The buckle assembly 302 may include a first digit surface 502 and a second digit surface 504. The first digit surface 502 may be disposed on the cap 306, and the second digit surface 504 may be disposed on the base 308. The user may be configured to apply a pinching force on the first digit surface 502 and the second digit surface 504 to slide the cap 306 between the one or more positions. The buckle assembly 302 may include a ramp 506, configured to guide the strap 304 (refer to FIG. 3) into the buckle assembly 302. The ramp 506 may be formed on the base 308.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left-perspective view 600 of the buckle assembly 302. The base 308 may include a loop 602 at which any of the first webbing portion 107A or the third webbing portion 109A (refer to FIGS. 1-2) may be attached.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view 700 of a buckle assembly 302. FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view 800 of the buckle assembly 302 taken along section 8-8′ in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view 900 of the buckle assembly 302 taken along section 9-9′ in FIG. 7.

The cap 306 may be biased against the base 308 using a biasing member 802 such as a coil spring. The biasing member 802 may be coupled to the cap 306 and the base 308. For example, the first end of the biasing member 802 may be coupled to a first protrusion 804 formed on the cap 306 and the second end of the biasing member 802 may be coupled to a second protrusion 806 formed on cap 306. The base 308 may further include a pawl 808. As described herein, the array of teeth 402 (refer to FIG. 4) may be configured to engage the pawl 808 to lock the strap 304 within the buckle assembly 302. The cap 306 may further include a strap restrainer 902. The strap restrainer 902 may be configured to restrain the strap 304 on the pawl 808.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left-perspective view 1000 of a cap 306. The cap 306 may include a trigger 1002, a first lateral side 1004, and a second lateral side 1006 (refer to FIG. 11), oppositely disposed to the first lateral side 1004 by a predefined gap. The first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006 may be formed on the trigger 1002. Further, the first lateral side 1004 may include a first edge 1012 and a second edge 1014. The first and second edges are formed at a predefined angle relative to the trigger 1002. Further, a first chamfered portion 1016 may be formed between the first edge 1012 and the second edge 1014.

FIG. 11 illustrates a right-perspective view 1100 of the cap 306. The second lateral side 1006 may include a first edge 1102 and a second edge 1104. Similar to the first lateral side 1004, the second lateral side 1006 may include a second chamfered portion 1106.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom-perspective view 1200 of the cap 306. The cap 306 may include a plurality of medial cap retainer members 1010 configured to engage the bridge gaps formed in the base 308 (not shown, illustrated in later configurations). The cap 306 may further include a first lifter 1202 adjoined to or formed with the first chamfered portion 1016 and a second lifter 1204 adjoined to or formed with the second chamfered portion 1106. The cap 306 may further include a first lateral cap retainer member 1206 formed with the first lifter 1202 and a second lateral cap retainer member 1208 formed with the second lifter 1204.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view 1300 of the cap 306. The first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 (refer to FIG. 12) may extend towards the first digit surface 502. Each of the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may be molded as a single component with the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006 (refer to FIG. 10) or separately molded and adjoined to the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006. Moreover, each of the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may be formed as an L-shaped structure facing each other. For example, the first lateral cap retainer member 1206, shaped as an L-shaped structure, may face the second lateral cap retainer member 1208, formed with the L-shaped structure. As such, in some configurations, a strap passage 1302 may be formed therebetween to allow the strap 304 (not shown) to pass through and contact the first lifter 1202 and the second lifter 1204. The first lifter 1202 and the second lifter 1204 may lift the strap 304 when the cap 306 may be manipulated relative to the base 308.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view 1400 of the cap 306. The first lifter 1202 and the second lifter 1204 (refer to FIG. 12) may extend opposite the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208. The first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may be configured to engage the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006 in the engaged and disengaged conditions.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front-perspective view 1500 of the base 308. FIG. 16 illustrates a rear-perspective view 1600 of the base 308. The base 308 may include a first base wall 1502 and a second base wall 1504, oppositely disposed to the first base wall 1502. Further, the first base wall 1502 may include a first track 1506 and the second base wall 1504 may include a second track 1508. Further, the first base wall 1502 may include a first installation track 1510 and a first transverse ramp 1518 oppositely formed to the first installation track 1510.

With continued reference to FIGS. 15-16, the base 308 may include a bridge 1512 configured to connect the first base wall 1502 and the second base wall 1504. The bridge 1512 may include a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may be formed as an inclined ramp, on which the cap 306 may slide relative to the base. The bottom surface may include a plurality of bridge indents 1514 configured to slidingly accommodate the plurality of medial cap retainer members 1010. Further, between the plurality of bridge indents 1514, the first protrusion 804 may be formed to couple with the biasing member 802 (refer to FIG. 8). The base 308 may include a top 1516. Further, the top 1516 may include the pawl 808 configured to engage the array of teeth 402 of the strap 304.

FIG. 17 illustrates a left-bottom perspective view 1700 of the base 308. The base 308 may include a bottom 1702 configured to adjoin the object 102. Further, the base 308 may include a first clearance pocket 1704 formed in line to the first track 1506 and a second clearance pocket 1706 formed in line to the second track 1508. The first clearance pocket 1704 and the second clearance pocket 1706 may be designed based on the sizes or dimensions of the first lifter 1202, the second lifter 1204, the first lateral cap retainer member 1206, and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208. As such, the first clearance pocket 1704 and the second clearance pocket 1706 may be configured to allow entry of the first lifter 1202, the second lifter 1204, the first lateral cap retainer member 1206, and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 (refer to FIG. 12) within the cap 306.

FIG. 18 illustrates a right-bottom perspective view 1800 of the base 308. FIG. 19 illustrates a top view 1900 of the base 308. FIG. 20 illustrates a side view 2000 of the base 308. Moreover, referring to FIG. 19, the second base wall 1504 may also include a second installation track 1902 and a second transverse ramp 1904 oppositely formed to the second installation track 1902.

In an illustrative configuration, the first track 1506 and the second track 1508 may include a transpose slit 2002 and a linear slit 2004. The transpose slit 2002 and the linear slit 2004 of the first track 1506 and the second track 1508 may be formed at a predefined angle and act as a guide to the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208, respectively, to allow a transpose movement of the cap 306 when manipulated relative to the base 308.

As described herein, the fastening system 104 may be configured in one or more conditions such as the installation, engaged, and released conditions. Particularly, the cap 306 and the base 308 may be configured into one or more positions, such as an installation position, a first position, and a second position to configure the fastening system 104 in the installation condition, the engaged condition, and the released condition respectively.

FIG. 21 illustrates a front-perspective view 2100 of the cap 306 and the base 308 in an installation condition. FIG. 22 illustrates a left-perspective view 2200 of the cap 306 and the base 308 in the installation condition.

The cap 306 may be inserted vertically in the installation condition on the base 308. As such, the first edge 1102 of the second lateral side 1006 may be configured to engage the second installation track 1602, and the second edge 1104 of the second chamfered portion 1106 may be configured to engage the second transverse ramp 1604. Similarly, the first edge 1012 and the second edge 1014 of the first lateral side 1004 may be configured to engage the first installation track 1510 and the first transverse ramp 1518, respectively.

In an illustrative configuration, the biasing member 802 may be coupled to the first protrusion 804 (not shown) when the cap 306 and the base 308 may be configured in the installation position. After installation, the free end of the biasing member 802 may engage the second protrusion 806 of the cap 306.

To assemble the cap 306 on the base 308, an installation tool may be used to spread the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006, within an elastic limit, before assembling the cap 306 and the base 308. The installation tool may be forcefully inserted within the strap passage 1302 (refer to FIG. 13) to extend the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006 elastically.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view 2300 of an installation tool 2302 to assemble the cap 306 to the base 308. FIG. 24 illustrates a front view 2400 of the installation tool 2302 of FIG. 23. The installation tool 2302 may include an extender end 2304 and a grip 2306. To assemble the cap 306 with the base 308, the user may insert the installation tool 2302 into the strap passage 1302 (refer to FIG. 13), as is shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view 2500 of assembling the buckle assembly 302. As described herein, to assemble the buckle assembly 302, the user may hold the grip 2306 of installation tool 2302 and insert the extender end 2304 into the strap passage 1302 of the cap 306. Accordingly, the cap 306 may be extended horizontally or the first lateral side 1004, and the second lateral side 1006 may be elastically extended along a direction perpendicular to the installation direction of the cap 306 with the base 308. Such extension may position the first lateral side 1004 and the second lateral side 1006 over the first base wall 1502 and the second base wall 1504. Accordingly, when pushed downwards, either the first edge 1012 or the second edge 1014 of the first lateral side 1004 may engage and slide over the first installation track 1510 or the first transverse ramp 1518 as the first lifter 1202 and the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 slides over the first base wall 1502. Similarly, the first edge 1102 or the second edge 1104 may engage and slide over the second installation track 1602 or the second transverse ramp 1604 as the second lifter 1204 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 slide over the second base wall 1504. The first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may further enter the first clearance pocket 1704 and the second clearance pocket 1706, respectively.

FIG. 26 illustrates a right-bottom perspective view 2600 of the buckle assembly 302. FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view 2700 of the buckle assembly 302. As described herein, the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may further enter the first clearance pocket 1704 and the second clearance pocket 1706, respectively. Thereafter, the first lateral cap retainer member 1206 may internally engage or engage to an inner surface of the first lateral side 1004, and the second lateral cap retainer member 1208 may internally engage or engage to an inner surface of the second lateral side 1006 for coupling the cap 306 with the base 308.

FIG. 28 illustrates a bottom-sectional view 2800 of the buckle assembly 302. Accordingly, such engagement may lock the cap 306 with the base 308. Hence, due to the locking of the cap 306 with the base 308 via the lateral and medial cap retainer members, the cap 306 may be prevented from undergoing unwanted disengagement from the base upon subjection of a force (e.g. accidently kicked off by the other foot of a user).

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view 2900 of the buckle assembly 302 in the installation condition. After coupling the cap 306 with the base 308, the second edge 1014 may completely contact the first transverse ramp 1518 and the first edge 1012 may completely contact the first installation track 1510. Accordingly, the cap 306 may positioned at a lowermost position relative to the base 308. Such position depicts the installation position of the buckle assembly 302 and the installation condition of the fastening system 104.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view 3000 of a strap 304. FIG. 31 illustrates a bottom-perspective view 3100 of the strap 304. The strap 304, as described herein, may include a proximal end 310 and a distal end 312. The proximal end 310 may act as an anchor when fixated to the object 102 or may be attached to one or more webbings (as explained in FIGS. 1-2), and the distal end 312 may act as a free end of the strap 304.

The strap 304 may include a top 314 disposed between the proximal end 310 and the distal end 312. Further, the strap 304 may include a bottom 316 that is oppositely formed to the top 314. The bottom 316 may include the array of teeth 402. As described herein, the array of teeth 402 may be configured to engage the pawl 808. The strap 304 may include a third digit surface 3002 configured to receive a force from the user's thumb/index finger to manipulate the strap 304 against the buckle assembly 302.

FIG. 32 illustrates a top view 3200 of the strap 304. FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view 3300 of the strap 304. The strap 304 may include a linear groove 3202 formed on the top 314. The linear groove 3202 may be configured to slidingly engage a notch (not shown) in the cap 306 to ensure a proper alignment of the strap 304 within the buckle assembly 302.

FIG. 34 illustrates a front view 3400 of the strap 304. FIG. 35 illustrates a sectional view 3500 taken along section 35-35′ in the strap 304 of FIG. 34. As described herein, the bottom 316 may include the array of teeth 402. In an illustrative configuration, the array of teeth 402 may be formed within a recessed portion in the bottom 316. Accordingly, the array of teeth 402 may be confined within, or in other words, may not protrude out of the strap 304. Further, the strap 304 may be formed as a curved profile in conformity to the shape of the object 102, hence aligned along the shape of the object 102.

FIG. 36 illustrates a schematic 3600 of the installation condition of the fastening system 104. As described herein (in FIG. 29), during the installation condition, the buckle assembly 302 or the cap 306 may be configured in an installation position relative to the base 308. Further, the user may position their index finger on the first digit surface 502 and their thumb on the second digit surface 504. Further, the user may generate a pinching action to manipulate the cap 306 relative to the base 308 to increase an area of strap passage 1302. As such, the increase in the area of the strap passage 1302 may allow the distal end 312 of the strap 304 to pass through and enter the buckle assembly 302.

In the engaged condition, the movement of the strap 304 may be restricted within the buckle assembly 302, and in the disengaged condition, the strap 304 may be free to move within the buckle assembly 302 as described herein.

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic 3700 of the fastening system 104 in the engaged condition. As the strap 304 enters the buckle assembly 302, the array of teeth 402 may engage the pawl 808. Moreover, the strap restrainer 902 may restrain the strap 304 on the pawl 808 to prevent disengagement of the array of teeth 402 against the pawl 808.

In the engaged condition, the strap 304 may be manipulated relative to the buckle assembly 302. For example, the user may position their index finger on the third digit surface 3002 and their thumb on the second digit surface 504 and create a pinching action on the third digit surface 3002 and the second digit surface 504 to move the strap 304 in a single direction. The single direction may be referred to as the direction in which the proximal end 310 may be forced towards the buckle assembly 302 upon subjection to pinching force by the user.

FIG. 38 illustrates a sectional perspective view 3800 of the fastening system 104 in engaged condition. FIG. 39 illustrates another sectional perspective view 3900 of the fastening system 104 in engaged condition. In the engaged condition, as the cap 306 may be coupled to the base 308 at a first position, the plurality of medial cap retainer members 1010 may be engaged or hooked with the plurality of bridge indents 1514. Such engagement may reinforce the coupling of the cap 306 with the base 308. As the cap 306 may be manipulated against the base 308, the trigger 1002 may slide over the bridge 1512, and hence, the plurality of medial cap retainer members 1010 may be slide within the plurality of bridge indents 1514.

FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic 4000 of the fastening system 104 in the disengaged condition. FIG. 41 illustrates a sectional view 4100 of the fastening system 104 in the disengaged condition.

To attain the disengaged condition, the user may position their index finger on the first digit surface 502 and their thumb on second digit surface 504 and create a pinching action to apply a pinching force to transition the cap 306 to a second position from the first position. While transitioning, the trigger 1002 may slide over the plurality of bridge indents 1514, resulting in the first lifter 1202 and the second lifter 1204 collectively lifting the strap 304 within the buckle assembly 302. As such, being lifted, the array of teeth 402 may disengage the pawl 808, and hence, the strap 304 may be free to move relative to the buckle assembly 302.

The fastening system illustrated by FIGS. 1-41 is an affordable, user-friendly device that tightens items securely for many other applications. The fastening system can be crafted from a flexible material like plastic, such as nylon, urethane, or ceramic.

The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and/or tables are illustrative examples, and configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods may be reordered in alternative configurations, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Alternatively, features described with respect to certain configurations may be in various alternative configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined similarly. Also, technology evolves; thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with different types of context awareness classifiers.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like encompass variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value as such variations are appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially,” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value as such variations are appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be utilized. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and/or ABC (i.e., A, B, and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except as limited by the prior art. While the principles of the disclosure have been provided in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

STATEMENTS REGARDING INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE AND VARIATIONS

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference). In addition to any references noted elsewhere in this application, the following references are incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/270,048 filed on Jul. 15, 2025, entitled “FASTENING SYSTEM(S)” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/217,433 filed on Jun. 30, 2023, entitled “FASTENING SYSTEM(S) AND METHOD(S).

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the present invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, methods steps set forth in the present description. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods can include a large number of optional composition and processing elements and steps.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a cell” includes a plurality of such cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably. The expression “of any of claims XX-YY” (wherein XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide a multiple dependent claim in the alternative form, and in some embodiments is interchangeable with the expression “as in any one of claims XX-YY.”

Every device, system, formulation, combination of components, or method described or exemplified herein can be used to practice the invention, unless otherwise stated.

Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. References cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety to indicate the state of the art as of their publication or filing date and it is intended that this information can be employed herein, if needed, to exclude specific embodiments that are in the prior art. For example, when composition of matter are claimed, it should be understood that compounds known and available in the art prior to Applicant's invention, including compounds for which an enabling disclosure is provided in the references cited herein, are not intended to be included in the composition of matter claims herein.

As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that starting materials, biological materials, reagents, synthetic methods, purification methods, analytical methods, assay methods, and biological methods other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.