| Buckle assembly -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Buckle assemblyThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070226961. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to buckle assemblies, and more particularly, to durable buckle assemblies that are easy to operate. Embodiments of the present invention may be particularly suited for buckle assemblies used in military applications, but can find use in other suitable applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Traditionally, the military has used certain buckle assemblies that may not be ideal for particular situations. For example, the buckles may be attached to large items that are airdropped during a particular operation. Typical plastic buckles are susceptible to smashing upon impact. Moreover, other types of buckles are susceptible to prematurely opening. [0003] Thus, a need exists for a robust, durable and easy-to-operate buckle assembly. That is, while a need exists for a buckle assembly that is strong, durable, and reliable, a user should be able to open and close the buckle assembly with relative ease. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle assembly including a latch, a buckle frame, and a spring-biased lever that maintains a connection between the latch and the buckle frame. The latch may include a first mating member, such as a retaining opening or window, and a first strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a first strap end. The buckle frame may include a base integrally formed with sidewalls configured to protect the latch in a secured position in which the latch is secured to the buckle frame, and a second strap-engaging member configured to receive and retain a second strap end. [0005] The lever may be rotatably secured to the buckle frame. The lever is spring-biased into the secured position. The lever may be rotated into an unlatched position in which the latch disengages from the buckle frame. [0006] The lever may include a second mating member, such as a protrusion or opening, configured to mate with the first mating member in order to secure the latch to the buckle frame in the secured position. The lever may also include a pin housing integrally formed with an actuation handle, a spring-biased pin operatively associated with the pin housing, and surfaces or protrusions configured to abut a portion of the latch when a force is exerted into the lever. The abutment of the surfaces into the portion of the latch provides an additional retention feature that prevents the latch from inadvertently dislodging from the buckle frame. [0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a latch according to an embodiment of present invention. [0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a buckle frame and lever according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a biasing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an internal cut-away view of a lever secured within a buckle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a buckle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Continue reading... Full patent description for Buckle assembly Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Buckle assembly patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Buckle assembly or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Non-rotating sandwich button Next Patent Application: Safety belt web adjuster Industry Class: Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Buckle assembly patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.13847 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , |
||
