BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having a main body defining an internal chamber and first and second button openings, and a male connection member selectively connected to the female connection member. The male connection member includes opposed first and second buttons selectively retained within the first and second button openings, respectively, and a pull tab operatively connected to the first and second buttons.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/373,907 entitled “Dual Release Buckle,” filed Aug. 16, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a buckle assembly, and more particularly, to a side-release buckle assembly.

BACKGROUND

A conventional side-release buckle assembly includes a male connection member that is configured to mate with a female connection member, such as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,472, entitled “Buckle.” Each connection member is configured to retain a strap, such as a seatbelt or backpack strap. The male connection member includes integral buttons that may be engaged to release the male connection member from the female connection member, thereby disconnecting the buckle assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a disconnected conventional buckle assembly 10. The buckle assembly 10 includes a male connection member 12 and a female connection member 14. The male connection member 12 includes a pair of flexible lateral arms 16 having buttons 18 at distal ends 20. A rigid strut member 22 extends between the lateral arms 16. A strap receiving channel 21 is formed through the male connection member 12 between the rigid strut member 22 and a strap bar 23, which is configured to clamp into a strap. The lateral arms 16 are configured to pivot in the direction of arcs A and A′ about pivot points 24 defined by the union of the rigid strut member 22 and the lateral arms 16. In general, the rigid strut member 22 is disposed between the pivot points 24 and the strap-receiving channel 21. As such, the pivot points 24 are distally located from the strap bar 23. As shown in FIG. 1, the rigid strut member 22 extends between the arms 16 and is integrally connected to the main body 25 of the male connection member 12. Thus, the rigid strut member 22 is inflexible.

In order to secure the male connection member 12 into the female connection member 14, the male connection member 12 is urged into the female connection member 14 in the direction of arrow B. A guide beam 26 of the male connection member 12 moves into a reciprocal channel (not shown) formed in the female connection member 14 to ensure proper mating alignment between the male and female connection members 12 and 14, respectively. As the male connection member 12 is urged into the female connection member 14, the lateral arms 16 deflect inwardly in the directions of arcs A and A′ until the buttons 18 reach button openings 28 formed through the female connection member 14. When the buttons 18 enter the button openings 28, the tension stored in the lateral arms 16 snapably forces the lateral arms 16 and the buttons laterally outward, so that the buttons 18 are secured within the button openings 28. At this point, the male connection member 12 is secured to the female connection member 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the conventional buckle assembly 10 in which the male connection member 12 is securely mated into the female connection member 14. In order to disconnect the male connection member 12 from the female connection member 14, the buttons 18 are squeezed toward one another in the direction of arcs A and A′.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the button openings 28 may be too small to allow a user to engage the buttons 18. As shown in FIG. 2 in particular, the buttons 18 are bound on three sides (as shown in FIG. 2, the top, bottom, and one lateral portion) by fixed, rigid structure of the female connection member 14 that defines the button openings 28. If an operator is wearing gloves, or has oversized fingers, fixed structural support walls 29 and 31 of the female connection member 14 that define the button openings 28 may interfere with the operator's fingers, thereby impeding further squeezing of the buttons in the directions of arcs A and A′ toward the center of the female connection member 14. As such, an operator may find it difficult, or impossible, to disconnect the male connection member 12 from the female connection member 14.

Additionally, with increased use, the resiliency of the lateral arms 16 may diminish. Indeed, in certain conditions, such as extreme cold, the lateral arms 16 may even snap or otherwise break.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle assembly that includes a female connection member having a main body defining an internal chamber and first and second button openings, and a male connection member selectively connected to the female connection member. The male connection member includes opposed first and second buttons selectively retained within the first and second button openings, respectively, and a pull tab operatively connected to the first and second buttons.

The male connection member and the female connection member are configured to be disconnected from one another by the first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or the pull tab being pulled. Linear movement of the pull tab in a first direction may cause relative movement between the first and second buttons in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and vice versa. Similarly, movement of the first and second buttons may cause linear movement of the pull tab.

The male connection member may include first and second coil springs. The first coil spring may be disposed between the first button and the pull tab, and the second coil spring may be disposed between the second button and the pull tab.

The male connection member may also include a rigid housing that prevents the first and second buttons from moving in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pull tab.

The pull tab may include at least one post slidably retained within at least one angled track formed through at least one of the first and second buttons. For example, the pull tab may include an extension beam having a first post extending from a first surface and a second post extending from a second surface opposite the first surface. The first post may be slidably retained within a first angled track formed through a portion of the first button, and the second post may be slidably retained within a second angled track formed through a portion of the second button. The first button may include first panels and the second button may include second panels slidably retained to the first panels and/or a portion of the pull tab within the male connection member.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a male connection member of a buckle assembly that includes a rigid housing connected to a fixed cap through outer beams, wherein the rigid beam defines a central channel. The male connection member may also include opposed first and second buttons movably secured between the rigid housing and the cap, and a pull tab having an extension beam extending into the central channel. The extension beam is operatively connected to the first and second buttons.

The male connection member is configured to be disconnected from a female connection member by the first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or the pull tab being pulled.

The male connection member may also include first and second coil springs. The first coil spring may be disposed between the first button and the extension beam, and the second coil spring may be disposed between the second button and the extension beam.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle assembly including a female connection member and a male connection member. The female connection member includes a main body defining an internal chamber and first and second button openings.

The male connection member is selectively connected to the female connection member. The male connection member may include a rigid housing connected to a fixed cap through outer beams, opposed first and second buttons movably secured between the rigid housing and the cap, wherein the first button extends through the first button opening and the second button extends through the second button opening, a pull tab having an extension beam extending into a central channel of the rigid housing, and the extension beam is operatively connected to the first and second buttons. The male connection member may also include first and second coil springs, wherein the first coil spring is disposed between the first button and the extension beam, and the second coil spring is disposed between the second button and the extension beam.

The male connection member is configured to be disconnected from the female connection member by the first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or the pull tab being pulled. Linear movement of the pull tab in a first direction causes relative movement between the first and second buttons in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a disconnected conventional buckle assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the conventional buckle assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric top view of a buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of a buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral view of a buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a male end view of a buckle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric top view of a male connection member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a male connection member with fully-extended buttons through line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a male connection member with retracted buttons, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of a male connection member through line 10-10 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of a male connection member through line 11-11 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial top plan view of a male connection member with fully-extended button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial top plan view of a male connection member with a retracted button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of a buckle assembly through line 14-14 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of a buckle assembly with retracted buttons, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of a buckle assembly in which the male connection member is being removed from the female connection member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate isometric top and top plan views, respectively, of a buckle assembly 30, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the assembly 30 includes a female connection member 32 selectively secured to a male connection member 34.

The female connection member 32 includes an open receiving end 36 configured to receive the male connection member 34. A strap channel 38 is formed at an end 40 that is opposite the receiving end 36. Button openings 42 are formed on opposite sides of the female connection member 32.

The male connection member 34 includes a strap end 44 configured to receive a strap and a female-engaging end 46 that is configured to pass into the receiving end 36 and secure within the female connection member 32. The female-engaging end 46 includes opposed buttons 48 and 48′ that are retained within the button openings 42. Each button 48 and 48′ is bounded on three sides by rigid walls of the female connection member 32. As such, an operator may engage the exposed surfaces of the buttons 48 and 48′ and squeeze them together in order to disconnect the male connection member 34 from the female connection member 32.

The male connection member 34 also includes a moveable pull tab 50 that is operatively connected to the buttons 48. A hole 52 may be formed through an exposed end of the pull tab 50. A looped string may secure within the hole 52 so that an operator may pull on the string to move the pull tab 50. Optionally, the pull tab 50 may include tactile surfaces for an operator to grip.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral view of the buckle assembly 30. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, in the fully-connected position, the buttons 48 and 48′ fully extend through the openings 42 of the female connection member 32 and are blocked from retreating in the direction of arrow A by the rigid walls 54 of the female connection member 32. As discussed below, however, the pull tab 50 may be pulled in the direction of arrow A in order to retract the buttons 48 and 48′ toward a central axis of the male connection member 34 in order to disconnect the male connection member 34 from the female connection member 32. Thus, the male connection member 34 may be disconnected from the female connection member 32 by an operator squeezing the buttons 48 and 48′ together, and/or a pulling on the pull tab 50.

FIG. 6 illustrates a male end view of the buckle assembly 30, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The buttons 48 and 48′ are outwardly biased through coil springs 56 that are compressed between the buttons 48 or 48′ and an internal longitudinal extension beam 58 of the pull tab 50 that extends into the male connection member 34. In this manner, the springs 56 force the buttons 48 and 48′ outward so that they extend through the button openings formed in the female connection member 32 (shown in FIGS. 3-5).

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric top view of the male connection member 34, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The male connection member 34 includes a main body 59 that includes an open-ended channel 60 formed proximate the strap end 44. A rigid support housing 62 connects to the strap end 44. The channel 60 passes through the housing 62. The housing 62 connects to a fixed cap 64 by way of a fixed outer beam 66 that overlays the support housing 62 and connects to the strap end 44. The fixed outer beam 66 may also be positioned below the housing 62 (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example).

The extension beam 58 of the pull tab 50 extends into the channel 60. As shown in FIG. 7, a post 68 extends from a distal end 70 of the extension beam 58. A post 68 may also extend from a lower end of the extension beam 58 on the opposite side of the fixed outer beam 66 (as shown in FIG. 10). The post 68 extends into an angled guide track 71 formed through the button 48. For example, the post 68 may be chamfered or otherwise grooved such that edges of the button surface that define the track are slidably retained within the chamfered or grooved surface of the post 68. A similar guide track is formed through a lower surface of the opposed button 48 (as shown in FIG. 10, for example). Alternatively, the male connection member 34 may be configured so that the posts and guide tracks are both formed on upper portions or lower portions. That is, a guide track 71 may be formed on the upper surface of the button 48 and a mirror image guide track may be formed on an upper surface of the button 48′.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the male connection member 34 with fully-extended buttons through line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each button 48 and 48′ includes internal panels 72 and 72′, respectively, that slidably mate with the opposed panels 72′ and 72, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, an upper panel 72′ of the button 48′ is slidably sandwiched between an upper surface of the extension beam 58 and a lower surface of an upper panel 72 of the button 48. Similarly, the lower panel 72 of the button 48 is slidably sandwiched between an upper surface of the lower panel 72′ of the button 48′ and the extension beam 58. Due to the slidable interlocking engagement of the panels 72 and 72′, the buttons 48 and 48′ are movably secured to one another.

The coil springs 56 are compressively secured within each button 48 and 48′ between respective panels 72 and 72′. The coil springs 56 abut into the extension beam 58 and push the buttons 48 and 48′ laterally away therefrom. As shown in FIG. 8, the buttons 48 and 48′ are fully-extended.

Because the upper panel 72 of the button 48 rests within a recessed area 74′ of the button 48′ above the upper panel 72′, and the lower panel 72′ of the rests within a recessed area 74 of the button 48 below the lower panel 72 (and the upper panel 72′ of the button 48′ and the lower panel 72 of the button 48 slidably engage the extension beam 58 within the channel 60), the buttons 48 and 48′ may be squeezed together in order to reduce the width W of the male connection member 34. When an operator squeezes the buttons 48 and 48′ together, for example, with sufficient force to overcome the spring constant of the springs 56, the buttons 48 and 48′ retract toward a central axis X of the male connection member 34.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the male connection member 34 with retracted buttons 48 and 48′, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this position, the buttons 48 and 48′ have been squeezed together in order to overcome the spring constant of the internal springs 56. As such, the springs 56 are compressed between the buttons 48 and 48′ and the extension beam 58. The upper panel 72 of the button 48 abuts into the button 48′, and the lower panel 72′ abuts into the button 48, thereby preventing the buttons 48 from further inboard movement. When squeezing force is removed from the buttons 48 and 48′, the springs 56 force the buttons 48 and 48′ back out to the extended positions shown in FIG. 8. Thus, an operator may squeeze the spring-biased buttons 48 and 48′ together in order to remove the male connection member 34 from the female connection member 32 (shown in FIGS. 3-5, for example).

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the male connection member 34 through line 10-10 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the distal end 70 of the extension beam 58 includes an upper post 68 extending into the angled track 71 formed through the upper panel 72 of the button 48. The lower post 68 extends from the extension beam 58 into an angled track 71′ of the lower panel 72′ of the button 48′. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the angled tracks 71 and 71′ flare outwardly from the fixed cap 64 (shown in FIG. 7). That is, the ends of the angled tracks 71 and 71′ proximate the fixed cap 64 are closest to the extension beam 58, while the ends of the tracks 71 and 71′ distal the fixed cap 64 are furthest away from the extension beam 58.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the male connection member 34 through line 11-11 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the extension beam 58 of the pull tab 50 extends through the male connection member 34 in the channel 60. The extension beam 50 also includes stop tabs 80 extending from upper and lower surfaces proximate a midpoint of the extension beam 50. The stop tabs 80 abut into tabs 82 extending within the channel 60 from the fixed beams 66, for example, thereby preventing the extension beam 58 from passing further into the channel 60.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial top plan view of the male connection member 34 with a fully-extended button 48, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, only one half of the male connection member 34 is shown. However, it is to be understood that the button 48′ provides a similar configuration and subsequent movement.

In addition to being squeezed by an operator, the button 48 may also be retracted by pulling the pull tab 50 in the direction of arrow A. When the pull tab 50 is pulled in this manner, the post 68 at the distal end 70 of the extension beam 58 follows. As the post 68 moves in the direction of arrow A, the post 68 pulls the button 48 inwardly by way of the angled track 70. That is, as the post 68 moves linearly in the direction of arrow A, it slides over the surfaces of the button 48 that define the angled track 71, thereby pulling the button 48 inwardly. Similar movement is experienced by the button 48′ (not shown in FIG. 12).

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial top plan view of the male connection member 34 with the button 48 retracted, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this position, the post 68 is within the lower outwardly-flared end of the track 71. The rigid support housing 62 prevents the buttons 48 and 48′ from moving in the direction of arrow A. Therefore, linear movement of the pull tab 50 in the direction of arrow A forces the buttons 48 and 48′ to squeeze inwardly toward one another. That is, linear movement of the pull tab 50 in the direction of arrow A, causes the buttons 48 and 48′ to squeeze together over a direction that is perpendicular to that of arrow A.

When an operator ceases to exert a pulling force on the pull tab in the direction of arrow A, the springs 56 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) force the buttons 48 and 48′ to expand back to positions shown in FIG. 12, for example. Because the post 68 is within the angled track 70, the pull tab 50 is then forced back in the direction of arrow A′ until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 12. Outward movement of the buttons 48 and 48′ causes the ungrasped pull tab 50 to recede back into the male connection member 34 in the direction of arrow A′.

FIG. 14 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly 30 through line 14-14 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 30 is in the fully-connected position. In order to disconnect the male connection member 34 from the female connection member 32, an operator may either squeeze the buttons 48 and 48′ together, or the pull in the pull tab 50.

FIG. 15 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly 30 with retracted buttons 48 and 48′, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As the pull tab 50 is urged back in the direction of arrow A (or the buttons 48 and 48′ are squeezed together, thereby forcing the pull tab 50 in the direction of arrow A), the springs 56 compress, and the buttons 48 and 48′ recede within the button openings 42 of the female connection member 32. Once the buttons 48 and 48′ are retracted to the point that they are less wide than the rigid walls 54 of the female connection member 32 such that the buttons 48 and 48′ can pass therebetween, the male connection member 34 and the female connection member 32 may be separated.

FIG. 16 illustrates an internal axial cross-sectional view of the buckle assembly 30 in which the male connection member 34 is being removed from the female connection member 32, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the buttons 48 and 48′ are retracted to the point that they can pass into an internal chamber between the rigid walls 54. As such, the male connection member 34 and the female connection member 32 may be disconnected from one another. Again, this disconnection may occur through an operator squeezing the buttons 48 and 48′ together, or pulling the pull tab 50.

In order to reconnect the male connection member 34 to the female connection member 32, the cap 64 of the male connection member 32 is urged into the receiving end 36 of the female connection member 32. The buttons 48 and 48′ have beveled leading edges. As such, the buttons 48 and 48′ are able to pass into the female connection member 32 and squeeze together. Once the male connection member 34 is urged to the point where the buttons 48 and 48′ encounter the button openings 42, the force exerted by the springs 56 forces the buttons 48 and 48′ outwardly so that they are retained by the rigid walls of the female connection member 32 that define the button openings.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle assembly that may be easily disconnected through squeezing and/or pulling. If an operator finds it difficult to squeeze the buttons together, the operator may instead pull the pull tab to disconnect the buckle assembly. Embodiments of the present invention provide a robust buckle assembly that does not include long button arms that are susceptible to snapping.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A buckle assembly comprising:

a female connection member having a main body defining an internal chamber and first and second button openings; and

a male connection member selectively connected to said female connection member, wherein said male connection member comprises opposed first and second buttons selectively retained within said first and second button openings, respectively, and a pull tab operatively connected to said first and second buttons.

2. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said male connection member and said female connection member are configured to be disconnected from one another by said first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or said pull tab being pulled.

3. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said male connection member further comprises first and second coil springs, wherein said first coil spring is disposed between said first button and said pull tab, and wherein said second coil spring is disposed between said second button and said pull tab.

4. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein linear movement of said pull tab in a first direction causes relative movement between said first and second buttons in a direction that is perpendicular to said first direction, and vice versa.

5. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said male connection member further comprises a rigid housing that prevents said first and second buttons from moving in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of said pull tab.

6. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pull tab comprises at least one post slidably retained within at least one angled track formed through at least one of said first and second buttons.

7. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said pull tab comprises an extension beam having a first post extending from a first surface and a second post extending from a second surface opposite said first surface, wherein said first post is slidably retained within a first angled track formed through a portion of said first button, and wherein said second post is slidably retained within a second angled track formed through a portion of said second button.

8. The buckle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first button comprises first panels and said second button comprises second panels slidably retained to said first panels and/or a portion of said pull tab within said male connection member.

9. A male connection member of a buckle assembly, comprising:

a rigid housing connected to a fixed cap through outer beams, said rigid beam defining a central channel;

opposed first and second buttons movably secured between said rigid housing and said cap; and

a pull tab having an extension beam extending into said central channel, wherein said extension beam is operatively connected to said first and second buttons.

10. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein said male connection member is configured to be disconnected from a female connection member by said first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or said pull tab being pulled.

11. The male connection member of claim 9, further comprising first and second coil springs, wherein said first coil spring is disposed between said first button and said extension beam, and wherein said second coil spring is disposed between said second button and said extension beam.

12. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein linear movement of said pull tab in a first direction causes relative movement between said first and second buttons in a direction that is perpendicular to said first direction, and vice versa.

13. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein said rigid housing prevents said first and second buttons from moving in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of said extension beam.

14. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein said extension beam comprises at least one post slidably retained within at least one angled track formed through at least one of said first and second buttons.

15. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein said extension beam comprises a first post extending from a first surface and a second post extending from a second surface opposite said first surface, wherein said first post is slidably retained within a first angled track formed through a portion of said first button, and wherein said second post is slidably retained within a second angled track formed through a portion of said second button.

16. The male connection member of claim 9, wherein said first button comprises first panels and said second button comprises second panels slidably retained to said first panels and/or a portion of said extension beam.

17. A buckle assembly comprising:

a female connection member having a main body defining an internal chamber and first and second button openings; and

a male connection member selectively connected to said female connection member, said male connection member including: a rigid housing connected to a fixed cap through outer beams, said rigid beam defining a central channel; opposed first and second buttons movably secured between said rigid housing and said cap, wherein said first button extends through said first button opening and said second button extends through said second button opening; and a pull tab having an extension beam extending into said central channel, wherein said extension beam is operatively connected to said first and second buttons; first and second coil springs, wherein said first coil spring is disposed between said first button and said extension beam, and wherein said second coil spring is disposed between said second button and said extension beam,

wherein said male connection member is configured to be disconnected from said female connection member by said first and second buttons being squeezed toward one another and/or said pull tab being pulled, and wherein linear movement of said pull tab in a first direction causes relative movement between said first and second buttons in a direction that is perpendicular to said first direction, and vice versa.

18. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein said rigid housing prevents said first and second buttons from moving in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of said extension beam.

19. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein said extension beam comprises a first post extending from a first surface and a second post extending from a second surface opposite said first surface, wherein said first post is slidably retained within a first angled track formed through a portion of said first button, and wherein said second post is slidably retained within a second angled track formed through a portion of said second button.

20. The buckle assembly of claim 17, wherein said first button comprises first panels and said second button comprises second panels slidably retained to said first panels and/or a portion of said extension beam.