Magnetic Buckle

Abstract

A buckle includes a first connector with a first housing where the first housing includes a locking protrusion and a first magnetic portion. The buckle also includes a second connector that includes a second housing where the second housing includes a second magnetic portion and a trench for receiving the locking protrusion of the first connector. Here, the second magnetic portion is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic portion. The buckle further includes a locking mechanism mounted on the second connector at the trench. The locking mechanism includes a pivotable lever with a blocking portion. During mating of the first connector and the second connector, the pivotable lever pivotably receives the locking protrusion until the locking protrusion seats within the trench in a locked position. The blocking portion blocks the locking protrusion from movement in the locked position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/794,178, filed on Jan. 18, 2019. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to magnetic buckles.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a buckle. The buckle includes a first connector with a first housing where the first housing includes a locking protrusion and a first magnetic portion. The buckle also includes a second connector that includes a second housing where the second housing includes a second magnetic portion and a trench for receiving the locking protrusion of the first connector. Here, the second magnetic portion is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic portion. The buckle further includes a locking mechanism mounted on the second connector at the trench. The locking mechanism includes a pivotable lever with a blocking portion. During mating of the first connector and the second connector, the pivotable lever pivotably receives the locking protrusion until the locking protrusion seats within the trench in a locked position. The blocking portion blocks the locking protrusion from movement in the locked position.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, during mating of the first connector and the second connector, the locking protrusion moves in a locking direction and seats within the trench in the locking position. Here, the blocking portion blocks the locking protrusion from movement in a direction opposite the locking direction. In these implementations, the locking direction may be perpendicular to a direction of attraction between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. In some configurations, when receiving the locking protrusion, the pivotable lever pivots into the trench. In some examples, the mating of the first connector and the second connector includes receiving a mating force where the mating force pivots the pivotable lever and seats the locking protrusion within the trench. The locking mechanism may be mounted partially obstructing the trench.

In some implementations, the first connector of the buckle further includes a registrations cavity and the second connector of the buckle further includes a registration protrusion matingly receivable by the registration cavity. Here, when the first connector mates with the second connector, the registration protrusion seats within the registration cavity. In these implementations, the registration cavity includes a blocking wall where, in the locked position, the blocking wall prevents the first connector from decoupling with the second connector in any direction forming an angle with a locking direction. Here, the locking direction may be perpendicular to a direction of attraction between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. Moreover, in these implementations, each of the first connector and the second connector have a front face as a mating surface where the front face of the first connector includes the locking protrusion and the first magnetic portion and the front face of the second connector includes the trench and the second magnetic portion. The registration protrusion of the second connector may be offset from and parallel to the front face of the second connector. The registration cavity of the first connector may be formed in a side face of the first housing of the first connector where the side face is perpendicular to the front face of the first connector.

In some configurations, the first connector and the second connector are identical and symmetrically mate. In some examples, each of the first connector and the second connector further include receiving portions configured to attach to straps. Optionally, unlocking the buckle form the locking position may include receiving an actuation force at the locking mechanism where the actuation force pivots the pivotable lever to an unlocked position. Here, the unlocked position separates the blocking portion from the locking protrusion.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of forming a buckle. The method includes forming a buckle that includes a first connector and a second connector. Here, the first connector includes a first housing where the first housing includes a locking protrusion and a first magnetic cavity. The second connectors includes a second housing where the second housing includes a second magnetic cavity and a trench configured to receive the locking protrusion of the first connector. The method further includes inserting a first magnet into the first magnetic cavity and a second magnet into the second magnetic cavity. The second magnet is magnetically attracted to the first magnet when the first connector mates with the second connector. The method also includes mounting a locking mechanism on the second connector at the trench, where the locking mechanism includes a pivotable level with a blocking portion. During the mating of the first connector and the second connector, the pivotable lever pivotably receives the locking protrusion until the locking protrusion seats within the trench in a locked position. Here the blocking portion blocks the locking protrusion from movement in the locked position.

This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, forming the buckle also includes forming a registration cavity in the first connector and a registration protrusion in the second connector. Here, the registration cavity is formed to matingly receive the registration protrusion and, when the first connector mates with the second connector, the registration protrusion seats within the registration cavity with the registration cavity surrounding the protrusion. In these examples, the registration cavity may include a blocking wall where, in the locked position, the blocking wall prevents the first connector from decoupling with the second connector in any direction forming an angle with a locking direction. Moreover, in these examples, the registration cavity of the first connector may be formed in a side face of the first housing of the first connector where the side face is perpendicular to a front face of the first connector. In some implementations, each of the first connector and the second connector have a front face as a mating surface where the front face of the first connector includes the locking protrusion and the first magnetic cavity and the front face of the second connector includes the trench and the second magnetic cavity.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example environment where a buckle is part of an article of clothing.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an example buckle with connectors.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged isometric view of an example locking mechanism for the buckle of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric views of an example sequence for locking the buckle of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3C and 3D are isometric views of an example sequence for unlocking the buckle of FIG. 2A from a locked position.

FIGS. 4A-4C are sectional views of the buckle of FIG. 2A along a cut line 4A-4C.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example arrangement of operations to form a buckle.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an example of an environment 10 for a buckle 100. The environment 10 generally includes a wearer 20 with an article of clothing 30 that integrates the buckle 100. Here, FIG. 1 illustrates the article of clothing 30 as a protective garment 30 (e.g., a vest) with four buckles 100, 100a-d. Generally, the buckle 100 is configured to secure two or more attachment portions together. Referring to FIG. 1, a first buckle 100a and a second buckle 100b secures a panel 32 of the garment 30 to shoulder straps 34 of the garment 30. Similarly, a third buckle 100c and a fourth buckle 100d secure the panel 32 to a cummerbund 36 of the garment 30 on each side of the panel 32 (i.e., near oblique muscles of the wearer 20). In some examples, such as FIG. 1, the buckle 100 may be advantageous as a connecting means because the buckle 100 provides an ease of connection and/or disconnection for the wearer 20. For articles of clothing such as protective garments (e.g., for military personnel or enforcement personnel), being able to quickly doff or don parts of, or all of, the article of clothing 30 may provide safety benefits in field operation (e.g., a combat field). Although FIG. 1 depicts the buckle 100 for a protective garment 30, this example is merely illustrative. The buckle 100 may be incorporated into other articles of clothing 30 such as, but not limited to, belts (e.g., clothing belts, vehicle securement belts, safety belts, etc.), harnesses, straps, or any other securement-based application. Accordingly, the buckle 100 may be scaled (e.g., larger or smaller) to accommodate the securement application.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the buckle 100 is formed by a first buckle half (i.e., a first connector 200a) mating with a second buckle half (i.e., a second connector 200b). In some implementations, the first connector 200a and the second connector 200b are the same connector except one of the first connector 200a or the second connector 200b additionally includes a locking mechanism 300. Here, in FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3D, and 4A-4C, the locking mechanism 300 is attached to the second connector 200b, In some examples, the locking mechanism 300 is attached during assembly and/or fabrication of the buckle 100. Since the locking mechanism 300 is attached after molding each connector 200a-b, each connector 200a-b may be identical before the attachment of the locking mechanism 300. Because each connector 200a-b may include mostly identical components, components of the first connector 200a will be designated (e.g., within the figures) with a numerical reference followed by an “a” while components of the second connector 200b will be designated by a numerical reference followed by a “b.” For simplification within this description, hereinafter components of each connector 200a-b are referred to without the “a” or “b” designation unless for clarity purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each connector 200a-b includes a housing 210, 210a-b, a registration protrusion 220, 220a-b, a locking protrusion 230, 230a-b, and an attachment portion 240, 240a-b. The housing 210 is elongate in shape. In some examples, the housing 210 has a shape of a rectangular prism. As an elongate shape, the housing 210 is generally defined by six faces 212. Here, the six faces 212 include a front face 212_F, a first side face 212_S1, a second side face 212_S2, a rear face 212a, a top face 212_T, and a bottom face 212_B.

Along the front face 212_F of the housing 210, the housing 210 includes a trench 214 and a magnet cavity 216. During assembly, the locking mechanism 300 is attached to one of the first connector 200a or the second connector 200b at the trench 214 (e.g., shown as the second connector 200b). The trench 214 refers to an opening within the front face 212F of the housing 210 that the locking mechanism 300 partially obstructs to enable locking of the buckle 100. The trench 214 may have a depth extending toward the rear face 212_R that allows the locking mechanism 300 to deflect into the housing 210 without jamming before the buckle 100 locks. In other words, the locking mechanism 300 has clearance within the trench 214 to swing towards the rear face 212_R while allowing the locking protrusion 230 to slide completely along a portion of the locking mechanism 300 exposed at the front face 212_F. For instance, the locking protrusion slides along the locking mechanism 300 as the registration protrusion 220 mates with an opposing connector 200 (e.g., shown as the first connector 200a in FIG. 2B).

In some examples, the trench 214 includes a cutout 215 in the top face 212T and/or bottom face 212_B. The cutout 215 may allow the locking mechanism 300 to be attached to the housing 210. In other words, in some implementations, the locking mechanism 300 has portions that extend from the top face 212T through the housing 210 to the bottom face 212_B. In FIG. 2A, the first connector 200a does not include the locking mechanism 300; therefore, the cutout 215 is visible. As can be seen opposite the first connector 200a on the second connector 200b, the locking mechanism 300 is attached to the housing 210 of the second connector 200b such that the cutout 215 is no longer visible and instead occupied by the locking mechanism 300.

The magnet cavity 216 is a cavity within the front face 212_F for containing a magnet M (e.g., shown in FIGS. 4A-4C). In some examples, the magnet cavity 216 is located toward (or at) a center of the front face 212_F. The magnet cavity 216 has a width 216w that may allow the magnet M to slide back and forth parallel to the front face 212_F while remaining in the magnet cavity 216. In some examples, the magnet M is sized to match a depth of the magnet cavity 216, but has a length shorter than the width 216w of the magnet cavity 216. By allowing the magnet M to slide within the magnet cavity 216, unlocking the buckle 100 from the locked position P_L does not result in the opposing magnets M (e.g., a first magnet Ma of the first connector 200a and a second magnet Mb of the second connector 200b) within each connector 200a-b aiding the unlocking of the buckle 100. More specifically, if the buckle 100 is accidently unlocked, the magnet force experienced between opposing magnets M of the connectors 200a-b will not urge the connectors 200a-b to further separate. By allowing the magnets M to have space within the magnet cavity 216 to slide together, the magnets M are not automatically separated when the locking mechanism 300 is accidently actuated.

Perpendicular to the front face 212_F, the housing 210 includes at least one side face (e.g., a first side face 212_S1 or a second side face 212_S2). The at least one side face 212S includes a registration cavity 218 configured to receive the registration protrusion 220 as the connectors 200a-b slidably engage with each other along opposing front faces 212_F. For instance, the connectors 200a-b mate with each according to a two-phase process. The first phase is an alignment phase and the second phase is a locking phase. During the alignment phase, the connectors 200a-b slide along the front face 212_F of the housing 210 relative to each other until an external force F is required to manually push the connectors 200a-b together into a locked position P_L. Here, the locking position P_L—refers to a position where the locking mechanism 300 blocks the locking protrusion 230 and secures the connectors 200a-b together. When an external force F is required to manually push the connectors 200a-b together into the locked position P_L, the first phase, the alignment phase, ends and the second phase, the locking phase, refers to a phase where an external force F locks the connectors 200a-b together. In other words, the first phase does not fully engage the locking mechanism 300.

To begin the alignment phase, the registration protrusion 230 aligns with the registration cavity 218. As the magnetic force between the magnets within the magnet cavity 216 pulls the connectors 200a-b together, the registration protrusion 230 slides within the registration cavity 218 as the opposing front faces 212F of the connectors 200a-b slide relative to one another. In some examples, the registration protrusion 220 is tapered such that a narrower side of the registration protrusion 220 initially enters the registration cavity 218 at the beginning of the alignment phase. As the alignment phase transitions to the locking phase, a wider side indicating an end of the registration protrusion 220 fully seats within the registration cavity 218. By being tapered, the registration protrusion 220 simplifies initial alignment and subsequently seats into the registration cavity 218 with minimal clearance allowing the connectors 200a-b to firmly mate. In other words, the connectors 200a-b will have minimal play in a first direction D₁ (e.g., shown as the Y-direction) opposite the alignment direction D_A (shown as the X-direction). In some implementations, to minimize the clearance between the registration protrusion 220 and the registration cavity 218, the registration cavity 218 is shaped like the registration protrusion 220.

in some examples, the registration protrusion 220 is offset from the front face 212_F and protrudes from at least one side face 212_S in a direction towards a center of the housing 210 and parallel to the front face 212_F. Specifically, as the connectors 200a-b mate together the registration protrusion 220 engages with the registration cavity 218 sliding generally towards a center of the housing 210. Some example shapes of the registration protrusion 220 include conical (e.g., tooth-like), a triangular wedge, quarter hemispherical, or, more generally, arcuate. In some configurations, the registration protrusion 220 has a more complicated shape. For example, an edge of the registration protrusion 220 that opposes the front face 212_F is flared or flanged along the edge. Once the connectors 200a-b are mated, the registration protrusion 220 seated within the registration cavity 218 acts as a block to prevent the connectors 200a-b from disengaging along the first direction More particularly, a wall of the registration cavity 218 parallel to, or coplanar with, the front face 212F blocks the registration protrusion 220 from traveling in the first direction D₁ .

The locking protrusion 230 extends from a surface of the front face 212F. The locking protrusion 230 is configured to engage with a portion of the locking mechanism 300 that is parallel to the front face 212_F or coplanar with the front face 212F while sliding during the alignment phase. During the alignment phase, the locking protrusion 230 is moving away from the center of the housing 210 towards a side face 212S of the housing 210. In the locking phase, the external force F urges the locking protrusion 230 past the blocking portion 322 of the locking mechanism 300 and into a portion of the trench 214. In the locking position P_L, the locking protrusion 230 is seated within the trench 214 and blocked by the locking mechanism 300 from sliding in a direction opposite the alignment direction D_A.

The locking protrusion 230 may be generally rectangular in shape. In some examples, corners of the locking protrusion 230 are rounded to facilitate engagement between the locking mechanism 300 and the locking protrusion 230 during the alignment phase. As can be seen by FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A-4B, when the connectors 200a-b are side-by-side, the locking protrusion 230 of the first connector 200a opposes the location of the locking mechanism 300 attached at the trench 214. In some implementations, in order for the connectors 200a-b to be symmetrical, the locking protrusion 230 is located on a first side of the magnet cavity 216 while the trench 214 is located on a second side of the magnet cavity 216 opposite the first side.

Additionally or alternatively, each connector 200a-b includes at least one attachment portion 240. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3D, and 4A-4C, the attachment portion 240 is at least one opening configured to receive straps or other attachment means for the buckle 100. For example, the straps form a belt that utilizes the buckle 100 or the straps are part of the shoulder straps 34. Here, in FIGS. 2A and 4A-4C, each connector 200a-b includes three openings (e.g., attachment portions 240_1-3) as attachment portions 240 that receive straps. In some examples, the attachment portions 240 are openings through the housing 210 such that the attachment portions 240 extend from the top face 212_T to the rear face 212_R. In other words, the straps may wrap around a portion of the housing 210 by extending into the attachment portion 240 at the top face 212T and out of the attachment portion 240 at the rear face 212_R (or vice versa). Each attachment portion 240 may include at least one inner wall that, for example, bears the load of the straps of other attachment means. For instance, the inner wall that forms part of the webbing between the rear face 212_R and the attachment portion 240. The attachment portion 240 may be various sizes (e.g., widths) and designed to meet a size of the strap or other attachment means that it is receiving. For instance, instead of three attachment portions 240a-c as shown, a connector 200 may have a single attachment portions that spans a substantially width of the housing 210.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the locking mechanism 300 includes hinge portion 310 and a lever 320. The hinged portion 310 is secured within the housing 210 offset from the trench 214 towards a side face 212s adjacent to the registration protrusion 220. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and 4B (e.g., particularly in FIG. 3A and 3C), the hinged portion 310 functions as a pivot point that allows the lever 320 of the locking mechanism 300 to deflect (i.e., pivot) away from the front face 212_F toward the rear face 212_R. For instance, FIG. 4B depicts the deflection of the hinge portion 310 and the lever 320 as the connectors 200a-b mate. In some examples, a distance the hinged portion 310 is offset from the trench 214 directly corresponds to a maximum angle of deflection for the lever 320.

The lever 320 includes a blocking portion 322 and an actuation portion 324. In some examples, the blocking portion 322 is a wall perpendicular to the front face 212_F that prevents the locking protrusion 230 from traveling in a second direction D₂ opposite the direction of alignment D_A when in the locked position P_L. In order to unlock from the locked position P_L, the lever 320 is configured to deflect towards the rear face 212R to a degree that allows the locking protrusion 230 to clear the blocking portion 322. By deflecting to the degree that allows the locking protrusion 230 to clear the blocking portion 322 the locking protrusion 230 may be slid along the second direction D₂ to unlock the locked buckle 100.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the buckle 100 transitioning from the alignment phase to the locking phase. As shown in FIG. 3A, the locking protrusion 230a of the first connector 200a while sliding along the front face 212_F of the second connector 200b gradually exerts a force (i.e., due to interference between the locking protrusion 230 and the lever 320) that deflects the blocking portion 322 of the locking mechanism 300 within the trench 214 towards the rear face 212_R. While in the alignment phase, the magnetic force between the magnets Ma-b of the connectors 200a-b may also partially deflect the lever 320. In a majority of configurations, the magnets Ma-b, however, do not have enough force to compel the connectors 200a-b into the locked position P_L. In order to move the connectors 200a-b into the locking phase, the external force F acts on the first connector 200a relative to the second connector 200b such that the locking protrusion 230 slides past the blocking portion 322 and seats into the trench 214. FIG. 3B also depicts that the external force F seats the registration protrusion 220 completely into the registration cavity 218 such that a side face 212_S of the first connector 200a is flush with the end of the registration protrusion 220. In this locked position P_L, the lever 320 returns to a neutral state where the lever 320 does not deflect about the hinge portion 310 because the locking protrusion 230 is no longer exerting a deflection force on the lever 320. In order to unlock the mated buckle 100 and decouple the connectors 200a-b from the locked position P_L, the actuation portion 324 of the lever 320 receives an actuation force F_A as shown in FIG. 3C. For example, the actuation portion 324 is shaped to accommodate a finger or thumb of a person operating the buckle 100 (e.g., has a rounded shape like part of a bow of a key). The actuation force deflects the lever 320 such that the lever 320 pivots about the hinged portion 310 towards the rear face 212_R. When the actuation force deflects the lever 320 to a degree where the blocking portion 322 no longer obstructs the locking protrusion 230, the connectors 200a-b may slide along the second direction D₂ opposite the alignment and locking direction to disengage the connectors 200a-b and unbuckle the buckle 100. While disengaging the connectors 200a-b, the registration protrusion 220 exits the registration cavity 218. Due to the wall of the registration cavity 218, when disengaging the connectors 200a-b, the wall prevents the connectors 200a-b from traveling in the first direction D₁ until the registration protrusion 220 fully exits the registration cavity 218 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3D). Specifically, the structure of the registration cavity 218 restricts the movement of the connectors 200a-b such that the connectors 200a-b may only move along the second direction D₂ to disengage from the locked position P_L.

Although the first connector 200a and the second 200b are generally described and shown with identical components, in some configurations, the connectors 200a-b are different. In some examples, each connector 200a-b includes a locking mechanism 300. In some implementations, only one of the mating connectors 200a-b includes the registration protrusion 220 such that the opposite mating connector 200a-b includes the registration cavity 218, but not a symmetrical registration protrusion 220. In these implementations, for instance, only one of the mating connectors 200a-b includes the locking mechanism 300 and the registration protrusion 220. In other examples, the first connector 200a includes portions of the locking mechanism 300 (e.g., the actuation portion 324) while the second connector 200b includes other portions of the locking mechanism 300 (e.g., the blocking portion 322 and the hinged portion 310).

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, these figures illustrate a sectional view of the buckle 100 of FIG. 2A along a cut line 4A-4C bisecting a thickness of the buckle 100. In other words, the cutting plane forming the sectional view is in the X-Y plane at a midpoint of the thickness of the buckle 100. Here, the sectional view depicts the generally symmetrical form of the first connector 200a and the second connector 200b. The primary difference being that the second connector 200b includes the locking mechanism 300 (e.g., partially shown as the blocking portion 322 and the hinged portion 310).

FIGS. 4A-4C also depict examples of the trench 214, the magnet cavity 216, and the registration cavity 218. Here, both the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216 have a depth 214d, 216d that extends from the front face 212_F towards the rear face 212_R.

In some implementations, the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216 have the same depth 214d, 216d to simplify manufacturing of the buckle 100. For instance, in some configurations, the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216 are portions of the same overall cavity. As a single cavity, the cavity may be partitioned to form the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216. Alternatively, the magnet M may be part of a magnetic insert that adheres or pressure fits into the cavity forming a partition between the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216.

In some examples, the depth 214d of the trench 214 is based on a size of the locking protrusion 230. For example, the depth 214d of the trench 214 accommodates for the flexion of the locking mechanism 300 such that the depth 214d of the trench 214 is equal to at least a protruding length 230l of the locking protrusion 230 in addition to a thickness of the locking mechanism 300 (e.g., the blocking portion 322). Here, the protruding length 230l refers to a length from the front face 212_F, as a face where the locking protrusion 230 originates, to an engagement surface of the locking protrusion 230 that contacts the locking mechanism 300.

In some examples, much like the cavity that forms the trench 214, the hinged portion 310 (e.g., when attached to the connector 200) is received by a cavity 219. In FIGS. 4A-4C, the cavity 219 is separate from the other cavities such as the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216. Yet in some configurations, the cavity 219 is part of the trench 214, but, for example, interrupted by the attachment of the locking mechanism 300 to the connector 200. The depth 219d of the cavity 219 may be equal to, or different from, the depths 214d, 216d of the trench 214 and the magnet cavity 216. For instance, the depth 219d is less than the depths 214d, 216d because the hinged portion 310, as the pivot point of the flexion of the locking mechanism 300, does not need to deflect as much as the blocking portion 322 when in contact with the locking protrusion 230 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B).

Referring further to FIGS. 4A-4C, these sectional views further illustrate the registration cavity 218 that appears hidden in the other figures. Here, the registration cavity 218 is shown as a generally elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular prism shape) to receive the registration protrusion 220 (i.e., shaped to receive the registration protrusion 220). As previously described, the registration cavity 218 includes a blocking wall 218_BW and an end wall 218_E. In some examples, the blocking wall 218_BW is parallel to, yet offset from the front face 212_F of the connector 200. Here, the offset distance between the front face 212_F and the blocking wall 218_BW adds rigidity and/or strength to enable the blocking wall 218_BW to resist forces opposite the first direction D₁. The end wall 218_E refers to an inner wall of the registration cavity 218 opposite an opening at the side face 212_S that forms the registration cavity 218. The end wall 218_E is configured to terminate travel for the registration protrusion 220 as the connectors 200a-b lock together as shown in FIG. 4C. In some examples, when the connectors 200a-b lock together, an end of the registration protrusion 230 abuts the end wall 218_EW of the registration cavity 218. For instance, a length of the registration protrusion 220 is about equal to, or less than, a depth 218d of the registration cavity 218.

FIGS. 4A-4C also illustrate a sequence for the buckle 100 to lock from a sectional view perspective. In FIG. 4A, the connectors 200a-b begin the alignment phase such that the registration protrusion 230 aligns with the registration cavity 218. The connectors 200a-b are then brought together in the first direction Di such that the front faces 212_F contact each other (e.g., by the magnetic field between the magnets Ma-b). FIG. 4B depicts the connectors 200a-b together before moving in the alignment direction D_A. Here, FIG. 4B also illustrates that the locking protrusion 230a exerting a force on the locking mechanism 300 such that the blocking portion 322 deflects into the trench 214b. After the connectors 200a-b move relative to one another (e.g., the first connector 200a moves the alignment direction DA along the front face 212_Fb of the second connector 200b), the external force F, during the locking phase, pushes the locking protrusion 230 past the blocking portion 322 until the locking protrusion 230 seats itself within the trench 214 as shown in FIG. 4C. For instance, the engagement surface of the locking protrusion 230 no longer is in contact with the locking mechanism 300 (e.g., via the blocking portion 322). Furthermore, FIG. 4C illustrates that various portions of the buckle 100 may prevent further motion of the connectors 200a-b along the alignment direction D_A while the buckle 100 is in the locked position P_L (i.e., prevent the buckle 100 from achieving an unlocked position). For example, one or more cavity walls prevent further motion. In some examples, an inner wall of the trench 214 prevents further travel of the locking protrusion 230. In some implementations, the end wall 218_EW of the registration cavity 218 prevents movement of the connectors 200a-b. In some configurations, the side face 212s (e.g., shown as 212a_s2) adjacent to the registration protrusion 220 and between the blocking wall 218_BW and the front face 212a_F prevents movement of the connectors 200a-b. In yet other designs, some combination of or all these portions of the buckle 100 prevent motion of the connectors 200a-b in the locked position P_L.

FIG. 5 is an example arrangement of operations to perform a method 500 of forming the buckle 100. At operation 510, the method 500 forms a buckle 100. The buckle 100 includes a first connector 200a with a first housing 210a where the first housing 210a includes a locking protrusion 230a and a first magnetic cavity 216a. The buckle 100 also includes a second connector 200b with a second housing 210b where the second housing 210b includes a second magnetic cavity 216b and a trench 214b. Here, the trench 214b is configured to receive the locking protrusion 230a from the first connector 200a. At operation 504, the method 500 inserts a first magnet Ma into the first magnetic cavity 216a and a second magnet Mb into the second magnetic cavity 216b where the second magnet Mb is magnetically attracted to the first magnet Ma when the first connector 200a mates with the second connector 200b. At operation 506, the method 500 mounts a locking mechanism 300 onto the second connector 200b at the trench 214b. Here, the locking mechanism 300 includes a pivotable lever 320 with a blocking portion 322. During mating of the first connector 200a and the second connector 200b, the pivotable lever 320 pivotably receives the locking protrusion 230a until the locking protrusion 230a seats within the trench 214 in a locked position P_L. The blocking portion 322 blocks the locking protrusion 230a from movement in the locked position P_L.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A buckle comprising:

a first connector including a first housing, the first housing including a locking protrusion and a first magnetic portion;

a second connector including a second housing, the second housing including a second magnetic portion and a trench for receiving the locking protrusion of the first connector, the second magnetic portion magnetically attracted to the first magnetic portion; and

a locking mechanism mounted on the second connector at the trench, the locking mechanism including a pivotable lever with a blocking portion,

wherein during mating of the first connector and the second connector, the pivotable lever pivotably receives the locking protrusion until the locking protrusion seats within the trench in a locked position, the blocking portion blocking the locking protrusion from movement in the locked position.

2. The buckle of claim 1, wherein, during mating of the first connector and the second connector, the locking protrusion moves in a locking direction and seats within the trench in the locking position, the blocking portion blocking the locking protrusion from movement in a direction opposite the locking direction.

3. The buckle of claim 2, wherein the locking direction is perpendicular to a direction of attraction between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion.

4. The buckle of claim 1, wherein when receiving the locking protrusion, the pivotable lever pivots into the trench.

5. The buckle of claim 1, wherein mating of the first connector and the second connector further comprises receiving a mating force, the mating force pivoting the pivotable lever and seating the locking protrusion within the trench.

6. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is mounted partially obstructing the trench.

7. The buckle of claim 1, wherein

the first connector further comprises a registration cavity; and

the second connector further comprises a registration protrusion matingly receivable by the registration cavity,

wherein, when the first connector mates with the second connector, the registration protrusion seats within the registration cavity.

8. The buckle of claim 7, wherein the registration cavity includes a blocking wall and wherein, in the locked position, the blocking wall prevents the first connector from decoupling with the second connector in any direction forming an angle with a locking direction.

9. The buckle of claim 8. wherein the locking direction is perpendicular to a direction of attraction between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion.

10. The buckle of claim 7, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector have a front face as a mating surface, the front face of the first connector including the locking protrusion and the first magnetic portion, the front face of the second connector including the trench and the second magnetic portion.

11. The buckle of claim 10, wherein the registration protrusion of the second connector is offset from and parallel to the front face of the second connector.

12. The buckle of claim 10, wherein the registration cavity of the first connector is formed in a side face of the first housing of the first connector, the side face perpendicular to the front face of the first connector.

13. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are identical and symmetrically mate.

14. The buckle of claim 1, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector further comprise receiving portions configured to attach to straps.

15. The buckle of claim 1. wherein unlocking the buckle from the locking position includes receiving an actuation force at the locking mechanism, the actuation force pivoting the pivotable lever to an unlocked position, the unlocked position separating the blocking portion from the locking protrusion.

16. A method of forming a buckle, the method comprising:

forming a buckle comprising: a first connector including a first housing, the first housing including a locking protrusion and a first magnetic cavity; and a second connector including a second housing, the second housing including a second magnetic cavity and a trench configured to receive the locking protrusion of the first connector;

inserting a first magnet into the first magnetic cavity and a second magnet into the second magnetic cavity, the second magnet magnetically attracted to the first magnet when the first connector mates with the second connector; and

mounting a locking mechanism on the second connector at the trench, the locking mechanism including a pivotable lever with a blocking portion, and wherein during mating of the first connector and the second connector, the pivotable lever pivotably receives the locking protrusion until the locking protrusion seats within the trench in a locked position, the blocking portion blocking the locking protrusion from movement in the locked position.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the buckle further comprises forming a registration cavity in the first connector and a registration protrusion in the second connector, the registration cavity formed to matingly receive the registration protrusion, and wherein, when the first connector mates with the second connector, the registration protrusion seats within the registration cavity with the registration cavity surrounding the registration protrusion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the registration cavity includes a blocking wall and wherein, in the locked position, the blocking wall prevents the first connector from decoupling with the second connector in any direction forming an angle with a locking direction.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the registration cavity of the first connector is formed in a side face of the first housing of the first connector, the side face perpendicular to a front face of the first connector.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector have a front face as a mating surface, the front face of the first connector including the locking protrusion and the first magnetic cavity, the front face of the second connector including the trench and the second magnetic cavity.