Pinch Resistant Helmet Buckle

Abstract

Disclosed is a buckle assembly having a female buckle component and a male buckle component. The female buckle component including a first plate and a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component. The second plate includes a pinch-mitigating feature to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user. The pinch-mitigating feature can integrated with the second plate. For example, the second plate can define a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the second plate to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/458,785, filed Apr. 12, 2023, and entitled “Pinch Resistant Helmet Buckle” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Two-piece buckles that snap together and latch automatically upon adequately inserting a male component into a female component are known and used in a variety of applications. A piece of webbing or strap can be attached to each of the components, and one or both buckle components can be adjustably retained on the strap or webbing. It is also known to have both components in fixed locations relative to a strap or web that is sewn or otherwise fixedly secured to the buckle component. Such buckles are known and used for a variety of applications, including outdoor recreational products like backpacks, bike helmets and life vests and other equipment. Two-part buckles are used also on luggage, bags, clothing and the like.

When a male component is inserted into a female component to form the two-piece buckle, the two components can form one or more pinch zones. A pinch zone on a two-piece plastic buckle refers to an area where the two components of the buckle come together to fasten in a way that could potentially pinch or trap fingers or skin when closing the buckle. Mitigating pinch zones is a common concern in the design of plastic buckles, especially those used in products like helmets, backpacks, baby strollers, car seats, and other items where safety is paramount. Despite advancements to date, a need exists for a buckle with one or more pinch-mitigation features to obstruct or otherwise mitigate pinch zones.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to two-part buckles that include a male component snapped into a female component, and more particularly to a buckle with pinch-mitigation features, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures; where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate, respectively, top plan views of disconnected and connected buckle assemblies with a female buckle component in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of a disconnected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 1E illustrates a side view of a connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of a disconnected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 1G illustrates an underside perspective view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate, respectively, top plan views of disconnected and connected buckle assemblies with a female buckle component in accordance with another aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a disconnected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 2E illustrates a side view of a connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 2F illustrates a side view of a disconnected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 2G illustrates an underside perspective view of the connected buckle assembly with the female buckle component.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of disconnected buckle assembly in accordance with another aspect of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate, respectively, perspective, side elevation, and underside views of a female buckle component in accordance with yet another aspect of this disclosure.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate, respectively, perspective, side elevation, and underside views of a female buckle component in accordance with even yet another aspect of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within and/or including the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, while in some examples a first side is located adjacent or near a second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.

The terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

The term “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or.” As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y, and/or z” means “one or more of x, y, and z.”

A buckle assembly can be used to join two or more components, such as a lead (e.g., straps, ropes, strips, cordage, or another material to be fastened). Such buckles may have various uses in different applications. For example, a buckle assembly may be used on bags, safety gear (e.g., helmets), collars, or any other application that may need to be fastened.

In one example, a female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position comprises: a first plate; and a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, and wherein the second plate comprises a pinch-mitigating feature to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user.

In another example, a female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position comprises: a first plate; and a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, wherein the second plate comprises an interior surface that faces the first plate and an exterior surface that faces away from the first plate, and wherein the second plate is configured with a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface that defines a pinch-mitigating feature configured to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user.

In yet another example, a female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position comprises: a first plate; and a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, and wherein the second plate comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the second plate that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

In some examples, the pinch-mitigating feature is integrated with the second plate.

In some examples, the second plate comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the second plate that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

In some examples, the second plate comprises an interior surface that faces the first plate and an exterior surface that faces away from the first plate, and wherein a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

In some examples, the interior surface is substantially parallel to the exterior surface.

In some examples, the interior surface is non-parallel to the exterior surface and defines an angle (α°).

In some examples, the angle (α°) is between 5 and 20 degrees.

In some examples, the first plate has a first thickness and the second plate has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

In some examples, each of the first side and the second side comprises one or more locking ledges configured to secure the button of the male buckle component.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a disconnected buckle assembly 100, while FIG. 1B illustrates a top plan view of a connected buckle assembly 100. As illustrated, the buckle assembly 100 includes a female buckle component 102 and a male buckle component 104. The female buckle component 102 configured to mate with a male buckle component 104 to assume a connected position. Figures IC and ID illustrate, respectively, perspective views of the connected and a disconnected buckle assembly 100. FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate, respectively, side views of a connected and a disconnected buckle assembly 100. FIG. 1G illustrates an underside perspective view of the connected buckle assembly 100. In order to securely mate the male buckle component 104 into the female buckle component 102, the male buckle component 104 is urged into the female buckle component 102 via insertion force 154.

Each of the male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 can be made as individual monolithic structures of plastic formed by injection molding processes, engineered plastic, moldable plastic, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, or the like. The male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 can be made from various materials, including synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiber glass), metal (or a metal alloy), or a combination thereof. In one example, the male buckle component 104 and/or the female buckle component 102 can be fabricated via mold tooling and a plastic-injection molding process. In another example, the male buckle component 104 and/or the female buckle component 102 can be a printed thermoplastic material component that can be printed with great accuracy and with numerous details, which is particularly advantageous, for example, in creating components requiring complex and/or precise features.

Additive manufacturing techniques obviate the need for mold tooling typically associated with plastic injection molding, thereby lowering up-front manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous in low-volume productions. In some examples, components of the buckle assembly 100 may be fabricated using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerisation, and/or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing/3D printing process.

Leads 122 can be attached to each of the male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 so that buckle assembly 100 can be used to secure together opposite ends of a single lead 122 or to secure ends of separate leads 122. Example leads 122 include, inter alia, straps (e.g., helmet straps, backpack straps, belts, etc.), ropes, strips, cordage, or another material to be fastened. The leads 122 may be fabricated from, for example, plastic, nylon, leather, fabric, etc. In some examples, each of the male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 may be adjustably positioned along the length of a lead 122. Other structures, or components, however, may be used to couple to the male buckle component 104 and/or the female buckle component 102 in addition to, or in lieu of, the leads 122. For example, the male buckle component 104 and/or the female buckle component 102 may be coupled to an item (e.g., helmet, bag, belt, garment, etc.) via mechanical fasteners (e.g., snaps, rivets, carabiner clips, etc.), adhesives, etc.

The female buckle component 102 defines one or more receiving bodies or pockets 128. In some examples, the female buckle component 102 includes a housing 114 formed as a set of plates 146 spaced apart and secured at least partially at or along the edges via one or more sides 144 to form a pocket-like structure to define a pocket 128. Thus, the illustrated female buckle component 102 comprises an upper plate 146 (e.g., a first plate) and a lower plate 146 (e.g., a second plate) that is spaced apart from the upper plate 146 and is connected to the upper plate 146 via a first side 144 and a second side 144 (and, in some cases, by a central rib 150). Each of the first side 144 and the second side 144 is configured to secure a button 106 of the male buckle component 104. For example, the sides 144 of the housing 114 are shaped to define button apertures 140 (e.g., apertures in the sides 144). The button apertures 140 are sized and positioned to receive buttons 106 when the male buckle component 104 is fully inserted into the pocket 128 of the female buckle component 102. The shape of the button apertures 140 can vary depending on the type and shape of buttons 106. For example, the button aperture 140 illustrated in FIG. 1D is formed as a smaller slot or window, whereas the button aperture 140 described in connection with FIGS. 4B and 5B is formed as a larger window. In either case, each of the first side 144 and the second side 144 can comprise one or more locking ledges 148 configured to secure the button 106 of the male buckle component 104.

Each of the set of plates 146 defines an interior surface 146a and an exterior surface 146b and the set of plates 146 are arranged such that the interior surfaces 146a face toward one another and the exterior surfaces 146b face away from one another. In the illustrated examples, the lower plate 146 comprises an interior surface 146a that faces the upper plate 146 and an exterior surface 146b that faces away from the upper plate 146 and, when used, contacts the wearer's skin 142. The set of plates 146 are shaped to define a pocket 128 that is shaped to receive and, in some cases, compliment a desired female component 104, or portion thereof. In some examples, each of the set of plates 146 is generally planar, but can be curved or otherwise shaped. The distance between the interior surface 146a and an exterior surface 146b of each of the set of plates 146 can be adjusted to provide a given thickness.

As best illustrated in Figures ID and IF, the upper plate 146 has a first thickness (T1) between its interior surface 146a and exterior surface 146b, while the lower plate 146 has a second thickness (T2) between its interior surface 146a and exterior surface 146b. As illustrated, the second thickness (T2) is greater than the first thickness (T1). As used herein, the lower plate 146 refers to the plate 146 that abuts or otherwise contacts the user (e.g., the wearer). For example, when used on a helmet, the lower plate 146 would contact the wearer's skin 142 (e.g., under the chin/at the neck) when used/worn. Pinch zones 132a, 132b, however, can occur when a user engages the buckle assembly 100 to disengage the male buckle component 104 from the female buckle component 102 via the buttons 106 (e.g., pinch zone 132a) and/or when the two components of the buckle come together to fasten in a way that could potentially pinch or trap fingers or skin when closing the buckle (e.g., pinch zone 132b).

To mitigate these pinch zones 132a, 132b, the buckle assembly 100 may include one or more pinch-mitigating features 130. For example, the illustrated lower plate 146 comprises a pinch-mitigating feature 130 to maintain a distance between each pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142 of the user (e.g., the wearer's neck or chin). Example pinch zones 132a, 132b include finger pinch zones 132a and housing pinch zones 132b. The finger pinch zone 132a represented by the dotted circle can occur when a user's finger extends past the point to push in the button 106 to release the buckle assembly 100 and instead pinches skin 142. Finger pinch zone 132a occur especially when a user other than the wearer is disassembling the buckle assembly 100 as they tend to grab past the button 106 to inadvertently grab skin 142 on the user's face and pinching the user. Such as the case when a parent helps a child put on a helmet. The housing pinch zone 132b happens when users assemble the buckle assembly 100. For example, as the male buckle component 104 is pushed into the housing 114, skin 142 can get caught between the male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 during assembly.

The disclosed pinch-mitigating features 130 are configured to lift the housing 114 away from the user's skin 142 to mitigate these pinch zones 132a, 132b. The pinch-mitigating feature 130 is integrated with the lower plate 146. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 1A through 1G, the female buckle component 102 includes a pinch-mitigating feature 130 integrally formed on the bottom of the housing 114 to lift the housing 114 away from the user's skin 142. In this example, the thickness (T2) of the lower plate 146 between the interior surface 146a and the exterior surface 146b is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142 of the user.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1e, the female buckle component 102 is shaped to maintain a first distance (D1) between the finger pinch zone 132a and the skin 142 of the user and a second distance (D2) (Detail A) between the housing pinch zone 132b and the skin 142. As illustrated in FIG. 1f at Detail B, the interior surface 146a of the lower plate 146 is non-parallel to the exterior surface 146b of the lower plate 146 and defines an angle (α°). Specifically, in this example, the lower plate 146 of the female buckle component 102 defines the angle (α°) between its interior surface 146a and its exterior surface 146b such that the lower plate 146 is generally shaped as a wedge. The angle (α°) may be, for example, between about 5 and 25 degrees, between about 5 and 20 degrees, or about 10 degrees. In other examples, the interior surface 146a is substantially parallel to the exterior surface 146b; an example of which is illustrated in connection with FIGS. 2A through 2G.

In the illustrated example, the second thickness (T2) defined between its interior surface 146a and exterior surface 146b at the thick end of the wedge is configured to effectively push or press against the skin 142 such that the skin 142 does not interfere with or encroach upon the pinch zone 132. As best illustrated in FIG. 1G, the pinch-mitigating feature 130 in this example is illustrated as a wall of material formed at least partially about the perimeter of the lower plate 146 of the female buckle component 102 where the wall of material defines a cavity 162 to reduce material usage and weight. Therefore, in some examples, the lower plate 146 comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the lower plate 146 (in the illustrated example, three of the four sides of the generally rectangular lower plate 146) that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142. The cavity 162, however, can be omitted and effectively filled with additional material (e.g., where material usage or cost is not a concern). In this example, the wall of material defines the exterior surface 146b that faces away from the upper plate 146.

The pocket 128 may further define one or more channels to define a guide way to direct male buckle component 104 straight into female buckle component 102 from an entrance opening 160 to the pocket 128. The one or more channels may be formed on, for example, the interior surface of the set of plates 146. The one or more channels may be defined by a central rib 150 that extends across the length of the female buckle component 102.

The one or more channels may be configured to guide the male buckle component 104 via one or more guide features 138 that outwardly extend from a rigid strut member 108. In operation, the one or more guide features 138 are inserted into and received by a pocket 128 of female buckle component 102 to latch the buckle assembly 100 in a connected position. For example, a pair of guide features 138 may be inserted via an insertion force 154, which is indicated by Arrow B. The buckle assembly 100 is released or disconnected by providing compression forces 152 inwardly from the side as indicated by Arrows A and A′. The pair of guide features may be positioned to define a space 156 that is configured to engage with the central rib 150 of the female buckle component 102. For example, using insertion force 154 as indicated by Arrow B, the guide features 138 pass into a mating channel or sleeve formed in the female buckle component in order to assure proper mating alignment. Once the buttons 106 are snapably secured into the button apertures 140 in the female buckle component 102 (e.g., via engagement of one or more locking tips 118 of male buckle component 104 with one or more locking ledges 148 of female buckle component 102), the male buckle component 104 is securely retained within the female buckle component 102.

The housing 114 further includes one or more locking ledges 148 to interface with the male buckle component 104. For example, an edge of each button aperture 140 nearest the entrance opening 160 to the pocket 128 may define the locking ledge 148 or be provided another form of pediment. The locking ledges 148 may interface with the male buckle component 104 via engagement with locking tips 118 of the female buckle component 102. For example, one or more lateral arm members 116 may outwardly extend from rigid strut member 108. Each lateral arm member 116 may comprise one or more locking tips 118. The locking tips 118 may, in some examples, form a portion of the button 106. In other examples, the locking tips 118 may comprise distinct components. In some examples, each lateral arm member 116 may comprise a single locking tip 118. In other examples, each lateral arm member 116 may comprise two locking tips 118 (e.g., one locking tip 118 located on each face of the lateral arm member 116.) Using insertion force 154 as indicated by Arrow B, the locking tips 118 of the male buckle component 104 are engaged with the locking ledges 148 of female buckle component 102 to form a securely connected position.

As described above, the male buckle component 104 includes a pair of lateral arm members 116. Each of the lateral arm members 116 includes a flexible lateral arm 112 with a button 106 at a distal end thereof. The lateral arm members 116 (or buttons 106) can further comprise a locking tip 118 to engage the female buckle component 102. For example, the locking tip 118 may engage a locking ledge 148 defined by the housing 114 of the female buckle component 102. In some examples, the locking tips 118 may be a distinct component (e.g., the locking tips 118 may be a rigid coupled to the end of the button 106). In other examples, the button 106 (or flexible lateral arm 112) may be configured to form a portion that defines, or otherwise serves as, the locking tips 118.

In some examples, the rigid strut member 108 extends between the lateral arm members 116. The rigid strut member 108 is generally perpendicular to the lateral arm members 116. A lead-receiving channel 120 is formed through the male buckle component 104 between, for example, the rigid strut member 108 and a lead bar 110. In some examples, the rigid strut member 108 and the lead bar 110 are parallel to one another. The lead-receiving channel 120 is configured to secure the lead 122. The lateral arm members 116 are integrally connected to the main body 126 at pivot points 124 (e.g., via the rigid strut member 108). The lateral arm members 116 are configured to pivot (e.g., flex) in the direction of arcs A and A′ about pivot points 124 defined by the union of the rigid strut member 108 and the lateral arm members 116. In other words, the lateral arm members 116 are rigidly coupled at pivot points 124 and configured to flex inwardly along its length in the direction of arcs A and A′.

In general, the rigid strut member 108 is disposed between the pivot points 124 and adjacent the lead-receiving channel 120. In one example, the pivot points 124 are proximate the rigid strut member 108 of the main body 126. As such the pivot points 124 are distally located from the lead bar 110 and the rigid strut member 108. The rigid strut member 108 extends between the lateral arm members 116 and is integrally connected with the lead bar 110 to form a main body 126 of the male buckle component 104. Thus, the rigid strut member 108 is inflexible. In some examples, the rigid strut member 108 may be a continuous solid component. In other examples, the rigid strut member 108 may comprise one or more openings located along the length of the rigid strut member 108 (e.g., openings 158). While the main body 126 is illustrated with a rigid strut member 108, the rigid strut member 108 may be omitted and the lateral arm members 116 can be integrally connected to the main body 126 at another location. For example, the lateral arm members 116 can be connected at the lead bar 110.

In operation, the pair of lateral arm members 116 is inserted into and received by the pocket 128 of female buckle component 102 as indicated by Arrow B to latch the buckle assembly 100. As described above, a pair of guide features 138 may be positioned to define a space 156 that is configured to engage with the central rib 150 of the female buckle component 102. In order to secure the male buckle component 104 into the female buckle component 102, the male buckle component 104 is urged into the female buckle component 102 in the direction of Arrow B. The space 156 defined by the guide features 138, upon insertion force 154, may move to engage with the central rib 150 to ensure proper mating alignment between the female and male buckle components 102 and 104, respectively.

As the male buckle component 104 is urged into the female buckle component 102, the lateral arm members 116 deflect inwardly (e.g., deformed or flexed) in the directions of Arrows A and A′ until the buttons 106 reach button apertures 140 formed by the female buckle component 102, at which point the lateral arm members 116 deflect outwardly the directions opposite of Arrows A and A′. In operation, the male buckle component 104 and the female buckle component 102 need to be properly aligned from a top view in order to form a securely connected buckle assembly 100. More specifically, the central rib 150 of the female buckle component 102 needs to rest between the guide features 138, while still allowing the flexible lateral arms 112 to flex and initiate release of the buckle assembly 100. As illustrated, the space 156 defined by the guide features 138 is equal to or greater than the width of the central rib 150 of the female buckle component 102.

While FIGS. 1A through 1G illustrate an example where the interior surface 146a of the lower plate 146 is non-parallel to the exterior surface 146b (defining angle (α°)), other shapes are contemplated that maintain the distance between the pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142. For example, the interior surface 146a can be substantially parallel to the exterior surface 146b.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of a disconnected buckle assembly 100, while FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of a connected buckle assembly 100. As illustrated, the buckle assembly 100 includes a female buckle component 102 and a male buckle component 104. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate, respectively, perspective views of the connected and a disconnected buckle assembly 100. FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate, respectively, side views of a connected and a disconnected buckle assembly 100. FIG. 2G illustrates an underside perspective view of the connected buckle assembly 100. In order to securely mate the male buckle component 104 into the female buckle component 102, the male buckle component 104 is urged into the female buckle component 102 via insertion force 154.

The female buckle component 102 of FIGS. 2A through 2G is substantially the same as the female buckle component 102 of FIGS. 1A through 1G except for the shape of the pinch-mitigating feature 130. As illustrated, the interior surface 146a in this example substantially parallel to the exterior surface 146b. In this example, the thickness (T2) defined between its interior surface 146a and exterior surface 146b is consistent.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2G, the pinch-mitigating feature 130 in this example is also illustrated as a wall of material formed at least partially about the perimeter of the lower plate 146 of the female buckle component 102 where the wall of material defines a cavity 162 to reduce material usage and weight. Therefore, in some examples, the lower plate 146 comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the lower plate 146 (in the illustrated example, three of the four sides of the generally rectangular lower plate 146) that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142. The cavity 162, however, can be omitted and effectively filled with additional material (e.g., where material usage or cost is not a concern). In this example, the wall of material defines the exterior surface 146b that faces away from the upper plate 146.

While the pinch-mitigating feature 130 has been described in connection the example buckle design of the buckle assemblies of FIGS. 1A through 1G and FIGS. 2A through 2G, the pinch-mitigating feature 130 can be used with buckle assemblies 100 of various designs.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of disconnected buckle assembly 100 in accordance with another aspect of this disclosure. The buckle assembly 100 of FIG. 3 is substantially similar to the buckle assemblies 100 of FIGS. 1A through 1G and FIGS. 2A through 2G, but employs a female buckle component 102 that is configured to engage a different style of male buckle component 104. The female buckle component 102 can be tailored to achieve a particular design need, but in either case includes a pinch-mitigating feature 130 integrally formed on the bottom of the housing 114 to lift the housing 114 away from the user's skin 142.

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate, respectively, perspective, side elevation, and underside views of a first female buckle component 102a for use with the buckle assembly of FIG. 3, while FIGS. 5A through % C illustrate, respectively, perspective, side elevation, and underside views of a second female buckle component 102b for use with the buckle assembly of FIG. 3. The first and second female buckle components 102a, 102b are virtually the same as one another except that the thickness (T3) of the pinch-mitigating feature 130 of the second female buckle component 102b is greater than the thickness (T2) of the pinch-mitigating feature 130 of the first female buckle component 102a. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 5C, the pinch-mitigating feature 130 in this example is also illustrated as a wall of material formed at least partially about the perimeter of the lower plate 146 of the female buckle component 102 where the wall of material defines a cavity 162 to reduce material usage and weight.

Therefore, in some examples, the lower plate 146 comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the lower plate 146 that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone 132a, 132b and the skin 142. The cavity 162, however, can be omitted and effectively filled with additional material (e.g., where material usage or cost is not a concern). In this example, the wall of material defines the exterior surface 146b that faces away from the upper plate 146. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 4c, the first female buckle component 102a can comprise one or more ribs 402 (illustrated with three paralleled ribs 402) positioned in the cavity 162 to increase rigidity of the lower plate 146. The second female buckle component 102b omits the one or more ribs 402 from the cavity 162 and achieves rigidity at the lower plate 146 via the thicker wall of material.

While the present device and/or system has been described with reference to certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present device and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present device and/or system are not limited to the particular implementations disclosed. Instead, the present device and/or system will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position, said female buckle component comprising:

a first plate; and

a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, and wherein the second plate comprises a pinch-mitigating feature to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user.

2. The female buckle component of claim 1, wherein the pinch-mitigating feature is integrated with the second plate.

3. The female buckle component of claim 2, wherein the second plate comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the second plate that is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

4. The female buckle component of claim 2,

wherein the second plate comprises an interior surface that faces the first plate and an exterior surface that faces away from the first plate, and

wherein a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface is configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

5. The female buckle component of claim 4, wherein the interior surface is substantially parallel to the exterior surface.

6. The female buckle component of claim 4, wherein the interior surface is non-parallel to the exterior surface and defines an angle (α°).

7. The female buckle component of claim 6, wherein the angle (α°) is between 5 and 20 degrees.

8. The female buckle component of claim 1, wherein the first plate has a first thickness and the second plate has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

9. The female buckle component of claim 1, wherein each of the first side and the second side comprises one or more locking ledges configured to secure the button of the male buckle component.

10. A female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position, said female buckle component comprising:

a first plate; and

a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, wherein the second plate comprises an interior surface that faces the first plate and an exterior surface that faces away from the first plate, and wherein the second plate is configured with a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface that defines a pinch-mitigating feature configured to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user.

11. The female buckle component of claim 10, wherein the interior surface is substantially parallel to the exterior surface.

12. The female buckle component of claim 10, wherein the interior surface is non-parallel to the exterior surface and defines an angle (α°).

13. The female buckle component of claim 12, wherein the angle (α°) is between 5 and 20 degrees.

14. The female buckle component of claim 10, wherein the thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface is greater than a thickness of the first plate.

15. A female buckle component configured to mate with a male buckle component to assume a connected position, said female buckle component comprising:

a first plate; and

a second plate that is spaced apart from the first plate and is connected to the first plate via a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side is configured to secure a button of the male buckle component, and wherein the second plate comprises a wall of material formed at least partially about a perimeter of the second plate that is configured to maintain a distance between a pinch zone and a user.

16. The female buckle component of claim 15, wherein the second plate comprises an interior surface that faces the first plate and the wall of material defines an exterior surface that faces away from the first plate.

17. The female buckle component of claim 16, wherein the interior surface is substantially parallel to the exterior surface.

18. The female buckle component of claim 16, wherein the second plate is configured with a thickness between the interior surface and the exterior surface that defines a pinch-mitigating feature configured to maintain the distance between the pinch zone and the user.

19. The female buckle component of claim 10, wherein the interior surface is substantially parallel to the exterior surface.

20. The female buckle component of claim 10, wherein the interior surface is non-parallel to the exterior surface and defines an angle (α°) that is between 5 and 20 degrees.