GB2585342A

GB2585342A - A buckle and a torso-protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2585342A
Application number: GB1905324.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rhys Heaword Steven
Original assignee: CRIB GOGH Ltd
Current assignee: CRIB GOGH Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-15
Filing date: 2019-04-15
Publication date: 2021-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-15
Also published as: GB2585342B; GB201905324D0

Abstract

A buckle 100 comprising a first part 110, a second part 120 and a selective locking means 130. The first and second part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points 130/140. The buckle may comprise a slot 160 and locking portion 170. The locking portion may comprise a tenon part 171 and mortise part 161. The second part may contain a cable receiving passage (430, fig 4b). A further embodiment has a buckle (500, fig 5a) comprising a first part (510, fig 5a) and a second part (520, fig 5a). A further embodiment is for a torso-protection system (700, fig 7) comprising a chest (711, fig 7) and back (712, fig 7) part connected by two side shoulder straps (713,714 fig 7). A flank protection (720, fig 7) part locked to the vest by a first buckle 100 where the buckle has a cable receiving passage.

Description

TITLE

A BUCKLE AND A TORSO-PROTECTION SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present relate to a buckle and a torso-protection system. Some relate to a buckle and a torso-protection system for use as combat protection gear.

BACKGROUND

Previous torso-protection systems have their different modular parts, e.g. vest and side flank-protection parts connected by hook and loop systems. Hook and loop systems do not work very well in certain climates, for example where there is sand or snow. Hook and loop systems also do not work optimally in wet conditions. Hook and loop systems also tend to be loud when engaging and disengaging the hook and loop system, which is not appropriate for covert operations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a buckle comprising: a first part, a second part and selective locking means; wherein the selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the second part and first part together; wherein the first part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the first part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the first part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another; wherein the second part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the second part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the second part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples the first part is elongate and the second part is elongate; when the first part and the second part are locked together, the buckle may be elongate. The multiple spaced strap anchor points of the first part may be distributed in the direction of elongation of the buckle and the first and second parts.

The multiple spaced strap anchor points of the second part may be distributed in the direction of elongation of the buckle and the first and second parts.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples the multiple spaced strap anchor points of the first part are formed by slits and the slits are offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits. The multiple spaced strap anchor points of the second part may be formed by slits and the slits may be offset in a direction parallel to the length of the slits.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples the second part comprises a slot. The first part may comprise a locking portion configured to be inserted into the slot.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, when the first part and the second part are locked together by the selective locking means, the selective locking means and the slot prevent the first part and at least part of the second part moving with respect to one another in three orthogonal directions.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the locking portion of the first part comprises a tenon part, and the slot in the second part provides a mortise part. The tenon part may be configured to fit within the mortise part to form a tenon and mortise joint.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the locking portion of the first part additionally comprises latching hooks provided on the tenon part. The latching hooks may comprise an angled surface. The selective locking means may comprise: holes in the base of the slot, a slide bar, and a trigger arranged to abut the slide bar. Each hole may be configured to allow a latching hook to pass through when the tenon part is inserted into the mortise part. The slide bar may be arranged underneath the holes. The slide bar may be configured to be slid in an engagement direction to engage the latching hooks and in a disengagement direction, opposite to the engagement direction, to disengage the latching hooks. The slide bar may be biased in the engagement direction, and may be biased so that the trigger protrudes from the second part. The angled surface of the latching hooks may be configured to abut and impel the slide bar in the disengaging direction as the tenon part is inserted into the mortise part. The slide bar may be configured to slide in the engagement direction to engage the latching hooks after the tenon part has been fully inserted into the mortise part, thereby locking the first part to the second part. The slide bar may be configured to be slid to disengage the latching hooks by pressing the trigger in the disengagement direction into the second part, thereby disengaging the locking of the first part to the second part.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the second part comprises a second such slide bar and a second such trigger, the second slide bar and second trigger arranged to be slid in a second engagement direction to engage the latching hooks and a second disengagement direction to disengage the latching hooks, the second engagement direction being opposite to the second disengagement direction. The second engagement direction is opposite to the engagement direction. A first sub-set of the latching hooks may be arranged in a first orientation to abut and impel the slide bar, and a second sub-set of the latching hooks may be arranged in a second orientation to abut and impel the second slide bar, the first orientation being opposite to the second orientation.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the slot and locking portion are correspondingly profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion into the slot in a first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part of the buckle in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the selective locking means comprises a trigger on the first part and the second part comprises a notch, wherein the notch is configured to engage the trigger to prevent disengaging movement along the axis parallel to the first direction after the locking portion has been inserted into the slot.

The trigger may be configured so that when actuated the trigger moves away from the notch to enable disengaging movement along the axis parallel to the first direction.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the locking portion comprises a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section each being profiled to enable insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part in the second direction. The locking portion may additionally comprise a third section, intermediate of the first section and the second section. The third section may be profiled to allow insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the third direction, opposite and parallel to the second direction.

The slot may comprise a first slot section and a second slot section, the first slot section and second slot section each being profiled to enable insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the first direction and to resist separation of the first part and second part in the second direction respectively. The slot may comprise a third slot section intermediate of the first slot section and second slot section, the third slot section being configured to allow insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the third direction.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the length of each of the first section and the second section is less than or equal to the length of the third slot section. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the length of each of the first slot section and the second slot section is less than or equal to the length of the third section.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the second part comprises: a first component for engagement with the first part, and a second component comprising the multiple spaced strap anchor points. The first component may comprise cable receiving passages and the second component may comprise cable receiving passages. The first component and the second component may be configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first component and the cable receiving passages of the second component. The first component and second component may be configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first part comprises: a first component for engagement with the second part, and a second component comprising the multiple spaced strap anchor points. The first component may comprise cable receiving passages and the second component may comprise cable receiving passages. The first component and the second component may be configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first component and the cable receiving passages of the second component. The first component and second component may be configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the selective locking means comprises a cable and cable receiving passages in the first part and the second part. The first part and the second part may be configured to be selectively locked together by the cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first part and the cable receiving passages of the second part. The first part and the second part may be configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a small buckle comprising: a first part, a second part and selective locking means; wherein the selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the second part and first part together; wherein the first part comprises at least one strap anchor point; wherein the second part comprises at least one strap anchor point; wherein the second part comprises a slot; wherein the first part comprises a locking portion configured to be inserted into the slot; wherein the slot and locking portion are correspondingly profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion into the slot in a first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part of the buckle in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a torso-protection system comprising: a vest comprising a chest-protection part and a back-protection part connected by a first side shoulder strap and a second side shoulder strap; a first side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle as claimed in of claims 1 to 15; and a second side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the system additionally comprises two small buckles as described above, wherein one of the small buckles is configured to selectively lock the first side shoulder strap to the chest-protection part and the other small buckle is configured to selectively lock the second side shoulder strap to the chest-protection part. One of the small buckles may be left-handed. The other small buckle may be right-handed.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided A torso-protection system comprising: a vest comprising a chest-protection part and a back-protection part connected by a first side shoulder strap and a second side shoulder strap; a first side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by a first buckle; a second side flank-protection part configured to couple to the vest; wherein the first side shoulder strap forms a connection between the chest-protection part and a back-protection part via a second buckle; and wherein both the first and second buckles each comprise a first part, a second part, and cable receiving passages in the first and second parts; wherein the first and second parts are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages and the first and second parts are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the system comprises quick release means configured to enable the cables to be pulled out of the first and second buckles simultaneously.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a side flank-protection part for a torso protection system, wherein the side flank-protection part is fixed to a first part of a buckle as described above, wherein the first part is fixed to the side flank-protection part by straps anchored to the multiple strap anchors of the first part.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a side flank-protection part for a torso protection system, wherein the side flank-protection part is fixed to a second part of a buckle as described above, wherein the second part or is fixed to the side flank-protection part by straps anchored to the multiple strap anchors of the second part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGS. 1A to 10 show an example buckle.

FIGS. 2A to 2D show another example buckle.

FIGS. 3A to 3B show another example buckle.

FIGS. 4A to 4B show another example buckle.

FIGS. 5A to 5B show an example second buckle.

FIGS. 6A to 6B show an example small buckle.

FIG. 7 shows an example torso-protection system.

FIG. 8 shows another example of a torso-protection system.

FIG. 9 shows example side flank-protection parts of a torso-protection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates an example buckle 100. The buckle 100 comprises a first part 110 and a second part 120. The buckle also comprises selective locking means 130. The selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the first part and second part together. The first part 110 comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points 140 which are integrated in the first part. The second part 120 comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points 150 which are integrated in the second part. The multiple spaced strap anchor points 140 in the first part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another. The multiple spaced strap anchor points 150 in the second part 120 have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another.

In the example of FIG. 1A the buckle 100 is elongate and each of the first part 110 and the second part 120 are also elongate. The direction of elongation for the buckle and the first and second parts is the same. The buckle 100 is elongate when the first part 110 and the second part 120 are locked together. It can be seen that the first part 110 and the second part 120 and the buckle 100 when the first part 110 and the second part 120 are locked together as shown in FIG. 1B that the buckle and each of the first and second parts are approximately rectangular, i.e. their length is significantly longer than their width. The strap anchor points 140 and the strap anchor points 150 are spaced along the length of the longest side of the approximately rectangular first part 110, second part 120 and buckle 100. In particular the strap anchor points 140 and the strap anchor points 150 are distributed in the direction of elongation of the buckle 100 and the first and second parts.

In the example of FIG. 1A the multiple spaced strap anchor points 140 of the first part 110 are formed by slits and the slits are offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits. The multiple spaced strap anchor points 150 of the second part are formed of slits in the example of FIG. 1A and are offset in a direction parallel to the length of the slits.

In the example of FIG. 1A the second part 120 comprises a slot 160 and the first part comprises a locking portion 170 which is configured to be inserted into the slot 160.

The locking portion 170 of the first part 100 comprises a tenon part 171 and the slot 160 in the second part 120 provides a mortise part 161. The tenon part 171 is configured to fit within the mortise part 161 to form a tenon and mortise joint.

When the first part 110 and the second part 120 are locked together by the selective locking means 130, the selective locking means 130 and the slot 160 prevent the first part 110 and at least part of the second part 120 moving with respect to one another in three orthogonal directions. In particular, the selective locking means 130 prevents the relative movement of the first part 110 and the second part 120 in a direction parallel but opposite to the direction of insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 which is perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the first part 110 and second part 120. The mortise part 161 formed by the slot 160 is shown in FIG. 1D. In FIG. 1D, the mortise part 161 runs around the periphery of the slot 160 and is raised above the base 162 of the slot. Therefore the mortise part 161 is provided by sidewalls provided around the base 162 of the slot. The mortise part 161 engages with the tenon part 171 and prevents movement parallel to the direction of elongation of the first part 110 and the second part 120. The selective locking means 130 also prevents movement in this direction as well.

The mortise part 161 engaging with the tenon part 171 also prevents movement of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120 in a direction which is perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 and which is also perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the first part 110 and the second part 120. The selective locking means 130 also prevents movement in this direction. Therefore, when the first part 110 is locked together with the second part 120 a rigid connection is formed which is resistant to movement in the three orthogonal directions mentioned. The strength of the connection also prevents a twisting motion of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120. The connection is also very strong due to the large amount of contacting surfaces between the locking portion 170 and the selective locking means 130 as described below.

As shown in FIG. 1A the locking portion 170 of the first part 110 additional comprises latching hooks 172 each comprising an angled surface 173. The latching hooks 172 are provided on the tenon part 171. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 10 the selective locking means 130 comprises holes 131 in the base 162 of the slot 160, a slide bar 132 and a trigger 133 arranged to abut the slide bar 132.

The holes 131 are each configured to allow a latching hook 172 to pass through when the tenon part 171 is inserted into the mortise part 161. As shown in FIG. 1C, which illustrates the selective locking means 130 within the second part 120, the slide bar 132 is arranged underneath the holes 131. The slide bar 132 comprises projections and when the slide bar is slid in an engagement direction 134 the projections engage the latching hooks 172 and when the slide bar 132 is slid in a disengagement direction 135 the slide bar 132 is disengaged from the latching hooks 172.

The slide bar 132 is biased in the engagement direction 134. In the example of FIG. 1A the biasing is provided by a spring 1321 but any other suitable biasing member is appropriate, for example rubber. The disengagement direction 135 is opposite to the engagement direction 134. The slide bar 132 is biased so that the trigger 133 protrudes from the second part 120. When the tenon part 171 is inserted in through the mortise part 161, the angled surface 173 of each latching hook 172 is configured to abut and impel the projections of the slide bar 132 in the disengaging direction 135 as the tenon part 171 is inserted into the mortise part 161.

The slide bar 132 is configured to slide in the engagement direction to engage the latching hooks 172 after the tenon part 171 has been fully inserted into the mortise part 161. This locks the first part 110 to the second part 120.

The side bar 132 is configured to be slid to disengage the latching hooks 172 by pressing the trigger 133 in the disengagement direction 135 into the second part 120 which disengages the locking of the first part 110 to the second part 120.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D a second slide bar 136 and a second trigger 137 may be provided with the spring 1361 biasing provided in approximately the middle of the second part 120. This is a preferred example but the second slide bar and the second trigger along with its biasing means is not required, instead only the slide bar 132 may be provided with only trigger 133 with the biasing means of the slide bar 132 located at one end of the second part 120, at the opposite end to the trigger 133.

In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 1D the second slide bar 136 and the second trigger 137 are arranged to be slid in a second engagement direction 138 to engage the latching hooks 172 and a second disengagement direction 139 which is opposite to the second engagement direction and the second engagement direction 138 is opposite to the engagement direction 134.

In the examples of FIG. 1C and FIG. 10, a first subset of latching hooks 172 are arranged in a first orientation to abut and impel the slide bar 132 and a second subset of the latching hooks 172 are arranged in a second orientation to abut and impel the second slide bar 136. The first orientation is opposite to the second orientation.

FIG. 2A illustrates another example buckle 100. In the example of FIG. 2A the locking portion 170 of the first part 110 has a profile 210 which enables sliding insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 which also has a profile 220 as shown in FIG. 2C. The locking portion 170 is slid in via entrance 230 in a first direction 240. The profiles 210, 220 correspond with one another so that the engagement of the profiles 210, 220 resists separation of the first part 110 and the second part 120 of the buckle 100 in a second direction 250 which is the orthogonal to the first direction 240.

In the example of FIG. 2A the selective locking means 130 comprises a trigger 260 on the first part. The second part 120 comprises a notch 270. The notch 270 is configured to engage a part 261 of the trigger 260 to prevent disengaging movement along the axis parallel, but opposite, to the first direction. This selectively locks the first part 110 to the second part 120 as shown in FIG. 2B The trigger 260 is configured so that when actuated the trigger 260 moves away from the notch 270 to enable disengaging movement 280 along the axis parallel to, but opposite, to the first direction 240. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate the profiles 210 and 220 of the locking portion 170 and the slot 160. In the examples of FIGS. 2C and 2D the profiles 210 220 comprise grooves 230 and projections 240. In other examples any suitable projection bump or notch can be provided as the profiles or a series of bumps, rails or notches can be provided.

FIGS. 3A to 3B show another example buckle 100. In the example of FIG. 3A the locking portion 170 comprises a first section 310 and a second section 320. The first section 310 and the second section 320 are profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160. The profiles of the first section and second section may be the same as, for the example, the buckle 100 described in FIGS. 2A to 2D.

The profiles of the first section 310 and the second section 320 enable insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 in the first direction 240 and to resist separation of the first part 110 and the second part 120 in the second direction 250.

The locking portion 170 additionally comprises a third section 330 which is intermediary to the first section 310 and the second section 320. The third section is profiled to allow insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 in a third direction 340, wherein the third direction 340 is opposite to and parallel along the axis of the second direction 250.

In the example of FIG. 3A the third section 330 is substantially flat however any other suitable profile can be provided providing it allows the insertion of the locking portion 170 in the third direction 340 into the slot 160.

In the example of FIG. 3A the slot 160 comprises a first slot section 350 and a second slot section 360. The first slot section 350 and the second slot section 360 are profiled to enable insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 in the first direction 160 and to resist separation of the first part 110 and the second part 120 in the second direction 250. The profile of the first slot section 350 and the profile of the second slot section 360 may be the same as described above for the buckle described in FIGS. 2A to 2D.

The slot 160 in the example of FIG. 3A also comprises a third slot section 370. The third slot section is intermediary to first slot section 350 and the second slot section 360. The third slot section 370 is configured to allow insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 in the third direction 340.

The length of each of the first section 310 and the second section 320 is less than or equal to the length of the third slot section 370, and the length of each of the first slot section 350 and the second slot section 360 is less than or equal to the length of the third section 330. The relationship of these lengths allows for the insertion of the locking portion 170 into the slot 160 in the third direction 340. FIG. 3B illustrates the first part 110 selectively locked to the second part 120.

To insert the first part 110 in the third direction 340 into the second part 120, the third section 330 is inserted into the first slot section 350, and simultaneously the second section 320 is inserted into third slot section 370. After the insertion in the third direction 340, the first part and second part may be selectively locked by sliding the first part 110 in the first direction 240 to engage the trigger 260 with the notch 270.

The buckle illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C advantageously allows for easier insertion and removal of the first part to the second part as the user of the buckle can line up the third section 330 with the first slot section 350 and the second section 320 with the third slot section 370 more easily than lining up the end of the locking portion 170 with the entrance 230 provided in the slot 160. This is due to the large dimensions of the sections and slot sections compared to the entrance 230. There is also less distance for the locking portion 170 to slide along in the slot 160 before the trigger engages the notch and locks the first part and the second part and there is also less distance to move before the first part can be removed from the second part and in this example the first part can be removed from the second part in the second direction 250.

FIG. 4A illustrates another example buckle 100. In the example of FIG. 4A the second part 120 comprises a first component 410 which engages with the first part and a second component 420 which comprises the multiple spaced strap anchor points 150. The first component comprises cable receiving passages 430 and the second component comprises cable receiving passages 440. The first component 410 and the second component 420 partially interlace which at least partially aligns their cable receiving passages. This allows for a cable 450 to be ran through the receiving passages of the first component and the second component which selectively locks the first component 410 to the second component 420. When the cable is pulled out the first component and the second component are separated. In other examples it is the first part 410 which comprises two components similar to those described in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B the first part 110 is provided with the selective locking means 130 as described in previous FIGS. It is to be understood that the selective locking means 130 could also be the selective locking means provided in FIGS. 1A to 1 D. In one example, instead of the selective locking means 130 as described in the previous FIGS, the cable receiving passages are provided in the first part 110 and in the second part 120 and the selective locking means 130 are provided by the cable receiving passages between the first part and the second parts. This may be advantageous if a buckle is to be provided only for a quick release system.

In the example illustrated in FIG.4A and 4B the buckle 100 is suitable for a quick release system by removing the cable from the cable receiving passages of the first components and the second components which separates the strap anchor points 140 of the first part 110 from the anchor points 150 on the second part 120 which therefore enables separation of modular torso-protection system parts which are attached to the anchor points 140 and the anchor points 150. The example illustrated in FIG.4A and FIG.4B also allows for standard separation and locking of the first and second part as described previously in FIGS. 1A to 1D, 2A to 2D and 3A to 3B to allow for standard separation and engagement of the first part and second part to selectively join and disjoin two modular parts of a torso-protection system.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example second buckle 500. The second buckle comprises a first part 510 and a second part 520. Each of the first part 510 and the second part 520 have cable receiving passages. The cable receiving passages are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through their cable receiving passages as shown in FIG. 5B. The first part 510 and the second part 520 are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out. The second buckle 500 forms part of a quick release system as described below.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate an example small buckle 600. The small buckle comprises a first part 610 and a second part 620. The small buckle 600 comprises selective locking means 130. The selective locking means 130 is configured to selectively lock the second part 620 and first part 610 together. The first part comprises at least one strap anchor point 630. The second part comprises at least one strap anchor point 640. The second part 620 comprises a slot 650. The first part 610 comprises a locking portion 660 configured to be inserted into the slot 650. The slot and locking portion are correspondingly profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion into the slot in a first direction 660 and to resist separation of the first part and the second part of the buckle in a second direction 670, orthogonal to the first direction. The slot and the locking portion may be profiled as described above in the example of FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D.

The buckle 600 shown in FIG. 6A is left-handed and the buckle shown in FIG. 6B is right-handed. Providing the left-handed buckle 600 on one side of a torso-protection system and the right-handed buckle 600 on another side of a torso-protection system allows for both buckles to be opened at the top which allows for ease of access, for example when a user is wearing gloves. The buckles 600 may for example attach shoulder straps to a chest-protection part of a torso-protection system as described below.

The buckles 100 and the small buckles 600 provide a greater spread of loading when the user articulates in a torso-protection system. They also allow for other uses, for example on rucksacks when attaching load bearing equipment. The buckles have a unique impact strength and the pull strength out performs all of standard side release buckles that are available FIG. 7 illustrates a torso-protection system 700. The torso protection system 700 comprises a vest 710 comprising a chest-protection part 711 and a back-protection part 712 connected by a first side shoulder strap 713 and a second side shoulder strap 714. The vest 710 may be bib/bib-like. the system 700 also comprises a first side flank-protection part 720 configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle 100 as described previously. the system 700 also comprises a second side flank-protection part 730 configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle 100 described previously.

In some examples, the shoulder straps 713, 714 are stitched or otherwise permanently attached to the chest-protection part 711 and the back-protection part 712. In the example of FIG. 7, the torso-protection system additionally comprises two small buckles 600, wherein one of the small buckles is configured to selectively lock the first side shoulder strap 713 to the chest-protection part 711 and the other small buckle 600 is configured to selectively lock the second side shoulder strap 714 to the chest-protection part 712. In the example of FIG 7, one of the small buckles 600 is left-handed, and the other small buckle 600 is right-handed. In other examples, the shoulder straps 713, 714 are selectively locked to the back-protection part 712 by small buckles 600.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example torso protection system 800 comprising: a vest 810 comprising a chest-protection part 811 and a back-protection part 812 connected by a first side shoulder strap 813 and a second side shoulder strap 814. the system 800 also comprises a first side flank-protection part 815 configured to be selectively locked to the vest by a first buckle 100. The system 800 also comprises a second side flank-protection part 816 configured to couple to the vest 810.

The first side shoulder strap 813 forms a connection between the chest-protection part 811 and the back-protection part 812 via a second buckle 500. Both the first and second buckles 100, 500 each comprise a first part 110, 510, a second part 120, 520, and cable receiving passages in the first 110, 510 and second parts 120, 520.

The first 110, 510 and second parts 120, 520 are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable 450, 818 running through the cable receiving passages and the first and second parts are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out. In the example of FIG. 8, the system 800 also comprises quick release means 817 configured to enable the cables to be pulled out of the first and second buckles simultaneously. In other examples the system 800 is provided without the quick release means 817.

In other examples, instead of both the first and second buckles 100, 500 being connected to the chest-protection part 811. one or both of the first and second buckles 100, 500 may be connected to the back-protection part 812. In the example of FIG. 8, the first and second buckles 100, 500 and the quick release means 817 are provided on the right-hand side of system 800 for a person wearing the system 800. In other examples, the first and second buckles, 100, 500 are provided on the left-hand side of the system 800 for a person wearing the system 800. The variability of the placement of the first and second buckles 100, 500 and the quick release means 817 allows for different layouts such as: left-hand/right-hand release back to front layout (first buckle 100 connected to back-protection part 812, second buckle 500 connected to chest-protection part 811, on either the left or right hand side of the system 800); and left-hand/right-hand release back to front layout (first buckle 100 connected to chest-protection part 811, second buckle 500 connected to back-protection part 812), on either the left or right hand side of the system 800 Any suitable quick release means 817 can be provided. One example means 817 is a ring pull attached to both cables which is held in place into the vest via a snap lock so that the cables do not move until the snap lock is released and the ring pull is activated. This allows for a very quick release of the torso protection system from a user. For example, when the user activates the quick release system by pulling the ring pull, they are able to remove the system in less than a second if they pull the torso-protection system away from them quick enough. This is advantageous if the torso protection system needs to be removed in an emergency. The torso protection system may normally be attached and unattached from the user via the buckles 100, and small buckles 600 as previously described with the locking portion 170, 660 and slot 160, 650. The same buckles 100, 600 or different buckles may provide the quick release means to allow for a quick release instead of a normal detachment of the torso-protection system from the user. The cables may run along in a runner which is stitched into the torso-protection system so that the cables do not snag on anything to accidentally remove the cables from the buckle 100 or second buckle 600.

The quick release system described above may be used in other applications besides for a torso-protection system as described above. For example, the quick release system including quick release means and one or both of the first and second buckles 100, 500 may be used for rucksacks, search and rescue equipment and other uses like child safety equipment, etc. FIG.9 illustrates two example side flank-protection parts 910, 920. The difference between the parts 910, 920 are that the part 910 is fixed to a first part 110 of a buckle 100 as described previously and the part 920 is attached to a second part 120 of a buckle 100 as previously described. The first part or second part is fixed to the part 910, 920 via straps anchored to the multiple strap anchors of the first part or second part. The first part or second part on the part 910, 920 selectively attach to a corresponding first part or second part on the vest of the torso protection system. the parts 910, 920 may couple to form a cummerbund. They may be coupled by a buckle 930 which is different to any of the buckles 100, 500, 600 described, or may use one or more of the buckles 100, 500, 600 described.

It is to be understood that the torso protection system illustrated in FIGS.7 8 and 9 is a schematic representation of a torso-protection system and that the torso-protection system is a modular system that may comprise many additional components including armour plating, a harness system for abseiling or climbing, a belt which may be attached by a buckle 100, 500, 600 to the vest described previously or another type of buckle as well as other types of buckle besides buckles 100, 500, 600 attaching various parts of the torso-protection system to each other.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one.." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer and exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A buckle comprising: a first part, a second part and selective locking means; wherein the selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the second part and first part together; wherein the first part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the first part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the first part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another; wherein the second part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the second part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the second part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another.
2. A buckle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part is elongate and the second part is elongate; wherein when the first part and the second part are locked together, the buckle is elongate; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points of the first part are distributed in the direction of elongation of the buckle and the first and second parts; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points of the second part are distributed in the direction of elongation of the buckle and the first and second parts.
3. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points of the first part are formed by slits and the slits are offset in a direction which is parallel to the length of the slits; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points of the second part are formed by slits and the slits are offset in a direction parallel to the length of the slits.
4. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second part comprises a slot; wherein the first part comprises a locking portion configured to be inserted into the 35 slot.
5. A buckle as claimed in claim 4, wherein when the first part and the second part are locked together by the selective locking means, the selective locking means and the slot prevent the first part and at least part of the second part moving with respect to one another in three orthogonal directions.
6. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the locking portion of the first part comprises a tenon part, and the slot in the second part provides a mortise part, wherein the tenon part is configured to fit within the mortise part to form a tenon and mortise joint.
7. A buckle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking portion of the first part additionally comprises latching hooks provided on the tenon part, wherein the latching hooks comprise an angled surface; wherein the selective locking means comprises: holes in the base of the slot, a slide bar, and a trigger arranged to abut the slide bar; wherein each hole is configured to allow a latching hook to pass through when the tenon part is inserted into the mortise part; wherein the slide bar is arranged underneath the holes; wherein the slide bar is configured to be slid in an engagement direction to engage the latching hooks and in a disengagement direction, opposite to the engagement direction, to disengage the latching hooks, wherein the slide bar is biased in the engagement direction, and is biased so that the trigger protrudes from the second part; wherein the angled surface of the latching hooks is configured to abut and impel the slide bar in the disengaging direction as the tenon part is inserted into the mortise part; wherein the slide bar is configured to slide in the engagement direction to engage the latching hooks after the tenon part has been fully inserted into the mortise part, thereby locking the first part to the second part; and wherein the slide bar is configured to be slid to disengage the latching hooks by pressing the trigger in the disengagement direction into the second part, thereby disengaging the locking of the first part to the second part.
8. A buckle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second part comprises a second such slide bar and a second such trigger, the second slide bar and second trigger arranged to be slid in a second engagement direction to engage the latching hooks and a second disengagement direction to disengage the latching hooks, the second engagement direction being opposite to the second disengagement direction; wherein the second engagement direction is opposite to the engagement direction; and wherein a first sub-set of the latching hooks are arranged in a first orientation to abut and impel the slide bar, and a second sub-set of the latching hooks are arranged in a second orientation to abut and impel the second slide bar, the first orientation being opposite to the second orientation.
9. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the slot and locking portion are correspondingly profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion into the slot in a first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part of the buckle in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction.
10. A buckle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the selective locking means comprises a trigger on the first part, and the second part comprises a notch, wherein the notch is configured to engage the trigger to prevent disengaging movement along the axis parallel to the first direction after the locking portion has been inserted into the slot; and wherein the trigger is configured so that when actuated the trigger moves away from the notch to enable disengaging movement along the axis parallel to the first direction.
11. A buckle as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking portion comprises a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section each being profiled to enable insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part in the second direction; wherein the locking portion additionally comprises a third section, intermediate of the first section and the second section, wherein the third section is profiled to allow insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the third direction, opposite and parallel to the second direction; wherein the slot comprises a first slot section and a second slot section, the first slot section and second slot section each being profiled to enable insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the first direction and to resist separation of the first part and second part in the second direction respectively; and wherein the slot comprises a third slot section intermediate of the first slot section and second slot section, the third slot section being configured to allow insertion of the locking portion into the slot in the third direction.
12. A buckle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the length of each of the first section and the second section is less than or equal to the length of the third slot section; wherein the length of each of the first slot section and the second slot section is less than or equal to the length of the third section.
13. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second part comprises: a first component for engagement with the first part, and a second component comprising the multiple spaced strap anchor points; wherein the first component comprises cable receiving passages and the second component comprises cable receiving passages; wherein the first component and the second component are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first component and the cable receiving passages of the second component; wherein the first component and second component are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.
14. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first part comprises: a first component for engagement with the second part, and a second component comprising the multiple spaced strap anchor points; wherein the first component comprises cable receiving passages and the second component comprises cable receiving passages; wherein the first component and the second component are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first component and the cable receiving passages of the second component; wherein the first component and second component are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.
15. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the selective locking means comprises a cable and cable receiving passages in the first part and the second part; wherein the first part and the second part are configured to be selectively locked together by the cable running through the cable receiving passages of the first part and the cable receiving passages of the second part; wherein the first part and the second part are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.
16. A small buckle comprising: a first part, a second part and selective locking means; wherein the selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the second part and first part together; wherein the first part comprises at least one strap anchor point; wherein the second part comprises at least one strap anchor point; wherein the second part comprises a slot; wherein the first part comprises a locking portion configured to be inserted into the slot; wherein the slot and locking portion are correspondingly profiled to enable sliding insertion of the locking portion into the slot in a first direction and to resist separation of the first part and the second part of the buckle in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction.
17. A torso-protection system comprising: a vest comprising a chest-protection part and a back-protection part connected by a first side shoulder strap and a second side shoulder strap; a first side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle as claimed in of claims 1 to 15; and a second side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by at least one buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15.
18. A torso-protection system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the system additionally comprises two small buckles as claimed in claim 16, wherein one of the small buckles is configured to selectively lock the first side shoulder strap to the chest-protection part and the other small buckle is configured to selectively lock the second side shoulder strap to the chest-protection part; wherein one of the small buckles is left-handed; and wherein the other small buckle is right-handed.
19. A torso-protection system comprising: a vest comprising a chest-protection part and a back-protection part connected by a first side shoulder strap and a second side shoulder strap; a first side flank-protection part configured to be selectively locked to the vest by a first buckle; a second side flank-protection part configured to couple to the vest; wherein the first side shoulder strap forms a connection between the chest-protection part and a back-protection part via a second buckle; and wherein both the first and second buckles each comprise a first part, a second part, and cable receiving passages in the first and second parts; wherein the first and second parts are configured to be selectively locked together by a cable running through the cable receiving passages and the first and second parts are configured to be separated when the cable is pulled out.
20. A torso-protection system as claimed in claim 19, comprising quick release means configured to enable the cables to be pulled out of the first and second buckles simultaneously.
21. A side flank-protection part for a torso protection system, wherein the side flank-protection part is fixed to a first part of a buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first part is fixed to the side flank-protection part by straps anchored to the multiple strap anchors of the first part.
22. A side flank-protection part for a torso protection system, wherein the side flank-protection part is fixed to a second part of a buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second part or is fixed to the side flank-protection part by straps anchored to the multiple strap anchors of the second part.