WO2015033105A1

WO2015033105A1 - Fastening arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2015033105A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Law; Joe Allam; Alice IVES; Sarah PERKS
Original assignee: Magmatic Limited
Priority date: 2013-09-05
Filing date: 2014-08-21
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Also published as: GB201315808D0; GB2517943A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement (1) comprising a first body portion (2) including at least one projection (8) extending from the body portion (2). The projection(s)(8) comprises at least one outwardly projecting retaining feature (10). The arrangement further comprises a second body portion (4) including at least one channel (18) arranged to receive the projection(s) (8) of the first body portion (2). The outer surface (16) of the second body portion (4) further provides at least one opening (20) in communication with the at least one channel (18). Each of the first (2) and second (4) body portions comprise at least one engagement feature(22) for engaging at least a portion of a strap or harness. The first (2) and second (4) body portions are releasably engageable such that in the engaged position the projection(s) (8) of the first body portion (2) is received within the channel(s) (18) of the second body portion (4) such that the retaining feature(s) (10) is received within the at least one opening (20) of the second member (4) and is arranged to prevent disengagement of the first (2) and second (4) body portions.

Description

FASTENING ARRANGEMENT Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement, for example a buckle. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastening arrangement for a harness, which may be worn by a user, such as for example a child.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect the present invention provides a fastening arrangement comprising:

a first body portion including at least one projection extending from the body portion, in which the projection(s) comprises at least one outwardly projecting retaining feature; and

a second body portion including at least one channel arranged to receive the projection(s) of the first body portion; and in which an outer surface of the second body portion further provides at least one opening in communication with the at least one channel;

in which each of the first and second body portions comprise at least one engagement feature for engaging at least a portion of a strap or harness, and

in which the first and second body portions are releasably engageable such that in the engaged position the projection(s) of the first body portion is received within the channel(s) of the second body portion such that the retaining feature(s) is received within the at least one opening of the second member and is arranged to prevent disengagement of the first and second body portions.

Typically the second body portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the at least one channel is defined therebetween.

It will be appreciated that the inner surface is the surface which is intended to be located on the interior of the fastener in use and will typically, for example, be proximal to the user. For example, in the case of a harness the inner surface will be generally be against the wearer. Conversely, the outer surface will be understood to be the surface intended to be located on the exterior of the fastener in use. Inwardly and outwardly will, likewise, be understood to respectively refer to the directions extending toward the inner and outer surfaces.

The fastening arrangement may for example be a buckle. The fastening arrangement may for example be used on a harness, preferably a harness to be worn by a child. The first and second body portions are preferably arranged on for example a harness such that the projection(s) is arranged to extend from the first body portion in a direction towards the second body portion.

The at least one projection preferably extends from the first body portion in a direction extending parallel to the plane of the body portion. The projection(s) of the first body portion may have any suitable shape or dimensions. Preferably, the projection(s) is in the form of a tab.

The at least one engagement feature may be provided by the body first and/or second body portions. The first body portion preferably comprises at least one engagement feature located at or adjacent a first end of the body portion, and the at least one projection is preferably located at or adjacent a second opposed end of the body portion. The second body portion preferably comprises a first end providing at least one engagement feature for engaging a portion of the harness, and the at least one channel is preferably provided by a second opposed end.

The at least one engagement features provided by the first and second body portions may be any suitable feature for engaging or receiving a portion of a harness or strap. For example, the at least one engagement features may be selected from, but not limited to, channels or openings through which a portion of the harness or strap may extend or be secured to. The first and/or second body portions may comprise an inner surface arranged in use to be located adjacent the body of a user, an opposed outer surface, and a side portion extending therebetween. At least one of the first and/or second body portions preferably comprises at least one channel for engaging or receiving a portion of a harness. The channel preferably extends from the inner surface of the body portion to the side portion at the first end of the body portion. Preferably, the channel(s) extends from the inner surface at or adjacent the first end of the body portion, to the side portion at the first end of the body portion.

The at least one engagement feature of the first and/or second body portions may be provided by at least one engagement member which is attached to the respective one of said first and/or second body portions. Preferably the, or each, engagement member releasably engages the body portion. For example, the engagement member may resiliently engage the body portion (for example being snap fitted to the body member). Preferably, the fastening arrangement comprises a first engagement member arranged in use to releasably engage the first body portion, and a second engagement member arranged in use to releasably engage the second body portion. For example, the body portion of the first or second body portion preferably comprises at least one opening or channel arranged to releasably engage at least one engagement member comprising the at least one engagement feature.

The, or each, engagement member may be resiliently moveable relative to the body portion. For example the, or each, engagement member may be connected to the body portion by at least one resilient arm. Resilient movement of the engagement member may selectively align the engagement member with a cooperating feature (for example a ridge or recess) in the body portion. Resilient movement of the engagement member relative to the body portion may enable the at least one opening or channel of the engagement feature to be varied in use (for example by selectively widening the channel). The resilient movement of the engagement member may enable the engagement feature to selectively grip the harness or strap. The engagement member is typically biased towards the position in which the harness or strap is gripped such that the user must resiliently displace the member against said bias to release the harness or strap (for example to adjust the harness or strap position). An external surface of the engagement member may extend beyond the body portion and may form a button.

The opening(s) or channel(s) is preferably located at any suitable located on the body portion. For example, the opening(s) or channel(s) is preferably located at or adjacent the first end of the body portion of the first and/or second body portion(s). The body portion preferably comprises an inner surface arranged in use to be located adjacent a body of a user, an opposed outer surface and a side portion extending therebetween. A channel(s) may be provided by the side portion of the body portion(s) at a first end of the body portion and extends between the inner and outer surfaces of the body portion.

The at least one retaining feature provided by the first body portion preferably provides an abutment surface arranged such that in the engaged position the abutment surface engages a portion of the second body portion located at or adjacent the opening so as to prevent disengagement of the first and second body portions.

At least a portion of the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased. For example, at least a portion of the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection(s) of the first separable member. A connecting portion between the projection and retaining feature may provide a resiliently sprung hinge member. The resiliently biased retaining feature(s) may be depressed inwardly towards the projection(s) of the first separable member on application of a predetermined amount of pressure. The projection(s) may comprise an inner surface arranged in use to be located adjacent the user. The retaining feature(s) may be resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the inner surface of the project! on(s). The projection(s) preferably extends from a first end located at or adjacent the first body portion to a second spaced apart end. The retaining feature(s) preferably comprises a first end located at or adjacent the first end of the projection(s). A second end of the retaining feature(s) may be located at or adjacent the second end of the projection(s). The first end of the retaining feature(s) is preferably resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection(s) (and the second end may for example be hinged to the projection). The retaining feature(s) may extend outwardly away from the projection at any suitable angle. The retaining feature is preferable tilted or tapered such that the first end projects outwardly by a greater distance at the second end. Such an arrangement enables the projection to cam through the channel of the second body member during connection of the first and second body portions before snapping into position within the opening. The first end of the retaining feature(s) preferably provides an abutment surface for engaging a corresponding abutment surface within the opening of the second body portion.

The opening(s) may be provided by the second body portion so that when the first and second body portions are in the engaged position the opening(s) is provided in a substantially central location of the fastening arrangement. The opening(s) of the second body portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive and engage the retaining feature(s) of the first body portion. At least one of the body portions provides at least one further opening for attachment to for example a handle or a strap. Preferably, at least one of the body portions provide two spaced apart openings for attachment to for example a handle or a strap. The spaced apart openings may for example be provided by opposing sides of the body portion(s) and arranged in use to be located centrally between the first ends of the body portions of the body portion(s) when in the engaged position. Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a view from above of the fastening arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view from above of the fastening arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates a view from below of the fastening arrangement of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view from below of the fastening arrangement of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the Figures, the fastening arrangement 1 comprises a first body portion 2 and a second body portion 4. The first body portion 2 provides a projection 8 extending from the body portion 2. The projection 8 extends from the first body portion 2 in a direction extending parallel to the plane of the body portion 2..

The projection 8 comprises a retaining feature 10. The retaining feature 10 is circular in shape however it is to be understood that the retaining feature 10 may have any suitable shape. The second body portion 4 comprises an inner surface 14 arranged in use to be located against the user, an outer surface 16, and a first channel 18 extending therebetween. The first channel 18 is arranged to receive the projection 8 of the first body portion 2. The outer surface 16 of the second body portion 4 further provides a circular opening 20 in communication with the first channel 18. The opening 20 in this case is circular however it is to be appreciated that the opening 20 may have any suitable shape for receiving the retaining feature 10 of the first body portion 2.

The first 2 and second 4 body portions may be arranged on for example a harness such that the projection 8 is arranged to extend from the first body portion 2 in a direction towards the second body portion 4.

The fastening arrangement 1 further comprises a first engagement member 22 which is arranged to releasably engage the first body portion 2. The first engagement member 22 provides two spaced apart openings 24,24'. Each of the openings 24,24' are shaped and dimensioned to receive or engage a portion of a harness, such as for example a strap of the harness. The first engagement member 22 provides two spaced apart resilient arms 25,25' provided at opposing ends of the engagement member 22. The first engagement member 22 is resiliently moveable relative to the first body portion 2.

The first body portion 2 comprises a first channel (not shown) shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage the first engagement member 22. The channel may be located at any suitable location on the body portion 6. In this embodiment, the channel is preferably located at or adjacent the first end 26 of the body portion 2. The first body portion 2 comprises an inner surface 28 arranged in use to be located adjacent a body of a user, an opposed outer surface 30 and a side portion 32 extending therebetween. The first channel provided by the first body portion 2 is provided by the side portion 32 at the first end 26 of the body portion 2 and extends between the inner 28 and outer 30 surfaces of the body portion 2.

The second body portion 4 comprises a second channel 34 arranged to releasably engage a second engagement member 36 comprising two openings 38,38' for receiving or engaging a portion of a harness, such as for example a strap of a harness. The second engagement member 36 provides two spaced apart resilient arms 37,37' provided at opposing ends of the engagement member 36. The second engagement member 36 is resiliently moveable relative to the second body portion 4.

The second channel 34 may be located at any suitable located on the body portion 4. The second channel 34 is located at or adjacent the first end 40 of the second body portion 4. The second body portion 4 comprises an inner surface 42 arranged in use to be located adjacent a body of a user, an opposed outer surface 44 and a side portion 46 extending therebetween. The second channel 34 provided by the second body portion is provided by the side portion 46 at the first end 40 of the body portion 4 and extends between the inner 42 and outer 44 surfaces of the body portion 4.

Resilient movement of the first and second engagement members 22 and 36 may selectively align the engagement members 22 and 36 with a cooperating feature (for example a ridge or recess) in the respective body portion 2,4. Resilient movement of the engagement members 22, 36 relative to the respective body portion 2,4 enables the at least one opening or channel provided by the engagement feature to be varied in use (for example by selectively widening the channel). The resilient movement of the engagement member 22, 36 enables the engagement feature to selectively grip the harness or strap. The engagement member 22, 36 is biased towards the position in which the harness or strap is gripped such that the user must resiliently displace the engagement member 22, 36 against said bias to release the harness or strap (for example to adjust the harness or strap position). An external surface of the engagement member 22, 36 extends beyond the respective body portion 2,4 to form a button.

The retaining feature 10 is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection 8 of the first body portion 2. The projection 8 comprises an inner surface arranged in use to be located adjacent the user. The retaining feature 10 is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the inner surface of the projection 8. The resiliently biased retaining feature 10 may be depressed inwardly towards the projection(s) of the first body portion 2 on application of a predetermined amount of pressure.

The projection 8 comprises a first end 50 located at or adjacent the first body portion 2 and a second opposed end 52. The retaining feature 10 comprises a first end 54 located adjacent the first end 50 of the projection 8. A second end 56 of the retaining feature 10 is located adjacent the second end 52 of the projection 8. The first end 54 of the retaining feature 10 is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection 8.

The first end 54 of the retaining feature 10 provides an abutment surface (not shown) for engaging a portion of the second body portion 4 located at or adjacent the opening 20. The opening 20 provided by the second body portion 4 is located such that when the first 2 and second 4 body portions are in the engaged position the opening 20 is provided in a substantially central location of the fastening arrangement 1.

In use, the straps of a harness are inserted through the openings 24,24' and 38,38' of the first and second engagement members 22 and 36 as required by the design of the harness. The first engagement member 22 is inserted into the first channel provided by the first body portion 2. The second engagement member 36 is inserted into the second channel provided by the second body portion 4. The projection 8 of the first body portion 2 is inserted within the first channel 18 of the second body portion 4 until the retaining feature 10 is located within the opening 20 provided by the second body portion 4. The retaining feature 10 is resiliently biased to extend outwardly from the projection 8. As a result, the retaining feature 10 extends into the opening 20. The first end 54 of the retaining feature 10 abuts a portion of the second body portion 4 located adjacent the opening 20 and therefore prevents removal of the first body portion 2 from engagement with the second body portion 4.

In order to disengage the first and second body portions 2, 4, a depressive force is exerted on the retaining feature 10 in a direction towards the projection 8. The first end 54 of the retaining feature 10 is depressed inwardly towards the projection and as such the projection 8 can be removed from the first channel 18 of the second body portion 4. Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort. For example, one or more of the body portions may be composed of a plurality of separate connectable parts. For example, the number of parts may depend upon the method of manufacture and enable ease of manufacture.

Claims

1. A fastening arrangement comprising:

in which the first and second body portions are releasably engageable such that in the engaged position the projection(s) of the first body portion is received within the channel(s) of the second body portion such that the retaining feature(s) is received within the at least one opening of the second member and is arranged to prevent disengagement of the first and second body portions; and

in which each of the first and second body portions comprise at least one engagement feature for engaging at least a portion of a strap or harness, and in which the at least one engagement feature of at least one of the first and/or second body portions is provided by at least one engagement member which is arranged to resiliently engage at least one of the first and/or second body portions, such that in use resilient movement of the engagement member(s) enables the corresponding engagement feature to selectively grip the harness or strap.

A fastener arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the at least one engagement member releasably engages the corresponding body portion, A fastener arrangement as claimed in claim 2, comprising a first engagement member arranged in use to releasably engage the first body portion, and a second engagement member arranged in use to releasably engage the second body portion.

4. A fastener arrangement as claimed in claim 3, in which the first and second body portions each comprise at least one opening or channel arranged to releasably engage the corresponding engagement member.

5. A fastener arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one engagement member is connected to the corresponding body portion by at least one resilient arm.

6. A fastener arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one engagement feature is an opening or channel.

7. A fastener arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which the engagement member(s) is arranged in use such that resilient movement of the engagement member(s) varies the dimensions of the opening or channel.

8. A fastener arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the engagement member(s) is resiliently biased such that in use the engagement feature(s) grips the harness or strap.

9. A fastener arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a surface of the engagement member(s) extends beyond the body portion to provide a button.

10. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first body portion comprises a first end providing the at least one engagement feature, and the at least one projection is located at a second opposed end.

11. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second body portion comprises a first end providing the at least one engagement feature, and the at least one channel is located at a second opposed end.

12. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the projection(s) of the first body portion is a tab.

13. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one retaining feature provides an abutment surface arranged such that in the engaged position the abutment surface engages a portion of the second body portion located at or adjacent the opening so as to prevent disengagement of the first and second body portions.

14. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least a portion of the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased.

15. A fastening arrangement as claimed in claim 14, in which at least a portion of the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection(s).

16. A fastening arrangement as claimed in either of claims 14 and 15, in which the projection(s) comprises a first end located at or adjacent the body portion and a second opposed end, and in which the retaining feature(s) comprises a first end located at or adjacent the first end of the projection(s) and a second end located at or adjacent the second end of the projection(s), and in which the first end of the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the projection(s).

17. A fastening arrangement as claimed claim 16, in which the first end of the retaining feature(s) provides an abutment surface for engaging a portion of the second body portion located at or adjacent the opening(s).

18. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, in which the projection(s) comprises an inner surface arranged in use to be located adjacent the user, and in which the retaining feature(s) is resiliently biased to extend outwardly away from the inner surface of the projection(s).

19. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the opening(s) provided by the second body portion is located such that when the first and second body portions are in the engaged position the opening(s) is provided in a substantially central location of the fastening arrangement.

20. A fastening arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one of the first and/or second body portions provides at least one opening for engaging a strap or handle