WO2015094526A1

WO2015094526A1 - Web-adjustment assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015094526A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/065489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott D. Kolasa; John S. Pontaoe
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-11-13
Publication date: 2015-06-25

Abstract

A web-adjustment assembly (102) is configured to retain at least a portion of at least one webbing (176, 180). The web-adjustment assembly may include a web-adjustment housing including at least one crossbar (130, 160) extending between lateral walls. The crossbar(s) is configured to adjustably retain at least a portion of the webbing(s). The crossbar(s) is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane (110) of the web-adjustment assembly.

Description

WEB-ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/918,212 entitled "Buckle" filed December 19, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a web- adjustment assembly, and, more particularly, to a web-adjustment assembly that may be used with a buckle assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Buckles are used to securely connect components together. For example, various bags, backpacks, life vests, and the like have male and female buckle members connected to straps, webbing, or the like. Each strap, for example, is looped through a web channel on a buckle member. In order to connect the looped straps together, the make buckle member is connected to the female buckle member.

[0004] A conventional side -release buckle assembly may include a male connection member that is configured to mate with a female connection member, such as shown and described in United States Patent No. 5,171,555, entitled "Buckle," and United States Patent No. 5,465,472, entitled "Buckle," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Each connection member is configured to retain a strap, such as a seatbelt, or backpack strap, for example. The male connection member includes integral buttons that may be engaged to release the male connection member from the female connection member, thereby disconnecting the buckle assembly.

[0005] Various systems include one or more web-adjustment members, such as buckle members and/or slider members between separate and distinct buckle members. The web-adjustment members include housings that are configured to slidably retain portions of the webbing. Known web-retaining features within the web-adjustment members include distinct and uniquely-shaped surfaces that are configured to adjustably retain portions of the webbing. For example, top and bottom surfaces of web-retaining features may have shapes and sizes that differ from one another, with one or both being irregularly-shaped. As such, during a manufacturing process, the web-adjustment member or the buckle member that includes the web-retaining features is typically oriented in a specific position so that the webbing may be connected thereto. As such, the manufacturing process may be time and labor-intensive due to the need for an individual to manipulate and orient the component into a proper orientation.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a web- adjustment assembly configured to retain at least a portion of at least one webbing. The web-adjustment assembly may include a web-adjustment housing including at least one crossbar extending between lateral walls. The crossbar(s) is configured to adjustably retain at least a portion of the webbing(s). The crossbar(s) is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the web-adjustment assembly.

[0007] The web-adjustment assembly may include a male buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing. The mating interface may include a latching member. In another embodiment, the web-adjustment assembly may include a female buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing. The mating interface may include a channel configured to receive a latching member of a male buckle member.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, first and second crossbars may be disposed within the central longitudinal plane and bisected by the central longitudinal plane. In at least one embodiment, one or more crossbars may include a triangular cross- section having an apex within the central longitudinal plane. In at least one embodiment, one or more crossbars may include a rectangular cross-section.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, first and second aligned crossbars may form a first pair of crossbars. Each of the first and second aligned crossbars may be offset from the central longitudinal plane a first absolute distance. The first pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Third and fourth aligned crossbars may form a second pair of crossbars. Each of the third and fourth aligned crossbars may be offset from the central longitudinal plane a second absolute distance. The second pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The first absolute distance may equal the second absolute distance. In at least one embodiment, the first aligned crossbar is a mirror image of the second aligned crossbar.

[0010] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a web- adjustment assembly configured to retain at least a portion of at least one webbing. The web-adjustment assembly may include a web-adjustment housing including at least one crossbar extending between lateral walls. The crossbar(s) is configured to adjustably retain at least a portion of the webbing(s). The crossbar(s) is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the web-adjustment assembly. The central longitudinal plane bisects the web-adjustment housing into first and second mirror-image halves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0016] Figure 6 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 illustrates an axial cross-section of a crossbar of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The web- adjustment assembly 100 may be molded and formed as a unitary piece of material. For example, the web-adjustment assembly 100 may be an integral piece of injection-molded plastic or metal. [0024] As shown, the web-adjustment assembly 100 may be a male buckle member. Alternatively, the web-adjustment assembly 100 may be a female buckle member, or a slider member configured to be operated to slidably adjust a web or webbing between a male and female buckle members.

[0025] The web-adjustment assembly 100 may include a web-adjustment housing 102 integrally connected to a mating interface 104. It is to be understood that the terms web or webbing refer to webbing, straps, ropes, strings, fabric, sheets, or the like that are configured to be adjustably secured within the web-adjustment housing 102.

[0026] The mating interface 104 may be configured to securely mate with a reciprocal interface of a counterpart buckle member. As shown, the mating interface 104 may include a latching bar 106 connected to the web-adjustment housing 102 by lateral beams 108. A space 110 may be defined between the latching bar 106, the web- adjustment housing 102 and the lateral beams 108. The latching bar 106 may be configured to be latchably retained by a reciprocal feature of a complementary female buckle member, for example.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention may be used with respect to any of the buckle members shown and described, for example, in United States Patent No. 7,331,088, entitled "Buckle Assembly," United States Patent No. 7,296,327, entitled "Buckle Assembly," United States Patent No. 7,302,742, entitled "Side Release Buckle Assembly," PCT Publication WO2012/162615, entitled "Buckle Assembly," United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0089280, entitled "Side Release Buckle Assembly," United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0222860, entitled "Buckle Assembly," and United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0078069, entitled "Strap Adjusting Assembly," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0028] The web-adjustment housing 102 includes opposed lateral walls 112. A mating wall 113, a crossbar or crossbeam 114, a crossbar or crossbeam 116, and an end wall 118 extend between the opposed lateral walls 112. Each of the mating wall 113, the crossbars 114, 116, and the end wall 118 may be perpendicular to the opposed lateral walls 112.

[0029] A first strap channel 120 is defined between the mating wall 113 and the crossbar 114. A second strap channel 122 is defined between the crossbar 114 and the crossbar 116. A third strap channel 124 is defined between the crossbar 116 and the end wall 118.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the web- adjustment assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crossbar 114 may include a flat, linear, upright wall 126 that resides within a plane that may be parallel to a plane in which an interior surface 128 of the mating wall 113 resides. The first strap channel 120 is defined between the upright wall 126 and the interior surface 128.

[0031] The upright wall 126 connects to inwardly angled upper and lower walls 130 and 132, respectively. The upper wall 130 angles downwardly from an end 134 of the flat wall 126 toward a central longitudinal plane 136. Similarly, the lower wall 132 angles upwardly from an end 138 of the flat wall 126 toward the central longitudinal plane 136. The upper and lower walls 130 and 132 connect at an apex 140 that is disposed within the central longitudinal plane 136.

[0032] As shown, the angle between the flat wall 126 and each of the upper and lower walls 130 and 132 may be a. In at least one embodiment, the angle a may be 45°, while the angle β between the upper and lower walls 130 and 132 may be 90°. As such, the axial cross-section of the crossbar 114 may be a right triangle that is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 136. The central longitudinal plane 136 bisects the crossbar 114 such that a top half 137 of the crossbar 114 above the central longitudinal plane 136 is a mirror image of a bottom half 139 below the central longitudinal plane 136.

[0033] Alternatively, the axial cross-section may not be a right triangle. Instead, the angles a may be the same, but may be greater or lesser than 45°. Further, the axial cross-section of the crossbar 114 may be other than triangular. For example, the axial cross-section of the crossbar 114 may be rectangular and symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane 136.

[0034] As shown, the crossbar 114 may not extend to upper and lower surfaces 142 and 144, respectively, of the lateral walls 126. Instead, the crossbar 114 may be recessed, as shown. Alternatively, ends 134 and 138 of the flat wall 126 may extend to levels of the upper and lower surfaces 142 and 144, respectively.

[0035] The crossbar 116 may include linear flat end surfaces 150 and 152 that may be parallel to an interior surface 154 of the end wall 154 (and the flat surface 126 and the interior surface 128). Respective top and bottom surfaces 156 and 158 of the crossbar 116 may extend to the outer edge surfaces of the lateral walls 126. Alternatively, the crossbar 116 may be recessed within the web-adjustment housing 102.

[0036] Similar to the crossbar 114, the crossbar 116 is symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane 136, with a top half 160 above the central longitudinal plane 136 being a mirror image of the bottom half 162 below the central longitudinal plane 136. The crossbar 116 may include an axial cross section that may alternatively be various other shapes and sizes, such as triangle, that is symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane 136.

[0037] In operation, a first webbing 170 may be adjustably secured around the crossbar 114, while a second webbing 172 may be adjustably secured around the crossbar 116. The first webbing 170 may have free ends 174 and 176, while the second webbing 172 may have free ends 178 and 180. The free ends 174 and 176, and the free ends 178 and 180 may not be securely sewn together, for example. Alternatively, portions of the free ends 174 and 176 or portions of the free ends 178 and 180 may be securely fixed to one another, such as threw sewing.

[0038] Because the crossbars 114 and 116 are symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane 136, the webbings 170 and 172 may be secured to the web-adjustment housing 102 whether the web-adjustment assembly 100 is an upright orientation, as shown in Figure 2, or in an inverted orientation, in which the web-adjustment assembly is rotated 180° about the central longitudinal plane 136. Accordingly, the manufacturing process is streamlined, as the step of an individual positioning the web-adjustment assembly 100 in a specific upright orientation is no longer needed. As such, the time and cost of manufacturing is reduced.

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The web- adjustment assembly 300 may be molded and formed as a unitary piece of material. For example, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may be an integral piece of injection-molded plastic or metal.

[0040] As shown, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may be a female buckle member. Alternatively, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may be a male buckle member, or a slider member configured to be operated to slidably adjust a web or webbing between a male and female buckle members.

[0041] The web-adjustment assembly 300 may include a web-adjustment housing 302 integrally connected to a mating interface 304. The mating interface 304 may be configured to securely mate with a reciprocal interface of a counterpart buckle member. As shown, the mating interface 304 may include a latch receiving-channel 306 formed through an end 308 of the web-adjustment assembly 300. The latch receiving channel 306 may be configured to latchably retain a latching bar of a male buckle member, for example.

[0042] The web-adjustment housing 302 includes opposed lateral walls 312. A pair of upper crossbars or crossbeams 314 extend between the lateral walls 312. A pair of lower crossbars or crossbeams 316 may also extend between the lateral walls 312.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the web- adjustment assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, each upper crossbar 314 is aligned over a lower crossbar 316. Each upper crossbar 314 is separated from a respective lower cross bar 316 by a space 318. Interior surfaces 320 of the upper crossbars 314 are angled in a similar fashion with respect to a central longitudinal plane 324 as interior surfaces 322 of the lower crossbars 316 (with each interior surface 320 and 322 angled toward a common point in space). As such, each pair 330 and 332 of upper and lower crossbars 314, 316 is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 324, such that the upper crossbar 314 is a mirror image of a respective lower crossbar 316.

[0044] Webbings 340 and 342 may be secured around upper or lower crossbars 314 and 316. As shown in Figure 4, the webbings 340 and 342 are adjustably secured around the upper crossbars 314. If the web-adjustment assembly 300 is inverted, the webbings 340 and 342 may be secured around the lower crossbars 316. Because the crossbar pairs 330 and 332 are symmetrical about the central longitudinal plane 324, the webbings 340 and 342 may be secured to the web-adjustment housing 302 whether the web-adjustment assembly 300 is an upright orientation, as shown in Figure 4, or in an inverted orientation, in which the web-adjustment assembly is rotated 180° about the central longitudinal plane 324. Accordingly, the manufacturing process is streamlined, as the step of an individual positioning the web-adjustment assembly 300 in a specific upright orientation is no longer needed. As such, the time and cost of manufacturing is reduced.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the interior surfaces 320 and 322 angle toward the central longitudinal plane 324 from ends proximate the mating interface 304 toward an end wall 360. The absolute angle (that is, the magnitude of the angle) of the interior surfaces 320 and 322 of each pair 330 and 332 may be the same in relation to the central longitudinal plane. Thus, the magnitude of the angle of the interior surfaces 320 and 322 of the pair 330 may be a first angle magnitude, while the magnitude of the angle of the interior surfaces 320 and 322 of the pair 332 may be a second angle magnitude. The first and second angle magnitudes may be the same, or the first angle magnitude may differ from the second angle magnitude.

[0046] As shown, exterior surfaces 370 and 372 of the upper and lower crossbars 314 and 316, respectively, may generally be within planes that are parallel to the central longitudinal plane 324. Alternatively, the exterior surfaces 370 and 372 may be angled and symmetrical with respect to the central longitudinal plane 324, such as the interior surfaces 320 and 324, or at opposite angles thereto. Also, alternatively, the interior surfaces 320 and 324 may be parallel with the central longitudinal plane 324.

[0047] While two pairs 330 and 332 of crossbars 314 and 316 are shown, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may include more or less pairs than shown. For example, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may include only the pair 330 or only the pair 332. As another example, the web-adjustment assembly 300 may include three or more pairs of crossbars.

[0048] As shown, centroids 317 and 319 of the upper and lower crossbars 314 and 316 may be a distance 321 and 323 from the central longitudinal plane 324. The absolute value of the distances 321 and 323 (that is, the absolute distances) may be the same.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective top view of a web-adjustment assembly 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the web-adjustment assembly 500. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the web-adjustment assembly 500 may be a right angle female connection member that may be configured to receive a male connection member within a latch groove 502 and a separate and distinct male connection member through an open channel 504. As shown in Figure 6, in particular, upper and lower crossbars 514 and 516 are aligned in pairs 530 and 532 that are symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane 540. As shown, exterior and interior surfaces 542 and 544 of the upper crossbars 514 and exterior and interior surfaces 546 and 548 of the lower cross bars 516 may be parallel to the central longitudinal plane 540. As shown in Figure 6, each cross bar 514 and 516 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0050] While two pairs 530 and 532 of crossbars 514 and 516 are shown, the web-adjustment assembly 500 may include more or less pairs than shown. For example, the web-adjustment assembly 500 may include only the pair 530 or only the pair 532. As another example, the web-adjustment assembly 500 may include three or more pairs of crossbars.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars 700 and 702 of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, each crossbar 700 and 702 may be disposed within and bisected by a central longitudinal plane 704. Each crossbar 700 and 702 is symmetrical about and with respect to the longitudinal plane 704. The crossbar 700 may have a hexagonal cross-section, while the crossbar 702 may have an hour-glass cross section that is oriented 90° in relation to the central longitudinal plane 704. Alternatively, the crossbars 700 and 702 may have various other shapes and sizes that are symmetrical about and with respect to the longitudinal plane 704. For example, the crossbar 700 may have a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or the like cross-section.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars 800 and 802 of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the crossbars 800 and 802 may be offset the same absolute distance from a central longitudinal plane 804, thereby forming an aligned pair 806 of crossbars 800 and 802. The aligned pair 806 is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 804. As shown, each crossbar 800 and 802 may include a hexagonal axial cross- section. Alternatively, each crossbar 800 and 802 may include various other axial cross- sections, as described above.

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates axial cross-sections of crossbars 900 and 902 of a web-adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the crossbars 900 and 902 may be offset the same absolute distance from a central longitudinal plane 904, thereby forming an aligned pair 906 of crossbars 900 and 902. The aligned pair 906 is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 904. As shown, each crossbar 900 and 902 may include a triangular axial cross- section. Alternatively, each crossbar 900 and 902 may include various other axial cross- sections, as described above. [0054] Figure 10 illustrates an axial cross-section of a crossbar 1000 of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crossbar 1000 is disposed within and is bisected by a central longitudinal plane 1002. The crossbar 1000 is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 1002. As shown, the crossbar 1000 may include an hourglass axial cross-section that is oriented along the central longitudinal plane 1002.

[0055] Figure 11 axial cross-sections of crossbars 1100 and 1102 of a web- adjustment assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the crossbars 1100 and 1102 may be offset the same absolute distance X from a central longitudinal plane 1104, thereby forming an aligned pair 1106 of crossbars 1100 and 1102. For example, centroids of each crossbar 1100 and 1102 may be the same absolute distance from the central longitudinal plane 1104. The aligned pair 1106 is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane 1104. As shown, each crossbar 1100 and 1102 may include a polygonal axial cross-section that mirrors an opposed crossbar 1100 and 1102. Alternatively, each crossbar 1100 and 1102 may include various other axial cross-sections, as described above.

[0056] Figures 1-11 show various examples of crossbars. It is to be understood that various other shapes, sizes, and pairs of crossbars that are symmetrical about and with respect to a central longitudinal plane may be used. Further, any of the crossbars shown and described with respect to Figures 1-11 may be used with any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide one or more crossbars that are symmetrical about and with respect to a central longitudinal axis of a web-adjustment assembly, such as a male buckle member, a female buckle member, or a slider member. For example, a crossbar may be disposed within a central longitudinal plane of a web-adjustment assembly, and may be bisected by the longitudinal plane such that a first half, such as an upper half, is a mirror image of a second half, such as a lower half. As another example, an aligned pair of crossbars may be offset from a central longitudinal plane an equal absolute distance. The aligned pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal plane.

[0058] Accordingly, webbing material may be threaded through the web- adjustment assemblies in a first orientation and a second orientation that is inverted from the first orientation. In each orientation, the webbing material may be threaded thereto and adjustably retained within the web-adjustment assembly.

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a web-adjustment assembly that is symmetrical about and with respect to a central longitudinal axis. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be efficiently threadably connected to webbing such that an individual does not need to orient each assembly in a particular position to receive the webbing. Because each web-adjustment assembly includes one or more crossbars that are symmetrical about and with respect to a central longitudinal plane, each assembly has double the effective features of a typical, asymmetric component.

[0060] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0061] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. [0062] To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0063] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A web-adjustment assembly configured to retain at least a portion of at least one webbing, the web-adjustment assembly comprising:

a web-adjustment housing including at least one crossbar extending between lateral walls, wherein the at least one crossbar is configured to adjustably retain at least a portion of the at least one webbing, and wherein the at least one crossbar is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the web-adjustment assembly.

2. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the web-adjustment assembly comprises a male buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing, wherein the mating interface includes a latching member.

3. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the web-adjustment assembly comprises a female buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing, wherein the mating interface includes a channel configured to receive a latching member of a male buckle member.

4. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes first and second crossbars disposed within the central longitudinal plane and bisected by the central longitudinal plane.

5. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes a triangular cross-section having an apex within the central longitudinal plane.

6. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes a rectangular cross-section.

7. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes first and second aligned crossbars forming a first pair of crossbars, wherein each of the first and second aligned crossbars is offset from the central longitudinal plane a first absolute distance, and wherein the first pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

8. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 7, further comprising third and fourth aligned crossbars forming a second pair of crossbars, wherein each of the third and fourth aligned crossbars is offset from the central longitudinal plane a second absolute distance, and wherein the second pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

9. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 8, wherein the first absolute distance equals the second absolute distance.

10. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 7, wherein the first aligned crossbar is a mirror image of the second aligned crossbar.

11. A web-adjustment assembly configured to retain at least a portion of at least one webbing, the web-adjustment assembly comprising:

a web-adjustment housing including at least one crossbar extending between lateral walls, wherein the at least one crossbar is configured to adjustably retain at least a portion of the at least one webbing, wherein the at least one crossbar is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the web-adjustment assembly, and wherein the central longitudinal plane bisects the web-adjustment housing into first and second mirror-image halves.

12. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 11, wherein the web-adjustment assembly comprises a male buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing.

13. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 11, wherein the web-adjustment assembly comprises a female buckle member that includes a mating interface connected to the web-adjustment housing.

14. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 11, wherein the web-adjustment assembly comprises a slider member that is configured to adjust a length of the at least one webbing between a female buckle member and a male buckle member.

15. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes first and second crossbars disposed within the central longitudinal plane and bisected by the central longitudinal plane.

16. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes a triangular cross-section having an apex within the central longitudinal plane.

17. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes a rectangular cross-section.

18. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one crossbar includes first and second aligned crossbars forming a first pair of crossbars, wherein each of the first and second aligned crossbars is offset from the central longitudinal plane a first absolute distance, and wherein the first pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

19. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 18, further comprising third and fourth aligned crossbars forming a second pair of crossbars, wherein each of the third and fourth aligned crossbars is offset from the central longitudinal plane a second absolute distance, and wherein the second pair of crossbars is symmetrical about and with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

20. The web-adjustment assembly of claim 19, wherein the first absolute distance equals the second absolute distance.