WO2009093267A2

WO2009093267A2 - Double guard quick release fastener

Info

Publication number: WO2009093267A2
Application number: PCT/IN2009/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Khandelwal
Original assignee: Mku Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-23
Filing date: 2009-01-22
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: WO2009093267A3

Abstract

A Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener including a base assembly, a socket assembly and a' wedge fork, is disclosed. The base assembly includes a base plate, an eye hook and a spring member. The eye hook and the spring member are disposed on the base plate. The socket assembly includes a socket head and a housing. The socket head includes an eye opening configured to be fit onto the eye hook of the base plate. The housing is connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings. The housing includes an elongated opening configured therein. The wedge fork includes a base portion and a body portion. The base portion configured to be secured in the elongated opening of the housing. The body portion is configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook of the base assembly above the socket head of the socket assembly.

Description

DOUBLE GUARD QUICK RELEASE FASTENER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fasteners, and, more particularly, to a Double Guard Fastener configured to be quickly released.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A fastener is a mechanical device configured to join or affix two or more objects together. Moreover, the fastener may be used to close a container such as a bag, a box, or an envelope. The fastener may be configured to removably or permanently join or affix two or more objects together. The fastener configured to removably join or affix two or more objects together may be fastened and unfastened as per a user requirement. The fasteners may be of different types such as a batten, a bolt, a screw, a button, a clip, a buckle and the like.

[0003] The buckle may be configured to removably connect two parts of any device together. Further, the buckle may be used for connecting opposite ends of a strap together. The buckle may be used in various applications such as in wrist watches, in clothing belts, in vests and the like. Specifically, in military vests the buckle may be configured not only to connect the two portions of the vests but also to facilitate protection by locking the two parts of vests together. Generally, separation of buckle halves requires moving two release portion of the buckle toward one another with one hand and pulling the buckle halves apart from each other. Further, such separation of the buckle halves is inconvenient in emergency conditions. Furthermore, various traditional buckles used in military applications are unable to be easily detached in emergency conditions. [0004] Accordingly, there is need for a Fastener, which is capable of being released quickly and at the same time connection provided by the Fastener is strong. Further, there is need for a Fastener, which is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands. Still further, there is need of a Fastener that is configured to prevent accidental release thereof. Moreover, there is a need of a Fastener that is easy to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a Double Guard Fastener configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a Double

Guard Fastener, which is capable of being released quickly and at the same time connection provided by the fastener is strong.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a Double Guard

Quickly Releasable Fastener, which is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a Double Guard

Quickly Releasable Fastener that is configured to prevent accidental release thereof.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a Double Guard Quickly

Releasable Fastener. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener includes a base assembly, a socket assembly and a wedge fork. The base assembly includes a base plate, an eye hook and a spring member. The eye hook is disposed vertically on the base plate. The spring member is disposed on the base plate. The spring member is configured to possess spring action. The socket assembly includes a socket head and a housing. The socket head includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an eye opening configured on the proximal end portion thereof. The eye opening is configured to be fit onto the eye hook of the base plate. The housing is connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings. The housing includes an elongated opening configured therein. The wedge fork includes a base portion and a body portion. The base portion configured to be secured in the elongated opening of the housing. The body portion is configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook of the base assembly above the socket head of the socket assembly.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a

Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener includes a base assembly, a socket head and a wedge fork. The base assembly includes a base plate, an eye hook and a spring member. The eye hook is disposed vertically on the base plate. The spring member is disposed on the base plate. The spring member is configured to possess spring action. The socket head includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an eye opening configured on the proximal end portion thereof. The eye opening is configured to be fit onto the eye hook of the base plate. Further, the wedge fork is connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings. The wedge fork includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion is configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook of the base assembly above the socket head of the socket assembly.

[0011] These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The advantages and, features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a Double Guard Quickly

Releasable Fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a base assembly of the Double

Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3a illustrates a top view of the base assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3b illustrates a front view of the base assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3c illustrates a side view of the base assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 5a illustrates a top view of the socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5b illustrates a front view of the socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0021] FIG. 5c illustrates a side view of the socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 7a illustrates a top view of the wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7b illustrates a front view of the wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 7c illustrates a side view of the ^ wedge fork, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0029] Referring to FIG.l, a Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener 100 configured to removably connect two parts of any device together, is shown. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener 100 includes a base assembly 200, a socket assembly 300 and a wedge fork 400.

[0030] Further referring to FIG. 2 to FIGJc, the base assembly 200 includes a base plate 202, a rectangular eye hook 204 and an elongated spring member 206. The base plate 202 may be disposed on one of the two elements to be secured. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base plate may be configured to have a length of 45.12 mm, a breadth of 39.97 mm and a height of 2 mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base plate 202 may be configured to have various other dimensions as per a user requirement. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular dimension of the base plate 202.

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[0031] Further, the eye hook 204 is disposed vertically on the base plate 202. The eye hook 204 may be disposed on the base plate 202 by various means such as welding, brazing, soldering and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the eye hook 204 is configured to have rectangular shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, the eye hook 204 may be configured to have various other shapes such as semicircular, square and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the eye hook 204. In one embodiment of the present invention, the eye hook 204 may be configured to have a length of about 20 mm, a breadth of about 5.70 mm and a height of about 15 mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the eye hook 204 may be configured to have various other dimensions as per a user requirement. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular dimension of the eye hook 204.

[0032] Still further, the spring member 206 is disposed on the base plate 202. As shown, in the present embodiment of the present invention, the spring member 206 is an elongated spring member 206. The elongated spring member 206 includes a first end portion 208 and a second end portion 210 (shown in FIG. 3c). The first end portion 208 is disposed on the base plate 202. The first end portion 208 is disposed on the base plate 202 by various means such as welding, brazing, soldering and the like. As shown, FIG. 3c the first end portion 208 may be inclined to the base plate 202 and the second end portion 210 may be parallel to the base plate 202. Further, the second end portion 210 is positioned above the base plate 202. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second end portion 210 may be positioned at about 7.25 mm above the base plate 202. In another embodiment of the present invention, the second end portion 210 may be positioned above the base plate 202 at any other distance as per the user requirement. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular positioning distance of the second end portion 210 above the base plate 202. The elongated spring member 206 is configured to have spring action. More specifically, the elongated spring member 206 is capable of being pressed downwards with application of force. Moreover, the elongated spring member 206 is capable of further coming to its original position when force is lifted. Although in the present embodiment of the present invention, the spring member 206 is described with respect to the elongated spring member 206. In another embodiment of the present invention, the spring member 206 may be any other spring mechanisms such as a coil spring, a helical spring and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the elongated spring member 206. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly 200 may be composed of a one piece construction.

[0033] Now referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 5c, the socket assembly 300 includes a socket head 302 and a housing 304. The socket head 302 includes a proximal end portion 306, a distal end portion 308 and an eye opening 310. The eye opening 310 is configured on the proximal end portion 306. The eye opening 310 is configured to be fit onto the eye hook 204 of the base plate 202 of the base assembly 200. The eye opening 310 is configured to be complimentary to the eye hook 204. More specifically, shape and size of the eye opening 310 is configured to properly fit onto the eye hook 204 of the base plate 202. In the present embodiment of the present invention, the eye opening 310 is configured to be rectangular in shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, the eye opening 310 is configured to have various other shapes such as circular, square and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the eye opening 310. In one embodiment of the present invention, the eye opening 310 is configured to have a length of about 21.69 mm and a width of about 6.22 mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the eye opening 310 may be configured to have various other dimensions as per the user requirement. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular dimensions of the eye opening 310.

[0034] Further, the socket head 302 includes a groove 312 configured in the distal end portion 308 thereof. The groove 312 is configured to fix a load bearing tape therein. The load bearing tape may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the load bearing tape is secured in the groove 312 and the second end portion of the load bearing tape is fixed or stitched with the load or another of the two elements to be secured with each other. Further, the load bearing tape secured in the groove 312 may be configured to prevent accidental release of the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener 100.

[0035] The housing 304 is connected to the socket head 302 by means of a pair of flexible strings, such as a flexible string 314a and a flexible string 314b (hereinafter collectively,* referred to as "pair of flexible strings 314"). More specifically, the flexible string 314a may be configured to connect to a first side portion 316 of the socket head 302 to a first side portion 318 of the housing 304. Similarly, the flexible string 314b may be configured to connect a second side portion (not shown) of the socket head 302 to a second side portion (not shown) of the housing 304. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, each of the pair of flexible strings 314 may be configured to have a length of 38 mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the each of the pair of flexible strings 314 may be configured to have various other dimensions as per the user requirement. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular dimensions of the flexible strings 314. Further, the housing 304 includes an elongated opening 320 configured therein.

[0036] Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 7c, the wedge fork 400 includes a base portion 402 and a body portion 404. The base portion 402 is configured to be received and secured in the elongated opening 320 of the housing 304. Further, the base portion 402 of the wedge fork 400 further includes a groove 406 configured therein. The groove 406 is configured to secure a pull through tape therein (not shown). More specifically, a first end portion of the pull through tape is secured in the groove 406 and a second end portion of the pull through tape is secured to a handgrip. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion of the pull through tape is secured in the groove 406 by various means such as but not limited to adhesive, welding, brazing and the like. Furthermore, the handgrip secured to the pull through tape facilitates quick release of the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener 100.

[0037] Moreover, the body portion 404 of the wedge fork 400 is configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook 204 of the base assembly 200. More specifically, the body portion 404 is positioned over the socket head 302 of the socket assembly 300 that is already hooked onto the eye hook 204. The body portion 404 includes a pair of legs, such as a leg 408a and a leg 408b (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pair of legs 408"). Further, each of the pair legs 408 is configured to be flexible! Further, the each of the pair of legs 408 is configured to have spring action. The each of the pair of legs 408 includes a tip portion 410 and a locking notch portion 412. The each of the pair of legs 410 is curved inwardly towards each other. The tip portion 410 may be tapered for facilitating easy entry of the pair of legs 408 into eye hook 204. Further, the locking notch portion 412 is configured to facilitate locking of the each of the pair of legs 408 to the eye hook 204.

[0038] In use, the eye opening 310 of the socket assembly is hooked onto the eye hook 204 of the base assembly. The eye opening 310 may be hooked onto the eye hook 204 by applying force on the spring member 206 for creating enough space in the eye hook 204 for accommodating the wedge fork 400. Further, the body portion 404 of the wedge fork 400 may be inserted in the eye hook 204 in a way such that the wedge fork 400 rests above the socket head 302. Further, due to spring actions on the tip portion 410 of the each of the pair of legs 408, the wedge fork 400 gets locked in the eye hook 204 of the base assembly 200. More specifically, the wedge fork 400 may be locked in the eye hook 204 of the base assembly 200 at the locking notch portion 412. Accordingly, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener 100 may provide double locking.

[0039] Moreover, for quick release of the 'Double Guard Quickly Releasable

Fastener' 100, the user may pull the handgrip secured to the pull through tape that is secured to the base portion 402 of the wedge fork 400. Further, due to pulling of the handgrip, pressure is transmitted to the tip portions 410 of the pair of legs 408. Accordingly, the tip portions 410 of the pair of legs 408 of the wedge fork 400 move closer towards each other, thus facilitating removal of the wedge fork 400 out of the eye hook 204 of base assembly 100. Once the wedge fork 400 along with housing 304 comes out of the eye hook 204, the pressure over the spring member 206 is released. Therefore, the spring member 206 on account of its spring action pushes the socket head 302 upwards. Further, due to removal of the wedge fork 400 out of the eye hook 204, the pair of flexible strings 314 stretches to its full length and starts pulling the socket head 302. Accordingly, the socket head 302 either on account of spring action of the spring member 206 or on account pulling actions of the pair of flexible strings 314 or on account of joint action of the spring member 206 and pulling action of the pair of flexible strings 314 comes out of the eye hook 204 of the base assembly 200 and causes complete release of the Double Guard Quickly

Releasable Fastener 100.

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[0040] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Double Guard

Quickly Releasable Fastener includes a base assembly, a socket head and a wedge fork. The base assembly is similar in structure and configuration to the base assembly 200. The socket head is similar in construction and function to the socket head 302. Further, the wedge fork is connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings. The pair of flexible strings is similar in construction and function to the pair of flexible strings 314. Further, the wedge fork is similar in construction and function to the wedge fork 4.00. In the present embodiment of the present invention, the housing 304 of the previous embodiment is removed and the wedge fork is directly connected to the socket head by means of the pair of flexible strings. As the base assembly, the socket head, the wedge fork and the pair of flexible strings are respectively similar in construction and function to the base assembly 200, the socket head 302, the wedge fork 400 and the pair of flexible strings 314. Accordingly, construction and function of the base assembly, the socket head, the wedge fork and the pair of flexible strings of the present invention is not described in detail for sake of brevity.

[0041] Further, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of the present invention may be used for various applications such as endurance racing, equestrian, show jumping, military, paramilitary, policing operations and the like. More specifically, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of the present invention may be used in vests used by personnel engaged in insurgency, combat or anti-terrorist activities where they may require quick removal of the vest from their body. Further, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of the present invention may also be used in other areas, such as bags, boxes and the like where quick release mechanism is required.

[0042] Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages.

The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener, as described herein, is capable of being released quickly and at the same time connection provided by the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener is strong. Further, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener is capable of being easily separated with limited motion of user's hands. Furthermore, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener is configured to prevent accidental release thereof. Still further, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener is simple in construction and easy to use.

[0043] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener comprising:

a base assembly, the base assembly comprising,

a base plate,

an eye hook disposed vertically on the base plate, and

a spring member disposed on the base plate, the spring member configured to possess spring action;

a socket assembly, the socket assembly comprising,

a socket head comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an eye opening configured on the proximal end portion thereof, -the eye opening configured to be fit onto the eye hook of the base plate, and

a housing connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings, the housing comprising an elongated opening configured therein; and

a wedge fork comprising a base portion and a body portion, the base portion configured to be secured in the elongated opening of the housing, the body portion configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook of the base assembly above the socket head of the socket assembly.

2. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 1, wherein the spring member is an elongated spring member comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion disposed on the base plate and the second end portion positioned above the base plate.

3. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 1, wherein the socket head comprising a groove configured in the distal end portion thereof.

4. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 3, wherein the groove is configured to secure a load bearing tape therein.

5. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the wedge fork comprises a pair of flexible legs.

6. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the wedge fork further comprises a groove configured therein.

7. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 6, wherein the groove is configured to secure a pull through tape therein.

8. A Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener, the Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener comprising:

a base assembly, the base assembly comprising,

a base plate,

an eye hook disposed vertically on the base plate, and a spring member disposed on the base plate, the spring member configured to possess spring action;

a socket head comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an eye opening configured on the proximal end portion thereof, the eye opening configured to be fit onto the eye hook of the base plate, and

a wedge fork connected to the socket head by means of a pair of flexible strings, the wedge fork comprising a base portion and a body portion, the body portion configured to be received and removably locked in the eye hook of the base assembly above the socket head of the socket assembly.

9. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 8, wherein the spring member is an elongated spring member comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion disposed on the base plate and the second end portion positioned above the base plate.

10. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 8, wherein the socket head comprising a groove configured in the distal end portion thereof.

11. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 10, wherein the groove is configured to secure a load bearing tape therein.

12. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 8, wherein the body portion of the wedge fork comprises a pair of flexible legs.

13. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 8, wherein the base portion of the wedge fork further comprises a groove configured therein.

14. The Double Guard Quickly Releasable Fastener of claim 13, wherein the groove is configured to secure a pull through tape therein.