WO2016059384A1

WO2016059384A1 - Fastening arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2016059384A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/052980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Rhys Heaword
Original assignee: Crib Gogh Limited
Priority date: 2014-10-15
Filing date: 2015-10-12
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Also published as: GB201418296D0

Abstract

A fastening arrangement (10) comprising a female member (12) and a male member (14).Two hook parts (44) extend from a body (40) of the male member (14). The hook parts (44) are locatable to extend through corresponding openings (20) in a hollow body (16) of the female member (12). Sprung retaining members (22) can be urged out of the way as the male members (44) are urged there against. Once a projection (48) on the end of the respective hook parts (44) has passed through the respective opening (20), the retaining member automatically retains the projections (48) in the female member (12) unless a retaining arrangement (22) is released by engagement with projections (34) extending outwardly from the female member body (16).

Description

Fastening Arrangement

This invention concerns a fastening arrangement, and particularly but not exclusively a fastening arrangement which allows two or more straps or other connecting members to be selectively interconnected.

A wide range of fastening arrangements are currently available for use for instance as buckles on rucksacks, protective vests and in many other applications. In certain instances it may be desirable if such arrangements can be connected or released with minimal noise, and perhaps also with a single handed operation.

According to the present invention there is provided a fastening arrangement including a male member with a body and at least two hook parts extending from the body, a female member with a body with at least two recesses located such that a portion of the respective hook parts can be located in each of the recesses to interconnect the male and female members, and a retaining arrangement in each recess selectively movable between an open condition in which a portion of a hook part can enter the respective recess, and a closed condition in which a hook part with a portion located in the respective recess is prevented from being withdrawn therefrom.

The retaining arrangement may be configured so as to be urged to the closed condition.

The retaining arrangement may be configured such that when a portion of a hook part is moved into a respective recess the hook part moves the retaining arrangement to the open condition to allow the portion of the hook part to fully enter the recess, but upon the portion of the hook part being fully located in the recess the retaining arrangement will automatically return to the closed condition. The hook parts may each comprise a stem extending from the body and a projection extending laterally from one side of the stem.

A side edge of the projections may be inclined such that the projection tapers inwardly in a distal direction, with the side edge engageable against a respective retaining arrangement to move same to the open condition.

In a first embodiment a pair of hook parts are provided with the respective projections facing inwardly towards the other hook part.

In a second embodiment two pairs of hook parts are provided on the male member with each pair spaced laterally from the other pair, and four correspondingly spaced recesses in the female member. The respective projections in each pair may both face inwardly towards the other pair of hook parts.

The female member may include an opening into the body for each respective recess, with a respective retaining member of the retaining arrangement located behind each opening and slidably movable relative to the opening between the open and closed conditions. The retaining members may be slidably movable in a lateral direction in the body.

Each retaining member may include a recess with an entry and a space behind the entry which is wider than the entry such that when a projection on a hook part is located in the recess, and the entry is not fully aligned with the respective opening into the body in the closed condition, the projection on the hook part is located in the space and cannot pass out of the space through the entry, but when the entry is fully aligned with the respective opening into the body in the open condition, the projection on the hook part can pass out through the entry. A pair of retaining members may be provided engageable with respective hook parts. The retaining members may be substantially identical to each other, but with one inverted relative to the other. A resilient member may be provided engaging between the pair of retaining members, and the resilient member may urge the retaining members apart. The resilient member may be in the form of a compression spring.

A projection may be provided on each retaining member, which projection extends laterally out through a respective side opening of the body, such that manual pressing together of the projections moves the retaining members to the open condition.

In the second embodiment each retaining member may include a pair of recesses to each receive a respective hook part.

On the male member the hook parts may extend from a projection of lesser cross section than the remainder of the body, and the female member may include a recess surrounding the recess openings of a size to receive the projection on the male member, such that a substantially flush connection is provided between the male and female members when interconnected.

One or more openings may be provided in the male and/or female members to receive a strap or other connecting member.

The sectional end profile of the male and/or female members may be curved, and may be arcuate such that the fastening arrangement can rest flush against a curved surface. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a first fastening arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is diagrammatic front view of a female part of the arrangement of

Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the female part of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic end view of the female part of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic front view of a male part of the arrangement of

Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the male part of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic end view of the male part of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective exploded view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 ; and

Figs. 10 to 18 are similar respective views to those of Figs. 1 to 9 but of a second fastening arrangement according to the invention. Figs. 1 to 9 show a first fastening arrangement 10 suitable for instance for selectively connecting together two straps. The arrangement 10 comprises a female member 12 and a male member 14. The female member 12 comprises a hollow body 16, and at one end of the body 16, a recess 18 is provided which extends for substantially the whole height and width of a first end of the body 16. Located at the back of the recess 18 are two spaced rectangular openings 20.

Located within the body 16 behind the openings 20 are a pair of retaining members 22 which are substantially identical to each other but one is inverted relative to the other. The retaining members 22 are slidably movable within the body 16 in a lateral direction, and a compression spring 24 is provided between the retaining members 22 to urge them apart. A small projection 26 is provided on the inner end of each retaining member 22 to locate within an end of the spring 24.

Each retaining member 22 has a recess 28 which is substantially rectangular in plan view with an entry 30 facing towards the respective opening 20. The entry 30 is provided at the outer end of the respective recess 28 and does not extend for the whole width of the recess 28, thereby providing a lip 32 at its inner end. A projection 34 is provided on the outer end of each retaining member

22, and each projection 34 extends through a respective opening 36 on the side of the body 16, with the remainder of the retaining member 22 being of a size such that it cannot pass through the opening 36. An elongate rectangular opening 38 is provided through the body 16 towards the other end thereof to permit a strap or the like to extend therethrough.

The male member 14 comprises a body 40 from which an elongate rectangular projection 42 extends at a first end, which projection 42 is of a size to slidingly locate in the recess 18. Two spaced hook parts 44 extend from the projection 42. Each hook part 44 includes a stem 46 with a projection 48 on the inner side thereof at the distal end, such that the projections 48 on the two hook parts 44 face each other. The projections 48 have an inclined inner side face 50 such that they taper inwardly in a distal direction.

A pair of spaced transverse elongate openings 52 extend through the male member body 40 to permit a strap or other member to pass therethrough and be length adjusted.

As can be seen particularly in Figs. 2, 4 and 7, the fastening arrangement 10 has an overall arcuate sectional profile such that it can rest flush against a curved surface, and could fit for instance against a person's shoulders or waist in an appropriate alignment.

In use the male and female members 14, 12 can simply be pushed together which will cause automatic interconnection. This automatic connection occurs by the hook part projections 48 entering through the openings 20. Initially in a first closed alignment, the entries 30 will not be fully aligned with the hook parts 44, but as the male and female members 14, 12 are pushed together the side faces 50 of the projections 48 will urge the entries 30 and hence retaining members 22, inwardly against the force of the spring 24, into a second open alignment.

Once the projections 48 have fully entered the recesses 28, the retaining members 22 will move outwardly back to the closed alignment, by virtue of the force applied by the spring 24. This will cause the projections 48 to locate behind the lips 32, thereby retaining the male and female members 14, 12 in an interconnected configuration.

To disconnect the male and female members 14, 12, the projections 34 can be pressed together such that the retaining members 22 are moved together into the open alignment, and the male member 14 pulled away from the female member 12. Such a disconnection should cause little if any noise. If it is desired to interconnect the male and female members 14, 12 with little noise, if the projections 34 are pushed together whilst this takes place, again this will be carried out with very little noise.

Figs. 10 to 18 show a second fastening arrangement 1 10 which is similar in many respects to the fastening arrangement 10 and operates in a similar manner. Accordingly similar reference numerals, except that these are preceded by the number 100, will be used in describing the arrangement 1 10, and particularly the differences relative to the arrangement 10. In the arrangement 1 10, the female member 1 12 is significantly longer than the female member 12 and includes four openings 120. Again two retaining members 122 are provided separated by a spring 124. In this instance each retaining member 122 includes a pair of recesses 128 with respective entries 130. Three smaller spaced transverse openings 138 are provided to enable for instance three straps to be connected to the female member 1 12

The male member 1 14 includes four hook parts 144 provided in two pairs, with the projections 148 on each pair of hook parts 144 both pointing inwardly. In this instance just three spaced shorter transverse openings 152 are provided on the male member 1 14 to permit three straps or other parts to be connected thereto.

There are thus described fastening arrangements which permit for automatic interconnection and ready disconnection of the male and female parts, whilst producing very little sound during interconnection or disconnection. The curved profile of the arrangements permit for comfortable use for example with rucksacks or clothing when worn against a body. The arrangements are of relatively straightforward construction, and only use a few components, including identical retaining members on each side. Accordingly the arrangements can be inexpensively and robustly manufactured for long term reliable operation.

It is to be realised that a wide range of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance a different number of hook parts and respective recesses may be provided. Different openings or other formations may be provided on the male and female members. The hook parts may take a different form. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . A fastening arrangement including a male member with a body and at least two hook parts extending from the body, a female member with a body with at least two recesses located such that a portion of the respective hook parts can be located in each of the recesses to interconnect the male and female members, and a retaining arrangement in each recess selectively movable between an open condition in which a portion of a hook part can enter the respective recess, and a closed condition in which a hook part with a portion located in the respective recess is prevented from being withdrawn therefrom.

2. A fastening arrangement according to claim 1 , in which the retaining arrangement may be configured so as to be urged to the closed condition.

3. A fastening arrangement according to claim 2, in which the retaining arrangement is configured such that when a portion of a hook part is moved into a respective recess the hook part moves the retaining arrangement to the open condition to allow the portion of the hook part to fully enter the recess, but upon the portion of the hook part being fully located in the recess the retaining arrangement will automatically return to the closed condition.

4. A fastening arrangement according to claim 3, in which the hook parts each comprise a stem extending from the body and a projection extending laterally from one side of the stem.

5. A fastening arrangement according to claim 4, in which a side edge of the projections is inclined such that the projection tapers inwardly in a distal direction, with the side edge engageable against a respective retaining arrangement to move same to the open condition.

6. A fastening arrangement according to claims 4 or 5, in which a pair of hook parts are provided with the respective projections facing inwardly towards the other hook part.

7. A fastening arrangement according to claims 4 or 5, in which two pairs of hook parts are provided on the male member with each pair spaced laterally from the other pair, and four correspondingly spaced recesses in the female member.

8. A fastening arrangement according to claim 7, in which the respective projections in each pair both face inwardly towards the other pair of hook parts.

9. A fastening arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the female member includes an opening into the body for each respective recess, with a respective retaining member of the retaining arrangement located behind each opening and slidably movable relative to the opening between the open and closed conditions.

10. A fastening arrangement according to claim 9, in which the retaining members are slidably movable in a lateral direction in the body.

1 1 . A fastening arrangement according to claims 9 or 10 when dependent on claim 4, in which each retaining member includes a recess with an entry and a space behind the entry which is wider than the entry such that when a projection on a hook part is located in the recess, and the entry is not fully aligned with the respective opening into the body in the closed condition, the projection on the hook part is located in the space and cannot pass out of the space through the entry, but when the entry is fully aligned with the respective opening into the body in the open condition, the projection on the hook part can pass out through the entry.

12. A fastening arrangement according to claim 1 1 , in which a pair of retaining members are provided engageable with respective hook parts.

13. A fastening arrangement according to claim 12, in which the retaining members are substantially identical to each other, but with one inverted relative to the other.

14. A fastening arrangement according to claim 13, in which a resilient member is provided engaging between the pair of retaining members.

15. A fastening arrangement according to claim 14, in which the resilient member urges the retaining members.

16. A fastening arrangement according to claim 15, in which the resilient member is in the form of a compression spring.

17. A fastening arrangement according to any of claims 12 to 16, in which a projection is provided on each retaining member, which projection extends laterally out through a respective side opening of the body, such that manual pressing together of the projections moves the retaining members to the open condition.

18. A fastening arrangement according to any of claims 12 to 17, when dependent on claim 7, in which each retaining member includes a pair of recesses to each receive a respective hook part.

19. A fastening arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which on the male member the hook parts extend from a projection of lesser cross section than the remainder of the body.

20. A fastening arrangement according to claim 19, in which the female member includes a recess surrounding the recess openings of a size to receive the projection on the male member, such that a substantially flush connection is provided between the male and female members when interconnected.

21 . A fastening arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which one or more openings is provided in the male and/or female members to receive a strap or other connecting member.

22. A fastening arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sectional end profile of the male and/or female members is curved such that the fastening arrangement can rest flush against a curved surface.

23. A fastening arrangement according to claim 22, in which the sectional end profile of the male and/or female members is arcuate.

24. A fastening arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 - 9 of the accompanying drawings.

25. A fastening arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 10 - 18 of the accompanying drawings.

26. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.