IP Library › Granted Patent US 6,863,539
Granted Patent B2
US 6,863,539 · App. 10/860,946 · Granted Mar 8, 2005

Combination quick release buckle and electrical connector

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,863,539
App. No.
10/860,946
Granted
Mar 8, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A quick release buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling includes a multiple pin male portion of an electrical connector. The buckle also includes means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection, a first protective housing containing one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the multiple pin male portion and capable of insertion, and a second protective housing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the multiple pin male portion. The second protective housing is capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling. In addition, the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle.

Claims (29)

1. A buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling comprising:

a male portion of an electrical connector;

means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection;

a first protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion and capable of insertion;

a second protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the male portion, said second protective housing being capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling;

wherein the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle, wherein the webbing further comprises an integrated, electrically conducting material.

2. The buckle of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical coupling further comprises at least one flexible portion of one of the first and second protective housings which depresses upon insertion and substantially returns to its original position upon alignment with at least one opening in the other of the first and second protective housings, wherein said flexible portion and said opening generate said coupling.

3. The buckle of claim 1 , wherein the first and second protective housings further comprise a sealing means for forming a protective seal around the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion when connected.

4. The buckle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second protective housings further comprise a sealing means for forming a protective seal around at least one of the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion when not connected.

5. The buckle of claim 4 , wherein the sealing means can be displaced such that the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion can form an electrical connection upon insertion.

6. The buckle of claim 5 , wherein the sealing means can be displaced such that it forms a protective seal around the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion when connected.

7. The buckle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second protective housings is attached to a garment.

8. The buckle of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the male portion is electrically connected to the garment.

9. The buckle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second protective housings is attached to an electrical device.

10. The buckle of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the multiple pin male portion and the means for receiving the male portion is electrically connected to the electrical device.

11. A wearable garment comprising:

at least one buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling between said wearable garment and an electronic device comprising:

a male portion of an electrical connector;

means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection;

a first protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion and capable of insertion;

a second protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the male portion, said second protective housing being capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling;

wherein the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle, wherein the webbing further comprises an integrated, electrically conducting material.

12. An electronic device comprising:

at least one buckle for securing both an electrical connection and a mechanical coupling between said electronic device and a wearable garment comprising:

a male portion of an electrical connector;

means for receiving the male portion of an electrical connector to form an electrical connection;

a first protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the male portion and the means for receiving the male portion and capable of insertion;

a second protective housing connected to a webbing containing one of the means for receiving the male portion and the male portion, said second protective housing being capable of receiving the first protective housing to form a mechanical coupling;

wherein the first and second protective housings include at least one quick-release mechanism for fastening and decoupling the buckle, wherein the webbing further comprises an integrated, electrically conducting material.