FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to buckle assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Buckles are commonly used to connect one strap or component to another strap or component. For example, buckles may be used to fasten components of backpacks, luggage, belts, or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,742, entitled “Side Release Buckle Assembly,” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,072, entitled “Buckle,” both teach buckle assemblies and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Known buckle assemblies commonly include a male buckle member and a female buckle member removably secured to each other. The male buckle member may include lateral arms having buttons integrally formed along lateral sides thereof. The female buckle member may comprise a hollow member having lateral openings configured to retain the buttons of the male buckle member therein. As the male buckle member is inserted into the female buckle member, the lateral arms of the male buckle member inwardly deflect from an original position until the buttons pass into the lateral openings of the female buckle member. At this point, the lateral arms return to the original position, and the buttons are retained within the lateral openings. Therefore, when the male buckle member is secured to the female buckle member, the buttons are exposed through the lateral openings thereof. In order to detach the male buckle member from the female buckle member, the lateral buttons are squeezed together, thereby inwardly deflecting the lateral arms of the male buckle member and allowing the male buckle member to separate from the female buckle member.

However, as the male buckle member is disconnected from the female member, fingers of an individual may be inadvertently pinched between the buttons of the male member and portions of the female member. That is, as the male buckle member is removed from the female buckle member, fingers of an individual may be pinched, caught, or otherwise engaged between portions of the male buckle member and the female buckle member. Additionally, as the male buckle member and female buckle member are connected, fingers, clothing, skin, or other external elements can get caught between the two members.

A known buckle assembly includes a large buckle member that is less susceptible to pinching; however, the buckle member is bulky, large, and costly to mold. Therefore, the component may not be suitable for use with certain applications. Additionally, as another example, buckle members are commonly over-molded with a soft material to prevent or minimize pinching. That is, a separate over-molding process is used to secure a base to the buckle member, thereby providing a guard between the buckles and exterior elements. The over-molding process, however, adds time and cost to the manufacturing process, making this approach undesirable for many applications.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a buckle assembly includes a buckle member that is configured to removably connect to a reciprocal buckle member. A retaining guard couples to the buckle member. The retaining guard is configured to reduce a potential of pinching as the buckle member connects to and disconnects from the reciprocal buckle member by providing a barrier where the buckle member and reciprocal buckle member connect.

In another aspect, a buckle assembly includes a buckle member that is configured to removably connect to a reciprocal buckle member. The buckle member includes one or more recessed areas, a locking protuberance, openings formed through lateral portions thereof, and one or more pegs. The buckle assembly further includes a retaining guard that is coupled to the buckle member. The retaining guard is configured to reduce a potential of pinching as the buckle member connects to and disconnects from the reciprocal buckle member by providing a barrier where the buckle member and reciprocal buckle member connect.

In another aspect, a buckle assembly includes a buckle member that is configured to removably connect to a reciprocal buckle member. A retaining guard couples to the buckle member and includes a base, a retaining arch extending from the base, a retaining aperture, and one or more securing holes. The retaining guard is configured to reduce a potential of pinching as the buckle member connects to and disconnects from the reciprocal buckle member by providing a barrier where the buckle member and reciprocal buckle member connect.

