Soft goods fastener
US5974636A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/45948
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for securely and releasably attaching load-bearing soft goods to a frame without requiring the use of tools for attachment and detachment is disclosed. A connection mechanism, or buckle, that is comprised of a first, male connector portion and a second, female connector portion is provided. The male connector, which is fixedly secured to the soft good, is releasably received within the female connector, which is fixedly secured to the frame, in order to releasably attach the soft good to the frame. The male connector contains a thin, rectangular attachment tab that provides for fixedly attaching the soft good to the male connector. The female connector is directly secured to the frame, such as by riveting. By fixedly securing one portion of the connection mechanism to the frame for mating with another portion, it is obvious to the user where the attachments of the soft good to the frame are to be made. The attached soft good can support the weight of a child occupant and can only be detached from the frame by applying a force that is directed to decoupling the buckle. Several buckles are disposed around the periphery of the soft good and the frame in order t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.