Three-point buckle

Abstract

A multi-point buckle including a buckle body, one or more attachment tongues and a floating latch, wherein during operation the buckle body is not subjected to tensile or compressive forces. Conventional straps can be attached to the body and the tongues. In a preferred embodiment, the tongues are inserted into the body, wherein locking prongs on the tongues attach to latch surfaces on the floating latch. When a pulling force is exerted on the tongues only a tensile force is transferred between the tongues and the floating latch. The buckle body is not subjected to any type of tensile or compressive forces. A preferred embodiment of the tongue includes a webbing lock. When used with a conventional strap, a webbing lock allows for ease of adjustment and also creates a wedging action on the strap when a pulling force is exerted. When placed under force the webbing lock provides a greater ability to hold the tongue in a substantially fixed position relative to the strap.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A multi-point buckle assembly having improved strength comprising: 
 a body including a plurality of openings;    a release button disposed within one of the openings in the body;    a spring mechanism for biasing the release button; and    a tongue adapted to fit and move within a second opening in the body and adapted to engage with the release button;    
     
     
         2 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is integrally disposed within the body.  
     
     
         3 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is disposed on the release button.  
     
     
         4 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is integrally disposed in the release button.  
     
     
         5 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the tongue further comprises a webbing attachment assembly and a plurality of substantially parallel arms having a locking prong disposed on an end.  
     
     
         6 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 5 , wherein the webbing attachment assembly comprises three parallel ribs forming two parallel openings extending substantially the width of the tongue.  
     
     
         7 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the tongue further comprises a plurality of substantially parallel arms each having a first and second end with a locking prong disposed on each of the first ends, and a mating surface disposed between the arms at the second ends.  
     
     
         8 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the tongue further comprises: 
 a webbing attachment body including a substantially rectangular opening disposed therein, with first and second internal faces;    a webbing lock slidably disposed on the first and second internal faces.    
     
     
         9 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the release button further comprises an attachment assembly adapted to engage with the tongue.  
     
     
         10 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 9 , wherein the attachment assembly further comprises: 
 a ramped surface for deflecting the release button during insertion of the tongue; and    a latch wall for engaging with the tongue.    
     
     
         11 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 9 , wherein the release button further comprises a plurality of extension arms having the attachment assembly disposed thereon.  
     
     
         12 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the release button is adapted to release the tongue for removal from the body.  
     
     
         13 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 7 , wherein the release button further comprises a tongue release spring extending from the release button for engaging with the mating surface.  
     
     
         14 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 4 , wherein the spring mechanism includes a ramped surface.  
     
     
         15 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a tongue guide disposed therein.  
     
     
         16 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a crossbar extending substantially the width of the body forming a single opening.  
     
     
         17 . The multi-point buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises two parallel crossbars extending substantially the width of the body forming two parallel openings.