Helmet buckle with magnetic alignment

Abstract

A helmet buckle having magnetic alignment reduces pinching caused by typical bicycle helmet buckles. The helmet buckle having magnetic alignment includes magnets in a base and a clip that align the parts to each other and help secure the buckle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A buckle for attachment to a helmet having a plurality of side straps and a chin strap comprising:
 a base secured to one of the side straps and including a base magnet;   a clip secured to the chin strap and including a clip magnet and a retention flange; and   the retention flange removably engageable to the base, wherein the clip is aligned to the base by magnetic force generated between the base magnet and the clip magnet.   
     
     
         2 . The buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the base further includes a center body that includes the base magnet. 
     
     
         3 . The buckle of  claim 2 , wherein the base includes at least one wing adjacent to the center body. 
     
     
         4 . The buckle of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one wing includes a slot for securing the base to the side straps. 
     
     
         5 . The buckle of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one wing has a tactile pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the clip includes a pull tab. 
     
     
         7 . The buckle of  claim 1 , wherein the clip has a slot for securing the clip to the chin strap.