CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/358,271, filed June 24, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Computers including those that are handheld, portable, tablets, and laptops, often times used in the field by many different types of personnel including police, fire, inspectors, surveyors, rangers, truckers and the like. Computers are also contained within other everyday articles such as purses, wallets, phones, keys, and other commonly carried objects. The computer becomes an integral part of performing the job, but, in many cases, a strap of some type, either around the neck, the waste, the hand or some other convenient body part, becomes needed to assist in holding the computer, or the article that is holding the computer, while performing the job function or simply executing a daily task. These types of straps are well known in the industry.

[0003] A significant issue arises when the person using the computer is in a potentially hazardous situation. For example a policeman could be investigating an automobile that has been pulled over, and may be carrying a computer on a neck strap. If an altercation occurs, the computer with the neck strap could be used as a weapon, either choking or used as a projectile (swinging). For such a situation, strap breakaways are used to cause the strap to break when a certain amount of force is applied to the strap. However, it is up to the officer to either use the computer or another device to signal for assistance in this potentially life threatening situation.

SUMMARY

[0004] A safety strap system in accordance with an embodiment may include a safety strap buckle, a computer and first and second strap portions that couple the computer to the safety strap buckle. The safety strap buckle may include a first buckle body and a second buckle body mechanically and electrically coupled to the first buckle body, such that when coupled the first buckle body is configured to rotate relative to the second buckle body. The first strap portion may be coupled to the first buckle body, and may include a conductor that is electrically connected to the first buckle body. The second strap portion may be coupled to the second buckle body, and may include a conductor that is electrically connected to the second buckle body. The computer may be electrically connected to the conductors of the first and second strap portions. The first buckle body may be configured to decouple from the second buckle body when a force is applied to at least one of the first strap portion and the second strap portion. The computer may be configured to automatically send a distress signal when the first buckle body is decoupled from the second buckle body.

[0005] In another embodiment a safety strap buckle may include a first buckle body and a second buckle body. The first buckle body may include a first strap coupling portion, a first buckle coupling portion extending from the first strap coupling portion, and a first conductive pin extending between the first strap coupling portion and the first buckle coupling portion. The second buckle body may include a second strap coupling portion, a second buckle coupling portion extending from the first strap coupling portion, and a second conductive pin extending between the second strap coupling portion and the second buckle coupling portion. The second buckle coupling portion may be configured to releasably mate with the first buckle coupling portion such that when mated the conductive pins are electrically coupled to each other and the first buckle body is capable of rotating relative to the second buckle body.

[0006] In another embodiment the safety strap buckle may include a first buckle body and a second buckle body. The first buckle body may define a longitudinally extending first bore, and may include at least one locking mechanism that extends into the first bore. The second buckle body may define a longitudinally extending cylindrical body that is configured to be received by the first bore to thereby mechanically and electrically connect the second buckle body to the first buckle body. The locking mechanism may be configured to engage the cylindrical body to thereby releasably hold the cylindrical body within the first bore such that the first buckle body is capable of rotating relative to the second buckle body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a safety strap system in accordance with an embodiment, the safety strap system includes a plurality of safety strap buckles, a computer, and a plurality of strap portions, mechanically and electrically coupling the safety strap buckles and computer together;

[0008] Fig. 2A is a top perspective view of a safety strap buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] Fig. 2B is a top perspective view of the safety strap buckle shown in Fig. 2A with a first buckle body of the safety strap buckle decoupled from a second buckle body; [0010] Fig. 3 A is a partial sectional away view of the safety strap buckle shown in Fig. 2A showing channels formed within strap coupling portions of the first and second buckle bodies;

[0011] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the safety strap buckle shown in Fig. 2A;

[0012] Fig. 3C is a detailed cross-sectional view of first and second conductor pins of the first and second buckle bodies mechanically and electrically coupled together;

[0013] Fig. 4A is a phantom view of the first buckle body of the safety strap buckle, before the second buckle body is coupled to the first buckle body;

[0014] Fig. 4B is a phantom view of the second buckle body coupled to the second buckle body;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the safety strap system showing conductors extending through the strap portions and computer; and

[0016] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an example connection between the strap portions and the computer shown in Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring to Fig. 1, a safety strap system 8 includes at least one safety strap buckle 10, such as four safety strap buckles as illustrated, a hand held computer 12, and a plurality of strap portions 13 electrically and mechanically coupling the safety strap buckles 10, and the computer 12 together. As shown in Fig. 1, each safety strap buckle 10 is configured to be mechanically coupled to a first strap portion 13a and a second strap portion 13b. The first and second strap portions 13a and 13b are coupled to and extend away from opposed sides of the safety strap buckle 10. Some safety strap buckles 10 share common strap portions 13 with another safety strap buckle 10 while others have a strap portion 13 that is mechanically coupled to the computer 12. It should be understood, however, that the safety strap system 8, may include any number of strap portions 13, and any number of safety strap buckles 10 as desired. For example, the system 8 may include a single safety strap buckle 10 that is coupled to the computer by a pair of strap portions 13.

[0018] Referring to Fig. 2A, the safety strap buckle 10 includes a first or stationary buckle body 14 and a second or break-away buckle body 18 that is configured to separate from the first buckle body 14 when a certain amount of force is applied to the strap portions 13. The safety strap buckle 10 completes an electrical connection or circuit when the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 are coupled together, and the electrical connection is broken when the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 have been separated. When the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 have been separated and thus the electrical connection has been broken, a distress signal (e.g. a signal to a second device, to another computer, and/or an audible sound) may be sent by the computer 12. The first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 may be re- coupled after they have been decoupled from each other and may be configured to rotate relative to each other while at the same time maintaining the electrical connection. It should be understood that a distress signal may be of the form of uniquely identifying the specific computer at a minimum, to adding further information such as location, time, images, video, sound, text information, accelerometer measurements, recent locations, recent activities, current activities and other extended information as could be helpful for determining the identity and situational conditions coupled to the distress signal being triggered.

[0019] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inner" or "distal" and "outer" or "proximal" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the buckle and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0020] With continued reference to Fig. 2A, the safety strap buckle 10 is described herein as having a proximal end P, a distal end D, and a center axis C that extends between the proximal end P and the distal end D. The safety strap buckle 10 is also described herein as extending horizontally along a longitudinal direction "L" and lateral direction "A", and vertically along a transverse direction "T". Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "lateral,"

"longitudinal," and "transverse" are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various components. It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral directions are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane, and that the transverse direction is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane, the planes that encompass the various directions may differ during use. Accordingly, the directional terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used to describe the safety strap buckle 10 and its components as illustrated merely for the purposes of clarity and illustration.

[0021] Now referring to Figs. 2A-2B, and 3A-3C, the first buckle body 14 includes a first strap coupling portion 26 and a first buckle coupling portion 30 that extends proximally in the longitudinal direction from the first strap coupling portion 26. As shown, the first strap coupling portion 26 includes a laterally elongate strap coupling portion body 34 that defines a laterally elongate opening or slot 38. The slot 38 extends transversely through the strap coupling portion body 34 and is configured to receive the first strap portion 13a to thereby physically attach the first buckle body 14 to the first strap portion 13a. As shown in Fig. 3A, the strap coupling portion body 34 further includes an internal channel 42 that extends through at least a portion of the strap coupling portion body 34 and into the first buckle coupling portion 30 at an opening 46. The internal channel 42 is configured to receive a conductor such as a wire or other conductive material that extends from the first strap portion 13a. Because the internal channel 42 is disposed internal to the strap connecting portion body 34, the wire will be hidden from plane view. It should be understood that the strap coupling portion 30 may have any configuration desired so long as it can securely couple to the strap portion 13 and receive a wire or other conductive material from the strap portion 13.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 2A, the first buckle coupling portion 30 extends proximally from a proximal side of the first strap coupling portion 26. The first buckle coupling portion 30 includes a coupling portion body 50 that defines a longitudinally elongate first bore 54. As shown in Fig. 3B, the first bore 54 is generally cylindrical and extends through the coupling portion body 50 and toward the strap connecting portion body 34. A distal end of the first bore 54 defines an opening 60 that is in communication with the opening 46 of the strap coupling portion body 34. Therefore the openings 46 and 60 define a passageway 64 that extends between the strap coupling portion body 34 and the coupling portion body 50. In particular, the passageway 64 extends from the internal channel 42 of the strap coupling portion body 34 and into the first bore 54 of the coupling portion body 50 to thereby establish communication between the internal channel 42 and the first bore 54.

[0023] As shown in Figs. 3B and 3C, the passageway 64 is configured to receive and contain a first conductive pin 68. The first conductive pin 68 includes a distal end 72 and a proximal end 76. The distal end 72 of the first conductive pin 68 is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the wire disposed in the internal channel 42 of the strap coupling portion body 34, and the proximal end 76 of the first conductive pin 68 is exposed within the first bore 54 of the coupling portion body 50. The proximal end 76 is configured to electrically connect to a conductive element of the second buckle body 18. As shown the proximal end 76 includes a protrusion 77 that is configured to engage the conductive element of the second buckle body 18. It should be understood that the first conductive pin 68 may include any configuration capable of electrically coupling the second buckle body 18 to the wire that extends into the first buckle body 14. For example, the first conductive pin 68 may be a wire.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3B the coupling portion body 50 further includes second and third bores 70 and 74 that extend in the lateral direction toward the first bore 54. The second and third bores 70 and 74 are generally cylindrical and extend in opposite directions. That is the second bore 70 extends laterally toward the first bore 54 in a first direction, while the third bore 74 extends laterally toward the first bore 54 in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. It should be understood, however that the first and second directions may be at any angle so long as a lateral component of the first direction is opposite a lateral component of the second direction. As shown in Fig. 3B, an inner end 80 of the second and third bores 70 and 74 terminates at a shoulder 84 having a central opening 88. The central openings 88 extend into or are otherwise in communication with the first bore 54. Furthermore, the internal surfaces of the second and third bores 70 and 74 define threads 89.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3B, the safety strap buckle 10 or at least the first buckle body 14 further includes a pair of locking mechanisms 90 that are configured to be received in the second and third bores 70 and 74. As shown, each locking mechanism 90 may be a threaded pressure plunger having an elongate body 94 and a spring loaded ball 98 disposed at an end of the body 94. The bodies 94 of the locking mechanisms 90 include external threads 99 that are configured to engage the internal threads 89 defined by the internal surfaces of the second and third bores 70 and 74. The spring loaded balls 98 at the end of the bodies 94 are configured to exert a lateral force toward the first bore 54, while at the same time capable of compressing away from the first bore 54. As shown in Fig. 3B, the balls 98 are configured to protrude through the central openings 88 of the respective first and second bore shoulders 84 and into the first bore 54.

[0026] Referring back to Figs. 2A and 2B, the second buckle body 18 is configured to mate with the first buckle body 14. As shown, the second buckle body 18 includes a second strap coupling portion 126 and a second buckle coupling portion 130 that extends distally along the longitudinal direction from the second strap coupling portion 126. As shown, the second strap coupling portion 126 includes a laterally elongate strap coupling portion body 134 that defines a laterally elongate opening or slot 138. The slot 138 extends transversely through the strap coupling portion body 134 and is configured to receive the second strap portion 13b to thereby attach the second buckle body 18 to the second strap portion 13b. As shown in Fig. 3A, the strap coupling portion body 134 includes an internal channel 142 that extends through at least a portion of the strap coupling portion body 134 and into the second buckle coupling portion 130 at an opening 146. The internal channel 142 is configured to receive a conductor such as a wire or other conductive material. Because the internal channel 142 is disposed internal to the strap coupling portion body 134, the wire will be hidden from plane view. It should be understood that the second strap coupling portion 130 may have any configuration desired so long as it can securely couple to the strap portion 13 and receive a wire or other conductive material from the strap portion 13. [0027] Referring to Fig. 2B, the second buckle coupling portion 130 extends distally from a distal side of the second strap coupling portion 126. The second buckle coupling portion 130 includes a coupling portion body 150 that is configured to be received by or otherwise mate with the first bore 54 of the first buckle body 14. As shown, the coupling portion body 150 is generally cylindrical and includes a continuous groove 154 about an external surface of the body 150. The groove 154 is sized and positioned to receive the balls 98 of the locking mechanisms 90 to thereby hold the first buckle body 14 relative to the second buckle body 18 when the first buckle body 14 has been fully mated with the second buckle body 18. The coupling portion body 150 further includes a second groove 160 about the external surface of the body 150. As shown, the second groove 160 is disposed proximate to the joint between the second strap coupling portion 126 and the second buckle coupling portion 130. As shown in Fig. 3B, the second buckle body 18 further includes an O-ring 164 positioned within the groove 160. The O- ring 164 is configured to abut the internal surface of the first bore 54 to thereby provide additional resistance when the first buckle body 14 is mated with the second buckle body 18.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3B, the coupling portion body 150 defines a bore 168 that extends longitudinally through the coupling portion body 150 and into the strap connecting portion body 134. In particular the bore 168 extends through the coupling portion body 150 and into the internal channel 142 of the strap connecting portion body 134.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3C, the bore 168 is configured to receive and contain a second conductive pin 172. The second conductive pin 172 includes a distal end 174 and a proximal end

176. The distal end 174 of the second conductive pin 172 is configured to electrically connect to the first conductive pin 68 of the first buckle body 14 when the first buckle body 14 and the second buckle body 18 are fully mated. As shown, the distal end 174 defines a recess 175 that is configured to receive the protrusion 77 of the first conductive pin 64. Therefore, when the first buckle body 14 rotates relative to the second buckle body 18, the electrical connection between the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 will be maintained. The proximal end 176 of the second conductive pin 172 is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the wire disposed in the internal channel 142 of the strap connecting portion body 134. It should be understood that the second conductive pin 172 may include any configuration capable of electrically coupling the first buckle body 14 to the wire that extends into the second buckle body

18. For example, the conductive pin 172 may be a wire.

[0030] To connect the first buckle body 14 of the buckle 10 to the second buckle body

18, the locking mechanisms 90 of the first buckle body 14 should be loosened, as shown in Fig.

4A. The second buckle body 18, and in particular the coupling portion body 150 of the second buckle body 18, may then be inserted into the first bore 54 of the first buckle body 14, as shown in Fig. 6. The locking mechanisms 90 may then be tightened such that the spring loaded balls 98 engage the groove 154 defined by the coupling portion body 150 of the second buckle body 18 to thereby couple the first buckle body 14 to the second buckle body 18.

[0031] When coupled, the first conductive pin 68 of the first buckle body 14 is electrically connected to the second conductive pin 172 of the second buckle body 18 to thereby electrically connect the wires that are disposed within the internal channels of the respective strap coupling portions 26 and 126 of the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18. To decouple the first buckle body 14 from the second buckle body 18, a sufficient force must be applied that will cause the balls 98 to compress and allow the second buckle body 18 to disengage from the first buckle body 14. The release strength of the safety strap buckle 10 may be adjusted by either tightening or loosening the locking mechanisms 90. Therefore, if the locking mechanisms 90 are loosened, the second buckle body 18 may more easily be decoupled from the first buckle body 14. Conversely, if the locking mechanisms 90 are tightened, more force will be required to decouple the second buckle body 18 from the first buckle body 14.

[0032] Furthermore, the safety strap buckle 10 is designed such that either the first buckle body 14, the second buckle body 18, or both, is capable of rotating relative to the other while maintaining electrical connection between the first and second conductive pins 68 and 172. That is, the first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18 are capable of rotating about the center axis C relative to each other while at the same time maintaining the electrical connection between the first and second conductive pins 68 and 172 of the respective first and second buckle bodies 14 and 18.

[0033] Now referring to Fig. 5, the safety strap buckles 10, strap portions 13, and computer 12 are all mechanically and electrically connected to form a continuous closed electrical loop. Each strap portion 13 includes a conductor such as a wire 222 or other conductive element that is integrated into the respective strap portion 13 via stitching and textile covering so as not to expose the wire to abrasion. The wires 222 are each electrically connected to each other through the safety strap buckles 10 and the computer 12. When one of the buckles 10 is separated, the electrical connection of the wires 222 is broken and the computer 12 will send out the distress signal.

[0034] The first strap portion 13a includes opposed ends 240 that are each configured to mechanically and electrically connect to respective conductive pins 68 of a pair of safety strap buckles 10. Thus, the wire 222 at each end 240 of the first strap portion 13a at least partially is contained in a respective internal channel 42 of the safety strap buckles 10, and is connected to the internal conductive pins 68.

[0035] Similarly the second strap portions 13b also include opposed ends 244. One end 244 of the second strap portion is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to respective conductive pins 172 of the safety strap buckles 10. Thus, these ends 244 or at least the ends of the wires contained in the second strap portions 13b are at least partially contained in a respective internal channel 142 of the safety strap buckles 10, and are each connected to the internal conductive pins 172. The other or opposed end 244 of the second strap portion 13b is mechanically and electrically connected to the computer 12, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. It should be understood, however, that the system 8 may include any configuration, as desired, and that the first strap portion 13a and the second strap portion 13b may be connected to any one of the first buckle body 14, the second buckle body 18 and the computer 12. For example, the first strap portion 13a may be connected to the first buckle body 14 and the computer 12, while the second strap portion 13b is connected to the second buckle bodies 18 of a pair of safety strap buckles 10.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the ends 244 of the second strap portions 13b may be connected to the computer 12 using a respective assembly 250 disposed on opposite sides of the computer 12. As shown, each assembly 250 includes a bracket 254 mounted to the computer 12 and a screw 256 that mates with the bracket 254. Respective screws 256 mechanically connect the second strap portions 13b to the computer in a way that allows the computer 12 to swivel. As shown, the wire 222 that is embedded in the second strap portions 13b extends from the straps and is mechanically connected to a respective conductive pin 264 that is coupled to the computer 12 via a pin holder 272. Each conductive pin 264 is electrically connected such that a complete or closed electrical circuit is created through the entire system 8.

[0037] The computer 12 contains decision logic that will perform pre-programmed sequences should the electrical loop be broken. For example if enough force is applied to the system 8, one or multiple of the safety strap buckles 10 may break away, to thereby sever the electrical loop. That is, the first buckle body 14 of the buckle 10 will disengage from the second buckle body 18 to thereby break the electrical connection between the conductive pins 68 and 172, and thus the electrical loop of the system 8. When the electrical loop is broken, the computer 12 will perform its pre-programmed sequences. In that regard, the computer 12 may send a distress signal that informs another computer of the emergency situation, and/or causes another device to send an audio or visual alarm. It should be understood, that the computer 12 may be configured to send any signal as desired. [0038] It should be appreciated that the system 8 may include any number of buckles 10, any number of strap portions 13, and devices other than computers. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the buckle 10 is not limited to the disclosed strap connecting portions, nor is it limited to the disclosed buckle coupling portions. For example, the locking mechanisms 90 may be wings or snaps of one buckle coupling portion that engage grooves or slots of the other buckle coupling portion.

[0039] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the structure, features, and methods as described above with respect to any of the embodiments described herein can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments described herein unless otherwise indicated. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.