US-20260123717-A1 - ADJUSTABLE RETENTION BUCKLE WITH MODULAR COMPONENTS

Abstract

A retention buckle features a frame with two adjacent roller pins with improved lateral movement and height adjustment features. The buckle has particular use for headbands and features a low-profile, contoured shape to accommodate a human head. Single and multiple headbands may be threaded through the buckle in a manner to allow easy and secure tightening while allowing easy disassembly when not in use. Varied height rollers and side members, and in an embodiment adjustable rollers and side members, allow for adaptation to different width headbands. Tool holders may also be incorporated into the architecture.

Inventors

• Gant P. MacLellan
• Joshua S. MacLee

Assignees

• Gant P. MacLellan
• Joshua S. MacLee

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20251105

Claims (12)

1. 1 . An adjustable retention buckle for flaccid objects, the buckle comprising: at least one rigid frame defining an exterior and an interior; a plurality of inner supports residing within the interior of the at least one frame, said inner supports having a distance between them that is variable.
2. 2 . The adjustable retention buckle of claim 1 , the inner supports being rollers anchored for rotation, being anchored within an upper cross member and a lower cross member of the frame.
3. 3 . The adjustable retention buckle of claim 2 , each inner support further comprising two axial pins situated within oblong slots fashioned in the upper and lower cross members.
4. 4 . The adjustable retention buckle of claim 3 , at least one axial pin of each inner support being removable therefrom.
5. 5 . The adjustable retention buckle of claim 1 , the buckle further comprising a pair of horizontal cross members and a pair of vertical outside members rigidly anchored together to form the at least one rigid frame.
6. 6 . The adjustable buckle of claim 5 , the vertical outside members being adjustable for length.
7. 7 . The adjustable buckle of claim 6 , each vertical outside member further comprising a plurality of member bodies slidingly engaged upon a spine.
8. 8 . The adjustable buckle of claim 7 , each vertical outside member further comprising a pair of set screws fashioned to pass through a socket in each member body and interface with a series of detents located on the spine.
9. 9 . The adjustable buckle of claim 5 , the inner supports being adjustable for length.
10. 10 . The adjustable buckle of claim 8 , each inner support further comprising two inner support bodies threadingly engaged on a support spine.
11. 11 . The adjustable buckle of claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of pairs of outside members of different lengths and a plurality of pairs of inside support members of corresponding lengths to the pairs of outside members.
12. 12 . The adjustable buckle of claim 5 , further comprising a tool holder situated on at least one outside support member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention claims the benefit of priority to prior filed U.S. Application No. 63/716,395, filed on Nov. 5, 2024, and incorporates the same by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of buckles and fasteners for straps, belts, and other linear members and more particularly relates to a modular fastener designed to retain headbands and similar items in position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Headbands are versatile accessories that combine both functionality and style. Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and designs, they are crafted from various materials, offering features tailored to different activities and personal preferences. Athletic headbands, in particular, are designed to enhance comfort, performance, and protection during sports and physical activities. They help absorb sweat, keeping it away from an athlete's eyes, which is crucial for maintaining focus and visibility. Comfort is vital, as it can significantly enhance performance and boost confidence. A well-fitted headband ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing athletes to be more engaged in the activity without distractions. In the sport of paintball, headbands serve a similar purpose but are tailored to the unique demands of the sport. Paintball headbands are typically made from durable, moisture-wicking materials to manage sweat and handle the physical demands of the game. In addition to their functional use, headbands also serve as protective gear and a barrier to protect players from paintball impacts. Paintball headbands have evolved into a popular accessory in the sport, transforming into statement pieces that feature vibrant colors, unique patterns, and team logos. Paintball headbands let players express their individuality by adding a personalized touch to their gear, allowing them to showcase their unique style on the field. A headband must be tightened against the head to secure it, but excessive tightness can lead to pressure, discomfort, distraction, and the potential for headaches. Conversely, if it is too loose, the headband may easily loosen or require frequent adjustment by the user, which is also distracting. To combat this problem, one method employed in the sport is to tie one's headband with a knot or with multiple knots. However, knots may sometimes become too tight to undo. This makes it difficult to adjust the headband without completely untying it. Knots can also become challenging to loosen depending on the material used and the degree to which they have been tightened. Tightly intertwined fibers lead to increased friction, making it harder to separate the ends as the knot becomes smaller and more compressed. A knot's spherical shape can also create a pressure point when tightened against the head. These spherical shapes often protrude further away from the head and can easily catch or be shifted by one's goggle strap. Headband adjustments are often necessary to ensure a secure and comfortable fit throughout the day, especially when putting on, adjusting, or removing paintball goggles. Players frequently take breaks to rest or rehydrate. These pauses can cause the headband to shift, making it essential to readjust for optimal fit and support before resuming play. Furthermore, when a headband is tied, the overlapping sections can reduce its overall height by nearly half. This decrease in material height compromises stability, resulting in a looser fit and less support compared to a band that maintains its full width and surface area around the circumference of the head. Traditionally tied headbands, depending on their material stiffness, overall length, and how they are tied, can cause the ends to protrude significantly beyond a player's silhouette, unintentionally revealing their position and increasing their risk of being hit. Additionally, it is often common for players to wear more than one headband during play, causing previously mentioned issues regarding a single band to be even more pronounced when an additional band is added. What is needed, then, is a means for retaining a headband that also eliminates the need to tie it into position. Such a means would address the common issues associated with traditional headbands, including discomfort and limited adjustability. A modular means would allow for customization of the headband and means itself for a more enhanced fit by accommodating variations in shape, thickness, and size. The present invention seeks to develop a means and method for retaining headbands and other similar flaccid objects that eliminates the need for tying, thus addressing the common issues associated with traditional headbands, including discomfort and limited adjustability. The objective is to create a retention mechanism that provides enhanced comfort, adjustability, and customization through modular components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadva