The Down East #1775 3/4” Surface Mount QR Buckle

# 1775 3/4" Surface Mount Buckle*
With Directionally Variable Breakaway Release
***Patent # 6,637,083 & Multiple Patents Pending***

The Down East #1775 3/4” Sternum Strap QR Buckle with variable breakaway release is a molded, two piece buckle Both ends of the buckle have mounting slots that can accommodate up to 1” webbing for surface mounting. Any 1" webbing, such as that commonly found in PALS/MOLLE load bearing systems. Below, a DEI #1775 is used to attach a belt to a modular vest. Gross sizing adjustments can be made by simply moving the placement of the female half of the buckle.

The #1775 Surface Mount Buckle is part of the Snap~Dragon family of Quick Release buckles and utilizes an easy lanyard release system for normal operation. A simple tug upward and/or outward on the lanyard, and the buckle releases regardless of how much load it is under. This feature is very convenient if the user is wearing heavy gloves or mittens—there is no need to find two recessed buttons to pinch.

The #1775 QR is currently available in tan, green and black.

The buckle overcomes limitations of traditional side release buckles with the addition of a breakaway feature that is critical in a sternum strap application. In the even that a user fails to remember to release the sternum buckle as they doff their pack, the #1775 buckle will release spontaneously when tensioned at an off-axis angle (see photo below).

In straight-pull load tests, the #1775 buckle has proven itself capable of bearing loads in excess of 80 lbs, while as little as 15 lbs of off-axis pull are required to engage the directionally variable breakaway release feature. When those limits are surpassed to the point of separation, the buckle releases spontaneously without damage or breakage. Other available products lack this breakaway feature and fail catastrophically when their limits are exceeded, leaving the user with no ability to re-join the buckle. The buckle can also be engineered with appropriately lower or higher load and release values, depending on the customers preference and intended application.

The Snap~Dragon 3/4” Sternum Strap Buckle is assembled by simply inserting the tongue into the buckle body until the user hears a distinct ‘click’. There is only one way it will go together; the tongue of the buckle has molded ribs on its outside edges, preventing it from being assembled inverted.

The buckle is released by giving a tug on the lanyard which is installed on the capture lever and hangs off the front of the buckle.

* The release lanyard is selected and installed y the customer; made of 1/2" thick webbing, distinctive colors/patterns may be used as desired. A sewn tri-fold, or a simple loop is effective for many applications.

Effective June 9, 2006 the ownership of the Down East Inc. Buckle and Backpack Component Hardware product lines has been transferred to ITW Nexus N.A.

For information, Samples and quotations please contact Gregg Schuring (gregg.schuring@itw-nexus.com) at ITW Nexus N.A.