Buckle

Abstract

A buckle having a first part (1) pivotally connected to a second part (2) for securing straps (5, 6) together, the first part (1) having a cavity formed therein dimensioned to accommodate part of the second part (2) and the straps (5, 6), and a latch to hold the free ends of the first and second parts together.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle for fastening straps. Particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a buckle suitable for fastening portions of a seat belt together.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Buckles are used in a wide range of applications for securing straps in desired positions. Typically, these buckles require a user to thread a strap through slots in the buckle, which can be a somewhat laborious process. They can also cause damage to the straps.

[0003] Lever action type buckles may also be used to secure two sections of strap together. One strap is permanently secured to the buckle. An end of the other strap is fed through a gap between the buckle and a cam surface. As a lever is rotated towards the buckle the cam surface engages the strap and restrains it in the buckle. This type of buckle requires one strap to be fixed to the buckle and the other strap to be threaded into the buckle.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,927 discloses a buckle for securing portions of a dog leash together. Two hingedly connected portions are secured together by a screw. Holding down screws (17) are required to provide sufficient restraining force. It is time consuming to adjust the buckle for use and tools are required. The buckle also places uneven stress on the belts, which can damage them.

[0005] DT2359-310 discloses fastening elements for a bra. The fastening elements secure a strap thereto by enclosing it within two hingable parts. Such an arrangement is not suitable for restraining belts which undergo considerable loads and the serrated edges may damage such belts.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a buckle for securing straps together which is simple to use and overcomes the above disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0007] According to the invention there is provided a buckle including:

[0008] a first part hingedly connected to a second part, wherein the first part has a cavity formed therein dimensioned to accommodate at least part of the second part so as to clamp a belt between the parts in a diverted path when closed; and

[0009] a locking arrangement to secure the free ends of the parts together when closed.

[0010] The locking arrangement preferably includes a latch provided on the free end of the second part which engages with the free end of the first part when closed. The latch may include a tab extending from it to facilitate disengagement of the latch from the first part. The first and second parts are preferably arranged so that the latch is biased outwardly from the second part as the latch engages with the first part and springs inwardly to engage a catch when the parts have been brought together.

[0011] The first part preferably has side walls defining the cavity wherein the side walls have recessed portions to position straps therein. When a belt is retained in the cavity by the second part it preferably assumes a substantially U-shaped path.

[0012] The second part preferably includes a clip to retain the belt. The hinge connection between the first and second parts is preferably formed by projections from the second part which engage with seats in the first part to form a hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1: shows a bottom perspective view of the first and second parts of a buckle according to a first embodiment prior to assembly.

[0015] FIG. 2: shows an underside view of the buckle of FIG. 1 with the components assembled in an open configuration.

[0016] FIG. 3: shows a top perspective view of the assembled buckle shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4: shows a top perspective view of the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 3 partially closed upon a strap.

[0018] FIG. 5: shows the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 4 when fully engaged with a strap.

[0019] FIG. 6: shows a top perspective view of the buckle shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0020] FIG. 7: shows a top perspective view of the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 6 in the open configuration.

[0021] FIG. 8: shows a side view of the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0022] FIG. 9: shows a bottom view of the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 8.

[0023] FIG. 10: shows an end view of the buckle of FIGS. 2 to 9.

[0024] FIG. 11: shows a bottom perspective view of the buckle of FIGS. 2-10 in a closed configuration.

[0025] FIG. 12: shows a bottom perspective view of a buckle according to a second embodiment in an open configuration.

[0026] FIG. 13: shows the buckle of FIG. 12 in a closed configuration.

[0027] FIG. 14: shows a bottom view of the buckle of FIGS. 12 and 13 in a closed configuration.

[0028] FIG. 15: shows a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 14.

[0029] FIG. 16: shows a perspective underside view of a buckle according to a third embodiment in its open position.

[0030] FIG. 17: shows a perspective underside view of the buckle of FIG. 16 in its closed position.

[0031] FIG. 18: shows a top perspective view of the buckle shown in FIG. 16 and 17.

[0032] FIG. 19: shows a top plan view of the buckle shown in FIGS. 16 to 18.

[0033] FIG. 20: shows a sectional view of the buckle shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 along line A-A.

[0034] FIG. 21: shows a side view of a buckle shown in FIGS. 16 to 20.

[0035] FIG. 22: shows an end view of the buckle shown in FIG. 16 to 21.

[0036] FIG. 23: shows one possible use of the buckle of the invention to secure a car seat to the seat of a vehicle.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0037] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 11 a buckle according to a first aspect of the invention is shown. The buckle consists-of a first part 1 and a second part 2. The second part 2 has projections 3 which engage in corresponding seats 4 to form a hinge connection between the first and second parts. The seats 4 are preferably dimensioned so that the projections 3 “snap lock” into their respective seats.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows the buckle in its assembled open state with projections 3 engaged within-seats 4. Walls 13 and 14 define a cavity 15 therebetween.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 the second part is in the form of an arm which is moveable from the open configuration shown in FIG. 3 to a closed configuration shown in FIG. 5.

[0040] In use, straps 5 and 6 are overlaid on top of first part 1 when the buckle is in the open configuration (see FIG. 3). Arm 2 is then rotated about first part 1 to the position shown in FIG. 5 so that arm 2 forces the straps into cavity 15 and clamps the straps with respect to the buckle. The straps are forced into a substantially “U” shaped path that assists in restraining them.

[0041] As best shown in FIG. 8 arm 2 includes a latch 7 at its free end having a pawl 8 adapted to engage with an edge 9 of the first part 1 in the closed position. As the first and second parts are urged together pawl 8 is biased outwardly. When the first and second parts are closed together pawl 8 springs back to engage with edge 9. FIG. 9 shows pawl 8 when engaged with edge 9. In this way the first and second parts are retained in the closed configuration when pawl 8 is engaged with edge 9. To release the buckle tab 10 is pushed outwardly from the buckle so that pawl 8 is released from edge 9 and arm 2 can pivot back to the open position.

[0042] Surface formations 11 may be provided on arm 2 or surface formations 12 may be provided on first part 1 to provide additional resistance to movement of the straps, although sufficient resistance may be obtained without such formations.

[0043] The buckle is effective to secure straps together or to retain the buckle in fixed relation to a strap. The four changes in direction the straps undergo about the arm 2 assist in restraining relative movement of the straps.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 15 a second embodiment is shown. The buckle of the second embodiment consists of a first part 21 and a second part 22. As in the previous embodiment the second part 22 is in the form of an arm hingedly connected to first part 21 and having a latch 23 provided at the free end of arm 22. In this case arm 22 has projections 24 which engage in axially extended seats 25. The axially extended seats allow movement of the second part 22 relative to the first part 21 in the longitudinal directions shown by arrow M in FIG. 15.

[0045] The operation of the buckle shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 is similar to the operation of the previous embodiment except in the respects discussed below.

[0046] In the buckle of this embodiment straps are placed across the top surface of the buckle, as in the previous embodiment, and arm 22 is rotated 180° to the closed position shown in FIG. 13. Projection 26 is initially located to the right of edge 27 when arm 22 is in the closed position. A user then urges latch 23 towards the body of the buckle so that projection 26 engages recess 28. To unfasten the buckle latch 23 is moved away from the body (by pushing area 23a of the buckle) and rotated back to the open position shown in FIG. 12.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 22 a buckle according to a third embodiment is shown. Again, a second part 40 is hingedly connected to a first part 41. Side walls 42 and 43 define a cavity 44 therebetween. A clip 45 is provided on second part 40 to hold a belt therein. In use, a belt is inserted within clip 45 and the first and second parts are brought together to a closed position as shown in FIG. 17. Latch 46 is biased outwardly by the end 47 of first part 41 as the first and second parts are forced together. When fully closed pawl 48 of latch 46 is received by catch 49. Clip 45 also serves to retain the buckle with the belt should it open during an impact (note that the seatbelt will still restrain the seat in an impact even if the buckle fails).

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 23 the manner in which the buckle may be used is shown. A child's car seat 30 is placed upon a car seat 31. Seat belt portions 32 and 33 are secured to a buckle 34 to retain the child seat 30 in position. Once the car seat is secured in position a buckle of the invention 35 is used to secure belts 32 and 33 together. Using the buckle of FIGS. 16 to 22 the straps 32 and 33 are placed within clip 45 and the first and second parts are brought together into a closed position. The belts 32 and 33 are forced between second part 40 and walls 42 and 43 to restrain relative movement between the straps. The diverted U-shaped path makes it difficult for belt portions to move relative to one another. This arrangement means that the car seat is maintained securely in the correct position. Without buckle 35, straps 32 to 33 allow movement unless an impact load is applied. This can lead to mispositioning on the seat and inconvenience as children are placed in and removed from the car seat 30.

[0049] The buckles described above are preferably formed of glass filled nylon. Preferably both parts are formed of glass filled nylon consisting of 14% glass and 86% nylon. The first portion could contain a lower percentage of glass or could be formed of ABS plastics or die caste metal.

[0050] The buckle of the invention provides a construction that is simple and easy to use. The design is simple and may be produced by mass production techniques such as injection moulding, casting etc.

[0051] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0052] Although this invention has been described by way of example it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the annexed claims.

Claims

1. A buckle including:

a first part hingedly connected to a second part, wherein the first part has a cavity formed therein dimensioned to accommodate at least part of the second part so as to clamp a belt between the parts in a diverted path when closed; and

a locking arrangement to secure the free ends of the parts together when closed.

2. A buckle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking arrangement includes a latch provided on the free end of the second part which engages with the free end of the first part when closed.

3. A buckle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the latch includes a tab extending from the latch to facilitate disengagement of the latch.

4. A buckle as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the first and second parts are arranged so that the latch is biased longitudinally outwardly from the second part as the latch engages the first part and springs inwardly to engage a catch when the parts have been brought together.

5. A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes a clip to retain a belt.

6. A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part and the cavity are dimensional and arranged so that when the second part closes upon a belt within the cavity the belt assumes a substantially U-shaped path.

7. A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part has side walls defining the cavity and the portions of the side walls adjacent the cavity are recessed to position and retain a belt therein.

8. A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part has projections extending outwardly therefrom at its hinged end which engage with seats in the first part to form a hinged connection between the first and second parts.

9. A buckle as claimed in claim 8 wherein the projections snap lock into the seats.

10. A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formed of glass filled nylon.