Rigid single piece buckle
This invention relates to a rigid single piece buckle used to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap.
This invention relates to a rigid single piece buckle used to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of buckles have been devised to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the closed loop of another strap which is typically used on backpacks. The most commonly used are the side-release type buckles as shown in
Metal hook style buckles 11 are sometimes used as shown in
Another style being used is similar to the metal hook style 11 with the exception of a secondary hook 20 as shown in
Although durable and secure, this type of single piece buckle requires a high strength metal to be of any practical use. When the buckle 19 is secured and the adjustable strap 22 tightened, all the stress is exerted on the buckles single spine 10. A material such as plastic would not be strong enough for this style of buckle, for most applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid single piece buckle capable of easily and securely connecting the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap as well as being able to easily disengage from the looped end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to
The device 24 is composed of a single piece, flat formed substantially rectangular metal, alloy or any sufficiently rigid material. A diagonal slot 27 leads into a larger, substantially rectangular opening 28 which is located in the top portion of the device 24. Two inwardly protruding members 35 and 36 intersect with the substantially rectangular opening 28. A slanted notch 38 is located at the bottom corner of the substantially rectangular opening 28. Two horizontal slots 29 and 30 are located on the bottom portion of the device 24. A rounded protrusion 37 intersects with the lower slot 30. Although a diagonal slot 27 is shown, a vertical slot can also be used. Although a substantially rectangular opening 28 is shown, any sufficiently large shape may be used. Although two inwardly protruding members 35 and 36 are shown, the device 24 can still function without them.
OPERATION Referring to
Claims
1. A rigid single piece buckle capable of easily and securely attaching the loose end of a strap to the closed loop of another strap comprising:
- an essentially rectangular flat main body;
2. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the top portion of the rectangular flat main body is formed into a substantially rectangular loop for attaching to a closed loop strap.
3. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially rectangular loop has an angled slot at the top for the easy insertion of a closed loop strap.
4. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially rectangular loop has two inwardly protruding members.
5. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially square loop has a slanted notch in its corner.
6. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bottom portion of the rectangular flat main body has two horizontal slots for the attachment of the loose end of a strap.
7. The device in accordance with claim 6 wherein a rounded protrusion intersects with the lower horizontal slot.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 26, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 26, 2007
Inventors: Pat Bacalso (Calgary), Walson Tai (Calgary)
Application Number: 11/259,346
International Classification: A44B 11/00 (20060101);