Interchangeable Belt Buckles

Abstract

A belt buckle with a window on the outer face of a main body for receiving a replaceable cover for displaying a distinctive emblem, logo, symbol or image, and which can be readily replaced. Included as well is a simple mechanical arrangement using a rotatable bar having a cam-like protuberance for locking the cover in place and allowing for a simple method of replacing the cover.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the garment and accessories manufacturing industry, more specifically, to the belt hardware manufacturing industry, and even more specifically, to a new category of buckles created with easy-to-change display panels

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Considering current social conditions, a typical wardrobe consists of varied clothing and accessories worn as fashion and activities dictate. Often the selections comprise mix-and-match combinations.

In addition, nowadays, with the general improvement to living conditions as well as the advance of people's livelihoods, clothing often represents a general image, perhaps utilizing a particular brand, or even a symbol of identity. Although belts are important practical accessories for clothing, they can be used to express decorative beauty, even a message, as well.

The trend finds clothing accessories becoming more and more diversified. Belts and buckles join in this trend. As a result, consumers realize that single-sided belt buckles are not always convenient, requiring a complete exchange of belts to meet their needs for different occasions and activities. Two-sided belt buckles arise as alternatives.

In the technical field of belts, there is an urgent need for a new multi-display belt buckle. It must be stable, fast to install, and offer an easy method to exchange the outward appearance, so that artwork, team logos and/or other symbols may be presented for a time then changed by mechanisms held within the buckle itself!

A partial solution to these requirements is the buckle described and protected in U.S. Pat. No. 11,129,449, in which the description provides a double-sided usable belt buckle, including a rear clamp, a frame, a buckling pin, first connectors and a second connector. Both the frame and the buckling pin are connected with the rear brace and rotate with respect to the rear brace, and a first end of the rear brace is configured to connect with a belt body. The first 20 connectors are configured to connect the rear brace to the frame, the second connector is configured to connect the rear brace to the buckling pin.

A fixing base is provided at a second end of the rear bracket, and the fixing base includes a left-hand fixing base and a right-hand fixing base.

The left side fixing base and the right side fixing base are arranged symmetrically, a gap is formed between the left side fixing base and the right side fixing base.

In U.S. Pat. No. 10,820,665, another structure is described, which is composed of a frame, a clasp and a restraining bar. A tab protrudes from the rear of the shell to fit into a hole at one end of the belt strap and the clasp releasable connects the buckle with the opposite end. The clasp has a pair of fingers at one end and a pair of arms that extend to a joint at the opposite end. When the buckle is attached to the belt, the clasp and the restraint bar engage with each other. The clasp is tilted at a reduced angle by the restraint bar with the fingers located within a loop at the end of the belt.

Conversely, when the clasp is released from the restraining bar, the fingers spread as the joint separates the arms and the gap between the fingers widens allowing the fingers to slide out of the loop and separate the buckle from the belt.

The structures of the state of the art, is a partial solution, which allows the choice between two possibilities. This is not always enough.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

One of the objectives of the present invention is to arrive at a buckle that has the option of changing its appearance in an easy and simple way.

Another objective is to give it that aspect change feature with more than two options.

Still another objective is to achieve the above with a mechanism that with a simple movement releases or fixes a plate that will be the one that provides the determined aspect.

And all those objectives and advantages that will become clear when reading this description in conjunction with the drawings that, for illustrative purposes, but not limiting, are attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This buckle is made up of several interconnected pieces and has the option of attaching other parts by means of spring 25 linked to the main body of the buckle, these spring tempered are intended to provide: firmness and at the same time some mobility to facilitate its functions.

One of the functions serves to guide, press or release the buckle from the belt. Another allows a panel to be inserted and rotated 180 degrees, showing the other side of the panel display. If the buckle is released, it may easily be engaged with another belt. In the current presentation, our buckle is designed to be reproduced in a wide variety of precious and 10 non-precious metals, including combinations with other types of materials and quality finishes that maintain its integrity.

The design of the body of the buckle described here is characterized by an open “window” with two reticles in decline as a frame. Below this sculpted frame, horizontal grooves allow for the insertion of machined panels. These panels offer the visual accents that give the buckles such uniqueness.

The panels use interchangeable cover designs, logos, artworks and/or other symbols: these are innovative features of this buckle compared to the others.

The interchangeable panels are inserted through the back of the buckle: they are held by a rotating lock to keep them attached to the main body of the buckle and clearly show their faces through the window frame. The panels may attractively display any image, including such symbols as corporate logos, team symbols, nicknames and more.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 The buckle Main body (1) with its front design in an asymmetrical shape (2) that connects to a rectangular Window (3) and its double perimeter slope (4).

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the buckle main body in asymmetric form. The asymmetry feature is provided by a cut in the corner formed by the front face and the lower face of the buckle main body.

FIG. 3 shows the window where the cover will be housed, which will be the predominant element in the aspect that the buckle will adopt.

FIG. 4 illustrates the buckle in FIG. 1, but in the closed position where the cover plate is held rigidly in place, also pointing out how the free end of the belt penetrates the holes that will be penetrated by a pin 16.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the buckle without the faceplate and shows the bevel on which the faceplate will sit to be fixed by the rotating element.

INVENTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The design of a buckle to be manufactured in different precious and non-precious materials, such as: platinum, titanium, gold, white gold, silver, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zamak, iron. All kinds of precious or semi-precious woods, applicable in marquetry alone including combination.

All kinds of plastics, flexible or rigid, thermoset or thermoformed, including all acrylics, linoleums, rubbers, oilcloths and rubbers in their different densities, alone or combined with metal through primers, injection mold coatings or by transfer molding and vulcanized products that are available on the market in their different variants and compounds, whether derived from petroleum or not, synthetic polymers or derivatives in their different applications and possible combinations or colors available to be added as complements between all the materials mentioned.

Seeing FIG. 1, consisting of the buckle main body, it is smooth and rounded, without sharp or harmful angles and ergonomic, with characteristics different from others due to its asymmetric shape (2) on the front. In its upper external plane includes a rectangular window 3 that is preceded by a slope 4 with a double perimeter, which serves as a distinctive visual accent frame, which gives its own and innovative character, to display or present any distinctive, emblem, insignia, symbol or image clearly, through a frame that is part of a window 5 that extends directly into the body of the buckle, to leave the precise space for an interchangeable cover or plate 6 reproduced in any of the materials to be used without being exhaustive: platinum, titanium, gold, white gold, silver, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zamak, iron, woven steel. All types of leather available, synthetic or natural, All types of precious or semi-precious wood, applicable in marquetry, including combined

All textile products of different materials, both organic and synthetic, including all types of embroidery, applications of these textiles available on the market, all kinds of plastics, flexible or rigid, thermo-fixed or thermo-formed, including all acrylics, linoleums, rubbers, oilcloths and rubbers in their different densities, alone or combined with metal through primers, injection molding or transfer and vulcanized coatings available on the market in their different variants and compounds, whether derived from petroleum or not, synthetic polymers or derivatives in their different applications and the possible combinations and colors available to be added as complements between all the mentioned materials.

These covers 6 are machined expressly with dimensions a little smaller than those of the internal window 5 so they can slide snugly into small lateral slots 7 as part of the total gap for which this internal space was developed, with the main idea of access to the 6 faceplates and be able to easily detach them when preferred and interchange them in an unlimited number of options with different characteristics, and do it easily from the back, releasing or securing the 6 interchangeable faceplates through a piece that works as a lock 8 that couples, holds, levels or releases these interchangeable covers 6 and makes it easier to place different options and multiply the combinations in countless alternatives. The lock is made up of various shapes, including three equidistant bars 9 that serve to adjust the height and thickness of the different covers 6 that can be inserted, pushing them radially against the internal plane of the window 5 by means of the rotating lock 8, this is achieved by a tempered stainless steel spring 10 transversely attached by an axis 11 to the buckle main body 1, this way the covers always remain pressed against the internal part of the window 5 where they can be easily used and placed different materials and thicknesses.

Once the pressure exerted by the spring 10 against the cover 6 has been released, both parts are separated. For the design of the lock 8, it was necessary to use a tempered stainless steel spring 10 to give easy rotation to the entire body of the lock 8, release or press the covers 6 against the internal part of the window 5 and the possibility that the lock turn approximately 80 degrees opens an accessible space to remove or place the covers 6 and adjust them in any of the two stepped cuts and an inclined plane 12 that have three equidistant bars 9 as a stop and with variable height to the different covers 6 that are inserted to exchange them easily without the need for further adjustments and different thicknesses.

To simplify the release of the lock, an inclined rectangular cavity 13 was designed, for which a screwdriver (or a coin) can be inserted and exert pressure to release the lock 8, by rotating it on its axis 11 that holds the spring 10 and releasing it, therefore the 6 faceplates are released for replacement, cleaning, restoring, or swapping for different plates, this ensures that the interchangeable faceplates stay in place and won't come off also, to be removed when you want

In the rear and lower external part, there are two extensions 14 perpendicular to the buckle body 1 that flank the space where a belt will slide: which includes the possibility of replacing it with others of different materials, such as: natural textiles and its synthetic derivatives, plastics, rubber, rubber, patent leather, leather, woven steel or combined materials and different compounds available on the market. An additional bolt 15 provided in the lower part of these perpendicular extensions 14 was designed as another option to place an accessory that facilitates the fastening of the belt or its replacement, as well as the possibility of rotating it 180 degrees, by another retractable mechanism. Finally, there is a conical and curved pin 16 with a slightly oval sphere-shaped tip, designed for a better fastening to the holes of the belt, where the pin 16 will be inserted when the belt is moved to be adjusted to a certain measure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the buckle main body of in asymmetric form. This view shows another detail of the extensions 14. Although these bolts 11 and 15 are not illustrated in this view, they are part of the invention as another option to place an accessory that facilitates the fastening of the belt or its replacement, as well as the possibility of turning it 180 degrees, by means of another retractable mechanism.

FIG. 3 shows the window (hole) where the cover will be accommodate, which will be the predominant element in the aspect that the buckle will adopt.

Likewise, it also shows the diagonal cut 2 that removes the corner formed by the front face and the bottom face. This cut gives you the asymmetry of the buckle because in the other corners there are no cuts.

It can also be seen that the main body is not a rectangular parallelepiped, but rather that the longest lateral faces are noticeably convex curves outwards.

FIG. 4 show the buckle illustrated in FIG. 1, in the closed position where the faceplate is held rigidly in place, notice how the free end of the belt penetrates and the holes to be enter by a pin 16. Spring 10 engaged to safety 8, it makes a downward turn with the fulcrum on pin 11, which cover will hold 6 in its position.

When you want to remove the plate or cover 6, simply push the cover from above or insert a screwdriver (coin) through a slot on the side for on the side where slot 13 is located turn it with the right end down, releasing the cover or plate.

In greater detail, the release or maintenance of the interchangeable covers 6 is carried out through a piece that works as a lock 6 that couples, holds, levels or releases these interchangeable covers 8 and facilitates the ability to place different ones and multiply the combinations in countless alternatives.

The safety 8 is made up of various forms, among them three equidistant bars 9 that serve to adjust the height and thickness of the different covers 6 that are inserted in any of the stepped cuts and an inclined plane 12 to adjust and level them, this is achieved by a tempered stainless steel spring 10 transversely attached by an axis 11 to the main buckle body 1, this way the covers are always kept pressed by the safety 8 and it is possible to place many options with different characteristics and thicknesses.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the buckle without the cover and shows the bevel 4 on which the latter will sit to be fixed by the rotating spring lock. In the FIG. 3 shows the window or hole. It also shows the diagonal cut 2 characteristic of the buckle design that eliminates the corner formed by the front face and the bottom face.

The invention has been sufficiently described for a person with some knowledge in the matter can reproduce and obtain the results that we mention in the present invention. However, any skilled person in the technical field that pertains to the present invention may be able to make modifications not described in this application, However, if for the application of these modifications in a determined structure or in the manufacturing process of the same, the matter claimed in the following claims is required, said structures must be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A belt buckle comprising:

a main body with an upper face, a lower face, side edges, and a pair of spaced extensions perpendicular to said main body adjacent a front end thereof that flank a space where said belt will slide;

said main body having a curved pin that extends downwards from a rear end of said main body, said curved pin adapted to go through a hole in the belt and thus keep the belt at a proper tension;

said main body having a window on said upper face configured to receive a replaceable cover having a distinctive emblem, logo, symbol or image;

said main body having an internal groove adjacent a front edge in a lower face of said window to receive a front edge of said cover allowing said cover to be rotated up and under said window, and a mechanism for fixing a rear edge of the cover in place under said window; and

said mechanism comprising a rotatable lock consisting of a bar with a cam-shaped protrusion designed to keep said cover fixed and coupled to the main body, said rotating lock having a recess to secure a rear edge of said cover in said window.

2-6. (canceled)

7. The belt buckle of claim 1 in which said rotatable lock has an inclined crescent-shaped cavity adjacent a rear edge of said cover adapted to receive pressure to release said rotatable lock for rotation to permit removal and replacement of said cover; and

whereby said cover may be readily removed and replaced by another cover of different design.

8. The belt buckle of claim 7 in which said main body has beveled edges surrounding said window.

9. The belt buckle of claim 7 which is made of a material selected from the group consisting of platinum, titanium, gold, white gold, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zamak, iron, woven steel, synthetic or natural animal skins, wood, textile products, plastics, gums, rubber, rubber combined with metal, and compounds derived from petroleum.

10. A method of making and using a belt buckle comprising the steps of:

forming a main body with an upper face, a lower face, side edges, and a pair of spaced extensions perpendicular to said main body adjacent a front end thereof that flank a space where said belt will slide;

providing said main body with a curved pin that extends downwards from a rear end of said main body;

providing said main body with a window on said upper face configured to receive a replaceable cover having a distinctive emblem, logo, symbol or image;

providing said main body with an internal groove near a front edge in a lower face of said window to receive a front edge of said cover and rotating said cover up and under said window, and using a mechanism to fix a rear edge of the cover in place under said window; and

pushing said curved pin through a hole in the belt extending through said flanked space to keep the belt at a proper tension.

11. The method of claim 10 in which said mechanism comprises a rotatable lock consisting of a bar with a cam-shaped protuberance coupled by a bolt for rotation on said main body and said protuberance pressing a fixed pin fastened transversely to said main body, said rotating lock having a recess to secure a rear edge of said cover in said window.

12. The method of claim 11 in which a screw driver or other tool is used to apply pressure on an inclined crescent-shaped cavity on a free edge of said bar fixing a rear edge of said cover to release said rotatable lock for rotation to permit removal and replacement of said cover; and

removing and replacing said cover with a cover of different design.

13. The method of claim 11 in which said main body is provided with beveled edges surrounding said window.

14. The method of claim 11 in which said cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of platinum, titanium, gold, white gold, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zamak, iron, woven steel, synthetic or natural animal skins, wood, textile products, plastics, gums, rubber, rubber combined with metal, and compounds derived from petroleum.