Free-Ends Belt Buckle and Method of Tying Belt Strap with Free-Ends Belt Buckle

A free-ends belt buckle, adapted to tighten a flexible belt strap having a strap body and two end portions, includes a buckle panel and a pair of interlocking arrangements symmetrically provided at two ends of the buckle panel. Each of the interlocking arrangements includes a side portion, a pair of outer and inner locker slots transversely formed in the side portion in a parallel manner, and a locker bar defined between the outer locker slot and the inner locker slot. Thereby, the two end portions of the belt strap are capable of penetrating through the two outer locker slots from rearside to frontside respectively, bending about the two locker bars respectively, penetrating through the two inner locker slots from frontside to rearside respectively, and bending towards the two outer locker slots respectively and extending along an underside of the belt strap body of the belt strap.

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Description
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to belt buckle, and more particularly to a free-ends belt buckle and a method of tying a belt strap with the free-end belt buckle, wherein the belt buckle can be carried independently and used to tie and tighten all kinds of flexible belt strap with barehand.

Description of Related Arts

A belt buckle is a device, often with a belt or strap, used to fasten, secure or carry something or to hold onto something. Most belt buckles can be used to fasten and adjust the length of a belt, generally made of leather, cloth, fabric, synthetic material, or other flexible material, to be used as waist belt, watch belt, bag belt, luggage belt, fastening belt for goods and the like, animal leash, safety belt for transportation tool, and etc. Traditional belt buckle includes frame-style buckle, plate-style buckle, box-frame buckle, clamp-style buckle, ring-style buckle, snap release buckle, and military-style buckle. Typical examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,930,935.

Frame-style buckle, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a frame F1 connected to one end of a belt strap F2 and a prong F11 attached to one end of the frame and extends “away” from the wearer through one of a series of holes spacedly formed along another end portion of the belt strap while it anchors against the opposite side of the frame. Plate-style buckle often features a plate frame P1, a belt connector P11 provided at one end of the plate frame P1 for connecting with one end of a belt strap and a projection P12 protruded at another end of the plate frame P1 to lock with the belt by inserting into one of a series of holes spacedly formed along another end portion of the belt strap. Both the frame-style and plate-style belt buckles are more adapted to leather made belt strap and require a series of holes being punched along the belt strap.

For belt strap made of fabric or synthetic materials such as braided, wedding, and canvas, clamp-style buckle, ring-style (O-ring/D-ring) buckle and snap release buckle are generally used to fasten the belt strap. As shown in FIG. 3, clamp-style buckle comprises a belt connector C1 at one end to secure with one end of a belt strap C2 and a clamp locker C3 for securing with another end of the belt strap C2. Ring-style buckle, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises two rings R1 to form the buckle fitting into one end of a belt strap R2 such that another end portion of the belt strap R2 can be interlocked by means of the two hooks R1.

To facilitate the fasten and release of the belt for outdoor activities, referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the snap release buckle comprises a male member S1 and a female member S2 secured to two ends of a belt strap respectively, wherein the male member S1 and the female member S2 are configured to be snapped together to lock with each other or to be released simply by pushing the buttons S3. use male and female ends to snap together.

A common feature of the conventional belt buckles as described above is that one end of the belt strap is pre-assembled to connect with the belt buckle to form an integral configuration. Referring to FIG. 6, an independent belt buckle which does not require to be connected to the belt strap is illustrated, wherein a buckle belt 10 simply comprises a buckle plate 11, having two elongated holding slots 110 extended transversely at two ends thereof respectively, is configured to work with a flexible belt strap 12, preferably made of fabric, braided, wedding, or canvas material, having a width and a thickness slightly smaller than a width and a length of the holding slots 111, 112 correspondingly. However, in order to tight the buckle belt 10 together, a coupling end of the belt strap 12 must provide an enlarged locker tag 121 integrally and firmly connected thereto, which is required to have a size larger than that of each of the holding slots 110, such that the belt strap 12 can be coupled with the buckle frame 11 by penetrating the belt strap 12 through one of the holding slot 111 until the locker tag 121 is stopped at the corresponding holding slot 110 behind the buckle frame 10, and that another free end of the belt strap 12 is capable of penetrating through the other holding slot 112 to extend under the buckle frame 10 and the coupling end of the belt strap 12.

The advantages of this buckle belt 10, as shown in FIG. 6, include (i) it simplifies the structure of the belt buckle and its manufacturing process and cost; and (ii) the same buckle frame 11 can work with different belt straps 12 with different lengths, colors, materials, and patterns while the same belt strap 12 may also work with different buckle plates 11 with different materials, shapes, patterns, and etc.

Also, multiple shortcomings remain unsolved include: (i) the user still has to purchase a set of belt buckle 10 consisting of the buckle plate 11 with at least a custom made belt strap 12 to equip with the buckle plate 11; (ii) if the enlarged locker tag 121 is left outside the buckle plate 11, it adversely affects the perception and ornamental design of the buckle plate 11, or if the enlarged locker tag 121 is left inside the buckle plate 11, it uncomfortably presses against the body or the wearer; (iii) the buckle plate 11 merely works with specific belt straps 12 made by the same brand seller or supplier; and (iv) such buckle belt 10 is generally for decorative purpose since there is no interlocking mechanism for tightening and/or fastening the length of the belt strap 12.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a free-ends belt buckle which two ends do not connect with any belt strap but is adapted to be interlocked with all kinds of flexible belt strap.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which not only has a simplest configuration but also is adapted to work with and tighten all kinds of flexible belt strap.

Another advantage of a free-ends belt buckle of the present invention is that it has no limitation to any specific belt strap to be equipped and can work and/or be carried independently by the user anywhere and anytime with any belt strap.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which allows the user to carry for outdoor activities to tighten up various kinds of object with flexible belt or strap.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which is adapted to be used as a waist belt without additional fastening mechanism.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which is adapted to be made of plastic material so that the wearer has no need to remove the waist belt during the examination at the security check station.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which is configured to be worn easily while the body of the user assists the tying and tightening of the belt strap around his or her waist.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which is adapted to interlock and/or tighten a belt strap without limitation to a length of the belt strap as long as the length of the belt strap is longer than a circumference of the object(s) to be tied.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a free-ends belt buckle which is configured to be capable of tying up a strap made of plastic, rubber, or other flexible material as a belt.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a method of tying a belt strap with a free-ends belt buckle, which does not require any tool or fastening mechanism, wherein the user may simply wear the belt strap with the free-ends belt buckle like tying up a knot for a rope or string with barehand.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a method of tying a belt strap with a free-ends belt buckle, wherein the two end portions of the belt strap being tied and tightened by the free-ends belt buckle do not exposed to outside.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a free-ends belt buckle, adapted to tighten a flexible belt strap having a strap body and two end portions, comprising:

    • a buckle panel having predetermined height, width and thickness, and
    • a pair of interlocking arrangements symmetrically provided at two ends of the buckle panel, each of the interlocking arrangements including a side portion integrally extended from one end of the buckle panel to form an integral rigid panel, a pair of outer and inner locker slots transversely formed in the side portion in a parallel manner, and a locker bar defined between the outer locker slot and the inner locker slot, wherein at least one locking edge is formed along the locker bar, thereby the two end portions of the belt strap are capable of penetrating through the two outer locker slots from rearside to frontside respectively, bending about the two locker bars respectively, penetrating through the two inner locker slots from frontside to rearside respectively, and bending 180 degrees towards the two outer locker slots respectively and extending along an underside of the belt strap body of the belt strap, so as to interlock the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the underside of the belt strap body until the two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot, the inner locker slot and the locker bar of the interlocking arrangement.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method of tying a free-ends belt buckle of the present invention with an elongated belt strap, comprising:

    • penetrating each of the two end portions of the belt strap through the corresponding outer locker slot from rearside to outside;
    • bending each of the end portions of the belt strap about the respective locker bar between the corresponding pair of outer and inner locker slots;
    • penetrating each of the end portions through the corresponding inner locker slot from frontside to insider;
    • bending each of the end portions 180 degrees towards the corresponding outer locker slot and extending along an underside of the belt strap, and
    • interlocking the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the underside of the belt strap body until the two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot, the inner locker slot and the locker bar of each of the interlocking arrangements.

Alternatively, the method of tying the free-ends belt buckle of the present invention with the elongated belt strap, comprising:

    • penetrating each of the two end portions of the belt strap through the corresponding inner locker slot from rearside to outside;
    • bending each of the end portions of the belt strap about the respective locker bar between the corresponding pair of outer and inner locker slots;
    • penetrating each of the end portions through the corresponding outer locker slot from frontside to inside;
    • bending each of the end portions for 180 degrees to extend along an frontside of the belt strap body of the belt strap, and
    • interlocking the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the frontside of the belt strap body until the two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot, the inner locker slot and the locker bar of each of the interlocking arrangements.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame-style buckle belt.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plate-style belt buckle.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a clamp-style buckle belt.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic view of a ring-style buckle belt.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a snap release belt buckle.

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the snap release belt buckle.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a conventional independent belt buckle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a free-ends belt buckle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged schematic view illustrating an example of the locking edge of the locker bar of the interlocking arrangement of the free-ends belt buckle according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged schematic view illustrating another example of the locking edge of the locker bar of the interlocking arrangement of the free-ends belt buckle according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10G are schematic views illustrating procedures of tying up a belt strap with the free-end belt buckle according to the above referred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the free-ends belt buckle fastening with a belt strap according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the free-ends belt buckle tying and tightening with two end portions of a belt strap according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating an alternative method of tying and tightening the two portions of the belt strap with the free-ends belt buckle according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an alternative mode of the free-ends belt buckle according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of another alternative mode of the free-ends belt buckle according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 12, a free-ends belt buckle 2, adapted to tighten a flexible belt strap 3 having a strap body 30 and two end portions 31, 32 provided at two ends of the strap body 30 respectively, is illustrated, wherein the free-ends belt buckle 2 comprises a buckle panel 20 and a pair of interlocking arrangements 21, 22.

The buckle panel 20 has a predetermined height, width, thickness, and curvature. The pair of interlocking arrangements 21, 22 are symmetrically provided at two ends of the buckle panel 20. Each of the interlocking arrangements 21, 22 includes a side portion 210, 220 integrally extended from one end of the buckle panel 20 to form an integral rigid panel, a pair of outer and inner locker slots 211, 212, 221, 222 transversely formed in the side portion 210, 220 in a parallel manner, and a locker bar 213, 223 defined between the outer locker slot 211, 221 and the inner locker slot 212, 222.

Referring to FIG. 12, at least one locking edge 2131, 2231 is formed along the locker bar 212, 223, such that the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 are capable of penetrating through the two outer locker slots 211, 221 from rearside 201 to frontside 202 respectively, bending about the two locker bars 213, 223 respectively, penetrating through the two inner locker slots 212, 222 from frontside 202 to rearside 201 respectively, and bending 180 degrees towards the two outer locker slots 211, 221 respectively and extending along an underside of the belt strap body 30 of the belt strap 3, so as to interlock the belt strap 3 by overlapping the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 with the underside of the belt strap body 30 until the two locker bars 213, 223 biased against the two end portions 31, 32 respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions 31, 32 by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot 211, 221, the inner locker slot 212, 222 and the locker bar 213, 223 of the interlocking arrangement 21, 22.

In other words, the belt buckle 2 according to the present invention does not require to construct nor build in any fastening mechanism but simply provides an interlocking configuration that can tie and interlock the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 in a secure and tighten manner so as to adjust a length of the belt strap 3, wherein the belt strap 3 can not only be made of general belt material such as leather, cloth, fabric, or synthetic material, but also be made of other flexible materials such as rubber, plastic and the like to function as a waist belt, watch belt, luggage belt, or the like for fastening, securing or carrying something or to hold onto something.

The pair outer locker slot 211, 221 and inner locker slot 212, 222 divided by the locker bar 213, 223 of each interlocking arrangement 21, 22 are the core configuration to tie the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 securely and tightly as easy as just like to tie a knot of a rope or a string. In order to better illustrate the tying arrangement of how the free-ends belt buckle 2 with the flexible belt strap 3, a tying method thereof, for example, to tie the belt strap 3 as a waist belt with the belt buckle 2, is described as follows accompanying with the FIG. 10A to FIG. 10G:

    • (i) As shown in FIG. 10A, one of the end portions 31 is penetrated through the one of the outer locker slots 211, from rearside 201 to frontside 202, wherein the belt strap 30 can be pre threaded through the belt loops on the waist belt of the user's pant.
    • (ii) As shown in FIG. 10B, bend the end portion 31 to penetrate through the adjacent inner locker slot 212, from frontside 202 to rearside 201.
    • (iii) As shown in FIG. 10C, the end portion 31 is pulled from the belt buckle 2 until the end portion 31 is bent about the locker bar 212 between the pair of outer and inner locker slots 211, 212. Then the end portion 31 is bent 180 degrees towards the outer locker slot 211 and extended along an underside 301 of the belt strap 3, wherein the belt strap 3 is interlocked by overlapping the end portion 31 of the belt strap 3 with the underside 301 of the belt strap body 30 until the locker bar 213 biased against the end portion 31, thereby a position of the end portion 31 is interlocked by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot 211, the inner locker slot 212 and the locker bar 213 of the interlocking arrangement 21.
    • (iv) As shown in FIG. 10D, another end portion 32 is penetrated through the other outer locker slot 221, from rearside 201 to frontside 202.
    • (v) As shown in FIG. 10E, the other end portion 32 is pulled to adjust a length of the belt strap body 30 to fit around the waist belt of the user's pant.
    • (vi) As shown in FIG. 10F, the end portion 32 is bent to penetrate through the adjacent inner locker slot 222, from frontside 202 to rearside 201.
    • (vii) As shown in FIG. 10G, the end portion 32 is pulled from the belt buckle 2 until the end portion 32 is bent about the locker bar 222 between the pair of outer and inner locker slots 221, 222. Then the end portion 32 is bent 180 degrees towards the outer locker slot 221 and extended along an underside 301 of the belt strap 3.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the belt strap 3 is tied by the belt buckle 2 while the end portion 32 is interlocked by overlapping the end portion 32 of the belt strap 3 with the underside 301 of the belt strap body 30 until the locker bar 223 biased against the end portion 32 to tighten the belt strap 3 around a waist U1 of the user (illustrated by dotted line in FIG. 12), thereby a position of the end portion 32 is interlocked by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot 221, the inner locker slot 222 and the locker bar 223 of the interlocking arrangement 22.

It is appreciated that the belt strap 3 may be adjusted slightly tight against the waist U1 of the user, so that when the two end portions 31, 32 are tied and interlocked with the two interlocking arrangements 21, 22 of the belt buckle 2, the user would apply a stress pressure outwardly against the belt strap 3 and the belt buckle 2 that substantially further secure and interlock the belt strap 3 by means of the belt buckle 2. In addition, the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 is hided under the belt strap body 30, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, to prevent being exposed outside that provides a tighter and securer fastening effect and a more neat and nice ornamental appearance.

Referring to FIG. 12, each of the end portions 31, 32 makes three interlocking turns U1, U2, U3 to tie the end portion 31, 32 at the respective interlocking arrangement 21, 22:

    • (1) a first 180 degrees round-turn B1 at the inner locker slot 212, 222 around the locking edge 2131, 2231 of the locker bar 213, 223, wherein the locking edge 2131, 2232 is preferred to be a sharpened edge or have a rough surface or indented grooves to provide a friction surface to lock the round-turn B1 in position;
    • (2) a second curved-turn B2 at the outer locker slot 211, 221 around at top edge the locker bar 213, 223; and
    • (3) a third curved-turn B3 at a lower edge of the outer locker slot 211, 221.

The first round-turn B1, the second curved-turn B2 and the third curved-turn B3 of the end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 limit a 180 degrees return-bending that substantially prevent the end portion 31, 32 being tied up and interlocked by the interlocking arrangements 21, 22 from any movement while the object (the user's waist) being tied up applying a reaction pressure force F outwards against the belt strap 3.

It is worth to mention that all four edges of the locker bar 213, 223 can be configured as locking edges while the locking edge 2131, 2231 formed at a front inner edge of the locker bar 213, 223 can generally provide enough friction when the belt strap is made of fabric, braided, wedding, or canvas material.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

Example of such modifications is illustrated in FIG. 13, wherein the end portion can be interlocked with interlocking arrangement 21, 22 in an alternative method, as shown in FIG. 13, comprising:

    • penetrating each of the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 through the corresponding inner locker slot 212, 222 from rearside 201 to frontside 202;
    • bending each of the end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap 3 about the respective locker bar 213, 223 between the corresponding pair of outer and inner locker slots 211, 212, 221, 222;
    • penetrating each of the end portions 31, 32 through the corresponding outer locker slot 212, 222 from frontside 202 to rearside 201;
    • bending each of the end portions 31, 32 for 180 degrees to extend along an frontside of the belt strap 3, and
    • interlocking the belt strap 3 by overlapping the two end portions 31, 32 of the belt strap body 30 of the belt strap 3 with the frontside of the belt strap body 30 until the two locker bars 213, 223 biased against the two end portions 31, 32 respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions 31, 32 by means of the interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot 211, 221, the inner locker slot 212, 222 and the locker bar 213, 223 of each of the interlocking arrangements 21, 22.

Also, an alternative mode of the free-ends belt buckle 2′ is illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the two side portions 210, 220 are connected with the buckle panel 20 by means of two connectors 23, 24 respectively to form an integral body. In other words, the two interlocking arrangements 21, 22 are integrally connected to both ends of the buckle panel 20, such that the two interlocking arrangements 21, 22 and the buckle panel 20 can be made of different materials. In addition, the two connectors 23, 24 can be two pivot joints rotatably connecting the two side portions 210, 220 to both ends of the buckle panel 20 respectively, such that if the buckle panel 20 is a flat panel, then the frontside and the rearside the buckle panel 20 can be rotated to reverse so as to show different surface patterns thereon outside.

Another alternative mode of the free-end belt buckle 2″ is illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein each of the outer locker slots 211, 221 and the inner locker slots 212, 222 has an opening notches 2111, 2121, 2211, 2221 facilitating the penetrating of the end portions 31, 32 through the outer and inner locker slots 211, 221, 212, 222 through the opening notches 2111, 2121, 2211, 2221 respectively.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A free-ends belt buckle, adapted to tighten a flexible belt strap having a strap body and two end portions, comprising:

a buckle panel having predetermined height, width and thickness, and
a pair of interlocking arrangements symmetrically provided at two ends of said buckle panel, each of said pair of interlocking arrangements including:
a side portion integrally extended from one end of said buckle panel to form an integral rigid panel,
a pair of outer and inner locker slots transversely formed in said side portion in a parallel manner, and
a locker bar defined between said outer locker slot and said inner locker slot;
thereby the two end portions of the belt strap are capable of penetrating through said two outer locker slots from rearside to frontside respectively, bending about said two locker bars respectively, penetrating through said two inner locker slots from frontside to rearside respectively, and bending towards said two outer locker slots respectively and extending along an underside of the belt strap body of the belt strap, so as to interlock the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the underside of the belt strap body until said two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by said outer locker slot, said inner locker slot and said locker bar of each of said interlocking arrangement.

2. The free-ends blet buckle, as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one locking edge is formed along each of said locker bars.

3. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 1, wherein said belt buckle body is a curved body having a predetermined curvature.

4. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 2, wherein said belt buckle body is a curved body having a predetermined curvature.

5. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 1, wherein said two side portions are integrally extended from said belt buckle body to form an integral body.

6. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 5, wherein said two side portions and said belt buckle body form a curved integral body having a predetermined curvature.

7. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 3, wherein said two side portions are integrally extended from said belt buckle body to form an integral body.

8. The free-ends belt buckle, as recited in claim 7, wherein said two side portions and said belt buckle body form a curved integral body having a predetermined curvature.

9. A method of tying an elongated belt strap with a free-ends belt buckle comprising a buckle panel having predetermined height, width and thickness, and a pair of interlocking arrangements symmetrically provided at two ends of said buckle panel, each of said pair of interlocking arrangements including a side portion integrally extended from one end of said buckle panel to form an integral rigid panel, a pair of outer and inner locker slots transversely formed in said side portion in a parallel manner, and a locker bar defined between said outer locker slot and said inner locker slot, wherein the method includes steps of:

(a) penetrating each of the two end portions of the belt strap through the corresponding outer locker slot from rearside to outside;
(b) bending each of the end portions of the belt strap about the respective locker bar between the corresponding pair of outer and inner locker slots;
(c) penetrating each of the end portions through the corresponding inner locker slot from frontside to insider;
(d) bending each of the end portions 180 degrees towards the corresponding outer locker slot and extending along an underside of the belt strap, and
(e) interlocking the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the underside of the belt strap body until the two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot, the inner locker slot and the locker bar of each of the interlocking arrangements.

10. The method, as recited in claim 9, wherein at least one locking edge is formed along each of the locker bars.

11. The method, as recited in claim 9, wherein the belt buckle body is a curved body having a predetermined curvature.

12. The method, as recited in claim 10, wherein said belt buckle body is a curved body having a predetermined curvature.

13. The method, as recited in claim 9, wherein said two side portions are integrally extended from said belt buckle body to form an integral body.

14. The method, as recited in claim 13, wherein said two side portions and said belt buckle body form a curved integral body having a predetermined curvature.

15. The method, as recited in claim 11, wherein said two side portions are integrally extended from said belt buckle body to form an integral body.

16. The method, as recited in claim 15, wherein said two side portions and said belt buckle body form a curved integral body having a predetermined curvature.

17. A method of tying an elongated belt strap with a free-ends belt buckle comprising a buckle panel having predetermined height, width and thickness, and a pair of interlocking arrangements symmetrically provided at two ends of said buckle panel, each of said pair of interlocking arrangements including a side portion integrally extended from one end of said buckle panel to form an integral rigid panel, a pair of outer and inner locker slots transversely formed in said side portion in a parallel manner, and a locker bar defined between said outer locker slot and said inner locker slot, wherein the method includes steps of:

(a) penetrating each of the two end portions of the belt strap through the corresponding inner locker slot from rearside to outside;
(b) bending each of the end portions of the belt strap about the respective locker bar between the corresponding pair of outer and inner locker slots;
(c) penetrating each of the end portions through the corresponding outer locker slot from frontside to inside;
(d) bending each of the end portions for 180 degrees to extend along an frontside of the belt strap body of the belt strap, and
(e) interlocking the belt strap by overlapping the two end portions of the belt strap with the frontside of the belt strap body until the two locker bars biased against the two end portions respectively and interlocking positions of the two end portions by means of an interlocking configuration constituted by the outer locker slot, the inner locker slot and the locker bar of each of the interlocking arrangements.

18. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein at least one locking edge is formed along each of the locker bars.

19. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein said two side portions are integrally extended from said belt buckle body to form an integral body.

20. The method, as recited in claim 19, wherein said two side portions and said belt buckle body form a curved integral body having a predetermined curvature.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240415239
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 14, 2023
Publication Date: Dec 19, 2024
Inventor: Ming Yang (Calgary)
Application Number: 18/209,593
Classifications
International Classification: A44B 11/02 (20060101);