EP2552270B1 - Device for closing and fastening two lengths of flexible strapping - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a closing and clamping device for two sections of flexible band, in particular for two sections of a flexible band forming belt, equipped with structural means for their joining.

The belts, especially those used as clothing accessories, comprise a band, made of a flexible material, which is terminated by two end sections equipped with structural means for their joining.
These securing means generally consist of barb-like structures, points, rings or clamping housings, see for example the patent US 2058931 .

The present invention provides an alternative solution of closure, simple structure and providing an original aesthetic.

The corresponding securing means are characterized by the fact that they comprise two parts forming a passage, namely, on the one hand, an end pass formed at the free end of a first strip section, comprising a light provided for the passage of the second strip section, and secondly, a lateral passer intended to come at said second strip section, at a distance from the free end thereof, which side pass has two lights, the a rear and the other front, separated by a transverse structural element, for the passage of said second strip section during closing and clamping operations.

This second section of strip is intended to cooperate with the two loops during said closing and clamping operations, by successive introduction, starting from said lateral pass, through the light of the end pass, the rear light of said lateral passer and the front light of the same lateral passage, to ensure its folding in the general S shape with three superimposed parts, namely successively (i) a rear portion extending from said lateral pass to the light of said end pass, (ii) an intermediate portion extending from said end-pass light to the rear light of said side-pass, and (iii) a front portion having the free end of said strip-section, extending through the light before said lateral passer in the direction of said end pass.

• le premier tronçon de bande est replié sur lui-même et au travers de la lumière du passant d'extrémité, pour assurer la fixation de ce dernier ; dans ce cas, le passant d'extrémité a de préférence une forme générale d'anneau ou de boucle.
• la hauteur du passant d'extrémité est supérieure à la hauteur de la lumière arrière du passant latéral, pour éviter son passage au travers de ladite lumière arrière ;
• l'élément transversal du passant latéral occupe une position fixe, et la lumière arrière dudit passant latéral a une largeur qui est supérieure à celle de sa lumière avant ; dans ce cas, la largeur de la lumière arrière du passant latéral correspond au double, ou approximativement au double, de la largeur de la lumière avant, laquelle lumière arrière est destinée à être traversée par la partie arrière et la partie intermédiaire du second tronçon de bande ;

• le passant latéral présente avantageusement une forme générale rectangulaire et il est constitué de deux tiges latérales associées à deux tiges de jonction ; en outre, l'élément transversal consiste en une tige située entre lesdites tiges latérales, parallèlement à celles-ci et reliant lesdites tiges de jonction ;
• les moyens de solidarisation comportent encore un passant de maintien qui est localisé au niveau du premier tronçon de bande, à distance de son extrémité libre, lequel passant de maintien comporte deux lumières séparées par un élément transversal, à savoir une lumière arrière et une lumière avant, destinées à être traversées respectivement par le premier tronçon de bande et par la partie avant du second tronçon de bande ; de préférence, ce passant de maintien présente une structure identique à celle du passant latéral précité ;
• le passant latéral, et éventuellement le passant de maintien, sont montés en coulissement libre sur les tronçons de bande souple.

Other advantageous features of the invention, which can be taken in combination or independently of one another, are presented below:

• the first section of tape is folded on itself and through the light of the end loop, to ensure the fixation of the latter; in this case, the end pass preferably has a general shape of ring or loop.
• the height of the end pass is greater than the height of the rear light of the lateral passer, to prevent its passage through said rear light;
• the transverse member of the lateral passer occupies a fixed position, and the rear light of said lateral passer has a width which is greater than that of its front light; in this case width of the rear light of the lateral passer corresponds to twice, or approximately twice, the width of the front light, which rear light is intended to be traversed by the rear portion and the intermediate portion of the second strip section;

• the lateral passer advantageously has a generally rectangular shape and consists of two lateral rods associated with two connecting rods; in addition, the transverse element consists of a rod located between said lateral rods, parallel thereto and connecting said connecting rods;
• the securing means also comprise a retaining lug which is located at the first strip section, at a distance from its free end, which passing lug comprises two slots separated by a transverse element, namely a rear light and a front light , intended to be traversed respectively by the first band section and the front portion of the second strip section; preferably, this maintenance loop has a structure identical to that of the aforementioned lateral passer;
• the lateral passer, and possibly the holding loop, are mounted in free sliding on the sections of flexible band.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale des moyens de solidarisation conformes à l'invention, destinés à équiper la bande d'une ceinture vestimentaire, selon une perspective orientée du côté de sa face arrière ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté du passant latéral ou du passant de maintien, constitutifs des moyens de solidarisation de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente les principales étapes de manoeuvre de la bande souple au travers des passants constitutifs des moyens de solidarisation de la figure 1.

The invention will be further illustrated without being in any way limited by the following description of a particular embodiment, given solely by way of example, in relation to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a general view of the fastening means according to the invention, intended to equip the band of a clothing belt, according to a perspective oriented on the side of its rear face;
• the figure 2 is a side view of the lateral passer or the holding loop, constituting the securing means of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 represents the main steps of maneuvering the flexible band through the passers constituting the means for securing the figure 1 .

The securing means 1, represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , are intended to equip the end sections of a band or strap, made of flexible material. These assembled elements together constitute a belt, especially for clothing accessories purpose.

1. (i) un passant d'extrémité 2, destiné à être ménagé au niveau d'un premier tronçon d'extrémité de la bande,
2. (ii) un passant latéral 3, destiné à venir au niveau d'un second tronçon d'extrémité de la bande, et
3. (iii) un passant de maintien 4, destiné à être localisé au niveau dudit premier tronçon d'extrémité de la bande et à proximité du passant d'extrémité 2.

The corresponding fastening means 1 here comprise three pieces, each constituting a loop for the waistband, as described later in connection with the figure 3 , to know :

1. (i) an end pass 2, intended to be formed at a first end section of the band,
2. (ii) a lateral passer 3, intended to come at a second end section of the band, and
3. (iii) a holding loop 4, intended to be located at said first end section of the strip and close to the end pass 2.

The end pass 2 here consists of a ring-shaped piece or loop, whose overall shape is circular.
Alternatively, this piece 2 may also be of oval, rectangular, square or other general shape.

This end loop 2 defines a central slot 5, also of generally circular shape, provided for the passage of the second end portion of the strip during closing and clamping operations.

The lateral passer 3 and the holding loop 4 have structures that are here identical, or at least similar.

This lateral passer 3 and this holding loop 4 each consist of a one-piece piece made of a metallic material.

As shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , These two loops 3 and 4 each comprise a body, designated respectively by the reference numerals 6 and 7, which here has a rectangular general shape, consisting of two lateral rods and two connecting rods, respectively designated by reference numerals 6a, 6b b and 7 a , 7 b .

• le passant latéral 3 comporte une lumière avant 8 et une lumière arrière 9, séparées par l'élément structurel transversal 10, et
• le passant de maintien 4 comporte une lumière avant 11 et une lumière arrière 12, séparées par un élément structurel transversal 13.

The body 6, 7 of each of these two loops 3, 4 defines two slots separated by a transverse structural element, namely:

• the lateral passer 3 comprises a front light 8 and a rear light 9, separated by the transverse structural element 10, and
• the holding loop 4 comprises a front light 11 and a rear light 12, separated by a transverse structural element 13.

The transverse structural element 10, 13 in question occupies a fixed position. It consists of a cylindrical rod located between said side rods 6a, 7a, positioned parallel to the latter, and whose ends are connected with each of the connecting rods 6 b, 7 b.

This transverse element 10, 13 is furthermore arranged within each of the two loops 3, 4 so that the width L of the rear light 9, 12 corresponds to twice, or approximately twice, the width l of the front light. 8, 11 ( figure 2 ).

The height h of the slots 8, 9 and 11, 12 respectively from the side and 3 from holding 4, is defined by the connecting rods 6 and b 7 b.
This height h is less than the height H of the end pass 2 around a portion of this end pass 2 (or in this case its diameter), to avoid any possibility of passage of the latter to through the lateral passer 3 or the holding loop 4, during closing and tightening operations.

The assembly of the parts 2, 3 and 4, constituting the securing means 1, with the band or strap 15 of a belt is described in detail below in connection with the figure 3 .

On the figure 3 A , we find the three constituent parts of the assembly means 1: the end pass 2, the lateral pass 3 and the holding pass 4.

A strip 15 (shown partially) is first suitably attached to the end runner 2 and the holding runner 4, as shown in FIG. figure 3 B.
This strip 15, made of flexible material, consists for example of a leather strip or a textile strip. It is terminated by two end sections 15 a and 15 b each having a free end 15 a 'and 15 b' (right and left respectively on the figure 3 ).

As illustrated on the figure 3 B, a first end portion 15 a of the flexible band 15 is folded over itself and through the lumen 5 of the end eyelet 2, to form an assembly hem closed for example by means of a seam or rivets 15 c , to ensure the attachment of said end loop 2.
This portion bent through the end pass 2, around a length segment of this end pass 2, constitutes the free end 15 a 'of this first section of flexible band 15 has . It is noted that this first portion 15 a is again introduced into the back light 12 from holding 4.

Passing the holding 4 is then located at the first end portion 15a, at a distance from its free end 15 a '. This holding loop 4 is mounted here in free sliding on the flexible strip 15.

1. (i) la lumière arrière 9 du passant latéral 3, vers le passant d'extrémité 2 (figure 3 C),
2. (ii) la lumière 5 du passant d'extrémité 2, de l'arrière vers l'avant (figure 3 C),
3. (iii) la lumière arrière 9 du passant latéral 3, en éloignant l'extrémité libre 15b' par rapport au passant d'extrémité 2, de sorte à ajuster la longueur et le serrage de la bande 15 (figure 3 D),
4. (iv) la lumière avant 8 de ce même passant latéral 3, à nouveau vers le passant d'extrémité 2, pour verrouiller le serrage appliqué (figure 3 E), et
5. (v) la lumière avant 11 du passant de maintien 4, pour la finition de l'assemblage (figure 3 F).

To close, tighten and adjust the flexible band 15 by means of the three loops 2, 3 and 4, the user manipulates the second end section 15b of the flexible band 15, by successive introduction through:

1. (i) the rear light 9 of the lateral passer 3, towards the end pass 2 ( figure 3 C ),
2. (ii) the light 5 of the end loop 2, from the back to the front ( figure 3 C ),
3. (iii) the rear light 9 of the lateral passer 3, by moving the free end 15 b 'away from the end pass 2 so as to adjust the length and the tightening of the band 15 ( figure 3 D ),
4. (iv) the front light 8 of this same lateral passer 3, again towards the end passer 2, to lock the applied clamping ( figure 3 E ), and
5. (v) the front light 11 of the holding loop 4, for finishing the assembly ( figure 3 F ).

1. (i) une partie arrière 15b1 s'étendant depuis la lumière arrière 9 du passant latéral 3 jusqu'à la lumière 5 du passant d'extrémité 2,
2. (ii) une partie intermédiaire 15b2 s'étendant de la lumière 5 du passant d'extrémité 2 jusqu'à la lumière arrière 9 du passant latéral 3, et
3. (iii) une partie avant 15b3 comportant l'extrémité libre 15b' du second tronçon 15b, s'étendant au travers de la lumière avant 8 du passant latéral 3, devant le passant d'extrémité 2 et au travers de la lumière avant 11 du passant de maintien 4.

As can be seen on the figure 3 F , the second end portion 15b of the strap 15 is then folded into the general shape of S with three superposed parts, namely successively:

1. (i) a rear portion 15b 1 extending from the rear light 9 of the side passer 3 to the end pass light 5 2,
2. (ii) an intermediate portion 15 b 2 extending from the light 5 from the end 2 to the backlight 9 House side 3, and
3. (iii) a front portion 15b 3 having the free end 15b 'of the second section 15b , extending through the front lumen 8 of the lateral passer 3, in front of the end passer 2 and through the front light 11 of the sustain passer 4.

• les parties arrière 15b1 et intermédiaire 15b2 du second tronçon d'extrémité 15b sont repliées l'une sur l'autre, et enroulées autour du passant d'extrémité 2,
• les parties intermédiaire 15b2 et avant 15b3 de ce second tronçon d'extrémité 15b sont repliées l'une sur l'autre, et enroulées autour de l'élément transversal 10 du passant latéral 3.

On the figure 3 F , it can still be observed that:

• the rear portions 15 b 1 and 15 b 2 through the second end portion 15 b are folded over each other, and wound around the end eyelet 2,
• the intermediate parts 15 b 2 and b 3 before 15 of this second end section 15 b are folded over each other, and wound around the transverse element 10 from the side 3.

In this configuration, it can be seen that the two side rods 6, 7a and two connecting rods 6 b, 7 b extend, respectively, along the height and the thickness of the flexible band 15 as folded .

The securing means according to the invention allow the tightening of the belt to be maintained by a sliding and blocking phenomenon that is simple and effective, and that can be adapted perfectly to the morphology of the user individual.

It will be noted that the maintenance loop 4 is not essential and that it may possibly not be present. It nevertheless makes it possible to reinforce the tightness of the closure and to ensure a good hold of the free end of the belt. Its presence also provides a certain visual symmetry on both sides of the central loop, which brings a plus in terms of aesthetics.

In terms of manufacture, the securing means according to the invention have the advantage of being particularly simple, and are free of moving parts (joints, barbs, lugs, pins, pawls or hinges, for example).
Such fastening means can also be produced in a minimum of operations and machining steps, therefore quickly and with a reduced cost.

On the other hand, the securing means according to the invention make it possible to avoid drilling holes in the flexible strip 15; this flexible band 15 is further completely reversible and its two longitudinal faces can therefore be used on the front.

The means of solidarity offer the designer / designer several ornamental metal supports.

Finally, the movement of the band, preferably a leather band, at the level of the fastening means 1 offers an original and attractive aesthetic, allowing the props to express themselves by stamping, coloring or any other means of marking. level of the central front part, which is difficult to envisage with the closure means known until now.

As described above, such securing means are particularly suitable for producing a belt, so as to close and tighten the two end portions of a single flexible band. But of course, other applications are possible, such as the closure of handbags or shoes, in combination with two end sections of two separate flexible bands to assemble.

Claims (10)

1. Device for closing and tightening two sections (15a, 15b) of a flexible band, in particular two end sections (15a, 15b) of a flexible belt band (15), each of said band sections (15a, 15b) having a free end (15a', 15b') and being equipped with structural means (1) for their fastening to each other, said fastening means (1) comprise two keeper parts (2, 3), i.e., on the one hand, an end keeper (2) arranged at the free end (15a') of a first band section (15a), comprising an opening (5) provided for the crossing of the second band section (15b), and on the other hand, a lateral keeper (3) intended to come at said second band section (15b), remote from the free end (15b') of the latter, characterized in that the lateral keeper (3) comprises two openings, a rear one (9) and a front one (8), separated by a transverse structural element (10), for the crossing of said second band section (15b) during the closing and tightening operations, said second band section (15b) being intended to cooperate with said both keepers (2, 3) during said closing and tightening operations, by being successively introduced, starting from said lateral keeper (3), through the opening (5) of the end keeper (2), the rear opening (9) of said lateral keeper (3) and the front opening (8) of this same lateral keeper (3), so as to be folded into a generally S-shape, with three superimposed portions, i.e., successively, (i) a rear portion (15b1) extending from said lateral keeper (3) to the opening (5) of said end keeper (2), (ii) an intermediate portion (15b2) extending from said opening (5) of the end keeper (2) to the rear opening (9) of said lateral keeper (3), and (iii) a front portion (15b3) comprising the free end (15b') of said second band section (15b), extending through the front opening (8) of said lateral keeper (3) toward said end keeper (2).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first band section (15a) of the flexible band (15) is folded over itself and through the opening (5) of the end keeper (2), to ensure the fixation of the latter.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the end keeper (2) is generally ring-shaped or buckle-shaped.
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end keeper (2) has a height (H) higher than the height (h) of the rear opening (9) of the lateral keeper (3), to avoid the crossing thereof through said rear opening (9).
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse element (10) of the lateral keeper (3) has a fixed position, and in that the rear opening (9) of said lateral keeper (3) has a width (L) corresponding to twice, or approximately twice, the width (l) of the front opening (8), said rear opening (9) being intended to be passed through by the rear portion (15b1) and the intermediate portion (15b2) of the second band section (15b).
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lateral keeper (3) has a generally rectangular shape and is consisted of two lateral rods (6a) associated with two junction rods (6b), and in that the transverse element (10) consists of a rod located between said lateral rods (6a), parallel to the latter and linking said junction rods (6b).
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening means (1) further comprise a holding keeper (4) that is located at the first band section (15a), remote from the free end (15a') thereof, said holding keeper (4) comprises two openings (11, 12) separated by a transverse element (13), i.e. a rear opening (12) and a front opening (11), intended to be passed through by the first band section (15a) and by the front portion (15b3) of the second band section (15b), respectively.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the structure of the holding keeper (4) is identical to the structure of the lateral keeper (3).
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lateral keeper (3), and possibly the holding keeper (4), are mounted to slide freely on the associated band sections (15a, 15b).
10. Clothing belt comprising a band (15) made of a flexible material, associated with a closing and tightening device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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