EP3949790B1 - Belt buckle that can be adapted to at least two widths of belt tape and belt comprising such a buckle - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a belt buckle.

It relates more particularly to a belt buckle adaptable to at least two widths of belt tape.

It also relates to a belt comprising such a buckle.

State of the art

A belt buckle that can be adapted for different belt widths is for example described in the document US 3,986,233 .

In this document, the belt buckle comprises a body on either side of which extend two curved plates. The curved plates can slide relative to the body to move away or closer to each other to define different belt widths between them. Each of the two plates has a finger and the two fingers point towards each other in a same plane to fit into a waistband hem to secure the buckle to one end of the waistband. The two plates are held in position relative to the body by friction by means of a leaf spring which compresses each plate against the body.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a belt buckle adaptable to at least two widths of belt tape which is particularly simple and convenient to use.

The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a belt buckle, adaptable to at least two different widths of belt tape, comprising a box and at least one bridge formed of two parts which extend on either side of the belt. other of the case, the belt buckle further comprising a mechanism housed at least in part in a cavity of the case and movable between at least a first stable position and a second stable position, said mechanism being configured to be moved by actuation of at least one of the parts of the bridge relative to the other between a first configuration, corresponding to a first width of belt ribbon, and a second configuration, corresponding to a second width of belt ribbon.

In such a belt buckle, the desired width is easily selected by simple actuation of at least one of the parts of the trigger guard.

Actuation of the trigger guard allows it to pass from one to the other of its first and second configurations, thus driving the mechanism from one to the other of its first and second stable positions.

In the buckle according to the invention, it is not useful to have an actuator independent of the bridge itself.

The mechanism may comprise at least one main moving part slidably housed in the cavity of the housing, with at least one of the parts of the bridge which may be mechanically secured to said at least one main moving part.

The housing cavity may have at least two positioning notches separated by a predetermined distance from each other, and the mechanism may include at least one positioning pin partially housed in said at least one main moving part and provided for cooperating with said at least two notches to stabilize the mechanism respectively in its first and second stable positions.

Said at least one positioning pin is mounted snugly in said at least one main moving part and is provided with a free end projecting from said at least one main moving part which has a shape at least substantially curved so as to facilitate passage from one to the other of said at least two notches, under the effect of an external stress.

The cavity of the casing may generally have the shape of a longitudinal groove having a bottom and edges, with said at least two notches which are provided on at least one of said edges.

One of the parts of the trigger guard may comprise an at least partially hollow rod forming a sheath and the other of the parts of the bridge may include a rod having an extension inserted slidingly into the sleeve.

In the first configuration of the trigger guard, the extension can be introduced at least largely into the sheath and the two parts of the trigger guard are close together; while in the second configuration, the extension can be at least partially out of the sheath and the two parts of the trigger guard are apart.

The extension of the rod of the other of the parts of the trigger guard can be provided with an enlarged free end which is inserted into the sleeve in each of the first and second configurations of the trigger guard.

Each part of the bridge can have substantially an L shape.

The loop may include a counter-plate covering the cavity and secured to the casing.

A bridge here forms for example a rigid loop, configured to be crossed by the belt tape.

For example, the parts of the trigger guard and the mechanism are moved by a translation along a direction of movement.

For example, the direction of movement corresponds to a width of a belt tape.

The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a belt comprising a belt buckle comprising at least some of the features described above, and a belt ribbon passing through the bridge of the belt buckle.

The belt tape can have a first predetermined width and pass through the belt buckle bridge in its first configuration, or the belt tape can have a second predetermined width greater than the first predetermined width and pass through the belt buckle bridge in its second configuration.

Brief description of figures

• La figure 1 représente une ceinture munie d'un ruban de ceinture et d'une boucle de ceinture conforme à l'invention ;
• La figure 2 représente la boucle de ceinture de la figure 1 dans une première configuration ;
• La figure 3 représente la boucle de ceinture de la figure 1 dans une deuxième configuration ;
• La figure 4 montre partiellement, en éclaté et en vue de face la boucle de ceinture illustrée sur les figures 1 à 3 ;
• La figure 5 montre partiellement, en éclaté et en perspective, selon un premier angle de vue, la boucle de ceinture illustrée sur les figures 1 à 3 ;
• La figure 6 montre partiellement, en éclaté et en perspective, selon un deuxième angle de vue, la boucle de ceinture illustrée sur les figures 1 à 3 ;
• La figure 7 montre partiellement, en éclaté et en perspective, selon un troisième angle de vue, la boucle de ceinture illustrée sur les figures 1 à 3 ;
• La figure 8 représente de manière isolée une contre-plaque de la boucle de ceinture illustrée sur les figures 1 à 3 ;
• La figure 9 montre partiellement en perspective la boucle de ceinture dans sa première configuration comme sur la figure 2 ;
• La figure 10 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 9 mais prise en coupe médiane passant par un pontet de la boucle de ceinture et tournée de 180° ;
• La figure 11 montre partiellement en perspective la boucle de ceinture dans sa deuxième configuration comme sur la figure 3 ;
• La figure 12 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 11 mais prise en coupe médiane passant par un pontet de la boucle de ceinture et tournée de 180° ;
• La figure 13 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 11, mais montrant en transparence la boucle de ceinture ;
• La figure 14 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 12, mais tournée de 180°.

The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the following detailed description, given by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• There figure 1 shows a belt provided with a belt ribbon and a belt buckle according to the invention;
• There picture 2 represents the belt buckle of the figure 1 in a first configuration;
• There picture 3 represents the belt buckle of the figure 1 in a second configuration;
• There figure 4 partially shows, in exploded view and in front view, the belt buckle illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 ;
• There figure 5 partially shows, exploded and in perspective, from a first angle of view, the belt buckle illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 ;
• There figure 6 partially shows, exploded and in perspective, from a second angle of view, the belt buckle illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 ;
• There figure 7 shows partially, exploded and in perspective, from a third angle of view, the belt buckle illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 ;
• There figure 8 represents in isolation a counter-plate of the belt buckle illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 ;
• There figure 9 partially shows in perspective the belt buckle in its first configuration as on the picture 2 ;
• There figure 10 is a view similar to that of the figure 9 but taken in the middle section passing through a bridge of the belt buckle and turned 180°;
• There figure 11 partially shows in perspective the belt buckle in its second configuration as on the picture 3 ;
• There figure 12 is a view similar to that of the figure 11 but taken in the middle section passing through a bridge of the belt buckle and turned 180°;
• There figure 13 is a view similar to that of the figure 11 , but showing the belt buckle in transparency;
• There figure 14 is a view identical to that of the figure 12 , but rotated 180°.

detailed description

There figure 1 has a belt 1 provided with a belt buckle 2 and a belt ribbon 3 intended to be fastened to the belt buckle 2.

The belt ribbon 3 is for example made of leather or textile.

The belt ribbon 3 has a length L corresponding to a wearer's waist circumference, and a width e1 or e2, visually corresponding to a height of the ribbon.

The belt buckle 2 is adaptable at least to the two widths e1 and e2 of the belt ribbon 2.

The belt buckle 2 can for example take at least a first configuration in which it is adapted to a ribbon of width e1 and a second configuration in which it is adapted to a ribbon of width e2.

For example, the first configuration is here called “narrow”, while the second configuration is called “wide”.

By way of illustration, the first width of tape e1 corresponds for example to a width of 24 mm and the second width of tape e2 corresponds for example to a width of 32 mm.

THE figures 2 and 3 show the belt buckle 2 respectively in its first so-called narrow configuration and in its second so-called wide configuration.

The belt buckle 2 comprises a casing 4 provided with an underside 6 from which protrudes a bridge 5 and a tibi 7.

The bridge 5 comprises two parts 8 and 9 which extend from the lower face 6 of the casing 4 and on either side of the latter.

The two parts 8 and 9 of the trigger guard 5 face each other and thus form a rigid loop allowing the belt tape to pass through.

The tibi 7 here forms a fixed rod provided with a relatively enlarged head configured to be inserted into at least one hole (not shown) of the belt ribbon in order to secure the belt ribbon to the belt buckle.

The tibi 7 can possibly be inserted in two superimposed holes which would be formed at two ends of the belt ribbon for example.

On the picture 2 , the bridge 5 is in its first so-called narrow configuration in which the two parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 are close together.

On the picture 3 , the bridge 5 is in its second so-called wide configuration in which the two parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 are separated.

The trigger guard 5 is passed from one to the other of its first and second configurations by simply moving the parts 8 and 9 of the trigger guard 5, thanks to an actuation mechanism mounted in the housing 4.

We will now describe in more detail the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 and the actuating mechanism with reference to the figures 4 to 8 .

Part 8 of bridge 5 has an overall L-shape and has a first branch 10 called vertical, and a second branch 11 called horizontal.

The first branch 10 is here provided with a threaded free end 12.

The second branch 11 has the shape of an at least partially hollow rod forming a sheath 13.

Part 9 of bridge 5 has an overall L-shape and has a first branch 14 called vertical, and a second branch 15 called horizontal.

The first branch 14 is here provided with a threaded free end 16.

The second branch 11 has the shape of a rod having an extension 17 configured to be introduced by sliding into the sheath 13 of the second branch 11 of the part 8 of the bridge 5.

The extension 17 is here provided with an enlarged free end 18 to guide the sliding of the extension 17 in the sheath 13.

It will be seen later that in the first configuration of the trigger guard 5, when the two parts 8 and 9 of the trigger guard 5 are brought together, the extension 17 is introduced at least largely into the sheath 13; while in the second configuration of the trigger guard 5, when the two parts 8 and 9 of the trigger guard 5 are separated, the extension 17 is at least partially out of the sheath 13.

The widened free end 18 of the extension 17 remains introduced into the sheath 13 in each of the first and second configurations of the bridge 5.

The actuation mechanism here comprises two main moving parts 20 and two positioning pins 21 each partially housed in a main moving part 20.

The actuating mechanism further comprises two cover pieces 22 configured to be secured to the respective main moving parts 20.

The box 4 is provided with a cavity 23 opening into its lower face 6.

The actuating mechanism is configured to be housed in the cavity 23 and the belt buckle 2 comprises a counter-plate 24 covering the cavity 23 and secured to the casing 4 by fixing members 25 of the type, for example fixing screws.

The cavity 23 here generally has the shape of a longitudinal groove having a bottom 26 and opposite edges 27 and 28 and extending from the bottom 26 towards the lower face 6 of the housing 4.

Positioning notches 29 are made in the cavity 23, on its edges 27 and 28.

In the example illustrated, two positioning notches 29 are formed on the edge 27 and on a first side 30 of the cavity 23 while two positioning notches 29 are formed on the edge 28 and on a second side 31 of the cavity 23 opposite the first side 30.

The positioning notches 29 of each pair of two positioning notches 29 are separated by a predetermined distance, which corresponds to the spacing distance of the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 in its second configuration.

The casing 4 is further provided with a plurality of orifices 32, 33 formed in its lower face 6.

A hole 32 is provided at a distance from the cavity 23 to receive a mounting base 34 of the tibi 7, which mounting base 34 is opposite its enlarged head.

Other orifices 33 are located in the immediate vicinity of the cavity 23 to receive the fixing members 25 for securing the counter plate 24.

The two main moving parts 20 are configured to be slidably housed in the cavity 23 of the casing 4, one rather on the first side 30 and the other rather on the second side 31.

Each main moving part 20 has substantially the shape of a block in which is made laterally a receiving hole 35 intended to partially accommodate a respective positioning pin 21 therein.

The positioning pins 21 are mounted snugly in the respective receiving holes 35 so that they are fixed there.

The positioning pins 21 are each provided with a free end projecting from the respective main moving part 20.

The positioning pins 21 are found opposite a respective edge 27, 28 of the cavity 23 and are provided to cooperate with the positioning notches 29 to stabilize the mechanism respectively in its first and second stable positions.

The free ends of the positioning pins 21 have for example a shape that is at least substantially curved, so as to facilitate passage from one to the other of the two respective positioning notches 29, under the effect of an external stress.

Each main moving part 20 is here provided with a recessed portion 36 directed towards the side opposite the bottom 26 of the cavity 26 and on which are mechanically fastened a respective part 8, 9 of the bridge 5, and a cover part 22.

In particular, a threaded through hole 37 is made in the setback portion 36 of each main moving part 20 for the passage of a fixing member, for example of the fixing screw type (not shown), as far as the end threaded free 12, 16 of the first branch 10, 14 of the respective part 8, 9 of the bridge 5 for its subjection.

A fitting well 38 is here provided in the recessed portion 36 of each main moving part 20 for the insertion of a fixing stud 39 formed on each of the cover parts 22.

Each cover piece 22 is also provided with a notch 40 to allow the passage of the first branch 10, 14 of the respective part 8, 9 of the bridge 5.

In addition, in the example illustrated, the counter-plate 24 comprises through holes 41 for the passage of the first branch 10, 14 of the respective part 8, 9 of the bridge 5.

These through-holes 41 are oblong to additionally allow the translation of the first branch 10, 14 of the respective part 8, 9 of the bridge 5 inside these through-holes 41.

We will now describe the passage from one to the other of the configurations of the bridge 5 and therefore of the positions of the mechanism with reference to the figures 9 to 14 .

On the figures 9 and 10 , the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 are brought together so that the latter is in its first so-called narrow configuration.

In this first configuration, the mechanism is in its first position in which the main moving parts 20 are against each other in the center of the cavity 23, and therefore at a distance from the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

The respective first branches 10 and 14 of the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 together with the cover pieces 22 are carried by the main moving parts 20 are therefore also at a distance from the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

In this first position of the mechanism, the free ends of the positioning pins (not visible on the figures 9 and 10 ) cooperate with the respective positioning notches 29 furthest in the center of the cavity 23, and therefore furthest from the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

In the first configuration of the trigger guard 5, the extension 17 of the second branch 15 of the part 9 of the trigger guard 5, and its widened free end 18, are completely introduced into the sheath 13 of the second branch 11 of the part 8 of the trigger guard 5.

On the figures 11 to 14 , the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 are separated so that the latter is in its second so-called wide configuration.

In this second configuration, the mechanism is in its second position in which the main moving parts 20 are at a distance from each other and at the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

The respective first branches 10 and 14 of the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 together with the cover pieces 22 are carried by the main moving parts 20 are therefore also at a distance from each other and at the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

In this second position of the mechanism, the free ends of the positioning pins (visible on the figures 13 and 14 ) cooperate with the positioning notches 29 respectively provided on the edges 27 and 28 and the least in the center of the cavity 23, and therefore closest to the ends of the cavity 23 at the level of the first and second sides 30 and 31.

In the second configuration of the trigger guard 5, the extension 17 of the second branch 15 of the part 9 of the trigger guard 5 is partially deployed from the sheath 13 of the second branch 11 of the part 8 of the trigger guard 5, while its widened free end 18 remains introduced into the sheath 13.

Variants not shown are shown below.

The loop may include several bridges like the one described above.

The parts of the trigger guard can fit one inside the other as described above or else simply face one another, with a space between them when they are moved apart.

The belt buckle may comprise a single main moving part with one or more positioning pins.

The belt buckle may be devoid of a covering piece, or even of a counterplate.

The cavity can be provided with more than two positioning notches, for example three, four or more arranged successively. If necessary, the mechanism can be put in as many positions as there are successive notches and the trigger guard can comprise as many possible configurations.

It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented, but is only limited by the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Belt buckle, adaptable to at least two different widths (e1, e2) of belt strip (3), comprising a casing (4), the belt buckle being characterized in that it comprises at least one bridging member (5) formed from two parts (8, 9) which extend across the casing (4), the belt buckle (2) further comprising a mechanism housed at least partly in a cavity (23) of the casing (4) and movable between at least a first stable position and a second stable position, said mechanism being configured to be moved by actuation of at least one of the parts (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) relative to the other between a first configuration, corresponding to a first width (e1) the belt strip (3), and a second configuration, corresponding to a second width (e2) of belt strip (3).
2. Belt buckle according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanism comprises at least one main movable part (20) slidably housed in the cavity (23) of the casing (4), at least one of the parts (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) being mechanically connected to said at least one main movable part (20).
3. Belt buckle according to claim 2, characterized in that said cavity (23) of the casing (4) has at least two positioning notches (29) separated by a predetermined distance from each other, and the mechanism comprises at least one positioning pin (21) partially housed in said at least one main movable part (20) and provided to cooperate with said at least two positioning notches (29) to stabilize the mechanism respectively in its first and second stable positions.
4. Belt buckle according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one positioning pin (21) is mounted with a close fit in said at least one main movable part (20) and is provided with a free end projecting from said at least one main movable part which has a shape that is at least substantially curved so as to facilitate the passage from one to the other of said at least two positioning notches (29), under the effect of being acted upon externally.
5. Belt buckle according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said cavity (23) of the casing (4) has the general shape of a longitudinal groove having a bottom (26) and edges (27, 28), and said at least two positioning notches (29) are provided on at least one of said edges (27, 28).
6. Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one of said parts (8) of the bridging member (5) comprises a rod (11) that is at least partly hollow forming a sheath (13) and the other of said parts (9) of the bridging member (5) comprises a rod (15) having an extension (17) slidably inserted into the sheath (13).
7. Belt buckle according to claim 6, characterized in that in the first configuration of the bridging member (5), at least a large proportion of said extension (17) is inserted into the sheath (13) and the two parts (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) are brought towards each other; while in the second configuration, said extension (17) is at least partly out of the sheath (13) and the two parts (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) are away from each other.
8. Belt buckle according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said extension (17) of the rod (15) of the other of said parts (9) of the bridging member (5) is provided with an enlarged free end which is inserted into the sheath (13) in each of the first and second configurations of the bridging member (5).
9. Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each part (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) is substantially L-shaped.
10. Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a counterplate (24) covering the cavity (23) and mechanically connected to the casing (4).
11. Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said bridging member (5) forms a rigid loop configured for being passed through by the belt strip (3).
12. Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said parts (8, 9) of the bridging member (5) and said mechanism are moved by translation in a direction of movement.
13. Belt buckle according to claim 12, characterized in that said direction of movement corresponds to a width of the belt strip (3).
14. Belt comprising a belt buckle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a belt strip (3) passing through the bridging member of the belt buckle (2).
15. Belt according to claim 14, of which the belt strip (3) has a first predetermined width (e1) and passes through the bridging member (5) of the belt buckle (2) in its first configuration, or of which the belt strip (3) has a second predetermined width (e2) greater than the first predetermined width (e1) and passes through the bridging member (5) of the belt buckle (2) in its second configuration.

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