FR3112927A1 - Belt buckle adaptable to at least two widths of belt tape and belt comprising such a buckle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a belt buckle (2), adaptable to at least two different widths (e1, e2) of belt tape (3), comprising a box (4) and at least one bridge (5) formed of two parts (8, 9) which extend on either side of the case, the belt buckle further comprising a mechanism housed at least in part in a cavity (23) 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 the actuation of at least one of the parts of the trigger guard relative to the other between a first configuration, corresponding to a first width (e1) of belt tape, and a second configuration, corresponding to a second width (e2) of waist band. (Fig.1)

Description

Belt buckle adaptable to at least two widths of belt tape and belt comprising such a buckle

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

An adaptable belt buckle for different widths of belts 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 sash tape hem to fasten the buckle to one end of the sash tape. 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.

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 trigger guard may include a rod having an extension introduced slidably 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 removed from the scabbard and the two parts of the trigger guard are separated.

The shank extension of the other of the trigger guard portions may be provided with an enlarged free end which is inserted into the scabbard in each of the first and second trigger guard configurations.

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 direction transverse to a width of a belt ribbon, or in other words along a length of the belt ribbon.

The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a belt comprising a belt buckle comprising at least some of the characteristics 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

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

FIG. 1 represents a belt fitted with a belt ribbon and a belt buckle according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the belt buckle of Figure 1 in a first configuration;

Figure 3 shows the belt buckle of Figure 1 in a second configuration;

FIG. 4 partially shows, in exploded view and in front view, the belt buckle illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 partially shows, in exploded view and in perspective, from a first viewing angle, the belt buckle illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 6 partially shows, in exploded view and in perspective, from a second angle of view, the belt buckle illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 7 partially shows, in exploded view and in perspective, from a third angle of view, the belt buckle illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 8 represents in isolation a plate against the belt buckle illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

Figure 9 partially shows in perspective the belt buckle in its first configuration as in Figure 2;

Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9 but taken in median section passing through a bridge of the belt buckle and rotated 180 °;

Figure 11 partially shows in perspective the belt buckle in its second configuration as in Figure 3;

Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 11 but taken in median section passing through a bridge of the belt buckle and rotated 180 °;

Figure 13 is a view similar to that of Figure 11, but showing the belt buckle in transparency;

Figure 14 is a view identical to that of Figure 12, but rotated 180°.

detailed description

Figure 1 shows 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 tape 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.

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 case 4 provided with an underside 6 from which protrudes a trigger guard 5 and a tibi 7.

The bridge 5 comprises two parts 8 and 9 which extend from the lower face 6 of the case 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 loop, rigid, 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.

In FIG. 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.

In FIG. 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 spaced apart.

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 case 4.

We will now describe in more detail the parts 8 and 9 of the bridge 5 and the actuating mechanism with reference to 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 slidably introduced into the sheath 13 of the second branch 11 of 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.

We will see 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 enlarged free end 18 of the extension 17 remains introduced into the sheath 13 in each of the first and second configurations of the trigger guard 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 housing 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 fasteners 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 formed laterally a receiving hole 35 provided to partially accommodate therein a respective positioning pin 21.

The positioning pins 21 are mounted adjusted 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 FIGS. 9 to 14.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, parts 8 and 9 of 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 in FIGS. 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 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.

In FIGS. 11 to 14, parts 8 and 9 of bridge 5 are spaced apart 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 in FIGS. 13 and 14) cooperate with the positioning notches 29 respectively provided on the edges 27 and 28 and the minuses at 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 into each other as described above or they can simply be opposite each other, with a space between them when they are spread 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 counter plate.

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 have as many possible configurations.

It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims (15)

Belt buckle, adaptable to at least two different widths (e1, e2) of belt tape (3), comprising a box (4) and at least one bridge (5) formed of two parts (8, 9) which extend on either side of the case (4), the belt buckle (2) further comprising a mechanism housed at least in part in a cavity (23) of the case (4) and movable between at least a first stable position and a second stable position, said mechanism being configured to be moved by the actuation of at least one of the parts (8, 9) of the bridge (5) relative to the other between a first configuration, corresponding to a first width (e1) of belt ribbon (3), and a second configuration, corresponding to a second width (e2) of belt ribbon (3). Belt buckle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said mechanism comprises at least one main moving part (20) housed to slide in the cavity (23) of the casing (4), with at least one of the parts (8, 9) of the bridge (5) which is mechanically secured to said at least one main moving part (20). Belt buckle according to Claim 2, characterized in that the 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 moving 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. Belt buckle according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said at least one positioning pin (21) is mounted adjusted in the said at least one main movable part (20) and is provided with a free end projecting from the said at least a 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 positioning notches (29), under the effect of an external stress. Belt buckle according to one of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the said cavity (23) of the casing (4) generally has the 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). Belt buckle according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one of the said parts (8) of the bridge (5) comprises an at least partially hollow rod (11) forming a sheath (13) and the other of said parts (9) of the trigger guard (5) comprises a rod (15) having an extension (17) slidably introduced into the sheath (13). Belt buckle according to Claim 6, characterized in that in the first configuration of the bridge (5), the said extension (17) is introduced at least largely into the sheath (13) and the two parts (8, 9) of the trigger guard (5) are close together; while in the second configuration, said extension (17) is at least partially out of the sheath (13) and the two parts (8, 9) of the trigger guard (5) are separated. Belt buckle according to one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the said extension (17) of the rod (15) of the other of the said parts (9) of the bridge (5) is provided with a widened free end which is introduced into the sheath (13) in each of the first and second configurations of the trigger guard (5). Belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each part (8, 9) of the bridge (5) has substantially an L shape. Belt buckle according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a counter-plate (24) covering the cavity (23) and secured to the case (4). Belt buckle according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the said bridge (5) forms a rigid loop configured to be crossed by the belt ribbon (3). Belt buckle according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the said parts (8, 9) of the bridge (5) and the said mechanism are moved by a translation in a direction of movement. Belt buckle according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said direction of displacement corresponds to a direction transverse to a width of the belt ribbon (3), or in other words along a length (L) of the belt ribbon (3). Belt comprising a belt buckle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a belt ribbon (3) passing through the bridge of the belt buckle (2). Belt according to Claim 14, in which the belt strip (3) has a first predetermined width (e1) and passes through the bridge (5) of the belt buckle (2) in its first configuration, or in which the belt strip (3 ) has a second predetermined width (e2) greater than the first predetermined width (e1) and crosses the bridge (5) of the belt buckle (2) in its second configuration.