NZ214266A

NZ214266A - Two part fastener; one element having an open-ended apertured recessed portion

Info

Publication number: NZ214266A
Application number: NZ214266A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: P K Mccully; S H Yeoh
Original assignee: Itw New Zealand Ltd
Priority date: 1985-11-20
Filing date: 1985-11-20
Publication date: 1987-11-27
Also published as: AU6500386A; JPS62129004A; ES2003525A6; AU575505B2; JPH0728764B2; KR930002860B1; KR870004680A

Description

214266 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL NUMBER: 214266 A 29OCT 1986 / DATED: 20TH NOVEMBER, 1985. _ J r-- - , .1 A FASTENER WE, ITW NEW ZEALAND LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 7 Charann Place, Avondale, Auckland 7, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- 214266 BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION This invention relates to a fastener and in particular to a fastener for use with belts, straps, webbing and other elongate lengths of material, the ends of which are to be joined together.

Up until this time various forms of fasteners have been known and disclosed.

One form of fastener, such as for example disclosed in New Zealand patent specification number 117,529, describes and discloses a buckle in which a first buckle part is generally flat and provided with an aperture through which a second and also generally flat buckle part may be passed one end first. In the arrangement disclosed, the belt end is attached to a second buckle part, by extending around a cross bar located between ends of the second buckle part. After the second buckle part is passed through the aperture it is pivoted about the axis of the cross bar until the two parts are 15 generally parallel one with the other. If tension is then applied to the second end of the belt, which passes through the aperture, the two buckle parts are drawn together in a substantially face to face relationship, with the second buckle part lying partially across the aperture on a pair of shoulders at the sides of the aperture.

A further arrangement is disclosed in New Zealand patent specification number 175459, which describes and discloses a similar buckle arrangement, although in that particular arrangement when the two buckle parts are in substantial face to face relationship, a second buckle part straddles an aperture, resting on a transverse cross piece of a first buckle part. 25 In the buckle connection described and disclosed in New Zealand patent specification number 117,529, the second buckle part is released by lifting the one end, causing the part to pivot about the ends of the shoulders until it is aligned with the aperture. It can then pass back through the aperture. _ 3 _ 214260 Because of this requirement a part of the aperture must necessarily be exposed when the two parts are joined together. This is unsightly, and is not attractive to a purchaser or user.

It has been found that up until this time, fasteners and buckle arrangements have not been as straightforward and efficient in use as might be desired.

The present invention sets out to overcome or minimise the problems encountered up until this time, or at least to suggest or provide an acceptable alternative, and to provide the public with a useful choice.

At least one form of the present invention sets out to provide a straightforward and efficient fastening arrangement.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener including first and second locking elements, said first locking element including a recessed portion defined by raised walls at sides and a front end thereof; and further including an open rear end; a transverse aperture passing into said recessed portion; a transverse ledge portion being provided immediately adjacent said aperture at the front end of said recessed portion; said second locking element having a forward body portion and extending into a tail portion; the fastener being such that in use an end of said second element is passed through the transverse aperture in the first element and then engaged within the recessed portion of said first element, the forward body portion of said second element resting on and being in abutment with said transverse ledge portion, and with the tail portion of said second element extending through the open rear end of said first element; movement of said tail portion of said second element outwardly and away from said first element causing said forward body portion of the second element to pivot on and ,_'• * /> * 2 2 SEP 1987 2l relative to said ledge portion, and to thereafter pass through said transverse aperture to release and disengage said first and second elements one from the other.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a fastener including first and second locking elements, said locking elements being attached to ends of elongate material, a forward end of said first element being provided with a transverse slot through which elongate material is passed and secured; a front face of said locking element including a recessed portion defined by raised side and front walls, and having an open rear face; a transverse aperture extending into said recessed portion, an inner surface of said raised front wall being provided with a transverse ledge (>ortion immediately adjacent said transverse aperture; said second element having a forward portion and a rearwardly extending tail portion, engagement means being provided in or adjacent said forward portion,to permit attachment of said second element to elongate material; the tail portion of said second element extending into a downwardly extending transverse lip portion; the fastener being such that in use said second element can be passed through said transverse aperture in the first element; the second element then being located and engaged within the recessed portion in the front face of said first element, with the forward portion thereof resting and abutting against said substantially transverse lodge portion and with the tail portion thereof extending outwardly beyond the open rear face of said first element; movement of said tail portion of said second element outwardly and away from said first element, causes the forward end of said second element to move and pivot on said transverse ledge portion, and to thereafter allow the second element and elongate material attached thereto to pass said transverse aperture in the first element, to thus disengage said first and second elements one from the other. v c,;, x 214366 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS This invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein, Figure 1; is a plan view of one locking element according to one form of the present invention.

Figure 2: is a side view of the locking element shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 3: is a cross sectional view on arrows IV - IV, of the locking element shown in Figure I of the accompanying drawings. 10 Figure 4: is a plan view of a further form of locking element according to one form of the present invention.

Figure 5: is a side view of the locking element shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 6; is a perspective view of locking elements of the present invention, with elongate material or belts attached, with the second locking element passed through an aperture in the first locking element.

Figure 7; is a perspective view of the first and second locking members of the present invention engaged one with the 20 other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is described by way of example only, with reference to a fastener, (such as for examples fastener including first and second locking elements), which locking elements are attached to respective 25 ends of a length of material such as for example a length of webbing, belt or the like. It should be appreciated however that this is by way of example only. In the preferred form of the invention the locking elements are formed of an appropriate plastics material, although this is by way of example only 214266 and other mouldable or non mouldable materials, such as for example metal and the like, could be used if desired. It should be appreciated however that plastics is the preferred material for the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, this shows a 5 plan view of a first locking element 10. The locking element 10 is formed of a plastics material and has a recessed portion 25, in the front thereof, defined by raised side walls 12 and a raised front wall 36. The element 10 may include a base portion or a partial rear base portion 22 and an open rear wall 16. A transverse aperture 24 passes into the recessed portion 25. The transverse 10 aperture 24 extends for substantially the width of the recessed portion 25, and then extends into a recessed tail portion 24a. The forward end 14 of the first locking element 10 is formed as a bar, defining a transverse slot or recess 18 through which the end of material or webbing can pass, so as to attach to the first locking element 10 to the end of a belt or length of material. 15 The front wall 36 of the recessed portion 25 extends into and is integrally formed with a transverse ledge portion 30 immediately adjacent the aperture 24. Preferably the connection between the ledge 30 and the front surface of the forward end 36, is substantially rounded or radiused, as at 32.

The raised side arms 12 of the first locking element 10 are in one form of 20 the invention, tapered inwardly and rearwardly towards each other. As will be appreciated from the description hereinafter, this assists in maintaining a complete and snug fit between the first and second locking elements 10 and 40, when they are engaged one with the other.

Referring further to Figure 1 of the drawings, in one form of the 25 invention the inner surfaces 12a of the raised side portions 12 are provided with stepped portions as at 17, the surfaces 12a and steps 17 being so profiled as to engage (such as by frictional engagement) with stepped formations and profiles on outer surfaces of the walls of a second locking element (as will be described hereinafter), to again assist in a snug, efficient and 'friction fit' 214266 like engagement between the first and second locking elements 10 and 40.

Referring now to Figures 4and 5 of the accompanying drawings, a second locking element 40 is provided and has a forward end 40a and a rearwardly extending tail end 40b. The tail 40b is provided at its distal end, with a downwardly extending transverse lip 41.

Towards the forward end 40a of the second locking element 40 two laterally spaced apart slots 42 and 44 are provided, separated for example by a cross bar 46. The transverse slots 42 and 44 allow for the end of a belt, webbing or elongate material to pass therethrough, and if desiredto then be 10 attached or sewn back on itself, so as to attach the second locking element to an end of webbing, belt or elongate material. If desired such webbing or belt 48 can tx fed through the slots 42 and 44 and then left unattended, so to allow for adjustment such as tightning, loosening and the like.

As will be appreciated from Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying 15 drawings, outer surfaces 47 of the sides of the second locking element 40 are provided with stepped formations49, and/or can be suitably profiled, so as to assist in a snug and frictional engagement with the first locking element 10, when the elements 10 and 40are engaged one with the other.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings. 20 The end of a strap or webbing 20 is passed through the slot 18 at the forward end 14 of the first locking element 10 and this is sewn back oil itself or attached in some similar or appropriate manner, so that the first locking element 10 is attached to an end of the belt, webbing or elongate material20.

The other end of the belt, webbingor material, or some other end of material 25 48, is then passed through the slot 42 of the second locking element 49 over the cross piece 46 and through the slot 44, thereafter to be secured or sewn on itself in some appropriate manner. As referred to hereinbefore, the material 20 can be left loose or unattached, (such as for adjustment), if desired. This then allows for the second locking element 40 to be attached to an end of a belt, webbing or elongate material 48, such as in the manner by way of example, in Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.

The above are by way of example only and it should be appreciated that the first and second locking elements 10 and 40 can be attached to ends of elongate webbing, belting or material, in any appropriate or desired manner.

In order to engage the locking elements 10 and 40,one with the other, the second locking element 40 is passed through the aperture 24, of the first locking element 10, from the back or underside thereof (preferably but not essentially) with the end 40a first. If desired however, the end 40b can be passed through the aperture 24 first. On the element 40 passing through the aperture 24, the element 40 is pivoted about the axis of the cross piece 46, until it is substantially parallel to the locking element 10. By then pulling the two belts away from each other, the locking elements 10 and 40 are drawn to each other.

It should be appreciated that because the locking element 40 straddles the aperture 24, the elements 10 and 40 tend to come into alignment, and a continued pulling of the belts in opposite directions, (so that the belts are under tension), will cause the locking element 40 to locate and house itself within the recessed portion 25 in of the first element 10.

It should be appreciated that the locking element 10 can be specifically and manually housed and located v/ithin the recess 25, to thus bring about engagement of the elements 10 and 40, independent of the pressure or tension applied to the belts or webbing 20 and 48..

The location of the locking element 40 within the recess 25, will result in the stepped and/or profiled formations 17 on the inner surfaces 12a of the sides 12 of the element 10 and the stepped and/or profiled formations 49 on the outer surfaces 47 of the locking element 40, engaging and meshing one with the 214266 other, in a "friction-fit" type engagement. Further, the inward tapering nature of the sides 12 of the locking element 10 will assist in a secure and snug fit andengagement between the locking elements 10 and 40.

In the closed position, (as shown for example in Figure 7 of the 5 accompanying drawings), the closure and engagement will be maintained by the belts 20, 48, being under tension, and the lip portion 41 at the distal end of the tail of the locking element 40, may rest against the belting 48 to assist in holding it in position.

Further on the locking elements 40 and 10 being engaged one with the 10 other, the front surface 40a of the second locking element 40 will abut against and rest on the ledge portion 30 immediately adjacent the aperture 24. As referred to hereinbefore, it is preferred (but not essential) that the connection between the front wall 36 and ledge portion 30 be slightly curved or radiused such as at 32.

When it is desired to unfasten a belt, strapping or the like, and/or to disengage the locking elements 10 and 40 one from the other, the end 40b of the second locking element 40 is lifted outwardly and away from the element 10. For example, a finger or fingers can be placed under the end 40a, and/or under or about the transverse lip 41 at the end 40a, and the second locking 20 element 40 lifted up in the general direction of the arrow "A" of Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings. This will cause the forward end 40,to pivot about its end 40a, on the transverse ledge portion 30. A continued upward movement of the locking element 40 wiU cause the forward end 40a and upward upper surface thereof to come into contact with the front face 36, which will cause 25 the front end of the locking element 40 to be moved and pivoted off and away from the ledge portion 30,and to move or slide into the aperture 24, whereafter the element 40 (and any material 48 attached thereto), will pass through the aperture 24 to disengage from the locking element 10. —' »'■! wWllMfc" il ,»> litiWWHi'W*" r-r # 214266 In use, if the belt 48 is under tension, the combined tension and movement of the locking element 40 (such as in the manner described) will quickly draw the element 40 and belt 48 out of and away from the aperture 24 and element 10.

While the invention has been described with reference to belts and webbing, it should be appreciated that the locking elements 10 and 40 can be used for receiving together or engaging other articles or materials, on to the other.

It should be appreciated that modifications and improvements may be 10 made to this invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof as defined by the appended claims. 0092

Claims

■ W • *;-11-;WHAT WE CLAIM IS:;I. A fastener including first and second locking elements, said first locking element including a recessed portion defined by raised v/alls at sides and a front end thereof; and further including an open rear end; a transverse aperture passing into said recessed portion; a transverse ledge portion being provided immediately adjacent said aperture at the front end of said recessed portion; said second locking element having a forward body portion and extending into a tail portion; the fastener being such that in use an end of said second element is passed through the transverse aperture in the first element ^ and then engaged within the recessed portion of said first element, the forward body portion of said second element resting on and being in abutment with said transverse ledge portion, and with the tail portion of said second element extending through the open rear end of said first element; movement of said tail portion of said second element outwardly and away from said first element causing said forward body portion of the second element to pivot on and relative to said ledge portion, and to thereafter pass through said transverse aperture to release and disengage said first and second elements one from the other.;2. A fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transverse ledge portion is integrally formed with an inner surface of said raised front wall of the first locking element.;3. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transverse slot is provided adjacent a forward end of said first element, to allow for elongate material to engage with said first element.;4. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein inner;5. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said raised side walls of the first locking element taper rearwardly towards each other.;6. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein two spaced apart transverse slots are provided in a forward end of said second element, to allow for engagement of said locking element with elongate material.;7. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein outer side surfaces of said second element are stepped in formation.;8. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transverse lip portion is provided on an underside of the end of said tail portion of said second locking element.;9. A fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein inner surfaces of the raised side walls of the first element and outer surfaces of the side walls of the second element are provided with stepped formations, the arrangement being such that in use and on engagement of said first and second elements, the step formations engage one with the other.;10. A fastener as claimed in claim 9, wherein the stepped formations are so formed and profiled that on said second locking element being located within the recessed portion in said first locking element, and on the forward end of said second element abutting against said transverse ledge portion, said respective step formations allow for frictional engagement between said first and second locking elements.;11. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 3 to 10, wherein said elongate material is a belt.;214263;-13-;12. A fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 3 to 10, wherein said elongate material is webbing.;13. A fastener including first and second locking elements, said locking elements being attached to ends of elongate material, a forward end of said first element being provided with a transverse slot through which elongate material is passed and secured; a front face of said locking element including a recessed portion defined by raised side and front walls, and having an open rear face; a transverse aperture extending into said recessed portion, an inner surface of said raised front wall being provided with a transverse ledge portion immediately adjacent said transverse aperture; said second element having a forward portion and a rearwardly extending tail portion, engagement means being provided in or adjacent said forward portion,to permit attachment of said second element to elongate material; the tail portion of said second element extending into a downwardly extending transverse lip portion; the fastener being such that in use said second element can be passed through said transverse aperture in the first element; the second element then being located and engaged within the recessed portion in the front face of said first element, with the forward portion thereof resting and abutting against said substantially transverse ledge portion and with the tail portion thereof extending outwardly beyond the open rear face of said first element;;movement of said tail portion of said second element outwardly and av/ay from said first element, causes the forward end of said second element to move and pivot on said transverse ledge portion, and to thereafter allow the second element and elongate material attached thereto to pass said transverse aperture in the first element, to thus disengage said first and second elements one from the other.;214266;-14-;14. A fastener as claimed in claim 13, wherein inner surfaces of the raised side walls of said first locking element and outer surfaces of said second Locking element are so formed and profiled, that on engagement of said first and second elements one with the other, said elements frictionaliy engage one;5 with the other.;15. A fastene rsubstantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.;10;ITW NEW ZEALAND LIMITED BY THEIR ATTORNEYS, BALDWlfCsjON <3c CAREY;0094;/ V;15;f2» OCT/986;vV..., r.VsJ;V P 1 V;20;25*