US2486652A

US2486652A - Belt buckle with slidable gripper element

Info

Publication number: US2486652A
Application number: US543078A
Authority: US
Inventors: Otto J Huelster
Original assignee: Scovill Inc
Current assignee: Scovill Inc
Priority date: 1944-07-01
Filing date: 1944-07-01
Publication date: 1949-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 1966-11-01

Description

Nov. 1, 1949. o. .1. HUELSTER BELT BUCKLE WITH SLIDABLE GRIPPER ELEMENT Filed July 1, 1944 INVENTOR OTTO J HUELS'TER Patented Nov. 1, 1949 BELT BUCKLE WITH SLIDABLE GRIPPER ELEMENT Otto J. Huelster, Waterb Scovill Manufacturing Company, Waterbury, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application July 1, 1944, Serial No. 543,078

7 Claims.

This invention relates to buckles as commonly employed on belts. More particularly, the invention deals with buckles freely adjustable along one end portion of a belt in adjusting the size thereof, and having snap fastener engagement with the other end portion of the belt for quickly coupling and uncoupling the belt ends and without disturbing adjustment of the buckle on one end of the belt. Still more particularly, the invention deals with buckle devices of the kind under consideration wherein the socket part of the snap fastener employed is arranged upon and movable with the gripper element of the buckle and slidably movable in the buckle frame. The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following descriptions when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views; and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing portions of a belt preparatory to coupling the same through the snap fastener means employed.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing one end of the belt in side elevation and the other end of the belt carrying the stud of the snap fastener, in dot and dash lines.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the buckle shown in Figs. 1 and 2, detached.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing only the one belt part in side elevation, and showing a modified form of buckle frame.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of another form of buckle which I employ; and

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 11 of Fig. 6.

In Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive is shown one adaptation of my invention, Fig. 1 showing the end portions l and H of a belt or other support, the end ll having a more or less conventional stud l2 on one surface thereof adjacent the belt end, whereas the belt end H) has a buckle l3 adjustably supported thereon.

The buckle l3 comprises an elongated frame It substantially rectangular in form and defined by side rails l joined by transverse end rails I6 and I1, and a central plate portion l8 spaced'from the rails l6 and I! by apertures I9 and 20, through which the belt end I0 is adapted to be freely threaded by first passing the end outwardly through the aperture l9, and then inwardly through the aperture 20 in the manner shown, to arrange that part 2| of the belt positioned between the apertures I9 and 20 over the plate I8.

The plate l8 has centrally and longitudinally thereof an elongated aperture 22, and arranged upon the upper surface of the plate It; is a gripper element 23 preferably of gear like construction,

ury, Conn., assignor to that is to say, this element is in the form of a round disc having at its periphery circumferenseen at 25, so as to rest upon tially spaced gripper teeth 24. The central portion of the element 23 is offset downwardly, as the plate l8, thus minimizing the surface contact area of the ment 23 with the plate as well as to space the tooth like periphery of the element 23 above the plate, thus providing a freer gripping action on the belt andalso facilitating adjustment of the buckle longitudinally of the belt.

At this time, it is also well to point out that by providing a gear like gripper element, many advantageous results are provided. First, in that free rotation of this element on the buckle frame provides indefinite use of the buckle in minimizing wear upon the gripper teeth as different teeth are brought into engagement with the belt in adjustment thereof. Further, a circular gripper element of this type and kind localizes the gripping action on the central portion of the belt, thus avoiding any injury to stitched edges and also compensating for belts including inturned or folded edges. Furthermore, a more positive gripping action is provided. Still further, it will be apparent that a gripper element of the type and kind defined lends itself to simplified and economized manufacture as well. as assemblage in the buckle frame.

Centrally of the offset portion 25, the gripper has a downwardly extending short tubular hub portion 26 which fits freely but snugly in the aperture 22 in guiding the gripper for longitudinal movement in the frame, while at the same time providing free rotary movement of the gripper in said frame. Below the portion 26 is a further reduced tubular portion 21 which is riveted or spun over, as seen at 28 in securing a socket part 29 of a snap fastener to the gripper 23. This coupling of the socket part 29 with the gripper 23 may be free so that the socket part can rotate on the tubular portion 21 or may be fixed against any movement, depending upon the method of assembly employed. The socket part 29 may be of any desired form and construction, and in the present illustration, comprises a cup shaped body having an enlarged or radially offset lower end 30 for supporting a spring ring 3|, this ring being adapted to yieldably engage the stud I2, as in other snap fastener devices of this type and kind. This construction provides a quick coupling and uncoupling of the buckle l3 with the stud l2 in coupling and uncoupling the strap ends 19 and II. It will be understood that after the buckle [3 has been adjusted to the desired size on a belt, the buckle will remain in this position until such time as change in size is required.

In Fig. 2 of the drawing the gripper 23 is shown in what might be termed a neutral position, however, when the belt ends are coupled together and eleare strained in a direction tending to pull these tical with the element 31 shown in Fig. 2. In

ends apart, the gripper 23 will be arranged to the other words, the periphery includes circumferenright of the showing in Fig. 2, with the belt tially spaced gripper teeth 58, and the center sharply bent in its passage through the aperture depressed portion 59 of the gripper has the sleeve 20 and abutting the end rail l1. 5 extension 60 similar to the extension 43 for at- Considering Fig. 2 of the drawing it will also tachment of the socket part 6! therewith. As appear that the diameter of the gripper is such as the socket part El is similar to the part 29. for to normally dispose the teeth beyond the ends of this reason, no detailed description of the part the plate I8 or to extend over both of the aperis necessary. tures l9 and 20, Whereas in the operation of the 10 Considering the structure of Figs. 6 and 7, it gripper, as above stated, one portion will be disl be ppa e t that the curvature of the bars posed well above the aperture 20, and the opposed 41 and 48 will have a tendency to shape t e b portion of the gripper will be arranged inwardly Strap 0 ther member mounted in the buckle of the aperture l9 and upon the plate Is. This t engage a greater num r f teeth n h r psame relationship and movement of the parts will D element and While the use of the teeth be true with the other forms of construction illus- 49 and 59 are not s ential, by including these t te 4t ,7 1 1 teeth, a more positive gripping action can be In Figs 4 and 5 of t drawing is shown obtained with a belt or strap arranged in the slight modification of the structure illustrated buckle in Figs, 1 to 3 In these figures 32 represents In the various forms of buckles disclosed, the th b k1 frame simila t the frame I, and belt or strap when mounted in the buckle in the instead of having flat side and end rail memmanner indicated, for eXamDle in i s- 2 and 4.- bers, the side and end rail members are preferthe drawing, W l be retained against acciably convexed on the outer surface thereof and dental Shifting along the belt or s n even concaved on the inner surface thereof, as will when the gripper element i maintained in the clearly appea in the side rails 33 shown in centralized, or more or less neutral position. Fig 5 and t end

rails

34 and 35 shown in However, when a strain is applied to the belt or Fig. 4. the latter being equivalent to the rails Strap ends tending to Separate t e Same, the it and I1. With this construction. instead of gripper Will be moved t t e t. as will be having a center plate as the plate IS in allne- 3O appatentftom a Consideration f 2 0f the ment with the rails and n a center plate drawing, 1n which the belt end H, including the 36 is de ressed to a. degree equal to or at least stud is indicated in clot and ash nes. substantially equal to the central ofi'set portion It will also appear that the t buck e s uni- 3'! of a gripper 3 the ofiset portion 31 being versal insofar as its mounting on a belt is consjmilur to t off et 5 The gripper is f th r 35 cerned. In other words, it is immaterial which modified by having the peripheral gripper teeth end of the buckle is directed toward the end of 39 thereof inclined upwardly or disposed anguthe belt Strap as both ends are the Same larly to the body portion of the gripper.' This t h gripper is capable of movement in the offse ting of the teeth will provide a firmer direction of both ends in performing its gripper gagement of the gripper with the belt employed. 40 actlonand in Fig. 4, one end portion of a belt is indi- Having fully described my invention, What I cated by the reference ML claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Pat- By offsetting the plate 36 downwardly, the entis:

gripper becomes housed within the outwardly A buckle comprising an elongated a bowed or convexed periphery f the buckle or said frame having transverse belt receiving openwill be arranged for the most part in the recess mgs in end portions thereof the frame. having Surfane there f as will clearly appear fro a an elongated aperture centrally thereof and terconsideration of Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing. minating short of said end Openings, a round This will keep the portion 4| of the belt arranged gripper element, said element having an integral above the gripper in closer relationship to the hub portion projecting from the center of Said border frame of the buckle, and minimize what element and ed and Operating in the apermight b t r t bulging or humping of the ture of said frame in movement of the element b Within th buckle frame longitudinally and rotatably of the frame, the

At 42 is shown a socket member similar to periphery of said element being arranged t socket 2g and attached to the gripper 31 55 iacent the openings in said frame and adapted t rough a sleeve constru tion 43 identical with to grip a belt d d ou e openings n the coupling as t 25 21 and 23 and for this said frame in movement of the element longir ason. no further detailed description is given. tudinally 0f the frame, Said element being The offset plate 36 has an elongated aperture 44 ranged 011 One Surface of the f a means therein similar to the aperture 22, to provide 00 teehed to said hub d a n d on e other free longitudinal m ve ent of th gripper i t surface of the frame for coupling the buckle with buckle frame. another support and for retaining the element In Figs. 6 and '7 is shown noth r form of against displacement from the frame, and said buckle. wherein the buckle frame 45 has its side element having a o se cum ere t a ed e walls 46 Joined at the ends in curved cross bars portion paralleling and pa d a y from the 4'l and 48, inner surfaces of which are provided adl'a e Surface of e a wlth longitudinally spaced

teeth

49 and 50. The 2. A buckle comprising an elongated frame, sides 46 are also joined by a center plate portion said frame having transverse belt receiving open- 5l, the ends of which terminate in curved walls ings in end portions thereof, the frame having 52 and 53, spaced from the inner tooth edges of an elongated aperture centrally thereof and

terthe bars

41 and 48 to form the strap or belt mina in sh r f s id end op n n s, a o

nd receiving openings

54 and 55. The plate 5| ingripperelement, said element having an integral cludes a longitudinal opening 56 to provide b p i pr g from the center of said longitudinal movement of the gripper element 5! element and arranged and operating in the apertherewith. The element 5! is substantially iden- 7 ture of said frame in movement of the element longitudinally and rotatably of the frame, the periphery of said element being arranged adjacent the openings in said frame and adapted to grip a belt threaded through the openings in said frame in movement of the element longitudinally of the frame, said element being arranged on one surface of the frame, means attached to said hub and arranged on the other surface of the frame for coupling the buckle with another support and for retainin the element against displacement from the frame, the periphery of said element having circumferentially spaced projections, said projections joining the body portion of the element in a circumferential part offset outwardly with respect to the first named surface of the frame, and one wall of each opening in the frame opposite the gripper element having projecting gripper teeth.

3. In a buckle having a frame apertured for threading of a belt therethrough, a gear like gripper element rotatable upon one surface of the frame, the frame having a longitudinal aperture, means extending from the axis of the element into said aperture for rotatably and slidably mounting the element on the frame, said means having a reduced part extending beyond the other surface of the frame, a fastener member attached to the reduced part of said means and disposed on said other surface of the frame, and said fastener member retaining the element against displacement from the frame and having a rigid mounting on the reduced part of said means.

4. In a buckle having a frame apertured for threading of a belt therethrough, a gear like gripper element rotatable upon one surface of the frame, the frame having a longitudinal aperture, means extending from the axis of the element into said aperture for rotatably and slidably mounting the element on the frame, said means having a reduced part extending beyond the other surface of the frame, a fastener mem-' ber attached to the reduced part of said means and disposed on said other surface of the frame,

said member retaining the element against dis placement from the frame, said member comprisin a resilient stud receiving socket, the first named surface of the frame being depressed to house the major portion of the element therein, and the pressed to dispose the periphery of said element in spaced parallel relation to the depressed surface of said frame.

5. A belt buckle comprising a frame apertured for threading of a belt therethrough, the frame having an elongated aperture disposed substantially at right angles to the first apertured portion of the frame, a gripper element arranged on one surface of the frame, said element havcentral portion of the element being deing an integral hub portion extending through said elongated aperture for rotatably and slidably mounting of the element on the frame, said hub portion having a reduced end portion disposed at the other side of the frame, and a snap fastener member mounted on the reduced portion of the hub at the other surface of the frame and engaging the frame to retain said element against displacement from the frame.

6. A belt buckle comprising a frame apertured for threading of a belt therethrough, the frame having an elongated aperture disposed substantially at right angles to the first apertured portion of the frame, a gripper element arranged on one surface of the frame, said element having an integral hub portion extending through said elongated aperture for slidable mounting of the element on the frame, said hub portion having a reduced end portion disposed at the other side of the frame, a snap fastener member mounted on the reduced portion of the hub at the other surface of the frame and engaging the frame to retain said element against displacement from the frame, that part of the frame having the elongated aperture therein being depressed, and the outer portion of said element being raised with respect to the surface of said depressed portion and substantially paralleling the same.

7. In a buckle having a frame with a crosswise aperture at each end for threading, of a belt therethrough, a gear-like gripper element slidably and rotatably mounted upon one surface of the frame, the frame having a longitudinal aperture between the crosswise apertures, said gripper element having a centrally located hub extending through the longitudinal aperture, and a snap fastener part surrounding and attached to the protruding part of said hub and bearing directly against the opposite surface of the frame along the sides of said longitudinal aperture to retain the attached gripper element and fastener part in slidable and rotatable relation to the frame.

OTTO J. HUELSTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 887,209 Mattson May 12, 1908 1,798,677 Johnson et a1. Mar. 31, 1931 1,839,574 Merzinger Jan. 5, 1932 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 667,935 Germany Nov. 23, 1938 688,069 Germany Feb. 12, 1940