US3174202A - Belt buckle - Google Patents

Description

March 23, 1965 H. P. BENSON BELT BUCKLE Filed June 4, 1962 m mm A a. h m I M g III M e f M w W United States Patent C) 3,174,202 BELT BUCIGJE Horace P. Benson, Attleboro, Mass, assignor to B & J Jewelry Co., Inc, Attleboro Falls, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed June 4, 1962, Ser. No. 199,868 1 Claim. (Cl. 24-230) The present invention relates to a belt buckle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a buckle construction for use with an elongated belt preferably of that type that is formed of stretchable materials.

The belt buckle embodied herein has particular appli cation with belts that are formed of a material other than the conventional leather material. In the conventional leather belt, a buckle having a tongue is normally secured to one end of the belt, the tongue being adapted to be inserted through an eye in'the other end of the belt when the belt is secured around the waist of the wearer. In recent years, various other materials have been utilized in the fabrication of belts, and since the conventional eye or opening cannot be formed in the body of the belt, other types of buckle constructions have been developed. The present invention includes a novel arrangement of a buckle member and a clasp member that are adapted to be easily and quicmy united when the belt is placed around the waist of the wearer. The clasp member is adapted to be inserted in engaging relation with the buckle member on the inside or unexposed portion thereof, thereby imparting an ornamental and modem appearing etfect to the buckle when it is located on the waist of the wearer. By utilizing a spring loaded latch in the clasp construction and providing a bridge on the rear side of the buckle member that spans the width thereof, a convenient latching arrangement is formed that enables the wearer to easily secure the clasp member to the buckle member or to remove it therefrom.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening device for use with an elongated belt that includes a buckle member and a clasp member that are each secured to an end of the belt, the buckle member and clasp member being united by a unique locking action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a buckle construction for use with a belt wherein the buckle member and clasp member are adapted to be interlocked in overlapping relation.

Still another object is to provide a clasp construction for use with a buckle that includes a spring urged latch that is adapted to secure the clasp construction to the buckle.

Still another object is to provide a metallic buckle construction for use with belts formed of stretchable materials, the buckle construction including an interlocking buckle and clasp member.

Still another object is to provide a clasp member for use with a buckle wherein the clasp member is inserted between the body of the buckle member and a bridge, a spring urged latch on the clasp member engaging the bridge in the assembled position of the members to firmly lock them together.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by me for carrying out my invention:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the fastening device embodied herein as it is located in assembled position on the ends of an elongated belt;

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FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 22 in tion of the clasp member of the fastening device prior to movement thereof to the locking position in the buckle member;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the assembled clasp member and buckle member of the fastening device embodied herein;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the clasp member illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of clasp member.

The clasping device embodied in the present invention has particular application in belt constructions and is particularly designed for use with those belts that are formed of non-leather materials. In such belt constructions, it is not practical to utilize the conventional tongue and eye belt buckle unless additional leather strips are secured to the ends of the non-leather portions of the belt. It has been found that interesting ornamental effects may be created by securing fastening elements directly to the ends of those belts that are formed of non-leather materials. The present invention not only provides a belt construction that is ornamental in appearance, but also includes a buckle and clasp member that are easily and quickly locked in position or removed from the locked position thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawing, one form of the invention embodied herein is illustrated and includes a fastening device generally indicated at 10 that is adapted to be secured to a belt 12. The belt 12 may be formed of any suitable material, such as leather or metal mesh, but is preferably formed of a non-leather, non-metallic material that has stretching characteristics. This type of belt has recently found great favor in the trade and has a variety of applications. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, one end of the belt 12 indicated at 14 is secured to a buckle member 16 of the fastening device 10, while the other end of the belt 12 indicated at 18 is secured to a clasp member generally indicated at 20.

The buckle member 16 defines the exterior element of the fastening device 10 and is formed with a generally curved body portion 22 that may have any ornamental configuration or design etched or cast as a permanent part on the outer surface thereof. Formed integral with the body portion 22 but disposed at right angles with respect thereto are inwardly directed side walls 24 and 26. Both side walls 24 and 26 are foreshortened with respect to the length of the arcuate or curved body portion 22 wherein the extreme outer edges of the body portion define oppositely disposed guide edges or lips 28 and 30. Joined to'the side walls 24 and 26 adjacent the edges thereof are opposed pins or rolls 32 and 34, the pins 32 and 34 preferably including reduced outer end portions that extend through openings formed in the side walls 24, 26. The pins 32, 34 are thus mounted for relative rotation between the side ' walls 24, 26. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the pins 32, 34 not only bridge the width of the body portion 22, but are also spaced from the inner surface thereto to define slots therewith. The pin 34 of the buckle member 16 is provided for receiving the end 14 of the belt 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the end 14 of the belt 12 extends around the pin 34 and terminates in an adjustment clip 36 that is provided fgr adjusting the length of the belt 12 as is well known in t e art.

The clasp member 20 as mentioned above is secured to the end 18 of the belt 12, and for this purpose is provided with a base element 38 shown more clearly in FIG. 6. The base element 38 has a generally rounded nose portion 40 and is generally curved or arcuate in configuration to conform to the curved inner surface of the body, portion 22 of the buckle member 16. Extending around the sides and nose portion 40 of the base element 38 is a flange 42 that tapers from the rear end of the. base element to the nose portion. Joined to the flange 42 and. depending therefrom in spaced relation are tabs 44, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. Formed in the base element 38 adjacent the rear edge thereof and extending the width thereof is a slot 46 which as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 receives the end 18 of the belt 12 therein. The belt 12 is thus secured to the clasp memher 20, and the ends of the belt are fastened together when the clasp member 20 and buckle member 16 are united in interlocking relation. Although not shown, the end 18 of the belt 12 may also, be secured to an adjust- 'ment clip similar to the adjustment clip 36.

in order to lock the clasp member 20 to the buckle member 16, a latch 48 is provided and is secured to the base element 38 in outwardly urged relation. The latch 48 includesxa wall 50 that has a flange 52 joined to the edges thereof that tapers from a rounded rear portion 54 to a relatively enlarged front portion that defines a shoulder 56. Bordering the flange 52 is a marginal flanged portion 58 that has an upwardly extending tab portion 60-joined to the rear end thereof.

Interposed between base element 38 and the latch 48 is a spring member 62 that has a struck-out portion 64 that is provided for urging the latch 48 outwardly with respect to the base element 38. In order to secure the latch 48 and spring member 62 to the base element 38, a securing element 66 is provided and includes a central opening 68 that base configuration generally similar to that of the wall 50 and flange 52 joined thereto. Joined to the marginal edge of the securing element 66 that surrounds the opening 68 is a wall 70. As shown more clearly in.

FIG. 6, the marginal portion of the securing element 66 surrounding the opening 68 is provided with notches 72, which, as will be described hereinafter, are adapted to receive tabs 44 for securing the various components of the clasp member 20 in assembled relation. When the clasp member is disposed in the assembled position thereof, the securing element 66 is secured to the base element 38,-the spring member 62 and the latch 48 being interlocked between the base and securing elements. It will be noted that the configuration of the securing element 66 is substantially similar to that of the base element 38 so that when the securing element 66 is disposed inthe assembled position thereof, it fits within the confines of the flange 42 of the base element 38. In this position, the flange 52 of the wall 50 projects through the opening 68 in the securing element 66, the shoulder 56 being exposed. Since the spring member 64 is interposed between the base element 38 and the latch 48, it will be seen that the latch '48 will be urged to an outer-position when the securing element 66 is locked to the base element 38. As noted above, the tabs 44 are adapted to be received within the notches 72 formed in the securing element 66,- the tabs 44 being bent over as illustrated in FIG. to firmly engage the marginal portion of the securing element 66. In the assembled position of the clasp member 20, the shoulder 56 of the wall 50 is normally urged outwardly as shown in FIG. 4 and, as will be described, is adapted to be compressed against the action of the spring 62 in the latching operation of the clasp member with the belt member.

After the end 18 of the belt 12 has been inserted through the slot 46 of the base element 38 and secured in place by the suitable adjustment clip and the end 14 of the belt 12 is secured around the pin 34 and locked iii position by the adjustment clip 36, the ,belt may be inserted around the waist of the wearer and fastened thereon by the fastening device 10. The fastening operation is accomplished by inserting the clasp member 20 in the slot defined by the pin 32 and the rear surface of the body portion 22 of the buckle member 16. The pin 32 is spaced from the rear surface of the body portion 22 such that the wall 70 of the securing element 66 is slidably received therein, This defines the greatest dimension and thickness of the clasp member 20 with the exception of the outwardly urged latch 48. Since the latch is depressible against the action of the spring 62, it will move inwardly as shown in FIG. 4 as the clasp member 20 is moved within the confines of-the buckle member 16. The pin or roll 32 cooperates with therear surface of the body portion 22 to force the latch 48 in the base element 38. When the clasp element 20 has been pushed inwardly of the belt member 16 sufiiciently for the shoulder 56 to clear the pin 32, the latch 48 will spring outwardly in response to movement of the spring 62 and the shoulder 56 will look behind the pin 32 as illustrated in FIG. 2 in the drawing. In the assembly of the clasp member 20 with the belt member 16, the lip 28 tends to guide the reduced forward or leading edge or nose of the clasp member 20 and thereby acts as a guide in the assembly of the clasp member 20 with the belt member 16. It is seen that the clasp member 20 may be easily and quickly disassembled from the position illustrated in FIG. 2 by forcing the latch 48 inwardly and exerting an outward force on the clasp member 20. Since the shoulder 56 will be moved inwardly to clear the pin 32, the latch member may be easily'rernoved from the assembled position thereof. It will be noted that the spring 62 in the assembled position substantially occupies the space within the flange 52 of the latch 48 and thereby prevents it from endwise or sidewise movement in the latching and unl-atching operation.

Furthermore, the marginal portion 58 of the latch 48 overlaps the marginal edge of the securing element 66, and the latch 48 is thus locked in the clasp element for movement as described in response to the outwardly urging force of the spring 62.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a modified form of the clasp The clasp member 74 includes a base element 76 that has a shape and configuration generally similar to the base element 38. The body portion of the base element 76 is provided with a transverse slot 78 that is adapted to receive the end of a belt in the manner as described above. Also formed in the base element 76 is a slot 80 that has a configuration generally similar to a latch 82. The latch 82 is identical in construction to the latch 48 and includes an outwardly projecting shoulder 84 and a flange 86 that defines the marginal area or portion of the latch. A spring 88 substantially identical to the spring 62 is also utilized in the clasp member 74, and the assembly is completed by a securing element 90. The securing element 90 isformed with an imperforate body portion that has slots 92 formed around the margin thereof in spaced relation, the slots 92 receiving corresponding tabs 94' that are formed on the marginal flange 96 of the base element 76. The body portion of the securing element 90 is bent at one end thereof to define a wall 98. In the assembly of'the clasp member 74 illustrated in FIG. 7, the body of the latch 82 fits within the opening 80 in the base element 76, the marginal flange 86 of the latch engaging the underside of the base element 76 and surrounding the opening 80. The latch 82 is thus contained Within the base element 76, the shoulder 84 being exposed by the opening 80. The spring 88 and the latch 82 are secured in the assembled position thereof by locating the securing element 90 within the marginal flange 960i the base element and turning in the tabs 94 within the slots 92. With the clasp member 74 located in assembled position, the uniting thereof in clasped relation with the buckle member 16 is similar to that described above inconnection with clasp member 20.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be mani- 5 fest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indiciated by the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

A fastening device for use with an elongated belt, comprising a buckle member and a clasp member, said buckle member including a body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, spaced side walls joined to said body portion and disposed in perpendicular relation with respect thereto, a first transversely extending pin secured to said side walls and bridging the inner surface of said body portion in spaced relation with respect thereto, one end of said belt extending around said first pin for securing said buckle member to said belt, a second transversely extending pin secured to said side Walls and bridging the inner surface of said body portion and disposed in spaced relation with respect thereto, wherein a slot is defined between said second pin and the inner surface of said body portion, said clasp member including a base element, one end of which is joined to the other end of said belt, a latch positioned on said base element and including an outwardly projecting shoulder, means for urging said latch to an outer position for normally exposing said shoulder, and means for securing said latch and urging means in assembled relation with said base element, said clasp member being united with said buckle member by inserting said clasp member into the slot formed in said buckle member, the shoulder on said latch being depressed by said second pin as the clasp member slides in said slot until the shoulder clears said second pin on the inner edge thereof, whereupon said urging means snaps said latch outwardly to cause said shoulder to lock behind said second pin, the portion of said base element that overlies said urging means and latch being imperforate to define a base for said urging means, said securing means having an opening formed therein through which said latch projects for engagement with said second pin when said clasp member is united with said buckle member, said base element having a rounded nose portion and including marginal flanges that define an enclosure for said base element, said latch having a rounded rear portion and including marginal flanges that also define an enclosure, and said urging means including a spring member that is formed in blank form of spring material and having a configuration that is generally coincident with that of the enclosure in said latch, a portion of said spring member being struck out to form an intermediate urging leg that engages said base element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 398,780 Hirst Feb. 26, 1889 1,800,690 Leventhal Apr. 14, 1931 2,166,902 Freysinger July 18, 1939 2,710,999 Davis June 21, 1955 2,888,724 Anderson June 2, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 705,550 Germany May 2, 1941 804,896 Germany May 4, 1951 1,106,233 France Dec. 15, 1955 68,145 France Apr. 8, 1958 (Addition to No. 1,086,621) 1,198,377 France Dec. 7, 1959

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