BUCKLE AND ADJUSTABLE BUCKLE AND STRAP ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A buckle and an adjustable buckle and strap assembly are provided. The buckle comprises a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form two overlapping loops integral with one another and arranged to frictionally pinch a strap routed through the two overlapping loops and lock the strap in a desired position, whereby a pulling force on the strap routed to extend out one side of a lock point formed by the two overlapping loops, when opposed by an equal force on the strap extending out another side of the lock point, generates a stronger grip of the strap between the two overlapping loops within the buckle. A form of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly provides a restraint for a pair of hands. The buckle and the assembly provide simplicity, optional quick release, convenience, light pulling force to reach the desired tension, and positive locking engagement, etc.

Description

PARTIAL WAIVER AND COPYRIGHT LICENSE

Applicant herein claims copyright ownership and copyright protection for all materials included in this patent application, under the copyright laws of Canada, of the United States and of other countries. As of the first effective filing date of the present application, this material is copyright protected as unpublished material. However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted only to the extent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records (and in the files or records of other countries' patent offices), but otherwise reserves all copyright rights and moral rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates to straps and buckles or latching systems for straps. In particular, the subject matter is concerned with quick release detachable latch mechanisms allowing for the grip and extreme holding ability of many different types of strap or band materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Belts or straps are commonly used to secure one item in a desired configuration against another item. Typically, a buckle fastens the ends of a strap so as to hold the belt or strap in place. One very common buckle known in the prior art is the “ladder buckle” (also known as the ladder-lock buckle”), which is designed to allow the strap to move (slide) freely in a first direction (to reduce the size of the overall strap), but creates frictional resistance in buckle when the strap is pulled in the reverse direction, so that the belt or strap does not come loose after being tightened. The strap can then be cinched to the desired girth, to keep the item tightly in place.

In everyday use, ladder buckles suffer from the problem of high friction: when the end of the webbing strap is pulled to tighten the strap by advancing it through the ladder buckle, the sharp fold-back of the strap coupled with the somewhat ridged or textured surface of the woven strap, the rubbing against the crossbar, and the rubbing of the strap against itself provide considerable friction and require an objectionable degree of pulling force. Furthermore, to loosen or detach a traditional ladder buckle, the user must lift on one end of the buckle to reduce the frictional resistance, thereby permitting the strap to slide out of the buckle. A tightly cinched strap often makes it quite difficult for the user to slide a finger under the end of the ladder buckle to effect the loosening of the buckle; such release is even more difficult when the user wears gloves.

Other known and popular detachable latch mechanisms, such as cam-buckles and Velcro strips also have drawbacks: Velcro has only limited holding strength and cam-buckles tend to be bulky and more complex/expensive to make.

While effective in their typical uses, none of the prior art buckles described above provides a combination of simplicity, quick release, convenience, light pulling force to reach the desired tension, positive locking engagement of the strap in the buckle, preventing slippage, easy and sure adjustment of the length of the strap, etc. There is an unmet need in the market for an efficient and inexpensive solution for such shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure elegantly responds to such unmet needs (described above), by introducing a strap and buckle device of improved functionality as further described herein. The buckle taught herein, consists of a single resilient piece of wire bent or otherwise shaped to form two overlapping loops, integral with one another, the loops arranged in a functional configuration adapted to frictionally pinch a strap routed through two overlapping loops and lock the strap in a desired position; any pulling force on the strap routed to extend out one side of a lock point formed by the two overlapping loops, when opposed by an equal force on the strap extending out another side of the lock point generates an even stronger grip of the strap between the two loops within the buckle. A free end of the single resilient piece of wire (after emerging from a one of the loops) acts as a dual-function lever, whereby it releases the buckle's grip when pulled up or, when tucked under the strap, it acts as a safety latch, firmly locking the buckle in a maximum-grip configuration.

In one application, there is provided a buckle comprising a resilient piece of wire shaped to form two overlapping loops, integral to one another, the two overlapping loops arranged in a functional configuration adapted to frictionally pinch a strap routed through the two overlapping loops and lock the strap in a desired position, whereby a pulling force on the strap routed to extend out one side of a lock point formed by the two overlapping loops, when opposed by an equal force on the strap extending out another side of the lock point generates a stronger grip of the strap between the two overlapping loops within the buckle. A free end of the single resilient piece of wire may extend from a one of the two overlapping loops, adjacent to a segment pinching the strap, to provide a lever to release the pinch. The lever may be a dual-function lever, wherein, when tucked under the strap, the lever acts as a safety latch, firmly locking the buckle in a maximum-grip configuration.

The buckle has an active end to receive a first end of the strap for routing through the loops and a passive end where at least one of the two overlapping loops provides an anchoring surface to couple the buckle, directly or indirectly, to a second end of the strap.

The two overlapping loops may define two pairs of cross-members, a first of the two pairs of cross-members positioned at the passive end of the buckle and the second of the two pairs of cross-members positioned at the active end, each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members having a relative spacing to one another to receive and pinch the strap, where the pulling force moves each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members closer together and when the lever is operated to reduce a tension in the buckle from the strap, each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members returns to the relative spacing. The second of the two pairs of cross-members may comprise a first cross-member spaced from a second cross-member to receive the strap over the first cross-member and under the second cross-member.

In another application, there is provided a buckle comprising: a unitary buckle body having an active end and a passive end, the active end comprising a pair of cross-members spaced to receive a free end of a strap threaded over one cross-member of the pair of cross-members and under the other cross-member of the pair of cross-members, the pair of cross-members adapted to frictionally pinch and the strap when a pulling force is applied to the strap and lock the strap when the pulling force is released. The one of the pair of cross-members may extend from an end thereof to define a lever to separate the one of the pair of cross-members to release the strap when the lever is operated.

The body may comprise a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the pair of cross-members and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever.

In some applications, the pair of cross-members are parallel to one another, the one cross-member at least partially overlapping the other cross-member relative to a lateral axis extending between the active end and the passive end, the pair of cross-members spaced apart along a transverse axis extending orthogonally to the lateral axis to receive the strap. The one cross-member may be offset along the lateral axis toward the passive end relative of the other cross-member. The pulling force may reduce a space between the pair of cross-members to pinch the strap.

The buckle may comprise an anchoring surface at the passive end to couple the buckle, directly or indirectly, to an end of the strap opposite the free end. The pair of cross-members may define a first pair of cross-members and wherein, at the passive end, the body is configured with a second pair of cross-members at least one cross-member of the second pair providing the anchoring surface. The body may comprise a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the first pair of cross-members, the second pair of cross-members, and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever; and wherein the first pair of cross-members and second pair of cross-members define two overlapping loops. The single resilient piece of wire may have a second end permanently attached to a one of the two overlapping loops.

The lever may be configured to extend from the buckle to tuck under the strap in a safety lock position when the buckle is locking the strap in a desired position.

In another application, there is provided an adjustable buckle and strap assembly comprising a buckle (according to any of the embodiments or examples herein) and a strap threaded through the buckle. The strap may comprise a first end and a second end, the first end threaded through the buckle and wherein the assembly may further comprise a quick disconnect member coupled to the second end of the strap to couple the strap at the second end to the buckle or another object. The quick disconnect member may be a hook buckle formed of a single piece of resilient wire. The strap may be configured to provide a handle to grip the strap, for example, the handle may be defined by a loop of the strap upon itself. The strap may comprise one of a woven material, an elastic material and a woven, elastic material. The strap may be stitched together with stitches to define handle.

In a configuration of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly there is provided a restraint device such as releasable cuffs such as for a pair of hands. The strap comprises a first end and a second end with the first end threaded through the buckle. The assembly further comprises a ring through which the second end is threaded so that the strap defines a pair of loops with the ring and buckle. The second end is further threaded through the buckle and securely fastened about the buckle. The second end may be looped to form a handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the buckle, as to its structure, functionality, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawing in which embodiments will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the following drawing is for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawing:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to an embodiment, shown in its normal locked position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the same adjustable buckle and strap assembly from FIG. 1, shown in its safety-locked position of maximum grip.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to an embodiment, shown in a typical use scenario, holding together (with tight tension) two objects.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a buckle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom side view of a portion of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to FIG. 1, showing the routing of the strap through the buckle.

FIG. 6 is another side view of the portion of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly, showing the buckle held lifted up at an angle versus the plane of the strap, which is the position that allows the strap to slide in both directions with minimal friction through the loops of the buckle (for adjusting the length and tension of the strap).

FIG. 7 is a front view of the buckle of FIG. 4, shown with an accompanying “hook” buckle attached to the other (fixed) end of a strap (on the left side of the drawing).

FIG. 8 is a front view of the hook buckle of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the hook buckle of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to FIG. 1 shown hooked with the accompanying “hook” buckle of FIG. 7 attached to the other (fixed) end of a strap.

FIG. 11 is a front-view photo of a prototype of an adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to FIG. 1 (rotated left 90 degrees), whereby a passive end of the buckle is functionally engaged with a “hook” buckle attached to the fixed end of the strap (on the bottom side of the photograph).

FIG. 12 is another front-view photo of a prototype of an adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, whereby the passive end of the buckle is functionally engaged with a “hook” buckle attached to an elastic extension piece (made of black rubber), which is further engaged with a “hook” buckle attached to the fixed end of the strap (the assembly is shown in a tight engagement, with tension in the strap and with the elastic extension piece partially stretched in length).

FIG. 13 is a bottom rear perspective view of a second embodiment of the buckle.

FIG. 14 is a bottom front perspective view of the second embodiment of the buckle of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom side view of the second embodiment of the buckle showing a threading of the strap to define a second embodiment of the strap assembly.

FIG. 16 is a top side view of a second embodiment of a hook buckle shown with a strap in a second configuration.

FIG. 17 is a bottom rear view, in reduced size, of the second embodiment of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly according to FIG. 15 with the second embodiment of the hook buckle according to FIG. 16 attached at the passive end of the buckle.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a third embodiment of the buckle.

FIG. 19 is a side view, in reduced size, of the third embodiment of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly with the third embodiment of the buckle and a ring (shown in cross-section) with which to define a pair of loops.

FIG. 20 is a side view of ring of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS AND ITS PREFERRED METHOD OF USE

Referring now to the disclosed buckle and buckle with strap in more detail, FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100 according to the present disclosure, shown in its normal locked position. As seen in FIG. 1, a buckle 102, is shown with a strap 1 having a free end 2 threaded through the buckle 102. Buckle 102, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, comprises a single resilient piece of wire bent to form two overlapping loops. The two overlapping loops are integral with one another as they are formed from the same single (i.e. unitary) resilient piece of wire. The bends in the wire define four cross-members, referenced as 3, 4, 5 and 6 in FIG. 1. Together, cross-members 3 and 4 constitute the active end of the buckle, whereas the cross-members 5 and 6 (together) constitute the passive end of the buckle.

In the embodiment of buckle 102, a free end 7 of the wire (after emerging from cross-member 4 defining a segment of the loop pinching the strap with a segment of the other loop defined by cross-member 3) is further bent twice to form a dual-function lever as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Cross-members 3 and 4 define a lock point.

In the present embodiment, the other end 8 of the wire, after emerging from cross-member 6, is attached permanently to the end of cross-member 5, by a sharp bend (to lock it in place) or by other permanent or semi-permanent means of attachment (such as welding, brazing, adhesives, etc.) as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15 and 17. In the present embodiment, the cross-member 6 functionally acts as an anchoring surface at the passive end of the buckle 102; various hooks and/or other buckles and/or other straps can be attached to cross-member 6 to expand the functionality of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100.

With reference to FIG. 3, a hook buckle 9 is attached at the fixed end 10 of the strap 1, enabling the fixed end 10 to be anchored to any desired and suitable anchoring point (which could be a tie-down ring, or another object, or even anchoring back to cross-member 6 of the buckle 102 (see FIG. 10). In FIG. 3, the fixed end 10 of strap 1 about hook buckle 9 is configured with a small loop (the strap being folded back on itself and sewn to permanently attach the strap and buckle 9. In this configuration, the strap 1 may wrap around something (e.g. one or more objects) that needs to be cinched with the strap 1 and a length of the free end 2 of the strap 1 adjusted accordingly to cinch the one or more objects. Hook buckle 9 may be attached to other fasteners or hooks such as hook 11 for attaching to an item (e.g. 12).

Similarly, in other embodiments, the passive end of the buckle (specifically, the cross-member 6) may be fitted with a double hook 13 (as shown in FIG. 3) or other hook to enable an anchoring functionality at that end such as to an object 14; in the alternative, additional attaching means may be used to connect the cross-member 6, directly or indirectly, to any suitable anchoring point.

At its free end 2, the strap 1 operatively engages the active end of the buckle, preferably by having the free end 2 of the strap 1 routed around cross-members 3 and 4, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the present embodiment of buckle 102, cross-members 3 and 4 are generally straight and parallel to each other, but are not in the same plane: cross-member 4 is in a plane above the plane occupied by cross-member 3 (as better seen in the side views depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6); in a relaxed (non-tensioned) state of the buckle, the distance (gap) between cross-members 3 and 4 (lines A-A of FIG. 6) is preferably approximately equal to double the thickness of the strap intended to be used with the buckle.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show and embodiment of hook buckle 9 comprising a single piece of resilient wire bent to form a generally J-shaped hook. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the J-shape rotated such that the longer “arm” is along the bottom of the view. Wire ends 15 and 16 are generally overlapped and bent back toward the other 90 degrees to form a first cross-member for fitting through the fixed end 10 of the strap. Each wire is then bent again, 90 in an orthogonal plane to define even length parallel spaced first respective arms 17 and 18 and each bent again 90 degrees back toward the first cross-member to define parallel even length spacing members (only member 19 is shown). Finally, the wire is bent twice again, toward the other to form even length second arms 20 and 21 and cross-member 22. Arms 20 and 21 are shorter than arms 17 and 18. It may be preferred to form (e.g. by bending) adjacent a midpoint of the wire to initially form cross-member 22 and finish with overlapping ends 15 and 16. The length of the spacing members (e.g. 19) is sufficient to hook the hook bracket 9 over cross-member 6 of buckle 102.

The adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100 may be used in various ways as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10-12. A user may start by anchoring the passive end of the buckle to a first object or to the fixed end of the strap; various hooks and/or other buckles and/or other straps can be used as anchors in other embodiments. In one example, if the strap is not previously threaded, the user then proceeds to route and fold over the free end 2 of the strap 1 around cross-members 3 and 4 (the lock point) of the buckle (as shown in the routing diagrams depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6); this process can be made easier if the buckle and the strap are held at a relative angle to each other (as specifically depicted in FIG. 6, which is a preferred position that allows the strap to slide with minimal friction, in both directions, through the loops of the buckle). After the final routing of the free end 2 of the strap 1 back under the cross-member 3, the user then pulls back on the free end 2 of the strap 1, to adjust the desired length (or girth) of the strap, and to adjust the tension in the strap. In the presence of an opposing force on the strap on the other side of the lock point and a pulling force on the free end strap pinches the strap at the lock point and locks the strap.

By virtue of its novel structure, the buckle according to the present disclosure allows the strap to slide with minimal friction in one direction (namely the direction which tightens the strap), which makes it possible to tighten (cinch) the strap by simply pulling back on the free end 2 of the strap 1 in a direction along strap 1 and pointing away from the buckle. However, when the desired level of tightening is achieved and the user stops pulling on the free end 2, the buckle locks up and does not allow the strap 1 to move in the reverse direction; the tension in the strap 1 pulls the cross-member 4 towards the cross-member 3 and the tension on cross-member 6 pulling cross-member 3 toward cross-member 4, automatically effecting a tight frictional pinching of strap 1 between cross-members 3 and 4; any additional pulling force on the strap 1 generates an even stronger grip in the buckle, by further tightening the pinching of the strap 1 between cross-members 3 and 4 within the buckle. According to the present disclosure, the pinching force between cross-members 3 and 4 is directly proportional to the pulling tension applied to the strap. When the tension in the strap 1 from both ends of the buckle pulls the cross-members 3 and 4 towards one another, these two cross-members remain approximately parallel to each other at all times, which allows for an even distribution of pinching force against the strap material, thus reducing uneven friction wear.

To release the tension in strap 1, the user simply lifts the dual-function lever 7 (which is connected to cross-member 4 and to the buckle) in a direction upwards from the plane of cross-member 3, whereby such movement places the buckle at an angle relative to the strap (as seen in FIG. 6) and moves cross-member 4 slightly apart from cross-member 3, effecting the release of the buckle's grip and allowing the strap 1 to slide in the reverse (loosening) direction.

The resilient wire construction provides a spring-like effect such that when the lever is operated and the tension in the buckle (from the strap) is reduced, the wire cross-members 3 and 4 move away from one another to resume their relative spacing.

The dual-function lever 7 can also act as a safety latch: with the buckle locked up and the strap 1 tensioned, if the user tucks the dual-function lever 7 under the strap 1 (as depicted in FIG. 2), a maximum pinching of the strap 1 is achieved between cross-members 3 and 4, securely holding the buckle in a maximum-grip configuration. To release the buckle from the “safety latch” position, the user must move the dual-function lever 7 slightly to the side and then allow it to rest in its natural “latched” position (sitting on top of the strap, as depicted in FIG. 1). Note: moving the dual-function lever 7 from the “safety latch” position (tucked under strap 1) to its natural “latched” position (above the strap) does not release the tension in strap 1, but it only removes the additional “safety” feature: the buckle remains locked up and strap 1 remains under tension. Release of the buckle is only achieved when the user further lifts the dual-function lever 7 in a direction upwards from the plane of the strap.

According to another embodiment of this disclosure, under certain circumstances, the buckle (as described above) may work better (in the sense of stronger/firmer grip and less possibility of slippage/loosening of the strap once tightened) if the strap 1 is kept under a certain amount tension at all operative times. To this end, some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as shown in FIG. 12, may pair the buckle (as described above) with a strap made of a material having a degree of resilient elasticity (or “stretch”); upon tightening of such strap, a certain amount of pulling tension is maintained on the strap and on the buckle at all operative times. In the alternative, an elastic extension piece (or elastic insert) not shown can be added to an otherwise non-elastic strap, (or even one with elasticity), as depicted in FIG. 12, to obtain a similar amount of pulling tension in the strap at all operative times, resulting in improved gripping functionality for the buckle. Note: the buckle works well even with a strap which exhibits no elasticity at all.

To achieve the “quick-release” functionality, it is sometimes preferable to use the buckle and strap (as described above) in conjunction with various other prior art hooks which can be quickly attached or detached to/from cross-member 6 or to/from the fixed end 10 of the strap 1. In such situations, the user simply lifts the dual-function lever 7 to release the buckle 102, which then makes it very easy to fully unhook the strap at the other end, achieving the “quick-release” functionality without the need to fully unwind the free end 2 of the strap 1 from the buckle. That is, strap 1 remains threaded on buckle 102 but sufficient slack is present to unhook or otherwise release end 10.

FIGS. 13-15 and 17 illustrate a second embodiment of a buckle 102A having similar features to buckle 102. FIGS. 16 and 17 shown a second embodiment of a hook buckle 9A similar to hook buckle 9 and FIGS. 15 and 17 shown an adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100A comprising buckle 102A attached at a passive end to hook 9A.

Buckle 102A differs from buckle 102 in that end 8 is welded to the buckle 102A generally in the segment defined by lines B-B. Further pairs of cross-members 3 and 4, and 5 and 6 are generally partially overlapping (cross-members 3 and 4) or completely overlapping (cross-members 5 and 6) as shown, with cross-members 3 and 4 being spaced apart to accommodate the free end 2 of strap 1 (FIG. 15). Cross-members 5 and 6 are sufficiently closely spaced such that they are substantially touching each other along their respective lengths. In this way, members 5 and 6 define the passive end of buckle 102A and may be hooked to hook buckle 9A (FIG. 17). Also shown in FIG. 17 is a handle 24 defined by strap 1 having a length of the strap defining the handle looped upon itself and attached to end 10. Fixed end 10 is securely fastened about hook buckle 9A in the present configuration such as by stiches 26.

Hook buckle 9A differs from hook buckle 9 in that hook buckle 9A is defined with arms 17 and 18 being shorter than arms 20 and 21. Further, in hook 9A, ends 15 and 16 (present within a loop at fixed end 10 of the strap 1) abut one another rather than overlap. A sufficient gap between the ends 15 and 16 may be present to permit a loop at fixed end 10 to be removed from the hook buckle 9A. The abutting configuration may permit a loop end to slide about the hook buckle to attach at cross-member 22 (not shown) more easily, if desired.

The use of a hook buckle, such as 9 or 9A, or other quick releasable coupling on strap 1 provides a quick connect/disconnect mechanism for the adjustable buckle and strap assembly. It will be understood that fixed end 10 of strap 1 may be coupled directly to the buckle 102, 102A, at the anchoring surface at the passive end, such as about cross-member 6 or cross-members 5 and 6 (see too FIG. 19). The anchoring surface, via the cross-member 6 or pair of cross-members 5 and 6 provides a means to couple the buckle 102, 102A to an object or the strap, whether directly or indirectly.

Cross-members 3 and 4 are more closely positioned (laterally) to one another to be at least partially overlapping compared to buckle 102. In buckle 102, cross-members 3 and 4 are non-overlapping and offset about 2 times the strap's thickness. In this embodiment, here cross-member 4 is positioned closer to cross-member 5 than it is in the embodiment of buckle 102A. That is, cross member 4 is positioned more toward the middle of the buckle 102, to provide the 2 times strap thickness offset. In the embodiment of buckle 102A, the partially overlapping positioning along with a sufficient transverse spacing to permit a strap to slide through provides greater friction on the strap. When the strap is tightly cinched, the transverse spacing is further narrowed to more tightly grip the threaded strap given the partially overlapping nature. The term “lateral” here references a lateral axis running between the active and passive ends of the buckle, between cross-members 3 and 4 of the active end and members 5 and 6 of the passive end. The term “transverse herein” references a transverse axis orthogonal to the lateral axis, between a first loop having cross members 3 and 6 and a second loop having cross members 4 and 5.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a third embodiment of the buckle 102B. Buckle 102B is terminated (e.g. along cross-member 4) without a dual-function lever 7. This makes a release of a tightened buckle and strap assembly more difficult. A key like member (planar member to push between the cross-members 3 and 4) may be utilized to pry open members 3 and 4 to provide sufficient space to loosen the strap, feeding free end 2 at least partial back through (or toward) buckle 102B.

FIG. 19 is a side view, in reduced size, of the third embodiment of the adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100B. Adjustable buckle and strap assembly 100B comprises strap 1, buckle 102B and a ring 28 (shown in cross-section) with which to define a pair of loops 30 and 32. FIG. 20 is a side view of ring 28 of FIG. 19 according to an embodiment. It may comprise a body 34 that defines a central opening 36 to receive the strap 1 to define the loops 30 and 32 (e.g. by threading the fixed end 10 prior to fixing). In some examples, not shown, the body is defined by a wire that is shaped to form the central opening. Ends of the wire are joined such as by welding either in an end to end configuration or an over lapping configuration. Body 34 may be defined in other ways. The body 34 is sized to receive strap 1 to define adjustable sized loops 30 and 32. Body 34 may have more than one opening to define the loops, such as a pair of spaced slot openings.

Strap 1 is feed through (threaded) opening 36 of ring 28 to define loop 30 and fixed end 10 is feed through (threaded) buckle 102B, by the anchoring surface at the passive end, and curled back upon the strap 1 to define handle 24. In the configuration of FIG. 19, free end 10 is feed through (threaded) buckle 102B again at cross members 5 and 6, similar to how the handle is formed on hook buckle 9A. The fixed end 10 may then be feed though ring 28 again and be securely fastened about the buckle. The fixed end 10 may be secured to the strap such as by stitching it together with an overlapping portion of handle 24 and loop 30. In this way fixed end 10 is between the handle and portion of loop 30. In another example, not shown, fixed end 10 is not feed again through buckle 102B or ring 28 but is stitched to a portion of strap 1 defining loop 30. Other looping arrangements will be apparent including where fixed end is looped around buckle 102B at the passive and end stitched securely without providing a handle. However, a handle assists when pulling on free end 2 to tighten the assembly.

Free end 2 may be provided with a key like member 38 to assist with releasing the buckle's grip on the strap when tightened. It may be helpful to pull any slack on loop 30 and then pull any slack on loop 32 by pulling other portions of the strap prior to pulling on free end 2 to securely restrain objects within the loops 30 and 32.

Buckle and strap assembly 100B is useful to define a soft restraint for a pair of hands (or a pair of legs, etc.) within loops 30 and 32. The term “soft” here references the material of the strap in contrast to harder materials such a plastic or metal handcuffs, plastic or metal cable ties, etc.

The inventor herein claims that the scope of the present invention extends to any and all possible alternative configurations of all combinations of the buckle described herein with any other known straps, hooks and other prior art means of connecting straps and buckles.

With regard to materials of construction, any suitable materials for making buckles and loops may be used for the buckle 102, 102A, 102B or other embodiments described herein. Preferably, the buckles are made of steel wire (of appropriate strength, diameter and resilience, so as to generally maintain its original loop shape under full load), but other suitable materials can be used in alternative embodiments. For the strap, nylon (or polyester) webbing material is used in at least some embodiments, but any other material commonly employed to make belts, ties and straps can be equally used, according to the load capacity envisaged. In preferred embodiments, the width of the loops of the buckle should be slightly larger than the width of the strap threaded through the buckle, so as to avoid rubbing between the lateral edges of the strap and the sides of the loops. Preferred embodiments envisage a wide range of sizes (widths) for the buckle described herein, so as to fit all common and uncommon strap widths known in the prior art. As to the shape of the buckle and of the loops of the buckle, preferred embodiments envisage a generally square or rectangular shape (as depicted within the drawings and Figures herein), but other shapes (functionally equivalent or similar to the preferred embodiment) are also envisioned in alternative embodiments.

When the buckle and strap assembly herein requires a strap made of a material having a degree of resilient elasticity, any known “stretchy” strap materials (such as rubber, stretchy polyester webbing, stretchy nylon webbing, etc.) can be alternatively used in embodiments. If elastic extension pieces (or elastic inserts) are to be used with an otherwise non-elastic strap, such elastic inserts can be equally made from any known material having a degree of resilient elasticity and having the required tensile strength to match the expecting load.

A main advantage of the buckle and strap assembly is that, unlike any other prior art product, it has the ability to hold tightly together (with or without an elastic force in the strap), any object or objects that are bound, tied, cinched or wrapped by it. The buckle and strap assembly allows for secure, convenient and easy bundling, strapping or holding together of a wide variety of objects, particularly solid objects, with the added benefit of simple and quick release feature, for example, by lifting the lever, when such is present. The buckle and strap assembly can hold under extreme forces and pressure in all kinds of weather and environmental conditions. The buckle and strap assembly is reusable and its repeated use results in a very limited wear (on strap and on buckle), therefore it can last for countless uses. The latch mechanism is designed to be locked together with extreme ease and quickness. In most cases, a one handed operation is possible, as well as operation while wearing gloves or mittens. The design of the buckle and strap assembly is very simple (without extra springs, cams, slide mechanisms, etc.) and allows for inexpensive manufacturing from a single piece of wire, eliminating any requirement for further assembly of multiple parts springs or pieces.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A buckle comprising a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form two overlapping loops integral with one another and arranged in a functional configuration adapted to frictionally pinch a strap routed through the two overlapping loops and lock the strap in a desired position, whereby a pulling force on the strap routed to extend out one side of a lock point formed by the two overlapping loops, when opposed by an equal force on the strap extending out another side of the lock point, generates a stronger grip of the strap between the two overlapping loops within the buckle.

2. The buckle of claim 1 wherein a free end of the single resilient piece of wire extends from a one of the two overlapping loops, adjacent to a segment pinching the strap, to provide a lever to release the strap.

3. The buckle of claim 2 wherein the lever is a dual-function lever, wherein, when tucked under the strap, the lever acts as a safety latch, firmly locking the buckle in a maximum-grip configuration.

4. The buckle of claim 1 having an active end to receive a first end of the strap for routing through the two overlapping loops and a passive end where at least one of the two overlapping loops provides an anchoring surface to couple the buckle, directly or indirectly, to a second end of the strap.

5. The buckle of claim 4 wherein the two overlapping loops define two pairs of cross-members, a first of the two pairs of cross-members positioned at the passive end of the buckle and the second of the two pairs of cross-members positioned at the active end, each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members having a relative spacing to one another to receive and pinch the strap at the lock point, where the pulling force moves each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members closer together and when the lever is operated to reduce a tension in the buckle from the strap, each of the second of the two pairs of cross-members returns to the relative spacing.

6. The buckle of claim 5 wherein the second of the two pairs of cross-members comprises a first cross-member spaced from a second cross-member to receive the strap over the first cross-member and under the second cross-member.

7. A buckle comprising: a unitary buckle body having an active end and a passive end, the active end comprising a pair of cross-members spaced to receive a free end of a strap threaded over one cross-member of the pair of cross-members and under another cross-member of the pair of cross-members, the pair of cross-members adapted to frictionally pinch the strap when a pulling force is applied to the strap and lock the strap when the pulling force is released.

8. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the one of the pair of cross-members is formed to extend from an end thereof to define a lever to separate the one of the pair of cross-members from the other cross-member to release the strap when the lever is operated.

9. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the pair of cross-members are parallel to one another, the one cross-member at least partially overlapping the other cross-member relative to a lateral axis extending between the active end and the passive end, the pair of cross-members spaced apart, along a transverse axis extending orthogonally to the lateral axis, to receive the strap.

10. The buckle of claim 9 wherein the one cross-member is offset along the lateral axis toward the passive end relative of the other cross-member.

11. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the pulling force reduces a space between the pair of cross-members to pinch the strap.

12. The buckle of claim 7 comprising an anchoring surface at the passive end to couple the buckle, directly or indirectly, to an end of the strap opposite the free end.

13. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the unitary buckle body comprises a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the pair of cross-members and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever.

14. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the pair of cross-members define a first pair of cross-members and wherein, at the passive end, the unitary buckle body is configured with a second pair of cross-members at least one cross-member of the second pair providing the anchoring surface.

15. The buckle of claim 14 wherein the unitary buckle body comprises a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the first pair of cross-members, the second pair of cross-members, and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever; and wherein the first pair of cross-members and second pair of cross-members define two overlapping loops.

16. The buckle of claim 14 wherein the single resilient piece of wire comprises a second end and the second end is permanently attached to a one of the two overlapping loops.

17. The buckle of claim 7 wherein the lever is configured to extend from the buckle to tuck under the strap in a safety lock position when the buckle is locking the strap in a desired position.

18. An adjustable buckle and strap assembly comprising a buckle and a strap threaded through the buckle, the buckle comprising: a unitary buckle body having an active end and a passive end, the active end comprising a pair of cross-members spaced to receive a free end of a strap threaded over one cross-member of the pair of cross-members and under another cross-member of the pair of cross-members, the pair of cross-members adapted to frictionally pinch the strap when a pulling force is applied to the strap and lock the strap when the pulling force is released.

19. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the one of the pair of cross-members is formed to extend from an end thereof to define a lever to separate the one of the pair of cross-members from the other cross-member to release the strap when the lever is operated.

20. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the pair of cross-members are parallel to one another, the one cross-member at least partially overlapping the other cross-member relative to a lateral axis extending between the active end and the passive end, the pair of cross-members spaced apart, along a transverse axis extending orthogonally to the lateral axis, to receive the strap.

21. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 20 wherein the one cross-member is offset along the lateral axis toward the passive end relative of the other cross-member.

22. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the pulling force reduces a space between the pair of cross-members to pinch the strap.

23. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 comprising an anchoring surface at the passive end to couple the buckle, directly or indirectly, to an end of the strap opposite the free end.

24. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the unitary buckle body comprises a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the pair of cross-members and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever.

25. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the pair of cross-members define a first pair of cross-members and wherein, at the passive end, the unitary buckle body is configured with a second pair of cross-members at least one cross-member of the second pair providing the anchoring surface.

26. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 25 wherein the unitary buckle body comprises a single resilient piece of wire shaped to form the first pair of cross-members, the second pair of cross-members, and, at a free end of the single resilient piece of wire, the lever; and wherein the first pair of cross-members and second pair of cross-members define two overlapping loops.

27. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the strap comprises a first end and a second end, the first end threaded through the buckle and wherein the assembly further comprises a quick disconnect member coupled to the second end of the strap to couple the strap at the second end to the buckle or another object.

28. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 27 wherein the quick disconnect member comprises a hook buckle formed of a single piece of resilient wire.

29. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the strap is configured to provide a handle to grip the strap.

30. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 29 wherein the handle is defined by a loop of the strap upon itself.

31. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the strap comprises one of: a woven material; an elastic material and a woven and elastic material.

32. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 18 wherein the strap comprises a first end and a second end, the first end threaded through the buckle and wherein the assembly further comprises a ring through which the second end is threaded so that the strap defines a pair of loops with the ring and buckle, and wherein the second end is further threaded through the buckle and securely fastened about the buckle.

33. The adjustable buckle and strap assembly of claim 32 wherein the second end is looped to form a handle.