Buckle

Abstract

A buckle for holding the ends of a strap 12 together comprising a frame 14 with first and second ends with a central opening 20 between them, a bar 16 for connecting a first end of a strap to position

Description

The present invention relates to a buckle for use with a strap, more particularly but not exclusively, for use with a strap for a belt, bag or shoe. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A buckle is a device used for fastening together ends of a strap. Typically, one end of the strap is permanently connected to the buckle, and the other end is held by a catch on the buckle, which locates in one of a number of apertures in the strap. The ability to choose a different aperture in the strap provides adjustability in the length of the fastened strap. A conventional buckle usually comprises a frame, a bar, a prong, and a chape. There are other types of buckles, and these include O-ring or D ring buckles, buckle trims or slides, anchor and pin buckles, and side release buckles. However, these current types of buckles have disadvantages. For instance, the prongs of conventional buckles are movable, which can be fragile and may break, for example, if they accidentally catch or snag on an object or article. Conventional buckles, therefore, may require repair or replacement. The release mechanism of side release buckles can be quite stiff to operate and not easy to handle. This can make buckling or unbuckling troublesome especially when a user is in a hurry. On the other hand, buckle trims, O-ring buckles and D-ring buckles do not include a catch to secure the strap to the buckle. They rely on friction to hold the strap. Consequently, the strap can slide and become loose in time, making it unreliable and somewhat inconvenient as the user has to frequently adjust the strap back to the desired position. Some O-ring buckles are provided with a catch such as a pin, similar to the pin of anchor and pin buckles. However, in both types, the pin and / or the anchor protrude or substantially poke out of the general plane of the buckle. This can cause an ill-fit of the buckle around the article or user. Furthermore, this can make the user feel uncomfortable since parts of the buckle can jab or prod the user, or easily get caught on the user’s clothing or other things when using the buckle. In addition, buckles are usually made with different parts connected to each other. Therefore, sometimes, the buckle can relatively easily come apart or break. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a buckle for holding ends of a strap together, the buckle comprising: a frame comprising an inward facing side, an outward facing side disposed opposite the inward facing side, a first end, a second end, and a central opening extending through the inward facing side and outward facing side, and positioned between the first end and the second end of the frame; a bar for connecting a first end of the strap to the buckle, the bar being disposed between the first end and second end of the frame and extending from a first portion of the inward facing side to a second portion of the inward facing side disposed opposite the first portion; and a hook for releasably engaging with the second end of the strap, the hook extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bar, and extending away from the outward facing side at the first end of the frame and towards the second end of the frame at a fixed orientation; wherein, in use, a second end of the strap is extended over the outward facing side at the first end of the frame for engaging a portion of the second end of the strap with the hook and for enabling the central opening of the frame to receive another portion of the second end of the strap. Advantageously, this provides a buckle with no moving parts and no protrusions extending from the inward facing side of the frame towards an object, article or user. This provides for a simpler buckle. This also provides a more comfortable fit around the article or user since the buckle does not include a part that can prod or poke the article or user. Furthermore, this allows for easier buckling and unbuckling of the strap around the article or user, as the hook is provided on the outside face of the buckle and can be easily accessed and prevents the hook from catching on the article or user. The first end and the second end of the frame may be considered first lateral side and second lateral side of the frame. In other words, the first end and the second end of the frame may be considered a left side and a right side of the frame in use. However, in some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the frame may be considered upper side and lower side of the frame in use. The buckle may be a unitary formed buckle. The frame, the bar and the hook may be integrally formed with each other. Advantageously, this allows the buckle to be made or formed without needing to connect different parts together. The hook may be rigidly fixed to the buckle. In other words, the hook cannot be moved from its position in relation to the frame. The hook may be a single hook. This simplifies the buckle further and reduces the number of parts of the buckle that protrude from the frame. The hook may comprise a post and an arm. The post may extend substantially perpendicularly from the outward facing side at the first end of the frame. The arm may extend in a direction substantially towards the second end of the frame. The arm may extend at an obtuse angle from the post. In other words, the arm may extend from an end of the post in a direction substantially diagonally away from the plane of the frame. The position and angle of the post and arm of the hook ensure that the strap can be securely held in the desired position by the hook, and also ensure that the hook is not directed or pointed towards the article or user, thereby preventing them from being poked by the hook. An inner face of the post and an inner face of the arm may each form a substantially planar surface. This provides the hook with a surface that can securely hold the strap and prevents the strap from being unhooked during use. An outer surface of the post and an outer surface of the arm together may form a substantially smooth curved outer surface. This provides the hook with a surface that enables the strap to easily slide over the top of the hook during engagement of the strap with the hook. A tip or a free end of the arm of the hook may be substantially tapered. This further allows the strap to be easily engaged with the hook by enabling the hook to be easily inserted through one of a number of apertures in the second end of strap for adjusting the length of the strap. The inward facing side and the outward facing side of the frame may substantially curve or slope in a direction away from the central opening of the frame. This provides the buckle with a surface that can urge the strap towards the object, article or user it is being wrapped around. The width of the frame formed by the central opening of the frame may gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the frame. This provides a larger surface at the second end of the frame to urge the first end and the second end of the strap towards the article or user, when the strap is wrapped around the article or user in use. The second end of the frame may have a longer arc formed along its width than the first end of the frame. This further provides the buckle with a surface for holding the strap in the desired position and to urge the second end of the strap towards the article or user in use. The radius of curvature of the inward facing side and the outward facing side of the frame may substantially increase from the first end to the second end of the frame. This provides a more comfortable fit of the buckle around the article or user since the frame would not be curving too excessively towards the article or user at any portion of the frame. An outer periphery of the frame may have a substantially teardrop shape. However, the outer periphery of the frame may have any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape or a rectangular shape. This provides a pleasing appearance to the buckle and allows for easy handling of the buckle. The frame may have a substantially elongated S-shaped side profile. This also provides a pleasing appearance to the buckle and further allows the strap to be urged towards the article or user in use. This allows the strap to be further secured by the buckle and provide a more comfortable fit. The central opening of the frame may have a substantially teardrop shape. This allows the central opening to complement the shape of the outer periphery of the frame. However, the shape of the central opening may vary, for example, to match or complement the shape of the outer periphery of the frame or to provide a distinct look to the buckle. The buckle may be made from at least one of metals, ceramics, or plastics. This allows different materials to be used as desired by the user. At least a portion of the buckle may be formed from casting or additive manufacturing. This allows the buckle to be easily manufactured. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt comprising a buckle as claimed in the first aspect of the present invention and a strap. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bag comprising a buckle as claimed in the first aspect of the present invention and a strap. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoe comprising a buckle as claimed in the first aspect of the present invention and a strap. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a strap to a buckle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a buckle as claimed in the first aspect of the present invention; and securing a first end of the strap to the bar of the buckle. The first end of the strap may be secured to the bar of the buckle by wrapping and fastening the first end of the strap around the bar of the buckle. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of buckling a strap around an object, article or user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a buckle as claimed in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a first end of the strap is secured to the bar of the buckle; extending the first end of the strap in a direction towards the inward facing side at the second end of the buckle; wrapping the strap around the object, article or user; extending a second end of the strap over the outward facing side at the first end of the frame of the buckle; engaging the second end of the strap with the hook of the buckle; and inserting the second end of the strap through the central opening of the buckle. Advantageously, this provides a simpler and convenient way of buckling a strap around an object, article or user, whilst providing a more comfortable fit. The first end of the strap may be secured or connected to the bar of the buckle by wrapping and fastening the first end of the strap around the bar of the buckle. The method may further comprise the step of extending the second end of the strap over the outward facing side at the first end of the frame of the buckle before engaging the second end of the strap with the hook of the buckle. This allows the strap to be positioned for engagement with the buckle. The hook of the buckle may be inserted in one of a number of apertures in the second end of the strap for engaging the second end of the strap with the hook. This provides adjustability in the length of the strap. At least a portion of the second end of the strap may lie adjacent the inward facing side at the second end of the frame of the buckle after insertion of the second end of the strap through the central opening. The second end of the strap may be inserted through the central opening of the buckle between the second end of the frame and the bar of the buckle. At least another portion of the second end of the strap may be positioned between the inward facing side at the second end of the frame and the first end of the strap after insertion of the second end of the strap through the central opening. The strap in any of aspects of the present invention may be made from leather, plastic or cloth. In use, the first end of the strap in any aspect of the present invention may be a buckle end of the strap. In use, the second end of the strap in any aspect of the present invention may be a tail end of the strap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a shows a side view of a buckle with an end of a strap secured to it; Figure 1 b shows a plan view of an inward facing side of the buckle of Figure 1; Figure 2a shows a side view of the buckle of Figures 1 and 2 with another end of the strap held by the buckle; Figure 2b shows a plan view of an outward facing side of the buckle of Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows a side view of the buckle of Figures 2a and 2b; and Figure 3b shows a plan view of the inward facing side of the buckle of Figures 2a to 3a. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figure 1a to 3b, a buckle for use with a strap 12 is generally indicated at 10. In this embodiment, the buckle 10 is used to hold ends of the strap 12 for use as a belt. However, it can be appreciated that the buckle 10 may also be used in other ways for example, for a bag or a shoe. The buckle 10 comprises a frame 14, a bar 16 and a hook 18, which can more clearly seen in Figure 2b. The buckle 10 is a unitary formed buckle. The frame 14, bar 16 and hook 18 are all integrally formed with each other. The bar 16 and the hook 18 are in fixed orientation relative to the frame 14 and are rigidly fixed or connected to the buckle. This means that the buckle 10 is a one-piece buckle 10 with no moving parts and provides the buckle 10 with a pleasing appearance. An outer periphery of the frame 14 has a substantially teardrop shape, as can be seen more clearly in Figures 1b, 2b and 3b. The shape of the outer periphery or edge of the frame 14 can also be considered a substantially oval shape, or a substantially egg shape. The frame 10 has a central opening 20. The central opening 20 allows a tail end 32 of the strap 12 to be removably received by the frame 14, when in use. The central opening 20 has a substantially teardrop shape. The central opening 20 has a shape similar to the outer periphery of the frame 14. This provides a complementary shape to the shape of the outer periphery of the frame 14 further enhancing the pleasing appearance of the buckle 10. The frame 14 has an inward facing side 22 and an outward facing side 24 disposed opposite the inward facing side 22. In this embodiment, the inward facing side 22 is the part of the frame 14 that abuts the user’s trousers or body part e.g., the user’s mid-section, when in use. The outward facing side 24 is the part visible to the user or other people, when in use. The frame 14 has a first end 26 and a second end 28. In this embodiment, the first end 26 and the second end 28 of the frame 14 are considered lateral sides i.e., left and right sides of the frame 14, when in use. The first end 26 is the end of the frame 14 with the smaller overall breath, which is measured from a portion of the outer edge of the frame 14 to another portion of the outer edge of the frame 14 disposed opposite the first portion. In other words, the first end 26 is the tip of the teardrop shaped frame 14. The second end 28 is the end of the frame 14 with the larger overall breath, which is measured from a portion of the outer edge of the frame 14 to another portion of the outer edge of the frame 14 disposed opposite the first portion. In other words, the second end 28 is the base of the teardrop shaped frame 14. The width of the frame 14 is formed by the central opening 20. The width of the frame 14 is measured from a portion of the outer edge of the frame 14 to a portion of an inner edge of the frame 14. The inner edge of the frame 14 is the edge of the frame 14 disposed next to the central opening 20. The width of the frame 14 gradually increases from the first end 26 to the second end 28 of the frame 14, as can be more clearly seen in Figures 1b, 2b and 3b. The frame 14 has a shell thickness which remains substantially constant along the frame 14. The shell thickness of the frame 14 can vary, but in some embodiments, the shell thickness of the frame 14 can be around 1 to 3 mm. The frame 14 has a substantially elongated S-shaped side profile, as can be seen in Figures 1a, 2a and 3a. The shape of the side profile of the frame 14 can also be considered to be a dolphin-back shape. The width of the frame 14 slopes in a direction away from the central opening 20 of the frame 14. The slope extends from the central opening 20 towards a direction facing the inward facing side 22 of the frame 14. This means that, in use, the frame 14 slopes from the inner edge to the outer edge in a direction towards the user or the user’s body. The sloping of the frame 14 forms the substantially S-shaped side profile of the frame 14. The arc or length of the slope of the frame 14 gradually increases from the first end 26 to the second end 28 of the frame 14. In other words, the radius of curvature of the inward facing side 22 and outward facing side 24 of the frame 14 gradually increases from the first end 26 to the second end 28 of the frame 14. This also forms the substantially S-shaped side profile of the frame 14 and creates the illusion of a thicker second end 28 compared to the first end 26 of the frame 14. The overall shape of the frame 14 allows the strap 12 to be urged towards the user and sit well with the buckle 10, in use. The bar 16 enables a buckle end 30 of the strap 12 to be connected or secured to the buckle 10. The bar 16 is disposed between the first end 26 and second end 28 of the frame 14, as can be seen in Figures 1b, 2b and 3b. The bar 16 is disposed offset from a midpoint or centre of the central opening 20, towards the second end 28 of the frame 14. The offset of the bar 16 towards the second end 28 reduces the distance or space between the bar 16 and the second end 28 of the frame. This helps to further secure the strap 12 to the buckle 10 when the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is received or inserted through the central opening 20. The bar 16 extends from a first portion of the inward facing side 22 of the frame 14, across the central opening 20 of the frame 14, to a second portion of the inward facing side 22 of the frame 14 disposed opposite the first portion. However, in other embodiments, the bar 16 may extend from a first portion of the inner edge of the frame 14 to a second portion of the inner edge disposed opposite the first portion. The hook 18 provides the buckle 10 with a releasable engagement with the tail end 32 of the strap 12. The hook 18 is disposed at the first end 26 of the frame 14 and extends away from the frame 14 from the outward facing side 24. The hook 18 is positioned substantially in line with the midpoint of the bar 16. This allows the hook 18 to engage with the strap 12 whilst allowing the central opening 20 to receive a portion of the tail end 32 of the strap 12, in use. As mentioned above, the hook 18 is not movable in relation to the frame 14. Therefore, the buckle 10 is not provided with a fragile component which can easily break. The hook 18 is formed by a post 18a and an arm 18b. The post 18a of the hook 18 extends from the outward facing side 24 substantially perpendicularly to the frame 14 and / or the bar 16. The post 28a acts as the shank of the hook 18. The arm 18b of the hook 18 extends at an obtuse angle from an end of the post 18a and in a direction diagonally away from the plane of the frame 14. The arm 18b acts as the point of the hook 18. The arm 18b tapers towards its tip or free end, as shown in Figure 2b. This allows the strap to be easily hooked onto the arm 18b of the hook 18. The connection between the post 18a and the arm 18b creates the curve or bend of the hook 18 for enabling the strap 12 to be securely held. An inner face of the post 18a and an inner face of the arm 18b face the outward facing side 24 of the frame 14. The inner face of the post 18a and the inner face of the arm 18b each has a substantially planar surface. The inner faces of the hook 18 help to hold the strap 12 on the buckle 10. An outer face of the post 18a and an outer face of the arm 18b face away from the outward facing side 24 of the frame 14. The outer face of the post 18a and the outer face of the arm 18b together form a substantially smooth curved outer surface of the hook 18 for enabling the strap 12 to easily slide onto the hook 18. The buckle 10 can be made from at least one of metals, ceramics, or plastics. In this embodiment, the buckle 10 is made from brass. However, in other embodiments, the buckle 10 can be made from cast iron, or silver, for example. In addition, in some embodiments, the buckle 10 can be made from a combination of materials. In this embodiment, the buckle 10 is made from casting. However, other types of manufacturing may be used such as additive manufacture i.e., 3D printing. The material used in the additive manufacture process or casting process can be a recycled material. The overall size of the buckle 10 can vary depending on the size desired by the user and depending on the size of strap 12 to be used with the buckle 10. This allows the buckle 10 to be suitable for use with different users such as men, women, children, or other articles. The linking of the buckle end 30 of a strap 12 with the tail end 32 of a strap 12 using the buckle 10 is shown in the Figures. The buckle 10 can be provided on its own, or with the strap 12 already secured to it. In this embodiment, the buckle end 30 of the strap 12 is connected to the buckle 10 by wrapping the buckle end 30 around the bar 16 of the buckle 10. In use, the buckle end 30 of the strap 12 is extended from the bar 16 of the buckle 10 in a direction towards the inward facing side 22 of the second end 28 of the frame 14, as shown in Figure 1a. This positions the strap 12 in a way that allows the strap 12 to wrapped around the user for use. Once the strap 12 has been wrapped around the user, the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is extended over the outward facing side 24 at the first end 26 of the frame 14 to allow the strap 12 to be engaged with the hook 18. The hook 18 is inserted into one of the apertures at the tail end 32 of the strap 12 depending on the desired length of the strap 12. This allows the strap 12 to be secured to the buckle 10. Once the strap 12 is engaged with the hook 18, the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is inserted through the central opening 20 of the frame 14 from the outward facing side 24 through to the inward facing side 22 of the frame 14. However, it can be appreciated that the user may insert the strap 12 through the central opening 20 before or at the same time as engaging the strap 12 with the hook 18. Users may also engage the strap 12 with the hook 18, pull or tug the strap towards the first end of the frame 14 for ensuring that the strap 12 is securely held by the hook 18, before inserting the strap through the central opening 20. Once the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is inserted through the central opening 20 of the frame 14, a portion of the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is positioned between the second end 28 of the frame 14 and the bar 16, and another portion of the tail end 32 of the strap 12 is positioned between the inward facing side 22 at the second end 28 of the frame 14 and the buckle end 30 of the strap 12, as can be more clearly seen in Figures 2a to 3b. This further allows the strap 12 to be held in the desired position and to further secure the strap 12 to the buckle. The engagement of the strap 12 with the hook 18 and the insertion of the strap 12 through the central opening 20 together allows the strap 12 to be properly held in position by the buckle 10. The invention provides a one-piece buckle 10 with no moving parts. Therefore, this reduces the need for repair or replacement of parts of the buckle 10 or the whole buckle 10 since it does not include fragile or easy to break components. The one-piece buckle 10 is also more sustainable due to the reduced need for repair and replacement parts. Furthermore, the invention provides a buckle 10 with no protruding parts that can prod or jab the user or the article it is used as part of. This means that the buckle 10 can form a good fit and do not cause pain or discomfort to the user, when in use. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A buckle for holding ends of a strap together, the buckle comprising:a frame comprising an inward facing side, an outward facing side disposed opposite the inward facing side, a first end, a second end, and a central opening extending through the inward facing side and outward facing side and positioned between the first end and the second end of the frame;a bar for connecting a first end of the strap to the buckle, the bar being disposed between the first end and second end of the frame and extending from a first portion of the inward facing side to a second portion of the inward facing side disposed opposite the first portion; anda hook for releasably engaging with the second end of the strap, the hook extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the bar, and extending away from the outward facing side at the first end of the frame and towards the second end of the frame at a fixed orientation;wherein, in use, a second end of the strap is extended over the outward facing side at the first end of the frame for engaging a portion of the second end of the strap with the hook and for enabling the central opening of the frame to receive another portion of the second end of the strap.

2. A buckle as claimed in claim 1, in which the buckle is a unitary formed buckle.

3. A buckle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the hook is rigidly fixed to the buckle.

4. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hook is a single hook.

5. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hook comprises a post and an arm.

6. A buckle as claimed in claim 5, in which the post extends substantially perpendicularly from the outward facing side at the first end of the frame.

7. A buckle as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, in which the arm extends in a direction substantially towards the second end of the frame.

8. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, in which the arm extends at an obtuse angle from the post in a direction substantially diagonally away from the plane of the frame.

9. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, in which an inner face of the post and an inner face of the arm each form a substantially planar surface.

10. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 5 to 9, in which an outer face of the post and an outer face of the arm together form a substantially smooth curved outer surface.

11. A buckle as claimed in any of claims 5 to 10, in which a tip of the arm of the hook is substantially tapered.

12. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inward facing side and the outward facing side of the frame substantially curve or slope in a direction away from the central opening.

13. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the width of the frame formed by the central opening gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the frame.

14. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second end of the frame has a longer arc formed along its width than the first end of the frame.

15. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the radius of curvature of the inward facing side and the outward facing side of the frame substantially increase from the first end to the second end of the frame.

16. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an outer periphery of the frame has a substantially teardrop shape.

17. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame has a substantially elongated S-shaped side profile.

18. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the central opening of the frame has a substantially teardrop shape.

19. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the buckle is made from at least one of metals, ceramics, or plastics.

20. A buckle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least a portion of the buckle is formed from casting or additive manufacturing.

21. A belt comprising a buckle as claimed in any preceding claim and a strap.

22. A bag comprising a buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20 and a strap.

23. A shoe comprising a buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20 and a strap.

24. A method of connecting a strap to a buckle, the method comprising the steps of:providing a buckle as claimed in claims 1 to 20; andsecuring a buckle end of the strap to the bar of the buckle.

25. A method of buckling a strap around an object, article or user, the method comprising the steps of:providing a buckle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, wherein a first end of the strap is secured to the bar of the buckle;extending the first end of the strap in a direction towards the inward facing side at the second end of the buckle;wrapping the strap around the object, article or user;extending a second end of the strap over the outward facing side at the first end of the frame of the buckle;engaging the second end of the strap with the hook of the buckle; andinserting the second end of the strap through the central opening of the buckle.

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