Buckle for securing loads

Abstract

The invention relates to a buckle for securing a load via a strap. The buckle comprises an inner and outer crossbar, and provides two support surfaces that are instrumental in rotating the strap by approximately 180°, thereby ensuring the load is firmly secured. In addition to the buckle, the invention also encompasses a specific process for securing a load using the strap and the buckle. This process involves guiding the strap and bending it around the crossbars. This action alters the strap's curvature and rotation, thus providing an effective method of securing the load.

Description

[0001] BUCKLE FOR SECURING LOADS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention pertains to the technical field of systems for securing loads, and to buckles in particular.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Securing a load with a strap and buckle is a common practice in various fields such as transportation, packaging, and outdoor activities. The effectiveness of this method largely depends on the design and functionality of the buckle. Traditional buckles often fail to provide adequate tension and secure grip, leading to the strap slipping off or the load becoming loose. This is particularly problematic when the load is heavy or when it is being transported over long distances. Furthermore, the strap often gets damaged due to the high tension and friction against the buckle's surface. Another issue with conventional buckles is that they are often difficult to use, requiring considerable manual force to tighten the strap and secure the load. This can lead to user fatigue and strain, especially when securing large or heavy loads. Another issue with conventional buckles lies in their dependency on proper orientation for effective use. Users often find it cumbersome to ensure the correct alignment of the buckle components, leading to potential difficulties in securing the strap and load efficiently. This orientation requirement not only adds complexity to the operation but also increases the likelihood of errors in the fastening process, compromising the overall reliability and user experience of such buckles. Moreover, the conventional buckle designs often do not provide adequate support for the strap, leading to uneven distribution of tension and increased risk of strap failure. Additionally, the buckles are often made of materials that are not durable or resistant to environmental conditions, resulting in buckle failure and load insecurity. Therefore, there is a need for a buckle design that effectively addresses these issues.

[0006] The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To such end, the invention provides a buckle according to claim 1, configured for engaging a strap. Preferred embodiments of the buckle are shown in any of the claims 2 to 12.

[0008] The invention relates to a buckle for securing a load, designed to receive a strap. The buckle comprises an inner crossbar and an outer crossbar, extending between opposite sidewalls of the buckle. Each crossbar describes a support surface, configured to support portions of the strap curved about the surfaces and to rotate the strap by approximately 180°. The buckle is characterized by its first and second turning points, located in the same plane transverse to tangents parallel to the supporting surfaces. The buckle's design includes various guide surfaces, each with unique curvature properties to guide the strap efficiently.

[0009] The invention also extends to different types of buckles, such as ladder buckle, multiladder buckle, buckle eye, or ratchet buckle. The buckle can be made of metal, and its design allows the strap to be rotated by at least 30°, enhancing the buckle's effectiveness in a wide array of loading scenarios.

[0010] A further notable aspect of the buckle's design is its semi-symmetry, eliminating the need for precise orientation during application. The first and second turning points, where strap rotation occurs, are strategically located within the same plane of symmetry, streamlining the usability of the buckle.

[0011] The invention also includes a binding system and a method for securing a load using the buckle. The unique design of the buckle provides numerous advantages such as improved resistance to stress and wear, reduced strap slippage, enhanced load securement, and increased versatility and utility in different load handling scenarios. In further aspects, the invention provides a binding system according to claim 13, a binding kit according to claim 14, and a method according to claim 15, for securing a load.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a buckle according to an embodiment of the invention, in cross-section.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a buckle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a partial cut of a buckle according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a buckle according to another embodiment of the invention, in cross-section.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention concerns a buckle, a buckle system, a buckle kit, and a method for securing a load.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0019] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0020] "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0021] "Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0022] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0023] "Approximately" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "approximately" refers is itself also specifically disclosed. A "buckle", as used herein, is generally understood as a device providing an interface for straps. In particular, it is suitable for engaging at least one strap. To such purpose, the buckle is provided with at least one "buckle-admitting portion". Preferably, latter buckle-admitting portion comprises means for attaching a strap. Preferably, said means comprise one or more "crossbars" (= "rungs").

[0024] As is customary, the "curvature" is understood as the reciprocal value of the "radius of curvature". Thus, in case the radius of curvature is expressed in mm, the curvature itself is expressed in mm'1. A progressively increasing curvature, along an input sense for the strap, is to be understood as a progressively decreasing radius of curvature, along said same input sense. Preferably said curvature gradually increases, between a lower "onset curvature" value, and a higher "end curvature" value.

[0025] The inventors found that the breaking strength of the strap on its own (the so-called "Linear Breaking Strength", LBS) does generally not correspond to the breaking strength of a system which comprises latter strap, further engaged within a fitting (the so-called "System Breaking Strength", SBS). In various cases, the system breaking strength was found to be at least 12%, and up to 29% lower. Therefore, the system breaking strength is a critical characteristic for buckles. It inhibits full exploitation of the strapping material strength.

[0026] Further research uncovered that, at the buckle interface, the local strain may be different in an outer surface section of the strap, as compared to the central section of the strap. In fact, the strapping material experiences two types of strain. Axial strain, on the one hand, is primarily due to the loading force. Curvature strain, on the other hand, is due to the strap being curved around a crossbar. The value of curvature strain mostly depends on the local curvature (and therefore on the local radius of curvature).

[0027] The central section of the strap is mostly subjected to axial strain. Curvature strain manifests itself more in the outer surface sections of the strap, wherever the strap is curved around a crossbar. It gives rise to local surplus spikes in strain, depending on the local curvature. The total strain in any section of the strap is the sum of axial strain and curvature strain. Of course, the total strain should always be lower than the failure strain, in all segments and sections of the strapping material. Therefore, local spikes in curvature strain are seriously limiting the extent to which the strapping material can be loaded. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a buckle for securing a load.

[0028] The buckle is configured for receiving a strap. This buckle comprises an inner crossbar and an outer crossbar. These crossbars extend between opposite side walls of the buckle, providing a robust and secure structure. The inner crossbar and the outer crossbar describe a first support surface and a second support surface, respectively. These support surfaces are directed away from each other. The support surfaces are configured to support portions of strap that are curved about the support surfaces. Furthermore, the support surfaces are configured to rotate the strap by approximately 180°. Preferably, the support surfaces are configured to rotate the strap by 180°. This buckle ensures an approximately 180° rotation of the strap.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first supporting surface comprises a first turning point and the second supporting surface comprises a second turning point. In a used condition, the strap is rotated approximately 90° after being tensioned in the buckle at the first turning point and at the second turning point. Preferably, in a used condition, the strap is rotated 90° after being tensioned in the buckle at the first turning point and at the second turning point. A tangent in the first turning point to the first supporting surface is parallel to a tangent in the second turning point to the second supporting surface. Both the first turning point and the second turning point are located in the same plane transverse to said tangents.

[0030] The first supporting surface, according to an input sense for the strap, has a progressively increasing curvature up to the first turning point and a progressively decreasing curvature from the first turning point. This unique curvature design reduces local strain spikes in the strap, especially curvature strain in the outer surface section of the strap, thereby enhancing the lifespan of the strap and increasing the extent to which the strapping material can be loaded. The reduction in peak stresses means that the strap is less likely to wear out or break over time. This is particularly beneficial in applications where the strap is subjected to high loads or frequent use. The semi-symmetric design of the buckle, meaning the placement of the first and section turning point in the same plane, also increases the usability of the buckle. It does not need to be oriented correctly to use it. This means that the buckle can be used with the top side or the bottom side facing upward, ensuring proper closure. This user-friendly design makes the buckle more versatile and adaptable to different applications. In an embodiment, the curvature of the first supporting surface may increase progressively at a certain rate up to the first turning point and decrease progressively at a different rate from the first turning point. This variation in the rate of increase and decrease of curvature may further optimize the strain distribution across the strap, thereby improving its performance in securing loads under varying conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the second support surface has a constant curvature. The constant curvature enhances the usability of the buckle, because it contributes to the semi-symmetric design of the buckle. The constant curvature of the second support surface simplifies the manufacturing process. No complex shaped curvature has to be applied to the second support surface. The constant curvature also avoids having a pointed surface at the level of the second turning point. This would hamper inserting the strap into the buckle.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the plane in which the first turning point and the second turning point are located is a plane of symmetry of the buckle. In this case the first support surface has an equal curvature at both sides of said plane. This is also true for the second support surface. A symmetrical buckle holds several advantages, particularly in scenarios where the user needs to secure a load quickly and with minimal attention to specific orientations. A semi-symmetrical buckle can be used upside down, but could potentially have a lesser performance when used upside down. Another advantage is that a symmetrical buckle is easier to manufacture. Both sides of the buckle can be finished equally.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the opposite sidewalls define a first placement plane and at least part of the opposite sidewalls define a second placement plane for placing the buckle against the load, wherein the first placement plane and the second placement plane are parallel to the plane in which the first turning point and the second turning point are located. This alignment and positioning of the placement planes provide enhanced interaction and engagement with the load, thereby significantly improving the securement of the load and mitigating risks associated with load slippage during transit. This is particularly beneficial in the transportation of heavy or delicate items, where any movement or slippage of the load could result in substantial damage or loss. The first placement plane and the second placement plane also assure that the buckle can be used in a normal orientation and upside down. In a utilized condition, it is evident that when the buckle is positioned against the load, the strap is between the buckle and the load, therefore the buckle will not necessarily be in direct contact with the load. In a preferred embodiment, the inner crossbar comprises a first guide surface and a second guide surface. These surfaces are specifically designed to guide a strap from the second support surface to the first support surface. The first guide surface connects to a first end of the first support surface, while the second guide surface connects to a second end of the first support surface. The first guide surface and the second guide surface face the outer crossbar. The first guide surface and the second guide surface are configured to rotate the strap by at least 30 degrees. The first guide surface at the first end of the first support surface is designed with a greater curvature than the first support surface at the first end. Similarly, the second guide surface at the second end of the first support surface has a greater curvature than the first support surface at the second end. The increased curvature of the first support surface and the second support surface is beneficial to guide the strap quickly from the first guide surface or second guide surface to the first support surface, while at the same time avoiding a sharp edge at the first end and the second end of the first support surface, reducing the risk cutting the strap at the first end and at the second end of the first support surface and thereby contributing to the longevity of the strap.

[0033] The curvature of the first guide surface at the first end of the first support surface is between 10% and 20% greater than the curvature of the first support surface at the first end, more preferably between 15% and 18% greater. The curvature of the second guide surface at the second end of the first support surface is between 10% and 20% greater than the curvature of the first support surface at the second end, more preferably between 15% and 18%.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the first guide surface and the second guide surface have a constant curvature. The constant curvature of the guide surfaces ensures that the tension is distributed evenly across the strap in the region where the strap is received on the inner crossbar when returning from the outer crossbar, thus reducing the chances of strap wear and tear or breakage. The constant curvature also guarantees that the exact spot where the strap is received on the guide surface is not critical.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the outer crossbar comprises a third guide surface and a fourth guide surface. These guide surfaces serve the purpose of guiding the strap from the second support surface to the first support surface. The third guide surface connects to a first end of the second support surface, while the fourth guide surface connects to a second end of the second support surface. Additionally, the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface face the inner crossbar. The third guide surface and the fourth guide surface are configured to rotate the strap by at least 30 degrees. The third guide surface and the second support surface have the same curvature at the first end of the second support surface. The fourth guide surface and the second support surface have the same curvature at the second end of the second support surface. This is beneficial for avoiding a sharp edge at the first end and the second end of the second support surface, reducing the risk cutting the strap at the first end and at the second end of the second support surface and thereby contributing to the longevity of the strap.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface have a point of engagement, wherein in the used condition the strap, after being tensioned in the buckle, comes into contact with the third guide surface or the fourth guide surface at the point of engagement of the third guide surface or the fourth guide surface. The third guide surface has a progressively decreasing curvature from the point of engagement to the first end of the second support surface. Similarly, the fourth guide surface has a progressively decreasing curvature from its point of engagement to the second end of the second support surface. This is beneficial to guide the strap gradually from the second support surface towards the first support surface, without introducing high tension peaks at the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface.

[0037] In a more preferred embodiment, the curvature of the third and fourth guide surfaces decreases progressively from a maximum curvature at the point of engagement to a minimum curvature at the respective ends of the second support surface. This progressive decrease in curvature may be linear, exponential, or follow any other suitable mathematical function. In a most preferred embodiment, the curvature decreases linearly from the point of engagement to the respective ends of the second support surface.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the buckle is a ladder buckle, a multi-ladder buckle, a buckle eye or a ratchet buckle. These variations of the buckle enhance the versatility of the buckle, catering to a wide range of user needs. In a preferred embodiment, the inner crossbar has a larger cross section than the outer crossbar. The inner crossbar is subjected to a higher amount of loading forces, since it directly engages a lashing portion of the strap.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar are substantially straight, wherein the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar have a substantially invariant cross section. This ensures that forces are equally distributed across the width of the strap, between the strap edges.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the buckle is made of metal. This material is chosen for its ability to withstand high pressures and stresses, reducing the likelihood of damage or failure. Furthermore, it also facilitates its production process, as it allows for molding the buckle.

[0041] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a binding system for securing a load.

[0042] The binding system comprises a strap and at least one buckle. In particular, said buckle corresponds to any of the buckles according to the first aspect. Similar features and advantages thus apply.

[0043] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a binding kit for securing loads.

[0044] The binding kit comprises one or more straps and at least one buckle. In particular, said buckle corresponds to any of the buckles according to the first aspect. Similar features and advantages thus apply.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for securing a load using a strap and a corresponding buckle.

[0046] The buckle comprises an inner crossbar and an outer crossbar, both of which extend between opposite sidewalls of the buckle. The inner crossbar and the outer crossbar describe a first support surface and a second support surface, respectively, wherein the support surfaces are directed away from each other.

[0047] The method comprises the steps of:

[0048] - guiding a binding part of the strap toward the inner crossbar according to an input sense for the strap;

[0049] - guiding the binding part of the strap in a bending around the inner crossbar, according to the same input sense; - guiding the binding part of the strap toward the outer crossbar and in a bend around the outer crossbar;

[0050] - diagonally guiding the binding part of the strap back toward the inner crossbar;

[0051] - guiding the binding part of the strap in a bending around the inner crossbar, opposite to the input sense;

[0052] - tightening the strap, pulling the binding part of the strap against the first support surface and against the second support surface;

[0053] In particular, the binding part of the strap when led in a bending around the inner crossbar rotates approximately 180°, wherein the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively increasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated approximately 90°, after which the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively decreasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated approximately 180°. In particular, the buckle may correspond to any of the buckles described above. The same advantages as discussed above therefore apply.

[0054] Preferably, the binding part of the strap when led in a bending around the inner crossbar rotates 180°, wherein the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively increasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated 90°, after which the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively decreasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated approximately 180°.

[0055] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting figures which further illustrate the invention, and which are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

[0056] FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figures 1, 2 and 3 describe the same embodiment of a buckle, offering various perspectives for a comprehensive understanding. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the embodiment in cross-section, providing insight into its internal structure. Figure 2 presents a perspective view, offering a three-dimensional portrayal of the buckle. Additionally, Figure 3 provides a cross-section, allowing for a closer examination of specific details. The discussion below collectively addresses these figures.

[0058] The figures show a buckle in which the opposite sidewalls 22,23 include a portion that establishes a first placement plane 17 and another portion that establishes a second placement plane 18 for positioning the buckle 1 against the load. Both the first placement plane 17 and the second placement plane 18 are parallel to the plane 16 containing a first turning point 7 and a second turning point 8. This plane 16 serves in this specific embodiment as a symmetry plane of the buckle 1. The plane 16 conceptually divides the buckle 1 into an upper half 20 and a lower half 21. The buckle 1 comprises identical buckle-admitting portions 19, 19' which are oriented in mutually opposite directions.

[0059] The buckle 1 comprises two inner crossbars 3, 3' and two outer crossbars 4, 4', wherein the crossbars extend between opposite side walls 22, 23 of the buckle 1. As can be seen on the figures, the inner crossbars 3, 3' possess a larger cross-section compared to the outer crossbars 4, 4'. The inner crossbar 3, 3' cross-sectional area is essential to ensure their ability to withstand the intended forces. While the outer crossbars 4,4' could have equal dimensions as the inner bars 3,3', a more cost- effective design involves making them smaller. This is because the outer crossbars 4,4' do not require the same degree of strength as the inner bars 3,3', and reducing their size helps minimize use of material and reduce weight. Both the inner 3, 3' and outer crossbars 4, 4' maintain a substantially straight configuration and exhibit an invariant cross-section. The inner crossbars 3, 3' have a first support surface 5 and the outer crossbars 4, 4' have a second support surface 6. Only the buckle admitting portion 19 is further described. The first support surface 5 and the second support surface 6 are directed away from each other. Both support surfaces 5, 6 are configured to support portions of strap 2 curved about the support surfaces. Both the support surfaces 5,6 are configured to rotate the strap by approximately 180°. The first support surface 5 comprises the first turning point 7 and the second support surface 6 comprises the second turning point 8. In a used condition, the strap 2 is rotated approximately 90° after being tensioned in the buckle 1 at the first turning point 7 and at the second turning point 8. A tangent in the first turning point 7 to the first support surface 5 is parallel to a tangent in the second turning point 8 to the second support surface 6. The first turning point 7 and the second turning point 8 are located in the same plane 16 transverse to said tangents.

[0060] The inner crossbar 3

[0061] The first support surface 5 according to an input sense 24 for the strap 2 has a progressively increasing curvature up to the first turning point 7 and a progressively decreasing curvature from the first turning point 7. The input sense 24 is indicated with arrows on Figure 3. Furthermore, the inner crossbar 3 comprises a first guide surface 9 and a second guide surface 10 designed to direct the strap 2 from the second support surface 6 to the first support surface 5. The first guide surface 9 connects to a first end 13 of the first support surface 5, while the second guide surface 10 connects to a second end 14 of the first support surface 5. Both the first guide surface 9 and the second guide surface 10 are oriented towards the outer crossbar 4. These guide surfaces 9, 10, for guiding the strap 2 from the second support surface 6 to the first support surface 5, are configured to achieve a minimum rotation of 30°. Notably, the first guide surface 9, located at the first end 13 of the first support surface 5, exhibits a greater curvature than the first support surface 5 at that particular end 13. Similarly, the second guide surface 10, situated at the second end 14 of the first support surface 5, displays a greater curvature than the first support surface 5 at the second end 14. Both the first guide surface 9 and the second guide surface 10 maintain a constant curvature throughout.

[0062] The outer crossbar 4

[0063] The second support surface 6 has a constant curvature. Furthermore, the outer crossbar 4 comprises a third guide surface 11 and a fourth guide surface 12, both designed to guide the strap 2 from the second support surface 6 to the first support surface 5. The third guide surface 11 connects to a first end 13 of the second support surface 6, while the fourth guide surface 12 connects to a second end 14 of the second support surface 6. These guide surfaces 11, 12, oriented towards the inner crossbar 3, are configured to facilitate a minimum rotation of the strap 2 by 30°. The third guide surface 11 and the second support surface 6 have the same curvature at the first end 13 of the second support surface 6. Similarly, the fourth guide surface 12 and the second support surface 6 have the same curvature at the second end 14 of the second support surface 6.

[0064] Furthermore, the third guide surface 11 and the fourth guide surface 12 have a point of engagement 15. In the engaged or used condition, once the strap 2 is tensioned within the buckle 1, it makes contact with either the third guide surface 11 or the fourth guide surface 12 at the point of engagement 15 on the third guide surface 11 or the fourth guide surface 12, respectively. The third guide surface 11 has a gradually increasing curvature from the point of engagement 15 to the first end 13 of the second support surface 6. Similarly, the fourth guide surface 12 has a progressively increasing curvature from the point of engagement 15 to the second end 14 of the second support surface 6. In general, the buckle according to the invention preferably has at least one buckleadmitting 19 portion that comprises the aforementioned inner 3 and outer crossbar 4. This buckle-admitting portion 19 may be supplemented with:

[0065] - a further, similar buckle-engaging portion 19' with inner crossbar 3' and outer crossbar 4' in opposition, thereby providing a traditional ladder buckle;

[0066] - two or more further, similar buckle-engaging portions extending in mutually different directions, thereby providing a multi-ladder buckle or star buckle (not shown);

[0067] - an eye portion, thereby providing a buckle eye;

[0068] - a hook portion, thereby providing a buckle hook; or

[0069] - a ratchet portion to which a strap end can be fed, and featuring some kind of additional tensioning mechanism for tensioning latter strap end, thereby providing a ratchet buckle.

[0070] The invention is generally not limited to any of these.

[0071] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a buckle according to another embodiment of the invention, in cross-section. The buckle 1 is almost identical to the buckle 1 in the Figures 1, 2 and 3. The main difference is that the plane 16 is not a plane of symmetry. The first support surface 5 has a clearly different curvature in the upper half 20 compared to the bottom half 21.

[0072] The numbered elements on the figures are:

[0073] 1 = Buckle

[0074] 2 = Strap

[0075] 3 = Inner crossbar

[0076] 4 = Outer crossbar

[0077] 5 = first support surface

[0078] 6 = second support surface

[0079] 7 = first turning point

[0080] 8 = second turning point

[0081] 9 = a first guide surface

[0082] 10 = a second guide surface

[0083] 11 = a third guide surface

[0084] 12 = a fourth guide surface

[0085] 13 = a first end 14 = a second end

[0086] 15 = point of engagement

[0087] 16 = plane

[0088] 17 = first placement plane 18 = second placement plane

[0089] 19 = buckle-admitting portion

[0090] 20 = upper half

[0091] 21 = lower half

[0092] 22 = first sidewall 23 = second sidewall

[0093] 24 = input sense strap

Claims

CLAIMS1. Buckle for securing a load, wherein the buckle is configured for receiving a strap, wherein the buckle comprises an inner crossbar and an outer crossbar, wherein the crossbars extend between opposite side walls of the buckle, wherein the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar describe a first support surface and a second support surface, respectively, wherein the support surfaces are directed away from each other, wherein the support surfaces are configured to support portions of strap curved about the support surfaces, and wherein the support surfaces are configured to rotate the strap by approximately 180°, characterized in that the first support surface comprises a first turning point and the second support surface comprises a second turning point, wherein in a used condition the strap is rotated approximately 90° after being tensioned in the buckle at the first turning point and the second turning point, wherein a tangent in the first turning point to the first support surface is parallel to a tangent in the second turning point to the second support surface, wherein the first turning point and the second turning point are located in the same plane transverse to said tangents, and wherein the first support surface according to an input sense for the strap has a progressively increasing curvature up to the first turning point and a progressively decreasing curvature from the first turning point.

2. Buckle according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the second support surface has a constant curvature.

3. Buckle according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the plane in which the first turning point and the second turning point are located is a plane of symmetry of the buckle.

4. Buckle according to any of the previous embodiments 1-3, characterized in that at least part of the opposite sidewalls define a first placement plane and at least part of the opposite sidewalls define a second placement plane for placing the buckle against the load, wherein the first placement plane and the second placement plane are parallel to the plane in which the first turning point and the second turning point are located.

5. Buckle according to any of the preceding embodiments 1-4, characterized in that the inner crossbar comprises a first guide surface and a second guide surface for guiding the strap from the second support surface to the first support surface, wherein the first guide surface connects to a first end of the first support surface and the second guide surface connects to a second end of the first support surface, wherein the first guide surface and the second guide surface face the outer crossbar, wherein the first guide surface and the second guide surface are configured to rotate the strap at least 30°, wherein the first guide surface at the first end of the first support surface has a greater curvature than the first support surface at the first end, and wherein the second guide surface at the second end of the first support surface has a greater curvature than the first support surface at the second end.

6. Buckle according to embodiment 5, characterized in that the first guide surface and the second guide surface have a constant curvature.

7. Buckle according to any of the previous embodiments 1-6, characterized in that the outer crossbar comprises a third guide surface and a fourth guide surface for guiding the strap from the second support surface to the first support surface, wherein the third guide surface connects to a first end of the second support surface and the fourth guide surface connects to a second end of the second support surface, wherein the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface face the inner crossbar, wherein the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface are configured to rotate the strap by at least 30°, wherein the third guide surface and the second support surface have the same curvature at the first end of the second support surface, and wherein the fourth guide surface and the second support surface have the same curvature at the second end of the second support surface.

8. Buckle according to embodiment 7, characterized in that the third guide surface and the fourth guide surface have a point of engagement, wherein in the used condition the strap, after being tensioned in the buckle, comes into contact with the third guide surface or the fourth guide surface at the point of engagement of the third guide surface or the fourth guide surface respectively, wherein the third guide surface has a progressively decreasing curvature from the point of engagement of the third guide surface to the first end of the second support surface and wherein the fourth guide surface has a progressivelydecreasing curvature from the point of engagement of the fourth guide surface to the second end of the second support surface.

9. Buckle according to any of the previous embodiments 1-8, characterized in that the buckle is a ladder buckle, a multi-ladder buckle, a buckle eye or a ratchet buckle.

10. Band buckle according to one of the previous embodiments 1-9, characterized in that the inner crossbar has a larger cross section than the outer crossbar.

11. Buckle according to any one of the previous embodiments 1-10, characterized in that the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar are substantially straight, wherein the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar have a substantially invariant cross section.

12. Buckle according to any of the previous embodiments 1-11, characterized in that the buckle is made of metal.

13. A binding system for securing a load, comprising a strap and at least one buckle, characterized in that the buckle is according to one of the previous embodiments 1-12.

14. A binding kit for securing a load, comprising one or more straps and at least one buckle, characterized in that the buckle is according to one of the previous embodiments 1-12.

15. A method for securing a load using a strap and a corresponding buckle, wherein the buckle comprises an inner crossbar and an outer crossbar, wherein the crossbars extend between opposite sidewalls of the buckle, wherein the inner crossbar and the outer crossbar describe a first support surface and a second support surface, respectively, wherein the support surfaces are directed away from each other, wherein the process comprises the steps of:- guiding a binding part of the strap toward the inner crossbar according to an input sense for the strap; guiding the binding part of the strap in a bending around the inner crossbar, according to the same input sense;- guiding the binding part of the strap toward the outer crossbar and in a bend around the outer crossbar; diagonally guiding the binding part of the strap back toward the inner crossbar; - guiding the binding part of the strap in a bending around the inner crossbar, opposite to the input sense;- tightening the strap, pulling the binding part of the strap against the first support surface and against the second support surface; characterized in that the binding part of the strap when led in a bending around the inner crossbar rotates approximately 180°, wherein the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively increasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated approximately 90°, after which the binding part of the strap assumes a progressively decreasing curvature up to a point where the binding part of the strap is rotated approximately 180°.

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