Buckle kit including said buckle

Abstract

Buckle 1, in particular to be associated with the shaft 100 of a belt said shaft 100 comprising comprises a first hole at a first fixed end 102 which is configured to remain associated with said buckle 1 even when the belt is not worn, said buckle 1 being characterised by the fact that it comprises a first buckle component 6, in turn comprising association means 12 configured to ensure the stable and reversible association of said buckle 1 to said belt 100 at said first hole.

Description

[0001] BUCKLE AND KIT INCLUDING SAID BUCKLE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a buckle, in particular a belt buckle, and to a kit comprising said buckle and a belt shaft.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Belts are known to have corresponding buckles, used to prevent them from sliding and select a length appropriate to the wearer's waist. For easy replacement, some of these buckles have a pass-through opening at the end that attaches to one end of the belt. This opening can then be closed, for example, with a vice. If it is necessary to permanently shorten the belt, the buckle can be removed by opening the vice, cutting off the excess belt, and reinserting the buckle by closing the vice.

[0007] This solution, however, is not entirely satisfactory because the connection between the buckle and the belt is not sufficiently stable and could fail if subjected to excessive stress.

[0008] It is also possible to use a leather element that surrounds part of the buckle frame and is permanently attached, for example with a rivet, to the rest of the belt or, alternatively, to simply fold the belt over itself and over the buckle frame, then joining the two edges.

[0009] This solution, although more stable than the one mentioned above, prevents the user from quickly customizing the buckle, who would have to go to a professional every time they decided to modify the buckle associated with a belt.

[0010] PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to propose a buckle that allows to overcome the drawbacks of the known solutions.

[0012] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle that is quickly and easily replaceable.

[0013] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle that can be replaced without the need for specialized tools.

[0014] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle and a kit that present a stable association.

[0015] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle and a kit that are integral in rotation on the azimuth axis.

[0016] Another aim of the invention is to offer a buckle and a kit that feature a refined finish, giving the user the feeling of being in front of a quality product.

[0017] Another aim of the invention is to offer a buckle and a kit that can be customized.

[0018] Another aim of the invention is to propose a kit that allows the buckle to be replaced quickly and easily.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle that can be replaced quickly and easily.

[0020] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle and a kit that can be quickly and easily made, and at low costs.

[0021] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle and a kit that are resistant and durable.

[0022] Another aim of the invention is to propose a kit that is adaptable to different locking systems, for example with a pin lock and a mushroom lock.

[0023] Another aim of the invention is to propose a buckle and a kit that are alternative and / or improved compared to known solutions.

[0024] All these purposes, and others which will clearly result from the description, are achieved by means of a buckle having the characteristics described in claim 1 and a kit having the characteristics described in claim 8.

[0025] Other structural and functional characteristics of the present innovation and the related advantages compared to the known art will become even clearer and more evident from an examination of the following description, referring to an exemplary and preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the buckle and belt which are the subject of the present invention.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] The present invention will now be described, by way of example and not by way of limitation, according to some of its preferred embodiments, and with the aid of the attached figures, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a front view of a buckle according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0029] Figure 2 shows it in rear view,

[0030] Figure 3 shows it in side view,

[0031] Figure 4 shows a side view of the first component of the buckle according to the invention, Figure 5 shows it in rear perspective view,

[0032] Figure 6 shows it in a rear axonometric view,

[0033] Figure 7 shows a front view of a buckle according to the invention in a second embodiment,

[0034] Figure 8 shows it in side view,

[0035] Figure 9 shows it in rear view,

[0036] Figure 10 shows it in side view, and

[0037] Figure 11 shows a front view of the two ends of a kit according to the invention, associated with a second buckle component DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] As is clearly shown in the figures, the present invention relates to a buckle 1 , and in particular to a buckle 1 configured to be associated with the rod 100 of a belt.

[0039] Hereinafter, the X axis is understood to be the longitudinal axis of the rod 100 of a belt to which the buckle 1 is intended to be associated. Furthermore, the Y axis is understood to be the axis perpendicular to this, along which the rod 100 of the belt develops transversally and which, together with the X axis, defines the XY plane on which the rod 100 of the belt substantially develops. Furthermore, the Z axis is understood to be the axis perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0040] Advantageously, the term "inner side" or "inner direction" hereinafter refers to the direction facing a user's body when the buckle according to the invention is attached to a belt and this belt is worn; essentially, therefore, the inner direction is a direction that is not seen by a person looking at the user. Conversely, the term "outer direction" or "outer side" refers to the direction facing a potential observer when the buckle according to the invention is attached to a belt and this belt is worn.

[0041] Hereinafter, the first fixed end 102 of the belt rod 100 is intended to be the end that remains associated with the buckle both when the belt is in use and when it is not. In particular, therefore, the fixed end 102 remains associated with the buckle 1 even when the belt is not being worn by the user.

[0042] Hereinafter, the second movable end 106 of the belt rod 100 refers to the opposite end of the belt, which is left substantially free from the buckle 1 when the belt is not being worn by a user. For example, the movable end 106 may be configured to pass through an opening defined by the buckle, or may have a plurality of holes to adjust the waistband of the belt itself. This end, when the belt is being worn, is generally associated with the buckle by a prong or tongue that passes through one of the holes, while it is generally free when the belt is not being worn.

[0043] Suitably, the belt rod 100 can have a substantially planar development, and in particular its dimension along the Z axis can be much smaller than the dimensions along the X and Y axes, for example it can be a few mm. Advantageously, the belt rod 100 can also have an elongated development, that is, it can have a development along the X axis that is much greater than that along the Y axis, for example it can develop along the Y axis for a few cm, and along the X axis for about a meter, or at least 80 cm. Advantageously, in order to be associated with a buckle, the belt rod 100 can have at and / or in proximity to a first fixed end 102 a first hole (not shown) configured to couple with corresponding association means 2 defined on the buckle 1 , in order to allow a substantially rigid and reversible association between the belt rod 100 and the buckle 1 . Suitably, said first hole 102 can be substantially elongated along the X axis, for example it can be of a substantially oval or elliptical shape.

[0044] Advantageously, at and / or in proximity to the opposite end 106, the belt rod 100 can comprise, in a traditional manner, at least one second hole 108 configured to be engaged by corresponding locking means 4 defined on said buckle 1 . Preferably, the belt rod 100 can comprise a plurality of second holes 108 in order to adjust its length once worn.

[0045] Suitably, the buckle 1 may comprise a first buckle component 6 configured to be associated with the belt rod 100, and in particular with a first fixed end 102 of the belt rod 100, and more specifically with the first hole. Preferably, the buckle 1 may also comprise a second buckle component 20 configured to be associated with the belt rod 100, and in particular with the second movable end 106, and in particular with the at least one second hole 108.

[0046] Suitably the first buckle component 6 may not be configured to associate with the at least one second hole 108.

[0047] In particular, the first buckle component 6 may comprise:

[0048] - a first portion 8, preferably substantially laminar, configured to be positioned at the first end of the belt rod 100,

[0049] - a second curved portion 10, preferably U-shaped, configured to embrace the first end of the belt rod 100, and therefore be located, at least partially, in a more internal position with respect to the belt rod 100.

[0050] Preferably, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 can be joined in a substantially continuous manner, without roughness. Suitably, the first portion 8 may comprise a first face 12 facing substantially inwards - i.e. configured to face the belt rod 100. Suitably, the association means 2 may be positioned, at least partially, in correspondence with this first face 12. In particular, at least one tubular element 14 may be positioned in correspondence with the first face 12. Furthermore, suitably, the association means 2 may comprise a closing element 16 configured to be associated with said tubular element 14 in a stable and reversible manner, in order to prevent it from passing through said first hole. Advantageously, the closing element may be configured to be inserted, at least partially, inside the tubular element 14. Advantageously, the tubular element 14 and the closing element 16 may have mutual engagement means configured to ensure a stable and reversible mutual engagement. For example, the mutual engagement means may comprise respective threaded portions, or portions shaped to define a bayonet fit, or by means of a snap-fit connection, or other means known to those skilled in the art. Suitably, in order to activate the engagement means, the tubular element 14 and the closing element 16 may be mutually rotated. To this end, the closing element 16 may comprise a first part (not shown) configured to fit inside the tubular element 14, and a second part 16' configured to remain substantially outside the tubular element 14, and to be engaged by a user in order to rotate the closing element. Advantageously, to this end, the second part 16' may have a notch or other configurations that make it suitable for engagement with a normal tool such as a screwdriver. In a further embodiment, the second part 16' may comprise a rotating sub-part configured to rotate on the axial plane of the second part 16', between a first rest position in which it is substantially level with the second part 16', and a second working position in which it is substantially perpendicular, so as to define a simple and easy grip that allows a user to rotate the closure member 16.

[0051] Advantageously, the tubular element 14, or at least a portion thereof, can have an external shape elongated along the X axis, and in any case preferably substantially corresponding to that of the first hole 102. Advantageously, in this way, the reciprocal rotation between the buckle element 2 and the belt rod 100 on the azimuthal plane - i.e. around the Z axis - is prevented or at least limited.

[0052] Advantageously, the second curved portion 10 can then define a cavity 17 configured to house, at least partially, the first fixed end 102. In particular, the first buckle component 6 and the belt rod 100 can be sized relative to each other - i.e. the distance between the tubular element 14 and the apex of the second curved portion 10, and the distance between the edge of the first fixed end and the first hole - so that the edge of the first fixed end almost abuts the bottom of the cavity 17. Suitably, the radius of curvature of the second curved portion 10 can ensure that, even in the condition of maximum insertion of the second fixed end 102, there is space for the pin at the bottom of the cavity 17.

[0053] It is clear that cavity 17 passes along the Y axis, while it is closed along the Y and Z axes.

[0054] Advantageously, furthermore, the buckle 1 , and in particular the second buckle component 20, may comprise a pin (not shown) configured to be positioned inside the second portion 10 of the first buckle component 6, and configured to allow the fixing of the second buckle component 20 which may comprise, in a substantially traditional manner, a frame 24 which defines a through opening 25 configured to allow the passage of the belt rod 100, and in particular of the second movable end 106 and an engagement element 22, 28 configured to engage the at least one second hole 108. In a first embodiment, the engagement element may be a pin 22. Suitably therefore the second buckle component 20 can be substantially removable and / or separable with respect to the first buckle component 6.

[0055] In a further embodiment, on the first buckle component 6, and in particular in correspondence with the second face 26 of the first portion 8, a protruding element 28 can be positioned, configured to cooperate with the second holes 108 in order to block the belt rod 100. Preferably, the protruding element 28 can have a mushroom shape, in order not to easily come out of the second holes.

[0056] In an embodiment not shown, the engagement element may comprise a further frame, configured, generally of a different size or positioned eccentrically with respect to the frame 24, so as to define a further through opening offset with respect to the opening 25, in order to allow the passage of the second fixed end 106 of the rod 100 into the through opening 25, and out of the further through opening, so as to permit its locking.

[0057] Alternatively, the protruding element can be positioned in correspondence with the frame 24.

[0058] Advantageously, the buckle 1 can be made, at least partially, of metal. Preferably, it can have a surface finish suitable for offering a pleasant aesthetic appearance. Advantageously, the surface finish can be created only on the first face 12 of the first buckle component 6. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising:

[0059] - a buckle 1 comprising a first buckle component as described above,

[0060] - a belt shaft 100 comprising a first fixed end 102 to which the first component 6 of the buckle 1 is configured to be associated.

[0061] The operation of the buckle and the kit according to the invention is clearly evident from what has been said above.

[0062] In particular, if a user wishes to replace the second buckle component, for example for aesthetic or functional reasons, he can simply disengage the locking element 16 from the tubular element 14, in order to separate the first buckle component 6 from the belt rod 100. Subsequently, the pin can be removed from the cavity 17 defined by the second curved portion 10 of the first buckle component, in order to separate the first buckle component 6 from the second buckle component 20. Subsequently, once a further second buckle component 20' has been installed, the user can reassociate the first buckle component 6 to the belt rod 100, in particular by passing the tubular element 14 inside the first hole, and subsequently locking them using the closing element 16. Subsequently, the user can engage said at least one second hole 108, for example with the tongue 22 or with the protruding element 28, in order to close the rod 100 on itself, thus defining a closed segment, preferably of a substantially annular shape.

[0063] As is clear from what has been said, the buckle according to the invention is particularly advantageous, indeed optimal, because:

[0064] - can be quickly and easily replaced,

[0065] - it is locked in rotation with respect to the belt, giving a feeling of solidity and stability to the product.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Buckle (1 ), in particular to be associated with the shaft (100) of a belt said shaft (100) comprising comprises a first hole at a first fixed end (102) which is configured to remain associated with said buckle (1 ) even when the belt is not worn, said buckle (1 ) being characterised by the fact that it comprises a first buckle component (6), in turn comprising association means (12) configured to ensure the stable and reversible association of said buckle (1 ) to said belt (100) at said first hole.

2. Buckle according to the previous claim characterised by comprising: a first portion (8), configured to be positioned at said first end (102) of said belt (100), a second curved portion (10) configured to embrace the first end of said belt (100).

3. Buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said association means comprise: a tubular element (14) configured to be inserted into said first hole, a closing element (16) configured to engage said tubular element (14) in a stable and reversible manner, in order to prevent its passage through said first hole.

4. Buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said tubular element (14) and said closing element (16) comprise reciprocal engagement means configured to ensure a stable and reversible mutual engagement.

5. Buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said tubular element (14) has a section elongated along the longitudinal axis of said belt (100).

6. Buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised by comprising a second buckle component (20) configured to be associated with said second end (106).

7. Buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said second buckle component (20) comprises: a frame (24), which defines a through opening (25) configured to allow the passage of said rod (100), and in particular of said second movable end (106), an engagement element (22, 28) configured to engage at least one secondhole (108) defined at said second movable end (106), a pin configured to fit between said second curved portion (10) and said first end (102) of said belt, and to be engaged, at both ends, by said frame (24).

8. Kit for making a belt characterized by the fact that it includes: - a buckle according to one or more of the preceding claims, a rod (100) to which said buckle is associated by said association means associated with a first hole defined at a first fixed end (102) of said rod.

9. Kit according to the previous claim characterised in that said first hole is elongated along the longitudinal axis of the belt itself.

10. Kit according to one or both of claims 8, 9, characterised in that: said rod (100) comprises said second movable end (106) substantially opposite to said first fixed end (102), said buckle comprises said second buckle component (20) and said second buckle component is configured to engage said second movable end (106) in order to fold said rod (100) into a substantially closed segment.

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