Snap-seat engagement hasp

Abstract

A snap-seat engagement hasp is devised to releasably engage a dorsal portion with a basal portion and cinch a belt or strap around a circumference or across a span without use of a prong. The instant snap-seat engagement hasp presents an elegant, minimalist design with a structurally sound and useful means of effectuating cincture of a belt or strap by action of a projecting member discreetly engaging with a ridged track portion disposed along an interior extent of the belt or strap. Additionally, the dorsal portion presents a customizable appearance and may be readily interchanged in use of the same basal portion, whereby the same belt or strap may be worn or used with the appearance of different buckles and designs.

Description

[0001] SNAP-SEAT ENGAGEMENT HASP

[0002] SPECIFICATION

[0003] TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

[0004] Be it known that I, CARSON BELKNAP, a citizen of the United States, have invented new and useful improvements in a snap-seat engagement hasp as described in this specification.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Various types of hasps and buckles are known in the prior art. Most involve interlocking a prong through a hole or rely on frictional engagement of an end of a strap member looped and doubled-back over a bar, channel, or other guide member. Some belts or straps employ magnets, hook and loop portions, snaps, buttons, or other fasteners, relying on numerous parts that interact to secure and release one end from another. Numerosity of moving parts generally leads to higher incidences of failure, as more parts present greater opportunity for malfunction, compounded by multiplicity.

[0007] Further, the appearance of these hasps and buckles can be bulky, typically dictated by parts used to secure the ends of the belt or strap together. For example, the prong of a belt buckle is typically visible as part of the buckle when a belt is worn, the end of the prong showing through the hole. Buckles exist that are designed to hide the prong and operative parts of the buckle, but they typically involve a relatively large plate that seats overtop the fastening elements to obscure them from view or include a prong rearwardly applied to mate into a hole along the belt strap. These configurations are not ideal because, in the first instance, the belt still functions the same way, only its parts are disguised behind an additional part; and in the second, because the rearward prong typically wears and widens the hole into which it seats and is subject to popping out over continued use.

[0008] What is needed is a snap-seat engagement hasp that includes a minimal amount of moving parts for streamlined, efficient coupling by which ends of a belt or other strap may be secured together and released with ease, without a prong and without holes in the belt strap. The instant snap-seat engagement hasp, therefore, includes in an example embodiment two main parts which snap together by a simple action, with minimal moving parts, to securely seat a dorsal portion to a basal portion without the need of magnets, hook and loop, buttons, snaps, a prong and hole, or other means of releasable attachment. The instant snap-seat engagement hasp readily releases when the dorsal portion is moved relative to the basal portion in a certain manner, for easy unfastening when desired. The dorsal portion is readily removable, separable from the basal portion, and can therefore be readily swiched out to enable a variety of buckles for wear with the same belt or strap, to coordinate style between outfits.

[0009] The dorsal portion is configured to securly interface with a ridged track portion disposed along an interior extent of the belt or strap, whereby securement of the belt or strap cinched around a circumference or joined across a span is enabled. In an example embodiment, a projecting member disposed upon the dorsal is allowed to travel over top each of a plurality of ridged track members in one direction, while being prevented from travel thereover in an opposite direction due to abutment with an engagement surface there disposed.

[0010] In use, and when worn, the snap-seat engagement hasp presents a minimal visual impression of the buckle of a belt, for example, absent a prong or other implement, showing only the outer portions of a frame member that bound open sections of a dorsal portion through which the belt threads.

[0011] The result is an interchangeable, stylish, elegent buckle with minimal visual impact that securely couples without slippage and easily releases the ends of a belt or strap.

[0012] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to buckles, and more particularly, in some embodiments, to belt buckles. The present snap-seat engagement hasp has been devised to readily interconnect ends of a belt or other strap together in a novel and simplified manner and configuration, employing minimal moving parts and lacking any prong, hole, hook and loop, snap, button, or other fastener currently known in the art.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The instant snap-seat engagement hasp has been devised to join ends of a belt or strap together with minimal parts. While the instant disclosure sets forth embodiments particularly devised for use with belts in the clothing arts, persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that the structural limitations informing the invention are applicable to securely join ends of any strap(s) together in lieu of buckles presently seen in the art, including, for example, anchor, pin, clamp, reversible, double ring, roller, screw, center bar, ratchet, and other buckles known in the art. Therefore, while the discussion presented herein is primarily directed to belts in the clothing arts by way of example, the term “belt” should be construed broadly to include really any strap with ends desirably joined together or joinable to another strap in series. The instant discussion regarding belts in the clothing arts, therefore, is intended to convey the metes and bounds of the inventive disclosure efficiently, but without intending to limit the apparatus in presentation of the exemplary use.

[0016] The instant snap-seat engagement hasp, therefore, employs a modified ratchet design to securely cinch ends of a belt or strap together, while enabling release of the belt or strap with few moving parts. No clip, clamp, pin, hinge, or prong, as typically seen in the art, is required. The only moving part is a frame member of a dorsal portion that, in at least one example embodiment, releasably attaches to a base plate, which base plate is attachable to or integrated with one end of the belt or strap. When connected, the dorsal portion may move around a limited axis of rotation relative to the basal portion, but of itself comprises no independently moving parts. The instant snap-seat engagement hasp, therefore, presents a sleek and minimalist profile to couple ease of use with simple elegance.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the present snap-seat engagement hasp enables rapid securement of the dorsal portion to the basal portion via a simple movement, whereby the dorsal portion securely engages to the basal portion and is removable therefrom with ease. The dorsal portion is therefore replaceable, enabling interchange of dorsal portions to present a visually different buckle to match outfits or to mark occasions, for example, in use with the same belt or strap. Additionally, the dorsal portion includes a frame member which presents surface expanses upon which design elements and / or inlays and / or decorative or design features may be integrated with or attached to the dorsal portion. Additional elements may be attached to the frame member of the dorsal portion, providing a variety of appearances in use of the same belt or strap.

[0018] The instant snap-seat engagement hasp, therefore, has been devised to provide a novel means of interconnecting ends of a belt or other strap or fastener. Visually, when worn, the snap- seat engagement hasp presents frame elements of the frame member of the dorsal portion atop the belt or strap in the appearance of a bordering square, rectangle, oval, or other shape, with a continuous strap or belt end threaded therethrough. There are no holes required in the belt or strap, which preserves the integrity of the belt or strap, increasing durability and lifespan in use. The appearance is elegant, symmetrical, and minimalistic.

[0019] The basal portion includes a baseplate; generally, an area of durable material such as metal or polymer having a raised edge along the side farthest from and parallel with the belt or strap end. The dorsal portion includes a frame member enclosing an open area between upper, lower, forward, and rear frame elements. A first cross strut transects the open area from the upper to the lower frame element and a second cross strut is disposed in parallel with the first cross strut, bordering an intermediary space therebetween.

[0020] The baseplate’s raised edge is devised to releasably engage to the second cross strut of the dorsal portion in the manner set forth herein. In at least one embodiment, the raised edge is curved or curled through approximately 150° to 180° to enable coupling about the second cross strut around an axis of rotation. The raised edge thus fits into the intermediary space and engages against the second cross strut on one side with the first cross strut running along the other side. The raised edge is therefore disposed within the intermediary space, between the first and second cross struts.

[0021] The second cross strut contacts a seating line - a linear extent upon the baseplate which may or may not be indented, in parallel with the raised edge. A sprung wedge is disposed upon a top surface of the baseplate, projected upward and movable between a first position and a compressed position. In the first position, the sprung wedge is not parallel with the baseplate, but divergent therefrom, and presents a distal edge raised above the baseplate in parallel with the seating line. In the compressed position, the sprung wedge is disposed in parallel with the baseplate, into, proximal, or in contact with the top surface, and the distal edge is disposed in parallel or in contact with the baseplate. When the sprung wedge is in the first position, and the dorsal portion is applied to the basal portion, the distal edge engages against the second cross strut of the dorsal portion, to force the second cross strut in engagement with the baseplate’s raised edge. When the sprung wedge is moved to the compressed position, the distal edge is effectively lowered, allowing the raised edge to be released from engagement between the first and second cross struts. Thus, the sprung wedge effectively couples and secures the dorsal portion to the basal portion by forcing and maintaining engagement of the raised edge into the intermediary space.

[0022] The sprung wedge may be forced to the compressed position to effectuate release of the dorsal portion when the frame member is rotated to cause a projecting member, disposed upon the first cross strut, to contact and depress the sprung wedge. In an example embodiment, the projecting portion is devised to be a parallelepiped nodule or abutment, jutting outward from the first cross strut. The projecting member is further configured to engage against a ridged track portion disposed on the interior side of the belt or strap along an extent of the end of the belt or strap that is complementary to the end whereat the basal portion is attached. The projecting member is situated and configured to engage against one of a series of ridged track members of the ridged track portion, whereby the belt or strap may be cinched tautly around a circumference or ends of a strap secured together, as case may be. Thus, the projecting member has two purposes: The first is to cinch the belt or strap securely. The second is to enable release of the dorsal portion from the baseplate when the dorsal portion is rotated in a manner relative to the basal portion such that the projecting portion is caused to compress the sprung wedge. The dorsal portion is thus readily removable from engagement with the basal portion and may be swapped out with other dorsal portions for use with the same belt or strap. A variety of dorsal portions, therefore, are usable with the same belt or strap, to adapt the belt or strap for wear or use with various outfits or accoutrements. The frame element of the dorsal portion may include a surface expanse wherein an inlay or other decorative feature or design element may be incorporated to individualize and vary the appearance of the dorsal portion. Additionally, the dorsal portion frame member may present attachment portions whereat additional elements, covers, or plates may connect enabling yet further customizable and variable wear.

[0023] Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present snap-seat engagement hasp so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

[0024] Objects of the present snap-seat engagement hasp, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the snap-seat engagement hasp, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIGURES

[0027] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a dorsal portion of a snap-seat engagement hasp.

[0028] Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a dorsal portion of the snap-seat engagement hasp showing examples of customizable surface expanses for incorporation of various design elements into a frame member of the dorsal portion.

[0030] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion shown in Figure 4, illustrating examples of various design elements as may be incorporated into the frame member.

[0031] Figure 6 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a dorsal portion of the snap-seat engagement hasp having an example embodiment of an attachment member configured for attachable use therewith.

[0032] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion shown in Figure 6 with the example embodiment of the attachment member attached.

[0033] Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of the example embodiments shown in Figure 7.

[0034] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the example embodiments shown in Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 10 is a top elevation view of the example embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0036] Figure 11 is an isometric view of the example embodiments shown in Figure 7 showing the example embodiment of the attachment member installed to the example embodiment of the dorsal portion.

[0037] Figure 12 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a basal portion.

[0038] Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment of the basal portion shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the example embodiment of the basal portion shown in Figure 12.

[0039] Figure 15 is an isometric view of the example embodiment of the basal portion shown in figure 12 attached to the example embodiment of the dorsal portion shown in Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 16 is an isometric exploded view of the example embodiments of the basal portion and dorsal portion shown in Figure 15.

[0041] Figure 17 is a front elevation view of the example embodiments of the basal portion and dorsal portion attached together and shown in Figure 15.

[0042] Figure 18 is a rear elevation view of the example embodiments of the basal portion and dorsal portion shown in Figure 17.

[0043] Figure 19 is a front isometric view of an example embodiment of the snap-seat engagement hasp installed to a belt.

[0044] Figure 20 is a bottom isometric view of the example embodiment of the snap-seat engagement hasp shown in Figure 19 installed to the belt.

[0045] Figure 21 is a bottom isometric view of an example embodiment of the dorsal portion installed directly to a belt without the basal portion incorporated therewith.

[0046] Figure 22 is a front perspective view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion installed directly to the belt without the basal portion incorporated therewith shown in Figure 21.

[0047] Figure 23 is a side elevation detail view of the snap-seat engagement hasp installed to a belt with example embodiments of the dorsal portion and basal portion connected together and about to be released from engagement with each other. Figure 24 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of the snap-seat engagement hasp shown with an example embodiment of the basal portion installed to a belt end and an example embodiment of the dorsal portion attached to the basal portion.

[0048] Figure 25 is an isometric view of the example embodiments shown in Figure 24.

[0049] Figure 26 is a detail, side elevation view of an example embodiment of a ridged track portion disposed upon an interior extent of the example embodiment of the belt shown in Figure 21.

[0050] Figure 27 is a further detail, side elevation view of the ridged track portion shown in Figure 26, illustrating an example embodiment of a plurality of ridged track members in profile.

[0051] Figure 28 is a detail, side elevation view of another example embodiment of the ridged track portion disposed upon an interior extent of the example embodiment of the belt shown in Figure 21.

[0052] Figure 29 is a further detail, side elevation view of the ridged track portion shown in Figure 28, illustrating another example embodiment of plurality of ridged track members in profile.

[0053] Figure 30 is a front elevation view of an example embodiment of the snap-seat engagement hasp in use.

[0054] Figure 31 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a dorsal portion frame member having stop members thereupon to prevent inadvertent slippage of a basal portion through an intermediary space.

[0055] Figure 32 is a front elevation view of the example embodiment of the dorsal portion frame member shown in Figure 31 having stop members thereupon to prevent inadvertent slippage of a basal portion through the intermediary space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The accompanying figures as herein described set forth example embodiments only and illustrate the general concept of the instant invention for the purposes of exemplification whereby persons skilled in the art will better understand the metes and bounds of the invention as particularly set forth in the accompanying claims.

[0057] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that structures depicted herein may be positioned or configured differently than shown while remaining within the intended scope of the claims, the general concept of the invention demonstrating and informing various structural relationships which nonetheless evince similar functional operation under the same intended effect to produce appreciably the same result. The general purpose of the invention is to provide a streamlined, elegant buckle that does not require or use a prong to securely fasten belts and similar straps together.

[0058] With reference now to the drawings, examples of the instant snap-seat engagement hasp employing the principles and concepts of the present snap-seat engagement hasp, and generally designated by the reference number 10, are described.

[0059] FIGS. 1 through 3 depict an example embodiment of dorsal member 20. Dorsal member 20 includes frame member 22. In an example embodiment contemplated herein, frame member 22 is connectable to basal portion 50, as shown for example in FIGS. 17 through 20 and FIGS. 24 and 25. In some embodiments contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, frame member 22 may also be directly connectable with end 106 of belt 100, as shown for example in FIGS. 21 and 22, whereby projecting member 40 is positional to engage against ridged track portion 200 disposed along interior extent 104 of belt end 102, as well be set forth herein below, to cinch the belt or strap ends together.

[0060] In the example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3, frame member 22 includes open area 24, upper frame element 26, lower frame element 28, forward frame element 30, and rear frame element 32. First cross strut 34 and second cross strut 36 transect open area 24 in parallel with each other and bound intermediary space 38 there between. Projecting member 40 is disposed upon first cross strut 34 and presents anterior surface 42 for directional engagement against any one of plurality of ridged track members 202 comprising ridged track portion 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 26 through 29).

[0061] In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, forward and rear frame members 30, 32 of dorsal portion 20 include surface expanse 44 wherein unique, different, or varying design elements 70 may be incorporated. Example design elements 70 usable to customize frame member 22 are illustrated in FIG. 5, and may include inlay portions shown or similar to as shown; however it should be understood by persons skilled in the art that these design elements 70 are shown for the purposes of example only, in order that the general concept of customizing frame member 22 in production or for wear may be better apprehended in view of the general intent of the inventive features set forth herein. Thus, additional or other portions of the dorsal portion 20 may be subject to variation in similar or like capacity, or via other means, in incorporating surface expanses 44 and / or additional and / or other design elements 70, the overall function and structural elements comprising the novel invention 10 and its inventive features as specifically claimed herein generally unaffected thereby. It should be understood that design elements 70 may be inlaid, cut, carved, marked, engraved, imprinted, scored, etched, set, printed, stamped, stained, added to, augmented by or with, or otherwise disposed or incorporated into or onto surface expanse 44, in this example embodiment, and frame element 22, generally.

[0062] For example, FIGS. 6 through 11 illustrate an example embodiment of dorsal portion 20 wherein attachment member 72 is devised to slidingly engage with frame member 22. In the example embodiment depicted herein, attachment member 72 includes connection portions 74 adapted, in this example embodiment, to slidingly seat into slots 46 disposed in surface expanse 44 of forward and rear frame members 30, 32. In this example embodiment, connection portions 74 are devised to superimpose into slots 46 whereby slots 46 are concealed once attachment member 72 is installed. In the example embodiment shown, attachment member 72 presents anterior portion 76 that, when attachment member 72 is installed to dorsal portion 20, overlies belt end 102 threaded through frame member 22. Attachment member 72 may, therefore, be worn to present a design element for incorporation with a style or manner of dress by a user.

[0063] Anterior portion 76 may include design elements, including gems and jewelry for example, as well as designs and features cut, carved, marked, engraved, imprinted, etched, stamped, stained, or otherwise presented thereon, or, additionally or alternatively, anterior portion 76 may incorporate additional or other design elements, such as, for example, integrations with other larger or differently shaped buckles. The intended effect is to enable customization of wear in conjunction with the instant snap-seat engagement hasp 10.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows the example embodiment of attachment member 72 depicted in FIG. 6 from the front, when installed to dorsal portion 20, and FIG. 8 illustrates the dorsal portion 20 from the rear with example embodiment of attachment member 72 installed thereto. FIG. 9 shows the same example embodiment from the side, and FIG. 10 shows the same example embodiment from the top.

[0065] FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate an example embodiment of basal portion 50 with which dorsal portion 20 may readily interconnect in use. As shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, example embodiment of basal portion 50 includes baseplate 52, sprung wedge 54, and raised edge 56. In this example embodiment, basal portion 50 is connectable to belt end 106 by means of gap 58 disposed proximal posterior edge 60 of baseplate 52. Additional means of connecting baseplate 52 of basal portion 50 to belt or strap end 106 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure as apprehensible by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] Raised edge 56 is adapted to releasably attach around second cross strut 36 of dorsal portion 20, causing second cross strut 36 to seat into a seating line 62 disposed parallel with raised edge 56 (see, e.g., FIG. 15) whereby raised edge 56 is accommodated through intermediary space 38 and secured thereat about an axis of rotation thereabout, such that dorsal portion 20 is rotatable at least to some degree about the second cross strut 36 in relation to basal portion 50. In the example embodiment of basal portion 50 depicted herein, raised edge 56 is curved through approximately 150 to 180°. However, different curvatures and cross-sectional shapes of raised edge 56 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, including embodiments representing no curvature at all. Sprung wedge 54 engages distal edge 64 against at least a portion of second cross strut 36 to maintain attachment of basal portion 50 to dorsal portion 20.

[0067] Sprung wedge 54 is moveable from a first position (wherein distal edge 64 is raised) to a compressed position (wherein the distal edge 64 is forced into contact with (or proximally parallel with) baseplate 52). When sprung wedge 54 is moved to the compressed position, sprung wedge 64 is tensioned against neck portion 66 whereby sprung wedge 54 rebounds to the raised position when released. When belt end 106 is moved up through open area 24 of frame member 22, as depicted in FIG. 23 for example, and dorsal portion 20 is rotated toward belt end 106, projecting member 40 can be caused to contact sprung wedge 54 and force sprung wedge 54 to the compressed position. As such, second cross strut 36 is releasable from engagement with distal edge 64 and dorsal portion 20 is readily releasable from contact with basal portion 50 by decoupling basal portion 50 raised edge 56 through intermediary space 38. Thereby, detachment and reattachment of basal portion 50 with dorsal portion 20 can be rapidly effectuated.

[0068] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate example embodiments of the snap-seat engagement hasp 10 attached to belt end 106 wherein basal portion 50 is connected at belt end 106 and dorsal portion 20 is connected to basal portion in the manner described above. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, basal portion 50 is excluded from use and belt end 106 is directly connected to second cross strut 36 of frame member 22. In this example embodiment, belt end 102 of belt 100 is threadable through open area 24 to present ridged track portion 200 for directional engagement against projecting member 40 whereby belt 100 may be cinched tightly around a desired circumference. Belt 100 is thence releasable by disengaging projecting member 40 from contact with ridged track portion 200 by moving end 102 of belt 100 away from contact with second cross strut 26, as, for example, when belt end 102 is pushed back through open area 24.

[0069] In the example embodiments shown in FIG. 26 through 29, each of plurality of ridged track members 202 includes engagement surface 204 which, as exemplified in FIGS. 27 and 29 particularly, may be vertical or angled acutely whereby anterior surface 42 of projecting member 40 engages securely against engagement surface 204 when pulled there against, yet freely travels over each of plurality of ridged track members 202 when moved in the opposite direction. Additional cross-sectional shapes of engagement surface 204 are contemplated as within scope of this disclosure, which are not necessarily depicted, such as, for example, a concave engagement surface 204, whereby projecting member 40 is caused to hold fast against engagement surface 204 under overhanging edge 206 but freely travels overtop each of plurality of ridged track members 202 when moved in an opposite direction.

[0070] FIG. 30 is an in-use view showing an example embodiment of the present invention 10 being worn by a user. Frame member 22 of dorsal portion 20 presents as a minimalistic outline bordering and crossing belt 100 and no prong or holes in belt 100 are visible.

[0071] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate an example embodiment of dorsal portion 20 incorporating stop members 48 upon frame member 22. Stop members 48 are configured to prevent passage of basal portion 50 through intermediary space 38. In this example embodiment, stop members 48 are situated connected cornerwise upon first cross strut 34 and upper and lower frame elements 26, 28, obtruding into ends of intermediary space 38. In this example embodiment, when basal portion 50 is attached to belt end 106, raised edge is engaged through intermediary space 38 in use, but baseplate 52 is prevented from moving through intermediary space 38 by stop members 48.

[0072] Thus, snap-seat engagement hasp 10 has been devised to provide a novel means of securing ends of a belt or strap together. Snap-seat engagement hasp 10 enables rapid interconnection of dorsal portion 20 and basal portion 50, and just as easily means by which to disconnect them. Snapseat engagement hasp 10 employs minimal moving parts and enables secure fastening of frame member 22 in contact with ridged track portion 200 without the need of a prong and holes as typically seen in the art. As shown in FIG. 20, snap-seat engagement hasp 10, therefore, presents 1 a minimalist, elegant design for interchangeable belt buckles in use for varied wear with the same

[0073] 2 belt or strap and represents a useful improvement in the clothing and fastening arts.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An engagement hasp for use joining ends of a belt or strap, said engagement hasp comprising: a dorsal portion including: a frame member enclosing an open area; a first cross strut disposed transecting the open area; a second cross strut spaced apart from the first cross strut and transecting the open area in parallel with the first cross strut bounding an intermediary space, said second cross strut connected or connectable to a first end of the belt or strap; and a projecting member disposed upon the first cross strut, said projecting member disposed to contact and engage with a ridged track portion disposed along an interior extent of a second end of the belt or strap; wherein the projecting member releasably engages against at least one of a plurality of ridged track members disposed upon the track portion when the second end of the belt or strap is threaded up through the frame member open area, overtop the first cross strut, and then down through frame member open area, overtop the first end of the belt or strap.

2. The engagement hasp of claim 1 further comprising: a basal portion comprising: a baseplate;a raised edge disposed along one side of the baseplate; a seating line disposed parallel with and in proximity to the raised edge; and a sprung wedge operationally coupled with the baseplate, said sprung wedge having a distal edge disposed parallel with and in proximity to the seating line, said sprung wedge movable between a first position having the distal edge raised and a compressed position having the distal edge parallel with or in contact with the baseplate; wherein the baseplate is connectable to the first end of the belt or strap and wherein the second cross strut of the dorsal portion seats into the seating line to connect the dorsal portion with the basal portion rotatably coupled about the second cross strut, wherein the raised edge is accommodated in and through the intermediary space, whereby rotation of the basal portion relative to the dorsal portion upward through the open area effectuates release of the dorsal portion from the basal portion by forcing the projecting member to depress the sprung wedge to the compressed position.

3. The engagement hasp of claim 1 wherein the plurality of ridges is disposed to resist movement of the projecting member thereover in one direction, while enabling movement of the projecting member thereover when the belt is moved in the opposite direction.

4. The engagement hasp of claim 2 wherein the raised edge of the basal portion fits within the intermediary space.

5. The engagement hasp of claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of ridges includes an engagement surface angled acutely or perpendicular relative to the ridged track portion and a sloped surface angled obliquely relative to the ridged track portion.

6. The engagement hasp of claim 3 wherein the engagement surface is acutely angled relative to the ridged track portion.

7. The engagement hasp of claim 3 wherein the engagement surface is concave and includes an overhanging edge under which the projecting member engages against the engagement surface.

8. The engagement hasp of claim 3 wherein the frame member further comprises at least one surface expanse dorsally disposed upon the frame member whereby a design element or inlay portion is includable thereon.

9. The engagement hasp of claim 4 wherein the raised edge of the basal portion is curved.

10. The engagement hasp of claim 4 wherein the raised edge is hemicylindrical or curved through approximately 150° to 180°.

11. The engagement hasp of claim 8 wherein the at least one surface expanse is configured for connection with an attachment member attachable to the said at least one surface expanse, said attachment member devised to present at least an anterior portion presenting design elements or features thereupon.

12. An engagement hasp comprising:a basal portion comprising: a baseplate; a raised edge disposed along one side of the baseplate; a seating line disposed parallel with and in proximity to the raised edge; a sprung wedge operationally coupled with the baseplate, said sprung wedge having a distal edge disposed parallel with and in proximity to the seating line, said sprung wedge movable between a first position having the distal edge raised and a compressed position having the distal edge parallel with or in contact with the baseplate; a dorsal portion attachable to the basal portion, said dorsal portion comprising: a frame member enclosing an open area; a first cross strut disposed transecting the open area; a second cross strut sized to rotatably seat into the seating line of the basal portion and engage against the distal edge of the sprung wedge when the dorsal portion is attached to the basal portion, said second cross strut disposed spaced apart from the first cross strut and transecting the open area in parallel with the first cross strut to bound an intermediary space between said first cross strut and said second cross strut; and a projecting member disposed upon the first cross strut, said projecting member disposed to contact and depress the sprung wedge when thebasal portion is rotated upwards in contact with the dorsal portion through the open area; wherein the second strut seats into the seating line to connect the dorsal portion with the basal portion rotatably coupled about the second strut whereby rotation of the basal portion relative to the dorsal portion through the open area effectuates release of the dorsal portion from the basal portion.

13. The engagement hasp of claim 12 wherein the raised edge of the basal portion fits within the intermediary space.

14. The engagement hasp of claim 13 wherein the raised edge of the basal portion is curved.

15. The engagement hasp of claim 14 wherein the raised edge is hemicylindrical or curved through approximately 150° to 180°.

16. The engagement hasp of claim 15 wherein the dorsal portion further comprises: forward and rear frame members; and a surface expanse dorsally disposed upon each of said forward and rear frame members.

17. The engagement hasp of claim 16 wherein the surface expanse disposed upon each of said forward and rear frame members is adapted to include design elements inlaid, cut, carved, stamped, stained, marked, engraved, imprinted, scored, overlain, or otherwise incorporated thereupon.

18. The engagement hasp of claim 16 wherein the surface expanse disposed upon each of said forward and rear frame members includes a slot configured to slidingly engage with connection portions of an attachment member attachable thereto.

19. The engagement hasp of claim 18 wherein the attachment member includes at least an anterior portion devised to overlie the dorsal portion and present design elements thereover.

20. An engagement hasp for interconnecting ends of a belt, said engagement hasp comprising: a basal portion comprising: a baseplate; a curved, raised edge disposed along one side of the baseplate; a seating line disposed parallel with and in proximity to the raised edge; a sprung wedge operationally coupled with the baseplate, said sprung wedge having a distal edge disposed parallel with and in proximity to the seating line, said sprung wedge movable between a first position having the distal edge raised and a compressed position having the distal edge parallel with or in contact with the baseplate; a dorsal portion attachable to the basal portion, said dorsal portion comprising: a frame member enclosing an open area between an upper frame element, a lower frame element, a forward frame element, and a rear frame element;a first cross strut disposed transecting the open area and interconnecting the upper and lower frame elements; a second cross strut sized to rotatably seat into the seating line of the baseplate and engage along the distal edge of the sprung wedge when the dorsal portion is attached to the basal portion, said second cross strut disposed spaced apart from the first cross strut and transecting the open area in parallel with the first cross strut and interconnecting the upper and lower frame elements to bound an intermediary space between said first cross strut and said second cross strut; and a projecting member disposed upon the first cross strut, said projecting member disposed to contact and depress the sprung wedge when the basal portion is rotated upward through the open area and forced into contact with the dorsal portion; wherein the second cross strut seats into the seating line to connect the dorsal portion with the basal portion rotatably coupled about the second cross strut, wherein the raised edge is accommodated in and through the intermediary space, whereby rotation of the basal portion relative to the dorsal portion upward through the open area effectuates release of the dorsal portion from the basal portion by forcing the projecting member to depress the sprung wedge.

21. The engagement hasp of claim 20 wherein the basal portion is connected endwise to a belt and the dorsal portion enables threadable engagement of the other end of the belt throughthe open area over the first and second cross struts to cinch the belt around the girth of a wearer.

22. The engagement hasp of claim 21 further comprising a ridged track portion disposed along an interior extent of the belt, said ridged track portion having a plurality of ridged members disposed to engage against the protruding member and tension the belt overtop and against the first cross strut.

23. The engagement hasp of claim 22 wherein the plurality of ridges is disposed to resist movement of the projecting member thereover in one direction, while enabling movement of the projecting member thereover when the belt is moved in the opposite direction.

24. The engagement hasp of claim 23 wherein each of the plurality of ridges includes an engagement surface angled acutely or perpendicular relative to the ridged track portion and a sloped surface angled obliquely relative to the ridged track portion.

25. The engagement hasp of claim 23 wherein the engagement surface is acutely angled relative to the ridged track portion.

26. The engagement hasp of claim 23 wherein the engagement surface is concave and includes an overhanging edge under which the projecting member engages against the engagement surface.

27. The engagement hasp of claim 20 wherein the frame member further comprises at least one surface expanse whereby a design element or an inlay portion is includable thereon.

28. The engagement hasp of claim 27 wherein the at least one surface expanse is configured to releasably receive an attachment member thereto.

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