Belt Clamp With Width Adjustment And Locking Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt attachment devices for carrying gun holsters and nightsticks lack continuous positioning flexibility, are not ambidextrous, and have non-adjustable pivot tension, leading to security and fit issues on varying belt widths.
Innovation Solution
A belt clamp with a base and cover member that allows continuous arc positioning, ambidextrous design, adjustable pivot resistance, and a belt-tensioning mechanism to prevent slippage, featuring a locking system to prevent accidental opening and a width adjustment mechanism for secure attachment on different belt sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices use fixed pivot points with limited adjustment, then manufacturing is simpler, but positioning flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a clamp assembly with adjustable clamp members, a separate pivot mechanism with arcuate slots, and an attachment interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing overall positioning flexibility through the combination of modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to accommodate multiple belt widths and configurations through adjustable clamp members. The pivot mechanism with arcuate slots enables both angular adjustment and continuous arc positioning. This multi-functional design allows a single device to serve various positioning requirements without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If prior art devices use basic clamping mechanisms, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security and resistance to inadvertent opening are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with pre-positioned locking features and engagement surfaces that automatically secure the clamped object when the clamp is closed. The pivot mechanism includes pre-configured arcuate slots and engagement protrusions that automatically engage to prevent inadvertent opening. These preliminary structural features ensure security is built into the basic design rather than requiring additional active locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices lack ambidextrous design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism employs asymmetric arcuate slots that can be oriented in different directions. By rotating the pivot assembly 180 degrees, the arcuate slots provide equivalent adjustment ranges for left-handed or right-handed users. This asymmetric design with rotational symmetry allows ambidextrous use without requiring completely different device configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art devices use fixed belt width accommodation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various belt widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with dynamic adjustment capability through movable adjustment members that can be repositioned along the clamp body. This allows the clamp width to be dynamically adjusted to match different belt widths. The pivot mechanism also provides dynamic positioning along arcuate slots, enabling continuous adjustment rather than fixed positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt clamp with a pivotal article carrier attached thereto includes a base and a cover hinged together at the top. The cover includes a passageway at the lower end to accept a barb-like fastener integral with lower end of base to lock clamp closed. A tongue projects inwardly from the cover to contact and inhibit movement of a duty belt inside the clamp. The base includes a pair of intersecting arcuate slots and a reversible insert having one arcuate slot to make the clamp usable by either right- or left-handed users. A movable belt width adjustment bar is mounted inside the clamp to accommodate belts of various widths. Bosses around the lower opening of the cover inhibit twisting of locked clamp to prevent inadvertent opening. A locking plate is provided to inhibit rotation of fasteners used in pivotal mounting of an article carrier to the belt clamp.