Buckle

Abstract

A buckle having a first part ( 1 ) pivotally connected to a second part ( 2 ) for securing straps ( 5, 6 ) together, the first part ( 1 ) having a cavity formed therein dimensioned to accommodate part of the second part ( 2 ) and the straps ( 5, 6 ), and a latch to hold the free ends of the first and second parts together.

1 . A buckle including: 
 a first part hingedly connected to a second part, wherein the first part has a cavity formed therein dimensioned to accommodate at least part of the second part so as to clamp a belt between the parts in a diverted path when closed; and    a locking arrangement to secure the free ends of the parts together when closed.    
     
     
         2 . A buckle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the locking arrangement includes a latch provided on the free end of the second part which engages with the free end of the first part when closed.  
     
     
         3 . A buckle as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the latch includes a tab extending from the latch to facilitate disengagement of the latch.  
     
     
         4 . A buckle as claimed in  claim 2  or  claim 3  wherein the first and second parts are arranged so that the latch is biased longitudinally outwardly from the second part as the latch engages the first part and springs inwardly to engage a catch when the parts have been brought together.  
     
     
         5 . A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes a clip to retain a belt.  
     
     
         6 . A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part and the cavity are dimensional and arranged so that when the second part closes upon a belt within the cavity the belt assumes a substantially U-shaped path.  
     
     
         7 . A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part has side walls defining the cavity and the portions of the side walls adjacent the cavity are recessed to position and retain a belt therein.  
     
     
         8 . A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part has projections extending outwardly therefrom at its hinged end which engage with seats in the first part to form a hinged connection between the first and second parts.  
     
     
         9 . A buckle as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the projections snap lock into the seats.  
     
     
         10 . A buckle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims formed of glass filled nylon.