Buckle connector

Abstract

A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object is disclosed. The buckle connector may comprise a first clip member and a connector for connecting it to a first object, and a second clip member and a connector for connecting it to a second object. Legs defining opposed grooves are provided on the first clip member and the second clip member is receivable in the grooves. A stop surface is provided on the second clip member and is engageable with a stop surface on the first clip member to prevent relative movement between the first and second clip members, in a first direction. A strap may be connected to the second clip member so that the strap may be positioned in the grooves in the first and second legs on the first clip member before the second clip member is positioned in the grooves.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object, the buckle connector comprising
 a first clip member comprising
 a base having a top and a bottom, 
 a connector for connecting said base to the first object, 
 a first leg on said top of said base, 
 a second leg on said top of said base, and 
 a first stop surface on said top of said first clip member; and 
   a second clip member having a proximal end and a distal end, and comprising
 a connector for connecting said distal end of said second clip member to the second object, and 
 a first stop surface adjacent to said proximal end of said second clip member, facing said distal end of said second clip member, 
   wherein said first leg and said second leg have grooves which face each other and define a slot between them,   wherein said slot has an opening opposite said base,   wherein said second clip member first stop surface is inflexibly supported on said second clip member,   wherein the second object can be inserted into said slot through said opening, and   wherein, when the second object is in said slot and tension is applied to the second object, away from said second clip member, said second clip member slides into said slot, distal end first, and slides in said slot until said second clip member first stop surface engages said first clip member first stop surface.   
     
     
         2 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said first clip member further comprises a second stop surface on said top of said first clip member and said second clip member further comprises a second stop surface adjacent to said proximal end of said second clip member, facing said distal end of said second clip member, wherein said second clip member second stop surface is inflexibly supported on said second clip member, and wherein said second clip member slides in said slot until said second clip member second stop surface engages said first clip member second stop surface. 
     
     
         3 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said second clip member further comprises a flexible retainer arm that is operable, when not flexed and when said second clip member first stop surface is engaging said first clip member first stop surface, to prevent said second clip member from sliding out of said slot. 
     
     
         4 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said first clip member connector comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said first clip member first stop surface is supported on said first leg. 
     
     
         6 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 2  wherein said first clip member second stop surface is supported on said second leg. 
     
     
         7 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 5  wherein said first clip member second stop surface is supported on said second leg. 
     
     
         8 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said second clip connector further comprises a first guide surface on one side of said second clip connector and a second guide surface on an opposed side of said second clip member and said first and second guide surfaces are located between said proximal end of said second clip and said distal end of said second clip. 
     
     
         9 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 8  wherein said first guide surface and said second guide surface cooperate with said first leg and said second leg to prevent movement, other than sliding movement, of said second clip in said slot. 
     
     
         10 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 1  wherein said first clip member connector is on said bottom of said base. 
     
     
         11 . A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object, the buckle connector comprising
 a first clip member comprising
 a base having a top and a bottom, 
 a connector for connecting said base to the first object, 
 a first leg on said top of said base, 
 a second leg on said top of said base, and 
 a first stop surface on said top of said first clip member; and 
   a second clip member having a proximal end and a distal end, and comprising
 a connector for connecting said distal end of said second clip member to the second object, and 
 a first stop surface adjacent to said proximal end of said second clip member, facing said distal end of said second clip member, 
   wherein said first leg and said second leg and said base define a slot for receiving said second clip member,   wherein said slot has an opening opposite said base,   wherein said second clip member first stop surface is inflexibly supported on said second clip member,   wherein the second object can be inserted into said slot through said opening, and   wherein, when the second object is in said slot and tension is applied to the second object, away from said second clip member, said second clip member slides into said slot, distal end first, and slides in said slot until said second clip member first stop surface engages said first clip member first stop surface.   
     
     
         12 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said first clip member further comprises a second stop surface on said top of said first clip member and said second clip member further comprises a second stop surface adjacent to said proximal end of said second clip member, facing said distal end of said second clip member, wherein said second clip member second stop surface is inflexibly supported on said second clip member, and wherein said second clip member slides in said slot until said second clip member second stop surface engages said first clip member second stop surface. 
     
     
         13 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said second clip member further comprises a flexible retainer arm that is operable, when not flexed and when said second clip member first stop surface is engaging said first clip member first stop surface, to prevent said second clip member from sliding out of said slot. 
     
     
         14 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said first clip member connector comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         15 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said first clip member first stop surface is supported on said first leg. 
     
     
         16 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 12  wherein said first clip member second stop surface is supported on said second leg. 
     
     
         17 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 15  wherein said first clip member second stop surface is supported on said second leg. 
     
     
         18 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said second clip connector further comprises a first guide surface on one side of said second clip connector and a second guide surface on an opposed side of said second clip member and said first and second guide surfaces are located between said proximal end of said second clip and said distal end of said second clip. 
     
     
         19 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 18  wherein said first guide surface and said second guide surface cooperate with said first leg and said second leg to prevent movement, other than sliding movement, of said second clip in said slot. 
     
     
         20 . The buckle connector claimed in  claim 11  wherein said first clip member connector is on said bottom of said base.