Belt Buckle

Abstract

A belt buckle includes: a curved belt buckle body, a rigid frame member imbedded within the belt buckle body or affixed to the rear side of the belt buckle body; and a decorative face. The frame member includes a loop extending from a lateral side of the belt buckle body to receive one end of a belt and a hook which protrudes from the inner or rear face of the buckle to permit the hook to be inserted into holes provided in a belt. The hook and loop of the rigid frame member are joined by a curved intermediate portion that rigidly connects the loop and the hook. The belt buckle body includes: one or more cavities therein or on its rear side which receive and hold the rigid frame member and a decorative face that is permanently affixed or is removable and interchangeable.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/360,130, filed Feb. 22, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of belt buckles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plastic belt buckle which includes a decorative face.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Belt buckles that are worn with everyday attire are typically made of a metal material. There are few plastic belt buckles being marketed today for use with everyday apparel. However, such belt buckles are not aesthetically pleasing, fail to incorporate decorative elements that are permanently affixed or interchangeable, and appear to lack the durability and rigidity needed to hold together the ends of a thick leather belt.

[0004] Many of the plastic belt buckles worn today are used in contexts other than in everyday apparel. For example, plastic belt buckles are used in scuba divers' belts, fitness stabilizing belts for use with glideboards, mountain climber belts for use with chalk bags; and a variety of plastic belt buckles are utilized in hunting, archery, camping, hiking and fishing belts. Such buckles are often used with nylon belts, are designed to have quick release features and do not include decorative elements. As such, since they lack aesthetic qualities and are primarily designed for particular functions, such belt buckles are not likely to be worn with everyday apparel.

[0005] As disclosed in the applicant's previous patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,766, the applicants have conceived of a plastic belt buckle construction that may be produced at a low cost while permitting customized pictorial facings such as logos and the like. The applicant's belt buckle of U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,766 includes a decorative face that may be produced very inexpensively and without the need for complex and expensive machinery to thereby make small batch processing of such belt buckles economically feasible.

[0006] As discussed hereinabove, there is therefore a need in the art for a plastic belt buckle which can be used with everyday apparel that is aesthetically pleasing and incorporates decorative elements that are either permanently affixed or interchangeable. There is also a need in the art for a plastic belt buckle which is stable enough to hold together the ends of a thick leather belt while providing comfort for the user. As such, the applicants have improved the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,766 and have created an economically feasible plastic belt buckle construction in accordance with the objects of the present invention.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention is directed to an economically feasible plastic belt buckle construction which is aesthetically pleasing, incorporates decorative elements that are interchangeable in some embodiments thereby providing diversity, and stably holds together the ends of a belt while providing comfort for the user. Additionally, the belt buckle of the present invention may be worn with everyday apparel. Since the belt buckle's decorative elements may include logos representing various companies such as truck and automobile manufacturers, beer brands, sports teams or special events, the present invention may also be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

[0008] The present invention is directed to a belt buckle which includes: a curved or convex belt buckle body, a rigid frame member imbedded within the belt buckle body or affixed on the rear side of the belt buckle body, and a decorative face that engages with the front face of the belt buckle body. The rigid frame member includes a loop and a hook which are joined by an intermediate portion that rigidly and permanently connects the loop and the hook. The loop opening is positioned so that it is not perpendicular to the intermediate portion, and the loop is conformed to accept the end of a belt which is typically folded over the loop and snapped or otherwise fastened to connect the end of the belt to the belt buckle. The loop extends from the lateral side of the belt buckle to stably hold the end of the belt. The hook protrudes from the inner or rear face of the belt buckle and permits fastening of the opposite end of the belt to the buckle through the insertion of the hook into holes provided in a belt. The belt buckle body also includes one or more cavities therein adapted to house or hold the rigid frame member in place.

[0009] Other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of a belt buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the belt buckle shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rigid frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a front view of a rigid frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a side view of a rigid frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view of a belt buckle body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line 4A in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4B is a transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line 4B in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a front view of a belt buckle body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5B is a transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] The belt buckle of the present invention includes: a curved belt buckle body, a rigid frame member embedded therein or affixed on the rear side of the belt buckle body, and a decorative face that engages with the front face of the belt buckle body. The rigid frame member includes a hook protruding from the inner or rear face of the buckle, a loop protruding from a lateral side of the buckle at the opposite end, and an intermediate portion connection the loop and hook. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the rigid frame member may be affixed behind the belt buckle body (on the rear side) instead of being embedded therein. Additionally, the decorative face may be permanently affixed to the belt buckle body or may be removable and interchangeable.

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a frontal perspective view of a belt buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The belt buckle depicted includes a belt buckle body 10 with a front face 11 which is adapted to receive a separate decorative face or includes a decorative face included thereon as part of belt buckle body 10. Belt buckle body 10 includes a curvature that is convex in shape to provide comfort for the user and contour the user's waistline. In one embodiment of the invention, front face 11 may include (as a separate decorative face or as part of belt buckle body 10) any two-dimensional or three-dimensional decorative configuration such as initials, symbols and/or logos. Loop 12 of extends from a lateral side of belt buckle body 10. Loop 12 is adapted to accept the end of a belt which is typically folded over the loop and snapped or otherwise fastened to connect the end of the belt to the belt buckle. Loop 12 extends from the lateral side of belt buckle body 10 to stably hold the end of the belt.

[0024] As seen in FIG. 2, which depicts a perspective view of the rear of the belt buckle of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, loop 12 extends from a lateral side of the belt buckle and a hook 14 extends from the rear face 15 of belt buckle body 10. Loop 12 is appropriately dimensioned to receive the end of a belt (not shown) so that it can be threaded through the loop and folded over onto itself; belts usually incorporate some type of fastening means such as rivets, screws or snaps so that the folded portion passing through the loop is secured to the belt buckle at the loop. Hook 14 is dimensioned to permit the hook to be inserted in holes provided at the opposite end of a belt. Belt buckle body 10 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be constructed of any suitable plastic material or other material known to one skilled in the art and incorporates within it or thereon a rigid frame member.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rigid frame member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rigid frame member includes an intermediate portion 37, a loop 38, a hook 36, and a portion 60 of the wire which is positioned between loop 38 and intermediate portion 37. As seen in FIG. 3B which shows a side view of the rigid frame member, intermediate portion 37 includes a curvature, and loop 38 is positioned along the curved plane that lies along intermediate portion 37; thus, loop 38 is not perpendicular to intermediate portion 37. Hook 36 extends towards the user such that it may be inserted within the apertures of a belt. FIG. 3A shows a front view of the rigid frame member which depicts the side of the belt which would face opposite the user. In alternate embodiments of the invention, portion 60 of the wire, which is positioned between loop 38 and intermediate portion 37, may be tack welded to end of the wire that forms part of loop.

[0026] The rigid frame member may be comprised of a metal wire having one end formed into the hook and an opposite end formed into the loop. The metal wire may have any variety of dimensions. The wire chosen as the frame member may be made of any suitable metal or other material such as gauge steel wire bent and formed using conventional wire forming machinery known in the art. The rigid frame member may be formed of a wire bent into an appropriate configuration. The rigid frame member, if formed of wire, can conveniently be bent utilizing conventional wire bending machines or other methods known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid frame member may be comprised of 120 gauge steel wire which provides appropriate workability for utilization in such wire bending machines while also providing sufficient strength when in its final form to function as a rigid frame member as part of the belt buckle of the present invention. The rigid frame member may be formed of a single length of wire that has been bent or folded in respective directions, one end of which forms hook 36 that is connected through an intermediate portion 37 to loop 38 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 3B, the belt buckle of the present invention includes a rigid frame member wherein loop 38 is not perpendicular to the intermediate portion 37. Intermediate portion 37 includes a curvature to complement the belt buckle's convex shape. Additionally, loop 38 does not protrude perpendicularly out of the rear face of the belt buckle body. Rather, loop 38 extends out of a lateral end of the belt buckle body. Hook 36 extends out of the rear face of the plastic molded body and extends toward the user when worn by the user.

[0028] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the rigid frame member may be comprised of a metal plate instead of a wire. The metal plate may be bent to create a curvature and to complement the curved shape of the belt buckle. The metal plate may be stamped (or other method known in the art) to provide an opening that enables the respective end of the sheet metal member to be utilized as a loop. A peg or extension may be soldered or welded close to the opposite end of the plate to form the hook. Alternatively, the plate could be stamped or punched to cause a small segment of the sheet to bend inwardly as a substitute for a peg.

[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a rear cross-sectional view of belt buckle body 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. (A perspective view of the front of belt buckle body 10 is seen in FIG. 1.) FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view of the rear side of the belt buckle body with the rigid frame member embedded therein (but excludes the portion of loop 38 that extends beyond the lateral side of belt buckle body 10). In one embodiment, belt buckle body 10 may include one or more cavities adapted to house and hold the rigid frame member which is comprised of loop 38, intermediate portion 37, and hook 36. In embodiments wherein the rigid frame member is embedded within belt buckle body 10, the rigid frame member is permanently affixed to belt buckle body 10.

[0030] Yet, in alternate embodiments, the rigid frame member may be positioned externally on the rear side of belt buckle body 10 (side facing user) instead of being embedded therein. In such embodiments, the rigid frame member is not embedded within the belt buckle body but is stably affixed to the rear side of belt buckle body 10. For example, FIG. 4A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line 4A in FIG. 4. In the embodiment depicted, the rigid frame member is positioned externally at the rear side of buckle body 10 facing the user instead of being embedded within belt buckle body 10. FIG. 4B is a transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along line 4B in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein the rigid frame member is positioned on the rear side of belt buckle body 10. FIG. 4B depicts loop 38, which extends laterally off of belt buckle body 10, and hook 36 which is inserted into the holes of a belt.

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a belt buckle in a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, decorative face 70 is a separate member from belt buckle body 10 instead of a decorative element included as part of the front face of belt buckle body 10. Decorative face 70 couples with the front face of belt buckle body 10 and is permanently affixed thereto. Alternatively, decorative face 70 may be removable and interchangeable to allow for a variety of decorative faces to be placed on belt buckle body 10.

[0032] FIG. 5A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 illustrating a decorative face 70 coupled with the front face of belt buckle body 10. In this embodiment, decorative face 70 is engaged over belt buckle body 10 which is adapted to receive decorative face 70 and may either be permanently affixed thereto or releasable and interchangeable to allow for a variety of decorative faces to be used with belt buckle body 10. In alternative embodiments of the invention wherein decorative face 70 is interchangeable, decorative face 70 may engage with belt buckle body 10 via a variety of methods known in the art. For example, decorative face 70 may be affixed to belt buckle body 10 via clasp components or a fastening system that include male and female counterparts that inter-engage but can break away with enough force, a button-type mechanism which includes a release (e.g., when pressed, the mechanism will release decorative face 70), hook and loop tape system, snap fasteners, snapped or screwed into one or more cavities on the front face of the belt buckle body, slid on through a track or lip member molded onto the front face of the belt buckle body, latched on, attached using magnets, or any combination thereof.

[0033] FIG. 5B is a transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 depicting an embodiment of the invention wherein belt buckle body 10 includes a first cavity 81 and a second cavity 82 to accommodate a rigid frame member. The sides of the loop of the rigid frame member resides in first and second cavities 81 and 82. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the rigid frame member is situated externally on the rear side of belt buckle body 10.

[0034] The above-described embodiments of the present invention have a number of advantages. For instance, the belt buckles as well as the customized or unique belt decorative faces are feasible to create and manufacture. Moreover, it can be realized that the present invention, which is an improvement of U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,766, provides additional advantages. For instance, in the present invention, the rigid frame member and the body of the belt buckle include a curvature to contour the user's waistline thereby providing comfort for the user. A curved belt buckle would be more comfortable than one that is shaped like a rectangular block. The positioning of the loop at the lateral side of the belt buckle as opposed to the rear face permits additional comfort as the rigid metal loop no longer projects into the user's stomach or waist area. Also, the body of the belt buckle of the present invention is less bulky and is more lightweight and streamlined which adds comfort for the user.

[0035] It can further be realized that belt buckle of the present invention is more aesthetically pleasing in light of the belt buckle's design which is less bulky and more streamlined. Furthermore, the inclusion of an interchangeable decorative face makes the present invention aesthetically pleasing for use with everyday apparel while providing versatility. A variety of decorative elements/designs which include any combination of letters, symbols, and/or logos may be incorporated on the front face of the belt buckle such as western designs, artistic designs, initials, names, trademarks, sports insignia, and company names. As such, the present invention may also be ideal for advertising or promotional purposes.

[0036] It can further be realized that the present invention can more stably hold together the ends of a belt. The positioning of the loop on a lateral side as opposed to the rear face of the belt not only provides comfort for the user, but it helps add stability and integrity to the belt buckle. The positioning of the loop of the rigid frame member permits the user to engage in physical activity without his or her belt becoming undone. In addition, the positioning of the loop on a lateral side of the belt buckle permits the user to thread the belt more easily for attachment of the belt buckle to the belt.

[0037] It is to be understood, that although some advantages of the present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other embodiments of the present invention are possible. For instance, the decorative face is not limited to the shape of the convex front face of the belt buckle. It can be of any desirable shape. For example, the decorative face may take the shape of a particular logo, symbol, or character.

[0039] While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A belt buckle comprising: (a) a curved belt buckle body including a front face and a rear side; (b) a rigid frame member comprised of a loop, a hook, and a curved intermediate portion connecting the loop and the hook, wherein the loop extends laterally from the belt buckle body and the hook protrudes from the rear side of the belt buckle body; (c) a decorative face that engages with the front face of the belt buckle body; wherein the belt buckle body includes at least one cavity to house the rigid frame member.

2. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the at least one cavity is embedded within the belt buckle body and the belt buckle body is comprised of a plastic material.

3. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the at least one cavity is located on the rear side of the belt buckle body.

4. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the decorative face is permanently affixed to the front face of the belt buckle body.

5. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the decorative face is interchangeable.

6. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the rigid frame member is comprised of a metal wire having one end formed into the hook and an opposite end formed into the loop.

7. A belt buckle comprising: (a) a curved belt buckle body including a front face and a rear side; (b) a rigid frame member embedded in a cavity located within the belt buckle body, wherein the rigid frame member comprises: a loop conformed to accept an end of a belt and extends laterally from the belt buckle body, a hook which protrudes from the rear side of the belt buckle body to permit the hook to be inserted in holes provided in a belt, and a curved intermediate portion that connects the loop and the hook; and (c) a decorative face that engages with the front face of the belt buckle body, wherein the rigid frame member is comprised of a metal wire having one end formed into the hook and an opposite end formed into the loop.

8. The belt buckle of claim 7 wherein the decorative face is permanently affixed to the front face of the belt buckle body.

9. The belt buckle of claim 7 wherein the decorative face is interchangeable.

10. A belt buckle comprising: (a) a curved belt buckle body including a front face, a rear side, and a cavity on the rear side; (b) a rigid frame member housed in the cavity on the rear side of the belt buckle body, wherein the rigid frame member comprises: a loop conformed to accept an end of a belt and extends laterally from the belt buckle body, a hook which protrudes from the rear side of the belt buckle body to permit the hook to be inserted in holes provided in a belt, and a curved intermediate portion that connects the loop and the hook; and (c) a decorative face that engages with the front face of the belt buckle body, wherein the rigid frame member is comprised of a metal wire having one end formed into the hook and an opposite end formed into the loop.

11. The belt buckle of claim 10 wherein the decorative face is permanently affixed to the front face of the belt buckle body.

12. The belt buckle of claim 10 wherein the decorative face is interchangeable.