U.S. patent application number 11/833189 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for belt buckle.
Invention is credited to Ronald C. Matusek, Sharon M. Reid.
Application Number | 20080120814 11/833189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46329104 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080120814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matusek; Ronald C. ; et
al. |
May 29, 2008 |
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.
Inventors: |
Matusek; Ronald C.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Reid; Sharon M.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
46329104 |
Appl. No.: |
11/833189 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11360130 |
Feb 22, 2006 |
|
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11833189 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/186 ;
24/163K |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/4098 20150115;
Y10T 24/406 20150115; A44B 11/001 20130101; A44B 11/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/186 ;
24/163.K |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/22 20060101
A44B011/22; A44B 11/00 20060101 A44B011/00 |
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.
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.
* * * * *