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US 2002/0002761 A1Published application
Snap-locking buckle and method of making same
AssigneeCapital Safety Inc.
InventorPatrick J. Novak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A buckle includes a first assembly and a second assembly which are selectively latched to one another. Each assembly includes a keeper and a latch secured between a pair of first and second outer plates. The two assemblies are identical in construction and configured to selectively interlock in a manner that provides a reliable buckle.
Claims21
A buckle, comprising:
- a first assembly and a second assembly which are selectively locked to one another, wherein each said assembly has an identical base, including a first end adapted for connection to a strap, and a second end adapted for engagement with the second end on an opposing assembly, and
- the first assembly has a keeper projecting from the second end of the base, and
- the second assembly has a latch mounted on the base and configured to interlock with the keeper on the first assembly, wherein the latch is biased to remain interlocked with the keeper.
A buckle, comprising:
- first and second halves which are selectively locked to one another, each of the halves comprising:
- (a) an identical base having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to a strap, and the second end is adapted for engagement with the second end on an opposing one of the halves;
- (b) an identical keeper projecting from the second end of the base;
- and
- (c) an identical latch mounted on the base and configured to interlock with the keeper on an opposing one of the halves, wherein the latch is biased to remain interlocked with the keeper on an opposing one of the halves.
2 more elements
A method of making a buckle, comprising the steps of:
- (a) making four identical outer plates;
- (b) making two identical latches;
- (c) making two identical interior plates, each with a keeper portion configured to interlock with an opposing one of the latches;
- (d) securing one of the latches and one of the interior plates between two of the outer plates to make a first buckle half;
- and
- (e) securing another of the latches and another of the interior plates between another two of the outer plates to make a second buckle half, the foregoing steps having been performed to make the second buckle half selectively interlocking with the first buckle half.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.