Harness buckle and method of making same

A buckle, comprising:

• a first outer plate;
• a second outer plate;
• at least one intermediate plate sandwiched between the first outer plate and the second outer plate in such a manner that a grippable portion of the at least one intermediate plate projects outward from between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, and a strap receiving opening extends through the intermediate plate and each said outer plate;
• opposing first and second pawls pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, wherein the pawls have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another, and respective force receiving portions projecting away from one another and outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate;
• first and second springs interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another;
• and
• a catch having a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions, wherein the force receiving portions define respective bearing surfaces that face away from the strap supporting portion.

A method of making a buckle, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first outer plate;
• providing a second outer plate;
• sandwiching at least one intermediate plate between the first outer plate and the second outer plate in such a manner that a strap receiving opening is defined through the intermediate plate and each said outer plate, and a grippable portion of the intermediate plate projects outward from between the first outer plate and the second outer plate;
• pivotally mounting first and second pawls between the first outer plate and the second outer plate in such a manner that the pawls are disposed on opposite sides of an opening defined between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, opposite the grippable portion of the intermediate plate;
• biasing the pawls so that respective latching portions resist movement away from one another;
• and
• providing a catch with a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion into the opening and between the latching portions.

A buckle, comprising:

• a first outer plate;
• a second outer plate, wherein an inspection opening extends through at least one said outer plate;
• at least one intermediate plate sandwiched between the first outer plate and the second outer;
• at least one pawl pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate;
• a spring interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and the at least one pawl in a manner that biases the at least one pawl toward a latching position;
• and
• a catch having a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and into engagement with the at least one pawl, wherein the inspection opening allows a person to see interengaged portions of the catch and the at least one pawl and thereby visually confirm that the catch is engaged by the at least one pawl.

A buckle, comprising:

• a first outer plate;
• a second outer plate;
• at least one intermediate plate sandwiched between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, wherein the intermediate plate is configured to define gaps between the first plate and the outer plate;
• a buckle slide having opposite ends that occupy respective said gaps, and an intermediate portion that is accessible via respective openings in the at least one intermediate plate and each said outer plate;
• opposing first and second pawls pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate in respective said gaps, wherein the pawls have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another, and respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another;
• first and second springs interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another;
• and
• a catch having a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions in such a manner that both force receiving portions must be moved toward the strap supporting portion to free the distal portion from between the pawls.

A buckle, comprising:

• a first outer plate made of steel;
• a second outer plate made of steel;
• at least one intermediate plate made of plastic and sandwiched between the first outer plate and the second outer plate;
• opposing first and second pawls pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, wherein the pawls have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another, and respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another;
• first and second springs interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another;
• a catch having a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions in such a manner that both force receiving portions must be moved toward the strap supporting portion to free the distal portion from between the pawls;
• and an opening extends through at least one said outer plate to reveal interengaged portion of the catch and the pawls when the distal portion is latched between the latching portions of the pawls.