Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Separable-fastener or required component thereof – With third detached member completing interlock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-12-04
Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Separable-fastener or required component thereof
With third detached member completing interlock
C292S015000, C016S08600R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324733
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an adjustable, quick release clasp suitable for use with belts, garments, portfolios, purses or any apparatus for the retention of objects or closure of containers. The invention is particularly directed to a buckle that can be easily manipulated by persons with impaired or reduced manual dexterity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior buckles can be largely classified into two major categories. The first is typified by the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,272 to Bianchi, which discloses a buckle comprising male and female members. The female member forms a receptacle into which the male member is inserted. The male member has a pair of locking lugs at the end of flexible arms which protrude through openings in the female member. Engagement usually requires the use of both hands of the operator; and, release requires the use of at least two fingers to simultaneously depress the locking lugs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,737 to Ansher, which discloses a snap closure with quick release, represents an improvement over this type of buckle through its adaptation for release by pressure from a single finger of the operator. To facilitate ease of use a thinner and thus more flexible male member can be used, however, this introduces weakness into the buckle and reduces the security of the engagement of the buckle components.
The second major category is exemplified by buckles of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,199 to Liu, which discloses a, quick release belt buckle. Engagement involves the insertion of a plug member into a body member, which generally requires the use of both hands of the operator. Release is achieved by pressing a spring loaded button that extends through the top cover plate of the body. This buckle can be made of metal for added strength and durability, however it requires dexterity to operate.
A need remains for a fastener readily usable by persons with limited dexterity due to disability, disease, injury, youth, or advanced age. Such persons often find it difficult or painful to manipulate a buckle requiring the use of both hands to align and insert one component into another to achieve engagement without the assistance of another person. The simultaneous compression of locking lugs to release a buckle can be equally cumbersome and/or painful for persons having these conditions. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved clasp or buckle that can be easily operated by persons with impaired manual dexterity yet provides a secure engagement. The present invention thus provides a greater level of independence for people who might otherwise require assistance to perform basic, day-to-day activities, such as dressing themselves.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an adjustable, quick release clasp for clothing and other objects that can be adjustably engaged and released with one hand requiring only pushing and lifting motions. In one embodiment, an engaging member is attached to one end of a belt, for instance, and includes a locking tab, which is pushed into a keeper. The keeper has a number of movable retaining members and is attached to the other end of the belt. The retaining members are slidably mounted on a pair of arms. The arms have a shoulder at one end to limit the movement of the retaining members. A connector member connects the other ends of the arms and provide a point of attachment for the other end of the belt.
In one embodiment, the keeper assembly also includes a means for biasing the retaining members together. The biasing means can take the form of either compression springs, tension springs, elastic bands, or the like, suitably operating on the retaining members to push them together. To engage the clasp, the locking tab is inserted between two adjacent retaining members against the force of the biasing means. Preferably, the locking tab is recessed on its sides to match the contour of the retaining members. The recesses on the locking tab, along with an enlarged tip at the end of the locking tab and the action of the biasing means, cooperates with the retaining members to securely hold the engaging member within the keeper assembly. The tip of the locking tab is also preferably chamfered to reduce the force required for insertion into the keeper assembly.
Release is accomplished by lifting upward on the free end of the engaged member. The force required for closure and release can be adjusted for the particular application by selection of springs of appropriate strength or stiffness for the biasing means and by the contour of the retaining members and the locking tab recesses. The invention can be made from a variety of materials from metal to hard plastic and thus provides a broad range of application.
In an alternate embodiment, the keeper comprises a housing containing a channel into which the retaining members and biasing spring members are placed. In operation, the retaining members may either roll or slide within the housing to accommodate and grip the locking tab of the engaged member. The action is dependent upon the geometry selected for the retaining members. If rolling is desired, a cylindrical geometry would be preferred. This embodiment offers the advantage of having the biasing means enclosed within the housing so as to avoid interference with clothing or the article being fastened.
In a third embodiment similar to the first, the keeper includes a fixed retaining member from which a pair of arms extend. One or more movable retaining members are attached to the arms followed by the biasing means and a bar which connects the other ends of the arms and which includes a means for attachment of a belt. In other respects, operation of the clasp is the same as previously described. Both this embodiment as well as the first can incorporate the housing of the second embodiment to conceal the biasing means and arms should that be considered advantageous.
One primary object of this invention is to provide an improved clasp or buckle which combines strength and durability with simplicity and ease of use in one buckle design. The clasp of the present invention accomplishes this objective. The invention is particularly suited for use by children or by persons with limited strength or dexterity due to injuries, disease or disability. Engagement of the clasp requires only that the engaging member be placed in a position overlapping the keeper assembly followed by pushing the two components together forcing the locking tab between two adjacent retaining members of the keeper assembly. Little precision or coordination is required. With similar ease, the clasp is disengaged by simply lifting the free end of the engaged member up and away from the keeper assembly using the finger of one hand. These features provide a differently abled person a degree of independence and self sufficiency.
These and other objects, advantages, and features are accomplished according to the devices of the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
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Baker & Daniels
Sandy Robert J.
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