Interchangeable Belt Buckle System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/640,298, filed on Apr. 30, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to belts and belt buckle systems. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an interchangeable belt buckle system that enables users to customize belt and buckle combinations quickly and easily, while preserving the traditional function and appearance of a standard belt and buckle arrangement.

Belts are widely used both as functional accessories to secure garments and as fashion elements that complement an outfit. A broad variety of belt types exist, offering different materials, colors, styles, and buckle designs. Because specific belt and buckle combinations may be more visually suitable for particular outfits or occasions, individuals often purchase numerous belts to have adequate styling options. However, acquiring multiple belts can become prohibitively expensive, consume excessive storage space, and create unnecessary clutter, particularly during travel.

Certain known systems attempt to enhance belt versatility. For example, some reversible belts feature different colors on opposite sides and rotate relative to the buckle. However, such systems are limited to only two belt appearances and still require the purchase of multiple belts for broader flexibility. Other designs use clamping mechanisms to attach different buckles to a belt strap. These clamp systems often require considerable hand strength to operate and may degrade the belt material over time with repeated use.

In view of these limitations, there remains a need for a durable, user-friendly system that allows belts and buckles to be interchanged easily without damage to the components. The present invention addresses this need by providing an interchangeable belt buckle system employing a female buckle connector and a male buckle connector that removably secure to one another using a spring-biased latch mechanism. The system further includes a channel configured to receive the pin of a belt buckle, allowing rotational movement consistent with traditional belt operation, and apertures in the male connector configured to secure to a belt via a rivet, screw, or other fastener. By enabling selective pairing of different belts and buckles, the system allows users to achieve a wide variety of custom looks with a minimal number of belts and buckles.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to interchangeable belt buckle systems. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of interchangeable belt buckle systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new interchangeable belt buckle system wherein the same can be utilized for creating a custom belt having a desired combination of different types, sizes, shapes, and colors of belts and buckles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows users to selectively pair different belts and buckles to create custom belt assemblies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a belt buckle system having a male buckle connector and a female buckle connector configured to removably secure together using a spring-biased latch mechanism.

It is an objective of the present invention to offer an interchangeable belt buckle system that takes up limited storage space and reduces costs for the consumer.

It is another objective of the present invention to offer an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows individuals to quickly and efficiently combine a desired belt with a desired buckle to create a custom belt to wear with a particular outfit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a male buckle connector that includes apertures configured to receive a rivet, screw, or other fastener for secure attachment to a belt.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new and improved interchangeable belt buckle system that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the female buckle connector removed from the belt buckle of the interchangeable belt buckle system.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the male buckle connector of the interchangeable belt buckle system.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the female and male buckle connectors of the interchangeable belt buckle system, secured together.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the female and male buckle connectors of the interchangeable belt buckle system, secured together, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows the user to create a custom combination of belt and buckle to suit their liking. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system and an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system 1000. The system 1000 includes a female buckle connector 1100 and a male buckle connector 1200, which are configured to selectively and removably engage with one another to form a belt assembly.

In FIG. 1, the female buckle connector 1100 is partially visible and is coupled to a buckle 1300. In the exploded view of FIG. 2, the buckle 1300 is shown separated from the female buckle connector 1100, illustrating the connection interface. The buckle 1300 is removably attached to the female buckle connector 1100 via a channel 1130 disposed at a first end of the female buckle connector 1100. In one embodiment, the buckle 1300 includes a pin 1310 that is received into the channel 1130, allowing rotational movement of the buckle 1300 relative to the female buckle connector 1100, thereby mimicking the behavior of a traditional belt and buckle assembly. In this way, the buckle 1300 rotates along the pin that is received within the channel.

In the shown embodiment, the buckle 1300 may be replaced with different buckles configured to be compatible with the pin 1310. This allows users to interchange buckles based on style, material, or function. In alternative embodiments, the buckle 1300 may incorporate other mechanical features, such as hooks, posts, or alternative engagement structures that interface with the channel 1130 or related features on the female buckle connector 1100 to achieve a similar removable and rotational connection. Moreover, the interchangeable buckle may have a different dimension, color, or material than the original buckle 1300.

In the shown embodiment, he male buckle connector 1200 includes a second end having one or more apertures 1215 configured to receive fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or other mechanical attachment means. These fasteners (not shown) secure the male buckle connector 1200 to a belt 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 1400 includes corresponding apertures 1410 that align with the apertures 1215 of the male buckle connector 1200 for securement. In alternative embodiments, the belt 1400 may be secured by other means, such as integrated molding, adhesives, stitching, or mechanical clips.

The belt 1400 is configured to be interchangeable as desired. A user may detach the male buckle connector 1200 from one belt and reattach it to a different belt 1400. This provides customization across multiple belt and buckle combinations. The interchangeable features of both the belt 1400 and the buckle 1300 provide maximum flexibility for personal style choices while reducing the need to own numerous complete belts.

In the assembled configuration shown in FIG. 1, the male buckle connector 1200 and female buckle connector 1100 are locked together internally by a spring-biased latch system. Although hidden from the external view, FIG. 2 illustrates the positional relationship between the male buckle connector 1200 and the female buckle connector 1100 prior to assembly. Latch members 1250 disposed within the male buckle connector 1200 extend projections 1225 outwardly into corresponding slots 1140 formed in the female buckle connector 1100 during engagement. A spring 1230 positioned between the latch members 1250 biases the projections 1225 laterally outwardly to maintain a secure locked configuration. This engagement securely locks the connectors without external fasteners, adhesives, or tools, preserving the traditional appearance of a belt assembly. Compression of the latch members 1250 inwardly allows the projections 1225 to disengage from the slots 1140, permitting the male buckle connector 1200 and female buckle connector 1100 to be separated. Through the interchangeable belt buckle system 1000, users may selectively combine different belts 1400 and buckles 1300 without purchasing multiple complete belts, thereby improving convenience, reducing costs, and minimizing storage requirements.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the female buckle connector 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The female buckle connector 1100 includes a first end 1110 and a second end 1120. The first end 1110 defines a channel 1130 configured to receive the pin from a belt buckle. The channel 1130 enables rotational movement of the buckle relative to the female buckle connector 1100 when assembled, thereby mimicking the pivoting behavior of a traditional belt and buckle.

The second end 1120 of the female buckle connector 1100 includes a pair of opposing slots 1140 configured to receive projections extending from latch members of the male buckle connector 1200. In one embodiment, each slot 1140 includes an inner detent 1145 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the slot 1140. The inner detents 1145 are sized and shaped to receive an angled portion of the latch members in the default, uncompressed configuration, enhancing retention when the connectors are locked together.

The female buckle connector 1100 further includes a groove 1150 positioned between the slots 1140. The groove 1150 is configured to receive a tongue extending from the male buckle connector 1200 when the connectors are engaged, providing additional alignment and stability between the parts. In one embodiment, the groove 1150 is sized to permit minor tolerances to account for manufacturing variations while maintaining a secure fit.

The exterior surfaces of the female buckle connector 1100 may be contoured, rounded, or otherwise shaped to integrate smoothly with the external profile of the belt and buckle assembly. In certain embodiments, the female buckle connector 1100 may be fabricated from materials such as metal alloys, durable plastics, composites, or other materials selected for strength, wear resistance, and cosmetic compatibility with common belt and buckle designs. Alternative embodiments may modify the dimensions, surface finishes, or decorative features of the female buckle connector 1100 to accommodate particular belt styles or aesthetic preferences.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the male buckle connector 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The male buckle connector 1200 includes a first end 1210 and a second end 1220. The first end 1210 is configured to removably engage with the second end 1120 of the female buckle connector 1100.

In the shown embodiment, the second end 1220 of the male buckle connector 1200 includes one or more apertures 1215 configured to receive mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or snaps, for securing the male buckle connector 1200 to a belt 1400. The apertures 1215 are positioned through a panel 1240 extending from the second end 1220. In alternative embodiments, the apertures 1215 may be reinforced with grommets, bushings, or other strengthening features to enhance durability during repeated attachment and removal operations.

In the shown embodiment, a pair of latch members 1250 are disposed between the first end 1210 and the second end 1220. Each latch member 1250 includes a projection 1225 extending outwardly toward the first end 1210. A spring 1260 is positioned between the latch members 1250 and biases them laterally outwardly, urging the projections 1255 toward opposing sides of the male buckle connector 1200. In certain embodiments, the latch members 1250 may further include angled surfaces or detent interfaces to assist in achieving a secure locking engagement with the female buckle connector 1100, as will be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In one embodiment, a tongue 1270 extends from the first end 1210 of the male buckle connector 1200. The tongue 1270 is configured to be received within a groove formed in the female buckle connector 1100, providing alignment and added stability when the connectors are joined together. The male buckle connector 1200 may be fabricated from durable materials such as metals, reinforced plastics, composites, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the exterior surfaces of the male buckle connector 1200 may be shaped, contoured, or textured to blend aesthetically with the appearance of the belt 1400 and the attached buckle 1300. The exterior surface of the male and/or female buckle connectors 1200, 1100 may be anodized, painted, or plated.

In one embodiment, a slight chamfer or shoulder on the leading edge of each slot engages the angled tip of the latch member as the buckle connector and belt connector come together. This shoulder cams the latch inward (against the spring) just enough to let the projection slide into the slot, whereupon the spring forces the latch outward into the slot's detent for a secure lock. This allows the connectors to automatically engage without manual depression of the latches.

While the illustrated embodiment shows a single spring positioned between the latch members, in other embodiments each latch member may be biased by its own spring. For instance, two smaller springs can be used, each seated between a latch member and a fixed interior surface or central block of the belt connector. Moreover, in other embodiments any suitable biasing means (e.g., separate coil springs, leaf springs, or an integral resilient element) may be employed as long as it forces the latch members outward into the locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the female buckle connector 1100 and the male buckle connector 1200 in the assembled, locked configuration. These figures illustrate the engagement mechanism that allows the connectors to be selectively attached and detached without the need for external tools or fasteners. The female buckle connector 1100 includes opposing slots 1140 disposed at its second end 1120. Each slot 1140 is positioned to receive a projection 1225 extending from a latch member 1250 disposed on the male buckle connector 1200. In the assembled state shown, the projections 1225 are biased laterally outwardly by a pair of springs 1230 positioned between the latch members 1250. The springs 1230 applies a constant outward force, urging the projections 1225 into the slots 1140 when the male buckle connector 1200 is inserted into the female buckle connector 1100.

In the shown embodiment, each slot 1140 includes an inner detent 1145 adjacent to its interior surface. The inner detents 1145 are configured to receive angled portions of the latch members 1250 when the male buckle connector 1200 is fully engaged with the female buckle connector 1100. The interaction between the angled portions of the latch members 1250 and the inner detents 1145 helps to resist inadvertent separation under normal use conditions, while still permitting intentional release.

In one embodiment, the tongue (not shown) is extending from the first end of the male buckle connector 1200 is received within a groove (not shown) positioned between the slots 1140 of the female buckle connector 1100. The tongue 1270 and groove 1150 cooperate to provide alignment and additional stabilization for the assembled connectors, reducing the risk of lateral shifting or misalignment during use.

To disengage the connectors, a user compresses the latch members 1250 inwardly against the force of the spring 1230. This inward movement retracts the projections 1225 from the slots 1140 and inner detents 1145, allowing the male buckle connector 1200 to be separated from the female buckle connector 1100. In alternative embodiments, different latch geometries or spring arrangements may be employed to modify the engagement force, travel distance, or ergonomic characteristics of the connection and release operations. The buckle 1300 may be selectively interchanged with a substantially similar buckle that engages with the female connector 1100.

In one alternative embodiment, a single latch member is used to lock the buckle connector to the belt connector. In such a case, the buckle connector might have one centrally located slot (or a hook receptacle) and the belt connector one spring-biased latch that engages it. In other embodiments, more than two latch members are also contemplated for enhanced security. For instance, a third latch could be placed along a top or bottom edge if needed. These variations still use the same spring bias principle to achieve a secure, quick-release connection.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.