FR2857833A1 - Buckle with male and female part for e.g. clothes or rucksacks, concealed inside soft textile material sleeve - Google Patents

Abstract

The buckle is concealed inside a soft textile material sleeve (30) and can be opened or closed by applying pressure to the outside of this sleeve. The female part (10) has a locating region (12) in communication with an entrance opening for receiving a male part (20) with a complimentary locking section (13, 22) and an actuator section (23) for opening the buckle.

Description

HIDDEN LOOP

  The present invention relates to a closure system including the so-called loop type intended to ensure the closure and possibly the tightening of an article such as clothing, bag, carrying system of a backpack, etc., to using a clip-type element, belt, etc. Currently it is known to use loop-type closure systems associated with tightening straps for the carrying elements (strap, belt) of a backpack, compression straps for backpacks, travel bags, belts for clothes such as pants, etc. In these known exemplary embodiments, the so-called loop closure systems generally consist of a female part provided with a housing and an inlet opening of this housing and a male part capable of being received by the user. inside the housing of the female part, these male / female parts being provided with complementary locking means and a means for controlling the opening of the closure system.

  The locking means are generally of the latching type and the opening control means is either a lever, snap-fastener or a part, accessible from the outside, of the locking means.

  Currently male and female parts of loop closure system are made of different materials.

  Thus, it is known to have both male and female parts of the polyamide (PA) loop. This material is relatively flexible and therefore insensitive to shocks, on the other hand it is also not very "nervous" and the snap, and therefore the locking of the loop, is not always very "frank". This results in risks of inadvertent opening which can be inconvenient for example for closure or compression straps of travel bags, backpack buckles, belts of sportswear belts, which may be subject to restrictions. more or less significant shocks during their use.

  It is also known to have both male and female parts of the polyoxymethylene loop or polyacetal resin (POM). The polyoxymethylene has the advantage of being a rigid polymer and thus to allow snap-fastening and therefore a clear and secure closure of the loop.

  However the POM slip on POM is bad (squeak / abrasion), so that a significant effort must be applied on the loop, especially for closing.

  In addition, the polyoxymethylene being a particularly stiff material, the female part is fragile with respect to transverse forces T, because of its hollow form sheath, and thus breaks relatively easily, for example if it is walked on.

  Moreover, the loops being exposed, they are also sensitive to soiling and this is particularly true for loops used in bags or backpacks which are often placed on the ground, or subjected to frequent shocks during handling, climbing, etc. Another problem is the lack of retention of closure and clamping systems with such loops in the open position.

  Indeed as each male and female part is attached to one end of a strap, said ends "hang" in the open position of the loop. Even if passers-by are provided near said ends, it is necessary each time to gather the two free ends of the strap before being able to close and tighten it.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages and to provide an improved closure system which is particularly easy to use, and / or less sensitive to shocks and soiling, and / or more aesthetic.

  This object is achieved in the closure system according to the invention which is of the type comprising a female part provided with a housing and a male part, adapted to be received inside the housing of the female part, the male and female parts. female being provided with complementary locking means and a means for controlling the opening of the closure system, in that it comprises a flexible sheath adapted to house the closure system and in that the control means is operable from the outside through the flexible sheath.

  Thus the closure system remains protected against shocks and soils, while being hidden by the flexible sheath and thus being more aesthetic.

  In any case the invention will be better understood and other characteristics thereof will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing illustrating, as non-limiting examples, some modes preferred embodiment and in which: - Figure 1 is a plan view of a garment comprising the closure system according to the invention, Figure 2 is a detail view partially cut away from the closure system in the open position, 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the application of the closure system according to the invention to a bag. FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows a garment, in this case a pair of shorts 5, s equipped at waist 5a, with a belt 4 provided with a closure and clamping system 3 according to the invention, closing and clamping 3 being housed inside a flexible sheath 30 of said shorts 5.

  Figure 2 illustrates in more detail the closure and clamping system 3 itself.

  This closure system consists of a female part 10 fixed by an attachment zone 11 at a first end 1 of the belt 4, which is in this case formed by a strap or the like, and a male part 20. fixed by an attachment zone 21, at a second end 2 of the belt or strap 4.

  The strap 4 is preferably an inextensible textile material, but depending on the desired effects it may be in a more or less extensible material, or be of non-textile material.

  The female part 10 comprises, at its end opposite its attachment zone 11 on the strap 4, a housing 12 provided with an opening 12a towards the outside, of complementary shape to an associated part 22 of the male part, and two lateral holes 13 opening into the housing 12.

  Conversely, the male part 20 comprises, opposite its attachment zone 21, a zone 22, 23 for cooperation with the female part, namely in the present case, two lateral elastic tongues 22 defining a complementary volume of that of the housing 12 of the female part, each tongue 22 being also provided at its free end with a bulged portion 23, having in this case a curved shape but may have any other shape, for example a tooth shape or 30 notch, and whose lateral volume exceeds that of the housing 12 of the female part.

  When it is desired to close the loop, the male part 20 is introduced into the housing of the female part, by elastic deformation, because of the bulged portions 23, in the direction of the central axis A of the workpiece, tabs 22,. When the bulged portions 23 arrive at the side holes 13 of the female part, the tongues 22 move outward again (see FIG. 3) and the bulged parts penetrate into the said holes 13 and provide a latching guaranteeing closing the system.

  Of course, the closure is reversible and it is sufficient to press laterally (according to the arrows B of FIG. 3) on the two bulged portions 23 protruding laterally from the female part to elastically deform the tongues 22 in the direction of the axis A. and allow the system to open.

  The bulged portions 23 of the resilient tongues 22 thus constitute a kind of locking levers resiliently biased in the closed position and can be actuated through the lateral openings or holes 13 of the female part 10.

  Of course other locking modes may be provided and in particular a lock with a single central tongue actuated by a pressure button / central lever resiliently biased.

  The catching zone 11, 21 of each respective female part 10, male 20, may be a simple hooking lug, 15 not shown in the drawing, allowing fastening, for example by sewing, riveting of said piece to the associated end respectivelyl, 2 of the strap 4.

  In this case the closing system 3 allows the only closure of the two ends of the strap 4 and a system for adjusting the length of the strap can be provided elsewhere thereon.

  In the case shown in Figures 1 and 2, the attachment zone 11 of the female part 10 is constituted by a single opening allowing the simple passage of the associated end 1 of the strap 4, this end 1 being folded and sewn on itself by a seam 14.

  In such a construction, the position of the female part 10 is not adjustable along the strap 4.

  By against the attachment zone 21 of the male part consists of two openings 21a delimiting two bars 21b, around which the end 2 of the strap passes, alternately above / below, thus making a frictional locking of the strap and allowing adjustment of the position of the male part 20 on the strap 4 and thus the adjustment of the tightening.

  In such an embodiment the position of the male part 20 on the end 2 of associated straps is adjustable and it is therefore possible to adjust the clamping force after locking the closure system 3 by simple pull on the free end 2 of the strap.

  The bars of the attachment zone 21 therefore serve in this case also clamping zone.

  Such a fastening zone 21 of the male part is known per se and may comprise teeth or any other surface braking / gripping on one of the bars 2 lb to improve the frictional locking effect.

  In the illustrated case, which is the preferred embodiment, the seam 14 assembles not only the female piece 10 at the associated strap end 1, but also the garment. The female part 10 is attached to said garment and is thus held in position. It follows that the closing and tightening operation is simplified, since it is sufficient to introduce the male part 20 into the female part and to pull on the free end 2 of the strap 010 until the tension desired tightening force is obtained.

  As shown in the figures, the sheath 30 has the shape of a pocket disposed horizontally on the garment, so as to receive the female part 10, this sheath or pocket 30 being oriented so that its bottom 30a is on the side of the attachment zone 11 of the female part, and that its opening 30b is located on the side of the opening of the housing 12 of the female part.

  This sheath 30 is preferably closed at its bottom so as to provide optimum protection of the closure system, but it could also be open at this level.

  The sheath 30 fully accommodates the female part 10, so that when the closure is locked, that is to say the male part 20 engaged in the female part 10, the entire set of locking means, is completely hidden. In the case where the male part 20 also comprises strap length adjustment means (bars 21lb), this part 25 can remain outside the sheath 30, as shown in the drawings for greater ease of adjustment. .

  This results in a particularly sought after aesthetic appearance. Moreover, the entire closure is protected from any staining, and the main shocks of the end.

  The sheath 30 is made of a relatively flexible material, for example a PES weave (polyester), so that when an unlocking is desired, it is sufficient to actuate the tongues 22 through the material of said strap (see arrows B in FIG. Figure 3).

  It will be noted that the sheath 30 also protects the parts 23 of the tongues 22 against impacts coming from the outside and thus avoids risks of inadvertent unlocking of the closure.

  The sheath 30 could also be of a more or less elastic material such as PA (polyamide) / lycra or PES (polyester) / lycra blend.

  FIG. 4 shows the application of the present invention to the closure of the belt 100 of a backpack 105, provided with a tightening strap 104.

  Similar or identical elements will be designated by the same references increased by 100.

  In this case, the closure and clamping system 103 is able to be housed inside a flexible sheath 130 fixed on one end of the belt 100 and the sheath 104, this flexible sheath 130 being fixed. at the same time as the female part 110 of the closure system on said belt. The male piece 120 is non-adjustable in length on the associated end 102 of the tightening strap 104. In this case the tightening means of the strap is constituted by a loop 121b separate from the male piece 120.

  The operation is the same as previously described.

  In this case, contrary to what is usually done in the backpacks, the closure system is arranged asymmetrically. It could, however, be arranged symmetrically if the associated belt was longer. The advantage of this construction, except those already described above is that the free strap lengths that "hang" are limited since only the end 102 strap 104 remains free.

  In addition, the clamping is effected after locking relative to the fixed point that constitutes the female part and is much easier to perform.

  Of course, the present invention could be used at other levels of a backpack, for example at the compression straps, shoulder straps, etc. Similarly the invention could be used for closing / clamping of travel bags, shoes, jacket type clothing, coats, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

  1- A closure system of the type comprising a female part 10, 110 provided with a housing (12, 112) and an inlet opening of this housing and a male part (20, 120) adapted to be received at the inside of the female part, provided with complementary locking means (13, 22; 113, 122) and a control means (23, 123) for the opening of the closure system, characterized in that comprises a flexible sheath (30, 130) adapted to house the closure system and in that the control means is operable from the outside through the flexible sheath (30, 130).   2- closure system according to claim 1, characterized in that the female part (10, 110) is housed inside the flexible sheath (30, 130) and in that the flexible sheath is provided with an opening opening side of the female part.   3- closure system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the female part (10, 110) is fixed inside the flexible sheath (30, 130).   4- closure system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible sheath (30, 130) is of a resilient material.   5- closure system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the complementary locking means (13, 22; 113, 122) of the male and female part are of the snap type.   6. Closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening control means is of the lever type (23, 123), pushbutton resiliently urged in the closed position.   7- closure system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each male / female part is fixed at one end 30 of a strap (4, 104) of inextensible material.   8- closure system according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one male / female part (20, 120) is adjustably fixed in position on the strap (4, 104).   9- closure system according to claim 8, characterized in that the male piece (20, 120) is adjustably fixed in position on the strap (4, 104).   10- Garment provided with a closing / tightening strap (4), characterized in that the strap (4) is provided with the closure system (3) according to one   any of claims 1 to 9.   11- Bag with a closing / tightening strap (104), characterized in that the strap (104) is provided with a closure system (103) according to one of   any of claims 1 to 9.