Patent ID: 7263750
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: A44B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A buckle assembly for attachment to a plurality of flat, plate like belt connectors, wherein each of the belt connectors includes a latching abutment located adjacent to an upper surface thereof, the buckle assembly comprising: a. a buckle base having a bottom portion and parallel spaced apart upstanding parallel flanges at least along lateral edges of the bottom portion; b. at least two spaced apart latching mechanisms mounted in parallel with respect to each other between the spaced apart upstanding flanges of the bottom portion, wherein each of the spaced apart latching mechanisms includes (i) a separate latch pawl that is spaced apart from the other one or more latch pawls, wherein each of the separate latch pawls is independently movable relative to the other one or more latch pawls to a position engaging the latching abutment of one of the belt connectors, and (ii) a biasing element urging the latch pawl toward the engaging position; and c. at least one operating handle movable between positions at which the latch pawls of the latching mechanisms are caused to engage and to disengage connection between the buckle and the belt connectors, the operating handle being configured to serve as a top cover plate for the buckle assembly.