Abstract:
A belt and belt buckle design that opens to the front where the strap enters the belt buckle from below. The buckle is made from a single buckle member that is formed and that uses force and/or guidance from the buckle to hold the belt in place. The buckle has a hook region to support the strap of the belt and has a body passing around the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is directed to a single member buckle design that, when opened to the front (away from the body of wearer), allows the belt strap to enter or exit the buckle from below (or above when belt is threaded in the opposite direction through the belt loops of trousers). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Belt buckles are well known. Typical belt buckles include a strap and a belt buckle, the belt strap extending through the belt buckle to engage the strap with the belt buckle. Such engagement holds the belt in place around the waist of a person and can be used to support the weight of a person&#39;s pants. 
         [0003]    Typical belt buckle designs involve a closed square, rectangular or oval metal loop wherein the proximal end is attached to one side of the closed loop or around an intermediate member of that closed loop buckle that has a rod or pin that fits through a hole in the strap to engage the belt buckle to the strap. Typical straps have multiple holes so that the engagement of the belt buckle to the strap can be adjusted to fit various waist sizes. Typical belt buckle designs have more than one piece. Typical belt buckle designs have two or more moving parts. 
         [0004]    Belt designs known in the art include the “Hoof Pick Belt” and the “Pelican Hook Belt” made by Narragansett Leather Co., which have a hook action belt buckle and are open framed in appearance. Neither design has the option of feeding the strap from below and neither buckle is constructed from a single member. Instead, these designs are constructed of a closed loop that is attached to the proximal end of the strap. 
         [0005]    Other designs, such as the “Trace Carrier Belt” by Leather Man Ltd. is an example of a single member buckle with no moving parts but is a closed loop construction that does not allow access from below. 
         [0006]    Other belt buckle designs include the typical square or oval metal plate buckle of the ilk seen worn by adherents of American Western style. These buckles often display a scene or a steer&#39;s head. Such buckles share a hook for engaging the belt hole that protrudes from the backside of the buckle and is bent back towards the body of the buckle to enhance positive engagement. In these buckles the structural body lies above the strap being hooked and holds the strap down. 
         [0007]    However, prior art belt buckle designs are of closed loop construction and do not allow for the strap to enter the belt buckle from below. As hereinafter defined, the “front” of the belt buckle is being away from the body of the wearer. “Below” is hereinafter defined as being within the vertical plane relative to the front of the wearer. 
         [0008]    It is desirable to provide a belt buckle design that allows the strap to enter the belt buckle from below and has the belt buckle made from a single piece or is of a one-piece design. Such a design is an elegant solution that is easy to manufacture as the belt buckle, in its simplest form, is constructed from a single length member. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a belt buckle design that allows the strap to enter the belt buckle from below. It is another object of the present invention to provide a belt buckle where the belt buckle is constructed into a single member allowing for any shape or profile or method of formation (e.g. laser cut plate). 
         [0010]    These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a belt comprising: a strap, the strap comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the strap having an engagement region and the distal end of the strap having at least one hole, the strap having a front side and a back side; and a buckle member, the buckle member being formed and having a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, the proximal section of the buckle member passing through the engagement region of the proximal end of the strap to engage the buckle member to the strap, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region that provides support for the distal end of the strap, the middle section of the buckle member passing around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap, and the distal section of the buckle member passing in the front region of the distal end of the strap, the distal section of the buckle member engaging the at least one hole on the distal end of the strap. In some embodiments, the engagement of the buckle member passing through the proximal end of the strap is permanent. 
         [0011]    The buckle member may be a rod, which is round, or may be a flat or square stock. The buckle member may be a shape formed from a larger piece of stock material and then formed. The buckle member may be open and curved. The buckle member may be made of a single or one-piece. In certain embodiments, the buckle member is forged from one material, such as a metal, so that it is one continuous piece. 
         [0012]    The distal end of the strap may enter the buckle member from below. The distal end of the strap may be held in place by the middle section of the buckle member and the proximal section of the buckle member from which the buckle is comprised. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the hook region in the proximal section of the buckle member exerts an upward force on the distal end of the strap, and the middle section of the buckle member passes around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap and provides a force on the distal end of the strap to hold the distal end of the strip in place. In other embodiments, the middle section of the buckle member provides force and guidance to the distal end of the strap to hold the distal end of the strap in place. In some embodiments, the force applied is to the front of the strap. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region involves the hook region having a right angle bend, wherein the hook region passes around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the distal end of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the proximal hook region rotates into the aforesaid engaged position by attaching the hook at the distal end of the buckle into the one of the at least several holes in the distal end of the strap. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the proximal hook region is raised from a position parallel to the front surface of the strap, allowing easy entry into the buckle, to a position perpendicular to the front surface of the strap, effectively locking the strap into position. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the remainder of the proximal section of the buckle member passes through the engagement region at the proximal end of the strap. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the middle section of the buckle member passes from the back region of the distal end of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap on a radius of approximately 180 degrees. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the middle section of the buckle member passes approximately 45 degrees from the plane of the initial right angle bend in the proximal section of the buckle member. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the remainder of the middle section of the buckle member is a radius semicircular curve that passes in the front region of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the remainder of the middle section of the buckle member is formed so that it passes in the front region of the distal end of the strap in a manner to provide sufficient force towards the face of the distal end of the strap to prevent the strap from moving away from the body of the wearer or slipping over the right angle hook at the end of the proximal section of the buckle when buckle is engaged. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the middle section of the buckle member comprises a radius semicircular curve that terminates with another bend away from the middle section of the buckle, which sends the distal section of the buckle member in a direction parallel to the center line of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member has a one hundred and five degree or an approximately one hundred and five degree bend formed in the direction of the front of the strap, the distal section of the buckle member having a hook to engage the at least one hole in the distal end of the strap. In other embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member has a ninety or an approximately ninety degree bend formed in the direction of the front of the strap, the distal section of the buckle member having a hook to engage the at least one hole in the distal end of the strap. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the distal end of the strap has a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the buckle member is made from a metal or a metal alloy. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member has a tip with decreasing diameter. In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member has a tip with a non-decreasing diameter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the strap can be slid into the buckle member at any point along the strap prior to engagement. 
         [0026]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a belt comprising: a strap, the strap comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the strap having an engagement region and the distal end of the strap having at least one hole, the strap having a front side and a back side; and a buckle, the buckle being curved and having a proximal section and a distal section, the proximal section of the buckle passing through the engagement region of the proximal end of the strap to permanently (or semi-permanently if the strap is attached with snaps) engage the buckle to the strap, the proximal section of the buckle having a hook region that provides support for the distal end of the strap, the distal section of the buckle being open, the distal section of the buckle passing around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap, the distal section of the buckle engaging the at least one hole on the distal end of the strap. 
         [0027]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a belt buckle comprising: a buckle member, the buckle member being one piece and being formed, the buckle member divided into a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, the proximal section of the buckle member able to pass through the engagement region of a proximal end of strap to engage the buckle member to the strap, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region, the middle section of the buckle member being open and curved, and the distal section of the buckle member able to engage at least one hole on the distal end of the strap. In some embodiments the buckle member is curved. 
         [0028]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a belt buckle comprising: a buckle member, the buckle member being one piece and being formed, the buckle member divided into a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, the proximal section of the buckle member able to pass through the engagement region of a proximal end of strap to engage the buckle member to the strap, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region providing a stop for the proximal strap attachment to the buckle and a stop that rotates into perpendicular position preventing downward movement in the direction below the buckle, the middle section of the buckle member being open and formed in a way to control the distal end of the strap from moving away from the body of the wearer by creating barrier exerting a force towards the body of the wearer and the distal section of the buckle member able to engage the at least one hole on the distal end of the strap. 
         [0029]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a belt comprising: a strap, the strap comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the strap having at least one hole, the strap having a front side and a back side; and a buckle member, the buckle member having a proximal section and a distal section, the proximal section of the buckle member being formed and engaging the buckle member to the strap, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region that provides support for the distal end of the strap and having a body passing around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap, and the distal section of the buckle member passing in the front region of the distal end of the strap, the distal section of the buckle member engaging the at least one hole on the distal end of the strap. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the distal end of the strap enters the buckle member from below. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the distal end of the strap is held in place by the distal section of the buckle member and the proximal section of the buckle member. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the hook region in the proximal section of the buckle member exerts an upward force on the distal end of the strap, and wherein the proximal section of the buckle member passing around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap provides a force on the distal end of the strap to hold the distal end of the strip in place. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region involves the hook region having a right angle bend, wherein the hook region, when the buckle is engaged, passes below the distal section of the strap from the back region of the distal end of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the proximal hook region rotates into the aforesaid engaged position by attaching the hook at the distal end of the buckle into the one of the at least several holes in the distal end of the strap. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the proximal hook region is raised from a position parallel to the front surface of the strap, allowing easy entry into the buckle, to a position perpendicular to the front surface of the strap, effectively locking the strap into position. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member is a rod extending in a direction parallel to the center line of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member is rectangular and extends extending in a direction parallel to the center line of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the distal section of the buckle member is tapered as its passes along the front region of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the distal end of the strap can be slid into the buckle member at any point along the strap prior to engagement. 
         [0040]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a buckle member, the buckle member being formed and engaging the buckle member to a strap, the proximal section of the buckle member having a hook region that provides support for the distal end of the strap and having a body passing around the distal section of the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the distal end of the strap. 
         [0041]    Other objects of the invention are achieved by allowing for the interplay of different portions of the buckle, which function together to control the distal end of the strap when engaged, yet still allow the user to take advantage of the flexible nature of the strap during engagement and disengagement. The interplay of these variables, namely, (1) the bend below the strap&#39;s proximal point of attachment to the buckle, (2) the proximity of the portion of the buckle that lies in front of the strap to the prior mentioned bend and, (3) the adjustment of that proximity in consideration of the flexibility of the strapping material allow an improved buckle and belt design to be achieved. 
         [0042]    Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a buckle member of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  engaged with a strap; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  engaged with the strap prior to tightening the strap; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  engaged with the strap after tightening the strap; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  engaged with the strap after to tightening the strap and engaging the buckle member with the strap; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a buckle member engaged with a strap of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 9A  fully engaged with the strap; 
           [0053]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a buckle member engaged with a strap of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 10A  fully engaged with the strap; 
           [0055]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a buckle member of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the buckle member of  FIG. 11A  engaged with a strap; 
           [0057]      FIG. 11C  is a side view of the buckle member of  FIG. 11A  engaged with a strap; and 
           [0058]      FIG. 12  is top view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  having a tapered end; 
           [0059]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a buckle member of an embodiment of the invention engaged with a strap; 
           [0060]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a buckle member of an embodiment of the invention engaged with a strap; 
           [0061]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a buckle member of an embodiment of the invention engaged with a strap; and 
           [0062]      FIG. 16  is perspective view of a buckle member engaged with a strap closing from left to right. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0063]    The application incorporates by reference U.S. Patent Application No. 61/598,178, entitled “Belt Buckle”, filed Feb. 13, 2012 in its entirety. 
         [0064]    The present invention is directed to a novel, unique belt buckle design that allows the strap to enter the belt buckle from below (being within the vertical plane relative to the front of the wearer). 
         [0065]    The belt buckle design was conceived of during experimentation with a ¼″ round steel rod for use making retaining clips meant to hold a glass lens or other objects to ornamental stone lanterns where the glass would cover the actual lamp and fixture, both located in a carved hollow in the stone. Such experimentation made clear the strength and rigidity of this type of rod and brought about the question of its viability as a material supportive of the requirements of a buckle for use in a strapping system or with a belt not of the traditional continuous metal loop connection to the strap or belt but rather of a connection (at the point of permanent connection to the strap) emerging on only one side of said strap or belt, leaving one side of the buckle open (perpendicular to the strap or belt.) 
         [0066]    Such an open sided buckle, upon experimentation and use proving structurally viable, also proved functionally superior to closed loop buckles as the open sided buckle design allows for the strap to be slid into the buckle at any point along the strap prior to engagement. This feature eliminates the need to insert the end of the strap through the buckle and pull its unused excess length through the buckle before reaching the needed point of engagement on the strap or belt. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the buckle  100  is shown. The buckle  100  has a proximal section  130 , middle section  120  and distal section  110 . The proximal section  130  has a hook region  140  that provides support for the distal end of the strap  150 . 
         [0068]    The proximal section  130  has a body  135  that hooks into a bend  125  leading to the middle section  120  of the buckle  100 . In certain embodiments, the hook region  140  is perpendicular to the body  135 . The middle section  120  has a body  115  that is bent in a curved C shape, which is open. The C shape can have a convex or concave shape, but is shown as being concave in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0069]    The middle section  120  then leads to the distal section  110  of the buckle  100 . The distal section has a body  112  that ends in a hook region  105 . The hook region  105  is able to engage with the strap  150 . 
         [0070]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the buckle  100  is shown with a permanent connection to the belt strap  150 . The buckle hook region  140  and body  135  of the proximal section  130  of the buckle  100  are attached to the proximal end of the strap  150  having an engagement region  170  such that the body  135  passes through the engagement region  170  of the strap  150 . The engagement region  170  engages the body  135  and hook region  140  of the buckle  100 . The hook region  140  appears to be below the belt strap  150  and may support the strap  150 . 
         [0071]    The hook region  140  is shown having a right angle bend with body region  135  of the proximal section  130  of the buckle  100 . The buckle then has a curve  125  on a ¼″ radius 180 degrees, 45 degrees from the plane of the initial bend to enter a larger ½″ radius semicircular curve  115  of the middle section  120  belt buckle  100 . The curve  115  is the body of the middle section  120  of the buckle  100 . This curve  115  terminates with another bend  112  away from the previous bends center point, which sends the belt buckle  110  in a direction parallel to the center line of the strap  150 . After approximately one inch a sharp  105  degree bend is formed in the direction of the strap  150  and the buckle ends after half an inch in the hook region  105 . That last half inch (portion of hook region  105 ) may be reduced to 5/32″ and slightly round toward the body of the buckle to cause effective engagement with a hole  155  punched in strap  150 . 
         [0072]    Aside from the side access feature of said buckle, its form also maximizes control of the excess strap after the point of connection through a punched hole in the strap curve  115  keeps the strap from rising away from the buckle and hook region  140  serves to keep the strap from sliding out from under curve  115  when the tolerances are adjusted appropriately in consideration of the thickness and width of strapping used. An ideal adjustment will keep the excess strapping, beyond the point of engagement that flows back through the buckle, from falling out of the open side of the buckle while allowing the user to still easily disengage the strap from the buckle by flexing the strap enough to move it beyond those buckle features that will hold it secure when engaged. Appropriate adjustment assumes the tolerances will maximize security in the engaged position while not causing difficulty or damage to the strap while being disengaged. 
         [0073]    This design has application potential in the fashion realm as an accessories item, and in the industrial market as a quick cinching light duty buckle for a strapping system for tarps, light loads, etc. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2  also shows various buttons  160 ,  160 ′ and  160 ″ that can be attached to the strap via various attachment mechanisms. 
         [0075]      FIG. 3  shows the buckle  100  in an open arrangement such that the buckle  100  is arranged perpendicular to the strap  150 . This allows for the strap  150  to be slid into the buckle. The proximal hook region  140  in this arrangement is shown parallel with the strap  150 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  shows belt buckle  100  in engagement with the strap  150  after the buckle  100  is rotated with respect to the strap  150  to the closed position.  FIG. 4  shows the buckle  100  having a hook section  140 , and curve  125 , body  115  and body  112 . The buckle  100  fits to hold the distal end  180  of the belt to the proximal end  150  of the belt.  FIG. 4  also shows the belt strap  150  having holes  155  and  155 ′. 
         [0077]    To engage the distal end of the belt  150  with the buckle  100 , a user slides the distal end of the belt across the buckle, but within the space between hook  140  and middle section  120  having body  115  of the belt strap.  FIG. 4  shows the buckle  100  engaged with the strap  150  after tightening the strap. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5  shows the hook region  105  engaged with the hole  155  of the belt strap  150 , so that the buckle member  100  is engaged in the strap  150  in the closed position. This causes the distal end  180  and proximal end  170  of the belt strap  150  to be engaged with one another. The belt strap fits between the hook region  140  and curve  125  of the middle section  120  of the belt strap  150 . The middle section  120  of buckle  100  holds the belt strap between the body  135  of the proximal section  130  and the middle section  120  of buckle  100 . The arrow shows the movement of the buckle  100  as it rotates along angle γ as the buckle  100  rotates within the engagement region  170  of the strap. 
         [0079]    In other embodiments, the belt strap  150  may be rotated so that the hook region  140  is shown above the belt strap  150 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 6-8  show perspective views of the belt buckle  100  from various angles.  FIG. 6  is a front view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7  is a top view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8  is a rear view of the buckle member of  FIG. 1 . In these views hook region  140 , body  135 , curve  125 , body  115 , body  112  and hook region  105  are shown. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 9A-9B  show belt buckle  800  of another embodiment of the invention. Here, the hook region  840 , body  835  and hook region  825  make up the proximal section of the belt buckle. The middle section of the belt buckle  800  is shown as body  815 , while the distal end of the belt buckle has body  812  and hook region  805 .  FIG. 9B  shows the belt strap  150  engaged with buckle  800  having the distal end  180  of the strap  150  engaged with the belt buckle  800 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 10A-10B  show belt buckle  900  of another embodiment of the invention. Here, the hook region  940 , body  935  and hook region  925  make up the proximal section of the belt buckle. The middle section of the belt buckle  900  is shown as body  915 , while the distal end of the belt buckle has body  912  and hook region  905 .  FIG. 10B  shows the belt strap  150  engaged with buckle  900  having the distal end  180  of the strap  150  engaged with the belt buckle  900 . 
         [0083]    Other designs involve proximal, middle sections and distal sections of the belt buckle where the radius of curvature and the length of these sections are varied. These designs allows for straps of various widths to be used with the rod. In certain designs the proximal or distal sections of the belt may be extended. 
         [0084]    The designs show the rod being in one piece and having the proximal section of the rod pass through an engagement section in the proximal end of the strap. This engagement section can simply be the strap reversed upon itself  180  degrees and secured, forming a region for the rod to pass through. 
         [0085]      FIG. 11A-11C  show belt buckle  1000  of another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 11B  shows belt strap  200  engaged with buckle  1000 . Buckle  1000  has a hook region  104  engaging the proximal end of the belt strap  2000 . Buckle  1000  has a body that has a proximal section  1030 , middle section  1020  and distal section  1010 . The distal section  1010  has a hook region  105  for engagement with the belt.  FIGS. 11B and 11C  show buckle  1000  engaged with the belt strap having the distal end  280  of the belt strap  200  between the proximal end section  1030  and distal section  1010  of buckle  1000 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 12  shows the belt buckle of  FIG. 1  reproduced, so that the buckle has a hook region  1140 , curve  1125 , body  1115 , body  1112  and hook region  1105 . Hook region  1105  has a smaller diameter than the rest of the rod body. In certain embodiments, hook region  1105  may be tapered and/or curved, so that it can interact with holes or bores in the belt strap. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 13-15  show other embodiments of a buckle of the present invention.  FIG. 13  shows the buckle  1300  engaged with strap  300 . Buckle  1300  has a hook region  1340  attached to body  1335 . The body  1335  passes from the back of the strap  300  to the front of the strap  300  after passing through curve  1325 . After passing curve  1325  the buckle continues with body  1320 . Body  1320  is then engaged with the distal region  1312  of the buckle  1300 . The distal region  1312  is engaged with a hole in the strap by hook  1305 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 14  shows the buckle  1400  engaged with strap  300 . Buckle  1400  has a hook region  1440  attached to body  1435 . The body  1435  passes from the back of the strap  300  to the front of the strap  300  after passing through curve  1425 . After passing curve  1425  the buckle continues with body  1420 . Body  1420  is then engaged with the distal region  1412  of the buckle  1400 . The distal region  1412  is engaged with a hole in the strap by hook  1405 . The distal region  1412  is tapered along the front of the strap  300 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 15  shows the buckle  1500  engaged with strap  300 . Buckle  1500  has a hook region  1540  attached to body  1535 . The body  1535  passes from the back of the strap  300  to the front of the strap  300  after passing through curve  1525 . After passing curve  1525  the buckle continues with body  1520 . Body  1520  is then engaged with the distal region  1512  of the buckle  1500 . The distal region  1512  is engaged with a hole in the strap by hook  1505 . The distal region  1512  is rectangular and extends along the front of strap  300 . 
         [0090]    Buckle members  1300 ,  1400  and  1500  are able to rotate from an open to a closed position to engage the buckle. In certain embodiments, the buckle member is of a one piece rod like design that passes from the back of the strap to the front of the strap and is connected to a distal region that passes along the front of the buckle. The distal region that passes along the front of the buckle can have various designs. 
         [0091]    In certain embodiments, the body  1335 , body  1435  and body  1535  pass through an engagement region of the strap, similar to body  135  passing through engagement region  170  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In certain embodiments, the body  1335 , body  1435  and body  1535  are welded together with distal regions  1312 ,  1412  and  1512  respectively. 
         [0092]    In certain embodiments of the invention, the design allows for straps of various widths to be used with the rod. The design shows the rod being in one piece and having the proximal section of the rod pass through an engagement section in the proximal end of the strap. This engagement section can simply be the strap reversed upon itself  180  degrees and secured, forming a region for the rod to pass through. 
         [0093]      FIG. 16  shows buckle member  1600  engaged with strap  1650 . Buckle member  1600  is shown with a permanent connection to the belt strap  1650 . The buckle hook region  1640  and body  1635  of the proximal section  1630  of the buckle  1600  are attached to the proximal end of the strap  1650  having an engagement region  1670  such that the body  1635  passes through the engagement region  1670  of the strap  1650 . The engagement region  1670  engages the body  1635  and hook region  1640  of the buckle  1600 . The hook region  1640  appears to be below the belt strap  1650  and may support the strap  1650 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 16  is similar to  FIG. 2  but is closed from left to right across the front of the strap.  FIG. 2  shows the belt buckle being closed from right to left along the strap. The disclosure includes having belt buckles that open from both left to right and right to left and is not limiting to either orientation. In certain embodiments, different chiral orientation and mirror images of the belt buckles may be contemplated. In certain embodiments, the belt may be worn upside down in a reverse manner to that shown in the figures. 
         [0095]    In certain embodiments, the hook regions of the buckle can have a smaller diameter than the rest of the rod. In certain embodiments, the hook regions of the buckle can have a greater diameter than the rest of the rod that makes up the buckle. 
         [0096]    In certain embodiments, the buckle has a proximal section attached to the distal end of a strap and a distal section passing around the distal end of a strap and engaging with a hole in the distal end of the strap. 
         [0097]    In certain embodiments, the distal end of the strap is engaged with the belt buckle or rod. The belt buckle design may be both in an open position and closed position where the rod is engaged with the strap. 
         [0098]    The belt and belt buckle may be used for other purposes, such as a quick engaging tie-down strap to control a load or a tarp, or a buckle on a shoe or bag. In these purposes, where load size may vary greatly, the advantage of engaging the buckle anywhere along the strap without having to feed the length of strap through the buckle prior to engagement becomes apparent. 
         [0099]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation and that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made thereto, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. 
         [0100]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.