Abstract:
A clasp includes a keeper assembly to one end of a belt or strap or the like and an engaging member attached to the other end of the belt or strap. The keeper includes a pair of arms having at least two retaining members mounted thereon. At least one of the retaining members is movably mounted on the arms. One or more springs are positioned so that they operate on the retaining members biasing them against each other. In another embodiment, the keeper assembly includes a housing having a channel for receiving the retaining members. In preferred embodiments, the engaging member includes a locking tab that is disposable between two of the retaining members to engage the engaging member to the keeper. In preferred embodiments, the locking tab has an enlarged tip and is recessed on its sides according to the contour of the retaining members. These two features, together with the action of the springs or biasing members, cooperate to secure the engaging member to the keeper assembly. Disengagement is accomplished by lifting the free end of the engaged member up and away from the keeper assembly using the finger of one hand.

Description:
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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the keeper assembly with the fragmentary end of a belt. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the engaging member engageable to the keeper assembly of FIG. 1 with the fragmentary end of a belt attached thereto. 
     FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of one embodiment of the clasp with the keeper assembly of FIG. 1 engaged to the engaging member of FIG.  2 . 
     FIGS. 3A-3B top elevational views of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing the keeper assembly and engaging member in progressive stages of engagement. 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a keeper assembly according to another embodiment of the invention with an alternative biasing means. 
     FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a keeper assembly according to another embodiment of the invention with an alternative biasing means. 
     FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating alternative retaining member and locking tab geometries. 
     FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating alternative retaining member and locking tab geometries. 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of the keeper assembly with the fragmentary end of a belt. 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the keeper assembly of FIG. 8 taken along lines  9 — 9 . 
     FIG. 10 is another sectional view of the keeper assembly of FIG. 8 taken along lines  10 — 10 . 
     FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the keeper assembly of FIG. 8 with the locking tab engaged. 
     FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the keeper assembly with the fragmentary end of a belt. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention. 
     FIGS. 14A-D are front elevational views of other embodiments of the locking tab. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     The present invention provides an adjustable, quick release clasp that is easy to use and which is adaptable to many applications through the selection of components and materials of construction. This clasp is particularly suited for use by children or by persons with limited strength or dexterity. The clasp can be used to attach or mount one object to another or can be used as a latching mechanism. In the preferred embodiments that follow, the clasp is used as a buckle to fasten the ends of a belt or strap together. 
     Referring to the drawings, a clasp in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The clasp includes a keeper  10  and an engaging member  20 . In this embodiment, the keeper includes three retaining members  14  mounted on a pair of parallel arms  12  using rings  17 . Preferably, a ring  17  is formed at one end of a rod that extends through the length l of the retaining member  14  and culminates in a second ring  17  at the other end of the retaining member. The retaining members  14  are slidable or movable along the length L of the arms  12  as the rings  17  slide along the arms. 
     In one embodiment, a shoulder  13  is provided at one end of each arm to act as a stop member. A connecting member such as bar  16  preferably connects the opposite ends of the arms  12  for stabilizing the keeper. One suitable means of connecting bar  16  to the arms  12  is by screws. The bar  16  also includes a means  18  for connecting a belt B or strap making the clasp usable as a buckle. This means  18  can include a bar, for instance, about which one end of the belt B can be connected. 
     The keeper assembly further includes a biasing member or means for biasing the retaining members together. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a set of compression springs  15  concentrically mounted at the inboard and outboard ends of the arms  12 . As shown in FIG. 1, the springs  15 , under compression, act against the shoulders  13  and rings  17  at one end of the arms  12  and against the bar  16  and rings  17  at the other end of the arms  12  thus pushing all the retaining members  14  toward the centerline C of the keeper  10  and against each other. Through this action, the springs provide a force sufficient to secure or hold the engaging member  20  within the keeper  10 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, the engaging member  20  preferably includes a plate member  25  having a locking tab  21  integrally projecting from the underside  25   a  of plate member  25 . The locking tab  21  is preferably centrally positioned and extends down from and perpendicular to the underside  25   a  of the plate  25 . The opposite or top side (not shown) of the plate member  25  preferably provides a decorative presentation. The width W of the locking tab  21  is preferably slightly less than the length l of the retaining members  14  (see FIG.  1 ). The length of the locking tab  21 , i.e. its projection away from the plate  25 , is generally greater than the diameter or height of the retaining members  14  to provide secure engagement. Locking tab  21  preferably includes an enlarged tip  24  and is contoured with recesses  22  and  23  on its sides. Preferably, the recesses  22  and  23  generally approximate the shape of the periphery of the retaining members  14  as shown in FIG. 1 to form a seat for receiving the retaining members  14 , when locking tab  21  is positioned between retaining members  14 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, enlarged tip  24  and side recesses  22  and  23  cooperate with the retaining members  14  under influence from springs  15  to secure the locking tab  21  and thus hold the engaged member  20  within the keeper assembly  10 . Engagement of the clasp is accomplished by pushing the locking tab  11  of the engaging member between and through adjacent retaining members  14  against the bias force F b  of the springs  15  as shown in FIG.  3 . The enlarged tip  24  of locking tab  21  preferably has a chamfered surface  26  for ease of insertion into the keeper  10 . 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B depict two stages in the engagement process. In FIG. 3A, locking tab  21  is positioned between two adjacent retaining members  14 . At this stage, springs  15  are shown having lengths dl and d 2 . Application of an engagement force F e  to the engaging member  20  results in the stage shown in FIG.  3 B. Here, as the enlarged tip  24  passes by the retaining members  14 , the springs  15  are further compressed to lengths d 3  and d 4 , which are less the dl and d 2  respectively. Continued pressure results in the engaged condition of FIG. 3 as the tip  24  moves past the retaining members  14 . 
     FIGS. 3,  3 A, and  3 B illustrate the ease of use feature of the invention. Engagement only requires that the locking tab  21  be positioned approximately between adjacent retaining members and then pushed. If the locking tab  21  is slightly off center, it will slide into position upon receiving the engagement force F e . An additional benefit of the invention is also revealed in that the use of multiple retaining members  14  provides the capability for adjustment of the length of the belt. In other words, the locking tab  21  can be inserted between the first and second retaining members  14 , between the second and third retaining members  14 , and so on when three or more retaining members are provided. 
     Any suitable bias members are contemplated. For example, tension members depicted in FIGS. 4-5 can be substituted for the compression springs  15  of the embodiment in FIG.  1 . FIG. 4 shows a set of retaining members  41  interconnected with tension members in the form of tension springs  40  such that the retaining members  41  are biased against each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the tension members can be a number of elastic bands  52 . FIG. 5 also illustrates the addition of a fourth retaining member, which provides an additional engagement location. Other means for accomplishing the function of biasing the retaining members together may also exist. 
     The stiffness of the springs or bands may be varied to adjust the closing and retention forces to suit the particular application. Springs of greater stiffness can be used in applications where the clasp may be under greater tension or load, such as when binding things together. A lesser spring force may be acceptable, for instance, when used with a clothing accessory belt. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 also show an alternative means for mounting the retaining members and biasing means. The retaining members  41  are shown having a transverse hole  42  at each end through which the arms  12  traverse such that the retaining members  41  slide directly on the arms  12 . In addition, the retaining members  41  are shown with a stud  43  projecting from each end for attachment of the biasing means. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 6-7, shown are cross sectional views of adjacent retaining members with an engaged locking tab. Whereas FIG. 1 shows retaining members  14  having a cylindrical cross section, FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrate that other geometries for the retaining member,  60  in FIG. 6 and 67 in FIG.  7  and correspondingly for the locking tab,  61  in FIG. 6 and 66 in FIG. 7 may be selected. Note that the enlarged tip feature  62  and  68  and chamfering of the locking tab  64  and  65  are preferably retained. 
     The selection of retaining member geometry is another factor which influences the retention force and the engagement and releasing forces. The retaining member and locking tab configuration of FIG. 6 would provide a very secure closure of the clasp accompanied by increased effort required to close and release the clasp. This design may also require the use of harder materials finished to reduce surface friction to reduce wear in use. The configuration of FIG. 7 shows retaining members and locking tab having asymmetrical contours. The contour of the retaining member in the area of locking tab entry  69 A is shown having a larger radius or gradual curvature. By comparison, the retaining member contour at  69 B is of a shorter radius or sharper curvature. The gradual curvature  69 A in the area of locking tab entry allows ease of closure while the sharper curvature  69 B in the area shown results in greater retention force and require more force to release. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 8-10. In this embodiment, the keeper  70  includes a housing  71  defining a first channel  72  and an opposite second channel  73  parallel to the first channel  72 . The housing  71  defines a center opening  74  between the channels  72 ,  73 . The first end  76  of each retaining member  75  is movably disposed within the first channel  72  and the second end  76  is disposed within the second channel  73 . Biasing means, which in this embodiment can include a pair of leaf springs  77  positioned at the ends of the housing  74 , operate on the retaining members to bias them together. The retaining members, if cylindrical, may either roll or slide within the housing. Other geometries for the retaining members will be restricted to a sliding motion. It should be noted, of course, that any suitable biasing means is contemplated for this invention. For example, the compression springs, tension springs, or elastic bands previously discussed may be adapted for use with this embodiment. 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. Insertion of the locking tab of the engaging member is accomplished through the center opening  74  in the top of the housing as depicted in FIG.  11 . 
     Yet another embodiment of a keeper is shown in FIG.  12 . The keeper  80  illustrated includes one retaining member  87  fixed to a pair of arms  89  such as by threading the arms into the retaining member. A second retaining member  88  is slidably mounted on the arms by, for instance, a ring  86  attached to each end of the retaining member  88  through which the arms  89  extend. A connector bar  82  having a means  81  for attaching a belt is connected to the other ends of the arms. A biasing means  85  can include compression springs, for instance, interposed between the movable retaining member  88  and the bar  82  to force the retaining members together. Engagement of the clasp is accomplished in a similar fashion to the embodiments previously discussed by forcing the locking tab of the engaging member between the retaining members. 
     The present invention is also useful for items such as the portfolio  100  depicted in FIG.  13 . The portfolio  100  includes a container  101  for carrying items such as papers and a closure flap  102 . This particular embodiment includes a fastener assembly similar to the one shown in FIGS. 8-10. A keeper  110  is provided on the container  101 . The keeper  110  may be sewn into, affixed onto or otherwise attached to the container by any suitable means. An engaging member  120  is attached to the inner surface  103  of flap  102 . The engaging member  120  is attached to the flap  102  using any suitable means. In this embodiment, the plate member  125  of engaging member  120  is sandwiched between layers of the flap material. The locking tab  121  of engaging member  120  can be positioned between any two retaining members  114  for adjustable closure. Although the present invention is described in use with belts and portfolios, it will be appreciated that the present invention is useful with any item that requires a fastener. 
     The present invention also contemplates other means for engaging the keeper to the engaging member. The locking tab of the engaging member can be configured in any suitable member that will provide engagement of the engaging member to the keeper. Examples of suitably configured locking tabs are shown in FIGS. 14A-D. In FIG. 14A, the locking tab  130  has a pair of flexible tongs  131 ,  132  shaped to receive a retaining member. For example, the retaining member may have a circular cross section as shown in FIG. 1 to be received within the circular space S between tongs  131 ,  132 . For engagement, the locking tab  130  is positioned over the retaining member and an engaging force F e  is applied to the plate member  133 . As the engaging force is applied, the tongs  131 ,  132  are deformed to receive the retaining member. Once the retaining member is received within the space S, the tongs preferably resume to their undeformed state with the retaining member grasped by the tongs  131 ,  132  until a disengagement force is applied. 
     The embodiments shown in FIGS. 14B-D are configured to be forced between retaining members against the force of the biasing means. The locking tab  140  shown in FIG. 14B has a curved portion  141  that is shaped to receive a curved retaining member while the locking tab  150  shown in FIG. 14C has an angled construction for engaging retaining members. As shown in FIG. 14D, the locking tab  160  may be shaped as a post type member of any thickness. Preferably, the locking tab  160  will not be perpendicular to the plate member for better engagement between engagement members. 
     The clasps described herein may be constructed from a variety of materials. Best results will be achieved by the use of a hard material such as metal or hard plastic. Metal is most preferable for the retaining members and locking tab. The material surface should have coefficient of friction characteristics similar to that of a smooth ferrous metal and being resistant to wear and galling. 
     While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is apparent that variations and modifications can be made with the attainment of all the advantages of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set fourth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.