Buckle

Abstract

A buckle ( 2 ) comprising a buckle body ( 4 ) with spaced apart side walls ( 6, 8 ) and a handle ( 10 ), the handle comprising a cam member ( 24 ) and being pivotally mounted between the side walls ( 6, 8 ) such that it is movable between an open position, wherein a strap ( 30 ) may be threaded upon the handle ( 10 ), and a closed position, wherein tension is applied to a strap ( 30 ) threaded upon the handle ( 10 ), characterised in that the buckle ( 2 ) further comprises strap trapping means ( 26, 28 ) arranged such that when the handle is in the closed position the strap trapping means ( 26, 28 ) defines a channel for the strap ( 30 ) threaded upon the handle, to prevent or reduce slippage thereof.

1 . A buckle comprising a buckle body with spaced apart side walls and a handle, the handle comprising a cam member and being pivotally mounted between the side walls such that it is movable between an open position, wherein a strap may be threaded upon the handle, and a closed position, wherein tension is applied to a strap threaded upon the handle, characterised in that the buckle further comprises strap trapping means arranged such that when the handle is in the closed position the strap trapping means defines a channel for the strap threaded upon the handle, to prevent or reduce slippage thereof. 
   
   
       2 . A buckle according to  claim 1 , wherein the buckle comprises more than one strap trapping means. 
   
   
       3 . A buckle according to  claim 1 , wherein, when the handle is in the closed position, the strap trapping means defines a channel for the strap which is the same width as, or slightly wider than, the thickness of the strap passing through the channel. 
   
   
       4 . A buckle according to  claim 1 , wherein the strap trapping means comprises a strap trapping member which is associated with the cam member, such that when the handle is moved from the open position to the closed position the cam member moves into close proximity with the strap trapping member. 
   
   
       5 . A buckle according to  claim 4 , wherein the strap trapping member comprises a plate. 
   
   
       6 . A buckle according to  claim 5 , wherein the plate extends upwardly from the base of the buckle. 
   
   
       7 . A buckle according to  claim 5 , wherein the plate is perpendicular to the side walls. 
   
   
       8 . A buckle according to  claim 5 , wherein the plate is angled towards the cam member. 
   
   
       9 . A buckle according to  claim 1 , wherein the strap trapping means comprises mating members, a first member being provided on the handle and a second member bring provided on the buckle body, the arrangement being such that when the handle is moved from the open position to the closed position the mating members come together to define the channel. 
   
   
       10 . A buckle according to  claim 9 , wherein the mating members are in the form of plates. 
   
   
       11 . A buckle according to  claim 9 , wherein the mating members define a channel which is the same width as, or slightly wider than, the thickness of the strap passing through the channel.