Interchangeable Belt Buckle System

This application claims the benefit of priority under to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/640,298, filed on Apr. 30, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to belts and belt buckle systems. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an interchangeable belt buckle system that enables users to customize belt and buckle combinations quickly and easily, while preserving the traditional function and appearance of a standard belt and buckle arrangement.

Belts are widely used both as functional accessories to secure garments and as fashion elements that complement an outfit. A broad variety of belt types exist, offering different materials, colors, styles, and buckle designs. Because specific belt and buckle combinations may be more visually suitable for particular outfits or occasions, individuals often purchase numerous belts to have adequate styling options. However, acquiring multiple belts can become prohibitively expensive, consume excessive storage space, and create unnecessary clutter, particularly during travel.

Certain known systems attempt to enhance belt versatility. For example, some reversible belts feature different colors on opposite sides and rotate relative to the buckle. However, such systems are limited to only two belt appearances and still require the purchase of multiple belts for broader flexibility. Other designs use clamping mechanisms to attach different buckles to a belt strap. These clamp systems often require considerable hand strength to operate and may degrade the belt material over time with repeated use.

In view of these limitations, there remains a need for a durable, user-friendly system that allows belts and buckles to be interchanged easily without damage to the components. The present invention addresses this need by providing an interchangeable belt buckle system employing a female buckle connector and a male buckle connector that removably secure to one another using a spring-biased latch mechanism. The system further includes a channel configured to receive the pin of a belt buckle, allowing rotational movement consistent with traditional belt operation, and apertures in the male connector configured to secure to a belt via a rivet, screw, or other fastener. By enabling selective pairing of different belts and buckles, the system allows users to achieve a wide variety of custom looks with a minimal number of belts and buckles.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to interchangeable belt buckle systems. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of interchangeable belt buckle systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new interchangeable belt buckle system wherein the same can be utilized for creating a custom belt having a desired combination of different types, sizes, shapes, and colors of belts and buckles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows users to selectively pair different belts and buckles to create custom belt assemblies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a belt buckle system having a male buckle connector and a female buckle connector configured to removably secure together using a spring-biased latch mechanism.

It is an objective of the present invention to offer an interchangeable belt buckle system that takes up limited storage space and reduces costs for the consumer.

It is another objective of the present invention to offer an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows individuals to quickly and efficiently combine a desired belt with a desired buckle to create a custom belt to wear with a particular outfit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a male buckle connector that includes apertures configured to receive a rivet, screw, or other fastener for secure attachment to a belt.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new and improved interchangeable belt buckle system that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing an interchangeable belt buckle system that allows the user to create a custom combination of belt and buckle to suit their liking. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now to, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system and an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the interchangeable belt buckle system. The systemincludes a female buckle connectorand a male buckle connector, which are configured to selectively and removably engage with one another to form a belt assembly.

In, the female buckle connectoris partially visible and is coupled to a buckle. In the exploded view of, the buckleis shown separated from the female buckle connector, illustrating the connection interface. The buckleis removably attached to the female buckle connectorvia a channeldisposed at a first end of the female buckle connector. In one embodiment, the buckleincludes a pinthat is received into the channel, allowing rotational movement of the bucklerelative to the female buckle connector, thereby mimicking the behavior of a traditional belt and buckle assembly. In this way, the bucklerotates along the pin that is received within the channel.

In the shown embodiment, the bucklemay be replaced with different buckles configured to be compatible with the pin. This allows users to interchange buckles based on style, material, or function. In alternative embodiments, the bucklemay incorporate other mechanical features, such as hooks, posts, or alternative engagement structures that interface with the channelor related features on the female buckle connectorto achieve a similar removable and rotational connection. Moreover, the interchangeable buckle may have a different dimension, color, or material than the original buckle.

In the shown embodiment, he male buckle connectorincludes a second end having one or more aperturesconfigured to receive fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or other mechanical attachment means. These fasteners (not shown) secure the male buckle connectorto a belt. In the illustrated embodiment, the beltincludes corresponding aperturesthat align with the aperturesof the male buckle connectorfor securement. In alternative embodiments, the beltmay be secured by other means, such as integrated molding, adhesives, stitching, or mechanical clips.

The beltis configured to be interchangeable as desired. A user may detach the male buckle connectorfrom one belt and reattach it to a different belt. This provides customization across multiple belt and buckle combinations. The interchangeable features of both the beltand the buckleprovide maximum flexibility for personal style choices while reducing the need to own numerous complete belts.

In the assembled configuration shown in, the male buckle connectorand female buckle connectorare locked together internally by a spring-biased latch system. Although hidden from the external view,illustrates the positional relationship between the male buckle connectorand the female buckle connectorprior to assembly. Latch membersdisposed within the male buckle connectorextend projectionsoutwardly into corresponding slotsformed in the female buckle connectorduring engagement. A springpositioned between the latch membersbiases the projectionslaterally outwardly to maintain a secure locked configuration. This engagement securely locks the connectors without external fasteners, adhesives, or tools, preserving the traditional appearance of a belt assembly. Compression of the latch membersinwardly allows the projectionsto disengage from the slots, permitting the male buckle connectorand female buckle connectorto be separated. Through the interchangeable belt buckle system, users may selectively combine different beltsand buckleswithout purchasing multiple complete belts, thereby improving convenience, reducing costs, and minimizing storage requirements.

Referring now to, there is shown a perspective view of the female buckle connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The female buckle connectorincludes a first endand a second end. The first enddefines a channelconfigured to receive the pin from a belt buckle. The channelenables rotational movement of the buckle relative to the female buckle connectorwhen assembled, thereby mimicking the pivoting behavior of a traditional belt and buckle.

The second endof the female buckle connectorincludes a pair of opposing slotsconfigured to receive projections extending from latch members of the male buckle connector. In one embodiment, each slotincludes an inner detent(shown in) positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the slot. The inner detentsare sized and shaped to receive an angled portion of the latch members in the default, uncompressed configuration, enhancing retention when the connectors are locked together.

The female buckle connectorfurther includes a groovepositioned between the slots. The grooveis configured to receive a tongue extending from the male buckle connectorwhen the connectors are engaged, providing additional alignment and stability between the parts. In one embodiment, the grooveis sized to permit minor tolerances to account for manufacturing variations while maintaining a secure fit.

The exterior surfaces of the female buckle connectormay be contoured, rounded, or otherwise shaped to integrate smoothly with the external profile of the belt and buckle assembly. In certain embodiments, the female buckle connectormay be fabricated from materials such as metal alloys, durable plastics, composites, or other materials selected for strength, wear resistance, and cosmetic compatibility with common belt and buckle designs. Alternative embodiments may modify the dimensions, surface finishes, or decorative features of the female buckle connectorto accommodate particular belt styles or aesthetic preferences.

Referring now to, there is shown a perspective view of the male buckle connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The male buckle connectorincludes a first endand a second end. The first endis configured to removably engage with the second endof the female buckle connector.

In the shown embodiment, the second endof the male buckle connectorincludes one or more aperturesconfigured to receive mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or snaps, for securing the male buckle connectorto a belt. The aperturesare positioned through a panelextending from the second end. In alternative embodiments, the aperturesmay be reinforced with grommets, bushings, or other strengthening features to enhance durability during repeated attachment and removal operations.

In the shown embodiment, a pair of latch membersare disposed between the first endand the second end. Each latch memberincludes a projectionextending outwardly toward the first end. A springis positioned between the latch membersand biases them laterally outwardly, urging the projectionstoward opposing sides of the male buckle connector. In certain embodiments, the latch membersmay further include angled surfaces or detent interfaces to assist in achieving a secure locking engagement with the female buckle connector, as will be described in detail with respect to.

In one embodiment, a tongueextends from the first endof the male buckle connector. The tongueis configured to be received within a groove formed in the female buckle connector, providing alignment and added stability when the connectors are joined together. The male buckle connectormay be fabricated from durable materials such as metals, reinforced plastics, composites, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the exterior surfaces of the male buckle connectormay be shaped, contoured, or textured to blend aesthetically with the appearance of the beltand the attached buckle. The exterior surface of the male and/or female buckle connectors,may be anodized, painted, or plated.

In one embodiment, a slight chamfer or shoulder on the leading edge of each slot engages the angled tip of the latch member as the buckle connector and belt connector come together. This shoulder cams the latch inward (against the spring) just enough to let the projection slide into the slot, whereupon the spring forces the latch outward into the slot's detent for a secure lock. This allows the connectors to automatically engage without manual depression of the latches.

While the illustrated embodiment shows a single spring positioned between the latch members, in other embodiments each latch member may be biased by its own spring. For instance, two smaller springs can be used, each seated between a latch member and a fixed interior surface or central block of the belt connector. Moreover, in other embodiments any suitable biasing means (e.g., separate coil springs, leaf springs, or an integral resilient element) may be employed as long as it forces the latch members outward into the locked position.

Referring now to, there are shown perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the female buckle connectorand the male buckle connectorin the assembled, locked configuration. These figures illustrate the engagement mechanism that allows the connectors to be selectively attached and detached without the need for external tools or fasteners. The female buckle connectorincludes opposing slotsdisposed at its second end. Each slotis positioned to receive a projectionextending from a latch memberdisposed on the male buckle connector. In the assembled state shown, the projectionsare biased laterally outwardly by a pair of springspositioned between the latch members. The springsapplies a constant outward force, urging the projectionsinto the slotswhen the male buckle connectoris inserted into the female buckle connector.

In the shown embodiment, each slotincludes an inner detentadjacent to its interior surface. The inner detentsare configured to receive angled portions of the latch memberswhen the male buckle connectoris fully engaged with the female buckle connector. The interaction between the angled portions of the latch membersand the inner detentshelps to resist inadvertent separation under normal use conditions, while still permitting intentional release.

In one embodiment, the tongue (not shown) is extending from the first end of the male buckle connectoris received within a groove (not shown) positioned between the slotsof the female buckle connector. The tongueand groovecooperate to provide alignment and additional stabilization for the assembled connectors, reducing the risk of lateral shifting or misalignment during use.

To disengage the connectors, a user compresses the latch membersinwardly against the force of the spring. This inward movement retracts the projectionsfrom the slotsand inner detents, allowing the male buckle connectorto be separated from the female buckle connector. In alternative embodiments, different latch geometries or spring arrangements may be employed to modify the engagement force, travel distance, or ergonomic characteristics of the connection and release operations. The bucklemay be selectively interchanged with a substantially similar buckle that engages with the female connector.

In one alternative embodiment, a single latch member is used to lock the buckle connector to the belt connector. In such a case, the buckle connector might have one centrally located slot (or a hook receptacle) and the belt connector one spring-biased latch that engages it. In other embodiments, more than two latch members are also contemplated for enhanced security. For instance, a third latch could be placed along a top or bottom edge if needed. These variations still use the same spring bias principle to achieve a secure, quick-release connection.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.