STRAP BUCKLE, BAG STRAP COMPRISING SUCH BUCKLE AND BAG COMPRISING SUCH BAG STRAP

Abstract

 A strap buckle (26) for bag strap (14), in particular for a shoulder strap, comprises:
- a substantially planar frame (32), surrounding an opening (34), the frame (32) having two opposite slots (421, 422);
- a bar (44), extending through the opening (34) along a main direction of extension (A1), the main direction of extension (A1) being parallel to the two opposite slots (421, 422), the bar (44) being mounted on the frame (32), so as to be pivotable around a rotation axis (A2), out of the plane of the frame (32);
- means (50, 52) for selectively locking the bar (44) in the position where it extends through the opening (34).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of bags including a bag strap, for example a shoulder strap. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a strap buckle for a bag strap, a bag strap comprising such a strap buckle and a bag comprising such a bag strap. The present disclosure further presents a method to modify the look of a bag strap.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A bag, in particular a handbag, is conventionally provided with a bag strap, such as a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is generally adjustable in length to adapt to the size and build of the person carrying the bag.

[0003] To do this, the bag strap comprise a strap buckle and a flexible band. The strap buckle comprises a annular frame and a bar extending between two opposite edges of the annular frame. The flexible band extends between two ends. A first end of the flexible band is fastened to the bar of the strap buckle. From the first end to the second end, the flexible band extends through a ring and then trough the strap buckle so that the flexible band is pinched between the annular frame and the bar of the strap buckle. The flexible band thus forms a loop on one side of the strap buckle, whereas a single strand of the flexible band extends on the other side of the strap buckle. By moving the strap buckle, it is possible to modify the length of the loop and the length of the single strand, so as to modify the total length of the bag strap.

[0004] Moreover, reversible bag straps are known which make it possible to modify the look of the bag, depending on the side of the bag strap kept visible. However, such a bag strap is not adjustable in length as explained above. Indeed, only one face of the flexible band extends outwardly along the loop. Thus this one face would still be visible when reverting the reversible bag strap.

[0005] This disclosure improves the situation.

Summary

[0006] To this end, it is disclosed a strap buckle for bag strap, in particular for a shoulder strap, comprising:

• a substantially planar frame, surrounding an opening, the frame having two opposite slots;
• a bar, extending through the opening along a main direction of extension, the main direction of extension being parallel to the two opposite slots, the bar being mounted on the frame, so as to be pivotable around a rotation axis, out of the plane of the frame;
• means for selectively locking the bar in the position where it extends through the opening.

[0007] Thus, advantageously, a bag strap comprising the strap buckle can be adjusted in length. Moreover, both faces of the flexible band of the bag strap can then be oriented outwardly so as to have different looks of the bag strap, as will be explained later.

[0008] According to preferred embodiments, the strap buckle comprises one or more of the following features, alone or in combination:

• the means for selectively locking the bar in the position where it extends through the opening comprises a pin and a housing adapted to receive the pin;
• the pin is fixed to the frame and the housing is on the bar, especially at a free end of the bar, wherein the pin is preferably elastically constrained in its position adapted to be received in the housing for locking the bar in its position through the opening;
• the bar has a relief at a free end and the frame has a complementary relief, adapted to receive said relief when the bar extends through the opening;
• the relief is substantially planar and extends mainly perpendicularly to the main direction of extension of the bar;
• the frame is generally rectangular in shape, preferably with rounded corners, the frame preferably having two free ends and a gap between the two free ends, the bar extending in the gap between the two free ends; and
• the strap buckle is at least partly made of metal, in particular of brass, steel, stainless steel, gold, silver.

[0009] According to another aspect, a bag strap is disclosed, in particular a shoulder strap for handbag, comprising:

• a strap buckle as disclosed here above in all its combination;
• a ring, defining a hole;
• a flexible band extending between a first end of the flexible band fixed to the bar of the strap buckle and a second end of the flexible band, the flexible band extending, from the first end to the second end, through:

  -- the hole in the ring;

  -- a first slot among the two slots of the strap buckle;

  -- the opening in the strap buckle, so that the flexible band is pinched between the bar and the frame of the strap buckle,

  -- a second slot among the two slots of the strap buckle,

  so that the flexible band forms a loop on one side of the strap buckle.

[0010] According to preferred embodiments, the bag strap comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:

• the bag strap comprises first fastening means at the second end of the flexible band, for fastening the bag strap to a bag body, and/or second fastening means for fastening the bag strap to a bag body, the second fastening means being attached to the ring;
• at least one among the first fastening means and the second fastening means comprise at least one among:

  -- a ring;

  -- a clasp; and

  -- a male or female part of a snap button to be associated to a female or male part, respectively, of the snap button, fixed on the bag body;

  - the flexible band is at least partially made of fabric, especially non-woven fabric or woven fabric, the fabric being preferably ribbon shaped, the fabric being more preferably satin or sateen; and

  - the flexible band has a first look on a first face and a second look on a second face, the first and second looks being different.

[0011] According to another aspect, a bag is disclosed, in particular a handbag, comprising a bag body and a bag strap as disclosed here above in all its combinations, the bag strap being fastened to the bag body.

[0012] According to another aspect, a method is disclosed to modify the look of a bag strap as disclosed here above in all its combinations, comprising the steps of:

i) releasing the means for selectively locking the bar in the position where it extends through the opening;

ii) pivoting the bar a full turn around the rotation axis;

iii) locking the means for selectively locking the bar in the position where it extends through the opening; and

iv) twisting the flexible band a half-turn around a longitudinal axis of the flexible band, along the loop.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] Other features, details and advantages will be shown in the following detailed description and on the figures, on which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a handbag including a bag strap.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a strap buckle of the bag strap of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the strap buckle of FIG. 2, a bar of the strap buckle being pivoted about its position on FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view of the bag strap of the handbag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first step of a method to modify the look of the bag strap of the handbag shown on FIG.1.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second step of a method to modify the look of the bag strap of the handbag shown on FIG.1.

FIG. 7 shows the bag strap of FIG. 1 at the end of the second step of the method to modify the look of the bag strap of the handbag shown on FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a third step of a method to modify the look of the bag strap of the handbag shown on FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates the look of the handbag of FIG. 1 at the end of the method for modifying the look of the bag strap.

Description of Embodiments

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an example of a bag, here a handbag 10.

[0015] As shown on FIG. 1, the handbag 10 comprises - here consists in - a bag body 12, a bag strap 14 and means 16 for fastening the bag strap 14 to the bag body 12. Here the means 16 for fastening the bag strap 14 to the bag body 12 comprise two rings 16 fixed to the bag body 12.

[0016] As shown on FIG. 1, the bag body 12 can comprise a pocket 18 and a flap 20 covering the space in the pocket 18. The bag body 12 can also comprise a closing device 22 for fixing a free end of the flap 20 on the pocket 18. The closing device 22 can be one among a lock, a magnet, a slot in the pocket 18 adapted to receive at least a part of a free end of the flap 20. One with ordinary skills in the art can imagine other closing devices 22.

[0017] Alternatively, the bag body 12 can comprise two folds defining a space inside the bag body 12. The bag body 12 can then also comprise a closing device 22 for fixing together the two folds and thus closing the space inside the bag body 12.

[0018] According to the example shown on FIG. 1, the bag strap 14 comprises a flexible band 24 and a strap buckle 26.

[0019] The flexible band 24 extends between a first end 24₁ and a second end 24₂. The flexible band 24 comprises a first face 24A and an opposite second face 24B. The first face 24A of the flexible band 24 has a first look (or appearance). The second face 24B of the flexible band 24 has a second look (or appearance). The looks of the first and second faces 24A, 24B of the flexible band 24 are different. Here, for example, the first face 24A of the flexible band 24 is covered with dots, whereas the second face 24B of the flexible band 24 is covered with crosses.

[0020] For example, the flexible band 24 can be made of fabric, especially non-woven fabric or woven fabric, the fabric being preferably ribbon shaped, the fabric being more preferably satin or sateen.

[0021] The strap buckle 26 is described below in regard of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0022] The strap buckle 26 comprises a frame 32 delimiting a central opening 34.

[0023] The frame 32 comprises two parallel lateral sides 36₁, 36₂, a transversal side 38 extending between first ends of the two lateral sides 36₁, 36₂, and two line segments 40₁, 40₂ extending each from the second end of one of the two lateral sides 36₁, 36₂. The two line segments 40₁, 40₂ do not join each other, a gap being maintained between the free ends of the two line segments 40₁, 40₂. Here, the two line segments 40₁, 40₂ are parallel to the transversal side 38. As shown on FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 32 has a substantial rectangular shape with round corners.

[0024] Each of the two lateral sides 36₁, 36₂ comprises a slot 42₁, 42₂. Each slot 42₁, 42₂ is adapted to be traversed, preferably once, by the flexible band 24 of the bag strap 14. For example, the width of each slot 42₁, 42₂ is substantially equal to the width of the flexible band 24. The height of each slot 42₁, 42₂ is substantially equal to the thickness of the flexible band 24. For example, the height of each slot 42₁, 42₂ is at most equal to twice the thickness of the flexible band 24.

[0025] The frame 32 of the strap buckle 26 is substantially flat. Especially, the two slots 42₁, 42₂ are comprised in one single plane.

[0026] As shown on FIG. 2, a bar 44 extends through the opening 34, along an extension axis A1, which is parallel to the two lateral sides 36₁, 36₂ of the frame 32. As shown on FIG. 2, the bar 44 extends substantially in the same plane as the two slots 42₁, 42₂. As show on FIG. 2, the bar 44 extends from the gap between the two line segments 40₁, 40₂ to a recess 46 on an internal face of the transversal side 38, facing the opening 34 delimited by the frame 32. The recess 46 here is slightly larger than the gap between the free ends of the two line segments 40₁, 40₂. Indeed, in the present case, the bar 44 is cylindrical along most of its length, and comprises a larger flat portion 48 at its free end designed to be received in the recess 46. Accordingly, the flat portion 48 is complementary to the recess 46 in the transversal side 38.

[0027] The bar 44 is free to rotate around a rotation axis A2, parallel to the transversal side 38. For example, the end of the bar 44 received in the gap between the free ends of the two line segments 40₁, 40₂ can comprise a cylindrical hole facing a corresponding cylindrical hole in each of the line segments 40₁, 40₂, a cylindrical pin being received in the cylindrical holes in the line segments 40₁, 40₂ and the end of the bar 44 extending in the gap. For example, the bar 44 can rotate with regard to the cylindrical pin, which is fixed in the cylindrical holes in the line segments 40₁, 40₂.

[0028] As can be seen on FIG. 3, thanks to the rotation of the bar 44 around the rotation axis A2, the bar 44 and the axis A1 of extension of the bar 44 can be moved outside the plane of the frame 32. Preferably, the bar 44 can rotate a full turn around the rotation axis A2.

[0029] A housing 50 is provided at the free end of the bar 44, opposite to the rotation axis A2. The housing 50 can be cylindrical, extending along the extension axis A1.

[0030] Moreover, the strap buckle 26 comprise a pin 52 extending along a pin extension axis A3. The pin extension axis A3 coincides with the extension axis A1 of the bar 44, when the bar 44 extends through the opening 34. The pin 52 is then movable with regard to the transversal side 38 of the frame 32, along the pin extension axis A3. Here, the pin 52 is movable between two extremal positions:

• in a first extremal position, the pin 52 is adapted to be partially received in the housing 50 in the bar 44, when the bar 44 extends through the opening 34, so as to block the rotation of the bar 44 around the rotation axis A2;
• in a second extremal position, the pin 52 is adapted not to be received in the housing 50 so as to release the rotation of the bar 44 around the rotation axis A2.

[0031] Preferably, the pin 52 is elastically constraint in the first extremal position. For example, the pin 52 can be fixed to a head 54 and an elastic part (not shown on the figures) mounted between the head 54 and the transversal side 38 elastically constraints the pin 52 in the first extremal position. For example, the first extremal position of the pin 52 can be reached when the head 54 abuts against the transversal side 38, under the constraint of the elastic part.

[0032] The strap buckle 26 is preferably made in a rigid material, i. e. in a material which is more rigid than the material in which the flexible band 24 is made. For example, the strap buckle is made in particular of brass, steel, stainless steel, gold, silver. According to a preferred embodiment, the strap buckle is entirely made in brass.

[0033] A first end 24₁ of the flexible band 24 is attached to the bar 44 of the strap buckle 26. For example, as shown on FIG. 6, a first piece of leather 56 is sewn on both faces of the flexible band 24, at the first end 24₁, the first piece of leather 56 forming a housing receiving the bar 44. The flat portion 48 of the bar 44 can then limit the movement of the bar 44 in the housing defined by the first piece of leather 56. In other words, the flat portion 58 can prevent the bar 44 from slipping out of the housing defined by the first piece of leather 56.

[0034] The second end 24₂ of the flexible strip 24 is attached to means for fixing the bag strap 14 to the bag body 12. In the present case, a second piece of leather 58 is sewn on both faces of the strip 24, at the second end 24₂ of the flexible strip 24. The second piece of leather 58 defines a housing receiving a first clasp 60 to be fixed to one of the rings 16 fixed to the bag body 12.

[0035] As can be seen on FIG. 4, the strip 24 extends, from its first end 24₁ to its second end 24₂ as follows:

• through the opening 34 of the strap buckle 26;
• through a ring 62 fixed to a second clasp 64. For example, a third piece of leather 66 can form a first housing receiving the ring 62 and a second housing receiving the second clasp 64 or a ring fixed to a second clasp 64. The second clasp 64 is adapted to be fixed to one of the rings 16 fixed to the bag body 12;
• the second slot 42₂ of the strap buckle 26;
• the opening 34 in the strap buckle 26 so as to be pinched between the frame 32 and the bar 44 of the strap buckle 26; and finally
• the first slot 42_i of the strap buckle.

[0036] Thus, the flexible band 24 forms a loop 68 on a first side of the strap buckle 26, wherein the same face 24A of the flexible band 24 is on the outward face of the loop 68. In other words, the flexible band 24 is flat along the loop 68, wherein the flexible band 24 does not twist along its longitudinal axis along the loop 68.

[0037] One single strand 70 of the flexible band 24 extends on a second side of the strap buckle 26, from the strap buckle 26 to the second end 24₂ of the flexible band 24.

[0038] Thus, sliding the flexible band 24 with regard to the strap buckle 26 adjusts the length of the loop 68 and the length of the single strand 70. The total length of the bag strap 14 can thus be adjusted.

[0039] However, a first face 14A of the bag strap 14 -which is designed to be seen by people around the person carrying the bag 10 - is formed by portions - here two portions - of the first face 24A of the flexible band 24. Thus, the first face 14A of the bag strap 14 only shows the look of the first face 24A of the flexible band 24. On the contrary, the second face 14B of the bag strap 14 - designed to be oriented towards the person carrying the bag 10 - is formed by a portion of the first face 24A of the flexible band 24 and a portion of the second face 24B of the flexible band 24.

[0040] However, it is possible to modify the look of the first face 14A of the bag strap 14. A method to modify the look of the first face 14A of bag strap 14 is described below with regard to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0041] As shown on FIG. 5, a first step of this method consists in releasing the rotation of the bar 44 around the rotation axis A2, here by pulling on the head 54 of the pin 52, against the elastic constraint, so that the pin 52 extends outside the housing 50 in the bar 44.

[0042] Then, in a second step of the method, the bar 44 is rotated around the rotation axis A2, as shown on FIG. 6. The bar 44 is rotated until it reaches the position shown on FIG. 7, where the pin 52 is received in the housing 50 and the bar 44 face the first face 24A of the flexible band 24, in a fourth step of the method, where the rotation of the bar 44 around the rotation axis A2 is locked. Here, the bar 44 is rotated a full turn around the rotation axis A2.

[0043] As can be seen on FIG. 7, in this position of the strap buckle 26, the orientation of the flexible band 24 - thus the outward face of the flexible band 24 - changes along the loop 68. In other word, twists 72 of the flexible band 24 are formed along the loop 68. Here two such twists 72 are formed along the loop 68.

[0044] Then, in a fifth step of the method, the flexible band 24 is twisted back to so that the flexible band 24 does not comprise twists 72 anymore, as shown on FIG. 8. Then, only the second face 24B of the flexible band 24 extends outwardly along the loop 68. Here, the flexible band 24 is turned back a half-turn to eliminate the twists 72 along the loop 68.

[0045] The bag strap 14 thus reach the position shown on FIG. 9, where the first face 24A of the flexible band 24 extends inwardly along the loop 68 and faces the wearer of the bag 10 along the single strand portion of the bag strap 14. On the contrary, the first face 14A of the bag strap 14 is formed only by portions of the second face 24B of the flexible band 24.

[0046] The invention is not limited to the description and the examples given above. On the contrary, one with ordinary skills in the art can imagine various embodiments of the invention.

[0047] For example, one with ordinary skills in the art can imagine different ways to mount the bar 44 rotatable about the frame. For example, the bar 44 can comprise a ring portion extending around a side of the frame 32 of the strap buckle 26.

[0048] Moreover, the housing 50 can be formed in the transversal side 38 of the frame and the pin 52 can be formed at a free end of the bar 44.

[0049] The movement of the pin 52 with regard to the frame 32 can be different to the one described above. For example, the pin 52 can be moved with regard to the frame 32 by screwing and unscrewing. In this case, the wall of the housing 50 can be threaded or tapped.

Claims

1. Strap buckle (26) for bag strap (14), in particular for a shoulder strap, comprising:

- a substantially planar frame (32), surrounding an opening (34), the frame (32) having two opposite slots (42₁, 42₂);

- a bar (44), extending through the opening (34) along a main direction of extension (A1), the main direction of extension (A1) being parallel to the two opposite slots (42₁, 42₂), the bar (44) being mounted on the frame (32), so as to be pivotable around a rotation axis (A2), out of the plane of the frame (32);

- means (50, 52) for selectively locking the bar (44) in the position where it extends through the opening (34).

2. Strap buckle (26) according to claim 1, wherein the means for selectively locking the bar (44) in the position where it extends through the opening (34) comprises a pin (52) and a housing (50) adapted to receive the pin (52).

3. Strap buckle (26) according to claim 2, wherein the pin (52) is fixed to the frame (32) and the housing (50) is on the bar (44), especially at a free end of the bar (44), wherein the pin is preferably elastically constrained in its position adapted to be received in the housing (50) for locking the bar (44) in its position through the opening (34).

4. Strap buckle (26) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bar (44) has a relief (48) at a free end and the frame (32) has a complementary relief (46), adapted to receive said relief (48) when the bar (44) extends through the opening (34).

5. Strap buckle (26) according to claim 4, wherein the relief (48) is substantially planar and extends mainly perpendicularly to the main direction of extension (A1) of the bar (44).

6. Strap buckle (26) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the frame (32) is generally rectangular in shape, preferably with rounded corners, the frame (32) preferably having two free ends and a gap between the two free ends, the bar (44) extending in the gap between the two free ends.

7. Strap buckle (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least partly made of metal, in particular of brass, steel, stainless steel, gold, silver.

8. Bag strap (14), in particular shoulder strap for handbag, comprising:

- a strap buckle (26) according to any one of the preceding claims;

- a ring (62), defining a hole;

- a flexible band (24) extending between a first end (24₁) of the flexible band (24) fixed to the bar (44) of the strap buckle (26) and a second end (24₂) of the flexible band (24), the flexible band (24) extending, from the first end (24₁) to the second end (24₂), through:

-- the hole in the ring (62);

-- a first slot (42₂) among the two slots (42₁, 42₂) of the strap buckle (26);

-- the opening in the strap buckle (26), so that the flexible band (24) is pinched between the bar (44) and the frame (32) of the strap buckle (26),

-- a second slot (42₁) among the two slots (42₁, 42₂) of the strap buckle (26),

so that the flexible band (24) forms a loop (68) on one side of the strap buckle (26).

9. Bag strap (14) according to claim 8, comprising first fastening means (60) at the second end (24₂) of the flexible band (24), for fastening the bag strap (14) to a bag body (12), and/or second fastening means (64) for fastening the bag strap (14) to a bag body (12), the second fastening means (64) being attached to the ring (62).

10. Bag strap according to claim 9, wherein at least one among the first fastening means (60) and the second fastening means (62) comprise at least one among:

- a ring;

- a clasp; and

- a male or female part of a snap button to be associated to a female or male part, respectively, of the snap button, fixed on the bag body (12).

11. Bag strap (14) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the flexible band (24) is at least partially made of fabric, especially non-woven fabric or woven fabric, the fabric being preferably ribbon shaped, the fabric being more preferably satin or sateen.

12. Bag strap (14) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the flexible band (24) has a first look on a first face (24A) and a second look on a second face (24B), the first and second looks being different.

13. A bag (10), in particular a handbag, comprising a bag body (12) and a bag strap (14) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the bag strap (14) being fastened to the bag body (12).

14. A method to modify the look of a bag strap (14) according to claim 12, comprising the steps of:

i) releasing the means (50, 52) for selectively locking the bar (44) in the position where it extends through the opening (34);

ii) pivoting the bar (44) a full turn around the rotation axis (A2);

iii) locking the means (50, 52) for selectively locking the bar (44) in the position where it extends through the opening (34); and

iv) twisting the flexible band (24) a half-turn around a longitudinal axis of the flexible band (24), along the loop (68).

Drawing