Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a strap buckle. Background In certain applications, in particular relating to equipment for fall protection, slidable connections between crossing straps (bands) may be needed. From FR 2847171 and KR 20140002303 there are known solutions employing particular buckles for this purpose.

Summary of the I nvention An object of the present invention is to provide a strap buckle that may localize a point wherein one or more straps are crossing each other while each strap end or each strap may slide freely in any direction. This applies both if there is a strap forming a loop or several straps which form parts of one or more crossing lashings. In other words, the buckle should let straps cross in one junction and slide freely and independent of each other.

This need is met with a strap buckle according to the appended claim 1. In particular, the strap buckle includes a first slider and a second slider. Each slider has first and second opposing ends and a slot in each end for accommodating a strap, wherein the first and second slider includes means for connecting the sliders detachable and pivotable in a junction between the first and second ends.

Preferred embodiments of the invention appear from the associated dependent claims. Further, the invention relates to the use of the strap buckle in a life jacket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows the individual components of the strap buckle,

Fig.2 shows the assembled buckle,

Fig.3 shows the buckle with straps, and

Fig.4 shows an application of the buckle. Detailed Description

The invention relates to a double buckle as illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2.

A double slider is a combined buckle consisting of two sliders which are mounted with their undersides against each other, and with a central connection allowing each slider independently to rotate 360° when connected.

Slider here means a buckle 1 , 2 made of metal or synthetic material. The buckle 1 , 2 is provided with a slot 3 at each end thereof. According to a preferred

embodiment, a strap is introduced in the slot at one end of the buckle and taken out through the slot at the other end. The slider may then be led along the strap, when the strap is not too taut. Such sliders are commonly used on rucksacks, safety harnesses etc.

The sliders shown in Fig. 1 are provided with a connection means on each slider, i.e. a male connection 4 on the first slider 1 , and a corresponding female connection 5 on the other slider 2, or vice versa.

The connection means connecting the sliders is integrated into the sliders. This connection may be a common press stud, a circular press stud, magnet snap connection, a rotating hook and loop connection, rotating bayonet connection, rotating snap connection or similar, dependent on application, need and function. Fig.2 shows the buckle when assembled, i.e. the first slider 1 is pivotable connected to the second slider 2 with the connection means.

The point of the buckle is to position straps crossing each other in a junction simultaneously allowing the straps to be tightened and slackened independent of the application of the strap or straps. Fig.3 shows the buckle with straps. A strap 6 is threaded in through a slot on the second slider 2, conducted over the connection means and returned out through the slot in the other end of the slider 2. A strap 7 is likewise threaded in through a slot on the first slider 1 , conducted below the connection means and out through the slot in the other end of the slider 1. In case the connection means is a circular press stud, a string may be conducted through the opening in the circular press stud to hold it in place. Applications

This double slider is primarily intended to be used in some new and especially developed inflatable life jackets wherein thigh loops are replacing girth straps and wherein the thigh loops due to the double sliders enable a user to freely move from a sitting to standing position, from bent to standing without the loops hanging in any position, preventing movement, forming loops fastening and being

uncomfortable for the user.

Fig.4 shows a person with life jacket, in side view. The life jacket is equipped with a thigh loop, and preferably also with a corresponding thigh loop on the other side as well. The thigh loop includes a strap 6 fastened in the lower edge of the life jacket 8 (for example in a fastening ring 9), the strap being conducted through a slider in the strap buckle and around the user's thigh, the end being conducted through the other slider and lastly being fastened in a point at the rear of the life jacket. When the strap 6 is fastened to the sliders 1 , 2, the sliders may be snapped together and the strap tightened.

Other applications being tested are on pulling harnesses and collars for dogs, for cross fastening and securing luggage in trunks of cars and for fastening movables (rafts, lobster traps, additional sails, etc.) on the cockpit deck of a sailboat. Apart from this, other possible applications may be in loops that either should be continuously variable or may slide continuously in relation to two or more fixed fastening points.