<p>A buckle (10) for connecting opposite ends of a belt or the like is disclosed. The buckle (10) comprises a plug member (11) and a socket member (12) releasably engageable therewith. The socket member (12) has a central through-opening (12c) for accommodating a locking member (13) and a spring member (14) which has a plurality of integrally formed strip-like spring elements (14b) arranged to provide uniform distribution of pressure over the locking member (13). <IMAGE></p>
