U.S. patent application number 12/666559 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for belly band.
Invention is credited to Keiji Okamoto.
Application Number | 20110004970 12/666559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39291333 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110004970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okamoto; Keiji |
January 13, 2011 |
BELLY BAND
Abstract
A belly band that would allow independent stepwise regulation of
the degree of tension on each location along the vertical direction
of the belly part and would prevent detachment of locking members
irrespective of any hard movement during wearing. The belly band
(1) comprises a band-shaped cloth (2) having a vertical breadth for
covering the belly part and having a length ranging from the
perimeter in the waistline direction to twice the same and further
not only a male locking part (6) of hook-and-loop fastener attached
onto the reverse side of a one-end side of the band-shaped cloth
(2) but also, corresponding to the male locking part (6), a female
locking part (7) of hook-and-loop fastener attached onto the
obverse side of the other-end side of the band-shaped cloth (2).
The female locking part (7) of hook-and-loop fastener attached onto
the obverse side of the other-end side of the band-shaped cloth (2)
has an attachment width in the waistline direction being larger
than that of the male locking part (6) of hook-and-loop fastener.
Only the one end of the band-shaped cloth (2) onto which the male
locking part (6) of hook-and-loop fastener is attached is provided
with a cutoff area (10) dividing the male locking part (6) of
hook-and-loop fastener into multiple regions in the vertical
breadth direction.
Inventors: |
Okamoto; Keiji; ( Hyogo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
39291333 |
Appl. No.: |
12/666559 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 17, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/066730 |
371 Date: |
December 23, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/102 20130101;
A41D 2300/32 20130101; A41D 2400/38 20130101; A41D 2400/322
20130101; A41C 1/10 20130101; A41C 1/08 20130101; A61F 5/03
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2007 |
JP |
2007-007257U |
Oct 30, 2007 |
JP |
2007-281998 |
Claims
1. A belly band comprising: a band-shaped cloth having a vertical
width large enough to cover an abdominal region and a length which
is greater than the perimeter of the abdominal region in a
waistline direction but less than or equal to twice the perimeter;
a male locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached to a
reverse side at one end of the band-shaped cloth; and a female
locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached, in
correspondence with the male locking portion, to an obverse side at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth, wherein the female locking
portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached to the obverse side at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth is larger in attachment
width in the waistline direction than the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein, only at one end of the
band-shaped cloth having the male locking portion of hook-and-loop
fastener, there are formed cutaway portions to divide the male
locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener into a plurality of
segments in a vertical-width direction.
2. A belly band comprising: a band-shaped cloth having a vertical
width large enough to cover an abdominal region and a length which
is greater than the perimeter of the abdominal region in a
waistline direction but less than or equal to twice the perimeter;
a male locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached to a
reverse side at one end of the band-shaped cloth; and a female
locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached, in
correspondence with the male locking portion, to an obverse side at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth, wherein the female locking
portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached to the obverse side at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth is larger in attachment
width in the waistline direction than the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein, only at one end of the
band-shaped cloth having the male locking portion of hook-and-loop
fastener, there are formed cutting-aid portions for allowing
formation of cutaway portions to divide the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener into a plurality of segments in a
vertical-width direction.
3. The belly band as set forth in claim 1, wherein the band-shaped
cloth is composed of a front fabric, a lining, and an interlining
interposed therebetween stacked on top of one another.
4. The belly band as set forth in claim 3, wherein a protective net
having a mail-like structure is detachably inserted between the
front fabric and the lining of the band-shaped cloth.
5. The belly band as set forth in claim 3, wherein, in the
band-shaped cloth, the front fabric is made of a leather material
and the lining is made of a cloth material, and the lining is
detachable from the front fabric.
6. The belly band as set forth in claim 4, wherein, in the
band-shaped cloth, the front fabric is made of a leather material
and the lining is made of a cloth material, and the lining is
detachable from the front fabric.
7. The belly band as set forth in claim 2, wherein the band-shaped
cloth is composed of a front fabric, a lining, and an interlining
interposed therebetween stacked on top of one another.
8. The belly band as set forth in claim 7, wherein a protective net
having a mail-like structure is detachably inserted between the
front fabric and the lining of the band-shaped cloth.
9. The belly band as set forth in claim 7, wherein, in the
band-shaped cloth, the front fabric is made of a leather material
and the lining is made of a cloth material, and the lining is
detachable from the front fabric.
10. The belly band as set forth in claim 8, wherein, in the
band-shaped cloth, the front fabric is made of a leather material
and the lining is made of a cloth material, and the lining is
detachable from the front fabric.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in a belly
band which is put around user's abdomen for use as, for example, a
festival costume, an abdomen-waist protector for sporting
activities such as golf, and a health-enhancing band for daily
use.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A belly band has been used as one of festival costumes ever
since before. Such a belly band, which is made for example of a
bleached white cotton material having a vertical width of
approximately 30 cm and a length of approximately 5 m, is placed
around user's abdomen for use. After a cutting work, each end of
the bleached material is left as it is and has no locking member or
the like. Therefore, for the placement, the bleached material is
wrapped around user's abdomen several times with its starting end
kept pressed down, and then its terminal end is tucked in the
layers of the already-wound material to hold it in place.
[0003] However, in the case of holding the material simply by
inserting its terminal end between the layers of the material in a
wrapped state, due to vigorous physical activities during
festivals, the material could sag down easily with the consequence
that it needs to be refastened frequently. In this regard various
types of belly bands having a locking member at both ends have been
proposed to date. For example, one heretofore known belly band
employs a hook-and-loop fastener so that it can be fastened in a
tension-adjustable manner (refer to Patent documents 1 and 2).
[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No.
3065605 [0005] Patent document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication JP-A 8-218204 (1996)
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In the aforementioned construction (Patent document 1),
since the locking member of hook-and-loop fastener type is so
attached as to extend continuously along the direction of the
vertical width of the belly band (vertical direction of abdomen),
it follows that a band-retaining tension is regulated uniformly
along the vertical direction of abdomen; that is, the belly band
cannot be fastened while making stepwise tension regulation at
separate locations along the vertical direction of abdomen on an
individual basis. Meanwhile, human's abdominal shapes are various
and many, for example, there are a drum-like shape, a cylindrical
shape, a so-called potbelly, and a conical shape. In the
construction employing the locking member of hook-and-loop fastener
type (Patent document 1), since the dimension of the belly band in
its vertical-width direction is approximately 30 cm and thus
exceeds a hand-grippable reach (approximately 10 cm), it is
impossible to hold the belly band throughout its overall width at
one time. For example, in the case of fastening the belly band with
a grip on its midportion in the vertical-width direction, as a part
of the hook-and-loop fastener at the midportion is locked, the
other part at each of the upper and lower ends of the belly band in
the vertical-width direction is also locked dependently without
conforming to the shape of user's abdomen. Also in the case of
fastening the belly band with a grip on one of its upper and lower
ends, the part of the hook-and-loop fastener at the other end as
well as the midportion is locked without conforming to the
abdominal shape. Even if the user tries to partly release the
locking of the hook-and-loop fastener to re-fasten the belly band
afterwards, inconveniently, the locking of nearby region is also
released unnecessarily. After all, due to the disadvantage that
free locking-position adjustment is not possible, the belly band is
worn without adjusting to the shape of user's abdomen. For example,
the belly band fits snugly over the abdomen at its broadest part
but slacks off at its constricted part. In this case, with physical
activities during wearing, the belly band could inevitably slip off
the abdomen.
[0007] By way of contrast, the belly band illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 3 of Patent document 2 is so designed that the male locking
portion and the female locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener
have the same attachment width in the direction of user's
waistline. However, this construction is at a disadvantage in that
the position of engagement between the male and female locking
portions of hook-and-loop fastener cannot be adjustably changed in
conformity with user's body shape. That is, if the engagement
position is adjustably changed arbitrarily, the area of engagement
will be reduced with consequent insufficiency of the force to hold
the belly band in a fastened state, which leads to slipping-down of
the belly band. In order to avoid such a problem, the belly band
needs to be fastened with the area of engagement kept constant.
This renders it impossible to adjustably change the engagement
position arbitrarily in conformity with user's body shape.
[0008] Moreover, in the belly band disclosed in Patent document 2,
cutaway portions are formed at both ends of the band-shaped cloth
having the male and female locking portions of hook-and-loop
fastener, respectively. The cutaway portions at one end and those
at the other end are the same in shape and in number. Such a belly
band is worn with one end edge of the band-shaped cloth on bottom
(skin-side end edge) and the other end edge on top (outer end edge)
in an overlapping manner. Therefore, the user has to press the
hook-and-loop fastener from above while catching hold of the
separate end pieces obtained by creating the cutaway portions. In
this case, the hook-and-loop fastener is covered with user's hand
holding the separate end pieces, thus rendering it difficult to
establish mutual engagement of hook-and-loop fastener portions at
the target end pieces properly. Furthermore, since the separate end
pieces are obtained by creating the cutaway portions, some end
pieces other than the ones grasped by the hand are folded or
dangles automatically, thus hindering the locking action of the
hook-and-loop fastener. As another disadvantage, formation of the
cutaway portions at both end edges of the band-shaped cloth leads
to an undesirable increase in the number of man-hours and to
greater cost.
[0009] Further, in the belly band disclosed in Patent document 2,
it is essential to use, as the band-shaped cloth, a
greatly-elasticized knitted material such as knit fabric,
particularly a specially-woven knitted material in which knit
fibers having high elasticity are arranged in a lattice-like
pattern vertically and horizontally of the band-shaped cloth and
knit fibers having low elasticity are arranged within the
lattice-like pattern. This leads to further cost increase.
[0010] The present invention has been devised in view of the
aforestated disadvantages associated with the conventional belly
bands, and accordingly its object is to provide a belly band that
allows stepwise tension regulation at separate locations along a
vertical direction of user's abdomen individually and succeeds in
preventing accidental detachment of a locking member caused by
vigorous physical activities during wearing.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0011] In order to accomplish the above object, the present
invention provides a belly band composed of: a band-shaped cloth
having a vertical width large enough to cover an abdominal region
and a length which is greater than the perimeter of the abdominal
region in a waistline direction but less than or equal to twice the
perimeter; a male locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener
attached to a reverse side at one end of the band-shaped cloth; and
a female locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener attached, in
correspondence with the male locking portion, to an obverse side at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth. The female locking portion
of hook-and-loop fastener attached to the obverse side at the other
end of the band-shaped cloth is larger in attachment width in the
waistline direction than the male locking portion of hook-and-loop
fastener. Moreover, only at one end of the band-shaped cloth having
the male locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener, there are
formed cutaway portions to divide the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener into a plurality of segments in a
vertical-width direction.
[0012] In this construction, the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener can be adjustably locked in any given
position in the waistline direction within the range of attachment
width of the female locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener
having a larger breadth. At this time, the area of engagement
between the male and female locking portions is kept substantially
the same regardless of the locking position of the male locking
portion, in consequence whereof there results no insufficiency in
fastening force for retaining the band-shaped cloth in a wrapped
state.
[0013] Moreover, the cutaway portions are formed only at one end of
the band-shaped cloth that will come on top during wearing (the
outer end); that is, the other end of the band-shaped cloth that
will come on bottom during wearing (the inner end) is devoid of the
cutaway portion. Being kept in shape in the vertical-width
direction regardless of which location is held by user's hands,
this cutaway-free end will not be folded or dangle, wherefore the
separate male locking portion segments of hook-and-loop fastener at
the cutaway-bearing end can be bondingly engaged with the female
locking portion from above (from outside) without being disturbed
by user's hands.
[0014] As a matter of course, since the male locking portion of
hook-and-loop fastener attached to one end, acting as the outer
end, of the band-shaped cloth is formed with the cutaway portions
for dividing it into a plurality of segments in the vertical-width
direction, it is possible to achieve bonding fastening of the
band-shaped cloth in such a manner that the holding position in the
vertical-width direction can be adjustably shifted in the waistline
direction in conformity with user's body shape. At this time, since
the area of engagement between the male and female locking portions
of hook-and-loop fastener can be kept constant, it is possible to
achieve stepwise tension regulation at separate locations along the
vertical direction of the abdominal region individually, as well as
to prevent accidental detachment of the locking member caused by
vigorous physical activities during wearing.
[0015] Moreover, since the cutaway portions are formed only at one
end of the band-shaped cloth, it is possible to reduce the number
of man-hours and thereby avoid an increase in cost. Another
advantage of being able to avoid greater cost is that there is no
need to use a specially-woven material for the band-shaped cloth.
The cutaway portion may either be formed at one end of the
band-shaped cloth in advance or be formed by cutting the
band-shaped cloth with scissors afterwards. In the latter case, to
allow a purchaser to cut the band-shaped cloth to create the
cutaway portions freely after selecting a desired band-shaped cloth
fastening position (locking-member locking position) in conformity
with his/her body shape, the band-shaped cloth may have formed at
its one end a plurality of cutting-aid portions for allowing
cutaway formation that are spaced apart along the vertical-width
direction.
[0016] Moreover, the band-shaped cloth is composed of a front
fabric, a lining, and an interlining interposed therebetween
stacked on top of one another. In this construction, the
interlining imparts tension (rigidity) to the band-shaped cloth,
wherefore the band-shaped cloth can be put around user's abdomen
with uniformity in band width in a crinkliness-free state. Further,
a protective net having a mail-like structure is detachably
inserted between the front fabric and the lining of the band-shaped
cloth. In this construction, if there is the possibility of a user
getting into danger, the mail-like protective net is interposed
between the front fabric and the lining of the band-shaped cloth to
protect the user from a stab wound which is made by an edged tool.
When unnecessary, the protective net can be removed.
[0017] Moreover, in the band-shaped cloth, the front fabric is made
of a leather material and the lining is made of a cloth material,
and the lining is detachable from the front fabric. In this
construction, by virtue of the leather-made front fabric and the
cloth-made lining, the belly band succeeds in presenting a fine
appearance and in conforming gently to user's skin. Further, being
made readily detachable from the front fabric, the lining can be
removed freely for cleaning when it soils.
Advantageous Effect of the Invention
[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a belly band that allows stepwise tension regulation at
separate locations along a vertical direction of user's abdomen
individually and succeeds in preventing accidental detachment of a
locking member caused by vigorous physical activities during
wearing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic reverse side view of a belly band in a
developed state according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an obverse side view of the belly band shown in
FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part A shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part B shown in FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part C shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part D shown in FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic reverse side view of the belly band in
a developed state according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic reverse side view of the belly band in
a developed state according to still another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a schematic obverse side view of the belly band
shown in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic reverse side view of the main part of
yet another embodiment implemented by attaching a covering piece to
the end of the belly band of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical sectional side view showing
the covering piece depicted in FIG. 11 in an unfolded state.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional side view showing
the covering piece depicted in FIG. 11 in a state of being folded
and tucked in.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SYMBOLS
[0032] 1 Belly band [0033] 2 Band-shaped cloth [0034] 6 Male
locking portion of hook-and-loop fastener [0035] 7 Female locking
portion of hook-and-loop fastener [0036] 8 Locking member [0037] 9
Seam in quilted design [0038] 10 Cutaway portion
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of a belly band according to the
present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 3 are a schematic reverse side view, a A-A sectional
view, and an obverse side view, respectively, of a belly band in a
developed state of the present invention. FIGS. 4 to 7 are enlarged
views of parts A to D shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 to
7, a belly band 1 of the present invention is composed of a
band-shaped cloth 2 and a locking member 8 constructed of a male
locking portion 6 and a female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop
fastener.
[0040] The band-shaped cloth 2 has a vertical width large enough to
cover an abdominal region and a length which is greater than the
perimeter of the abdominal region in a waistline direction but less
than or equal to twice the perimeter. For example, the vertical
width of the band-shaped cloth 2 is set at approximately 290 mm,
and, in order that it may be available in sizes S, M, L, and LL,
the length in the waistline direction takes on various values: 63
cm (S), 84 cm (M), 105 cm (L), and 126 cm (LL) (however, the size
is not limited thereto and changes may be made arbitrarily). In the
hook-and-loop fastener constituting the locking member 8, the male
locking portion 6 is attached to a reverse side at one end of the
band-shaped cloth 2 by means of sewing or otherwise. Specifically,
only in a region toward one end of the band-shaped cloth 2, the
male locking portion 6 is disposed so as to extend along
substantially the entire length of the band-shaped cloth 2 in its
vertical-width direction in the form of a narrow band (for example,
ca. 20 mm in width). Note that the vertical length of the male
locking portion 6 is set to be somewhat smaller than the vertical
width of the band-shaped cloth 2 (for example, the upper, lower
extremity of the male locking portion is spaced ca. 10 mm inwardly
from the corresponding one of the band-shaped cloth).
[0041] Moreover, the male locking portion 6 is spaced by a short
distance (for example, ca. 5 mm) away from one end edge of the
band-shaped cloth 2 (the left-hand edge as viewed in FIG. 1) toward
the other end edge (the right-hand edge as viewed in FIG. 1). In
this way, the one end edge of the band-shaped cloth 2 (the
left-hand edge as viewed in FIG. 1) protrudes beyond the male
locking portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener. With a grip on this
protruding part, engagement and release of the hook-and-loop
fastener can be made with ease. In correspondence with the male
locking portion 6, the female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop
fastener is attached to an obverse side at the other end of the
band-shaped cloth 2 by means of sewing or otherwise.
[0042] For example, the ca. 200-millimeter-long female locking
portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener is attached so as to extend in
the waistline direction. Moreover, the other edge (the right-hand
edge as viewed in FIG. 3) of the female locking portion 7 of
hook-and-loop fastener is spaced by a short distance (for example,
ca. 20 mm) inwardly from the other edge (the right-hand edge as
viewed in FIG. 3) of the band-shaped cloth 2. Further, the vertical
length of the female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener is
set to be somewhat smaller than the vertical width of the
band-shaped cloth 2 (for example, the upper, lower extremity of the
female locking portion is spaced ca. 10 mm inwardly from the
corresponding one of the band-shaped cloth).
[0043] The band-shaped cloth 2 has formed at its one end cutaway
portions 10 for dividing the male locking portion 6 of
hook-and-loop fastener into a plurality of segments in the
vertical-width direction. In this split state, the male locking
portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener can be bondingly engaged with
the female locking portion 7 so as to preserve a certain amount of
positional freedom in the waistline direction. Accordingly, the
band-shaped cloth 2 can be put in a bondingly-fastened state in
conformity with user's body shape.
[0044] The cutaway portion 10 may either be formed at one end of
the band-shaped cloth 2 in advance or be formed by cutting the
band-shaped cloth 2 with scissors afterwards. In the latter case,
to allow a purchaser to cut the band-shaped cloth 2 to create the
cutaway portions 10 freely after selecting a desired band-shaped
cloth fastening position (locking-member locking position) in
conformity with his/her body shape, the band-shaped cloth 2 may
have formed at its one end a plurality of cutting-aid portions (not
represented graphically) for allowing cutaway formation that are
spaced apart along the vertical-width direction. The cutting-aid
portions may be formed, as cutting-aid lines, on one of or both of
the obverse and reverse sides of the band-shaped cloth 2 by means
of printing, spraying, textile printing, drawing, or otherwise.
Moreover, to prevent appearance of loose threads following the
cutting operation, fraying-preventive seams are preferably formed
outside the cutting-aid lines so as to be left uncut on the
band-shaped cloth 2.
[0045] Up to this point the configuration of the belly band 1
according to the embodiment of the present invention has been
described, and now its features will be explained. The belly band 1
of the present invention is so designed that the male locking
portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener can be adjustably locked in any
given position in the waistline direction within the range of
attachment width of the female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop
fastener having a larger breadth. At this time, the area of
engagement between the male and female locking portions is kept
substantially the same regardless of the locking position of the
male locking portion 6, in consequence whereof there results no
insufficiency in fastening force for retaining the band-shaped
cloth 2 in a wrapped state.
[0046] Moreover, the cutaway portions 10 are formed only at one end
of the band-shaped cloth 2 that will come on top during wearing
(the outer end); that is, the other end of the band-shaped cloth 2
that will come on bottom during wearing (the inner end) is devoid
of the cutaway portion. Being kept in shape in the vertical-width
direction regardless of which location is held by user's hands,
this cutaway-free end will not be folded or dangle, wherefore the
separate male locking portion segments 6 of hook-and-loop fastener
at the cutaway-bearing end can be bondingly engaged with the female
locking portion 7 from above (from outside) without being disturbed
by user's hands. As a matter of course, since the male locking
portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener attached to one end, acting as
the outer end, of the band-shaped cloth 10 is formed with the
cutaway portions 10 for dividing it into a plurality of segments in
the vertical-width direction, it is possible to achieve bonding
fastening of the band-shaped cloth 2 in such a manner that the
holding position in the vertical-width direction can be adjustably
shifted in the waistline direction in conformity with user's body
shape. At this time, since the area of engagement between the male
and female locking portions 6 and 7 of hook-and-loop fastener can
be kept constant, it is possible to achieve stepwise tension
regulation at separate locations along the vertical direction of
the abdominal region individually, as well as to prevent accidental
detachment of the locking member 8 caused by vigorous physical
activities during wearing.
[0047] Moreover, since the cutaway portions 10 are formed only at
one end of the band-shaped cloth 2, it is possible to reduce the
number of man-hours and thereby avoid an increase in cost. Another
advantage of being able to avoid greater cost is that there is no
need to use a specially-woven material for the band-shaped cloth 2.
As described heretofore, according to the present invention, there
is provided the belly band 1 that can be fastened with stability
while adjusting to the shape of user's abdomen without causing
looseness and slipping-down during wearing.
[0048] Moreover, the male locking portion 6 of hook-and-loop
fastener constituting the locking member 8 is slightly spaced from
one end edge toward the other end edge of the band-shaped cloth 2.
Therefore, in effecting bonding engagement and disengagement
between the male locking portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener
constituting the locking member 8 and the corresponding female
locking portion 7, since the one end edge of the band-shaped cloth
2 protrudes outward beyond the male locking portion 6, with a grip
on this protruding part, engagement and release of the
hook-and-loop fastener can be readily made without causing any pain
in user's fingers.
[0049] While the embodiment of the belly band 1 of the present
invention has the configuration and features thus far described,
the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and hence
some changes and modifications are possible as follows. For
example, the back fabric (lining) of the belly band may be made of
a material having high moisture absorbency or a breathable material
having a silky touch. The belly band may be constructed in sandwich
style by inserting a highly hydroscopic material between the lining
and the front fabric. The front fabric may be provided with an
embroidered design or printed patterns. Although, in the
embodiment, the male locking portion 6 and the female locking
portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener constituting the locking member
8 are arranged on the left hand and the right hand, respectively,
they may be arranged in the place of each other. Further, the belly
band of the present invention may be used as a breast corset for
press-holding the breast of a woman wearing a Japanese kimono or
taking sporting exercise.
[0050] In consideration of women having a large breast size, to
prevent their breasts from being subjected to excessive pressure,
the band-shaped cloth 2 may be made smaller in vertical width. For
example, by setting the vertical width at approximately 220 mm, the
upper edge of the band-shaped cloth 2 can be kept clear of the
breasts. Moreover, the band-shaped cloth 2 may be formed of any
given suitable material. While the band-shaped cloth is, when
designed for use as a festival costume for example, generally
formed of bleached white cotton cloth, there is no particular
limitation and therefore denim (jeans) fabric, woven fabric or
knitted fabric of another type, stretchy fabric, and so forth may
be used. The band-shaped cloth may also be composed of a front
fabric and a lining that differ from each other in cloth
composition and color.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the band-shaped
cloth 2 is constructed by inserting an interlining 2c between a
front fabric 2a and a back fabric 2b. In this construction, the
interlining 2c imparts tension (rigidity) to the band-shaped cloth
2, wherefore the band-shaped cloth 2 can be put around user's
abdomen with uniformity in bandwidth in a crinkliness-free state.
Where the range of insertion of the interlining 2c is concerned,
the interlining 2c is located away from the lengthwise opposite
ends of the band-shaped cloth 2, for example, extends from a point
near the attachment position of the male locking portion 6 of
hook-and-loop fastener to a point forward of the attachment
position of the female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener.
While the belly band 1 of the present invention is illustrated as
being formed by sewing the folded-back outer edges of the
band-shaped cloth 2 with French seams for prevention of loose
threads, it is possible to use instead an edge tape having a
U-shaped sectional profile for covering the end edge of the cloth.
The front fabric and the back fabric are sewn together, including
the range of insertion of the interlining 2c of the band-shaped
cloth 2, with seams in quilted design 9.
[0052] The band-shaped cloth 2 may be composed of a leather-made
front fabric 2a and a back fabric 2b made for example of a
sweat-absorbent fabric material such as a cotton cloth. The back
fabric 2b may be detachably attached to the leather-made front
fabric 2a for cleaning by means of snap-fit buttons, a zipper, or a
hook-and-loop fastener. In this construction, by virtue of the
leather-made front fabric 2a and the cloth-made back fabric 2b, the
belly band 1 succeeds in presenting a fine appearance and in
conforming gently to user's skin. Moreover, being made readily
detachable from the front fabric 2a, the back fabric 2b can be
removed freely for cleaning when it soils. As shown in FIGS. 1 and
3, one end of the band-shaped cloth 2 having the male locking
portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener constituting the locking member
8 is formed with the cutaway portions 10 for dividing the male
locking portion 6 of hook-and-loop fastener into a plurality of
segments in the vertical-width direction. While the cutaway
portions 10 are illustrated as being two in number to divide one
end of the band-shaped cloth 2 into three segments in the
vertical-width direction, there is no particular limitation. For
example, it is possible to provide an additional cutaway portion at
the midportion of one end of the band-shaped cloth in the
vertical-width direction or to increase the number of the cutaway
portions to divide it into four segments. Moreover, while the
cutaway portion 10 is illustrated as having the shape of the letter
V, it is not limited thereto but may be of another shape.
[0053] With the provision of such cutaway portions 10, the separate
male locking portion segments 6 of hook-and-loop fastener can be
bondingly engaged with the female locking portion 7 so as to
preserve a certain amount of positional freedom in the waistline
direction. In this case, the cutaway portion 10 is not formed at
the other end of the band-shaped cloth 2 that will come on bottom
during wearing (the skin-side end); that is, the end edge having
the female locking portion 7, wherefore this cutaway-free end edge
of the band-shaped cloth 2 is kept in shape more securely in the
vertical direction and is thus held uprightly simply by pressing
part of it by user's one hand. This allows the user to readily bind
the band-shaped cloth 2 in conformity with his/her abdominal shape
with it held in position by the bonding action of the hook-and-loop
fastener. Moreover, the present invention may be implemented as a
construction provided with a protective net having a mail-like
structure (not represented graphically) that is detachably inserted
between the front fabric 2a and the back fabric 2b of the
band-shaped cloth 2. In this construction, if there is the
possibility of the user getting into danger, the mail-like
protective net is interposed between the front fabric 2a and the
back fabric 2b of the band-shaped cloth 2 to protect the user from
a stab wound which is made by an edged tool. When unnecessary, the
protective net can be removed. In this case, it is recommended that
U-shaped hooks are disposed at adequate intervals along the
lengthwise upper edge on the reverse side of the front fabric 2a.
Thereby, the mail-like protective net can be attached to the
band-shaped cloth 2 simply by hanging at its upper edge on the
hooks.
[0054] Moreover, in the present invention, instead of the mail-like
protective net, a heat-trapping sheet made of nylon or the like
material may be detachably inserted to encourage perspiration
during wearing, so that the belly band 1 can be used as a health
product for producing weight-loss effect. Also in this case, the
heat-trapping sheet is made removable for easy cleaning. Further,
the belly band 1 of the present invention may be used as a
maternity girdle. In this case, the attachment width of the female
locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener is preferably increased
so that the perimeter of the belly band in a wrapped state is
adjustably increased in the waistline direction in a range, e.g.
from 80 to 150 cm with the growth of a baby-to-be.
[0055] The belly band 1 of the present invention may be provided
with an inside wallet pocket, a cigarette pocket, and an outside
small-money pocket. Moreover, the belly band 1 of the present
invention may include a pressure point-stimulating member such as
magnetic particles or spherical objects for performing
finger-pressure treatment on a human body. In this case, the
pressure point-stimulating member may be disposed, in the form of
buttons or a sheet, in that part of the belly band which abuts
against user's back. Further, in the belly band 1 of the present
invention, the band-shaped cloth 2 in a developed state may have
any given shape, for example, a drum or fan shape, or may be so
shaped that its lower edge is curved convexly downwardly.
[0056] In FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown an example of the
band-shaped cloth 2 having V-shaped concavities 13, 13 formed in
its upper and lower parts, respectively, so as to lie at a position
midway between the opposite ends thereof in the waistline
direction. In this case, the V-shaped concavities 13, 13 are
preferably formed in that part of the band-shaped cloth which abuts
against the central region of user's back during wearing. For
example, the length from one end of the band-shaped cloth 2 (the
end having the female locking portion 7 of hook-and-loop fastener)
to the midpoint of the V-shaped concavity 13 ranges from 320 to 330
mm, and correspondingly the width of the V-shaped concavity 13 in
the waistline direction ranges from 340 to 360 mm and the depth of
the V-shaped concavity 13 in the vertical-width direction ranges
from 35 to 45 mm. In this example, the vertical width of the
band-shaped cloth 2 is set at 290 mm, and, in order that it may be
available in sizes S, M, L, and LL, the length in the waistline
direction takes on various values: 900 mm (S), 1000 mm (M), 1100 mm
(L), and 1200 mm (LL). The belly band 1 of the present invention
can be used by either right-handed persons or left-handed persons,
for example, by being turned upside down.
[0057] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the belly band 1 of the
present invention has, in several positions of the band-shaped
cloth 2 in the waistline direction (four positions in the example
shown in FIG. 8, but there is no limitation and the number of
positions may be either increased or decreased), slit-forming seams
11 formed so as to extend along the entire length of the
band-shaped cloth 2 in the vertical-width direction. The
slit-forming seams 11 located at different positions are each made
in the form of two parallel lines. A slit is formed by cutting the
region between the two lines of the seam 11 with scissors or the
like, wherefore appearance of loose threads around the slit can be
prevented after the cutting operation. With such a slit, it is
possible to let out the hem side of the band-shaped cloth 2 and
thereby allow the belly band to fit snugly to the body of a user
whose figure is such that the abdomen or waist is relatively small
in size but the perimeter in the waistline direction increases
gradually with increasing proximity to the hips (for example,
women). The purchaser is able to make a slit at any given position
in conformity with his/her body shape. The slit is formed so as to
extend from the lower side (hem side) of the band-shaped cloth 2 to
a point spaced therefrom by a distance of about one-third the
vertical width toward the upper side--not to extend along the
entire length of the band-shaped cloth 2 in the vertical-width
direction. As a guide for making the slit, seams 12, 12
perpendicular to the seams 11 are formed in a location spaced a
distance of about one-third the vertical width toward the lower
side from the upper side and a location spaced a distance of about
one-third the vertical width toward the upper side from the lower
side, respectively, so as to extend in the waistline direction. In
order that the belly band may be used by either right-handed
persons or left-handed persons by being turned upside down, the
seam 11 extends along the entire length of the band-shaped cloth in
the vertical-width direction, and the seams 12, 12 are arranged
vertically in a distance of 1/3 the vertical width one from
another. The information about the slit-cutting operation is borne,
along with illustrations, in an explanatory leaflet placed in a
package of the belly band 1 of the present invention, so that the
purchaser is able to use the article in the best condition.
[0058] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, cloth-made covering pieces
14, 14 may be sewn on the top and the bottom, respectively, of one
end of the band-shaped cloth 2 having the male locking portion 6 of
hook-and-loop fastener so as to protrude beyond the top and the
bottom, respectively. During placement of the band-shaped cloth 2
around user's abdomen, as shown in FIG. 12, the covering pieces 14,
14 are kept in a vertically-upright state. Following the completion
of binding, as shown in FIG. 13, the covering pieces 14, 14 are
tucked in the inner (skin-side) part of the band-shaped cloth.
Thereby, even if the male locking portion 6 of hook-and-loop
fastener, which will come on top when the band-shaped cloth 2 is
put around user's abdomen (the outer part), protrudes upward or
downward beyond the female locking portion 7, since the covering
pieces 14, 14 help prevent direct contact between the protruding
part and user's skin, it is possible to provide cloth softness and
thereby protect the user from contact pain during wearing. The
attachment width of the covering piece 14 is equal to or slightly
larger than the attachment width of the male locking portion 6 of
hook-and-loop fastener in the waistline direction. For example, the
width of the covering piece 14 in the waistline direction is set at
approximately 60 mm, and the length of its vertical protrusion is
set at approximately 30 mm.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0059] The belly band of the present invention is used as a
festival costume, an abdomen-waist protector for sporting
activities such as golf, a health-enhancing band for daily use, a
weight-loss band, a body-shape control band, a maternity girdle for
abdomen protection, and so forth.
* * * * *