U.S. patent application number 15/370899 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for removable belt buckle system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Muhannad Salem Alturk. Invention is credited to Muhannad Salem Alturk.
Application Number | 20180153266 15/370899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62240033 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180153266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alturk; Muhannad Salem |
June 7, 2018 |
Removable Belt Buckle System
Abstract
A removable belt buckle system has a belt band, with interior
and exterior surfaces, as well as a first end and second end. The
first end has a hook-and-loop component on the interior surface and
the second end has a corresponding hook-and-loop component on the
exterior surface allowing for each end to releasably engage
one-another. A clip releasably engages the belt band. The clip is
defined by a first member connected to a second member by a spring
portion. The spring portion biases the second member toward the
first member until a contact point is reached. A lip portion
extends at an obtuse angle from an opposite end of the second
member relative to the spring portion. The clips first member
releasably engages a buckle at the back side of the buckle.
Inventors: |
Alturk; Muhannad Salem;
(Amman, JO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alturk; Muhannad Salem |
Amman |
|
JO |
|
|
Family ID: |
62240033 |
Appl. No.: |
15/370899 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/001 20130101;
A44B 11/006 20130101; A44D 2203/00 20130101; A41F 1/002 20130101;
A41F 9/025 20130101; A44B 18/00 20130101; A41F 1/00 20130101; A41F
9/002 20130101; A44B 17/0041 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/00 20060101
A44B011/00; A41F 1/00 20060101 A41F001/00; A44B 18/00 20060101
A44B018/00; A44B 17/00 20060101 A44B017/00; A41F 9/02 20060101
A41F009/02 |
Claims
1. A removable belt buckle system comprising: a. a belt band having
an interior surface and an exterior surface, the belt band further
defined by; i. a first end, wherein the first end has a
hook-and-loop component positioned on the interior surface; and ii.
a second end, wherein the second end has a corresponding
hook-and-loop component positioned on the exterior surface, and
wherein the first end hook and loop component is configured to
engage the second end corresponding hook and loop component; b. a
clip having two members defined by; i. a first member; ii. a second
member having lip portion; and iii. a spring portion, wherein the
first member and second member are connected by the spring portion,
and wherein the spring portion biases the second member towards the
first member, and wherein the lip portion extends at an obtuse
angle from an opposite end of the second member relative to the
spring portion, and wherein the clip is configured to engage the
belt band; c. a buckle having a back side adapted to releasably
engage the first member of the clip.
2. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle and
first member of the clip magnetically engage.
3. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle and
first member of the clip engage by a snap fastener.
4. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle and
first member of the clip engage by a keyhole fastener.
5. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the first member
and second member are positioned at an acute angle toward one
another.
6. The removable belt buckle of claim 5, wherein the first member
and second member have a contact point.
7. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the lip potion is
adapted to receive the belt band.
8. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein the hook-and-loop
component and corresponding hook-and-loop component engage to
configure the belt band to form a loop.
9. The removable belt buckle of claim 1, wherein a method further
comprises the steps consisting of: a. engaging the hook-and-loop
components to form a loop; b. inserting the belt band between the
first and second members of the clip; and c. engaging the backside
of the buckle with the first member of the clip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of belt buckles,
and more specifically to the field of reliable belt buckles that
can disengage from the belt.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Belts are a common accessory with both aesthetic and
function features. Waist belts can be worn as a fashion statement
and are required most formal attire. They also function to cinch
the waist and hold pants or shorts above the waist. It can be
difficult to find an entire wardrobe of trousers that do not need a
belt, as waist size differs between brands. Further, users often
gain or lose weight, changing the circumference of the waist, and
therefore the fit of their trousers.
[0003] Belts are typically made of leather or synthetic mixtures
and come in varieties of lengths and thicknesses. Belts have two
ends that typically meet at the front of the user. In prior art, a
buckle is affixed to one end of the belt, while the opposing end is
insertable into the belt buckle.
[0004] Belt buckles are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes,
themes, and materials. Some come highly decorated, and some are
minimalist and professional. Metals are the most common material
used due to their strength, durability, and appearance. This causes
a problem for those who travel frequently. Security now mandates
that all metal items, including belts, be removed when walking
through metal detectors and body scanners. While simply taking off
ones belt does not cause too much distress, the traveler may need
the belt to hold their trousers at an appropriate height in order
to avoid their pants falling down. If this is the case, the user
can be made very uncomfortable in an already stressful setting.
[0005] To mitigate this problem, belt buckles made from alternate
materials such as plastics have been made, however these do not
have the same timeless aesthetic appeal of a metal buckle, and are
not formal enough to wear with business attire. A suitable solution
is desired.
[0006] Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a
removable belt buckle that has the aesthetic appeal of a standard
belt buckle, but can be removed without hindering the function of
the belt. The solution should allow the user to maintain the
function of their belt with or without the use of the buckle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In an embodiment, a removable belt buckle system has a belt
band with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The belt
band also has a first end, which has a hook-and-loop component on
an interior surface, and a second end, which has a corresponding
hook-and-loop positioned on an exterior surface. The hook-and-loop
components are configured to releasably engage one another.
[0008] A clip configured to engage the belt band has a first member
and a second member. The second member has a lip portion extending
at an obtuse angle from an opposite end of the second member.
Further, the clip has a spring portion connecting the first and
second member. The spring portion biases the first member toward
the second member. A belt buckle has a back side adapted to
releasably engage the first member of the clip.
[0009] In an embodiment, the buckle and first member of the clip
magnetically engage. In alternate embodiments the buckle and first
member of the clip may engage by a snap fastener, keyhole fastener,
or screw and bolt.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first member and second member of the
clip are positioned at an acute angle toward one another. Further,
the first and second member have a contact point.
[0011] In an embodiment, the lip portion is adapted to receive the
belt band.
[0012] A method of use of the belt buckle includes; engaging the
hook-and-loop system components to form a loop, inserting the belt
band between each of the first and second members, and engaging the
backside of the buckle with the first member of the clip.
[0013] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the
invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the
accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the belt, belt clip, and
belt buckle, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the belt clip and belt
buckle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the belt with the belt
buckle fully engaged, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of use of the belt buckle
system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-4, wherein
like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0020] The invention described herein refers to a system comprising
a belt band with a removable buckle. Disengaging the buckle does
not hinder the function of the belt. In general, the system
comprises a strap or belt band. The belt has two ends that
releasably engage one another. The middle section of the belt band
extends around the circumference of the waist of the user,
preferably through the belt loops of a users pant. Each end of the
belt comprises one or more attachment components. In a preferred
embodiment a hook-and-loop system is used to releasably engage each
end of the belt around the users waist to secure the pants at a
desirable point.
[0021] In reference to FIGS. 1-3, the belt band 6 component is
shown, wherein two sides; an inside 1 and an outside 2, define the
belt band 6. The inside 1 is positioned to contact the user while
the outside 2 is positioned to face away from the user when the
belt is being worn. The belt has a first end 11 and a second end
12, which once the belt is extended around the user, will meet and
overlap to engage an attachment mechanism such as a hook-and-loop
system.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first end 11 has a
hook-and-loop component 5 positioned on the inside 1. Further, the
second end 12 has a corresponding hook-and-loop component 15
positioned on the outside 2. As the user positions the belt around
their waist, the user positions the outside 2 of the second end 12
at a proximal position to the body compared to the inside 1 of the
first end 11. The hook-and-loop component 5 and corresponding
hook-and-loop component 15 are oriented to face one another. Upon
contact, each hook-and-loop component 5,15, will releasably engage
one another and hold the belt band 6 in position. Other means of
fabric attachment known in the art may be used, as long as the
connection can support the pants at the users waist and maintain
connectivity during movement.
[0023] The belt can be fastened and used as is, such that the users
pants are held at an appropriate height at the waist of the user.
To achieve the aesthetic appeal of a standard belt with an
integrated buckle 40, the buckle 40 with integrated clip 30 can be
releasably engaged at the connection of the first and second ends
11,12.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a clip 30 integrates, or attaches
to the buckle 40 such that the front side 21 of the buckle 40 is
positioned facing outside the user. The clip 30 has a first member
31, a second member 32 wherein the second member 32 is defined by a
spring portion 33. Each component forms a continuous band of
material such as metal. In an embodiment, the spring portion 33 can
be formed to a lip at the end to facilitate the insertion of the
belt between the first and second members 31,32. The members are
biased toward one another such that the belt is retained between
each of the members 31,32. The first member 31 is substantially
flat to rest against the buckle 40 and provide a large area of
contact. The clip 30 allows for a buckle 40 to be releasably
engaged, such that the buckle 40 is facing away from the user and
hides the clip 30, and underlying first and second ends of the belt
band.
[0025] The buckle 40 may have the form of any known in the art such
as but not limited to; frame-style buckle, plate-style buckle,
box-out, or box-frame buckle. In general, the buckle has a front
side 21 and a backside 22. The front side faces away from the user,
and has aesthetic features that can change in different embodiments
of the buckle 40. The backside 22 of the buckle 40 is positioned to
releasably engage the first member of the clip 30. A threaded bolt,
or other mating engagement may accomplish the releasable connection
of the buckle 40 and clip 30.
[0026] Each member has an opening direction, and closing direction.
The opening direction allows for the insertion of the belt
components and the closing directions retains the belt within the
clip 30. The closing direction enables friction between the clip 30
and the belt, keeping the position and orientation of the belt.
[0027] Bending the single continuous band of the material into a
semicircle forms the spring. A bend is positioned, as known in the
art, between the spring portion and the first member to increase
the force applied by the spring and further increase the bias
between the members.
[0028] In use, the user disposes the belt between the first and
second members 31,32. Once the user positions the belt about the
waist and releasably engages the first and second ends 11,12 via
each of the hook-and-loop components 5,15, the user inserts the
belt between the first and second member 31,32. A contact point 36
of the first member 31 and spring portion 33 is separated by the
user, allowing the belt to be further inserted into the clip 30.
Once the belt contacts the spring portion 33 at the top of the clip
30, the belt is then fully engaged and the device may be worn until
no longer needed.
[0029] A lip portion at the end of the second member 32 allows for
the easy insertion of the belt and acts as a handle for the user to
bend the biased members apart if needed.
[0030] As mentioned, the first member is integrated into the belt
buckle 40. In a preferred embodiment, the clip 30 is releasably
attached to the buckle 40 by a bolt or screw. The bolt or screw
secures the clip 30 to the buckle 40 while still retaining the
ability for the user to change the buckle as desired. In alternate
embodiments, the clip 30 and buckle 40 releasably engage with a
magnet 20.
[0031] In an embodiment, the clip 30 is matingly engaged with the
buckle 40. In this embodiment, the clip 30 has one or more
protrusions, which matingly engage with egresses, or protrusions of
the buckle 40. This allows the user to easily interchange the
buckle without using tools.
[0032] In an embodiment, the clip 30 and buckle 40 are adhered to
one another by a clamping mechanism, wherein a clamp on the clip 30
releasably engages a protrusion on the buckle.
[0033] In an embodiment, the buckle 40 is made of nylon, leather,
rubber, heavy cloth, or other material known in the art. Further,
the buckle is made of metal, plastics, rubber, synthetics, or other
material known in the art. Style of buckle is selectable by the
user and is only aesthetic, as the hook-and-loop system serves to
join each end of the belt band.
[0034] In reference to FIG. 4 a flowchart depicts the method of
use, wherein in step 10, a user first engages the hook-and-loop
components to form a loop. In step 15, the user inserts the belt
band between the first and second members of the clip, and in step
20, the user engages the backside of the buckle with the first
member of the clip.
[0035] The invention has been described herein using specific
embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that
the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways.
Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in
scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as
being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
* * * * *