Belt, Strap, Or Strip Constructions Patents (Class 2/338)
  • Patent number: 7600660
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a harness adjustment system that may be used in various applications including backpacks, windsurf harnesses, kite-board harnesses, mountain climbing harnesses, utility harnesses, backpack shoulder straps, tie-down straps, and various belts for numerous applications. The harness adjustment system includes a first webbing strap, a winding reel, a cable tension member, and a strap lock. The winding reel is secured to a first portion of the strap. The cable is interconnected between a second portion of the strap and the winding reel. The cable loops from the strap to the reel such that winding of the reel retracts the cable to pull the second portion of the strap toward the first portion. The lock is coupled to the first strap second portion. The lock is selectively engageable with the second portion of the strap to relieve tension from the cable. Both cam and plate locks are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Raymond Nevin Kasper, John D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090241235
    Abstract: The present invention provides a belt pack that is convertible to a garment. When the garment is extended from an interior portion of the belt pack, the belt pack is configurable to be turned inside-out and is adapted to house the entire belt assembly of the belt pack at a bottom end portion of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Aryeh Weinreb
  • Publication number: 20090235436
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and associated method of use that ensures that the sensor contained within the strap of a chest strap type heart rate monitor remains directly over the heart thereby providing the user with the most constant and reliable heart rate data. In one embodiment an attachable harness is fitted with loops that fit over the strap of a typical chest strap type heart rate monitor. The harness then fits over the shoulders of a user and prevents the sensor within the strap of the heart rate monitor from downward slippage due to activity of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jim Baldesare
  • Publication number: 20090235431
    Abstract: A service trouser garment which detaches below a waist portion with an integral continuous belt sleeve having multiple slots or with a multiplicity of belt loops to receive a single duty belt, a detachable lower portion, and a horizontal attachment mechanism joining the waist portion and the detachable lower portion. The service trouser garment is specifically designed to alleviate the problems particular to police officers and other service personnel who must wear duty belts with various equipment items such as guns, ammunition, and radios, all of which must be considered when attempting to use toilet facilities. The service trouser garment also allows placement of those equipment items on the duty belt in positions which are comfortable to the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Brenda Bevley
  • Publication number: 20090229039
    Abstract: A stretchable belt (1) provided for medical purposes for use on the body of a patient has at least one sensor (8) for detecting at least one parameter of the patient's body. An adaptation to different body sizes and motions of the patient is provided without separate length adjusting members being necessary or without the need to stock different belt sizes. Furthermore, the belt is able to be manufactured at a low cost and makes possible simple and reliable handling, even for patients. The belt material (1) has at least one material area (2) with a lower spring rate in the longitudinal extension than at least one material area (3) with a higher spring rate of the belt (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: DRÄGER MEDICAL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Kai KUCK, Cornelia SCHRADER, Steffen SCHMITT, Hans-Ullrich HANSMANN
  • Publication number: 20090210997
    Abstract: A garment comprises a span member having a right upper portion, a left upper portion, and a lower middle portion and defining an open space between the right and left upper portions. A waistband is connected to the right and left upper portions of the span member. The span member is substantially rigid such that movement of the right upper portion away from the left upper portion is resisted, and such that circumferential tension is maintained along the waistband sufficient to maintain the garment in a desired location on a wearer's body. The fabric of the garment is attached to the span member to form a garment with an open space between the right and left upper portions of the span member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Alfred Birtch
  • Publication number: 20090178183
    Abstract: A positioning structure for the male reproductive organ, and more particularly provides a positioning structure which contributes to the hygiene, health and comfort of the male reproductive organ, and mainly includes a main body, a spacing portion, a holding portion and a positioning portion, wherein the main body further comprises at least one lower retaining portion and a waistband portion. The present invention is able to avoid the pants crotch, and enables upwardly centrally fixing the position of the penis to prevent it from falling down to one side, thereby resolving the problems of ill health, unhygienic state and discomfort of the penis resulting from constant skin contact between the penis and the scrota, while at the same time effectively preventing the problem of compression deformation of the penis when an erection occurs when wearing tight-fitting pants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Che-Wen Lin
  • Publication number: 20090172858
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a garment that is worn attached to a body and has improved freedom of design in terms of the tightening force or shape of a tightening portion that manipulates the body shape of a wearer, corrects the wearer's posture, and improves the wearer's motor ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: WACOAL CORP.
    Inventors: Kei Oya, Erina Kawai, Kiyofumi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20090165187
    Abstract: A waistcoat worn on the chest and back down to the waist area bears at least one soft textile item of clothing, filled with light material, removably fixed, and capable of functioning as a relieving cushion to offset muscular contractures. One soft textile item of clothing is square in shape and is fixed on the shoulders of the waistcoat, extending down the back area, which on being partially folded up, adopts the shape of a hood, and on being totally rolled up against itself, adopts the shape of a cervical relieving cushion. Another soft textile item of clothing is elongated as a belt and is arranged fixed on the back of the waistcoat at the waist area, in such a way that on being folded up against itself, and by arranging its edges overlapped, it adopts the shape of a lumbar-sacrum relieving cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Aida Edith Sterin Prync
  • Publication number: 20090151036
    Abstract: The armoured garment has an outer shell usually with sleeves and a lining. A front fastening, conveniently a sliding clasp fastening, is provided between the two front edges of the shell. The lining has three openings to pouches extending between itself and the shell. Openings are provided close to the front fastening and parallel to it. Each lining opening gives access to a respective large pocket or pouch. The pouches are of lining material and are stitched to the lining at the fastenings and as detailed below. Inserted in the pouches are respective sheets of armour. A belt, having an elasticated rear, central portion and front portions ending in a buckle, passes out through lining slots and around the pouches and the armour for drawing the latter tight around the body of the user, without constricting the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Nicolas Sean Joseph
  • Publication number: 20090151042
    Abstract: Bathing suit apparel includes a bathing suit top having straps that extend about the neck or shoulders of the wearer for purposes of reliably securing the bathing suit top to the wearer and preventing the bathing suit top from falling down off the wearer. The apparel includes in combination with the bathing suit top, a length of fabric provided as a bathing suit accessory of a size adapted to extend about the chest area of the torso of the wearer over the bathing suit top a spaced distance below the neck and shoulders of the wearer. This accessory prevents the bathing suit top from falling down when the neck or shoulder straps of the bathing suit top are undone. Thus, the wearer can undo the straps for purposes of obtaining an even tan on the neck, shoulder, upper chest, and upper back regions of the body without tan lines which would otherwise be caused by the presence of the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Marty Kusters
  • Publication number: 20090139014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable, decorative partial belt that cinches the waistband for the purpose of retaining and supporting pants, skirts or other garments in position upon the body of a wearer in such a way that does not necessarily interfere with the temporary or permanent removal, adjustment or placement of the clothing garment. A one piece elongated strap for partially surrounding the waistband of the clothing garment with an adjustable means for releasably securing the strap to the waistband of the wearer. One terminal end of the belt is laced under the first waistband loop to the right or left of the apparel opening and threaded around the back of the torso to the first waistband loop on the corresponding side without the terminal free ends connecting or intersecting. The two free ends are reversed back over the top of the front belt loops respectively securing them back on themselves in an overlapping fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Lynn Marie Trochlil-Crist
  • Publication number: 20090139002
    Abstract: Body armor to be worn on the torso of a person includes a front section having ballistic paneling therein and a back section having ballistic paneling therein. The body armor further includes at least one side closure mechanism including a rearward section adapted to be grasped and pulled in a forward direction around the side of the torso to close the closure mechanism. The rearward section is in operative connection with a forward section of the side closure mechanism so that a portion of the ballistic paneling of the front section moves in a rearward direction around the side of the torso of the person when the rearward section is pulled in a forward direction and overlaps a portion of the ballistic paneling in the back section when the closure mechanism is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Kathryn Ann Leathers
  • Patent number: 7537510
    Abstract: A brassiere for protecting a wearer's skin has a pair of breast cups and a first side panel and a second side panel. Each is connected to a different one of the pair of breast cups. The brassiere also has a strap, and a length adjustment device being disposed on the strap. The brassiere also has a cushioning device. The cushioning device pads the wearer's skin from the length adjustment device. The cushioning device has a position stabilizing tab for preventing the cushioning device from sliding underneath the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Leslie Ann Gransberry
  • Publication number: 20090126079
    Abstract: The cotton pants 1 as a pair of pants with the L pocket is that the front and the reverse edge 3Ab of the storing part 3A is perpendicular against the length direction of the belt part 3, therefore all the sewing process can be done by sewing machine and the mass productivity can be kept. Also because the upper edge of the raw fabric which does not have the rectangle expansion and contraction inside the elongating part 3B is sewn on and the lower edge of the raw fabric which does not have expansion and contraction is sewn on the lower edge of the belt part 3, one part of the raw fabric 6 which does not have expansion and contraction can be seen even if the one who wears it turns over the lower edge of the elongating part 3B by curiosity and the inner structure of the stretch stopper material 11 etc. can not be seen, therefore the situation that the one who wears it pulls out the inner structure and destroys the structure which is capable of expansion and contraction can definitely be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Koji KATO
    Inventor: Koji Kato
  • Publication number: 20090126084
    Abstract: A posture support garment comprises shoulder cap straps designed to pull the shoulders back thereby straightening the wearer's posture. The shoulder cap straps may be lined with silicone or some other appropriate material to grip or “grab” the skin at the area of the pectoral muscles or may be designed to cup the shoulders mechanically. This invention provides an effective posture enhancement while also providing a garment that is comfortable to wear all day. The posture support garment may be integrally designed and manufactured into a brassiere, T-shirt, bodice, or other top garment. The posture support garment may be worn by computer users or others concerned with detrimental genetic posture or the detrimental effects of everyday activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mary C. Fenske
  • Publication number: 20090126080
    Abstract: In a pair of trousers stretchable around a waist, to be able to prevent from getting wrinkles and the like on upper parts of a front body and a back body with certainty and improve an appearance so as to make a tuck and an opening end of a storing part unnoticeable and yet, to be able to enhance its productivity. In a pair of suit trousers 1, by following attachment of a tuck 5 to each of upper ends of side lines LS and RS, a primary elastic material being joined between an elongating part 3B and a storing part 3A becomes elastic, thereby being elastic around the waist. With this movement, tucks 5 are opened and closed, therefore, it can prevent from getting wrinkles and the like on upper parts of a front body 4 and a back body 9. Also, tucks 5 are attached along side lines LS and RS, thereby being united with side lines LS and RS with tucks 5 closed. Even if tucks 5 are opened, tucks 5 are extensions of side lines LS and RS, thereby being unnoticeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Koji KATO
  • Publication number: 20090113601
    Abstract: A garment accessory for attachment to a hem of a garment for prevention of entrapment of the garment beneath a foot or shoe of the wearer, comprising an adhesive-backed flexible and conforming film having a low-friction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: CATHERINE DELANEY
  • Publication number: 20090095785
    Abstract: Magnetic tool belts and tool belt accessories for holding work items comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The one or more magnets providing a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects and securing them to the surface such that they are readily available for use. The body comprising a tool belt, tool pouch, hammer holder, belt clip or any other suitable tool belt accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Andre A. Woolery
  • Publication number: 20090089913
    Abstract: Safety drain holding systems are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system can include a medical support garment comprising a medical container holder having first and second ends and at least one pocket. The pocket is adapted to support at least one container for storing bodily fluid output from a patient to the container. The medical support garment comprises a belt including first and second ends adapted for releasable attachment to the first and second ends, respectively, of the medical container holder such that the pocket is held adjacent to the waist of the patient when the first and second ends of the belt are attached to the first and second ends, respectively, of the medical container holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Patricia Anne Ehrlickman
  • Patent number: 7513816
    Abstract: Beaded straps for use with articles of clothing and methods of manufacturing them are disclosed. In one embodiment, a beaded brassiere strap comprises a main portion and an elastic portion. To provide the main portion, a segment of relatively inelastic beading wire is attached to a first hook and threaded through one or more bead pattern sections in a first direction. The relatively inelastic beading wire is then threaded through a connector bead, then threaded through one or more bead pattern sections in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction, then attached to the first hook. To provide the elastic portion, a segment of relatively elastic wire is also threaded through the connector bead, then loaded with beads, then attached at both ends to a second hook, such that the first and second hooks are at substantially opposite ends of the completed strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Confectionz, LLC
    Inventors: Lester E. McCullough, Gina L. Hueston
  • Publication number: 20090083899
    Abstract: A harness for holding the distal end of a pant leg about the ankle region of a person who is wearing long pants is disclosed herein. The harness includes an elongate first strap, an elongate second strap, and a pair of releasable fasteners. The first strap has two ends, and the second strap has two ends joined to the first strap respectively proximate the two ends of the first strap. The fasteners are respectively located at the two ends of the first strap. In this configuration, the first strap is adapted for fitting about the sole of a foot of the person, and the second strap is adapted for fitting about the heel of the foot. The fasteners are adapted for being attached to the distal end of the pant leg so as to hold the distal end of the pant leg in place about the person's ankle region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Sal Herman
  • Publication number: 20090077717
    Abstract: A sleeve which has two reflective sides is adapted for safety purposes and may function as an identifier. The surfaces may be formed in strips which have a luminous tint. The sleeve is adapted for usage with numerous objects such as pet collars, hats and canes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Chris Luginbuhl
  • Publication number: 20090070915
    Abstract: A suspender set and peace officer's shirt are described wherein the suspenders for the duty belt are located beneath the officer's shirt with only a portion of the suspender set extending outwardly through the front and rear of the shirt for connection to the duty belt worn by the officer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Elton N. Hill
  • Publication number: 20090070919
    Abstract: The invention provides an all-in-one golf belt for attaching objects. In an embodiment, the all-in-all golf belt includes: a flat strip having inner and outer surfaces, which is configured to be disposed around a portion of a golfer's body; fasteners provided on the outer surface of the flat strip, one or more of the fasteners being configured to engage at least one of the objects; and holding portions provided in each of the objects, each of the holding portions being configured to hold a portion of at least one of the fasteners. The holding portions of the objects are configured to hold the at least one of the fasteners with force of a predetermined magnitude. The fasteners may include hook-and-loop fasteners and magnets. The objects may be a glove, a ball marker, a ball mark repair tool, and a golf ball pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: SANG HO KIM
  • Publication number: 20090064400
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integral protective work clothing item comprising releasable integrated retaining elements and a digitally-activated retaining fastener. The inventive clothing item includes a harness and a retractable mechanism for securing a user to a standard lifeline. The item also comprises additional protective elements, such as a helmet, gloves and shoes which are connected thereto by means of respective elastic bands. Each of said bands is equipped with a hole for a fastener device that can only be released using a device designed for said purpose. The digitally-activated fastener comprises an electromagnet, a mobile discoidal part and a spring element. The cover of the fastener casing is provided with a hole and a tubular formation in which a pin or rod can be inserted and guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ramon Olivares Garrigos
  • Publication number: 20090047481
    Abstract: A method and system for garment manufacture fixes a curable polymer in either a continuous bead or in a non-continuous or segmented bead onto a cut fabric piece. The cut fabric piece, the continuous bead and the non-continuous, segmented bead have a wide array of configurations. If the cut fabric piece has a contoured edge region, a silicone bead proximate that edge has a conforming configuration. In the method, the cut fabric piece is placed in a coordinate space. The location of the cut fabric piece is sensed and that information is used to control the movement of a curable polymer dispenser. The dispenser applies a curable polymer from the curable polymer dispenser onto the cut fabric piece in the desired configuration after which the polymer is cured. If the fabric is cotton, the curable polymer is drawn into the cotton fibers prior to cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Cupid Foundations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Welsch, Anthony Angelino
  • Publication number: 20090044310
    Abstract: The present invention is a garment including a rigid rear panel having a waist support belt attached to a lower end thereof. The garment also includes a pair of support straps connected between the rear panel and a pair of front panels operably connected to the rear panel. The straps, either by their construction or through an adjustment in the length of the straps, enables the weight of items positioned on the front panels can be shifted onto the hips of the individual and off of the shoulders, while the support belt is engaged around the waist of the individual, to increase the freedom of motion of the shoulders and to reduce fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis R. Baacke
  • Publication number: 20090047866
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convertible apparel top such as a brassiere, tank top, or dress having two straps attached to the garment on at least one end of the strap with a swivel mechanism such as a means for attaching so that the garment may be converted from a garment with straps to a strapless garment and vice versa. In one embodiment, the ends of the straps not attached with a swivel mechanism may be removably attached to the garment to facilitate the conversion, and may be configured to attach both to the garment and to each other for multiple looks and configurations such as strapless, parallel straps, crisscross straps, and a halter without the risk of losing the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Annika P. Smith, Alejandro Cruz
  • Publication number: 20090031470
    Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide pants which look like ordinary pants, have a buttocks supporting effect and assure excellent wearing comfort. [Solution] Pants, in which a lining fabric covering the region ranging from the buttock portion of the back body through the sidelines to partial portions of the front body is attached inside the garment fabric of the front and back bodies, with fasteners interposed between the lining fabric and the garment fabric, the lining fabric and the garment fabric being sewn to each other at the waist belt, the crotch and the side seam allowances for integration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Emiko Ishikawa, Michiko Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20090007316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a garment fastener having a relatively-similar function to that of a standard belt. The inventive fastener is characterised in that it only acts on part of the waist of the garment, for example the fastener may be stretched between two garment straps, the fastening effect being completed by the rest of the garment at waist level. For said purpose, the invention comprises a central body (1) which consists of an ornamental element and which can be of any configuration, type or design. Two fastening or coupling elements (3), such as cords, are solidly connected to the ends of the aforementioned body and are passed through a pair of straps (4?) on the garment, e.g. trousers (5), folded behind the central body (1) and fixed to one another by means of tying (6) or similar, such that the straps (4?) are pulled and the trousers (5) are tightened around the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Juan Antonio Escudero Munoz
  • Publication number: 20090007317
    Abstract: A method to secure the distal end of a belt extending past a buckle device with the portion of the belt encircling a user's waist, wherein a fixturing apparatus comprising a flexible member comprising a first attachment means and a second attachment means encircles the distal end of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: MAXINE L. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20080313790
    Abstract: An inner belt fits along the juncture of a person's stomach and thighs. The inner belt has first and second arches with a garment supported by the arch and the arch sized to offset the garment's waistline from the inner belt. Each arch has a front end a rear end fastened to the inner belt. The front end of each arch is located so it fastens to the inner belt adjacent the user's crotch during use. The rear end of each arch is located so it fastens to the inner belt at or before the hips of the user during use. A first loop extends from each arch, over the waistline and a normal, outer belt threads through the first loops and also through the normal belt loops on the garment. The outer belt supports the garment and the first loop and arches support the outer belt in a position offset from the inner belt. One or more second loops can optionally be fastened to the back of the inner belt to extend over the waistline and support the outer belt along the user's back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Edward A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080289084
    Abstract: The invention relates to clothing support devices, and more particularly, discreet belts that support clothing, such as trousers, skirts, or the like, around a waist of a user. Provided is a discreet belt that includes a belt body formed from a flexible, elongated elastic strap adapted to be used in at least one fastening element and at least one adjusting element. Various embodiments, variants and method aspect are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: isABelt Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Wilkins - Gaudio
  • Patent number: 7454800
    Abstract: An anatomically fitted belt is used for carrying one or more waist-mounted respiratory protection components. The belt includes a main belt portion and a belt buckle portion. The main belt portion includes a back section, a left side section, a right side section, a left connective section between the back section and the left side section, and a right connective section between the back section and the right side section. The back section is wider than the other sections of the main belt portion. The main belt portion has a generally conical shape to be secured around a user's pelvic girdle and to align the respiratory component over the lumbar region of the user's spine to distribute a weight of the respiratory component. The belt buckle portion includes a right piece connected to the right side section of the main belt portion and a left piece connected to the left side section of the main belt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Taylor, Peter D. Lee, Christopher P. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20080271222
    Abstract: The invention outlined in the disclosure is a roll-up covering and belt assembly that is worn around the waist of the wearer. The belt is preferably a one-inch wide strap with a buckle that adjusts to the waist size of the wearer. An upper covering portion and a lower covering portion are attached to the strap opposite the buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Nienow
  • Patent number: 7445085
    Abstract: A roping and suspension harness is manufactured from a cushioned fabric the opposite lateral edges whereof at the level of the belt and leg loops are reinforced by support biases providing mechanical strength. The biases pass through the closing and/or adjustment device and return in the opposite direction to then be secured by fixing stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Anne Bauvois
  • Publication number: 20080244801
    Abstract: A sport sock with an integral shin guard has a series of inflatable bladder elements positioned next to and affixed to an inner surface of the sock material to overlie the shin of a wearer and perform a guard function when inflated. The bladder elements are inter-connected and may be connected to a small, manually-operated pump that is located at the rear upper portion of the sock. A pair of upper and lower inflatable straps are affixed to the sock material and encircle the leg. The straps are also inter-connected to the bladder element so that they inflate and deflate in coordination with the bladder elements and retain the sock on the leg when inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: GIACOMO M. RUSSO
  • Publication number: 20080216213
    Abstract: The present invention provides a belt structure including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a belt, wherein the two ends of the belt are respectively connected to the first housing and the third housing, which can be buckled together quickly, and the second housing and the first housing are connected, so that a mechanism for fine tuning the belt can be formed through the ratch, the driving element and the resisting element in the first and the second housing, thereby a belt structure with fast buckling capability and fine tuning function can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-Liang Lin, Shail-Chen Yu, Chia-Chang Chao
  • Publication number: 20080200853
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing soft-tissue manipulation of a user's spinal discs, and other back, neck and glutei soft-tissues includes a rigid or semi-rigid working member having at least one operational side surface for engaging contact with target soft-tissues and to which are secured a pair of straps. The operational side surface is provided with design form features configured to produce a therapeutic effect on the target soft-tissues when in contact therewith, and which may include recesses, projections or other protuberances. The working member and straps have an overall longitudinal length selected to enable the apparatus to be positioned partially encircling a user's body with the straps secured to a support. The length enables the user to stand or sit in a rearward inclined position, leaning backwardly to effect relative bearing contact between the target soft-tissues and the operational surface of the working member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Tielve
  • Publication number: 20080190980
    Abstract: A compact yet expandable waist belt with a pouch preferably formed from a single piece of seamless elastic fabric, designed in some embodiments with pleats in the back, that remains taut around the wearer's body during even the most rigorous physical activities, whether the pouch is holding one smaller item (such as a key) or multiple larger items (such as a cell phone, mp3 player, and/or money). When empty, the pouch is preferably approximately the same width and thickness as the belt holding the pouch in place, and yet the pouch's internal volume can expand up to 300-400% or more to hold larger items or a large number of small items. The single pouch is sealed with zipper or other fasteners such as Velcro® allowing users to access belongings quickly and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: KIMBERLEY OVERTON
  • Publication number: 20080172769
    Abstract: A separate, transferable, attachable and removable stretch waistband device (10) used to convert the use of a regular lower garment article (14) into early stages up to full-term maternity use (and thereafter) and/or for accommodation in any increase or decrease in waistline size that simultaneously relieves pressure from front lower abdomen. The expandable waistband (10) is worn at the waist or hip region of wearer and conforms to the changing shape of the wearer. The stretchable band (10) temporarily attaches to the belt loops of an existing lower garment article of clothing (14) and is transferable from one lower garment to another. Belt loop attachment mechanisms (22) consisting of fasteners (30) are used to attach the main frame waistband (10) to the belt loops of an existing lower garment (14). The mainframe waistband core (10) consists of a faux-shirt overlay (24) to cover the band (10) and create the appearance of a shirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jodi Nicolle Herget
  • Patent number: 7396273
    Abstract: A bra incorporating bra straps that are made from beads threaded onto an elongated tubular member in a decorative pattern. The straps include end connectors that allow them to be detachably secured to the bra. The straps may also include an adjustment member to allow the length of the straps to be lengthened or shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Shelli L. Styles-Gaviria, Octavio Gaviria
  • Publication number: 20080120758
    Abstract: Thermal impulse heat welding, or “bar sealing”, is used to bond thermally sensitive laminate barrier materials such that they will pass AAMI level 4 testing (ASTM 1670 and 1671-b). In bar sealing, overlapping layers of thermally sensitive laminate barrier materials are melted and fused together to create a substantially solid bond at and/or adjacent the surface. No substantially un-melted areas remain within the fused bond area on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Mary Katherine Lawson, Michael P. Mathis, John Anthony Rotella
  • Publication number: 20080120768
    Abstract: The invention provides a body protector which can be simply and easily installed and detached by hands of an athlete himself or herself, and can be finely adjusted properly by the hands of the athlete himself or herself after installation. Fastening bands are made detachable via a surface fastener provided during an overlapping under a relation that the fastening bands are structured as a pair of right and left parts respectively extending from both right and left side portions of a protector main body so as to be overlapped with each other, suspending bands are structured such as to extend from two right and left symmetrical positions in an upper portion of the protector main body, and a leading end side of the suspending band is freely attached to and detached from the fastening bands via the surface fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Takeshi Tsujimoto
  • Publication number: 20080104741
    Abstract: A belt and garment fasten around a user's waist to support the garment at a selected waistline position. The belt has first and second arches with each arch having a front end a rear end fastened to the belt. The front end of each arch is located so it fastens to the belt adjacent the user's crotch during use. The rear end of each arch is located so it fastens to the belt at or before the hips of the user during use. Two first fasteners are connected to each of the arches adjacent a top of the arch. The garment has two second fasteners connected to a waistband of the garment. The second fasteners are located to releasably engage the first fasteners to fasten the arch to the garment so the arches hold the waistline of the garment above the belt. The garment covers the belt and arches. The garment is optionally connected to the belt by a third fastener located between the arches, along the user's back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Edward A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080092271
    Abstract: A wrap for a body part such as a human wrist. The wrap includes an elongated flexible and helical-shaped member which is constructed of a material having shape memory so that, upon release of the member following deflection of the member, the member returns to its original helical shape. A covering is disposed around the member which either absorbs perspiration or applies a medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Diane A. Victor
  • Patent number: 7356853
    Abstract: A sports activity protection apparatus and method of use. The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by a multi-layer padded member and a belt member. The padded member is shaped to offer protection of the abdominal area, including the solar plexus and upper groin region. The padded member contains different layers for absorbing and distributing shock, ensuring flexibility, and providing for a lightweight apparatus. Individual layers are comprised of air-filled bladders, a low density material, foam material, and nylon or similar material. The belt member, preferably comprised of an elastic material, extends between each end of the padded member to be secured about the waist of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Byrd, James Byrd, Miriam Cheever
  • Publication number: 20080022433
    Abstract: A buttoned vest of woven material and two bands of approximately two inches wide sewn on each side of vest front to stabilize arm (1). Vest is preferably lined. Bands (8) are closed with hook and loop closure or other secure fasteners for adjustable fit. Two piece belting device (2) on back of vest with secure adjustable fastener for waist size adjustment. Additional bands (8) approximately two inches wide and approximately ten inches long included for either adjustment or use with cast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Eula Edwards
  • Publication number: 20080027383
    Abstract: Cooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/or alleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment, includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; a thermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distance from the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user for pumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein to the atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump are incorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the male user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Fathallah Nahhas