FUNCTIONAL BELT

A functional belt having a flexible structure can relatively reduce pressure applied to the belly and the waist, thereby reducing the possibility of disc disease, prevent hypometabolism due to the belt that does not stretch, thereby promoting good health, and maintain its function as a belt even if a flexible portion is torn. The functional belt includes a flexible part 90 integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length, a buckle 92 coupled with one end of the flexible part 90 to allow the user to adjust the length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down, and a connector 94 connecting the other end of the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to a belt member 30 that is made of a predetermined material.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a functional belt, and more particularly, to a functional belt having a flexible structure, which can decrease pressure applied to the belly and the waist, thereby reducing the possibility of disc disease, prevent hypometabolism attributable to belts that do not stretch, thereby promoting good health, and maintain its function as a belt even if the flexible portion is torn.

The present invention also relates to a functional belt, in which one end of the belt is directly fixed to a fixing bar of a buckle, and a flexible member is disposed in a first opening at one end of the belt. The functional belt has a simple structure and includes a smaller number of components, thereby remarkably reducing product costs. The flexible member is not easily torn since it is not exposed to the outside. Even if the flexible member is torn, the functional belt does not lose its function as a belt.

The present invention also relates to a functional belt, which has a ruler on the inner circumference of the belt, so that the user can measure his/her waist circumference. This belt can awaken the user to health risks such as obesity, and can also be used as a measuring tape at home, at the office, or outdoors.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a waist belt consists of a buckle and a belt member. The belt member, fixed to the buckle, is fastened to clothes such as trousers and then locked again using the buckle in order to prevent the trousers from slipping down.

The belt is required to have various functions, such as an accessory function, in addition to the intrinsic function of preventing the trousers from slipping down. As a matter of fact, the belt tends to continuously push the belly when the user is seated more than when the user is standing. Although the user can loosen or untie the belt in order to relieve such pressure, a simpler method for overcoming such a problem is necessary.

Generally, people use a belt as shown in FIG. 1 when they wear trousers or a skirt. As shown in FIG. 1, the belt is attached to the waist by fixing one end of a belt member 4 to a buckle plate 6, which is connected to one end of a buckle 2, threading the belt member 4 through belt loops of the trousers, and then fastening the other end of the belt member 4 to the opposite end of the buckle 2.

However, one inconvenience is that this kind of belt does not have flexibility once it is worn on the waist, and thus applies strong pressure to the belly. After a meal, the pressure increases to an extent of causing the user to suffer from indigestion. Although the user can loosen the belt to cope with the expansion of the belly during the meal, the belt should be tightened again after the meal, thereby applying strong pressure to the belly. People, who repeatedly sit on a chair and stand on the floor, need to frequently adjust the buckle of the belt. This is not only inconvenient but also creates a negative impression on others.

In order to overcome these problems, such as inconvenience in wearing, a number of approaches have been developed. A conventional rubber belt completely surrounds the waist when attached to trousers or a skirt, and thus causes problems such as furling and wrinkling of clothes. The rubber belt also tends to increase frictional force against the skin, thereby leaving a mark on the skin, or cause sweat or pain, thereby forming itchy areas on the skin. Furthermore, since the pressure is distributed to the whole belt, the user can feel less pressure on the belly, and thus may excessively tighten the belt, thereby causing adverse metabolic effects.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional belt that can stretch and contract in length. The conventional belt includes a buckle 2, a belt member 4 and a flexible band 10.

A buckle fitting plate 6 is connected to one end of the buckle 2, and an “L” shaped clamping plate 6a having a row of teeth is hinged to the opposite end of the buckle fitting plate 6, to clamp one end of the flexible band 10.

The flexible band 10 is formed of a highly flexible material, and has a length of 20 cm or less. The flexible band 10 is clamped, at one end, to the buckle fitting plate 6 and fixed, at the opposite end, to the belt member 4 by sewing, thereby forming a flexible section A, as shown in FIG. 2. However, since the flexible section A is formed of the band, it tends to excessively stretch in accordance with the movement of the user. Thus, this belt cannot overcome problems such as marks on the skin due to an increase in frictional force against the skin, and itching of the skin due to sweat or pain. Furthermore, if the flexible section A is torn or cut, the belt cannot be used any longer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt having a flexible structure, which can relatively decrease the pressure applied to the belly and the waist, thereby reducing the possibility of disc disease, and prevent hypometabolism attributable to belts that do not stretch, thereby helping promote health.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt, which can maintain its function as a belt even if a flexible portion is torn.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt, which includes a smaller number of components, thereby reducing product costs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt having various functions, which has a ruler on the inner circumference of the belt, so that the user can determine his/her waist circumference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating an example of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another example of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembled state of the functional belt according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view illustrating a functional belt according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the usage of the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are exploded perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 shows one embodiment of the fixing method of the flexible member and the belt of the invention;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the twelve embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the thirteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the fourteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating an example of the prior art, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another example of the prior art, FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a belt that is typically used in the prior art, and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a belt having flexibility according to the prior art. These belts have already been specifically described in the background art section, and the present invention is devised to make further advancements to the prior art in order to provide a useful functional belt.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, a fixing bar 20 is formed at one end of connecting bars 21, which extend toward and are attached to the buckle 92, and the flexible part 90 is connected to the fixing bar 20, so that flexibility can be imparted to the belt.

FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing bar 20 is laterally restrained in a flexible member 22, which is placed inside a cover 26, so that applying force to the belt stretches the flexible member 22 to increase the total length of the belt, thereby alleviating the pressure applied to the waist.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 will be described in greater detail with reference to the exploded perspective view.

In the functional belt, the flexible part 90 is integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length, the buckle 92 is coupled with one end of the flexible part 90 to allow the user to adjust the length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down, and the connector 94 connects the other end of the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to the belt member 30, which is made of a predetermined material.

The flexible part 90 includes the flexible member 22 and the cover 26. The flexible member 22 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or any material having flexibility. The cover 26 is placed outside and surrounds the flexible member 22 in order to prevent the flexible member 22 from stretching beyond a predetermined length.

The flexible member stretches in length to increase the length of the functional belt to a predetermined value when a predetermined force is applied, that is, when the user wearing the belt sits on a chair or his/her waist becomes bigger than usual after a meal. Since the length of the belt increases, it is possible to reduce the relative pressure applied around the waist of the user.

The outside cover 26 prevents the length from increasing beyond a predetermined length. In the case where the belt has belt holes, moving to the next belt hole is sufficient to reduce the pressure to the waist that is applied when the user eats or sits on a chair from a standing posture. Thus, the cover 26 acts to prevent the length of the belt from increasing more than necessary.

Stretching the flexible member beyond the predetermined length can fatigue the flexible member, and the accumulated fatigue can cause the flexible member to be easily torn. The flexible member will lose the length adjusting function when it is torn.

The cover 26 acts to prevent the flexible member 22 from stretching beyond the predetermined length. Furthermore, even if the flexible member is torn (cut) due to overuse, the belt having the cover 26 can still effectively carry out a typical belt function.

In addition, if the typical belt function is not enough when the flexible member 22 tears due to fatigue, the flexible part 90, to which fastening portions 24 and 27 are additionally attached as shown in FIG. 5, is wound on the fixing bar 20 and coupled with the connector 94.

In the cover 26 and the flexible member 22 of the flexible part 90, the flexible member 22 is arc-shaped, and the cover 26 is configured to surround the exterior of the flexible member 22. The length of the flexible member is shorter than that of the cover.

That is, the flexible member 22 stretches to the length of the cover 26, which is disposed outside the flexible member 22, so that the stretching length can be limited.

The fastening portions 24 and 27 are fastened via adhesion or sewing to fasten the cover 26 to the flexible member 22. The fastening portions 24 and 27 are prepared to be provided as separate parts when the functional belt is sold, and are configured to be separately attached to the cover.

In the case where fastening portions 24 and 27 are the separate parts (that is, the flexible part 90 is integrally formed with the buckle 92), the flexible part 90 is inserted into an opening, which is defined by the connecting bars 21 coupled with the buckle 92 and the fixing bar 20, the fastening parts 24 and 27 are attached to the flexible part 90 as shown in the drawings, and they are coupled to form one body using coupling means.

It is preferable that the coupling means, which insert the flexible part 90 and attach the fastening parts 24 and 27 to the flexible part 90, be sewn to integrally form the cover 26 and the flexible member 22, so that sewing lines 25 are formed.

The connector 94 connects the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to the belt member 30, which is made of leather or a suitable material. In the connector 94, a pair of rotary holes 48 is formed, and rotary lugs 52 formed at opposing ends of a lever plate 44 are inserted into the rotary holes 48. When the fastening portions 24 and 27 of the flexible part 90 are inserted into an opening of the connector 94, the lever plate 44 is rotated in one direction, so that fitting protrusions 62 engage with fixing protrusions 46, thereby holding the fastening portions 24 and 27. Protrusions 34 of a pair of fixing sections 32 fixedly press one end of the belt member 30, thereby accomplishing the functional belt.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention. Fixing the belt member 30 by pressing the end with the protrusions 34 of the fixing sections 32 is inconvenient. When the user finds that the belt member 30 is longer than necessary, the belt member 30 is disassembled from the connector by spreading the fixing sections 32 using a tool, the end of the belt member 30 is cut away, and then the belt member 30 is fixedly coupled again. Therefore, a front lever plate 72 and a rear lever plate 74 are provided, so that the flexible part 90 and the belt member 30 can be easily adjusted in length by pivoting the lever plates 72 and 74.

Described in greater detail, the front lever plate 72 fixes the flexible part 90, and the rear lever plate 74 fixes the belt member 30. The front lever plate 72 has a protruding central portion (in the form of an upside-down “T”) in order to enhance pressure, and the rear lever plate 74 has a U shape with a recessed central portion and protruding side portions. A space 86 is formed between the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74 in order to facilitate the rotation of the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the space 86 forms a predetermined interval between the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74 in order to facilitate the rotation of the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74. This structure makes it possible to insert a finger or a driver into the space 86 in order to rotate the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembled state of the functional belt according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the functional belt includes a buckle 100 having a fixing bar 120, a belt member 200, one end portion of which surrounds the fixing bar 120, and a flexible member 300 interposed between the fixing bar 120 and the belt member 200 to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length. The functional belt of this embodiment will now be described more fully.

The buckle 100 is made of a metal material, and the fixing bar 120 for fixing the belt member 200 is perpendicularly provided in the rear of one end portion of the buckle 100. A locking mechanism (not shown) for maintaining the belt member 200 in a position fixed to the buckle 100 is provided in a central portion of the buckle 100. The locking mechanism can include a fitting pin, which is fitted into a fitting hole (not shown) in the belt member 200, and pressing means, which press the belt member 200 to elastically fix it to the buckle 100. This structure of the buckle 100 is similar to that of a well-known buckle.

The belt member 200 is made of an inflexible material, such as leather or fabric, and is fixedly coupled to the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. A bend 240 having a first opening 220 is formed at one end of the belt member 200 by bending one end portion of the belt member 200 180°. The first opening 220 surrounding the fixing bar 120 is opened toward the opposing end of the bent member 200 and has a predetermined depth. That is, the one end portion of the belt member 200 is bent in the form of a “C” to form the bend 240 and the first opening 220, which has the predetermined depth L1 and is opened to the opposing end of the belt member 200. The fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100 is inserted into the first opening 220, and a flexible member 300 is fixed in the first opening 220.

The flexible member 300 is “C” shaped, and opposing ends thereof are fixed to opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 to surround the fixing bar 120. The flexible member 300 is designed to be varied in length according to changes in the thickness of the waist of the user, and is made of a flexible member such as a rubber. The flexible member 300 is bent in the form of a “C”, and opposing ends thereof are fixed to opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 using fastening means. In this fashion, the flexible member 300 forms a second opening 320, which also surrounds the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100 but has a depth smaller than that of the first opening 220.

Here, both ends of a middle portion of the “C” shaped flexible member 300 are fixed to the first opening 220 and are spaced apart a predetermined interval from the bottom 225 of the first opening 220. That is, both ends of the flexible member 300 are fixed to the opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 by fastening means in a fashion such that a bottom wall 325 in the middle portion of the flexible member 300 is spaced apart from the bottom 225 of the first opening 220.

The fastening means for fixing the flexible member 300 to the belt member 200, that is, fixing the opposing ends of the flexible member 300 to the opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 of the belt member 200, can be embodied as sewn lines, as shown in FIG. 1, by which the flexible member 300 is fixed to the first opening 220. Although this embodiment of the present invention has been described with respect to the case in which the fastening means are the sewn lines, the opposing ends of the flexible member 300 can be fixedly attached to the first opening using an adhesive. Of course, any means that can maintain the flexible member 300 in a position fixed to the first opening 220 can be adopted.

The flexible member 300 stretches in length toward the bottom 225 of the first opening 220 a predetermined amount when a predetermined force is applied, that is, when the user wearing the multi-functional belt of the present invention sits on a chair or his/her waist becomes bigger than usual after a meal. Since the length of the belt increases, it is possible to reduce the relative pressure applied around the waist of the user.

When the flexible member 300 reaches the bottom 225 of the first opening 220, it is restrained and thus cannot stretch further. That is, even if the size of the waist of the user increases due to overeating or sitting on a chair from a standing posture, the flexible member 300 stretches only to the extent of the bottom 225 of the first opening 220, and thus does not stretch further than necessary, thereby preventing fatigue from accumulating therein. This prevents the flexible member 300 from being easily torn. Furthermore, even if the flexible member 300 is torn (cut) due to overuse, the belt can efficiently carry out a typical belt function since the first opening 220 of the belt member 200 surrounds the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100.

At the end of the bend 240 of the belt member 200, fixing means for fixing the end of the bend 240 to the opposite belt member 200 is provided. The fixing means acts to close the first and second openings 220 and 320 in order to maintain one end of the belt member 200 in a position coupled to the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. The fixing means includes a pair of snap buttons 500, which are fixed to the end of the bend 240 and a portion of the bent member 200, which opposes this end. The snap buttons 500 include a male button and a female button, the male button fitting into the female button.

Accordingly, when the end of the bend 240 is simply fixed to the belt member 200 by one touch using the pair of snap buttons 500, the end of the belt member 200 remains in the position coupled with the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. Even if the flexible member 300 is torn due to overuse, the snap buttons can be unfastened to simply replace the flexible member 300 with a new one.

Although this embodiment of the present invention has been described with respect to the case in which the fixing means is the pair of snap buttons 500, the bend 240 can be completely fixed by forming the sewing line 550 in the belt member 200 with a sewing machine, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, a button can be formed in the end of the bend 240 and a button hole can be formed in the portion of the belt member 200 that is opposite this end, or vice versa, so that the button can fit into the button hole to fix the bend 240 to the belt member 200. As an alternative, it is also possible to use an adhesive as the fixing means. Of course, any means that can fix the end of the bend 240 to the belt member 220 can be adopted.

According to the multi-functional belt of the present invention, having the above-mentioned construction, the bend 240 is formed at the end of the belt member 200 with the first opening 220 opened toward the opposite end of the belt member 200, the “C” shaped flexible member 300 is fixed to the first opening 220 a predetermined interval from the bottom 225 of the first opening, and the end of the bend 240 is fixed to the belt member 200 using the fixing means. Compared to a conventional belt, which requires an additional belt fastener, the present invention has a simpler construction and includes a smaller number of components. Accordingly, the present invention can advantageously reduce the cost of final products.

In the multi-functional belt of the present invention, the flexible member 300 is fixed to the inside of the first opening 220 of the belt member 200 without being exposed to the outside of the belt. Thus, the multi-functional belt of the present invention can advantageously function as a belt even if the flexible member 300 is torn. On the contrary, the conventional belt cannot function as a belt when an elastic band is torn, since the elastic band is exposed to the outside and connects the buckle to the belt member.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view illustrating a functional belt according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the usage of the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the functional belt 410 of the present invention includes a buckle 412 and a belt member 411. A ruler 413 is formed in the inner circumference of the belt member 411a predetermined interval from the buckle 412. In the ruler 413, a centimeter scale and an inch scale extend along the central line and are arranged on either side of the central line.

The ruler 413 of the belt member 411 is divided into a normal section 413a, an attention section 413b and a warning section 413c in order to indicate the present status of the thickness of the waist of the user. The normal section 413a, the attention section 413b and the warning section 413c are given different colors.

For example, the normal section 413a is colored green, the attention section 413b is colored yellow, and the warning section 413c is colored red.

In other words, the ruler 413 can include a yellow section, indicating a waist circumference for men ranging from 34 to 36 and a waist circumference for women ranging from 32 to 34, a green section indicating a waist circumference for men under 34 and a waist circumference for women under 32, and a red section indicating a waist circumference for men over 36 and a waist circumference for women over 34. The fatness standard may be different according to various conditions so that the green section, the yellow section and the red section may be respectively provided at different position.

In this way, the colors of the ruler 413 can be changed variously.

In the ruler 413, the centimeter scales can be separate from the inch scales.

The centimeter scales are engraved on one side of the central line of the ruler 413, and the inch scales are engraved on the other side of the central line of the ruler 413.

An indicator 414, which indicates the starting point of the ruler 413, is formed on the outer circumference of the belt member 411.

The indicator 414 can be printed on the belt or attached to the belt using an adhesive.

In the present invention, the ruler 413 is printed on the inner circumference of the belt member 411.

As shown in FIG. 14, the ruler 413 of the present invention can be attached to the inner circumference of the belt member 411 using an adhesive or a double sided adhesive tape 415.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a Velcro fastener 416 is provided between the belt member 411 and the ruler 413, so that the ruler 413 can be attached to and detached from the belt member 411.

According to the present invention as set forth above, the ruler 413 is given different colors for cases where attention should be paid or care should be taken, so that the user can determine his/her waist circumference and thus take care of his/her health.

The ruler 413 can be used to determine the current waist circumference of the user, which a doctor can use as a reference for diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the determined value of the waist circumference can awaken the user to health risks.

When the user wears the belt, if the reference portion (i.e., the indicator 414 in the embodiment of the present invention) is positioned in the warning section 413c of the ruler 413 on the belt member 411, the user can recognize that his/her waist size is excessively large and he/she is excessively fat. If the indicator 414 is positioned in the attention section 413b, the user can recognize that his/her waist size exceeds a reference value and thus he/she should pay attention to fatness. If the indicator 414 is positioned in the normal section 413a, the user can recognize that he/she is not fat.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 relates to a women's belt, in which the normal section 413a is less than 32 inch, the attention section 413b ranges from 32 to 34 inches, and the warning section 413c is over 34 inches.

Although not illustrated in this embodiment, in the case of a men's belt, the normal section 413a is less than 34 inches, the attention section 413b ranges from 34 to 36 inches, and the warning section 413c is over 36 inches. The fatness standard may be different according to various conditions so that the normal section 413a, the attention section 413b and the warning section 413c may be respectively provided at different position.

Of course, the ranges of the normal, attention and warning sections 413a, 413b and 413c can be varied according to the body shape of the user who wears the belt.

Furthermore, the ruler 413 is printed with inches or centimeters, so that the belt can be used as a measuring tape at home, in the office, or outdoors when necessary.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited thereto. It is to be appreciated that equivalents to the foregoing embodiments are embraced by the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 17, the flexible member 600 has panel-shaped connection fixing part 602 and ring shape hooking part 604 provided at one end of the connection fixing part 602. The connection fixing part 602 and the ring shape hooking part 604 are made of flexible material in one body type. Here, two holes 602a are formed at the connection fixing part 602 of the flexible member 600. A pair of pin parts 622 of metal fixing pin 620 may be inserted into two holes 602a of the connection fixing part 602 and the pin parts 622 may penetrate the cover member 26 of the flexible part 90 to be bended toward the outside so that the flexible member 600 may be fixed at the cover part 26 of the flexible part 90.

As shown in FIG. 18, by inserting screw piece 640 passing two connector 92a at the upper and the lower portion of the buckle portion 92 into the ring shape hooking part 604 of the flexible member 600, the buckle portion 92 may be connected with the belt 30 through the flexible member 600.

And, as shown in FIG. 19, the flexible member 600 may be directly fixed at the belt 30 by the metal fixing pin 602. FIG. 19 shows that the flexible member 600 is fixed at the bending portion 31 which is winded toward the inner surface of the belt 30 by the metal pin 620.

Preferably, the connection fixing part 622 of the flexible member 600 is more thick than the other part so that slip phenomenon may be prevented and easy fixing may be acquired.

And, the connection fixing part 602 of the flexible member 600 may be fixed by bolt and nut. Besides, all of the fixing means may be adapted for fixing the flexible member 600 at the belt 30.

As shown in FIG. 20, the flexible member 600 may have the structure wherein a hanging block part 606 is provided at one end of the connection fixing part 602 which is fixed at the belt 30. The flexible member 600 has a structure wherein the connection fixing part 602 and the hanging block part 606 are made of flexible material in one body type. And, the hanging block part 606 may have concave grooves 606a for seating a pair of the clip-shaped connectors 99 of the buckle part 92. As describe above, a pair of the clip-shaped connectors 99 whose lower part has an opening is provided at one end of the buckle body of the buckle part 92. By inserting the clip-shaped connector 99 into the connection fixing part 602 of the flexible member 600 and making it hooked against the hanging block part 606, the buckle part 92 may be connected with the belt 30 through the flexible member 600. Here, the clip-shaped connector 99 has tap portion at its lower periphery so that a nut is combined to the tap portion of the clip-shaped connector 99. And, a fixing ring may be combined with the clip-shaped connector 99 so that the clip-shaped connector 99 is not detached from the flexible member 600. All of fixing members for fixing the clip-shaped connector 99 to the flexible member may be adapted commonly. FIG. 20 shows that the flexible member 600 is fixed at the cover member 26 of the flexible part 90 by the metal fixing pin 620.

As shown in FIG. 21, one end of the bending type flexible member 22 is fixed at the belt 200 by the fixing part 25 like as sewing and another end of the bending type flexible member 22 is not fixed at the belt 200 so that the length of the flexible member 22 and the belt 200 may be adjusted easily. Reference of FIG. 21 is the buckle part, and reference 120 is the hanging bar which is combined with the bended flexible member 22.

As shown in FIG. 22, the buckle part 100 is connected with the flexible member 600. And, the flexible member 600 and the bended belt 30 of two layer may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 screwed through the inner surface of the separate connector 94. A subsidiary panel 704 may be engaged between the end of the fixing bolt 700 and the belt 30. The subsidiary panel 704 has the function for preventing slip and the function that the belt 200 is torn by the pressing force by the fixing bolt 700. And, the subsidiary panel 704 may be metal panel or flexible material panel and so on.

As shown in FIG. 23, the buckle part 660 may be fixed at the belt 30 by the pivotal gripper 662, and the flexible member 600 and the bended belt 30 of two layer may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 screwed through the inner surface of the buckle part 660. In case of the embodiment of FIG. 23, a subsidiary panel 704 may also be engaged between the end of the fixing bolt 700 and the belt 30.

And, as shown in FIG. 24, the belt 30 inserted through one end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 passing through the inner surface of the connector 94, and the flexible part 90 inserted through another end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the tooth part 42 of the gripper 44 rotating at the inner position of the connector 94.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the belt 30 inserted through one end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 passing through the inner surface of the connector 94, and the flexible part 90 inserted through another end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the other fixing bolt 700 passing through the connector 94.

In case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, a subsidiary panel 704 made of metal or flexible material and so on may also be engaged between the end of the fixing bolt 700 and the flexible member 30. And, in case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the bending type flexible member 22 and the flexible member 600 may be adapted optionally.

As shown in FIG. 26, the fixing bolts 700 are combined into the bolting holes of two rows provided at the inner surface of the connector 94. The belt 30 inserted through one end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 combined at the bolting hole 708 of one row, and the flexible part 90 inserted through another end of the connector 94 may be fixed by the fixing bolt 700 combined at the bolting hole 708 of another row. Further, the belt 30 may be additionally fixed by the gripper 74 and the flexible part 90 may be additionally fixed by the gripper 72.

And, in case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, a subsidiary panel 704 made of metal or flexible material and so on may also be engaged between the end of the fixing bolt 700 and the flexible member 30 as well as the end of the fixing bolt 700 and the belt 30. Further, in case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the bending type flexible member 22 and the flexible member 600 may be adapted optionally.

As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 28, a marking member may be additionally provided at the border between the fatness attention section 413b and the fatness warning section 413c. In case of the invention, two buttons 500,504 have been adapted as one embodiment of the marking member. Two buttons 500 are provided between the fatness attention section 413b and the fatness warning section 413c at the inner surface of the belt 410.

In case of the male of Korea, the button 500 marked “A” is provided at the position of 34 inch, and the button 504 marked “B” is provided at the position of 36 inch.

In case of the female of Korea, the button 500 marked “A” is provided at the position of 32 inch, and the button 504 marked “B” is provided at the position of 34 inch.

Here, the fixing method of the buttons 500,504 may be various. For example, the buttons 500,504 have pin so that the buttons 500,504 may be fixed at the belt 410 by pin fixing method, and the buttons 500,504 may be attached to the belt 410 by magnetic attachment method.

Further, the fixing position of the buttons 500,504 may be exemplification considering the present fatness standard, and the fixing position of the buttons 500,504 may be different according to the variation of the shape of the body.

The fixing position of the buttons 500,504 may be changed according to the objective American fatness standard like as WHO or NIH.

For example, in case of America, the standard of the fatness attention section of the female is between 33 inch and 35 inch, and the standard of the fatness attention section of the male is between 38 inch and 40 inch. Accordingly, in case of the belt to be used in America, the button 500 marked “A” may be provided at the position of 35 inch, and the button 504 marked “B” may be provided at the position of 40 inch. Of course, if the female measures over 35 inch around the waist, she is fat, and if the male measures over 40 inch around the waist, he is fat also.

By providing the marking member like as said buttons 500,504, the user of the belt may easily know whether he/she is fat or not without reversing the inner surface of the belt 410 toward the outer side.

In order to help the user of the belt 410 know whether he/she belongs to the group of serious abdomen fatness, the marking member, so to speak, the fatness standard portion, has been provided at the inner or outer surface of the belt 410, or the upper position of the belt 410. The marking member may be clip, sewing, embossing or design an so on beside said buttons 500,504.

Further, 27 shows the embodiment wherein the buttons 500,504 have been provided on the ruler 413 of the belt 30, and FIG. 28 shows the embodiment wherein the buttons 500,504 have been provided on the inner surface the belt 30 without the ruler 413.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A functional belt to which flexibility is imparted, comprising:

a flexible part integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract along a longitudinal direction thereof; and
a buckle coupled with one end of the flexible part to allow a user to adjust a length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down.

2. The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising a connector connecting an opposing end of the flexible part, which is coupled with the buckle, to a belt member that is made of a predetermined material.

3. The functional belt according to claim 1, wherein the flexible part includes a flexible member, which is arc-shaped and made of a flexible material, and a cover, which is arc-shaped and conforms to a shape of the flexible member and surrounds the flexible member, the cover having a predetermined length longer than that of the flexible member to limit stretching of the flexible member therein.

4. The functional belt according to claim 3, wherein the flexible member is made of rubber or a flexible material.

5. The functional belt according to claim 4, wherein a fixing bar is integrally connected to a connecting bar of the buckle, the cover surrounding the flexible member holds the fixing bar when the flexible member is torn or cut due to overuse, thereby preventing the buckle from being separated, so that the functional belt still functions as a belt.

6. The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising fastening portions for fastening a cover and a flexible member in the flexible part using coupling means, wherein the fastening portions are prepared to be provided as separate parts when the functional belt is sold, and are separately attached, so that the flexible part is easily inserted into and coupled to an opening, which is defined by a connecting bar coupled to the buckle and a fixing bar.

7. The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening for fastening a cover and a flexible member in the flexible part, wherein the fastening portions integrally couple the buckle and the flexible part using coupling means when the flexible part is inserted into an opening, which is defined by a connecting bar coupled to the buckle and a fixing bar, and the fastening portions are attached to the flexible part.

8. The functional belt according to claim 7, wherein the cover and the flexible member may be coupled each other by a fixing means, and wherein the both ends of the cover and the flexible member may be coupled by the fixing means or only one end of the cover and the flexible member may be coupled by the fixing means so that another end of the cover and the flexible member may be the free end.

9. The functional belt according to claim 1, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof, wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,

wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

10. The functional belt according to claim 1, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate fixing the belt member, wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

11. A functional belt to which flexibility is imparted, comprising:

a buckle having a fixing bar arranged perpendicular thereto;
a belt member having a bend, which is bent from one end to an opposing end to surround the fixing bar, thereby forming a first opening having a predetermined depth;
a flexible member fixed inside the first opening, and spaced apart a predetermined interval from a bottom of the first opening, wherein the flexible member is coupled to the fixing bar so that the belt is allowed to stretch and contract in a longitudinal direction; and
means for fixing an end of the bend to the belt member.

12. The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the flexible member is made of rubber or a flexible material, is “C” shaped to surround the fixing bar, and has both ends fixed to respective surfaces of the first opening, so that the flexible member is spaced apart from the bottom of the first opening.

13. The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a male button and a female button, the male button fitting into the female button.

14. The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a sewing line formed by sewing to fix the end of the bend to the belt member.

15. The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a button and a button hole, wherein the button is formed in the end of the bend and the button hole is formed in a portion of the belt member opposite the end of the bend, or the button hole is formed in the end of the bend and the button is formed in the portion of the belt member opposite the end of the bend.

16. The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means is an adhesive.

17. A functional belt, comprising:

a buckle;
a belt member; and
a ruler formed on an inner circumference of the belt member a predetermined interval from the buckle, wherein the ruler includes a centimeter scale and an inch scale extending along a central line and arranged on respective sides of the central line, and a scale and a dimension of a portion of the belt that overlaps a zero point of the ruler are indicated, whereby a user is allowed to determine an outer circumference of his/her waist.

18. The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler of the belt member is divided into a plurality of sections having different colors, whereby the user is allowed to determine a current status of the outer circumference of his/her waist.

19. The functional belt according to claim 18, wherein the ruler of the belt member is divided into a normal section, an attention section and a warning section, and wherein the normal section, the attention section and the warning section are different colors.

20. The functional belt according to claim 19, wherein the normal section is green, the attention section is yellow, and the warning section is red.

21. The functional belt according to claim 20, wherein the ruler includes a yellow section indicating a waist circumference for men ranging from 34 to 36 and a waist circumference for women ranging from 32 to 34, a green section indicating a waist circumference under 34 for men and a waist circumference under 32 for women, and a red section indicating a waist circumference over 36 for men and a waist circumference over 34 for women.

22. The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler is printed on the inner circumference of the belt member.

23. The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler is attached to the inner circumference of the belt member using adhesive or double-sided tape.

24. The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein a Velcro fastener is attached between the belt member and the ruler, so that the ruler is able to be attached to and detached from the belt member.

25. The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

26. The functional belt of claim 1, wherein the flexible member has panel-shaped connection fixing part and ring shape hooking part provided at one end of the connection fixing part, the connection fixing part and the ring shape hooking part are made of flexible material in one body type and wherein a pair of pin parts of metal fixing pin may be inserted into two holes of the connection fixing part and the pin parts may penetrate the cover member of the flexible part to be bended toward the outside so that the flexible member may be fixed at the cover part of the flexible part.

27. The functional belt of claim 1, wherein the flexible member has a structure that the connection fixing part and the hanging block part are made of flexible material in one body type, and the buckle part has a pair of the clip-shaped connectors, and wherein by inserting the clip-shaped connectors into the connection fixing part of the flexible member and making it hooked against the hanging block part, the buckle part may be connected with the belt through the flexible member.

28. A functional belt comprising a buckle part which is connected with the flexible member and has a pivotal gripper in its inner side, a fixing bolt combined at the inner surface of the buckle part, and wherein the buckle part may be fixed at the belt by the pivotal gripper and the flexible member and the bended belt of two layer may be fixed by the fixing bolt screwed through the inner surface of the buckle part.

29. The functional belt of claim 2, wherein the fixing bolts are combined into the bolting holes of two rows provided at the inner surface of the connector, and wherein the belt inserted through one end of the connector may be fixed by the fixing bolt combined at the bolting hole of one row and the flexible part inserted through another end of the connector may be fixed by the fixing bolt combined at the bolting hole of another row.

30. The functional belt of claim 17, wherein a marking member may be additionally provided at the border between the fatness attention section and the fatness warning section.

31. The functional belt according to claim 2, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

32. The functional belt according to claim 3, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

33. The functional belt according to claim 4, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

34. The functional belt according to claim 5, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

35. The functional belt according to claim 6, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

36. The functional belt according to claim 7, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

37. The functional belt according to claim 8, wherein the connector has a pair of rotary holes at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs at corresponding portion thereof,

wherein a lever plate has a pair of rotary lugs at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes of the connector,
wherein the fastening portions of the flexible part are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate so that the fitting protrusions of the lever plate are engaged with the fixing protrusions of the connector, and
wherein the connector has protrusions at a pair of fixing sections thereof, the protrusions fixedly pressing one end of the belt member.

38. The functional belt according to claim 2, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

39. The functional belt according to claim 3, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

40. The functional belt according to claim 4, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

41. The functional belt according to claim 5, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

42. The functional belt according to claim 6, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

43. The functional belt according to claim 7, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

44. The functional belt according to claim 8, wherein a lever plate includes a front push plate, fixing the flexible part, and a rear push plate, fixing the belt member,

wherein the front push plate has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down “T” in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate and the rear lever plate in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate and the rear lever plate.

45. The functional belt according to claim 18, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

46. The functional belt according to claim 19, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

47. The functional belt according to claim 20, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

48. The functional belt according to claim 21, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

49. The functional belt according to claim 22, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

50. The functional belt according to claim 23, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

51. The functional belt according to claim 24, wherein the belt member has an indicator on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator indicating a starting point of the ruler.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100011487
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 23, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 21, 2010
Inventor: Mi Ri Kim (Incheon)
Application Number: 12/375,166
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Combined With Other Than Garment Supporter Structure (2/300); Torso Or Limb Encircling (2/311)
International Classification: A41F 19/00 (20060101); A41F 9/00 (20060101);