BELT CLIP

Abstract

An apparatus for holding an end of a belt in place. The apparatus comprises a clip member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for engagement with a user's belt. There is a covering member for covering an exterior surface of the clip member. Such covering member being formed of a second predetermined material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/148,159 filed Jan. 29, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a user's belt, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a belt clip that can be attached to a belt for keeping the end of a belt in place.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND

Belts normally include an inadequate and sometimes stapled end belt loop that may easily break. Some belts do not include a belt end fastening loop at all. This result in the belt moving as the wearer is in motion, which can become aggravating. For some, excess belt hanging freely may be a safety hazard depending on their profession and hobbies. Also, some individuals may yearn for a simple way to decorate a belt without having to permanently alter its look. Some people may also want a simple way to show a touch of their personality without becoming boisterous. Having a device, such as the present invention, can securely hold the end of the belt while also being fashionable may fit the needs of many consumers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for holding an end of a belt in place. The apparatus comprises a clip member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for engagement with a user's belt. There is a covering member for covering an exterior surface of the clip member. Such covering member being formed of a second predetermined material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for securing the end of a belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing the end of a belt that is simple and fashionable.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing the end of a belt wherein the user can decorate his/her belt without permanently altering its look.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus as used on a person's belt to hold the end of the belt.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus showing the clip and the covering according to an embodiment of he invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus showing a decorative member.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the apparatus showing the curved projection on the short side of the J-shaped member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for holding an end of a person's belt in place as seen in FIG. 1. The apparatus 10 comprises a clip member 2 having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for engagement with a user's belt 4. There is a covering member 6 for covering the exterior surface of the clip member 2. Such covering member 6 being formed of a second predetermined material. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment the clip member 2 is used to hold the end of the belt 4 in place.

Such first predetermined material is selected from one of plastic and metal. It is presently preferred that such metal is stainless steel. The predetermined shape of the clip member 2 is substantially an inverted thin J-shape for clipping on to such user's belt 4. Such predetermined shape further includes a curved projection 16 extending outwardly on the shorter leg of the inverted J-shape for ease of placing the apparatus 10 over such user's belt. The clip member 2 is relatively thin so as to be an annoyance to the user.

Such second predetermined material is selected from one of leather, plastic and rubber. It is presently preferred that such predetermined material is leather.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention as seen in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 further includes an enclosed loop member 8 disposed in an outer portion of such clip member 2 for holding such end of such belt 4 in place. Thus in this embodiment the end of the belt 4 is slid through the enclosed loop member to hold the end of the belt in place.

Such predetermined shape of he apparatus further includes a decorative member disposed on an outer portion of the covering member 6. Such decorative member may be a distinctive logo, sports design, professional or college team logos, hunting or fishing designs or any ornamental member as seen as a skull in FIG. 4. Such covering and decorative members may be designed with different colors and also may have designs to match assorted outfits or different holidays to accommodate user preferences.

Such apparatus is between about ¾ inch and about 1¾ inch in width and between about 1½ and about 2½ inches in height. It is presently preferred that such apparatus is approximately 1¼ inch in width and approximately 1¾ inch high.

The clip member 2 further includes an inner lock clip 14 disposed on an inside portion of the clip member 2 and projecting inwardly so as to hold such belt firmly in place. The lock clip 14 would only be used in the embodiment that does not have the enclosed loop 8.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding an end of a belt in place, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a clip member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for engagement with a user's belt; and

(b) a covering member for covering an exterior surface of said clip member, said covering member being formed of a second predetermined material.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes an enclosed loop member disposed in an outer portion of said clip member for holding such end of such belt in place.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material is selected from one of plastic and metal.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said metal is stainless steel.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is substantially an inverted J-shape for clipping on to such user's belt.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined shape further includes a curved projection on a shorter leg of said inverted J-shape for ease of placing said apparatus over such user's belt.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined material is selected from one of leather, plastic and rubber.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said second predetermined material is leather.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape further includes a decorative member disposed on an outer portion of said covering member.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said decorative member includes at least one of professional or college team logos, sports designs, hunting and fishing designs and other distinctive designs.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said clip member further includes an inner lock clip disposed on an inside portion of said clip member to hold such belt firmly in place.