MONEY BELT

Abstract

A money belt is disclosed herein. The money belt includes an ankle/foot band sized to be attached to an ankle and a money carrying mechanism that is attached to the ankle/foot band and adapted to carry and secure money, e.g., paper money, or other objects.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a footwear, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an ankle/foot belt for securing and carrying money.

BACKGROUND

People throughout the world carry a variety of items on their persons. One of the most important items arguably is money. A convenient method for carrying money, e.g., paper money, is to secure paper money on an elastic belt. However, there are inherent problems with using elastic belts, for example, safety issues as the elastic belt becomes a target for thieves, and fashion issues. Therefore, there is a need for improving the effectiveness and aesthetically pleasing qualities of the elastic belt for securing money.

SUMMARY

A money belt is disclosed herein. The money belt includes an ankle/foot band sized to be attached to an ankle and a money carrying mechanism that is attached to the ankle/foot band and adapted to carry and secure money, e.g., paper money, or other objects.

In one embodiment, the money belt includes an ankle/foot band sized to be attached to an ankle and a money carrying mechanism that is attached to the ankle/foot band and adapted to carry and secure money.

In another embodiment, the money belt further includes a slide mechanism that is adapted to adjust the length and/or tension of the ankle/foot band.

In a further embodiment, the money belt further includes a heel hoop that is adapted to loop over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot and/or hold paper money.

In a yet further embodiment, the money belt further includes at least one closure mechanism that is adapted to connect different portions of the money belt together.

In a still further embodiment, the money belt further includes an ornamental article that is attached to the band for ornamentation.

In a still further embodiment, the money carrying mechanism includes at least one money securing band attached to the ankle/foot band for securing the money to the money belt.

In a still further embodiment, the money carrying mechanism further includes a flap member that is adapted to flap over, covering and securing at least a portion of the money carrying mechanism.

In a still further embodiment, the money carrying mechanism further includes a binding bar to bind around the ends of folded paper money.

This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive description of the claimed invention. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects of the subject matter will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the claimed invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments disclosed in the application.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of a money belt including a money carrying mechanism that has multiple bands for securing money to the belt.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt including a money carrying mechanism that has a single band for securing the money to the belt.

FIG. 1B-1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an ornamental article.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt including a heel hoop for looping over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot and/or hold paper money.

FIG. 1C-1 illustrates a perspective view of the money belt of FIG. 1C, when the heel hoop does not include a slide mechanism.

FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt including a money carrying mechanism that has double bands for securing the money to the belt.

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt including an ornamental article to secure bands together and a slide mechanism.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt wrapping on an ankle/foot, where the belt includes a money carrying mechanism that has multiple bands for securing the money to the belt.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt wrapping on an ankle/foot, where the belt includes a money carrying mechanism that has a single band for securing the money to the belt.

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt wrapping on an ankle/foot, where the belt includes a money carrying mechanism that has double bands for securing the money to the belt.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt wrapping on an ankle/foot, where the belt includes a heel hoop for looping over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot and/or hold paper money.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective overview of one embodiment of the money belt including a money carrying mechanism that holds an object other than paper money.

FIG. 3A-D illustrates perspective views of embodiments of the slide mechanism for use with a single band or a plurality of bands respectively.

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective front view of a slide mechanism when used with a money belt.

FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective back view of the slide mechanism of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including a money carrying mechanism that has double bands and a flap member in an open position.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including a money carrying mechanism that has a single band and a flap member in an open position.

FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the money belt in FIG. 4B with the flap member being in a closed position.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including a money securing band that is secured to an outer surface of an ankle/foot band.

FIG. 5A-1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the money belt of FIG. 5A with paper money secured to the money securing band.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including two money securing bands secured to an outer surface of an ankle/foot band.

FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including two outer money securing bands.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including closure mechanisms that include snaps and ribbons for connecting different portions of the ankle/foot band together.

FIG. 6A-1 illustrates a perspective view of the money belt of FIG. 6A with the ribbons being tied together.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including closure mechanisms that include snaps for connecting different portions of the money belt together.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt including an ankle/foot band made of garter belt type material to stretch over the ankle/foot and a flap member for holding money.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt with a flap member attached to an ankle/foot band to hold money, where the band and flap member are both made of garter belt type material to stretch over the ankle/foot.

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the money belt with an attached adjustable money securing band to hold money where the band is made of garter belt type material to stretch over the ankle/foot.

FIG. 8C-1 illustrates a perspective view of the money belt of FIG. 8C when stretched over an ankle/foot.

FIGS. 9A-F illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of the money belt including a binding bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive concepts may be practiced. The money belt is disclosed herein and it is to be understood the following detailed description applies to all references and articles of the money belt. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or used separately, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and procedural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts. The following detailed description provides examples, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims to be added and their equivalents.

The terms “above,” “on,” “under,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” and the like used herein are in reference to the relative positions of the money belts, and their constituent parts, in use when oriented as in the figures.

A money belt is disclosed herein. The money belt includes an ankle/foot band sized to be attached to an ankle and a money carrying mechanism that is attached to the ankle/foot band and adapted to carry and secure money, e.g., paper money, or other objects.

Optionally, the money belt may further include a slide mechanism for adjusting the length and/or tension of the ankle/foot band to further secure money, a flap member for flapping over and covering at least a portion of the money carrying mechanism, a closure mechanism for connecting different portions of the money belt together, a heel hoop for looping over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot and/or hold paper money, an elastic garter belt type ankle/foot band that stretches to receive ankle/foot, and an ornamental article for aesthetic purposes and/or for connecting different portions of the money belt together.

It is to be understandable that the money belt can also be used to carry and/or secure other personal items, e.g., lipstick, paper, key(s), etc. It is also to be understood that the belt can be secured to other parts of a human body, e.g., wrists, fingers, arm, shoe, belt, etc. It is also to be understood that the paper money can be inserted in any angle/direction and through any opening or gap, without limitation to the description below. It is to be understood the money belt can be worn in any position and on either ankle. It is to be understood that components of the money belt described below may be combined in any form during construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the money belt disclosed herein. It is to be understood that various embodiments disclosed herein can cooperate with each other and thereby provide an enclosure that deters the theft and prevents loss of paper money. For sake of convenience, the money belt is to be described as an ankle/foot belt for securing and/or carrying paper money.

The following embodiments are for reference and are described in sufficient detail for those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the embodiments, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense, may be combined or used separately and/or re-positioned without departing from the scope of the invention.

With reference to the figures, in one embodiment, the money belt 10 includes an ankle/foot band 12 sized to be attached to an ankle 66 and a money carrying mechanism 20 that is attached to the ankle/foot band 12 and adapted to carry and secure money 30, where the money carrying mechanism 20 includes at least one money securing band 14 for securing the money to the money belt 10.

Optionally, the money belt 10 may further include a slide mechanism 58 that is adapted to adjust the length and/or tension of the ankle/foot band 12.

Optionally, the money belt 10 may further include a heel hoop 88 that is adapted to loop over a heel of a shoe 60 to secure the shoe 60 to a foot 62 and/or hold paper money.

Optionally, the money belt 10 may further include at least one closure mechanism 26 that is adapted to connect different portions of the money belt 10 together.

Optionally, the money belt 10 may further include an ornamental article 18 that is attached to the band 12 for ornamentation and/or for connecting different portions of the money belt.

Optionally, the money carrying mechanism 20 may further include a flap member 16 that is adapted to flap over and cover and secure at least a portion of the money securing band 14.

Optionally, the money carrying mechanism 20 may further include a binding bar 11 to bind around the ends of folded paper money 30.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a money belt 10 includes an ankle/foot band 12 sized to be attached to an ankle 66 and a money carrying mechanism 20 that is attached to the ankle/foot band 12 and adapted to carry and secure money 30, where the money carrying mechanism 20 includes money securing band(s) 14 for securing the money 30 to the money belt 10. Optionally, the money belt 10 may further include a slide mechanism 58 that is adapted to adjust the length and/or tension of the ankle/foot band 12. Also, optionally, the money belt 10 may further include closure mechanisms 26 in the form of rings 13A, 13B that are adapted to connect different portions of the money belt 10 together. Also, optional, the money belt 10 may further include an ornamental article 18 for ornamentation. FIG. 2A shows a money belt 10 including multiple money securing bands 14 when worn on a foot.

The ankle/foot band 12 includes a loop body that is adapted to receive a foot to extend through and sized to be tightly attached to an ankle. The loop body of the band 12 can be made of thin, flat flexible material. It will be appreciated that the ankle/foot band 12 can take other forms, e.g., adjustable strap, strings, cords, strands, rope, chains, etc., or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the ankle/foot band 12 includes an elastic portion such that the band 12 can be stretched around the ankle, holding the ankle more securely than an inelastic band. For example, the ankle/foot band 12 can be made of garter belt materials.

The money carrying mechanism 20 may include money securing band(s) 14, a flap member 16 or a binding bar 11 or combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 1A, the money carrying mechanism 20 includes money securing band(s) 14 each having an elongated body. It is to be understood that the money securing band(s) 14 may include one and more strand of bands. It is also to be understood that the money securing band(s) 14 can be in the form of a portion of the ankle/foot band 12, or formed by separate structure members and attached to the ankle/foot band 12. When the money securing band(s) 14 is attached to the ankle/foot band 12, it can be attached in any position, for example, it can be attached to an outer surface of the ankle/foot band 12, or between two portions of the ankle/foot band 12.

As shown in the figures, in particular FIGS. 1A-E, the slide mechanism 58 is used to adjust the tension of the ankle/foot band 12 around the ankle 66 and assist with securing paper money 30 to the ankle 66, see also FIGS. 3A-F. It is to be understood that the slide mechanism 58 can be of any size, shape, object ornamentation and/or material that does not detract from its main function, and positioned anywhere on the money belt 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the concept. It is also to be understood that in addition to the slide feature to adjust band tension, the slide mechanism 58 also creates a gap 68 where paper money 30 or other objects 78 may be inserted, as detailed in FIGS. 1B, 2B and 2E. It is to be understood that money/objects can be secured to the money belt 10 in any fashion and not limited to gap 68 created by the slide mechanism 58.

The closure mechanism 26 is used for connecting different portions of the money belt 10 in a fixed or releasable manner. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 26 is used in association with the slide mechanism 58 for adjustment of the length and/or tension of the ankle/foot band 12 and creating the gap 68 where paper money 30 or other objects 78 may be inserted, as shown in FIGS. 1A-E, 2A-E, 3E-F, 4A-C, 5A-C, 6A and 8C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C, 1E and 3A-F, one end of the ankle/foot band 12 is inserted through the slide mechanism 58 and bound by way of any closure that secures the band 12 in place, e.g., stitch, hook and loop, glue, etc. The opposing loose end 12B of the ankle/foot band 12 passes through a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A and then passes through the slide mechanism 58 and is secured to ring 13A, or secured to another closure mechanism in the form of a ring 13B, or directly to band 14 as shown in FIG. 4B. The association of the slide mechanism 58 and the closure mechanism 26 allows the band 12 to slide for adjustment. The slide mechanism 58 can be slid to open or widen ankle/foot band 12 to allow a foot to insert. After the foot 62 extends through the ankle/foot band 12, the slide 58 is slid to tighten the tension of the ankle/foot band 12 around the ankle/foot to secure the paper money 30.

The closure mechanism 26 can take various forms, for example, the closure mechanism 26 can be in the form of rings, d-rings, hook and loop closure (such as VELCRO®), glue, stitch, snaps, buttons, beads, loops, extenders, clip, clasp, buckles and of any shape, for example, rectangular, square, round, triangle, heart, flower, etc. As shown in FIG. 1A, rings 13A, 13B are used to connect different portions of the money belt 10. It is to be understood that a closure mechanism 26 can be attached directly to another closure mechanism 26.

The ankle/foot band 12 can be made of various materials, so long as the selected material(s) has sufficient strength and durability and provide a base for the components of the money belt 10, such as the money securing band(s) 14, the slide mechanism 58, closures mechanisms 13A, 13B, the heel hoop 88, ornamental article 18, flap member 16, binding bar 11, etc.

Materials that encompass the entire construction of the ankle/foot band 12 including the money carrying mechanism 20 can include garter belt type material, elastic, nylon, Lycra®, synthetic leather, fabric, leather, plastic, cotton, metal, rubber, rhinestone, snap, button, hook and loop closure (such as VELCRO®), chain, decorative trim, fringe, braid, or any combination thereof.

The ankle/foot band 12 including the money securing mechanism 20 can be constructed in a single strand, double strands or multiple strands of various widths and heights or any combination thereof and made up of adjustable strap, strings, cords, strands, rope, chains, ornamentation, etc. It is to be understood that the money carrying mechanism 20 and other components can be of any color, pattern, texture and design or a combination thereof. The fabric or material on an outer surface of a band can be printed, embossed, embroidered, appliquéd, painted, photo transferred, cotton, leather, rhinestone, beads, or decorated and ornamented in a variety of manners and of any size or shape and any combination thereof.

The ornamental article 18 can be in various forms and attached to any component of the money belt 10. It is to be understood that any type of decorative embellishments can be applied to any component of the money belt 10, e.g., ankle/foot band 12, money carrying mechanism 20, slide mechanism 58, closure mechanism 26 or heel hoop 88, etc. With reference to FIG. 1A, the ornamental article 18 is secured to the ring 13A.

With reference to FIG. 1C, the money belt 10 may optionally include a heel hoop 88 including a slide mechanism 58 for looping over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot and/or to hold paper money 30 and/or other objects 78. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 1C-1, the slide mechanism 58 is removed from the heel hoop 88. It is to be understood that the heel hoop 88 can be attached to any closure mechanism or portion of the money belt 10. FIG. 2D shows a money belt 10 including a heel hoop when worn on a foot.

With reference to FIG. 1D, the money carrying mechanism 20 may include double bands 14A, 14B, which are attached between rings 13A, 13B. FIG. 2C shows a money belt 10 including double money securing bands 14 when worn on a foot.

With reference to FIG. 1E, the money belt 10 optionally includes an ornamental article 18, which can be attached to the ankle/foot band 12 by various closure mechanism or attachment means.

It is appreciated that the height of the ankle/foot band 12, money securing band(s) 14, flap member 16, slide mechanism 58, closure mechanisms 26, etc., can be in a range between ⅛″ and 4″. The length the ankle/foot band 12 is designed to fit an ankle size of approximately 6″ and expand to approximately 18″ in circumference. The height and length of any and all embodiments may be combined or used separately. It is to be understood that ornaments for embellishments of the money belt 10 will not be limited by height or width and will not interfere with the spirit and scope of the money belt 10.

Money 30 is inserted in the length direction of the money securing band(s) 14 from any direction. With reference to FIG. 1D, the money carrying mechanism 20 includes a money securing band 14A positioned on an outer side and another money securing band 14B positioned on an inner side. The first half of the paper money 30 is inserted between the ankle and the interior money securing band(s) 14A and 14B. The money 30 is then folded over the band 14B and inserted through a gap 68 between the bands 14A, 14B. The money 30 is then secured with the money securing band 14A positioned on the outer side. The tension of the ankle/foot band 12 can be adjusted by the slide mechanism 58 if necessary to secure the money 30. It is to be understood that money 30 can be inserted into any gap in the money belt 10 to secure the paper money 30 and not limited to the gap 68.

It is to be understood that the paper money 30 can be inserted and secured in different fashions as shown in the figures. The paper money 30 can be inserted through band(s) 14 of money carrying mechanism 20 with the paper money 30 lying flat or by folding the money 30 in half and then inserting into band(s), or secured by twisting the money around a band. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-E, a binding bar 11 can be used to bind the loose ends of the folded money.

As shown in the figures, the money securing band(s) 14 may include a single or multiple-layer strands of bands, and made of any type of combined material and any combination of widths and heights as long as the money securing band(s) 14 has sufficient strength and durability and provide a base for the money belt 10. It is to be understood that any gap that appear in the money belt 10 can be used to insert money and the gap is not limited to the gap 68. It is also to be understood that the foot 62 is in most cases inserted through the ankle/foot band 12 and then the ankle/foot band 12 is positioned around the ankle 66. In all instances, the money carrying mechanism 20 protects the money and prevents the paper money 30 from theft and loss.

With reference to FIGS. 1D, 4A and 5B-C and 7A, the money securing band(s) may be in the form of a money securing band 14A positioned on a lower side and another money securing band 14B positioned on an upper side. The bands 14A, 14B are positioned opposing each other as shown in the figures. It is to be understood that both money securing bands 14A, 14B may have the same elastic resistance or the band 14A may have a higher elastic resistance to assist with securing the paper money 30.

One embodiment for securing paper money 30 is clearly detailed in FIGS. 1B and 2B where the ankle/foot band 12 is adjusted to the ankle 66. The money carrying mechanism 20 includes a money securing band 14A positioned on an outer side and a money securing band 14B positioned on an inner side. The paper money 30 is inserted half way between the ankle 66 and the band 14B, folded over through gap 68 and secured by the band 14A, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, 1E, 2A-D, 3E-F, 6A and 8C. Alternatively, where a portion of the money 30 is inserted against ankle 66 and between the ankle 66 and the ankle/foot band 12, the money 30 is folded over the ankle/foot band 12 and secured by a money securing band 14 or a flap member 16 as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5A. In a further embodiment, where money 30 is inserted and protected by a fixed or releasable flap member 16 as shown in FIG. 4A-C, 8A-B. In a further embodiment, the money 30 passes through a heel band 88 and is secured as shown in FIG. 2D. In a further embodiment, the paper money 30 passes through the ankle/foot band 12 and additionally secured by a binding bar 11 as shown in FIGS. 9A-E. In a further embedment, the money securing band 14 is used to secure an object 78, e.g., a tube of lipstick, as shown in FIG. 2E.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, the money carrying mechanism 20 may optionally include a flap member 16 and a closure mechanism 26 to secure the money 30 inside the flap member 16. The flap member 16 can be positioned in open and closed positions. The closure mechanism 26 is in the form of snaps, including a snap 50 located on an outer surface 24 of the ankle/foot band 12 and another snap 52 located on an interior surface 48 of the flap member 16. It is to be understood that the closure mechanism 26 can be any mechanism for releasably fastening two components together. In this manner, once the flap member 16 is closed around the paper money 30 as shown in FIG. 4C, the snaps 50, 52 can cooperate with each other to protect the paper money 30 and thereby provide a secure enclosure for the paper money 30. The flap member 16 is attached to the ankle/foot band 12 at position 42 and may further include a stretchy portion 15 to allow flap 16 to expand and close over a stack of paper money 30. It is to be understood that the stretchy portion 15 on the flap member 16 can be relocated to any position on flap member 16 such that any portion of the flap member 16 can stretch. It is also to be understood that flap member 16 can be made entirely of stretch material or a combination thereof.

The size of the flap member 16 can vary. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, in one embodiment, the flap member 16 has a height H that is equal to the height H of the ankle/foot band 12 and a width W that is larger than the width of the paper money 30. Thereby, when in closed position, the flap member 16 covers the entire height H of the ankle/foot band 12 in the area where the money securing band(s) 14 is located. It is to be understood that the various components of the money belt 10 may be combined or used separately in regard to size, length, width, closures and material.

The flap member 16 comes in a variety of shapes that act in accordance with its functional principle, for example, rectangular, square, round, triangle, heart, etc. The flap member 16, the ankle/foot band 12 and the money securing band(s) 14 can come in a variety of shapes, colors, fabrics, etc. An outer surface 46 of the flap member 16 can be embellished with the ornamental article 18 and include a variety of closure options other than snaps 50, 52.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the ankle/foot band 12 includes money carrying mechanism 20 that is in the form of a money securing band 14A positioned on a lower side and another money securing band 14B positioned on an upper side. The money 30 is inserted between ankle 66 and an inner surface of the money securing bands 14A, 14B and folded over the money securing band 14B and inserted through a gap 68 between the money securing bands 14A and 14B to hold the money 30 while the flap member 16 closes to additionally secure the money 30.

As shown in FIG. 4B, another embodiment shows a single band 14 constructed from a different type of material and height/width than the ankle/foot band 12, where the money securing band 14 holds the paper money 30 in place while the flap member 16 secures the money 30 as shown in FIG. 4C when in a closed position. In this embodiment, money 30 is inserted between ankle 66 and an inner surface of the money securing band 14 and then folded over an outer surface of the money securing band 14 while the flap member 16 secures the money 30 when in the closed position. It is to be understood that the money belt 10 may further include a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A, and possibly an additional closure mechanism in the form of a ring 13B as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 5A-1, to attach different portions of the ankle/foot band 12 together. In one embodiment, an outer surface 46 of the flap member 16 can be embellished with the ornamental article 18, as shown in FIG. 4C.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the money carrying mechanism 20 is in the form of a money securing band 14 attached to an outer surface 24 of the ankle/foot band 12. The money securing band 14 includes an elongated body having two ends, which are both attached to the outer surface 24. A gap 68 is formed between the outer surface 24 and money securing band 14. A width W of the gap 68 is slightly larger than the width of the paper money 30 in its width direction. An edge of the paper money 30 is inserted in the length direction, where the first half can be inserted between the ankle 66 and an inner surface of the money securing band 14, where the second half is folded over the outer surface 24 and passed through gap 68 where money securing band 14 secures the money 30, as shown in FIG. 5A-1, which also details the addition of a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A, and possibly an additional ring 13B, to attach different portions of the ankle/foot band 12 together. It is to be understood the ankle/foot band 12 and money securing band 14 can come in a variety of colors, fabrics, embellishments, etc., as detailed in FIG. 5B, where the outer surface 24 is embellished with ornamentation.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, an alternative embodiment shows a plurality of money securing bands 14A, 14B secured to the outer surface 24, where the money securing band 14A is positioned on a lower side, and money securing band 14B is positioned on an upper side. One half of the paper money 30 is inserted through the gap 68 formed by bands 14A and 14B. The money is then folded over the outer surface of the money securing band 14B and inserted through the gap 68 where the paper money 30 is secured by the money securing band 14A. It is to be understood that both bands 14A, 14B may have the same elastic resistance. In an alternative embodiment, the money securing band 14A, which is on the lower side, may have a higher elastic resistance to assist with securing the paper money 30.

As shown in FIG. 5C, in one embodiment, the ankle/foot band 12 is used to create money securing bands 14A, 14B resulting in one solid money securing band 14 that is secured to the outer surface 24 of the ankle/foot band 12. Money is inserted as shown in FIG. 5B.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, the closure mechanisms 26 include snaps and ribbons for joining two ends 51, 53 of the ankle/foot band 12 together. The snaps includes a plurality of female snap elements located on an inner side of the first end 51 and a plurality of male snap elements located on an outer side of the second end 53, or vice versa. In this manner, the male and female snap elements can cooperate with each other to connect the first and second ends 51, 53 together and thereby secure the ankle/foot band 12 to the ankle 66. The plurality of male and female snap elements are provided to make the length and/or tension of the money belt 10 adjustable in addition to the band slide mechanism 58. It is to be understood that the types of the closure mechanism 26 may vary, such as snaps, buckles, molded rings, hook and loop closure (such as VELCRO®), hooks, buckles, buttons, loops etc. It is also to be understood that additional closure mechanisms 26 in the form of ribbons 54A, 54B that can be tied tightly are applied to additionally secure the paper money 30 and aesthetically hide snaps elements. It is to be understood that the closure mechanism 26 may include any type of closure mechanism that can be used to connect different portions of the money belt 10. It is to be understood the ornamented article 18 may be added to the band 12 as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1E. It is to be understood that the ankle/foot band 12 can come in a variety of colors, fabrics, embellishments, etc. It is to be understood that the money belt 10 may further include a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A, and possibly an additional closure mechanism in the form of a ring 13B as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 5A-1, to attach different portions of the ankle/foot band 12 together.

With respect to FIG. 7A, in one embodiment, money 30 is inserted between ankle 66 and an inner surface of a money securing band(s) 14A and 14B and folded over the money securing band 14B and inserted through a gap 68. The paper money 30 is then secured by the money securing band 14A. This embodiment also includes closure mechanisms 26 in the form of snap elements as discussed above regarding FIG. 6A.

With reference to FIG. 8A, the ankle/foot band 12 may be made of stretchy, garter type materials that expand to receive an ankle/foot and contract to secure to the ankle 66. It is to be understood that money 30 can be inserted between ankle 66 and an inner surface of the band 12/money securing band 14 and folded over an outer surface of the band 12/money securing band 14 and secured by a releasable free-standing flap member 16 attached at position 42 of the ankle/foot band 12, as shown in FIG. 8A and detailed in FIGS. 4A-C. It is also to be understood that the money securing bands 14A, 14B may be added to an outer surface 24 of the band 12/money securing band 14 to secure paper money 30 as detailed in 5A-C. It is to be understood that ornamentation may be added to the ankle/foot band 12 or the outer surface 46 of the releasable flap member 16 as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1B-1, 1-E, 4C, 5B, 8C, and 9E. The flap member 16 and the ankle/foot band 12 can come in a variety of colors, fabrics, etc., the outer surface 46 can be embellished and include a variety of closure options other than snaps. It is to be understood that the money belt 10 may further include a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A, and possibly an additional closure mechanism in the form of a ring 13B as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 5A-1, to attach different portions of the ankle/foot band 12 together. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8A-B, the closure mechanism(s) 26 and slide mechanism 58 can be omitted.

In an alternative embodiment as in FIG. 8B, the flap member 16 is in the form of a non-releasable flap where a distal end 44 of the flap member 16 is fixed to the band 12/money securing band 14. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 8C, the money belt 10 includes a flap member 16 having a distal end 44 that is threaded through a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A and secured to a slide mechanism 58. The slide mechanism 58 helps adjust a length/tension of the flap member 16 around the paper money 30, as shown in 8C-1.

With respect to FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, money carrying mechanism 20 optionally includes a binding bar 11 to bind around the ends of folded paper money. The half of the paper money 30 is inserted between the ankle 66 and an inner surface of the ankle/foot band 12 and is then folded over an outer surface of the band 12 and hangs in a tent fashion as shown in FIG. 9A.

The binding bar 11 is used to bind around the ends of folded paper money 30. The binding bar 11 includes a binding member 70 and an elastic member 72 secured to the binding member 70, e.g., the back side of the binding member 70. Optionally, the binding member 70 may include indentations 22A, 22B for retaining the elastic member 72. As shown in FIG. 9B, the indentations 22A, 22B can be in any form that is suitable for receiving and retaining the elastic member 72 and are in the form of notches on each side of the binding member 70. As shown in FIG. 9C, the elastic member 72 can be secured to the binding member 70 by various fastening means, for example, rings, hooks, clasps, loops, closure (such as VELCRO®), snaps, buttons, beads, extenders, buckles, clips, clasps, glue, brackets, etc., and of any shape, for example, rectangular, square, round, triangle, balls, heart, flower, etc. Materials that encompass the entire construction of the money belt 10, the binding member 70 and the elastic member 72 can include garter belt type material, elastic, nylon, fiber, metal, plastic, rubber, ornamentation, etc.

With respect to FIGS. 9D-F, when using the binding bar 11 to bind the money 30, the ends of the money are inserted through the loop of the elastic member 72 with the binding member 70 facing outside. The elastic member 72 is twisted and looped around the bottom of the loose ends of the money 30. The elastic member 72 is then brought up and secured or threaded into notches 22A and 22B to secure paper money 30. In one embodiment, the method for twisting and looping the elastic member 72 as shown in FIG. 9E includes similar steps as when tying and securing hair into a pony tail. It is to be understood that the money belt 10 may further include a closure mechanism 26 in the form of a ring 13A, and possibly an additional closure mechanism in the form of a ring 13B as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 5A-1, to attach different portions of the ankle/foot band 12 together.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A personal item carrying device adapted to enclose around a body part, comprising:

a carrying mechanism comprising:

a hanging member having a first upper edge, the hanging member being adapted to allow the personal item to hang downwardly over the first upper edge;

a binding member having a second upper edge located no higher than the first upper edge; and

an opening defined by the hanging member and the binding member, the opening being adapted to allow an end of the personal item to extend therethough,

wherein the binding member is adapted to press at least a portion of the personal item to secure the personal item to the body part.

2. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a band sized to enclose around the body part, wherein the carrying mechanism is attached to the band.

3. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising slide mechanism adapted to adjust a length or tension of the personal item carrying device.

4. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the personal item carrying device is made of elastic material.

5. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a heel hoop adapted to loop over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot.

6. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising at least one closure mechanism adapted to connect different portions of the personal item carrying device together.

7. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising at least one ornamental article attached to the personal item carrying device for ornamentation.

8. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a flap member adapted to flap over at least a portion of the carrying mechanism.

9. The personal item carrying device of claim 1, wherein the binding member is a binding bar.

10. A money belt for securing money to an ankle region, comprising:

a carrying mechanism comprising:

a hanging member having an upper edge, an inner side and an outer side, the hanging member being adapted to allow the money to hang downwardly over the upper edge with first and second ends of the money hanging on opposite sides of the hanging member, whereby the first end of the money extends over the inner side of the hanging member and is positioned between the hanging member and the ankle region;

a binding member having an upper edge located no higher than the upper edge of the hanging member; and

an opening defined by the hanging member and the binding member, the opening is adapted to allow the second end of the money to extend therethough with the second end of the money extending over the outer side of the hanging member and being positioned between the hanging member and the binding member,

wherein the binding member is adapted to press at least a portion of the money to secure the money to the ankle region.

11. The money belt of claim 10, further comprising a band sized to enclose around the ankle region, wherein the carrying mechanism is attached to the band.

12. The money belt of claim 10, further comprising slide mechanism adapted to adjust a length or tension of the money belt.

13. The money belt of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the money belt is made of elastic material.

14. The money belt of claim 10, further comprising a heel hoop adapted to loop over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot.

15. The money belt of claim 10, further comprising a flap member adapted to flap over at least a portion of the carrying mechanism.

16. The money belt of claim 10, wherein the binding member is a binding bar.

17. A method for securing money to a body part by a money belt, wherein the money belt comprises a carrying mechanism including a hanging member and a binding member, the method comprising:

hanging the money over an upper edge of a hanging member to allow first and second ends of the money to hang downwardly on opposite sides of the hanging member; and

pressing a binding upon at least a portion of the money with an upper end of the binding member positioned no higher than the upper edge of the hanging member.

18. The method for securing money to a body part by a money belt of claim 17, further comprising looping a heel loop of the money belt over a heel of a shoe to secure the shoe to a foot.

19. The method for securing money to a body part by a money belt of claim 17, further comprising sliding a slide mechanism of the money belt to adjust a length or tension of the money belt.

20. The method for securing money to a body part by a money belt of claim 17, further comprising flapping a flap member of the money belt over at least a portion of the carrying mechanism.