BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST

Abstract

A belt that is self-adjustable to the waist comprises a long flexible strap (1), which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap (2), like a flattened tube, one of the ends of the strap being folded (3) and normally receiving at least one belt loop (4) and a conventional coupling device (5) suitable for providing means for quickly adjusting and coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap (1); the strap (1) is split into two parts near the fold (3), forming two adjacent ends (6) and (7), inside which an elastic strap (8) and a guide tongue (9) operate and together allow a variable belt diameter to be achieved after the belt is adjusted to the user's body. This effect can also be obtained with other arrangements, i.e. coupling the buckle (5) to other elastic means (11), (25) and (26), which also cooperate such that the belt (1), after being adjusted to the user's waist, can be automatically adjusted, the circumference of the belt increasing or decreasing sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to technical and functional improvements to a conventional belt, especially those made of leather, although the improvement in question may be applied to belts made of other materials; such improvement further consists in providing an elastic means so that, after putting the belt on and appropriately adjusting it to the waist, it can automatically increase or decrease its circumference, especially when the user changes position from the standing to sitting, because in this position the scapular region suffers a slight increase to accommodate the abdomen. This elastic effect allows the belt, that is already adjusted to the body, to expand or contract according to the need of the person's body when wearing it, providing more comfort to the user, especially when sitting, eliminating the feeling of a tight belt that causes discomfort and usually occurs in the sitting, squatting or similar positions.

PRIOR ART

Currently there are some ways a common belt can automatically undergo minor adjustments after being adjusted to the waist, as taught in documents: BR6400148, BR7500699, BRMU8701236, BRPI0801535, CN201409494, DE19955279, TWM360586, U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,827, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,406, US2005015853 and WO2011034333. Some have very complicated devices at the belt buckle for the automatic adjustment, while others use an elastic section, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,406, i.e., a short segment of elastic material is brought into a suitable position of the belt length, usually near the buckle. In this condition, said elastic segment allows the belt to increase and decrease the circumference self-adjusting to the user's waist, therefore, it provides the desired comfort, i.e., eliminates that feeling of tightness in the waist area when sitting.

Although conventional means allow the belt to self-adjust to the user's body, it was noted that such devices could be further improved, because, in all cases found, the elastic strap is permanently apparent, which negatively alters the design of the belt design and even changes its style, negatively affecting the overall appearance of the clothing.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the invention is to provide fully embedded elastic and telescopic means, so that the belt, after being adjusted to the waist, can be automatically adjusted by increasing and decreasing its circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

Another object of the invention is to maintain the external visual appearance of the belt unchanged, i.e., close to the buckle; said belt is split and, at this point, only a fine line is visible and also at this point, one side of the belt embeds the elastic means and a telescopic guide, consequently, the said split ends move away only when the belt is automatically adjusted to “larger”, such as when the user sits down, going back to its normal position when the user stands up.

Maintaining the same functional concept, the present invention offers different embodiments for said elastic means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present Invention, a detailed description of the same is provided, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the belt according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A-A shown in the previous figure, showing the internal details of the belt;

FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting the elastic means to the automatic adjustment to the user's waist;

FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of the belt according to a constructive variation;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the belt;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of section shown in the previous figure;

FIG. 8 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting the elastic means of constructive variation to its automatic adjustment to the user's waist;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views highlighting the construction of the guide tongue as a continuing part that configures the attachment points of the buckle and the loop;

FIG. 11 is a front angle perspective view showing the first constructive version of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;

FIG. 12 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows a view of the section C-C shown in FIG. 13, particularizing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 16 represents a view of section D-D indicated in FIG. 14, also showing internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 17 is a view of section E-E shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a view of section F-F shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front angle perspective view, equal to FIG. 11, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are extended;

FIG. 20 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 12, also showing the extended elastic means;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt equal to FIG. 13, and, likewise, in this case the elastic means are extended;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the belt equal to FIG. 14, but showing the extended elastic means;

FIG. 23 shows a view of section G-G illustrated in FIG. 21, particularizing the operation of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version, and in this case, such elastic means are fully extended;

FIG. 24 is a front angle perspective view showing the second constructive version of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt;

FIG. 25 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 shows a view of section H-H shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 shows a view of section I-I indicated in FIG. 26, as well as other three enlarged details, two cross-sections and a perspective view, particularizing internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the second constructive version;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of section I-I indicated in FIG. 26, also showing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 31 is a front angle perspective view equal to FIG. 24 showing the second constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are extended;

FIG. 32 shows a rear angle perspective view of FIG. 25, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;

FIG. 33 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 shows a view of section J-J shown in FIG. 33, particularizing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the second constructive version;

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of section J-J shown in FIG. 33, also showing the internal details of the extended self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the second constructive version;

FIG. 37 is a front angle perspective view showing the third constructive version of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;

FIG. 38 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 shows a view of section K-K shown in FIG. 39, particularizing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of section K-K indicated in FIG. 39, also showing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the third constructive version;

FIG. 43 is a front angle perspective view equal to FIG. 37 showing the second constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are extended;

FIG. 44 shows a rear angle perspective view of FIG. 38, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;

FIG. 45 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 shows a view of section L-L shown in FIG. 45, particularizing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first constructive version; and

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of section L-L indicated in FIG. 45, also showing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the third constructive version.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the illustrations and their details, more particularly FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present invention, BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST, is made from flexible material, such as leather, forming a long strap (1), which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap (2), like a flattened tube, as also one of the ends of the strap, after being folded (3), receives, normally, at least one belt loop (4) and a conventional coupling device (5) which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure; however, any of them may provide sufficient means for adjusting and quickly coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap (1), so that the belt can be comfortably fitted to the user's waist and can also be removed with equal ease.

The present BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST is characterized in that, initially, it is split at a point next to the fold (3), forming two adjacent ends (6) and (7) on the side of the fold (3) and, on this side, said end receives in its free gap (2) the end of an elastic strap (8) and the end of a guide tongue (9), the latter having its other end freely positioned within the gap (2) on the other end (6) of the strap (1), inside of which it is also fixed the other end of the elastic strap (8) which, in turn, is held with sufficient tension to pull the ends (6) and (7) of the strap (1) and keeping them together, making such junction point virtually invisible, hence the proposed improvement does not interfere in the design of the belt, maintaining its original impeccable appearance.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the elastic strap (8) and the guide tongue (9) are moved telescopically inside the belt on the side of end (6) providing fully embedded means so that the belt (1), after being adjusted to the waist, can be automatically adjusted, the circumference of the belt increasing or decreasing sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, in another preferred embodiment, the elastic strap (8) and the guide tongue (9) are interconnected at their ends, while their opposite ends are fixed, respectively, inside end (6) and inside end (7), therefore, the same elastic effect is obtained, as shown in FIG. 8, where the two tensioned parts can be seen and, in this case, the tongue moves outwards and inwards in order to self-adjust.

FIGS. 4 and 8 show the extended belt, i.e., in FIG. 4 the elastic strap is stretched beyond the necessary, exposing the tip of the guide tongue which normally remains inside the belt (1), thus demonstrating the inwards and outwards movement of the elastic strap (8) and guide tongue (9).

In FIG. 8, the situation is the same, showing the elastic strap (8) stretched beyond the necessary, as the junction with the guide tongue (9) always remains inside the belt.

FIGS. 9 and 10 emphasize the fact that the guide tongue is formed by a continuation of the anterior or posterior wall of the fold (3) which configures the fastening point of the buckle (5).

As can be seen from the above, the elastic strap (8) and the guide tongue (9) are moved telescopically inside the belt (1), providing the fully embedded means so that said belt (1), after being adjusted to the waist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing the circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt, and this effect is reversed when the user returns to the standing up position and, in this position, the elastic means practically disappears, leaving only a fine line, which does not interfere in the design of the clothing.

As already stated, the present invention includes three additional constructive versions to provide the same elastic effect described above.

The first constructive version illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 18 is characterized in that it comprises two movable elements, also in the form of straps, one elastic inner element (11) and an outer sliding finishing element (12) which, besides being joined together by one of their ends, also attach the belt loop (4) and the coupling device (5), while on the opposite side they are coupled to the corresponding end of the flexible strap (1), these couplings, in the case of the finishing element (12) slides and compensates for the stretching and shrinking of the elastic inner element (11).

The outer sliding finishing element (12) is a folded strap which has the same width as the flexible strap (1) and, on the folded side, forms a volute (13) which is complete with a transversal seam (14), which configures and articulated point for fixing the coupling device (5), while at the opposite ends, parts (15) and (16) of the finishing element (12) extend, respectively, along the outer and inner faces of the flexible strap (1) which, in turn, at this portion, has a longitudinal slot (17) where a transverse pin (18) runs through, having its ends fixed in said parts (15) and (16), wherein said pin and slot form the limiting means for the stretching and shrinking course of the elastic element (11).

The elastic element (11) has one end fixed by the seam (14), while on the other side its parts (19) and (20) extend, respectively, along with the outer and inner faces of the flexible strap (1) and are joined by transverse seams (21).

Logically the elastic element (11) can be a simple single strap having its ends equally anchored, respectively, on either side of the strap (1) and on the coupling device (5), which has the same functional effect.

FIGS. 19 and 23 show the operation of the first constructive version, i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its circumference. In this case, in FIGS. 19 and 20 the slot (17) is visible; however, the same can be embedded and, for this, the parts (15) and (16) may present a longer length after the pin (18), sufficient to keep said slot (17) always hidden; however, these and other changes do not interfere with the operation of the assembly, best observed in FIG. 23, where it is apparent that the device (5), which is a buckle, has been pulled enough to cause the stretching of elastic element (11) and, at the same time, the finishing element (12) also slides, logically guided by the slot (17) through the pin (18). Note that the length of the slot (17) limits the stretching and shrinking of the element (11), thus completing the embedded means for said belt (1), after adjusting to the user's waist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing its circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt, and this effect is reversed when the user stands up again, without losing the initial adjustment of the belt.

The second constructive version is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 24 to 30, where it appears that the same, as in the previous version, comprises a long flexible strap (1), which is the belt itself, obtained from any material compatible for this purpose, including having one end with at least one loop (4) and a conventional coupling device (5) which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure; however, any of them may provide sufficient means for adjusting and quickly coupling or uncoupling of the other (not illustrated) end of the strap (1), so that the belt can be comfortably fitted to the user's waist and can also be removed with equal ease.

The second constructive version shown in more detail in FIG. 29, is characterized by having the corresponding end of the flexible strap (1) folded to the inside, forming a short opposing portion (22) which, in turn, creates an extreme volute (23), in which passes the pivot axis (24) of the device (5) and also forms the fixing point for the belt loop (4), wherein said volute (23) is longitudinally elongated enough to form a longitudinal gap (Y) for the displacement of the device (5).

The second constructive version further comprises an internal elastic element (25) fixed between the opposing portion (22) and the flexible strap (1), as well as a coupling (26) connecting the corresponding end of said elastic element (25) with the axis (24) of the device (5) which, in turn, is normally kept pulled inwards up to the point (a) by said elastic element (25), which is capable of stretching to the point (b) when the device (5) is forced out (f). The points (a) and (b) define the course of stretching the strap (1), that is, define the natural diameter of the belt when the same is worn and the major diameter when the belt is forced on the user's waist.

The elastic element (25) is a folded strap forming two opposing parts (27) and has an end that passes through a transverse slot (28) of the coupling (26) which, in turn, has the other curved end (29) coupling with the axis (24), while opposite ends of the opposing portions (27) are fixed by a seam (30) between the opposed parts of the portion (22) and the strap (1), providing other fixing points with side seams (31) between said parts of the opposing portion (22) and the strap (1) which, in this case, maintains the elastic element (25) free, so that the same can extend and shrink having only the seam (30) and the axis (24) as a support point.

FIGS. 31 to 36 show the operation of the second constructive version, i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its circumference. The operation of the assembly is better observed in FIGS. 35 and 36, where it is apparent that the device (5), which is a buckle, has been pulled enough to cause the stretching of element (25) up to the limit of the gap (y), thus providing fully embedded means so that the belt (1), after being adjusted to the user's waist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing its circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

Finally, the third constructive version is illustrated in FIGS. 37 to 42, where it is found that the assembly includes all construction details of the second version, the only difference being the volute (33) which, in this case, is an additional piece of a different material from that used in the flexible strap (1) and, therefore, said volute (33) is a thinner piece of a substantially flexible and elastic material, sufficiently to be also stretched when the device (5) is pulled out.

In this case, the elastic complementary piece (33) is capable of maintaining the normal shape when the elastic assembly is shrunk. In this condition such part (33) maintains its normal appearance and there is no alteration in its size or position. On the other hand, this does not happen when the device or buckle (5) is forced out to increase the diameter of the belt, because in this condition, said part (33) is stretched in the same proportion, returning to its normal position when the device or buckle (5) ceases to be forced out, said part (33) decreasing again, giving the impression that there is no movement in this region of the belt.

FIGS. 43 to 48 show the operation of the third constructive version, i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its circumference. In this case, the operation is exactly the same as described for the second version, taking into consideration only the fact that the stretching of the elastic part (33) is not illustrated; therefore, it is understood that this effect also occurs when the belt is forced to its larger diameter.

Claims

1. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, the type manufactured in leather, forming a long flexible strap which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap, like a flattened tube, as well as one of its end, after being folded receives, normally, at least one belt loop and a conventional coupling device which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure; however, any of them may provide sufficient means for adjusting and quickly coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap; characterized in that the strap is split at a point next to the fold, forming two adjacent ends and, one on the side of the fold and, on this side, said end receives in its free gap the end of an elastic strap and the end of a guide tongue, the latter having its other end freely positioned within the gap on the other end of the strap, inside of which it is also fixed the other end of the elastic strap which, in turn, is held with sufficient tension to traction the ends and of the strap and keeping them together until a stronger stretching force is applied to the belt.

2. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in another preferred embodiment, the elastic strap and the guide tongue are interconnected at their ends, while their opposite ends are fixed, respectively, within the end and within the end, both being embedded in the gap of end.

3. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide tongue is formed by a continuation of the anterior or posterior wall of the hinge region which configures the buckle fastening point.

4. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first constructive version comprises two movable elements, also in the form of straps, one elastic inner element and an outer sliding finishing element which, besides being joined together by one of their ends, also attach the belt loop and the coupling device, while on the opposite side they are coupled to the corresponding end of the flexible strap, these couplings, in the case of the finishing element slides and compensates for the stretching and shrinking of the elastic inner element.

5. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer sliding finishing element is a folded strap which has the same width as the flexible strap and, on the folded side, forms a volute which is complete with a transversal seam, which configures and articulated point for fixing the coupling device, while at the opposite ends, parts and of the finishing element extend, respectively, along the outer and inner faces of the flexible strap which, in turn, at this portion, has a longitudinal slot where a transverse pin runs through, having its ends fixed in said parts and, wherein said pin and slot form the limiting means for the stretching and shrinking course of the elastic element.

6. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element has one end fixed by the seam, while on the other side its parts and extend, respectively, along with the outer and inner faces of the flexible strap and are joined by transverse seams.

7. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element is a single strap, having its ends equally anchored, respectively, on either side of the strap and the device.

8. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterized in that, the parts and are sufficiently extended beyond the pin to maintain it always embedded within said slot.

9. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that the second constructive version has the corresponding end of the flexible strip folded to the inside forming a short opposed portions which, in turn, configures an extreme volute, in which passes the pivot axis of the device and also forms the fixing point for the belt loop, wherein said volute is longitudinally elongated enough to form a longitudinal gap (Y) for the displacement of the device; further comprises an elastic inner element fixed between opposed portions and the flexible strap, as well as a coupling connecting the corresponding end of said elastic element with the axis of the device which, in turn, is normally kept pulled inwards up to the point (a) by said elastic element, which is capable of stretching to the point (b) when the device is forced out (f).

10. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic element is a folded strap forming two opposing parts and has an end that passes through a transverse slot of the coupling which, in turn, has the other curved end coupling with the axis, while opposite ends of the opposing portions are fixed by a seam between the opposed parts of the portion and the strap, providing other fixing points with side seams between said parts of the opposing portion and the strap which, in this case, maintains the elastic element free, so that the same can extend and shrink having only the seam and the axis as a support point.

11. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a volute which is an additional piece, thinner that the flexible strap.

12. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 11, characterized in that the additional part of the volute is a thinner laminate elastic component.