Device for changing the angle of a belt buckle

Abstract

The disclosed device enhances the aesthetic appearance of a belt when worn by a person with a pelvic tilt. The device works by changing the angle of the belt buckle to ensure proper orientation of the belt buckle. The device ensures proper orientation by securing a wedge to a belt in a position behind the buckle. The wedge pushes the bottom of the belt buckle out, counteracting downturn of the buckle caused by pelvic tilt.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/276,591, filed Jan. 8, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of belts and belt accessories and more particularly to devices used to adjust the angle of a belt buckle in relation to the orientation of the person wearing the invention.

BACKGROUND

Many people have a condition known as a pelvic tilt. A pelvic tilt is the frontward rotation of the hips. This forward rotation results in the waist being tilted forward and the front portion of the waist pointing slightly downward. When someone with the pelvic tilt wears a belt, the top of the belt pushes forward with the tilt and the front of the belt and buckle face down.

A solution to this problem is to push out the bottom of the belt. By pushing out the bottom of the belt, the front of the belt and buckle will remain vertical while worn.

SUMMARY

The disclosed device, referred to herein as the belt wedge, is used to push out the bottom of the belt. By doing so the belt wedge straightens the position of the belt and buckle, compensating for pelvic tilt. In some embodiments, the belt wedge is fastened to the belt using belt jewelry.

In some embodiments, the belt wedge is secured to the belt with a butterfly clutch. The butterfly clutch is comprised of a stud and a clasp. The stud penetrates the belt and belt wedge then removably interfaces with the clasp.

The stud includes a face with a rearwardly-protruding notched post. In some embodiments, the notched post is triangular. To affix the stud to the belt and belt wedge, the notched post is inserted through the front of the belt, penetrating a belt hole. The belt hole is aligned with a penetration in the belt wedge through which the notched post must pass. After passing through belt and belt wedge, the notched post protrudes beyond the belt wedge. The protruding portion of the notched post is inserted into a triangular hole in the clasp. The locking arms of the clasp interface with the notched post, locking the mechanism in place.

In some embodiments the belt wedge is made of a flexible material such as rubber, leather, or silicon. In other embodiments, the belt wedge is made of more rigid materials such as plastic, wood, or metal.

In other embodiments, an artistic design or piece of jewelry is included on the face.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the belt wedge in use on a belt;

FIG. 2 illustrates the belt wedge of the first embodiment aligned with the holes of the belt;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the belt wedge where the wedge is inflatable;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a third embodiment of the belt wedge where the belt wedge is attached via a clip;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the belt wedge where the wedge is attached to the belt via a butterfly clutch;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the fourth embodiment with the stud removed;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the fourth embodiment with stud inserted;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the clasp showing the triangular hole;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the clasp showing the release clips;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the stud showing the notched post that mates with the clasp to secure the belt wedge to the belt;

FIG. 11 illustrates the stud interfacing with the clasp;

FIG. 12 illustrates a clevis and cotter pin attachment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an e-clip attachment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a friction back attachment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a screw back attachment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a 1a pousette attachment ;

FIG. 17 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the belt wedge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, the belt wedge 1 is shown in use on a belt 2. The belt wedge 1 is shaped to be thicker on the bottom 34 and thinner on the top 32. The belt wedge 1 can be made of silicon or any other suitably flexible material. The larger bottom 34 of the wedge 1 acts to push out the bottom of a belt 2 and belt buckle 4 to provide a more aesthetically pleasing look.

In the first embodiment, the belt wedge 1 is positioned behind the belt tip 3. When the belt 2 is unbuckled, the belt tip 3 is the opposite end of the belt 2 as compared to the belt buckle 4. The belt wedge 1 and belt tip 3 pass through the frame 5 of the belt buckle 4. To buckle the belt 2, the prong 6 passes through a penetration 8 of the belt wedge 1 and then through a corresponding prong hole 9 in the belt tip 3.

In some embodiments, the belt wedge 1 is affixed to the belt tip 3. In other embodiments, the belt wedge 1 is secured via the frame 5 and the prong 6 passing through the prong hole 9 and penetration 8.

Referring to FIG. 2, the belt wedge 1 and the belt tip 3 are shown disengaged from the belt buckle 4. The belt wedge 1 is aligned with the prong holes 9 on the belt tip 3 so that the prong 6 may pass through both the wedge 1 and the belt 2. By positioning the wedge 1 through the frame 5, the wedge 1 has the greatest effect on the angle of the belt buckle 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the belt wedge 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the belt wedge 1 is inflatable. An inflatable belt wedge 1 allows for the end user to determine their preferred angle of the belt buckle 4. In this embodiment, the angle of lift will increase as air in the wedge 1 increases. The end user can add air or release air via an inflation valve 11 on one side of the wedge 1.

In some embodiments having the inflatable wedge 1, the wedge is secured to the belt 2 by passing the prong 6 through a penetration 8 in the wedge 1. The prong 6 then passes through a corresponding hole 9 in the belt tip 3 before interfacing with the frame 5 of the belt buckle 4.

Referring to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the belt wedge 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the belt wedge 1 is held in place via a clip 12. The belt wedge 1 is secured to the front of a wearer's pants with the clip 12. Then, the wearer puts on the belt 2 with the buckle 4 positioned to rest on the front of the belt wedge 1.

In some embodiments, the clip 12 is combined with the inflatable wedge of the third embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the belt wedge 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the belt wedge 1 is removably attached to the belt 2 adjacent to the buckle 4 and the wedge 1 extends out at least to the end of the frame 5. In order to attach the wedge 1 to the belt 2, a stud hole 10 is made in the belt 2 near the buckle 4.

The wedge 1 may be attached by any suitable means. Examples of removable attachments include a butterfly clutch, an e-clip, clevis and cotter pin, a friction back, a screw back, and a 1a pousette. The wedge 1 may also be permanently attached to a belt 2. Examples of permanent attachments are glue, rivets, or building a wedge into the leather of a belt.

FIG. 5 shows the fourth embodiment using the butterfly clutch 13 attachment. A butterfly clutch 13 includes a stud 14 and clasp 16. The stud 14 includes a face 24 and a notched post 22. The notched post 22 secures the belt wedge 1 to the belt 2 by passing through the stud hole 10 and a penetration 8.

In this embodiment, the placement of the wedge 1 near the buckle 4 results in the wedge 1 extending behind the frame 5 of the buckle 4.

Then, the clasp 16 fits over the notched post 22 and the clips 20 interlock with the notches 23.

Referring to FIG. 6, a front view of the fourth embodiment is shown with the stud 14 removed. With the stud 14 removed, the stud hole 10 is visible in the belt 2 near the buckle 4.

Referring to FIG. 7, a front view of the fourth embodiment is shown with the stud 14 inserted through the stud hole 10 and the notched post 22 interfacing with the clasp 13. In some embodiments, the stud 14 has an artistic design or piece of jewelry on the face 24.

Referring to FIG. 8, a front view of the clasp 16 is shown with stud 14 removed. In some embodiments of the belt wedge 1, the clasp 16 has a triangular hole 18. In embodiments with an artistic design or piece of jewelry on the face 24, the orientation of the stud 14 is maintained by the triangular hole 18. The notched post 22, which is also triangular (see FIG. 10), mates with the triangular hole 18. The triangular shape prevents rotation of the stud 14.

In other embodiments, other shapes will work to maintain the orientation of the face 24. For example, polygons or shapes with at least one flat side will maintain the orientation of the face 24 relative to the belt 2.

Referring to FIG. 9, a rear view of the clasp 16 is shown. The clasp 16 is attached to or removed from the notched post 22 by pinching the two clips 20 together. The clips 20 are anchored at opposing sides of the clasp 16. Each clip 20 presses against one-half of the notched post 22. When the clips 20 are squeezed, the clips 20 move away from the sides of the notched post 22, freeing the notched post 22 from the clasp 16. The notched post 22 is then free to slide through the opening 17.

Referring to FIG. 10, a rear view of the stud 14 illustrating the triangular notched post 22 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 11, the stud 14 and clasp 16 are shown in locked position completing the butterfly clutch 13 attachment. In this position, the clips 20 interface with notches 23 on the notched post 22.

Referring to FIG. 12, a clevis pin 40 with cotter pin 42 is shown. The clevis pin 40 passes through the stud hole 10 and penetration 8 (not shown) and the cotter pin 42 interfaces with a hole 44 in the clevis pin 40 to secure the wedge 1 to the belt 2.

Referring to FIG. 13, an e-clip assembly 45 is shown. The post 46 of the e-clip assembly 45 passes through the stud hole 10 and penetration 8 (not shown) to secure the wedge 1 to the belt 2. The e-clip 48 then interfaces with a groove 50 on the post 46.

Referring to FIG. 14, a friction back assembly 51 is shown. A friction back assembly 51 consists of a flat plate 52 with a hole 54 the size of the post 56. The flat plate 52 has two scrolls of metal 58. In embodiments using a friction back assembly 51, the post 56 extends through the stud hole 10 and the penetration 8 (not shown). The flat plate 52 is pushed onto the post 56 and the scrolls of metal 58 engage with the post 56 to secure the wedge 1 to the belt 2.

Referring to FIG. 15, a screw back assembly 60 is shown. In embodiments using a screw back assembly 60, the post 62 is threaded on one end 63. The wedge 1 is secured by passing the post 62 through the stud hole and the penetration 8 (not shown), then placing the cap 64 on the post 62.

Referring to FIG. 16, a 1a pousette 66 is shown. The 1a pousette 66 uses a spring mechanism 68 and connections 70 that interface with a notch 72 on the post 74. Depressing the spring mechanisms 68 releases the connections 70 from the notch 72. The post 74 passes through the stud hole 10 and penetration 8 (not shown) and the spring mechanism 68 engages with the notch 72 to secure the wedge 1 to the belt 2.

Referring to FIG. 17, a fifth embodiment of the belt wedge 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the buckle 4 acts as the wedge. The frame 5 of the buckle 4 is wider on the bottom to create the wedge shape and change the resting angle of the buckle 4 so that the buckle 4 remains vertical while worn.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A device for attachment to a belt to change the angle of a belt buckle, the device comprising:

a. a wedge; i. the wedge having a top, a bottom, and a penetration; and ii. the bottom being wider than the top;

b. a belt, the belt having: i. a first end and a second end, 1. the first end having a buckle; and ii. a stud hole, the stud hole located on the first end proximal to the buckle;

c. wherein the penetration of the wedge aligns with the stud hole; and

d. whereby the wedge is affixed to the belt by passing an attachment mechanism through the stud hole and the penetration.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the wedge extends from a point of attachment toward and behind the buckle.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:

a. a stud, i. the stud having a face and a notched post;

b. a clasp, i. the clasp having a hole and two clips;

c. whereby the wedge is detachably affixed to the belt by inserting the notched post through the stud hole and the penetration and the two clips interfacing with the notched post.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the notched post and the hole of the clasp have a triangular shape.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein:

a. the notched post having a first shape and the hole having a second shape;

b. the first shape and second shape being the same shape; and

c. the first shape and the second shape having a flat side.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a clip on a back of the wedge.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a butterfly clutch.

8. A device for changing the angle of a belt buckle, the device comprising:

a. a wedge, the wedge having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a left side, a right side, and a penetration; i. the bottom of the wedge being wider than the top; and ii. the penetration through the front to the back and located closer to the left side than the right side;

b. the wedge removably attached to a belt; and

c. the right side of the wedge terminating behind the belt buckle.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the wedge is attached by a butterfly clutch, the butterfly clutch comprising:

a. a stud, the stud having a face and a back;

b. a notched post, the notched post: i. having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of notches; 1. the first end of the notched post affixed to the back of the stud; and 2. the plurality of notches located along the notched post between the first end and the second end; and ii. the notched post puncturing the belt and passing through the penetration in the wedge; and

c. a clasp, the clasp having: i. an opening, a first clip, and a second clip; ii. whereby the notched post is inserted into the opening and the first clip and the second clip interface with one of the plurality of notches to secure the butterfly clutch.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the belt further comprises a stud hole, and whereby the notched post passes through the stud hole and the penetration to secure the wedge to the belt.

11. The device of claim 8, further comprising the face having a piece of jewelry.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein:

a. the opening of the clasp is a shape having at least one straight edge, and

b. a cross-section of the notched post having the same shape as the opening.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the opening and the cross-section of the notched post are triangular.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the opening and the cross-section of the notched post are square.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein the opening and the cross-section of the notched post are a shape with at least one flat side.

16. A device for changing the angle of a belt buckle, the device comprising:

a. a wedge attached to a belt;

b. the wedge having a top, a bottom, and a width; i. the width of the belt increasing from the top to the bottom;

c. the wedge extending behind the belt buckle, the belt buckle having a top and a bottom; and

d. wherein when the belt is fastened the wedge pushes out the bottom of the belt buckle.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the wedge is attached with a butterfly clutch.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the wedge is attached with a friction back assembly.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the wedge is attached with a clevis and cotter pin assembly.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the wedge is attached with a clip, the clip affixed to a back of the wedge.