EXTENDER BELTS WITH EXTENDERS FOR BRIDGING OPEN WAISTBANDS

Abstract

In the disclosure, an extendable belt for clothing is disclosed including a strap, an extender, a belt buckle, a billet, and one or more fasteners to pivotally couple the belt buckle to the strap. The belt face has an area to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants. The extender has first and second ends coupled to an inside or backside of the belt face. The extender further has an extender button and a plurality of openings to receive a pant button. The extender button is configured to couple into a pant button opening to close the open pant waist of the pants.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of United States (US) Provisional Patent App. No. 62/418,185 titled EXTENDER BELTS filed on Nov. 6, 2016 by Lynn Groff, incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes. This patent application is also a continuation-in-part patent application that claims the benefit of to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/650,907 titled EXTENDER BELTS FOR PANTS AND TROUSERS filed on Jul. 15, 2017 by Lynn Groff, incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes. U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/650,907 is a non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/363,167 titled EXTENDER BELTS filed on Jul. 15, 2016 by Lynn Groff, incorporated herein by reference for all intents and purposes.

FIELD

The embodiments disclosed relate generally to belts for clothing.

BACKGROUND

Over time a person's weight can fluctuate in a day, a week, a month or over years. The weight fluctuation often causes a person's waist size to fluctuate as well. New pants or trousers may be needed to adapt to the fluctuation in weight and waist size. Purchasing new pants or trousers can be costly, particularly if the increase in weight and waist size is only temporary. Accordingly, it is desirable to extend the utility of current owned pants and trousers to deter the purchase of new pants and trousers with an increased waist size.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiments of the invention are best summarized by the claims. However briefly in accordance with an embodiment, an extender belt for clothing is disclosed including a strap, an extender, a belt buckle, a billet to secure the buckle to the strap, and one or more fasteners to pivotally couple the belt buckle to the strap.

The strap is configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user into a loop. The strap has one or more prong holes near a first end and a belt face at a second end opposite the first end. Each of the prong holes near the first end are configured to receive a prong from a belt buckle. The belt face has an area to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants.

The extender has first and second ends coupled to an inside or backside of the belt face. The extender further has an extender button near the first end and a plurality of second openings between the extender button and the second end. Each of the second openings are configured to receive a pant button. The extender button is configured to couple into a pant button opening to close the open pant waist of the pants.

The belt buckle has a shaft and a prong pivotally coupled to the shaft. The belt buckle further has an opening configured to receive the first end of the strap. The prong is configured to pivot and extend into one of the one or more prong holes in the strap.

The billet, which secures the buckle to the strap, is wrapped around the shaft of the belt buckle with a center opening over the prong to center it along the shaft. The first and second ends of the billet are folded together.

The one or more fasteners are coupled to the first and second ends of the billet and the belt face to pivotally couple the belt buckle to the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an outside or front view of the first extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an inside or back view of the first extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first extender belt in a looped configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a magnified outside view of the belt face of the first extender belt.

FIG. 5 shows a magnified inside view of the belt face of the first extender belt.

FIG. 6 shows a magnified inside view of the first extender belt in belt loops of a jean pants before the extension is coupled to the jean pants.

FIG. 7 shows a magnified inside view of the extender button of the first extender belt coupled into the pant hole of the jean pants.

FIG. 8 shows a magnified top perspective view of the belt face of first extender belt coupled to the jean pants.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an open waistband and an semi-open zipper of jean pants that can be bridged closed and covered over by the first extender belt.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the first extender belt coupled to jean pants when worn covering over the open waistband and the semi-open zipper shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows an outside or front view of the second extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 12 shows an inside or back view of the second extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the second extender belt in a looped configuration.

FIG. 14 shows a magnified outside view of the belt face of the second extender belt.

FIG. 15 shows a magnified inside view of the belt face of the second extender belt.

FIG. 16 shows a magnified inside view of the extender button of the second extender belt coupled into the pant hole of the jean pants.

FIG. 17 shows a front view of an open waistband and a semi-open zipper of jean pants that can be bridged closed and covered over by the belt face of the second extender belt.

FIG. 18 shows a front view of the second extender belt coupled to jean pants when worn covering over the open waistband and the semi-open zipper shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows an outside or front view of the third extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 20 shows an inside or back view of the third extender belt in an unlooped configuration.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the third extender belt in a looped configuration.

FIG. 22 shows a magnified outside view of the belt face of the third extender belt.

FIG. 23 shows a magnified inside view of the belt face of the third extender belt.

FIG. 24 shows a magnified top inside view of the extender button of the third extender belt coupled into the pant hole of the jean pants and the pant button coupled into a button hole of the extension of the extender belt.

FIG. 25 shows a front view of an open waistband and an semi-open zipper of jean pants that can be bridged closed and covered over by the third extender belt.

FIG. 26 shows a front view of an end of the strap of the third extender belt being inserted into the sleeve of the belt face.

FIG. 27 shows a front view of the third extender belt coupled to jean pants when worn covering over the open waistband and the semi-open zipper shown in FIG. 25.

The figures of each embodiment of extender belt are not drawn to the same scale. A number of drawings of each embodiment have been enlarged and/or show magnified portions to more clearly show various aspects and features of each embodiment of extender belt. The different sized views and magnified portions do not represent alternate embodiments. Various materials with surface variations and different thicknesses can be used in the each embodiment of extender belt. Visible surface variations and different thicknesses in the drawings due to the material, if any, are not a part of any ornamental design that is claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects.

The embodiments include methods and apparatus for extender belts.

Extender Belt Function

The extension feature (extender) of the extender belt latches onto the button and buttonhole of a garment, such as jeans or pants, that are one or two sizes too small (depending on the cut). The average ranges of dimensions of the extension feature for the three extender belts disclosed herein are approximately 8-12 centimeters (cm) in length by 2.5-3 cm in height. The extension feature has one button and a plurality of button holes (e.g., two to three holes, although more are contemplated in alternate designs).

As a man or woman's weight fluctuates, in a day, week, month or over years, the extender has varying sizes to meet that need without the high cost of new wardrobes. For example, users can opt for the first or tightest extender hole; the second or third extender hole for additional width; or can use the extender belt without using the extender feature if the user's size permits.

Product Benefits and Uses

A key benefit of the extender belts is the ability to wear clothing that was nearly impossible before this product, particularly jeans and pants that fit comfortably—other than around the waist or mid hip—while maintaining a sophisticated look.

Pregnant women in their first trimester and post pregnancy in particular, do not want to buy a new wardrobe for transitional times, and these extender belts enable them to wear pre-existing sizes.

The extender belts featured herein close an open waistband, hiding an otherwise open button and/or partially open zipper, while offering comfort and flexibility.

The extender belts provide a sense of security. Embarrassment of a pant waist opening is eliminated. The extender belt is typically applied when one to three inches of a pant waist can't close, depending on the cut. Moreover, the extender belt is easy to wear and take off.

Worn Under or Over Clothing

The extender belt enables the wearer to tuck in a blouse or shirt if they wish. And since the belts included herein are relatively thin and flat versus bulky, they can also be worn under loose blouses and shirts. In addition, when worn without the extender feature in use, the belts can still be worn over a blouse, pullover, sweater or dress, to camouflage a “muffin top” around the hips or just as a fashion accessory.

Variables that can Apply to all Extender Belts

There are many ways that an extender belt can be designed, all of which achieve the same basic objective. Some of the variables that an extender belt can be constructed and designed are as follows:

• • 1. Belts can be designed for low, mid or high rise jeans, pants, shorts or skirts. And if the extender portion is not being used, it can be worn over dresses, as well, or skirts without buttons, e.g., elastic waist, as a mainstream belt.
  • 2. The straps can vary in width, including any overlapping straps over the belt face.
  • 3. Buckles can be in any shape, size, color or finish.
  • 4. There is one connector button and two-three holes on the extender device shown herein, but there could be two or more buttons and two, three, or more holes in alternate designs.
  • 5. With the overlapping strap design, there are varying ways to attach the overlapping strap of the belt (which keeps the belt together), e.g., belt buckles; hooks and grommets; button studs; snaps; Velcro; or and other connecting devices.
  • 6. Certain designs included herein can be worn by women, men and children.
  • 7. Buckles can be made on the opposite side of the strap versus what is shown. The shape of the belt, if contoured, and the hardware and extender portion would be inverted, as well.
  • 8. Belts can be made with leather, polyurethane, elastic, suede, denim, canvas, a combination thereof, or any other wearable material, and in any color.
  • 9. Hardware, such as buckle (frame and prong), could also vary and feature: button studs, connector buttons, metal end tips and/or loops, etc., can be made of brass, gold, silver, any type of wearable metal, metal coating, rubber, and/or covered with any leather or cloth—or material.
  • 10. Rivets, studs, grommets, holes, varying buckle textures, relief/embossed designs and any other ornamental features can be added to the belts.
  • 11. Buckles are just samples—and can be designed in any shape, style or level of detail.
  • 12. These Extender belts can be made in varying waist sizes.
  • 13. The “face” of the belt where the gap is, can be a normal width of a belt, or any width that covers the opening at the waist.

Embodiments of Extender Belts

FIGS. 1-10 disclose a first embodiment of an extender belt. FIGS. 11-18 disclose a second embodiment of the extender belt. FIGS. 19-27 disclose a third embodiment of the extender belt.

The extender belts disclosed herein solve a classic problem for women, men (and even children) whose weight or mid-section varies from time to time. The extender belts combine an extension feature with fashionable belt designs to form a secure and reliable way to hide an open waistband (e.g., open button and open zipper) on jeans, pants, trousers, skirts and/or shorts.

What makes this extender belt particularly useful is that there is no hardware to adjust before wearing. Further, regardless of style, there is no embarrassing or unsightly extender or unusual hardware seen on the outside. The embodiments of the extender belt conceal the extender device used to couple the extender belt to the pants or trousers. The three new belt designs included herein, feature an extender piece coupled (e.g., by sewing) to the inside face of the belt. Holes are punched and a button is attached to the extender piece. The outside face of the belt strap in the first two, new belt styles, is more flexible in this configuration to receive a broad range of belt buckle types. The third belt style allows for a wider size range and uses no buckle.

Additionally, the embodiments of extender belts allow users to tuck in their shirts or just avoid the worry that the waist of the pants or trousers will be revealed from movement of their blouse, pullover or shirt.

Because the extender piece of each embodiment of extender belt is completely hidden from sight, the extender belts can be worn as belts for mainstream fashion clothing.

Different embodiments of extender belt designs are disclosed herein. A first design of extender belt has a tapered square shape for the belt face of the extender belt, and a slanted extender coupled to the back side of the belt face. The extender includes a button and a plurality of holes (e.g., two holes). A second design of extender belt has a round or oval shaped belt face, with a straight in line extender coupled (e.g., sewn-on with thread) to the belt face. The extender is similar in that it also includes a button and a plurality of holes. A third design of extender belt has a tapered rectangular shaped belt face, straight in line extender coupled (e.g., sewn-on with thread) to the back side of the belt face

The first two extender belts have belt buckles. The type of belt buckles for the first two extender belts can vary, such as having a circular, oval or square design, or alternatively a D-shaped design.

The first two extender belts have a billet of folded material that secures a buckle to the front side of the belt face. Two or more fasteners (e.g., rivets or stitching) secure the billet to the front side of the belt face of the extender belt. In other cases, a single fastener (e.g., rivet or stitching) can be sufficient to hold a smaller billet and buckle coupled to the front side of the belt face of the extender belt.

The third extender belt does not utilize a belt buckle. Instead of a buckle, the third extender belt has a sleeve through which an end of the belt strap is inserted. The third extender belt further has two button studs to which the end of the belt is releasably coupled to the belt face. To couple the third extender belt into a loop, the belt face includes one or more button studs (e.g., one, two or three button studs) near one end of the belt strap and one or more holes near in the strap at an opposite end.

The extenders of each belt can be sewn on certain angles (straight and slanted, depending on the design) to a belt center line or horizontal axis of the strap. The extenders can have a width ranging from approximately 8-12 centimeters (cm) and a height of approximately 2.5-3 cm.

The material forming the straps of the extender belts can be varied with different thicknesses. Furthermore, the extender belts can combine materials with different texture or of different types. For example, the third extender belt combines two different textures of polyurethane (PU). Moreover, the third extender belt can use the same material to form the belt face, strap and/or sleeve. Alternatively, the third extender belt can use a combination of different materials, such as leather for the strap and a metal alloy for the belt sleeve. Because of it's multiple holes and the fact that there is no buckle to be centered over the zipper, the third extender belt can expand from small to medium and large sizes, and be used for high rise pants or jeans as well as low rise pants or jeans. Only one button stud can be used to secure the extender belt into a loop, as well, give the belt size of the loop further flexibility.

The first two extender belts includes a strap, an extender, a belt buckle, a billet, and one or more fasteners to pivotally couple the billet and the belt buckle to the strap.

The strap is configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user to form a loop. The strap has one or more holes or openings (prong holes) near a first end and a belt face at a second end opposite the first end. Each of the prong holes near the first end are configured to receive a pivotal protrusion (prong) from the belt buckle. The belt face has an area to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants.

An extender is coupled to an inside or backside of the belt face. Each of first and second ends of the extender can be sewn to the backside of the belt face. The extender further has an extender button near the first end and a plurality of openings between the extender button and the second end. Each of these openings is configured so that it can receive a pant button from a pair of pants, such as a jean pants. The extender button is configured to couple into a pant button opening of the pair of pants. With an opening receiving a patent button, the extender button can be used to close an open pant waist of the pair of pants.

The belt buckle has a shaft and a pivotal protrusion (prong) pivotally coupled to the shaft. The belt buckle further has an opening that is configured to receive the first end of the strap and slide over it so that the pivotal protrusion can align with one or more of the holes in the belt. The pivotal protrusion is configured to pivot and extend into one of the one or more holes in the strap.

The billet is wrapped around the shaft of the belt buckle. The billet has a center opening to mount over the pivotal protrusion. The center opening of the billet keeps the pivotal protrusion centered along the shaft of the buckle. The first and second ends of the billet are folded together with the fold line near the shaft of the buckle.

One or more fasteners are coupled to the first and second ends of the billet to keep it folded. The one or more fasteners further coupled to the belt face to pivotally couple the belt buckle to the strap.

The material that the strap, the billet, the extender, and the belt loop can be formed from includes exotic leather skins, such as lizard, crocodile and snake; leather; polyurethane; exotic leather printed material, including crocodile printed material; elastic; wearable cloth and materials; or metal.

First Extender Belt

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, an extender belt 100 is now described. As shown in FIG. 1, the extender belt 100 includes a belt strap 102 with a brass rectangular belt buckle 110. The belt strap 102 is configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user into a loop. The belt strap 102 includes a waist portion 104 and a belt face 108 at one end. The belt strap 102 includes one or more (e.g., four or five) holes 105 near an end opposite the belt face 108. Each of the one or more holes 105 are configured to receive a pivotal protrusion 115 of the buckle 110. The one or more holes 105 are prong holes, punched holes, or grommet holes. The pivotal protrusion 115 can be a prong or a hook.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-4, the buckle 110 is coupled to the belt face 108 by a billet 122 and one or more fasteners 124. The billet 122 can be attached to the face 108 of the belt 102 with the one or two fasteners 124. In one embodiment, the one or more fasteners 124 can be rivets. In another embodiment, the one or more fasteners 124 can be stitching of sewn thread. The belt face 108 is configured to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants or trousers. In one embodiment, the belt face 108 can have a tapered square shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, a back side of the belt face 108 of the extender belt 100 is shown. The extender belt 100 further includes an extender 200 having a strap material portion with first and second ends coupled to a back side of the belt face 108. The ends of the extender can be sewn to the back side of the belt face with thread. The ends of the extender can coupled to the back side of the face such that the extender 200 is slightly slanted on an angle to a horizontal axis of the waist portion 104 of the belt strap 102. Accordingly, the extender 200 can be referred to as a slanted extender. While first and second ends of the extender 200 can be coupled to the back side of the belt face 108, only one end of the extender 200 needs to be coupled to the back side of the belt face 108 as is disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/650,907. The width of the extender may vary according to buckle size.

The strap portion of the extender 200 has an extender button 202 near the first end. The extender button 202 is configured to couple into a pant button opening (or pant hole; e.g., see pant button opening 906 in FIG. 9) to close the open pant waist of the pants.

The strap portion of the extender 200 further has a plurality of openings 204 (e.g., two to five button holes) between the extender button 220 and the second end. The button holes 204 in the strap portion of the extender 200 are in line with the extender button 220.

Each of the plurality of openings (button openings) 204 are configured to receive a pant button (e.g., see pant button 904 in FIG. 9) of the user's pants. The user selects either of two or more holes of the extender 200 to receive the pant button of the user's pants.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, the belt buckle 110 has a shaft 315 and a pivotal protrusion 115 pivotally coupled to the shaft 315. The belt buckle has an opening 320 configured to receive the end of the belt strap 102. The pivotal protrusion 115 is configured to extend into one of the one or more holes 105 in the strap 102. The billet 122 is wrapped around the shaft 315 of the belt buckle 110. The billet 122 has a center opening 415 over and through which the prong or protrusion 115 extends. The center opening 415 centers the protrusion 115 around the shaft 315. At least one end of the billet 122 is folded over and around the shaft 315. The one or more fasteners (e.g., rivets or stitching) 124 are coupled to the first and second ends of the billet 122 and the belt face 108. Accordingly, the billet 122 holds the belt buckle 110 pivotally couple to the strap 102. FIG. 5 illustrates a back side of the fasteners 124 coupling the billet 122 to the belt face.

FIG. 10 illustrates a typical direction for how the extender belt 100 can be worn. In this case, from the perspective of the user, the belt strap 102 goes through pant loops 902 in a counter-clockwise direction. FIG. 3 illustrates another direction for how the extender belt 100 can be worn if the sides of the pant hole and pant button are swapped in the waist of pants. In this case, from the perspective of the user, the belt strap 102 goes through pant loops 902 in a clockwise direction.

FIG. 9 illustrates the problem that the extender belt 100 solves. FIG. 9 illustrates jeans, trousers or pants 900 that are one to two sizes too small for a user. The zipper 908 can not be fully zipped up. Accordingly, the pant waist 901 can't fully close so that the pant button 904 can be inserted into the pant button hole 906. The extender belt 100 couples to the pants 900 such that the belt face 108 (such as a tapered square belt face) covers over the open button area and open zipper area of the pants 900.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the strap 102 of the extender belt 100 is looped through belt loops 902 of jeans pants 900. The belt 100 is adjusted so that the extender button 202 of the extender 200 is aligned with the pant button hole 906. One of the one or more extender button holes 204 is selected by the user to receive the pant button 904.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the extender button 202 is coupled into the pant button hole 906. The pant button 904 is coupled into the selected one of the extender button holes 204 of the extender 200.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the end of the belt strap 102 is inserted through the belt buckle 110 so that the protrusion 115 can be aligned with and coupled into one of the one or more holes 105 in the belt strap 102 to complete a loop around the pant waist with the extender belt 100.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the extender belt 100 coupled to the pants 900. The extender belt 100 is coupled to the pants 900 with the strap 102 wrapped around waist of the user. The open button and zipper areas of the pants 900 are covered over by the belt face 108 of the extender belt 100. The open button and zipper areas are better shown in FIG. 9.

Second Extender Belt

Referring now to FIGS. 11-18, an extender belt 1100 is now described. As shown in FIG. 11, the extender belt 1100 has a belt strap 1102 with a waist portion 1104 and a belt face 1108 at one end. The belt face 1108 can be a rounded belt face. Near an opposite end, the belt strap 1102 has one or more holes 1105. The plurality of holes 1105 in the strap 1102 can be constructed in different ways. The holes 1105 can be punched out or drilled out. In another case, the holes 1105 can be reinforced with a grommet forming a grommet hole.

The extender belt 1100 further includes a belt buckle 1110 with a pivotal protrusion 1115. The belt buckle 1110 is a D-shaped belt buckle differing from the oval belt buckle 110 of the extender belt 100 shown in FIG. 1. While two different belt buckle designs 110,1110 are disclosed for use with the extender belt 100,1100, other belt buckle designs can be used for an extender belt. Each of the one or more holes 1105 of the belt strap 1102 are configured to receive the a pivotal protrusion 1115.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13-14, the extender belt 1100 further includes a billet 1122 wrapped around a shaft 1315 of the belt buckle 1110. As shown in FIG. 14, the billet 1122 includes an opening 1422 through which the pivotal prong 1115 of the belt buckle 1110 can extend. One or more fasteners 1124 are coupled to the billet 1122 and the belt face 1108 of the strap 1102 to hold the belt buckle 1110 coupled to the strap 1102. In one case, the one or more fasteners 1124 are two rivets used to secure the billet 1122 and the buckle 1110 to the belt face 1108. In another case, the one or more fasteners 1124 can be stitching of sewn thread used to secure the billet 1122 and the buckle 1110 to the belt face 1108. The extender belt 1100 further includes a leather belt loop 1402 through which the end or tip of the strap 1102 can go through. The belt loop 1402 is used to secure the end or tip of the strap 1102 to the extender belt 1100 so it is not flapping around thereby loosening the belt tension.

FIG. 12 shows the backside of the extender belt 1100. The extender belt 1110 includes the extender 1200 coupled to the backside of the belt face 1108 of the strap 1102. In one case, the ends of the extender 1200 are sewn with thread onto the backside of the belt face 1108. Because the extender 1200 is parallel to a horizontal axis of the waist portion 1104 of the strap 1102, the extender 1200 may be referred to as a straight extender. While both ends of the extender 1200 can be coupled to the back side of the belt face 1108, only one end of the extender 1200 needs to be coupled to the back side of the belt face 1108 as is disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/650,907.

FIG. 15 is a magnified view of the backside of the belt face of the extender belt 1100. FIG. 15 illustrates a backside of the one or more fasteners (e.g., a plurality of rivets or stitching) 1124 that are used to couple the billet 1122 and buckle 1110 to the belt face 1108.

As shown in FIG. 15, the extender 1200 is a short piece of material (strap portion with ends) that is typically similar to the material forming the belt strap 1102. The strap portion of the extender 1200 includes an extender button 1202 coupled to the piece of material near one end. The strap portion of the extender 1200 further has a plurality of button holes 1204 between the extender button 1220 and the second end. The button holes 1204 in the strap portion of the extender 1200 are in line with the extender button 1220.

The extender 1200 couples to the pant waist or belt line of pants. The extender button 1202 is configured to be inserted into a pant button hole (e.g., see pant button opening 1706 in FIG. 17) of pants to attach thereto. Each of the plurality of extender button holes 1204 is configured to receive a pant button (e.g., see pant button 1704 of pants 1700 in FIG. 17) of the pants. A user selects either of a plurality of button holes 1204 of the extender 1200 to receive the pant button of the user's pants.

FIG. 17 illustrates jeans 1700 with an open pant waist 1701 when jeans are one or more sizes too small for a user's body. The pant button 1704 cannot comfortably fit into the pant hole 1706 leaving an open zipper 1708 and an open button hole. The belt face 1108 of the extender belt 1100 is configured to cover over the open button and zipper areas of the pants 1700.

FIG. 18 shows a front view of the extender belt 1100 when it is coupled to pants 1700. FIG. 18 shows the typical direction of how the extender belt 1100 is worn. When viewed from the perspective of the user, the waist portion of the strap 1102 of the extender belt 1100 is threaded through the pant loops 1702 in a counterclockwise direction. If the pant hole and pant button are swapped in waist of the pants, the extender belt 1110 can be worn in the opposite direction such as shown by the loop configuration shown in FIG. 13. In which case, the waist portion of the strap 1102 of the extender belt 1100 is threaded through the pant loops 1702 in a clockwise direction. In either case, with the extender 1200 coupled to the pants, the extender crosses over the opening of the pant waist or belt line 1701 so the zipper 1708 unzips no further and the pants 1700 open no further. The open button and zipper areas shown in FIG. 17 are covered by the rounded belt face of the extender belt as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 16 illustrates the waist portion 1104 of the strap 1102 of the extender belt 1100 threaded through belt loops 1702 of the jean pants 1700 forming a partial loop. The extender button 1202 of the extender 1200 is coupled into the button hole 1706 of the open pant waist of the pants 1700. One of the plurality of extender button holes 1204 is selected to receive the pant button 1704. The pant button 1704 of the pant waist is then coupled into the selected extender button hole 1204 of the extender 1200. In this manner, the extender 1200 of the extender belt 1100 closes over the open pant waist 1701 of the pants 1700 and is hidden from view by the belt face 1108.

After the extender 1200 is coupled to the pants 1700, an end of the strap of the extender belt 1200 is threaded into the belt buckle 1110. The end of the strap is pulled on thereby pulling the first end of the strap through the belt buckle 1110 to cinch up the strap of the extender belt 1100 around the pant waist 1701.

Near the first end, the strap 1102 has a plurality of holes 1105 that are configured to receive the pivotal prong of the belt. One of the holes 1105 in the strap of the extender belt 1100 is selected by the user. The position of the first end of the strap 1102 is locked to the belt buckle 1110 by engaging the pivotal prong 1115 with the selected hole 1105. This holds a position of the extender belt 1100 around the pant waist 1701 of the pants 1700.

Third Extender Belt

Referring now to FIGS. 19-27, an extender belt 1900 is now described. In FIG. 19, a front side of the extender belt 1900 is shown in an unlooped configuration. The extender belt 1900 includes a belt strap 1902 having a waist portion 1904 and a belt face 1908 at one end. In one embodiment, the belt face 1908 is a tapered rectangular belt face but other shaped belt faces can be used. The belt face 1908 tapers down to the width of the waist portion 1904 of the strap 1902 to be shaped partly like a tapered rectangle.

Instead of a belt buckle to couple the strap 1902 into a loop, the extender belt 1900 further includes a sleeve 1910 and two button studs 1912 in the belt face 1908. The opposing end of the strap 1902 includes a plurality of holes 1905 configured to receive one or two corresponding button studs 1912. The holes 1905 formed in the strap can be made in various ways including being punched out of the material. Four holes 1905 are shown near the end of the strap 1902 but there can be a fewer or a greater number of holes used to mate with the button studs 1912. The user chooses one or two holes 1905 to extend over onto one or two corresponding button studs 1912. In this manner, the user can secure the strap 1902 of the extender belt 1900 into a loop of a varying size around waists of varying sizes.

In FIG. 20, a back side of the extender belt 1900 is shown in an unlooped configuration. The button studs 1912 extend through the belt face and have fasteners 2012 (e.g., screws) coupled to the back side of the belt face 1908. The extender belt 1900 includes an extender or extension 2000 that acts like a bridge over an open pant waist. The extender 2000 includes a button 2002 and a plurality (e.g., three) of button holes 2004 configured to receive a pant button.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a magnified view of the backside of the belt face 1908 of the extender belt 1900 is shown. The extender 2000 is formed of a piece of material having opposing ends and a strap portion in between. The extender 2000 includes an extender button 2002 coupled to the strap portion near one end. In the strap portion of the material, the extender 2000 includes three button holes 2004 lined up in a row with the extender button 2002.

The ends of the extender 2000 are coupled to the backside of the belt face 1908. The ends of the extender 2000 can be sewn onto the backside of the belt face 1908 such as by sewing with needle and thread. The extender 2000 can be sewn-on straight or slanted somewhat on an angle to a horizontal axis of the waist portion 1904 of the strap 1902 of the extender belt 1900 to better accommodate or bridge across an open pant waist. While both ends of the extender 2000 can be coupled to the back side of the belt face 1908, only one end of the extender 2000 needs to be coupled to the back side of the belt face 1908 as is disclosed in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/650,907.

To hold the two button studs 1912 coupled to the strap 1902, a pair of fasteners 2012 (e.g., screws) are coupled to a back end of the two button studs 1912. The fasteners may be screws that are screwed into the back end of the button studs thereby sandwiching the material of the belt face.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the extender belt 1900 is shown in a looped configuration. An end (tongue end) of the strap 1902 extends through a center of the sleeve 1910. The pair of button studs 1912 are aligned with the center of the sleeve 1910. A pair of holes 1905 near the end of the strap 1902 are selected and extended over the pair of button studs 1912 to complete the looped configuration.

FIG. 22 shows a magnified front view of the belt face 1908 of the extender belt 1900. The belt face 1908 has a tapered rectangular shape. The sleeve 1910, through which an end of the strap 1902 extends, is coupled to the belt face 1908. At least one if not two button studs 1912 are further coupled to the belt face 1908. The button studs 1912 extend through the belt face 1908 and couple to a fastener in the back side of the belt face. The button studs 1912 and the sleeve 1912 couple the end of the strap 1902 to the belt face 1908 in the loop configuration. While two are shown, one or more button studs 1912 can be coupled to the belt face in various designs to couple the end of the strap to the belt face.

The sleeve 1910 can be attached to the belt face 1908 through a variety of methods including but not limited to; being sewn on with stitching, stapled, glued, connected by rivets, and/or by other means. The sleeve 1910 can be made of the same material as the strap or of a contrasting material, including metal, differing polyurethane, or even just a different pattern, such as a differing leather pattern.

FIG. 24 illustrates a user's point of view of how the extender 2000 of the extender belt 1900 couples to pants 2500. The extender 2000 includes an extender button 2002 that attaches into the pant hole 2506 of the user's pants 2500 shown in FIG. 25. In addition, any of three extender holes 2004 of the extender 2000 can be selected to receive the pant button 2504 of the user's pants 2500.

FIG. 25 illustrates the problem that the extender belt 1900 solves. When the waistband (pant waist) of jeans 2500 are too small for a user (e.g., one to two sizes too small), the pant waist 2501 cannot fully close at the zipper 2508. The pant button 2504 on one side of the pant waist 2501 cannot be inserted into the pant button hole 2506 on the opposite side of the pant waist. As shown in FIG. 23, the extender belt 1900 includes the extender 2000 on the back side that bridges over the open pant waist 2501. The extender 2000 includes the extender button 2002 that can couple into the pant button hole 2506. The extender 2000 further includes button openings 2004 to receive the pant button 2504. The extender belt 1900 couples to the pants 2500 such that the belt face (e.g., tapered rectangular belt face) 1908 covers over the open button and open zipper areas of the pants, such as shown in FIGS. 26-27.

FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of the extender belt 1900 as and end of the strap 1902 is being inserted through the sleeve 1910 before being attached to the button studs 1912. The open button and zipper areas shown in FIG. 25 are covered by the belt face (tapered square belt face) 1908 of the extender belt 1900. FIG. 26 illustrates one direction the extender belt 1900 can be worn around a pant waist. The strap 1902 of the extender belt can be threaded through pant loops 2502 in a counter-clockwise direction.

In FIG. 27, the extender belt 27 is coupled to the jean pants 2500. The end of the strap 1902 is extended through the sleeve 1910. Two button studs 1912 of the belt face 1908 are coupled into two belt holes 1905 near the end of the strap 1902. The tapered rectangular belt face 1908 covers over the over the open button and open zipper areas of the pants 2500 shown in FIG. 25. The extender belt 1900 can be made tighter around the waist if the end of the strap 1902 is pulled further with different belt holes 1905 being used to extend over the button studs 1912. The capability of being pulled tighter is beneficial when using the extender belt 1900 with higher-waist jeans.

CONCLUSION

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the embodiments of the invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

While this specification includes many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations, separately or in sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variations of a sub-combination. Accordingly, the claimed invention is limited only by patented claims that follow below.

Claims

1. An extendable belt for clothing, the extendable belt comprising:

a strap having first and second ends configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user into a loop, the strap having one or more holes near the first end, and a belt face at the second end opposite the first end, each hole configured to receive a pivotal protrusion, the belt face configured to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants;

an extender having at least one of first and second ends coupled to a back side of the belt face, the extender having an extender button near the first end and a plurality of second openings between the extender button and the second end, each second opening configured to receive a pant button and the extender button configured to couple into a pant button opening to close the open pant waist of the pants;

a belt buckle having a shaft and a pivotal protrusion pivotally coupled to the shaft, the belt buckle having an opening configured to receive the first end of the strap, the pivotal protrusion configured to extend into one of the one or more holes in the strap;

a billet wrapped around the shaft of the belt buckle having a center opening over the prong to center it around the shaft, first and second ends of the billet folded together; and

one or more fasteners coupled to the first and second ends of the billet and the belt face to pivotally couple the belt buckle to the strap.

2. The extendable belt of claim 1, wherein the belt buckle is a D type belt buckle and the extender belt further comprises a belt loop coupled to the first and second ends of the billet.

3. The extendable belt of claim 1, wherein the strap, the billet, and the extender are formed of leather.

4. The extendable belt of claim 2, wherein the strap, the billet, the extender, and the belt loop are formed of leather, polyurethane, cloth, or metal.

5. The extendable belt of claim 2, wherein the strap, the billet, the extender, and the belt loop are formed of lizard skin.

6. The extendable belt of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners are a pair of rivets or stitching.

7. The extendable belt of claim 1, wherein the one or more holes are prong holes, punched holes, or grommet holes.

8. The extendable belt of claim 7, wherein the pivotal protrusion is a prong or a hook.

9. A method for pants, the method comprising:

coupling an extender button of an extender of an extender belt into a button hole of an open pant waist of pants;

selecting an extender button hole of a plurality of extender button holes in the extender to receive a pants button;

coupling a pant button of the pant waist of the pants into the selected extender button hole of the extender of the extender belt such that the extender of the extender belt closes over the open pant waist of the pants;

threading a first end of a strap of the extender belt into a belt buckle of the extender belt;

pulling on the first end of the strap through the belt buckle to cinch up the strap of the extender belt around the pant waist; and

locking the position of the first end of the strap to the belt buckle to hold a position of the extender belt around the pant waist.

10. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

unlocking the position of the first end of the strap from the belt buckle to begin releasing the extender belt from the pant waist;

pulling out the first end of the strap and unthreading the first end of the strap form the belt buckle;

decoupling the pant button of the pant waist of the pants from the extender button hole in the extender of the extender belt to open pant waist of the pants.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

taking the pants off in response to the decoupling of the pant button from the extender button hole.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

prior to coupling an extender button, putting on the pants.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

prior to coupling an extender button, threading the first end of the strap through a plurality of belt loops around the pant waist.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein

the extender belt includes a belt face at a second end of the strap opposite the first end of the strap, the belt face configured to cover over the extender, the open patent waist, and a partially open zipper below the open pant waist.

15. An extendable belt for clothing, the extendable belt comprising:

a strap having first and second ends configured to be wrapped around the waist of a user into a loop, the strap having one or more holes near the first end, and a belt face at the second end opposite the first end, each hole configured to receive a button stud, the belt face configured to cover over an unbuttoned pant area near an open pant waist of pants;

an extender having at least one of first and second ends coupled to a back side of the belt face, the extender having an extender button near the first end and a plurality of second openings between the extender button and the second end, each second opening configured to receive a pant button and the extender button configured to couple into a pant button opening to close the open pant waist of the pants;

a belt sleeve coupled to a front side of the belt face, the belt sleeve configured to receive and slide over the first end of the strap; and

at least one button stud coupled to the belt face in alignment with a center line through the belt sleeve, the at least one button stud being configured to receive a selected hole of the one or more holes in the strap to configure the strap into a loop.

16. The extendable belt of claim 15, wherein the at least one button stud is further configured to receive the selected hole of the one or more holes in the strap to configure a predetermined size of the loop.

17. The extendable belt of claim 15, wherein the at least one button stud is two button studs configured to receive two adjacent holes of the one or more holes in the strap to selectively configure the strap into the loop.

18. A method for pants, the method comprising:

coupling an extender button of an extender of an extender belt into a button hole of an open pant waist of pants;

selecting an extender button hole of a plurality of extender button holes in the extender to receive a pants button;

coupling a pant button of the pant waist of the pants into the selected extender button hole of the extender of the extender belt such that the extender of the extender belt closes over the open pant waist of the pants;

threading a first end of a strap of the extender belt into a belt sleeve of the extender belt;

pulling on the first end of the strap through the belt sleeve to cinch up the strap of the extender belt around the pant waist; and

locking the position of the first end of the strap with one or more holes in the strap extended over one or more button studs in a belt face to hold a position of the extender belt around the pant waist.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

prior to coupling an extender button, putting on the pants.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

prior to coupling an extender button, threading the first end of the strap through a plurality of belt loops around the pant waist.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein

the extender belt includes the belt face at a second end of the strap opposite the first end of the strap, the belt face configured to cover over the extender, the open patent waist, and a partially open zipper below the open pant waist.

22. The ornamental designs for an extender belt, substantially as shown and described.