AU2017100658A4

AU2017100658A4 - Multipurpose belt buckle

Info

Publication number: AU2017100658A4
Application number: AU2017100658A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Amelia Peta Camm
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-06
Filing date: 2017-06-06
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-06

Abstract

The invention relates to a multipurpose belt buckle for carrying items including a buckle body for containing one or more items and a buckle lid for providing a decorative cover to conceal the items. The buckle lid and body are attached so as to be carried about the body of a person whereby the contained items are carried securely, out of sight of potential thieves, in a substantially more convenient manner. The invention also relates to a method of use. specPA2020514 e ao o oa on m a

Description

1 2017100658 06 Jun2017 PATENTS ACT 1990

Section 29 Innovation Patent

Applicant: Amelia Peta Camm Chudleigh Park Hughenden Queensland 4821 Australia Inventor: Amelia Peta Camm Chudleigh Park Hughenden Queensland 4821 Australia

Title of Invention: MULTIPURPOSE BELT BUCKLE

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us: specPA2020514 2 2017100658 06 Jun2017

MULTIPURPOSE BELT BUCKLE

The present invention relates to a multipurpose belt buckle, and in particular to multipurpose belt buckle, suitable to carry valuable items.

In our everyday lives we carry a number of standard items, typically a mobile telephone, keys, and money as a bare minimum. A bag can be used to carry these items, or these items can be put in a pocket. Pockets are often not big enough to contain these items and maintain the comfort of the wearer, particularly a mobile phone. If items protrude from a pocket they are a temptation to would-be thieves. Items may also easily be lost from over stuffed pockets. When spending a day out and about, or an evening out it is preferable to minimise items carried. With security measures at many venues bags must be checked and so a person is left to hold their valuables or again try to put them in pockets which may not be safe or comfortable. A money belt is known which is worn around the waist as an item to carry money such as when travelling abroad. Use of a money belt is useful for this specific purpose, but is not suitable to carry a mobile phone, for example. Money belts tend to be made of a strong cloth material and are carried around the waist. Money belts are most unattractive and cumbersome items, which many people, particularly style conscious men and women, would simply not wear. These items are not items one would wear on a date, on an evening out, or when spending a day with friends, they are simply unattractive items. When going out for the day the appearance of a person is often important to them, and so the person would risk their valuables or be uncomfortable rather than carry an unattractive and cumbersome money belt.

It would be highly desirable to be able to carry valuable items in a manner which is convenient and stylish, without the need for a bag.

The inventor has developed, through careful experimentation an improved multipurpose belt buckle that can be worn in the same manner as known belt specPA2020514 3 2017100658 06 Jun2017 buckles, but has the significant added benefit of being able to securely, comfortably and stylishly carry the essential items, in a protected manner. Use of the invention enables a person to carry items safely, comfortably and without drawing attention to a would be thief of the existence or location of these items about a person. The buckle is a stylish addition, that a person can use everyday and would not draw attention to the secured valuables.

Through the specification and claims the invention is referred to with respect to a buckle for a belt. The “buckle” term is intended to have a broad meaning of an item used to tightened a belt. It is not intended that the term “buckle” be limited to a buckle through which a belt is threaded. Any suitable buckle form may be used, other than as limited in the claims.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multipurpose belt buckle that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a multipurpose belt buckle for carrying items on a belt, the multipurpose belt buckle including: a buckle body for containing one or more items; a buckle lid, for providing a decorative cover to conceal the items; an attachment means for attaching the buckle body and associated lid to the belt, wherein the contained items are carried securely, out of sight of potential thieves, in a substantially more convenient manner. specPA2020514 4 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Preferably, the multipurpose aspect of the invention is use as a belt buckle and to carry at least one item. The multipurpose aspect may include uses chosen from the following group: belt buckle; case for protection of items; container for carrying items; credit card protection; and security device. The belt buckle may be used for any suitable purpose.

The belt may be any suitable belt. The belt may be a leather belt. The belt may be made of any suitable material. The belt may take any suitable form.

The buckle is intended to be of a form where a belt is threaded through the belt and tightened to an appropriate fit around a person. The belt may thread through the whole buckle. The belt may thread through part of the buckle.

The buckle may, alternatively be of a form where the belt is attached to the buckle. The attachment may be at the back of the buckle or either side in this form of the invention.

Preferably, the buckle is made substantially of a strong, rigid material. Preferably, the buckle is made substantially of steel. Other suitable materials may be used instead. Preferably, the buckle is made of a material or combination of materials suitable to protect smart cards or credit cards from unauthorised access. Preferably, the buckle prevents data access to the contents of the buckle. Preferably, the buckle protects the contents of the buckle from physical damage. Preferably, the buckle protects the contents of the buckle from theft. Preferably, the buckle protects the contents from unauthorised use of smart chip technology such as PAYWAVE (Trade mark), APPPLE PAY (Trade Mark) or similar. Most preferably, the buckle protects the contents from physical damage, theft and protects credit cards against unauthorised use.

The items may be any suitable items. The items may be valuables. The items may be valuable items that it is desired to keep out of sight. The items may be chosen from the group: cash; credit cards; debit cards; membership or other cards; jewellery; and mobile phone. Preferably, the buckle is adapted specPA2020514 5 2017100658 06 Jun2017 to contain multiple items. Preferably, the buckle is adapted to comfortably contain a mobile phone. Preferably, the buckle is adapted to contain cards, cash and a mobile phone. Different sizes and shapes of buckle may be available to suit different mobile phones.

The buckle body may take any suitable size or shape. Preferably, the body is adapted to comfortably contain a mobile phone. Preferably, the body is adapted to be able to contain a mobile phone, cash and cards. Most preferably, the buckle body is adapted to contain a mobile phone. Preferably, multiple items, including a mobile phone may be contained. Preferably, the buckle body shape is chosen from the group: rectangular including square; circular; oval; triangular; and irregular.

Preferably, the buckle lid may take any suitable size of shape. Preferably, the buckle lid is of a shape similar to the body, adapted to comfortably contain a mobile phone. Preferably, the lid is of a shape similar to the body, adapted to be able to contain a mobile phone, cash and cards. Preferably, the buckle lid shape is chosen from the group: rectangular including square; circular; oval; triangular; and irregular.

Preferably, the buckle body and lid together are adapted to be of a suitable size and shape to receive valuables therein. Preferably, the buckle body and lid together are adapted to be of a suitable size and shape to receive a plurality of valuables. Preferably, the buckle body and lid together are adapted to receive a mobile phone or similar device. Buckles of different configurations may be provided for different makes of mobile phone.

Preferably, decoration is included on the buckle in the form of a decorative cover. In other forms of the invention decoration may be applied directly to any parts of the buckle. The decoration may take any suitable form. The decorative cover may take any suitable form. Most preferably, the decorative cover to the buckle makes the buckle appear as a usual belt buckle of an attractive form. Preferably, the decorative cover makes the buckle very specPA2020514 6 2017100658 06 Jun2017 attractive, and a desirable item to wear. It is a benefit to the invention that the buckle can be something a person very much wants to wear to look good, as well as use the strong functional features of carrying and protecting valuables. The decorative cover may take any suitable form. The decorative cover may form part of the body, or be attached thereto.

Preferably, the decorative cover includes colourful decoration to make the buckle highly desirable to be wear. The decorative cover may include enamelling or other decorative work. Any part of the buckle may be decorated.

In other forms of the invention the body and cover may be formed integrally with an opening to enable the valuable items to be put therein.

Preferably, the decorative cover acts to conceal and protect the items. Once the decorative cover is in place the items are protected physically from damage. Once the decorative cover is in place the items are protected from theft as they are hidden from view and carried close to the body of a person. Preferably, the cover is suitable to prevent unauthorised access to PAYWAVE (Trade Mark), credit card payments, APPLE PAY (Trade Mark), or similar.

The concealing by the decorative cover may be performed in other forms of the invention by other parts of the buckle, such as the body.

Preferably, the buckle is attached to a belt in the usual fashion to be carried about the body of a person. However, the attachment of the buckle may to be any suitable item, including items of clothing. Preferably, the buckle is carried about the body by attachment to a belt. The attachment of the buckle to the belt may be by any suitable means.

Preferably, the buckle is threaded on a belt and the belt used in the usual fashion with the buckle of the invention. Preferably, the belt is threaded specPA2020514 7 2017100658 06 Jun2017 through the buckle. The buckle and belt may be connected or attached in any suitable manner.

Preferably, the items are carried securely, that is out of sight of thieves and close to the body of the person to substantially prevent theft. Preferably, the items are securely held and protected from damage while being carried in the buckle. Preferably, unauthorised access to data, chips or other information on credit cards and the like is prevented by the buckle.

Preferably, the buckle is a most convenient manner to carry valuable items as it used in the manner of a usual belt but has many and significant benefits. The items are carried comfortably, stylishly and securely.

The invention also provides a method of use of multipurpose belt buckle for carrying items having a buckle body for containing the items, a buckle lid for providing a decorative cover to conceal the items, and an attachment means for attaching the body so as to be carried about the body, the method including the following steps:- a) using the buckle on a belt in the usual fashion to encircle a person’s body; b) placing items within the body of the buckle; and c) securing the items within the body of the buckle, whereby the buckle appears as normal clothing while securely containing the items.

The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a belt buckle according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, including an oval shaped buckle, mounted on a standard leather belt; specPA2020514 8 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Figure 2 is a view from below of the belt buckle and belt of Figure 1, illustrating the join;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a belt buckle according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, including a rectangular shaped buckle, with rounded corners, mounted on a standard leather belt; and

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a belt buckle according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, including a rectangular shaped buckle, mounted on a standard leather belt.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where buckle 1 is mounted on belt 10, for use to be worn by a person (not shown). Belt 10 is illustrated for this embodiment as a standard leather belt, but may be any belt. Typically belt 10 will be provided with buckle 1 already installed to a customer. However, buckle 10 may be supplied without belt 10 for use on an existing belt. Belt 10 may also be replaced by any suitable belt of any suitable material. In other forms of the invention buckle 10 may be attached to other clothing instead.

Belt 10 is threaded through the buckle 1 in a conventional manner during assembly or preparation for wear in the usual fashion. In other forms of the invention belt 10 may be attached to either side of buckle 1 instead, and be tied or otherwise tightened about the body.

As illustrated belt 10 is threaded so that left hand side part 12 can be seen which would encircle the person in wear. Further left hand side part 14 is seen extending, the end of which would hang down and could be used to tighten or loosen belt 10 about the person in the usual fashion. The particular arrangement or orientation of belt 10 is of less importance than buckle 1 itself. The ends and overlap of left hand side part 12 and right hand side part 14 are not shown for ease of illustration but would be well understood, as most people have worn a belt of this fashion at one time or other. specPA2020514 9 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Cover 16 is shown as oval in shape, in this form of the invention to match the cross section of the buckle as a whole. Decoration 18 of cover 16 creates a stylish item, very desirable to be worn by the owner. The decoration is not shown but is formed of enamelling to form an intricate and decorative pattern. The decoration may take any suitable form, such as being colour metal, engraved metal, metal alloy and work, including a combination of materials including plastics. The decoration is significant in that it makes the wearable security product desirable and improves the security by appearing as an attractive belt buckle, rather than as a security item, per se. Further, buckle 10 and belt 1 appear as clothing, and attention is not drawn to the fact that a security item is being worn, improving the security of the items.

Clearly, the decoration can be varied to suit women, girls, men and boys and take the form as desired by the customer. The important factor is that the item is one that a person wants to wear as part of their outfit, everyday, should they so wish, and that it also has beneficial functions to keep, protect and secure items.

Body 20, to which decorated cover 16 is attached is also oval in cross-section to match the shape of cover 16. The shape can be varied as illustrated in the further embodiments. It is desirable to have cover 16 and body 20 of the same cross-sectional shape and size, however variation could occur in some forms of the invention.

Space 22 is defined in body 20 under cover 16 and is of a suitable size to contain items, for example approximately 100 millimetres by 150 millimetres. As illustrated a standard mobile phone may fit in space 22 together with keys and some money.

Cover 16 fits on body 20 with a push fit. Alternative forms by hinge or other form may be used instead to secure cover 16 to body 20 once the items have been placed inside. specPA2020514 10 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Buckle 1 is made throughout of a strong metal, namely stainless steel. Other metals or strong materials such as plastics could be used in different form of the invention.

Referring to Figure 3, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, similar to the first except for the shape. Similar reference numerals are used where buckle 101 is mounted on belt 110, for use to be worn by a person (not shown). Belt 110 is illustrated for this embodiment as a standard leather belt, but may be any belt. Typically belt 110 will be provided with buckle 101 already installed to a customer. However, buckle 110 may be supplied without belt 110 for use on a persons own belt. Belt 110 may also be replaced by any suitable belt of any suitable material. In other forms of the invention buckle 110 may be attached to other clothing instead.

Belt 110 is threaded through the buckle 101 in a conventional manner during assembly or preparation for wear in the usual fashion. In other forms of the invention belt 110 may be attached to either side of buckle 101 instead, and be tied or otherwise tightened about the body.

As illustrated belt 110 is threaded so that left hand side part 112 can be seen which would encircle the person in wear. Further left hand side part 114 is seen extending, the end of which would hang down and could be used to tighten or loosen belt 110 about the person in the usual fashion. The particular arrangement or orientation of belt 110 is of less importance than buckle 101 itself. The ends and overlap of left hand side part 112 and right hand side part 114 are not shown for ease of illustration but would be well understood, as most people have worn a belt of this fashion at one time or other.

Cover 116 is shown rectangular in shape with rounded corners, in this form of the invention, different to the first and further embodiments. Cover 116 is configured to match the cross section of buckle 101 as a whole. The shape may be varied to suit the desires of the customer. specPA2020514 11 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Decoration 118 of cover 116 creates a stylish item, very desirable to be worn by the owner. The decoration is not shown but is formed of enamelling to form an intricate and decorative pattern. The decoration may take any suitable form, such as being colour metal, engraved metal, metal alloy and work, including a combination of materials including plastics. The decoration is significant in that it makes the wearable security product desirable and improves the security by appearing as an attractive belt buckle, rather than as a security item, per se. Further, buckle 110 and belt 101 appear as clothing, and attention is not drawn to the fact that a security item is being worn, improving the security of the items.

Body 120, to which decorated cover 116 is attached is also rectangular with rounded corners in cross-section to match the shape of cover 116. The shape can be varied as illustrated in the further embodiments. It is desirable to have cover 116 and body 120 of the same cross-sectional shape and size, however variation could occur in some forms of the invention. Different shapes and forms may be used to be particular suitable to contain a particular type or form of mobile phone, for example.

Space 122 is defined in body 120 under cover 116 and is of a suitable size, for example 100 millimetres by 15 millimetres to contain items. As illustrated a standard mobile phone may fit in space 122 together with keys and some money.

Cover 116 fits on body 120 with a push fit. Alternative forms by hinge or other form may be used instead to secure cover 116 to body 120 once the items have been placed inside. specPA2020514 12 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Buckle 101 is made throughout of a strong metal, namely stainless steel. Other metals or strong materials such as plastics could be used in different form of the invention.

In this form of the invention, it is to the style of the user as well as perhaps the shape and size of a mobile phone that may dictate which buckle to choose.

Referring to Figure 4, a third preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, again similar to the first and second embodiments but varying in shape. The third embodiment is described using similar reference numerals to the first and second where buckle 201 is mounted on belt 210, for use to be worn by a person (not shown). Belt 210 is illustrated for this embodiment as a standard leather belt, but may be any belt. Typically belt 210 will be provided with buckle 1 already installed to a customer. However, buckle 210 may be supplied without belt 210 for use on a persons own belt. Belt 210 may also be replaced by any suitable belt of any suitable material. In other forms of the invention buckle 210 may be attached to other clothing instead.

Belt 210 is threaded through the buckle 201 in a conventional manner during assembly or preparation for wear in the usual fashion. In other forms of the invention belt 210 may be attached to either side of buckle 201 instead, and be tied or otherwise tightened about the body.

As illustrated belt 210 is threaded so that left hand side part 212 can be seen which would encircle the person in wear. Further left hand side part 214 is seen extending, the end of which would hang down and could be used to tighten or loosen belt 210 about the person in the usual fashion. The particular arrangement or orientation of belt 210 is of less importance than buckle 1 itself. The ends and overlap of left hand side part 212 and right hand side part 214 are not shown for ease of illustration but would be well understood, as most people have worn a belt of this fashion at one time or other. specPA2020514 13 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Cover 216 in this form of the invention is similar to the second embodiment being rectangular in cross-section, but with squared corners rather than rounded. The other features are much the same as the previously described embodiments. Decoration 218 of cover 216 again creates a stylish item, very desirable to be worn by the owner. The decoration is not shown but is formed of enamelling to form an intricate and decorative pattern. The decoration may take any suitable form, such as being colour metal, engraved metal, metal alloy and work, including a combination of materials including plastics. The decoration is significant in that it makes the wearable security product desirable and improves the security by appearing as an attractive belt buckle, rather than as a security item, per se. Further, buckle 210 and belt 201 appear as clothing, and attention is not drawn to the fact that a security item is being worn, improving the security of the items.

Body 220, to which decorated cover 216 is attached is also rectangular in cross-section to match the shape of cover 216. The shape can be varied as illustrated in the further embodiments. It is desirable to have cover 216 and body 220 of the same cross-sectional shape and size, however variation could occur in some forms of the invention.

Space 222 is defined in body 220 under cover 216 and is of a suitable size such as 100 millimetre by 150 millimetres to contain items. As illustrated a standard mobile phone may fit in space 222 together with keys and some money. specPA2020514 14 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Cover 216 fits on body 220 with a push fit. Alternative forms by hinge or other form may be used instead to secure cover 216 to body 220 once the items have been placed inside.

Buckle 201 is made throughout of a strong metal, namely stainless steel. Other metals or strong materials such as plastics could be used in different form of the invention.

Each of the forms of the invention are illustrative examples only, clearly other shapes and forms could be used instead. Particular consideration is to be made to the shape and size of the items to be carried such as the large mobile phones, versus the smaller thicker phones. Also the overall look as the buckle may take any suitable style or shape to appeal to a particular wearer.

The strong material is very useful to protect the valuable items such as from bumps and knocks. Items such as a mobile phone are very vulnerable to damage, in particular the screen. If carried in a pocket and accidently impacted the screen may crack, craze or shatter- an expensive thing to fix. When travelling or out and about, or out for an evening, accidents happen and a phone or other item can readily be knocked or bumped. If a phone is in a pocket this may be overlooked and the person sit on their phone, causing damage.

Use of the invention is most beneficial to protect the items, such as a phone by use of a rigid, metal case from not only theft, but also accidental damage, a great advantage of the invention.

The items are also protected in the hard metal case from unauthorised use of credit cards through PAYWAVE (Trade Mark), APPLE PAY (Trade Mark), or similar. It is envisaged that suitable internal coatings may be included to assist to protect against unauthorised access of credit cards or to blue tooth and mobile phones. specPA2020514 15 2017100658 06 Jun2017

Any suitable combination of materials may be used to protect the items to be carried in the buckle.

It is anticipated that use of the invention will be rapidly adopted by people who work outdoors, travellers, tourists, back-packers, clubbers and festival goers to name just a few examples. The invention will make carrying items straight-forward, and will not detract and in fact will add to the style and look of a person. A person may choose to have a selection of buckles to wear with different outfits, all suitable to safely and comfortably carry items.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in its various aspects. specPA2020514 16 2017100658 06 Jun2017 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: Embodiment 1 Embodiment 2 Embodiment 3 1 Buckle 101 Buckle 201 Buckle 10 Belt 110 Belt 210 Belt 12 LHS belt 10 112 LHS belt 10 212 LHS belt 10 14 RHS belt 10 114 RHS belt 10 214 RHS belt 10 16 Cover 116 Cover 216 Cover 18 Decoration 118 Decoration 218 Decoration 20 Body 120 Body 220 Body 22 Space 122 Space 222 Space 224 Belt decoration specPA2020514

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A multipurpose belt buckle for carrying items on a belt, the multipurpose belt buckle including: a buckle body for containing one or more items; a buckle lid, for providing a decorative cover to conceal the items; an attachment means for attaching the buckle body and associated lid to the belt, wherein the contained items are carried securely, out of sight of potential thieves, in a substantially more convenient manner.
2. The multipurpose belt buckle according to claim 1, wherein the items are chosen from the group: cash; credit cards; debit cards; membership or other cards; jewellery; and mobile phone.
3. The multipurpose belt buckle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the decorative cover includes colourful decoration to make the buckle highly desirable to be worn.
4. The multipurpose belt buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the buckle is made of a strong rigid material and protects the contents from physical damage, theft and protects credit cards against unauthorised use.
5. A method of use of multipurpose belt buckle for carrying items having a buckle body for containing the items, a buckle lid for providing a decorative cover to conceal the items, and an attachment means for attaching the body so as to be carried about the body, the method including the following steps:- a) using the buckle on a belt in the usual fashion to encircle a person’s body; b) placing items within the body of the buckle; and c) securing the items within the body of the buckle, whereby the buckle appears as normal clothing while securely containing the items.