GB2503751A - Reusable sheath for fitting to a belt - Google Patents

Abstract

A reusable sheath M which may be fitted to the free end of a belt or strap and which comprises a closed end and two closed sides R. The device M may be fitted with a protuberance P which engages with the belt to maintain the sheath in position.

Description

I

DETACHABLE SHEATH

This invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with the shortening of a clothes belt other than by the manufacturer.

In particular this invention is aimed at improving the untidy appearance of a belt once it has been unprofessionally cut, for example, by the owner. There are numerous fashion belts available with metal or plastic tip enhancements, but none with detachable tips for the purpose of allowing the owner to shorten the belt after purchase. Cutting with scissors, a scalpel, clippers or any other device usually leaves a raw end that may look unsightly. There are currently no self-adjustable belts on the market, which would seem to indicate that the need for a removable sheath has never been identified. However, the need has now arisen due to the invention of a new slimming belt, which can also be use with slimming underwear. The detachable sheath of this invention will overcome this deficit.

The detachable sheaths as described herein, may be created in a variety of ways more commonly using a metal or plastic material. Model one, (figs. 1 and 2) involves the creation of a one part sheath wherein the rough belt end may be inserted into the sheath opening and secured in place by a screw or screws entering via a threaded hole from one side. Any screws would usually be worn towards the body away from public view, later referred to as body facing'.

Model two, (fig. 3) relates to a sheath divided into two parts wherein the portion facing away from the body incorporates an integral rim on the inside so that the two parts fit snugly together. The inside of this portion would also incorporate a small threaded post for insertion into the hole in a belt to stop it from being pulled out. A screw inserted through a hole in the body facing part and into the threaded post will hold the two parts together.

Model 3, (figs. 4 and 5) incorporates fins on either side of the body facing part for sliding into channels on each side of the outward facing portion, making a snug fit. A post will hold the belt in place and two screws entering via threaded holes will stop the whole unit from moving by pressing down on the belt material. Alternatively a threaded post may be used, thus requiring only one hole.

Model four, (fig. 6) preferably utilizes a semi-hard moulded plastic material for a two part construction wherein the two parts will pop' together and spring' apart on both sides. The outward facing portion will incorporate a post to receive a belt hole. A groove on one side into which a small coin or screwdriver may be inserted will enable the sheath to spring apart when twisted. Simple finger pressure will close the sheath. An alternative configuration would incorporate a smooth or toothed cross-bar instead of a post, to prevent the belt from being withdrawn.

Model five, (figs. 7 -10) involves a two part sheath wherein the outward facing portion incorporates a sunken yet minimally protruding threaded screw socket and two side channels. The body facing portion is formed by a fixing plate with a small lip to aid removal, with a hole incorporated to receive a screw. The two parts of the sheath are held together by a screw being inserted through a hole in the fixing plate, then through a hole in the belt, and finally screwed into the threaded socket of the outward facing section.

To shorten a belt using model five, the sheath is first removed by taking out the screw. The fixing plate may then be slid out of position along the two channels. The belt hole is then lifted off the minimally protruding screw socket enabling it to slide out along the two channels. The belt may then be cut anywhere along it's length and the sheath reapplied in the following manner. The newly cut belt end will be slid between the two channels in the outward facing portion. The belt hole will be located over the minimally protruding screw: socket. The securing plate will then be. slid along the two channels avoiding the screw socket which is now embedded in the belt hole. The two parts are then secured in position once more by a screw.

Model six (fig. 11) involves the creation of a one part sheath wherein the rough belt end may be inserted into the sheath opening and gripped securely by teeth incorporated at one end of a flap located within the body. The flap is mounted on a spindle with the ends supported on either side of the sheath. In the open position the belt may be inserted or removed, whereas in the closed position the teeth bite into the belt to stop it from being pulled out. Bumps on both side of the flap will correspond with lipped indentations in the body, so that in the closed position the flap cannot open unexpectedly. Alternatively a similar feature may be incorporated at the end of the flap. An indentation in the body at the flap end will assist with opening when a small implement is inserted and twisted. An alternate configuration would utilize a rigid flap or bar in place of the teeth to press down on, rather than spike the belt material, to stop it from being withdrawn.

Model 7 (fig. 12) involves the creation of a hinged sheath in either metal or plastic with an internal post upon which a belt may be hooked in the open position. A button mechanism, bump and rim, or other suitable securing device will feature on the unhinged edges and may be manipulated to open and close the sheath.

Model 8 (fig. 13) involves the creation of a sheath, as mentioned in model 7 above, wherein one flap incorporates a smooth or toothed cross-bar to press down on the belt when the sheath is closed.

Model 9 (figs. 14 -16) involves a two part hinge-free sheath.

One part incorporates a rim (the rimmed part). The second part has no rim (the un-rimmed part) and the edge of this part will be referred to as the outer edge. The rim will incorporate continuous or intermittent curvatures or bumps on the outer surface, while the un-rimmed part will incorporate suitably shaped protrusions along the inner surface of the outer edge.

These will slide over the above-mentioned bumps when pressure is applied to both parts to close the sheath. One part will incorporate a post to receive the hole in a belt. Alternatively a smooth or toothed bar may be incorporated to press on the belt in the event that no holes are present in the belt. If necessary, blocking pegs could be incorporated at the open end of both parts to ensure that the two parts cannot slide sideways.

A groove to receive a small implement may be suitably located on one edge to aid separation when twisted. It is envisaged that this sheath could also be created in a manner that is rim-free.

It should be noted that all screws may be protected from accidental removal by friction or other movement by the use of a protective cover; the means of application is described in* Models 10 and 11 below.

Model 10 (Figs. 17 -19) involves a detachable sheath preferably but not essentially constructed in two parts and soldered, glued or otherwise joined along the edges to form a single unit after assembly. One part is plain, the other incorporates a suitably shaped groove to receive a wedge on the underside of a screw cover, a threaded hole to receive a screw and a bump upon which the screw cover may be secured. The screw cover incorporates a wedge on the underside so that once inserted into the groove at the open end of the sheath, it may be slid into position to cover the screw. A rim or indentation on one edge of the cover will allow it to lodge securely over a bump in the body to prevent it from sliding open unintentionally. Thumb pressure will cause the cover to open. A rimmed finishing ring or other suitable device may. be fitted to the open end once assembly has taken place, preventing the screw cover from detaching via the entry point. An alternative arrangement would incorporate an inverted T' bar into the base df the cap so that, it may enter the groove lengthwise and be twisted to fix it in place. This, would remain unstable in the open position due to unintended twisting, but become stable when attached to a bump in the body due to the rim or indentation in the screw cover being located at right angles to the inverted T' bar. This arrangement would obviate the necessity for a fixing ring at the opening of the sheath and a shorter groove could be used.

Model 11. (Fig. 20) involves a detachable sheath potentially but not essentially constructed in two parts and soldered, glued or otherwise joined along the edges to form a single unit after assembly. One part is plain, the other incorporates a hole to receive a spindle, a threaded hole for a screw and a bump. A suitably shaped screw cover with a hole or loop on one edge for attachment to the spindle is present, the said cover having a rim or indentation on the underside for locating over a bump in the body. After fitting the spindle ends will be flattened off to prevent extraction. The screw cover is thus able to swivel on the spindle while being secured over the bump to prevent unintentional removal of a screw. Thumb pressure will cause the cover to *open. It may also be possible to incorporate a protrusion in place of a spindle hole and spindle that will act in a similar fashion as it would be a simple matter to shape the tip once the cover is in place so that it does not come off.

Model 12 (Figs. 21 -22) involves a detachable sheath wherein the belt is held in place by a screw and a screw cover will be clipped over a set of bumps surrounding the screw or slide into slots using ridges or protrusions to fit the parts firmly together.

An integral slot in the cover body, into which a screwdriver may be twisted will release the lid.

Model 13 (Figs. 23 -24) demonstrates the use of a screw in the form of a key so that the screw may be wound into the belt material to hold it in place the winder having a hinge that is flush with the body when fully wound and in the bent position allows the winder to lie flat and be secured in place by a number of bumps or another suitable arrangement. A groove in the body or winder will permit the insertion of a small implement such as a screwdriver to raise the winder from its position for subsequent use when the belt needs to be altered. In this manner the screw cannot be removed unintentionally and is locked in position.

It should be seen therefore that this invention offers a solution to the need for a detachable sheath once a belt has been reduced in length, usually in response to weight loss. The invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings.

Figure 1 View of a detachable sheath N comprised of one part only, facing away from the body, with belt in situ.

Figure 2 View of a detachable sheath!Au comprised of one part only, viewed from a body facing perspective with a belt and screw S' in situ.

Figure 3 End-on view of a two part detachable sheath with belt in situ. The outward facing portion D' incorporates a threaded post P', together with a bilateral rim on which the body facing portion N' wilt sit. Part M' incorporates a hole H' to take a screw S'.

Figure 4 A side-on view of the body facing portion of a two part detachable sheath with bilateral fins F' and two threaded holes IH to receive screws S'.

Figure S A side-on view of the outward facing portion of a two part detachable sheath, incorporating bilateral channels C' to receive the fins F' of the body facing part, with integral post P'.

Figure 6 A simultaneous side on view of a two part detachable sheath with nodules N' on the edges of the body facing part.

Receptors Q' on the edges of the outward facing part, will receive the nodules to snap shut. A groove C will assist the opening process and a post P' will hold the belt in position.

Figure 7 A view from the inside of the outward facing portion of a two part detachable sheath with an embedded threaded socket post P', and channels X' and Y' to receive a fixing plate.

Figure 8 A view from the outside of a body facing fixing plate W' with integral finger hold Z' and a hole H'.

Figure 9 A view from the inside of the outward facing portion of a two part detachable sheath with belt in situ and threaded socket post P' inserted through the hole in a belt.

Figure 10 A view from the inside of the outward facing part of a two part detachable sheath with belt in situ, all parts being secured by fixing plate W' and screw 5'.

Figure 11 An overhead view of a detachable sheath, in the form of a single sleeve incorporating an integral flap] that is set on a spindle K'. Teeth V are incorporated into the flap at right angles where it meets the spindle. Bumps E' coincide with the position of lipped indentations F to act on each other. An indentation TQ1 is located at the end of the flap.

Figure 12 An interior view of a detachable sheath in the form of two flaps U' and VT joined on one side by hinges L'. One flap incorporates a post P'. The mechanism to open and close the sheath is located on the edges of both sides at B'.

Figure 13 An interior view of a detachable sheath in the form of two flaps U' V' joined on one side by hinges L'. One flap incorporates a toothed cross-bar T'. The mechanism to open and close the sheath is located on the edges of both sides at B'.

Figure 14 A: side on view of the first part of a two part detachable sheath, incorporating an integral rim 1 with curvatures 2, blocking bumps 3 and a centrally located peg 4.

Figure 15 A side on view of the second part of a detachable sheath, incorporating protrusions on the inside of the outer edge 5, blocking bumps 6 and opening groove 7.

Figure 16 A side on view of an alternative second part of a detachable sheath, incorporating protrusions on the inside of the outer edge 5, blocking bumps 6, opening groove 7 and a toothed cross-bar 8.

FiQure 17 One half of a detachable sheath viewed from the side that will be either joined at the sides to form a single unit or made as a single unit outright.

Figure 18 One half of a detachable sheath viewed from the side as mentioned in Fig. 17 above, incorporating a groove 9 to receive a wedge 10 on the underside of a screw cover 11, the body incorporating a threaded screw hole 12 and a fixing bump 13.

Figure 19 A fixing ring 14 to prevent the screw cover from detaching.

Figure 20 One half of a detachable sheath viewed from the side and as described in Fig. 17 above, incorporating a hole 15 for a spindle 16, a threaded screw hole 17 and a fixing bump 18. 1 Figure 21 A view from above of a detachable sheath incorporating a threaded screw hole 20 and slots, bumps or ridges 21 to which a screw cover may be attached.

Figure 22 A view from above of a screw cover 22 with protrusions 23 to fit slots, bumps or ridges 21 in the body of a detachable sheath. A groove 24 will enable the lid to be raised.

Figure 23 A front on view of a screw type key for a detachable sheath, the lower portion comprising a thread 25, the upper portion a hinge 26 and an attachment in the form of a winding handle 27.

Figure 24 A view from above of a winding handle placed in a detachable sheath showing the hinge 26, the winding handle 27, fixing bumps 28 and a groove 29 to enable the handle to be raised.