US20090260191A1 - Belt loop securing device, and related methods - Google Patents
Belt loop securing device, and related methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090260191A1 US20090260191A1 US12/105,399 US10539908A US2009260191A1 US 20090260191 A1 US20090260191 A1 US 20090260191A1 US 10539908 A US10539908 A US 10539908A US 2009260191 A1 US2009260191 A1 US 2009260191A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- plates
- another
- securing device
- pants
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
- A45F5/021—Fastening articles to the garment to the belt
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
- A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
- A45F2200/0566—Tubular, rod-shaped articles, e.g. batons
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
- Y10T24/1382—Receptacle type holder
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
- Y10T24/1394—Article held by clip
Definitions
- the present invention relates to belt loop securing device, and to methods of making and using the belt loop securing device.
- a belt loop securing device featuring a clasp body and a locking clip.
- the clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to permit capture of a belt and/or pants waist edge between the plates.
- the lock clip is movable over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a method of securing a belt to pants.
- a belt is arranged through belt loops of pants.
- the belt is captured with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device.
- the clasp body of the device features a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates.
- the device also includes a protruding lip portion which is engaged with at least one of the belt loops of the pants.
- a locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- a belt is arranged about a waistband of pants, and a clasp body of a belt loop securing device captures the belt and the waistband.
- the clasp body of the device includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt and the waistband between the plates.
- a locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- a fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of securing an equipment holding case to a belt and pants.
- a belt is arranged through belt loops of pants, and a holding case belt loop of an equipment holding case is secured to the belt.
- the belt is captured with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device.
- the clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates.
- a protruding lip portion of the clasp body is positioned to engage the holding case belt loop, and a locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a belt loop securing device in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2A is an exploded front perspective view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1 in an open position
- FIG. 2B is an exploded rear perspective view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 3A is a left side view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A in a closed position
- FIG. 3B is a right side view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A in a closed position
- FIG. 3C is a top view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A in a closed position
- FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A in a closed position
- FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A depicted in use according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4B is a top view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 4A in use;
- FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 1A depicted in use according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the belt loop securing device of FIG. 5A in use.
- a belt loop securing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral 10 in FIGS. 1A , 1 B, 2 A, 2 B, 4 A, 4 B, 5 A and 5 B.
- Belt loop securing device 10 features a clasp body including a front (or first) plate 16 and a rear (or second) plate 18 .
- a front (or first) plate 16 and a rear (or second) plate 18 .
- the terms “front” and “rear” are assigned based on the position in which device 10 is worn, with the “front” plate facing outwardly.
- Plate 16 may serve as the rear plate, and plate 18 may serve as the front plate in use.
- Front plate 16 has an open recessed area 16 a best shown in FIG. 2A , and depicted with dashed lines in FIGS.
- Rear plate 18 has an open recessed area 18 a best shown in FIG. 2B , and depicted with dashed lines in FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 3 C, and 3 D.
- Recessed areas 16 a and 18 a are opposite (or face away from) one another.
- the clasp body may be made of various materials, including metals, metal alloys, and plastics. Particularly useful plastics are relatively sturdy, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride alloy (e.g., sold under the trade name Kydex®), for example.
- ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
- Kydex® thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride alloy
- Rear plate 18 possesses a protruding lip portion (or flange) extending laterally to one side of recess 1 8 a.
- the protruding lip portion provides rear plate 18 with a broader width than front plate 16 .
- front plate 16 may alternatively or additionally possess a protruding lip portion.
- the protruding lip portion(s) may be omitted entirely.
- the protruding lip portion may be fitted over or into a pants belt loop in use to secure a belt in place on the pants.
- the protruding lip may be employed to secure belted equipment in place.
- front and rear plates 16 , 18 are contoured to curve towards one another.
- the upper end portions mate with one another to provide the clasp body with an overall U-shape when viewed from the side, as best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B .
- the upper end portions of front and rear plates 16 , 18 each possess one or more apertures or bores which align with one another when front and rear plates 16 , 18 are mated.
- a hinge (embodied as a pivot pin in the figures) 14 is fitted through the aligned apertures/bores of front and rear plates 16 , 18 .
- Hinge 14 operatively connects front and rear plates 16 , 18 to permit movement of the plates between an open position shown in FIGS. 2A and 21 and a closed position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- front and rear plates 16 , 18 are splayed (or flared) away from one another to permit insertion or removal of a belt and the waistband of a pair of pants.
- front and rear plates 16 , 18 are substantially parallel to one another.
- Hinge 14 can be made of any suitable material for allowing the opening and closing of the clasp body. Metals such as stainless steel are particularly preferable. Although shown as a separate component, it should be understood that hinge 14 may be integrally formed with front plate 16 and/or rear plate 18 .
- device 10 may also be equipped with a biasing member, such as a spring, for urging plates 16 , 18 into the open position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
- a biasing member such as a spring
- biasing can be accomplished with a torsion spring (not shown) surrounding hinge 14 with its opposite ends connected to (e.g., fitted into slots of) plates 16 and 18 , respectively.
- Belt loop securing device 10 further includes a U-shaped locking clip 12 .
- Locking clip 12 may be made of various materials, including metals and plastics. Particularly useful are metals and metal alloys such as aluminum and stainless steel. Plastics (e.g., ABS) also may be selected for locking clip 12 .
- Locking clip 12 may be covered with a decorative or other material to improve its aesthetic appearance and/or match/blend with the clothing of the user.
- the covering material may comprise leather, cloth, or other materials from which cloths are made.
- Movement of locking clip 12 into engagement with the clasp body serves to lock plates 16 , 18 in a closed position. From their open position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , plates 16 , 18 are pressed toward one another into the closed position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B . Locking clip 12 is slid over the top of plates 16 , 18 (adjacent hinge 14 ) until opposite prongs of locking clip 12 are fully received in open recessed areas 16 a and 18 a , respectively. To return the latch body to the open position, locking clip 12 is moved upward to completely disengage from the open recessed areas 16 a , 18 b and clear the top of plates 16 , 18 . Front and rear plates 16 , 18 may then be spayed relative to one another to the open/flared position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
- Assembly of belt loop securing device 10 is accomplished by aligning the apertures or bores of front and rear plates 16 , 18 with one another to form a passage, and inserting hinge 14 into the passage.
- a mechanical fastener or chemical bonding agent or sealant may be used to retain hinge 14 in the passage.
- Conventional molding and/or metal shaping techniques can be employed to form the clasp body, locking clip 12 , and hinge 14 .
- the user puts on a pair of pants 24 and inserts belt 26 through the existing belt loops 24 a of pants 24 . While locking clip 12 is disengaged, front and rear plates 16 , 18 are splayed from one another in their open position and the clasp body is placed over the waistband of pants 24 and belt 26 , which is already received through pants belt loops 24 a .
- the open clasp body is moved downward relative to pants 24 waistband and belt 26 until rear plate 18 is situated to the inside of the waistband of pants 24 , and front plate 16 is situated to the outside of belt 26 .
- Front and rear plates 16 , 18 are moved towards one another into a closed position and locking clip 12 is slid into its locking position shown in FIGS.
- Locking clip 12 causes belt loop securing device 10 to capture and frictionally secure to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding of belt 26 relative to device 10 .
- Belt loop securing device 10 effectively provides an additional belt loop for waistband of pants 24 , and retains the belt 26 in a fixed position next to the waistband of pants 24 .
- belt loop securing device 10 may be positioned at any point around the circumference of the waistband of pants 24 to establish the additional belt loop where needed.
- An advantage of employing belt loop securing device 10 as described in the above embodied method is that device 10 retains belt 26 in place around the waistband of pants 24 , even when pants 24 are partially or completely removed by the user.
- activities such as dressing and restroom use entail unlatching one's belt 26 and adjusting one's pants 24 .
- the weight of some conventional belt buckles occasionally will displace an unlatched belt from its original position, more particularly pulling the non-counterbalanced belt 26 through loops 24 a .
- belt loop securing device 10 obviates this problem by securing belt 26 , even in its unlatched/unbuckled state, to the waistband of pants 24 .
- belt 26 does not unintentionally slide through loops 24 a of pants 24 when the user partially or completely undresses or dresses.
- first and second plates 16 , 18 are splayed from one another into the open position.
- First and second plates 16 , 18 are arranged on opposite sides of belt 26 , at a position along belt 26 adjacent one of pants belt loops 24 a .
- second plate 18 is situated as the “front” plate, positioned on the front side of belt 26 and belt loop 24 a .
- First plate 16 is positioned between the waistband of pants 24 and belt 26 .
- First and second plates 16 , 18 are moved towards one another into a closed position to capture belt 26 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B .
- the protruding lip of second plate 18 is arranged to extend over one of the existing belt loops 24 a of pants 24 , and locking clip 12 is slid into its locking position shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B . (According to a slight modification to this embodied method, the protruding lip may be inserted through the belt loop 24 a .) In its locked position, belt loop securing device 10 captures and is frictionally, fixedly secured to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding of belt 26 relative to device 10 .
- the protruding lip of rear plate 18 essentially serves as a catch in this embodiment, mating with belt loop 24 a of pants 24 to prevent belt 26 from sliding about pants 24 .
- the protruding lip of rear plate 18 is arranged to mate with the pants belt loop 24 a nearer to the weighted buckle end of belt 26 .
- the weight of the belt buckle tends to pull an unlatched belt 26 around the pants waistband towards the belt buckle end.
- sliding displacement of belt 26 along the pants waistband is impeded because belt loop securing device 10 will abut against the mating belt loop 24 a of pants 24 . Because device 10 cannot fit through the mated belt loop 24 a , belt 26 (captured by device 10 ) will not be pulled through the existing belt loops.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate still another exemplary embodiment of a method of the invention.
- Reference numeral 20 represents an equipment holding case
- reference numeral 22 represents equipment partially or completely received in holding case 20 .
- Equipment 22 may comprise, for example, a flashlight, cell phone, beeper, tool, weapon (e.g., knife or pistol magazine holder), keys, personal items, etc.
- a holding case belt loop 20 a of equipment holding case 20 encircles around belt 26 to secure equipment holding case 20 to belt 26 and facilitate the user's accessibility to equipment 22 .
- movement by the user can cause equipment holding case 20 to slide along the length of belt 26 , displacing equipment 22 from its original position and inconveniencing the user.
- belt loop securing device 10 may be positioned to interpose rear plate 18 between the waistband of pants 24 and the rear side of belt 26 , and to position front plate 16 on the opposite front side of belt 26 , thereby effectively capturing belt 26 between front and rear plates 16 , 18 .
- the protruding lip of rear plate 18 is slid into the rear portion of holding case belt loop 20 a as best shown in FIG. 4B .
- the embodied method may be modified slightly to capture/interpose holding case belt loop 20 a in a frictional securing fit between the lip portion of rear plate 18 and the waistband of pants 24 .
- Belt clip 12 is slid over plates 16 , 18 to lock the clasp body in the closed position and secure device 10 to belt 26 .
- belt loop securing device 10 captures and is fixedly secured to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding of belt 26 relative to device 10 .
- the protruding lip of rear plate 18 essentially serves as a catch in this embodiment, engaging holding case belt loop 20 a to prevent holding case 20 and equipment 22 from sliding on belt 26 .
- Equipment holding case 20 and equipment 22 are thereby held in a desired, easily accessible location about pants 24 .
- Belt loop securing device 10 may be sold and distributed by itself or as part of a set or pack, e.g., with a belt and/or equipment holding case 20 . Multiple devices 10 may be used on the same pants 24 to provide additional reinforcement. For pants 24 lacking any existing belt loops 24 a , multiple belt loop securing devices 10 may be placed around the circumference of the pants waistband to retain a belt. It is also within the scope of the invention to use multiple equipment holding cases 20 at the same time on a single belt 26 so that more than one piece of equipment may be stored. Each equipment holding case 20 may be assigned a respective device 10 , or a single device 10 can secure two holding cases 20 , e.g., by modifying rear plate 18 to have lip portions protruding from both of its sides.
- belt loop securing device 10 may be reversible to change the location of rear plate 18 relative to front plate 16 .
- the protruding lip of rear plate 18 projects to the right of front plate 16 , so that the protruding lip can be fitted into a pants loop or holding case loop oriented to the right of device 10 . If the clasp body is reversed by flipping front plate 16 over hinge 14 , the protruding lip of rear plate 18 will project to the left of front plate 16 .
- first open recess portion (identical to 16 a ) may be formed in front plate 16 opposite to open recess portion 16 a
- second open recess portion (identical to 18 a ) may be formed in rear plate 18 opposite to open recess portion 18 a .
- first and second open recess portions (not shown) would serve to receive the opposite prongs of locking clip 12 when the clasp body is in its reversed position.
Abstract
A belt loop securing device featuring a clasp body and a locking clip is provided. The clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to permit capture of a belt and/or pants waistband between the plates. The lock clip is slidable over the clip clasp for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position. A method of securing a belt to pants, and a method of securing an equipment holding case to a belt are also provided.
Description
- The present invention relates to belt loop securing device, and to methods of making and using the belt loop securing device.
- According to a first aspect of the invention a belt loop securing device featuring a clasp body and a locking clip. The clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to permit capture of a belt and/or pants waist edge between the plates. The lock clip is movable over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- A second aspect of the invention provides a method of securing a belt to pants. According to this aspect, a belt is arranged through belt loops of pants. The belt is captured with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device. The clasp body of the device features a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates. The device also includes a protruding lip portion which is engaged with at least one of the belt loops of the pants. A locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, another method of securing a belt to pants is provided. A belt is arranged about a waistband of pants, and a clasp body of a belt loop securing device captures the belt and the waistband. The clasp body of the device includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt and the waistband between the plates. A locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of securing an equipment holding case to a belt and pants. According to this method, a belt is arranged through belt loops of pants, and a holding case belt loop of an equipment holding case is secured to the belt. The belt is captured with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device. The clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates. A protruding lip portion of the clasp body is positioned to engage the holding case belt loop, and a locking clip of the belt loop securing device is placed over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
- Additional aspects of the invention will become apparent upon viewing the accompanying drawings and reading the detailed description below.
- The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In such drawings:
-
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a belt loop securing device in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2A is an exploded front perspective view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1 in an open position; -
FIG. 2B is an exploded rear perspective view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 3A is a left side view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A in a closed position; -
FIG. 3B is a right side view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A in a closed position; -
FIG. 3C is a top view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A in a closed position; -
FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A in a closed position; -
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A depicted in use according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4B is a top view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 4A in use; -
FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 1A depicted in use according to another embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the belt loop securing device ofFIG. 5A in use. - Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in this section in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
- Referring more particularly to the drawings, a belt loop securing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally illustrated by
reference numeral 10 inFIGS. 1A , 1B, 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B. Beltloop securing device 10 features a clasp body including a front (or first)plate 16 and a rear (or second)plate 18. It should be understood that the terms “front” and “rear” are assigned based on the position in whichdevice 10 is worn, with the “front” plate facing outwardly.Plate 16 may serve as the rear plate, andplate 18 may serve as the front plate in use.Front plate 16 has an open recessedarea 16 a best shown inFIG. 2A , and depicted with dashed lines inFIGS. 3A , 3B, 3C, and 3D.Rear plate 18 has an open recessedarea 18 a best shown inFIG. 2B , and depicted with dashed lines inFIGS. 3A , 3B, 3C, and 3D. Recessedareas -
Rear plate 18 possesses a protruding lip portion (or flange) extending laterally to one side ofrecess 1 8a. The protruding lip portion providesrear plate 18 with a broader width thanfront plate 16. Although not shown,front plate 16 may alternatively or additionally possess a protruding lip portion. Optionally the protruding lip portion(s) may be omitted entirely. As discussed in detail below, the protruding lip portion may be fitted over or into a pants belt loop in use to secure a belt in place on the pants. Alternatively, the protruding lip may be employed to secure belted equipment in place. - The upper end portions of front and
rear plates FIGS. 3A and 3B . The upper end portions of front andrear plates rear plates - A hinge (embodied as a pivot pin in the figures) 14 is fitted through the aligned apertures/bores of front and
rear plates Hinge 14 operatively connects front andrear plates FIGS. 2A and 21 and a closed position shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . In the open position ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , front andrear plates FIGS. 1A and 1B , front andrear plates plates FIGS. 4A , 4B, 5A and 5B.Hinge 14 can be made of any suitable material for allowing the opening and closing of the clasp body. Metals such as stainless steel are particularly preferable. Although shown as a separate component, it should be understood thathinge 14 may be integrally formed withfront plate 16 and/orrear plate 18. - Although not shown,
device 10 may also be equipped with a biasing member, such as a spring, for urgingplates FIGS. 2A and 2B . For example, biasing can be accomplished with a torsion spring (not shown) surroundinghinge 14 with its opposite ends connected to (e.g., fitted into slots of)plates - Belt
loop securing device 10 further includes aU-shaped locking clip 12. Lockingclip 12 may be made of various materials, including metals and plastics. Particularly useful are metals and metal alloys such as aluminum and stainless steel. Plastics (e.g., ABS) also may be selected for lockingclip 12. Lockingclip 12 may be covered with a decorative or other material to improve its aesthetic appearance and/or match/blend with the clothing of the user. For example, the covering material may comprise leather, cloth, or other materials from which cloths are made. - Movement of locking
clip 12 into engagement with the clasp body serves to lockplates FIGS. 2A and 2B ,plates FIGS. 1A and 1B . Lockingclip 12 is slid over the top ofplates 16, 18 (adjacent hinge 14) until opposite prongs of lockingclip 12 are fully received in open recessedareas clip 12 is moved upward to completely disengage from the open recessedareas 16 a, 18 b and clear the top ofplates rear plates FIGS. 2A and 2B . - Assembly of belt
loop securing device 10 is accomplished by aligning the apertures or bores of front andrear plates hinge 14 into the passage. A mechanical fastener or chemical bonding agent or sealant may be used to retainhinge 14 in the passage. Conventional molding and/or metal shaping techniques can be employed to form the clasp body, lockingclip 12, and hinge 14. - According to an exemplary method of the present invention, the user puts on a pair of
pants 24 and insertsbelt 26 through the existingbelt loops 24 a of pants 24. While lockingclip 12 is disengaged, front andrear plates pants 24 andbelt 26, which is already received throughpants belt loops 24 a. The open clasp body is moved downward relative topants 24 waistband andbelt 26 untilrear plate 18 is situated to the inside of the waistband ofpants 24, andfront plate 16 is situated to the outside ofbelt 26. Front andrear plates clip 12 is slid into its locking position shown inFIGS. 1A , 1B, and 3A-3D. Lockingclip 12 causes beltloop securing device 10 to capture and frictionally secure to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding ofbelt 26 relative todevice 10. Beltloop securing device 10 effectively provides an additional belt loop for waistband ofpants 24, and retains thebelt 26 in a fixed position next to the waistband of pants 24. Advantageously, beltloop securing device 10 may be positioned at any point around the circumference of the waistband ofpants 24 to establish the additional belt loop where needed. - An advantage of employing belt
loop securing device 10 as described in the above embodied method is thatdevice 10 retainsbelt 26 in place around the waistband ofpants 24, even when pants 24 are partially or completely removed by the user. For example, activities such as dressing and restroom use entail unlatching one'sbelt 26 and adjusting one's pants 24. The weight of some conventional belt buckles occasionally will displace an unlatched belt from its original position, more particularly pulling thenon-counterbalanced belt 26 throughloops 24 a. In the above embodiment, beltloop securing device 10 obviates this problem by securingbelt 26, even in its unlatched/unbuckled state, to the waistband of pants 24. As a result,belt 26 does not unintentionally slide throughloops 24 a ofpants 24 when the user partially or completely undresses or dresses. - According to another exemplary method of the present invention, while locking
clip 12 is disengaged, first andsecond plates second plates belt 26, at a position alongbelt 26 adjacent one ofpants belt loops 24 a. Unlike the preceding embodiment,second plate 18 is situated as the “front” plate, positioned on the front side ofbelt 26 andbelt loop 24 a.First plate 16 is positioned between the waistband ofpants 24 andbelt 26. First andsecond plates belt 26 as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B . The protruding lip ofsecond plate 18 is arranged to extend over one of the existingbelt loops 24 a ofpants 24, and lockingclip 12 is slid into its locking position shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B . (According to a slight modification to this embodied method, the protruding lip may be inserted through thebelt loop 24 a.) In its locked position, beltloop securing device 10 captures and is frictionally, fixedly secured to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding ofbelt 26 relative todevice 10. The protruding lip ofrear plate 18 essentially serves as a catch in this embodiment, mating withbelt loop 24 a ofpants 24 to preventbelt 26 from sliding about pants 24. - Of the two adjacent
pants belt loops 24 a whichdevice 10 is interposed between, preferably, the protruding lip ofrear plate 18 is arranged to mate with thepants belt loop 24 a nearer to the weighted buckle end ofbelt 26. The weight of the belt buckle tends to pull anunlatched belt 26 around the pants waistband towards the belt buckle end. In this embodiment, sliding displacement ofbelt 26 along the pants waistband is impeded because beltloop securing device 10 will abut against themating belt loop 24 a of pants 24. Becausedevice 10 cannot fit through the matedbelt loop 24 a, belt 26 (captured by device 10) will not be pulled through the existing belt loops. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate still another exemplary embodiment of a method of the invention.Reference numeral 20 represents an equipment holding case, andreference numeral 22 represents equipment partially or completely received in holdingcase 20.Equipment 22 may comprise, for example, a flashlight, cell phone, beeper, tool, weapon (e.g., knife or pistol magazine holder), keys, personal items, etc. A holdingcase belt loop 20 a ofequipment holding case 20 encircles aroundbelt 26 to secureequipment holding case 20 to belt 26 and facilitate the user's accessibility toequipment 22. Problematically, movement by the user can causeequipment holding case 20 to slide along the length ofbelt 26, displacingequipment 22 from its original position and inconveniencing the user. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , to overcome this problem beltloop securing device 10 may be positioned to interposerear plate 18 between the waistband ofpants 24 and the rear side ofbelt 26, and to positionfront plate 16 on the opposite front side ofbelt 26, thereby effectively capturingbelt 26 between front andrear plates rear plate 18 is slid into the rear portion of holdingcase belt loop 20 a as best shown inFIG. 4B . (Alternatively, the embodied method may be modified slightly to capture/interpose holdingcase belt loop 20 a in a frictional securing fit between the lip portion ofrear plate 18 and the waistband of pants 24.)Belt clip 12 is slid overplates secure device 10 to belt 26. In its locked position, beltloop securing device 10 captures and is fixedly secured to belt 26 so as to prevent lengthwise sliding ofbelt 26 relative todevice 10. The protruding lip ofrear plate 18 essentially serves as a catch in this embodiment, engaging holdingcase belt loop 20 a to prevent holdingcase 20 andequipment 22 from sliding onbelt 26.Equipment holding case 20 andequipment 22 are thereby held in a desired, easily accessible location about pants 24. - Belt
loop securing device 10 may be sold and distributed by itself or as part of a set or pack, e.g., with a belt and/orequipment holding case 20.Multiple devices 10 may be used on thesame pants 24 to provide additional reinforcement. Forpants 24 lacking any existingbelt loops 24 a, multiple beltloop securing devices 10 may be placed around the circumference of the pants waistband to retain a belt. It is also within the scope of the invention to use multipleequipment holding cases 20 at the same time on asingle belt 26 so that more than one piece of equipment may be stored. Eachequipment holding case 20 may be assigned arespective device 10, or asingle device 10 can secure two holdingcases 20, e.g., by modifyingrear plate 18 to have lip portions protruding from both of its sides. - It should be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses various modifications and alterations to the exemplary embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For example, belt
loop securing device 10 may be reversible to change the location ofrear plate 18 relative tofront plate 16. In the illustrated embodiment, in the front view shown inFIG. 1A , the protruding lip ofrear plate 18 projects to the right offront plate 16, so that the protruding lip can be fitted into a pants loop or holding case loop oriented to the right ofdevice 10. If the clasp body is reversed by flippingfront plate 16 overhinge 14, the protruding lip ofrear plate 18 will project to the left offront plate 16. In this reversed state, the protruding lip can be fitted into a pants loop or holding case loop oriented to the left ofdevice 10. Further modifications to this reversible embodiment may be made. For example, a first open recess portion (identical to 16 a) may be formed infront plate 16 opposite to openrecess portion 16 a, and a second open recess portion (identical to 18 a) may be formed inrear plate 18 opposite to openrecess portion 18 a. These added first and second open recess portions (not shown) would serve to receive the opposite prongs of lockingclip 12 when the clasp body is in its reversed position. - The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments of the invention has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Modifications and equivalents will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art and are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their appropriate equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A belt loop securing device comprising:
a clasp body comprising a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the front and rear plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to permit capture of a belt and/or pants waist edge therebetween; and
a locking clip movable over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
2. A belt loop securing device according to claim 1 , wherein the clasp body further comprises a lip portion projecting laterally from at least one of the plates.
3. A belt loop securing device according to claim 2 , wherein the lip portion is sized to lie over a pants belt loop.
4. A belt loop securing device according to claim 1 , wherein the locking clip comprises front and rear prongs and a connecting portion collectively establishing a substantially U-shape viewed from its side.
5. A belt loop securing device according to claim 4 , wherein the front and rear plates have front and rear open recesses, respectively, facing away from one another for receiving the front and rear prongs, respectively.
6. A belt loop securing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a hinge operatively connecting the front and rear plates to one another.
7. A method of securing a belt to pants, comprising:
arranging a belt through belt loops of pants;
capturing the belt with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device, the clasp body comprising a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates;
engaging a protruding lip portion of the clasp body with at least one of the belt loops of the pants; and
placing a locking clip of the belt loop securing device over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
8. A method according to claim 7 , wherein the protruding lip portion projects laterally from at least one of the plates.
9. A method according to claim 7 , wherein the locking clip comprises front and rear prongs and a connecting portion collectively establishing a substantially U-shape viewed from its side.
10. A method according to claim 8 , wherein the front and rear plates have front and rear open recesses, respectively, facing away from one another for receiving the front and rear prongs, respectively.
11. A method according to claim 7 , wherein the loop belt securing device farther comprises a hinge operatively connecting the front and rear plates to one another.
12. A method of securing a belt to pants, comprising:
arranging a belt about a waistband of pants;
capturing the belt and waistband with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device, the clasp body comprising a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt and the waistband between the plates; and
placing a locking clip of the belt loop securing device over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
13. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the locking clip comprises front and rear prongs and a connecting portion collectively establishing a substantially U-shape viewed from its side.
14. A method according to claim 13 , wherein the front and rear plates have front and rear open recesses, respectively, facing away from one another for receiving the front and rear prongs, respectively.
15. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the loop belt securing device farther comprises a hinge operatively connecting the front and rear plates to one another.
16. A method of securing an equipment holding case to a belt and pants, comprising:
arranging a belt through belt loops of pants;
securing a holding case belt loop of an equipment holding case to the belt;
capturing the belt with a clasp body of a belt loop securing device, the clasp body comprising a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to capture of the belt between the plates;
engaging a protruding lip portion of the clasp body with the holding case belt loop; and
placing a locking clip of the belt loop securing device over the clasp body for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position.
17. A method according to claim 16 , wherein the protruding lip portion projects laterally from at least one of the plates.
18. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the locking clip comprises front and rear prongs and a connecting portion collectively establishing a substantially U-shape viewed from its side.
19. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the front and rear plates have front and rear open recesses, respectively, facing away from one another for receiving the front and rear prongs, respectively.
20. A method according to claim 17 , wherein the loop belt securing device further comprises a hinge operatively connecting the front and rear plates to one another.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/105,399 US20090260191A1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2008-04-18 | Belt loop securing device, and related methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/105,399 US20090260191A1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2008-04-18 | Belt loop securing device, and related methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090260191A1 true US20090260191A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
Family
ID=41199874
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/105,399 Abandoned US20090260191A1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2008-04-18 | Belt loop securing device, and related methods |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090260191A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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US20110271495A1 (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2011-11-10 | Geneva Grainger | Bendable Belt Loop |
US20140073444A1 (en) * | 2012-09-13 | 2014-03-13 | II William R. Dixon | Novelty wagging tail and method of use |
US11540573B1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2023-01-03 | Lateshia L. Brown | Waistband clip |
US11712107B1 (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2023-08-01 | David M. Jennett | Clip for securing an unbuckled belt |
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US20140073444A1 (en) * | 2012-09-13 | 2014-03-13 | II William R. Dixon | Novelty wagging tail and method of use |
US11712107B1 (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2023-08-01 | David M. Jennett | Clip for securing an unbuckled belt |
US11540573B1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2023-01-03 | Lateshia L. Brown | Waistband clip |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |