US20210204659A1

US20210204659A1 - Apparatus and methods for securing a belt used in martial arts and other combative sports

Info

Publication number: US20210204659A1
Application number: US16/734,110
Authority: US
Inventors: John F. Kautz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-03
Filing date: 2020-01-03
Publication date: 2021-07-08

Abstract

An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for releasably securing sections of fabric forming a belt around a user, and in particular a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative activities. The apparatus has an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than a width, divided by a first section and a second section between its end, and thereby having four surface sections. The surface sections can be configured with fastening hooks or receiving loops, or be smooth, to provide fastening surfaces, receiving surfaces, and non-fastening/receiving surfaces. In use the strip of material is looped between and around layers of a belt tied with a knot such that a first fastening surface contacts and adheres to at least a portion of an opposing receiving surface to secure the strip of material in a loop around the layers of the belt in the area of the knot to prevent unraveling during an activity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the material in this patent document may be subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.14.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to a fastening apparatus and method, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for reversibly securing a belt used in martial arts and other combative sports activities when the belt is fastened around the user's body.

2. Background Discussion

In martial arts and other combative sports activities, the participants will typically wear a loose-fitting uniform that will allow free, unconfined motion of the arms, legs and body during the activity. Although there may be slight variations in design and name depending on the martial art, participants in combative sports activities will wear the uniform for training, techniques and competitions. The uniform typically consists of a pair of trousers with a drawstring or elastic waist band and a top or open jacket that is wrapped around the torso of the wearer and kept in place with a fabric belt bearing the wearer's rank.
The belt of the uniform is tied around the waist to secure the jacket with a characteristic knot that leaves both ends of the belt to dangle at each side of the knot. Often, the belt will come loose during training or competition, requiring the participant to stop the activity, re-wrap and re-tie the belt in order to continue. Delays due to belt tying may provide an advantage or benefit to an opponent during competition or may interfere with the flow of instruction or practice. Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for reversibly securing the belt of a martial arts uniform so that it does not unravel during the activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods are provided for releasably securing a fabric belt that is wrapped around a user and tied with a knot. By way of example, and not of limitation, the apparatus can be used to secure the dangling belt “tails” on each side of the knot by reversibly securing the belt tails to a portion of the belt that is engaged with the torso of the user, preferably closer to the knot than to the end of the belt tail. Retention of the belt by the apparatus greatly inhibits the occurrence of knot loosening and the associated delays and inconvenience from re-tying the knot as well as potential interference arising from flapping belt ends.
In one embodiment the apparatus generally comprises an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than the width, with a top surface and a bottom surface that are each divided into a first section and a second section along the length of the strip. The two sections are configured with hook and loop fasteners placed on at least some of the surfaces.
In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the top surface of the second section comprises a soft smooth or plush surface, the bottom surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface that is beneath the first fastening surface so that fastening surfaces are on opposite sides of the strip, and the bottom surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.
In various embodiments, one or both ends of the strip may be reinforced at their tips to provide tabs that can be grasped by the finger and thumb of the user to disengage the hook and loop fastener portions of the strip. The end tips can, for example, be a sewn material or a plastic or rubber piece, or be otherwise reinforced. The end tips may be sized to allow the thumb and fingers to grip the tab and easily separate the joined hook and loop elements. The reinforced end tips of the strip also resist curling of the ends after repeated use as well as fraying of the ends.
In one mode of operation, the strip of material is inserted lengthwise between layers of the secured belt, and looped around the belt and one of the free ends of the knotted belt. One fastening surface of the strip is brought into contact with a receiving surface of the strip to secure the free end to the wrapped portion of the belt. In one embodiment, a bottom receiving surface engages the fastening surface on the opposite top side of the strip. In another embodiment, a top receiving surface engages a fastening surface on the opposite bottom side of the strip.
Further aspects of the technology described herein will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the technology without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The technology described herein will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view of an embodiment of a belt securing apparatus of the present description.

FIG. 2 is a bottom schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken through line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a top plan schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip.

FIG. 5 is a top plan schematic view of a second alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip and a tail end piece.

FIG. 6 is a top plan schematic view of a third alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tip and that has a tapered shape and rounded distal end.

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tip that has a square shape.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the belt securing apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front left side showing an example of how the device can be installed on a belt and how the receiving and fastening sections of the apparatus can be coupled together to secure the belt.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of placement of a belt securing apparatus on each side of the knot of a belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes several embodiments of a securing apparatus for belts for martial arts and other combative sports uniforms of the present description are depicted generally in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates how a belt securing apparatus as described herein can be configured for securing a belt according to an embodiment of the presented technology. FIG. 9 shows a belt secured around the waist or torso of a user with a conventional knot wherein the apparatus is placed on each side of the knot to secure the belt and prevent unraveling according to an embodiment of the presented technology. It will be appreciated that the methods may vary as to the specific steps and sequence and that the apparatus may vary as to structural details without departing from the technology disclosed herein. The method steps are merely exemplary of the order that these steps may occur. The steps may occur in any order that is desired, such that it still performs the intended function of the presented technology.
Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, in a non-limiting preferred embodiment a belt securing apparatus 10 generally comprises a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section 12 and a second section 14 between the first and second ends. The two sections 12, 14 are configured with hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro™ or similar planar fasteners) placed on at least some of the surfaces.
In the embodiment shown, the top surface 16 a of the first section 12 comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 comprises a substantially smooth surface that is preferably soft or plush, the bottom surface 16 b of the first section 12 comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface that is beneath the first fastening surface so that fastening surfaces are on opposite sides of the strip, and the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.
In a variation of the above embodiment (not shown), instead of being smooth the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can also comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has top and bottom fastening surfaces 16 a, 16 b and the second section 14 has top and bottom receiving surfaces 18 a, 18 b.
In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can be smooth, the bottom surface 16 a of the first section 12 can be smooth, and the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface. In this embodiment, there is a single fastening surface 16 a and a single receiving surface 18 b in different sections on opposite sides of the strip.
In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the bottom surface 16 b of the first section 12 can be smooth, the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has a single fastening surface 16 a and the second section 14 has top 18 a and bottom 18 b receiving surfaces.
In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of the first section 12 can be smooth, the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, the bottom surface 16 b of the first section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the first section 12 has a single fastening surface 16 a and the second section 14 has top 18 a and bottom 18 b receiving surfaces.
It will be appreciated that the terms top surface” and “bottom surface” are used herein as relational terms herein and not to denote components or characteristics of the apparatus. For example, the terms “upper surface” and “lower surface” or “first surface” and “second surface” are synonymous with “top surface” and “bottom surface”, respectively.
It will also be appreciated that the terms “first section” and “second section” are used herein as relational terms as well, and that either section can be a “first section” with the other section being a “second section”.
It will further be appreciated that the relative position of the section carrying a hook fastener and the section carrying a loop fastener can be either proximal or distal in strip of material depending on the end that is used as the origin. It will also be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” as used herein are relational terms and can interchanged based on the point of origin.
It will also be appreciated that there are four surfaces that can be patterned with either loops or hooks (two on first section 12 and two on second section 14). The preferred embodiment, however, is a dual hook-patterned fastening section 12 and a single loop-patterned receiving section 14.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, both surfaces 16 a and 16 b of first (fastening) section 12 comprise an outwardly-facing hook-patterned material to form dual fastening surfaces. This configuration promotes attachment of either surface 16 a or 16 b with the loop-patterned surface 18 b of second (receiving) section 14 even if the body of material is twisted.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, surface 18 a of second (receiving) section 14 in this embodiment does not comprise any loop-patterned material so as to form a substantially flat and smooth surface. Preferably, surface 18 a comprises a soft or plush otherwise non-abrasive material or fabric. This may be formed from the backing of the loop material of surface 18 b itself, or by a separate layer (not shown) of soft non-hook or loop (e.g., flat surface) material that is sewn or otherwise attached (e.g. adhesive) to the back side of the second section 14. In another embodiment (not shown), the positions of the loop and plain surfaces of second section 14 can be reversed.
In one embodiment, first section 12 and second section 14 comprise respective lengths of hook and loop material that are sewn together or otherwise attached to form a seam at junction 15, with their sides oriented to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16 a, 16 b, 18 a and 18 b.
In another embodiment, a solid, soft backing material or fabric (not shown) can be used as substrate that runs along the length of the sections 12, 14, and respective segments of the hook and loop material can be oriented and attached (e.g. sewn, adhesive, etc.) to the substrate material to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16 a, 16 b, 18 a and 18 b.
Refer now to the length (L₁, L₂) and width (W) notations in FIG. 1.
While the belt restraining and securing apparatus 10 may comprise a number of sizing configurations, in one embodiment the preferred length L₁of section 12 is approximately 3⅞ inches and the preferred length L₂of section 14 is approximately 5⅜ inches to form a strip of a total of approximately 9¼ inches in length. The preferred width W of the apparatus ranges from approximately ½ inches to approximately ¾ inches and more preferably approximately ⅝ inches. However, it will be understood that these preferred dimensions are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
A child or junior sized belt restraining and securing apparatus may have a preferred length L₁of section 12 of approximately 3¼ inches and the preferred length L₂of section 14 of approximately 4¾ inches to form a strip of a total of approximately 8 inches in length. As with the adult-sized apparatus, the preferred width W ranges from approximately ½ inches to approximately ¾ inches and more preferably approximately ⅝ inches. Here also it will be understood that these preferred dimensions are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
While the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 are shown to comprise a generally elongate rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that any number of shapes and sizes can be used for the apparatus. For example, the corners of the apparatus may be rounded. Alternatively, or in combination with such rounding, a portion of the apparatus body may be tapered along a portion of its length or at an end.
As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 4 through FIG. 7, a tab or otherwise reinforced segment 20 may be located at an end of the apparatus to allow for ease of removal or separation of the hook and loop material to release the apparatus from its secured state (see e.g., FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the tab 20 can comprise a stitched base material so that no additional material for the tab is provided. The end tab 20 may be tapered, rounded, or square so that it can be easily grasped by the thumb and forefinger to attach or separate the sections of the apparatus by the user. The material of tab 20 may be sewn cloth, rubber, vinyl, leather, plastic or other material that provides a location to grip the apparatus and position or separate the fastening and receiving surfaces but does not attach to the hook or loop material. The tab 20 also helps to avoid fraying, curling or separation of the ends of the apparatus from repeated attachments and release of the hook and loop fasteners over time.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the tab 20 comprises a flexible material stitched onto the base material or simply reinforcing stitching in the base material so that no additional material for the tab is provided. The embodiment of FIG. 5 not only comprises a distal tab 20 but also comprises a proximal tab 22 of a material that does not couple to the hook or loop sections. The proximal tab 22 in this embodiment provides a similar end fraying avoidance function to that of the distal tab 20 and is preferably smaller is size than the distal tab 20. The distal tab 20 and proximal tab 22 are preferably flexible and resilient. In one embodiment, the distal tab 20 and/or proximal tab 22 comprise reinforcing stitching in the base material so that no additional material for the respective tab is provided.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tab 20 is formed from a ridged rubber material or the like. The rigid tab provides the user with tab surfaces to grip and pull to separate the fastening and receiving portions of the strip or to align the fastening and receiving portions while securing the belt.
Refer now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. A belt of the type described herein is normally worn by wrapping it around the user's body twice and tying a knot in the belt. The result is that there will be two layers of belt material circumscribing the user's body and a third layer dangling as tails on each side of the knot. A first layer 26 is closest to the waist/torso of the user. A second layer 28 is adjacent to and outward from the first layer. Both the first and second layers are held tight or semi-tight around the waist/torso when the knot is tied. The third layer 30 is formed by the remaining tails of the belt on each side of the knot 34 that are outward from the second layer, and which are unrestrained and can flop around.
In one embodiment, to secure the belt the user first orients the apparatus with the hook surface 16 b and loop surface 18 b facing away from the user and with the distal end (the end with tab 20) oriented upward. Next the user inserts the proximal end and a portion of the apparatus downward between the first 26 and second 28 layers of the belt. The user then takes the distal end, loops the distal end and a portion of the apparatus over the outward facing portion of third layer 30 (belt tail), and loops the distal end below the third, second and first layers and upward behind the first layer (between the backside of the first layer and the user's body) so that the smooth soft surface 18 a is closest to the waist/torso of the user. Finally, the user takes the distal end and loops the apparatus back on itself away from the user and above the first, second and third layers such that the hook material surface 16 a is received on secured to the soft loop material surface 18 b and the tab 20 faces outward. Once attached, a loop is formed that holds the belt in place and prevents or inhibits the belt 24 unraveling during activity. Only the smooth soft surface 18 a is exposed (all hook material 16 a, 16 b and loop material 18 b is secured inward) so as not to create a rough or catching surface/texture that could be bothersome to the user.
It will be appreciated that FIG. 8 illustrates how the apparatus would be used when a belt is wrapped around the user's torso twice as is customary. However, the apparatus can also be used when the belt encircles the user's torso only once. In that configuration (e.g., where third layer 30 is not present and second layer 28 comprises the belt tail, the apparatus would be inserted between those two layers and looped around the layers of the belt as described. The apparatus can similarly be used when there are additional layers. Accordingly, the apparatus is suitable for use with a belt that encircles the user's torso one or more times.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the apparatus can be used to releasably secure a section of a combative sports uniform cloth belt 24 of a user in accordance with the present description. Preferably a pair of the apparatus are used to loop around the belt at desired locations on either side of the knot 34 to keep an area between the free ends 32 and the knot 28 secure, thereby preventing the knot 34 from loosening and the belt 24 from unraveling during activity. It will be appreciated that a pair of the apparatus are shown and described but any number can alternatively be used to carry out the securing method described above.
From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.
2. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.
3. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.
4. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.
5. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.
6. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip of material is configured for at least a portion of the strip to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.
7. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip of material is configured for at least a portion of the strip to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.
8. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.
9. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.
10. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.
11. A method for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the method comprising: (a) providing an apparatus of any preceding embodiment; and (b) inserting at least a portion of the strip of material between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looping the strip around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.
As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.”
As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.
As used herein, the terms “substantially”, “approximately” and “about” are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ±10% of that numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%. For example, “substantially” aligned can refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to ±10°, such as less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°, less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equal to ±1°, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1°, or less than or equal to ±0.05°.
Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimes be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.
Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the disclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed as a “means plus function” element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. No claim element herein is to be construed as a “step plus function” element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “step for”.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second section between the first and second ends;

(b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a second surface;

(c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

6. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising:

(c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

10. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising:

(c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of said smooth surfaces comprises a soft or plush surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said smooth surfaces comprises a soft or plush surface.

16. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising:

(c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

21. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising:

(c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide a second receiving surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.