Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to technical and functional improvements to a
conventional belt, especially those made of leather, although the improvement
in
question may be applied to belts made of other materials; such improvement
further consists in providing an elastic means so that, after putting the belt
on and
appropriately adjusting it to the waist, it can automatically increase or
decrease its
circumference, especially when the user changes position from the standing to
sitting, because in this position the scapular region suffers a slight
increase to
accommodate the abdomen. This elastic effect allows the belt, that is already
adjusted to the body, to expand or contract according to the need of the
person's
body when wearing it, providing more comfort to the user, especially when
sitting,
eliminating the feeling of a tight belt that causes discomfort and usually
occurs in
the sitting, squatting or similar positions.
Prior art
Currently there are some ways a common belt can automatically undergo
minor adjustments after being adjusted to the waist, as taught in documents:
BR6400148, BR7500699, BRMU8701236, BRP10801535, CN201409494,
DE19955279, TVVM360586, US4578827, US6681406, US2005015853 and
W02011034333. Some have very complicated devices at the belt buckle for the
automatic adjustment, while others use an elastic section, as taught in
US6681406,
i.e., a short segment of elastic material is brought into a suitable position
of the belt
length, usually near the buckle. In this condition, said elastic segment
allows the
belt to increase and decrease the circumference self-adjusting to the user's
waist,
therefore, it provides the desired comfort, i.e., eliminates that feeling of
tightness in
the waist area when sitting.
Although conventional means allow the belt to self-adjust to the user's body,
it was noted that such devices could be further improved, because, in all
cases
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found, the elastic strap is permanently apparent, which negatively alters the
design
of the belt design and even changes its style, negatively affecting the
overall
appearance of the clothing.
Objects of the Invention
The main object of the invention is to provide fully embedded elastic and
telescopic means, so that the belt, after being adjusted to the waist, can be
automatically adjusted by increasing and decreasing its circumference
sufficiently
to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when
sitting
down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight
belt.
Another object of the invention is to maintain the external visual appearance
of the belt unchanged, i.e., close to the buckle; said belt is split and, at
this point,
only a fine line is visible and also at this point, one side of the belt
embeds the
elastic means and a telescopic guide, consequently, the said split ends move
away
only when the belt is automatically adjusted to "larger", such as when the
user sits
down, going back to its normal position when the user stands up.
Maintaining the same functional concept, the present invention offers
different embodiments for said elastic means.
Description of the drawings
For a better understanding of the present Invention, a detailed description of
the same is provided, with reference to the accompanying drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing the belt according to the present
invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt;
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FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of section A-A shown in the previous figure,
showing the internal details of the belt;
FIGURE 4 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting the
elastic
means to the automatic adjustment to the user's waist;
FIGURE 5 depicts an isometric view of the belt according to a constructive
variation;
FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of the belt;
FIGURE 7 shows an enlarged view of section shown in the previous figure;
FIGURE 8 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting the
elastic
means of constructive variation to its automatic adjustment to the user's
waist;
FIGURES 9 and 10 are perspective views highlighting the construction of the
guide
tongue as a continuing part that configures the attachment points of the
buckle and
the loop;
FIGURE 11 is a front angle perspective view showing the first constructive
version
of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;
FIGURE 12 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of Figure 11;
FIGURE 13 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of Figure 11;
FIGURE 14 is a bottom view of the belt of Figure 11;
FIGURE 15 shows a view of the section C-C shown in Figure 13, particularizing
the
internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first
constructive
version;
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FIGURE 16 represents a view of section D-D indicated in Figure 14, also
showing
internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first
constructive
version;
FIGURE 17 is a view of section E-E shown in Figure 16;
FIGURE 18 shows a view of section F-F shown in Figure 16;
FIGURE 19 is a front angle perspective view, equal to Figure 11, but in this
case
the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are extended;
FIGURE 20 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of Figure 12, also
showing the extended elastic means;
FIGURE 21 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt equal to Figure 13,
and,
likewise, in this case the elastic means are extended;
FIGURE 22 is a bottom view of the belt equal to Figure 14, but showing the
extended elastic means;
FIGURE 23 shows a view of section G-G illustrated in Figure 21,
particularizing the
operation of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first
constructive
version, and in this case, such elastic means are fully extended;
FIGURE 24 is a front angle perspective view showing the second constructive
version of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt;
FIGURE 25 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of Figure 24;
FIGURE 26 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of Figure 24;
FIGURE 27 shows a view of section H-H shown in Figure 26;
FIGURE 28 is a bottom view of the belt of Figure 24;
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Figure 29 shows a view of section I-I indicated in Figure 26, as well as other
three
enlarged details, two cross-sections and a perspective view, particularizing
internal
details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the second
constructive
version;
FIGURE 30 is an isometric view of section I-I indicated in Figure 26, also
showing
the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the
first
constructive version;
FIGURE 31 is a front angle perspective view equal to Figure 24 showing the
second constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means
of the
belt are extended;
FIGURE 32 shows a rear angle perspective view of Figure 25, but in this case
the
self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;
FIGURE 33 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of Figure 31;
FIGURE 34 is a bottom view of the belt of Figure 31;
FIGURE 35 shows a view of section J-J shown in Figure 33, particularizing the
internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the second
constructive version;
FIGURE 36 is an isometric view of section J-J shown in Figure 33, also showing
the internal details of the extended self-adjusting elastic means of the belt
of the
second constructive version;
FIGURE 37 is a front angle perspective view showing the third constructive
version
of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;
FIGURE 38 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of Figure 37;
FIGURE 39 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of Figure 37;
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FIGURE 40 is a bottom view of the belt of Figure 37;
FIGURE 41 shows a view of section K-K shown in Figure 39, particularizing the
internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first
constructive
version;
FIGURE 42 is an isometric view of section K-K indicated in Figure 39, also
showing
the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the
third
constructive version;
FIGURE 43 is a front angle perspective view equal to Figure 37 showing the
second constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elastic means
of the
belt are extended;
FIGURE 44 shows a rear angle perspective view of Figure 38, but in this case
the
self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;
FIGURE 45 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of Figure 43;
FIGURE 46 is a bottom view of the belt of Figure 43;
FIGURE 47 shows a view of section L-L shown in Figure 45, particularizing the
internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the first
constructive
version; and
FIGURE 48 is an isometric view of section L-L indicated in Figure 45, also
showing
the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt of the
third
constructive version.
Detailed description of the invention
According to the illustrations and their details, more particularly Figures 1,
2
and 3, the present invention, BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST, is made
from flexible material, such as leather, forming a long strap (1), which
constitutes
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the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with
a free
gap (2), like a flattened tube, as also one of the ends of the strap, after
being
folded (3), receives, normally, at least one belt loop (4) and a conventional
coupling
device (5) which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure;
however, any of them may provide sufficient means for adjusting and quickly
coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap (1), so that the belt can be
comfortably fitted to the user's waist and can also be removed with equal
ease.
The present BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST is characterized in
that, initially, it is split at a point next to the fold (3), forming two
adjacent ends (6)
and (7) on the side of the fold (3) and, on this side, said end receives in
its free gap
(2) the end of an elastic strap (8) and the end of a guide tongue (9), the
latter
having its other end freely positioned within the gap (2) on the other end (6)
of the
strap (1), inside of which it is also fixed the other end of the elastic strap
(8) which,
in turn, is held with sufficient tension to pull the ends (6) and (7) of the
strap (1) and
keeping them together, making such junction point virtually invisible, hence
the
proposed improvement does not interfere in the design of the belt, maintaining
its
original impeccable appearance.
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic strap (8) and the guide
tongue (9) are moved telescopically inside the belt on the side of end (6)
providing
fully embedded means so that the belt (1), after being adjusted to the waist,
can be
automatically adjusted, the circumference of the belt increasing or decreasing
sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position,
mainly
when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable
sensation
of a tight belt.
With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7, in another preferred embodiment, the
elastic strap (8) and the guide tongue (9) are interconnected at their ends,
while
their opposite ends are fixed, respectively, inside end (6) and inside end
(7),
therefore, the same elastic effect is obtained, as shown in Figure 8, where
the two
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tensioned parts can be seen and, in this case, the tongue moves outwards and
inwards in order to self-adjust.
Figures 4 and 8 show the extended belt, i.e., in Figure 4 the elastic strap is
stretched beyond the necessary, exposing the tip of the guide tongue which
normally remains inside the belt (1), thus demonstrating the inwards and
outwards
movement of the elastic strap (8) and guide tongue (9).
In Figure 8, the situation is the same, showing the elastic strap (8)
stretched
beyond the necessary, as the junction with the guide tongue (9) always remains
inside the belt.
Figures 9 and 10 emphasize the fact that the guide tongue is formed by a
continuation of the anterior or posterior wall of the fold (3) which
configures the
fastening point of the buckle (5).
As can be seen from the above, the elastic strap (8) and the guide tongue
(9) are moved telescopically inside the belt (1), providing the fully embedded
means so that said belt (1), after being adjusted to the waist, can be
automatically
adjusted, increasing or decreasing the circumference sufficiently to provide
the
comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and
standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt,
and this
effect is reversed when the user returns to the standing up position and, in
this
position, the elastic means practically disappears, leaving only a fine line,
which
does not interfere in the design of the clothing.
As already stated, the present invention includes three additional
constructive versions to provide the same elastic effect described above.
The first constructive version illustrated in Figures 12 to 18 is
characterized
in that it comprises two movable elements, also in the form of straps, one
elastic
inner element (11) and an outer sliding finishing element (12) which, besides
being
joined together by one of their ends, also attach the belt loop (4) and the
coupling
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device (5), while on the opposite side they are coupled to the corresponding
end of
the flexible strap (1), these couplings, in the case of the finishing element
(12)
slides and compensates for the stretching and shrinking of the elastic inner
element (11).
The outer sliding finishing element (12) is a folded strap which has the same
width as the flexible strap (1) and, on the folded side, forms a volute (13)
which is
complete with a transversal seam (14), which configures and articulated point
for
fixing the coupling device (5), while at the opposite ends, parts (15) and
(16) of the
finishing element (12) extend, respectively, along the outer and inner faces
of the
flexible strap (1) which, in turn, at this portion, has a longitudinal slot
(17) where a
transverse pin (18) runs through, having its ends fixed in said parts (15) and
(16),
wherein said pin and slot form the limiting means for the stretching and
shrinking
course of the elastic element (11).
The elastic element (11) has one end fixed by the seam (14), while on the
other side its parts (19) and (20) extend, respectively, along with the outer
and
inner faces of the flexible strap (1) and are joined by transverse seams (21).
Logically the elastic element (11) can be a simple single strap having its
ends equally anchored, respectively, on either side of the strap (1) and on
the
coupling device (5), which has the same functional effect.
Figures 19 and 23 show the operation of the first constructive version, i.e.,
in
such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its
circumference. In
this case, in Figures 19 and 20 the slot (17) is visible; however, the same
can be
embedded and, for this, the parts (15) and (16) may present a longer length
after
the pin (18), sufficient to keep said slot (17) always hidden; however, these
and
other changes do not interfere with the operation of the assembly, best
observed in
Figure 23, where it is apparent that the device (5), which is a buckle, has
been
pulled enough to cause the stretching of elastic element (11) and, at the same
time, the finishing element (12) also slides, logically guided by the slot
(17) through
the pin (18). Note that the length of the slot (17) limits the stretching and
shrinking
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of the element (11), thus completing the embedded means for said belt (1),
after
adjusting to the user's waist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing or
decreasing its circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when
the
user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again,
eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt, and this effect is
reversed
when the user stands up again, without losing the initial adjustment of the
belt.
The second constructive version is illustrated in detail in Figures 24 to 30,
where it appears that the same, as in the previous version, comprises a long
flexible strap (1), which is the belt itself, obtained from any material
compatible for
this purpose, including having one end with at least one loop (4) and a
conventional coupling device (5) which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a
more
complex closure; however, any of them may provide sufficient means for
adjusting
and quickly coupling or uncoupling of the other (not illustrated) end of the
strap (1),
so that the belt can be comfortably fitted to the user's waist and can also be
removed with equal ease.
The second constructive version shown in more detail in Figure 29, is
characterized by having the corresponding end of the flexible strap (1) folded
to the
inside, forming a short opposing portion (22) which, in turn, creates an
extreme
volute (23), in which passes the pivot axis (24) of the device (5) and also
forms the
fixing point for the belt loop (4), wherein said volute (23) is longitudinally
elongated
enough to form a longitudinal gap (Y) for the displacement of the device (5).
The second constructive version further comprises an internal elastic
element (25) fixed between the opposing portion (22) and the flexible strap
(1), as
well as a coupling (26) connecting the corresponding end of said elastic
element
(25) with the axis (24) of the device (5) which, in turn, is normally kept
pulled
inwards up to the point (a) by said elastic element (25), which is capable of
stretching to the point (b) when the device (5) is forced out (f). The points
(a) and
(b) define the course of stretching the strap (1), that is, define the natural
diameter
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of the belt when the same is worn and the major diameter when the belt is
forced
on the user's waist.
The elastic element (25) is a folded strap forming two opposing parts (27)
and has an end that passes through a transverse slot (28) of the coupling (26)
which, in turn, has the other curved end (29) coupling with the axis (24),
while
opposite ends of the opposing portions (27) are fixed by a seam (30) between
the
opposed parts of the portion (22) and the strap (1), providing other fixing
points
with side seams (31) between said parts of the opposing portion (22) and the
strap
(1) which, in this case, maintains the elastic element (25) free, so that the
same
can extend and shrink having only the seam (30) and the axis (24) as a support
point.
Figures 31 to 36 show the operation of the second constructive version, i.e.,
in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its
circumference.
The operation of the assembly is better observed in Figures 35 and 36, where
it is
apparent that the device (5), which is a buckle, has been pulled enough to
cause
the stretching of element (25) up to the limit of the gap (y), thus providing
fully
embedded means so that the belt (1), after being adjusted to the user's waist,
can
be automatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing its circumference
sufficiently
to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when
sitting
down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight
belt.
Finally, the third constructive version is illustrated in Figures 37 to 42,
where
it is found that the assembly includes all construction details of the second
version,
the only difference being the volute (33) which, in this case, is an
additional piece
of a different material from that used in the flexible strap (1) and,
therefore, said
volute (33) is a thinner piece of a substantially flexible and elastic
material,
sufficiently to be also stretched when the device (5) is pulled out.
In this case, the elastic complementary piece (33) is capable of maintaining
the normal shape when the elastic assembly is shrunk. In this condition such
part
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(33) maintains its normal appearance and there is no alteration in its size or
position. On the other hand, this does not happen when the device or buckle
(5) is
forced out to increase the diameter of the belt, because in this condition,
said part
(33) is stretched in the same proportion, returning to its normal position
when the
device or buckle (5) ceases to be forced out, said part (33) decreasing again,
giving the impression that there is no movement in this region of the belt.
Figures 43 to 48 show the operation of the third constructive version, i.e.,
in
such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase of its
circumference. In
this case, the operation is exactly the same as described for the second
version,
taking into consideration only the fact that the stretching of the elastic
part (33) is
not illustrated; therefore, it is understood that this effect also occurs when
the belt
is forced to its larger diameter.
