US20250311798A1

US20250311798A1 - Adjustable Fastening Device with Integrated Excess Material Management for Belts and Watch Bands

Info

Publication number: US20250311798A1
Application number: US18/627,484
Authority: US
Inventors: shloime klein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-04-05
Filing date: 2024-04-05
Publication date: 2025-10-09

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a flap attachment for a fastening device of a personal accessory, aimed at managing and concealing excess strap material. The invention consists of an elongated piece of flexible material designed to be secured to the inner surface of a personal accessory strap, such as a belt or watch band. This flap attachment features a cavity accessible from an opening at one end, extending towards an opposing end, to accommodate and retain excess strap material when the accessory is worn. The design ensures the excess material is concealed and secured against the strap, enhancing the appearance and comfort of the accessory. Additionally, the invention may be integrated with or detachably coupled to the strap, providing versatility in application.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of personal accessory fasteners, specifically to an adjustable fastening device designed for belts and watch bands. It addresses the management and concealment of excess material to enhance fit, aesthetic appeal, and longevity of the accessory.

BACKGROUND

In the realm of personal accessories, particularly those of belts and wristwatch bands, the traditional buckle mechanism has long been the standard for securing these items around the waist and wrist, respectively. However, this conventional approach is not without its limitations and drawbacks. A significant issue that arises from the use of traditional buckles is the excess portion of the belt or strap that, once threaded through the buckle, hangs loose. This not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of the accessory, giving rise to a disheveled appearance, but also contributes to practical concerns. The visibility of excess belt material, often hanging awkwardly between belt loops, not only compromises the intended stylish appearance but also exposes the belt to wear and tear. This exposure accelerates the fraying and soiling of the belt end, significantly reducing the lifespan of what could be considered a critical fashion element.
Similarly, in the case of wristwatch bands, the protrusion of an extra nub of material beyond the buckle is equally displeasing, detracting from the sleek and polished look that wearers often strive for. Moreover, the issue of sizing presents another challenge with traditional buckle systems. Individuals frequently find themselves in a predicament where they are in between sizes, making it difficult to achieve a fit that is neither too tight nor too loose. This is because the placement of holes or notches on belts and wristwatch straps does not always align with the wearer's precise size, leading to discomfort and inconvenience.
Furthermore, traditional fastening systems do not adequately address the issue of hygiene and maintenance. Excess material that hangs loose can easily trap dirt and debris, creating areas that are difficult to clean and maintain. This not only affects the appearance and longevity of the accessory but also poses hygiene concerns for the wearer.
Recognizing these limitations and drawbacks inherent in traditional buckle systems for belts and wristwatch bands, there has been a clear and present need for an innovative solution. Such a solution would ideally address the challenges of excess material management, provide a comfortable and precise fit for all sizes, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the accessory, and improve overall hygiene and maintenance. It is within this context that the development of a new fastening device has been necessitated, paving the way for an invention that seeks to revolutionize how personal accessories are secured, offering a more practical, aesthetically pleasing, and hygienic solution.
It is within this context that the present invention is provided.

SUMMARY

The invention introduces a flap attachment for personal accessory straps, such as belts and watch bands, to effectively manage and conceal excess strap material, addressing the drawbacks of traditional buckle systems. This innovative device comprises an elongated piece of flexible material, attachable to the strap's inner surface, forming a cavity for inserting and retaining excess material. By doing so, it eliminates the disheveled appearance and wear issues caused by loose-hanging strap ends, offering a cleaner, more tailored look and extending the accessory's lifespan. The flap's design, which can be either integrally formed with or detachably coupled to the strap, along with optional features like guide wings and open-ended configurations, provides a versatile solution to the sizing, aesthetic, and maintenance challenges highlighted in the background.
In some embodiments, the flap attachment includes small guide wings at the cavity opening. These guide wings aid in the insertion of the excess material into the cavity, simplifying the process and ensuring a smoother transition of the material into the concealed space.
Further embodiments allow for the second, opposing end of the flap attachment to be open-ended. This feature accommodates lengths of excess material that exceed the length of the flap itself, providing flexibility and adaptability to various sizes of excess material.
In certain embodiments, the flap attachment is integrally formed with the strap of the personal accessory. This integration offers a seamless design and eliminates the need for separate attachment steps, enhancing the durability and stability of the flap within the accessory's structure.
Alternatively, some embodiments feature the flap attachment as a detachable component. This detachability is achieved through mechanisms such as adhesive attachments or sewing, allowing for the attachment to be added or removed as needed, offering versatility and convenience for the user.
Additional embodiments incorporate a pair of excess material portions along the first and second edges of the flap attachment. These portions facilitate easier attachment of the flap to the strap, improving the overall usability and attachment process.
The material of the flap attachment, in some embodiments, is selected from a group consisting of leather, fabric, synthetic polymer, and combinations thereof. This variety allows for customization and tailoring of the flap attachment to match the aesthetic and functional requirements of different personal accessories.
In conjunction with the flap attachment, a specialized buckle mechanism is introduced. This buckle mechanism is designed to guide excess material inwardly towards the body of the wearer, aligning with the functionality of the flap attachment to conceal and secure excess strap material. This buckle features a unique arrangement of openings and a guide ramp to facilitate this process, enhancing the wearer's comfort and the accessory's appearance.
Each feature of the flap attachment and the buckle mechanism contributes to a comprehensive solution for managing excess strap material in personal accessories. By addressing the need for concealment, security, and ease of use, this invention offers significant improvements over traditional strap management approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric perspective view of the flap attachment designed to manage and conceal excess material of a personal accessory strap.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down view showing the flap attachment coupled to a transparently depicted belt or strap, with excess material threaded through.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom-up view highlighting the flap attachment's integration with the belt's inner surface and showcasing the buckle's guide ramp.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the flap attachment in position on the belt, concealing a portion of the excess material threaded through the buckle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the buckle body, detailing its components including the hinged joint, attachment points, guide opening, and guide ramp.

FIG. 6 shows the belt and buckle from the outside, with the excess material concealed within the flap attachment, achieving a clean aesthetic.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

Definitions

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “flap attachment” refers to a component designed to be affixed to the inner surface of a strap of a personal accessory, such as a belt or wristwatch band. The flap attachment is primarily comprised of an elongated piece of flexible material that is capable of forming a cavity for the purpose of receiving, retaining, and concealing excess material of the strap. The term encompasses various embodiments including, but not limited to, those where the flap is permanently affixed to the strap as well as those where it can be detachably coupled using methods such as adhesives, stitching, or mechanical fasteners.
The term “flexible material” encompasses any material that can be shaped or bent while retaining its structure and providing enough strength to hold or conceal excess strap material. Examples of suitable materials include leather, various fabrics, synthetic polymers (such as nylon or polyester), or combinations thereof. The selection of the material may vary based on the intended application, desired aesthetics, durability requirements, and the specific type of personal accessory it is designed for.
The “cavity” refers to an enclosed or semi-enclosed space formed between the flap attachment and the strap's inner surface, intended to receive and contain the excess material of the strap. The cavity is defined by the construction of the flap attachment, specifically the arrangement of its edges and ends, which may include guide wings or be open-ended to facilitate the insertion and accommodation of excess strap material. The cavity's dimensions and shape are designed to snugly fit and conceal the excess material without adding significant bulk or discomfort to the wearer.
The “buckle mechanism” as used herein refers to a component of the personal accessory strap that is engineered to fasten the strap around the wearer's body part, such as a waist or wrist, and to guide excess material to a preferred location. The buckle mechanism may include features such as a first opening for securing the main portion of the strap, a second opening for receiving excess material, and a guide ramp to ensure that the excess material is directed towards and concealed within the flap attachment's cavity. Example implementations of the buckle mechanism could include traditional pronged buckles, clasp buckles, or magnetic buckles, each modified to incorporate the described features for excess material management.

Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 presents an isometric perspective view of the flap attachment, showcasing the flap body (1) equipped with a pair of excess portions of material (2) located along the first and second edges, designed to enhance the ease of attachment. The first end (3) of the flap body is depicted as forming the entrance to a cavity, equipped with small guide wings for smoother insertion of excess material. The opposite side of the flap body features a second end (4), completing the structural outline of the flap attachment.
FIG. 2 offers a top-down isometric view, illustrating the flap attachment securely coupled to a belt or strap (5). For clarity, the belt or strap is represented with dashed lines to indicate its transparency in this depiction. The attachment is affixed through the use of the excess portions of material (2) along its first and second edges. This view also highlights a segment of excess material from the belt or watch strap (6) that has been adeptly threaded through into the cavity formed by the flap attachment, demonstrating the functional engagement between the flap and the excess strap material.
FIG. 3 provides an isometric view from beneath, focusing on the interaction between the flap attachment and the belt's inner surface. This perspective reveals the outer surface of the flap body (1) overlaying the inner surface of the belt (5), suggesting a seamless integration of the flap attachment with the belt. Additionally, an example buckle (7) is shown, featuring a guide ramp (8). This guide ramp is strategically designed to direct the excess material from the belt or strap towards the inner side, facilitating its entry into the cavity of the flap attachment, thereby ensuring that the excess material is neatly tucked away and concealed.
FIG. 4 displays an isometric side view highlighting the placement of the flap body (1) on the belt (5), with the belt depicted in transparency through the use of dashed lines for clarity. This configuration showcases the flap body as it covers a segment of excess material (6), which has been effectively threaded through the buckle (7) and arranged to rest against the inner surface of the belt. This arrangement demonstrates the practical application of the flap attachment in managing and concealing excess strap material, ensuring it is neatly secured and hidden from view, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the accessory.
FIG. 5 presents a side view of the buckle body (7), detailing its structural components designed for optimal functionality. The illustration includes the hinged joint (11), which facilitates the adjustable fit of the belt. Above the hinged joint, the first opening (10) is shown, serving as the primary attachment point for securing the buckle to the main portion of the belt. Directly beneath this attachment point is the guide opening (9), positioned strategically to receive excess belt material. Below the guide opening, the guide ramp (8) is depicted, its purpose being to direct the excess material towards the inner side of the belt, ensuring it is neatly tucked away and secured. This design not only aids in the aesthetic presentation of the belt but also enhances the wearer's comfort by preventing the excess material from protruding or causing discomfort.
FIG. 6 provides an external view of the belt (5) and buckle (7), illustrating the outcome when the excess material is managed as intended by the invention. In this scenario, the excess belt material has been threaded through the buckle (7), directed to rest on the inner surface of the belt, and securely held within the cavity of the flap attachment. This arrangement ensures that the excess material is completely concealed from view, resulting in a clean and streamlined appearance. The design and functionality of the flap attachment and buckle mechanism work in harmony to eliminate any visual or physical discomfort that typically accompanies traditional belt fastening methods, showcasing the practical and aesthetic benefits of the invention.

CONCLUSION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the fastening mechanism of the invention have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flap attachment for a fastening device of a personal accessory, the flap attachment comprising:

an elongated piece of flexible material configured to be secured to an inner surface of a personal accessory strap;

a first end of the flap attachment forming an opening to a cavity and a second, opposing end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive and retain excess material of the strap;

first and second edges extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first and second edges are attachable to the strap, and wherein a portion of the flap attachment between the first and second edges is not attached to the strap, thereby forming the cavity;

wherein the cavity is accessible from the opening at the first end for insertion of the excess material, and extends towards the second, opposing end to accommodate the excess material within the cavity when the personal accessory is worn, such that the excess material is concealed and secured against the strap.

2. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the flap attachment further comprises small guide wings located at the cavity opening, the guide wings being configured to facilitate the insertion of the excess material into the cavity.

3. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the second, opposing end of the flap attachment is open-ended to allow for the accommodation of lengths of excess material that are greater than the length of the flap attachment itself.

4. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the flap attachment is integrally formed with the strap of the personal accessory.

5. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the flap attachment is detachably coupled to the strap of the personal accessory, the detachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of adhesive attachments and sewn attachments.

6. The flap attachment of claim 1, further comprising a pair of excess material portions along the first and second edges, the excess material portions being configured to facilitate attachment of the flap to the strap.

7. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece of flexible material is made from a material selected from the group consisting of leather, fabric, synthetic polymer, and combinations thereof.

8. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the flap attachment is combined with a buckle mechanism of the personal accessory, the buckle mechanism having a configuration that allows for the threading of excess material from the strap to be directed inwardly towards the body of the wearer when fastened.

9. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the cavity is formed in such a manner that when the personal accessory is worn, the flap and the excess portion it holds are hidden from view, and the excess material is retained snugly against the inner surface of the strap.

10. The flap attachment of claim 1, wherein the first and second edges of the flap attachment include attachment means for securing the flap attachment to the strap, the attachment means selected from the group consisting of stitching, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and combinations thereof.

11. A buckle mechanism for a personal accessory strap, comprising:

a body with a first opening configured to permanently secure a main portion of the strap;

a second opening adjacent to and underneath the first opening, the second opening configured to receive excess material of the strap;

a guide ramp positioned below the second opening, configured to direct the received excess material towards an inner side of the overlapping strap portions when fastened, such that the excess material is guided away from an outer surface to rest on the inner surface of the overlapping portions;

wherein the body further includes a hinged joint adjacent to and underneath the guide ramp, facilitating the movement of the strap for adjustable fitting, the arrangement of the first opening, second opening, and guide ramp being such that the buckle mechanism enables the threading of excess strap material inwards, ensuring the excess material is concealed and positioned closely to the body of the wearer, thereby preventing the excess material from hanging loose.