US20150272249A1

US20150272249A1 - Garment Belts and Methods of Adjusting a Garment

Info

Publication number: US20150272249A1
Application number: US14/665,807
Authority: US
Inventors: Justin W. Glenn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-23
Publication date: 2015-10-01

Abstract

A garment belt includes a first attachment device at a first end of the belt, the first attachment device being configured to attach over a first belt loop on a garment. A second attachment device is on a second end of the belt, the second attachment device being configured to attach over a second belt loop on a garment. An adjustment piece can be disposed along the belt strap between the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device. A method of adjusting a garment by providing a belt having a pair of opposing attachment devices and a belt strap extending between the first and second attachment devices. The method includes attaching the first attachment device to a first belt loop on a garment and attaching the second attachment device to a second belt loop on the garment.

Description

RELATED PATENT DATA

This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/972,652, which was filed on Mar. 31, 2014, entitled “Garment Belt”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to belts for garments and methods of adjusting garments.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, belts for pants and other garments are configured to encircle the wearer's waist, with the belt typically passing through numerous belt loops attached around the waistband of or around the waist region the garment. It can sometimes be cumbersome to place the belt through all the loops. Full-length belts can additionally cause the garment to pucker around the waist, often with puckering occurring non-symmetrically. Additionally, traditional belts are sized to fit specific waist sizes. Accordingly, if the wearer's waist size increases or decreases, a different belt size is in order, necessitating purchase of a new belt. Full-length belts may be expensive and may be difficult to find in certain size ranges. It would be advantageous to provide alternatives to traditional, full-length belts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention encompasses a novel garment belt. The belt is configured for utilization with garments that have belt loops such as outerwear, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. The belt can attach to, for example, two of the belt loops on the garment and can be configured to provide tightening between the two loops.
The invention additionally encompasses methods of adjusting a garment utilizing belt embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view depiction of a garment belt in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view depiction of the garment belt illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a front view depiction of garment belt hardware associated with the garment belt illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a front view depiction of a garment belt strap of the belt depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front view and bottom view depictions, respectively, of one belt attachment hardware configuration in accordance with the aspect of the invention represented in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front view and bottom view depictions, respectively, of belt adjustment hardware in accordance with the aspect of the invention represented in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front view and bottom view depictions, respectively, of another belt attachment hardware configuration in accordance with the aspect of the invention represented in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are front view, side view and back view depictions, respectively, of a belt strap in accordance with the aspect of the invention represented in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a top view representation of the belt embodiment of FIG. 1 shown in alignment with the front of a garment.

FIG. 7B is a front view representation of the belt embodiment of FIG. 1 shown associated with the front of a garment.

FIG. 8A is a front view representation of an alternate embodiment of a garment belt in accordance with another aspect of the invention, shown associated with the front of a garment.

FIG. 8B is a bottom view depiction of the garment belt depicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a garment belt in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of another garment belt in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a piece of belt hardware of the belt configuration depicted in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a garment belt in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a piece of belt hardware if the belt configuration depicted in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The invention encompasses various embodiments of garments belts that extend between two belt loops of a garment. The two belt loops can be adjacent to one another or can be separated by one or more additional belt loops. The belt can extend across a front of a garment, across the back of a garment, across a side of a garment, across a front and a side of a garment, etc. In particular aspects, a belt of the invention can extend between two adjacent belt loops across the front of a garment.
The belts of the invention can be utilized with various garments, including but not limited to pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, jackets and other outerwear. The belts can be utilized to adjust the size of the garment and/or to give a garment a more fitted appearance. The belts can also be utilized to provide a support for carrying items such as accessories, devices and tools (e.g. cell phones, knives, adornments, etc.).
One aspect of the invention is generally described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Referring initially to FIG. 1, such depicts a garment belt 10. Belt 10 can have a first attachment device 12 and a second opposing attachment device 14. Attachment devices 12 and 14 can be configured to attach independently to two belt loops of a garment. Attachment devices 12 and 14 can be identical to each other or can have differing configurations. Belt 10 of FIG. 1 is an example configuration having first attachment device 12 of a first configuration, and having second attachment device 14 of a configuration that differs from device 12.
The two attachment devices can be independently selected from a variety of attachment hardware including but not limited to hooks, clips, clasps and snaps. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, first attachment device 12 is depicted as a hook type device. The hook configuration of device 12 is also depicted in FIG. 3. The depicted hook configuration has a front portion 20, a back portion 24 and a side portion 22 that extends between front portion 20 and back portion 24. The hook device can be configured to attach one end of the belt to a first belt loop by sliding back portion 24 of the hook behind the first belt loop such that front portion 20 lies over the front of the first belt loop (see FIG. 7B). The hook can be flat as depicted, or can comprise curved front, side and/or back portions.
Where first attachment device 12 has a hook configuration, the depth of the hook portion d₁, (the distance from the front of the hook to the back of the hook) can preferably be sufficiently deep to allow ease of attachment over a belt loop. The depth d₁is not limited to a particular value and can vary depending upon the type of garment. Depth d₁can in some instances be, for example, about 0.5 inches. Attachment device 12 can preferably be configured such that a length, L₁, of front portion 20 is greater than a length L₂of back portion 24, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3.
Attachment device 12 can comprise a slot 21 (visible in FIG. 3) through which a belt strap 16 can pass. Slot 21 has a width W₂that is smaller than a width W₁(FIGS. 2A and 3A) of attachment device 12. W₂can preferably be slightly greater than a width W₇of strap 16 (discussed below with reference to FIG. 6) to allow the strap to rotate within and slide through slot 21.
Second attachment device 14 can be a hook (not shown) that can have the same configuration as device 12, or can have a hook configuration that differs from device 12. In the belt configuration shown in FIG. 1, attachment device 14 is a clip having an example clip configuration. Clip 14 is shown to have a flat front portion 26 having an overall length L₃. Front portion 26 can alternatively be curved. Length L₃of clip 14 can be the same as the length L₁of device 12 or can be different. Clip 14 has a side portion 28 and a back portion 30, with side portion 28 connecting the front and back portions of the clip. Back portion 30 is not limited to a particular length L₄. In particular aspects, length L₄of back portion 30 of clip 14 can be less than length L₃of front portion 26.
The configuration of clip 14 of FIG. 1 is illustrates as being a belt-clip type attachment. It is to be understood that the invention contemplates use of alternative clip types including but not limited to catch clips, spring clips, tension clips, pinch clips, etc. Clip 14 is configured to allow back portion 30 to slide behind a belt loop until side portion 28 contacts the belt loop. Front portion 26 remains across the front of the belt loop (see FIG. 7B) it the attached position.
Attachment device 14 can comprise a slot 31 (FIG. 5A) though which strap 16 can pass. Slot 31 can preferably have slot length W₂that is equivalent to the length of slot 21 of device 12, however non-equivalent slot lengths are contemplated. In particular instances, attachment devices 12 and 14 can each be clips, with the two clips being of the same or differing configurations.
Attachment devices 12 and 14 can be fabricated from one or more of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastics, wood, metal material (e.g. steel, aluminum, copper), and plated metals (e.g. gold, silver, nickel). The two attachment devices can comprise identical material(s) or can contain one or more differing materials.
Still referring to FIG. 1, belt strap 16 extends between attachment devices 12 and 14. Strap 16 can pass through the strap slots 21 and 31 of the opposing attachment devices 12 and 14. In particular aspects, strap 16 can comprise a slide stop end 17 that prevents strap 16 from sliding completely through slot 31. An opposing end 39 of the strap is free of any slide stop to allow insertion through each of the two slots 21 and 31.
Materials that can be utilized for the strap include but are not limited to nylon, fabric materials, knotted material, rope, hemp, woven material, leather, bungee material, elastic material, chain, or combinations thereof.
In particular embodiments, the belt strap will consist of a single contiguous piece of strap material. Where the strap consists of s single piece, adjustment hardware device 18, such as a bar slide buckle, can be used to adjust the length of the belt. Alternatively, the strap can be provided in two pieces that can be joined by a joining buckle or other end-joining device (not shown). Belt adjustment device 18 can in particular instances be a bar slide buckle having a pair of openings 35 (FIG. 4A). Alternative slide buckles are contemplated.
Adjustment device 18 can comprise any of the materials or combinations of materials set forth above with respect to attachment devices 12 and 14.
Where belt 10 comprises a bar slide type adjustment device 18, free end 39 of belt strap 16 can be threaded through slot 31, from back to front, of attachment device 14 until slide stop 17 reaches the slot, thereby anchoring the strap. The free end of strap 16 can then be threaded through the slots of adjustment device 18 (from back to front to back) as illustrated in FIG. 1. The free end of the strap can then be passed through the strap slot of attachment device 12 from front to back. The free end is subsequently treaded again through adjustment device 18 from back to front to back behind the previously threaded portion of the strap. It is to be understood that the strap may alternatively be introduced first through adjustment device 12 and subsequently through device 14 such that slide stop portion 17 is retained by attachment device 12 and the strap is threaded through adjustment device 18 in the opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 1.
Referring next to FIG. 2A, such shows a front view of the garment belt depicted in FIG. 1. As illustrated, in the assembled configuration belt strap 16 extends between a pair of opposing attachment devices 12, 14. Adjustment device 18 can be positioned centrally between the pair of opposing attachment devices as shown. Alternative positioning of adjustment device 18 is contemplated and may be achieved by sliding device 18 closer to one end of the belt prior to tightening of the strap.
FIG. 2B shows belt hardware in an absence of the belt strap. In the FIG. 2B depiction, the length L₁of first attachment device 12 is equivalent to the length L₃of second attachment device 14. In alternative aspects, L₁and L₃may differ. An example length for L1 and/or L3 can be, for example, about 1.8 inches. Although FIG. 2B shows positioning of slots 21 and 31 of the attachment devices to be of equal size and identical positioning relative to the two attachment devices, such configuration may be modified such that either the slot size or placement differs from that shown. Further, the distance of each of the slots from the proximal edge of the respective attachment device can vary. It can be preferable to position the slots toward the proximal edge to provide stability of the attachment devices when tension is applied against belt loops.
Although FIG. 2B depicts the two attachment devices as being rectangular and of identical shape, alternative shapes and relative shapes and sizes are contemplated. For example, the shape of the attachment devices can be other than rectangular. The attachment devices can independently be, for example, square, oval, round, arrow shaped, polygonal, asymmetrical, shaped like an object, animal, vehicle, etc. Further, the attachment devices can have squared or rounded corners, and/or the various edges can be linear, smooth, sculpted, patterned or have any variety of topography.
FIG. 2C shows a smooth rectangular strap 16 that can be utilized in belts of the invention. Other strap configurations are contemplated such as varied strap width and/or patterning along the strap edges. The front of the strap can be smooth and uniform as shown or can comprise a regular or irregular texture, surface pattern etc. The strap ends can be the same or can differ. The ends can be squared, rounded or alternatively shaped.
FIG. 3A illustrates one example of relative sizes of features comprised by first attachment device 12. Strap slot 21 has a width W₂that is less than the width W₁of the device. Slot width W₂can vary depending upon the width of the belt strap, so long as the slot is of sufficient width to allow the strap to pass through. In the example shown, the length L₁of the device is greater than the width W₁. However, the relative width and height may vary from those depicted. The width W₁of the device can also vary with the width of the belt strap. In a particular application, W₁can be, for example about 1.5 inches.
In particular embodiments, slot 21 can have an opening width W₂(vertical) of about 0.75 inches to about 1.1 inches, and a horizontal space width (side to side) of from about 0.05 to about 0.125 inches. However, such measurements are configured for a strap having a thickness of less than 0.125 inches. Since the invention contemplates more narrow or wider strap widths, as well as thinner or thicker straps, the slot opening can be adjusted accordingly.
Relative dimensions of the front 20, back 24 and side portion 22 of attachment device 12 are represented in FIG. 3B. Preferably, side portion 22 is of sufficient length d₁to allow the device to attach over the thickness of a belt loop. For security of the belt upon engagement of the belt on belt loops, back portion 24 can have a length L₂that is at least as wide as the width of the belt loop. An example overall length L₁of device 12 can be from about 1.25 inches to about 1.8 inches. For a device having this length, an example length of back portion L₂can be from about 0.3 inches to about 0.7 inches, with an example side portion having a length d₁of about 0.25 inches. The relative dimensions of the front, back and side portions can remain the same or can vary as the overall size of the device is increased or decreased.
Referring to FIG. 4A, example adjustment device 18 is illustrated with example dimensions being shown. As shown, adjustment device 18 can be a slot buckle having two slots 35, a central bar 36 between the slots, and two side bars 33 on either side of the pair of slots. Adjustment device 18 can have a width W₁that is identical to the width W₁of the first attachment device 12. However, it is to be understood that the width of adjustment device 18 can be greater than or less than the width of the first attachment device. Slots 35 can have equivalent or non-equivalent slot widths W₄. A vertical width of slots 35 can be, for example, the same as the width W₂of slot 21 of the first attachment device. However, alternative vertical widths of slots 35 are contemplated. The widths of central bar 36 and side bars 33 are shown as being equivalent in FIG. 4A. However, the central bar can have a different width as compared to the side bars. Further, the side bars can have different widths relative to each other.
In particular aspects, the widths W₄of slot openings 35 can be, for example, 0.3125 inches and the vertical height of the openings can be as set forth above with respect to w₂of slot 21. In particular embodiments, overall length W₅of adjustment device can be, for example, 1.0 inches. However, alternative lengths are contemplated.
It is to be understood that although device 18 is depicted as being square (rectangular) alternative shapes are contemplated, including any of the alternative shapes and/or edge configurations described with respect to attachment device 12 set forth above.
A side view of adjustment device 18 is shown in FIG. 4B. As shown, device 18 can be flat and can have a uniform thickness d₂between a front surface 32 and a back surface 34. Alternatively, one or both of front surface 32 and back surface 34 of adjustment device 18 can be curved (not shown). Further, thickness d₂can vary across the length of the adjustment device.
Second attachment device 14 is depicted in front view in FIG. 5A. Device 14 can have a length L₃that can be the same or can differ relative to the length L₁of attachment device 12. Similarly, a width W₁of device 14 can be equivalent to or can differ from the width of attachment device 12. Slot 31 can have a width W₆that exceeds a thickness of a belt strap used in conjunction with device 14. An example slot width W₆can be, for example, 0.125 inches. A width W₂of slot 31 can exceed a width of a belt strap utilized in conjunction with device 14, and be equivalent to or can differ from the slot width of attachment device 12. Attachment device can, in some instances, have a rectangular shape with rounded and/or squared corners as depicted in FIG. 5A. However, second attachment device 14 can alternatively have any of the shapes and configurations discussed above with respect to first attachment device 12. The shapes and configuration of Devices 12 and 14 can be identical or can differ relative to each other.
A side view of second attachment device is shown in FIG. 5B. In particular aspects, an overall length L₃of device 14 can be greater than a length L₄of back portion 30. An example length L₄of back portion can be, for example, 0.75 inches, where overall length L₃is greater than 0.75 inches (e.g. 1.25 inches). The curvature of back portion 30 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5B. Preferably, back portion 30 has curvature such that one or more regions of the back portion are narrowly spaced from front portion 26 such that a belt loop can be secured between the front and back portions proximate side portion 28. As shown in FIG. 5B, device 14 can have an overall thickness d₁that is equivalent to the thickness of first attachment device 12. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses embodiments where the overall thickness of the first and second attachment devices differ relative to each other.
FIG. 6A shows a front view of belt strap 16 that can be utilized in aspects of the invention. Width W₇of strap 16 is not limited to a particular value. In some aspects, W₇can be less than or equal to 0.75 inches. However the invention contemplates use of alternative strap widths that may exceed 0.75 inches, with appropriate adjustments of configurations of slots 21, 31 and 33 of the corresponding belt hardware and sizes of the hardware devices ( devices 12, 14 and 18). Strap 16 can have an overall length L₅of, for example, from about 8 to about 10 inches in embodiments of the invention that comprise and adjustable belt.
The dashed line along a right side of a front face 25 of strap 16 as shown in FIG. 6A represents a position for a seam that can be introduced into one end of the strap to provide an increased strap thickness which can prevent strap 16 from pulling through the slot in the corresponding attachment device upon threading of the strap through the device.
The seamed area can be better understood with reference to FIGS. 6B and 6C which shows a side view and back view respectively of strap 16. As shown, a slide stop 17 can comprise one or more folds in strap 16 at a first end region 19 of the strap. It is noted that in the embodiment shown, an opposing second end 39 of strap 16 does not comprise any slide stop to allow threading of strap 16 through the various hardware devices. The folds in region 19 can then be secured by a seam (shown) and/or alternative securing technique including but not limited to adhesive, snaps, rivets, etch.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a top view and a side view, respectively, of garment belt 10, in association with a garment 50 (e.g. jeans). As illustrated, first and second attachment devices 12, 14 can be attached to adjacent belt loops 52 of garment 50. The adjacent belt loops can be across the front closure 54 of garment 50 as shown, or can be along any other portion of a diameter of garment 50. Strap 16 can extend between the two attachment devices 12, 14 across the intervening region of garment 50. Adjustment device 18 can be utilized to tension strap 16 between the attached devices 12 and 14.
In accordance with the invention, belt 10 can be provided to adjust size and/or positioning of garment 50. To attach belt 10, strap 16 can be introduced through the slot (back to front) in attachment device 14 until the slide stop contacts the slot. The free end of strap 16 can then be threaded through adjustment device 18 (back to front to back) and subsequently through the slot (front to back) of adjustment device 12. The opposing attachment devices 12, 14 can be mounted over adjacent belt loops 52 by sliding the respective back portions behind the belt loops, in either order of attachment. Strap 16 can be secured by threading the free end of the strap behind the portion already threaded, back through adjustment device 18 from back to front to back, either prior to or after attachment of belt 10 to belt loops 52. Tension can then be applied across strap 16 between the attachment devices to adjust the garment by shortening strap 16 between devices 12 and 14.
Once an appropriate adjustment of garment belt 10 has been set, belt 10 can be removed by lengthening the strap between attachment devices or by pulling belt 10 to either side for detachment of one of the attachment devices, followed by detachment of the opposing attachment device. If the belt is removed without lengthening of the strap, the set belt can be reattached to the garment by attaching the belt to adjacent belt loops 52 without readjusting the belt length. Although the process is described with respect to adjacent belt loops, it is to be understood that similar process can be utilized to attach belt 10 to non-adjacent belt loops, with one or more intervening loops.
An alternative configuration of a garment belt 10 a in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Features of the garment belt that are new relative to embodiments already described are assigned new numeric identifiers. Aspects that are similar to the previous embodiments are given the same numeric identifier as used previously with added appendage “a”.
FIGS. 8A-B illustrate an embodiment of the invention having identical attachment devices 12 a and lacking any adjustment device. It is to be understood that differing attachment device configurations relative to one another, and can have any of the attachment device configurations set forth above. Garment strap 16 a can be shorter that the strap utilized in previous embodiments and can opposing ends that are secured through each of the slots of the attachment devices. Strap 16 a can therefore have a non-adjustable length.
Strap 16 a can be secured to each of the attachment devices 12 a by threading the strap through each attachment device (front to back) and fastening the ends of strap 16 a back to itself with one or more fasteners 45. Fasteners 45 can include, for example, one or more seams, snaps, rivets, hook and loop material, etc. Alternatively, one or both opposing ends of strap 16 a can have a slide stop such as discussed above.
Attachment of garment belt 10 a to garment 50 can include engaging one of opposing attachment devices 12 a to a first belt loop 52, and engaging the other of the opposing attachment devices to a second, adjacent or non-adjacent belt loop.
Referring to FIG. 9, such depicts a garment belt 10 b in accordance with the invention having identical opposing attachment devices 12 b utilized in conjunction with adjustment device 18. Attachment devices 12 b can be selected from any of the various attachment devices described above.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 10-11. Features of the invention that can be the same as those discussed above are given the same previously utilized identifiers. Similar features are assigned previously used numeric identifiers with appendage “c”. New features are assigned new numeric identifiers.
Referring to FIG. 10, garment belt 10 c can have a belt strap 16 threaded through a first attachment device 12 c. First attachment device 12 c can have any of the attachment device configurations described above. The shown attachment device 12 c differs from previously described devices in that it bears a design on the front of the device. The design may be, for example, molded, inlayed, scrolling, inset, engraved etc., or combinations thereof. The design is not limited to a particular material, style or configuration and may comprise one or more symbol, shape, lettering, numbering, logo, trademark, character depiction, object depiction, etc. and combinations thereof. It is to be understood that although the design aspect is described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, such can be utilized in combination with any of the alternate embodiments described.
Garment belt 10 c can comprise an alternative attachment device 60 that comprises an attachment portion 60B along with an adjustment portion 60A. As shown, portions 60A and 60B can be integral. However, the two portions can alternatively be constructed independently and joined. Attachment device 60 can have attachment portion 60B that has a back portion 64 such as previously described. Adjustment portion 60A can comprise a bar structure having two slots 62. The slots 62 and bar can be as set forth above with respect to adjustment device 18.
FIG. 11 shows attachment device 60 in an absence of strap 16. An overall length L₆of device 60 can be as discussed above with respect to adjustment device 12, or can be increased to accommodate addition area for adjustment portion 60B. The relative lengths of portions 60A and 60B are not limited to a particular value. It can be preferable that portion 60A has sufficient length to prevent overlapping of slots 62 and back portion 64. Widths W₈of slots 62 can be as described above with respect to slots 33 of adjustment device 18. It is to be understood that slots 62 can have differing widths relative to one another (as can slots 33 of device 18 previously described).
FIGS. 12-13 depict another alternate embodiment and optional aspects of the invention. As shown in FIG. 12, garment belt 10 d can comprise two attachment devices 12 d at opposing ends of the belt. A strap 16 d extends between the two attachment devices. Attachment devices 12 d can independently be selected from any of the attachment device configurations set forth above. One of the attachment devices can optionally include an adjustment portion as set forth with respect to FIGS. 10-11. Where an adjustment portion is not included in one of the attachment devices, an independent adjustment device 18 can be included.
Strap 16 d is shown to comprise a design associated with the strap. The design can be woven into the strap or can be provided separately. The belt straps of the invention can be of any color or combinations of colors. The strap design can be of the same color as the strap or differing color(s). The design can alternatively be branded into the strap or can utilize one or more additional materials. The strap design can comprise any of the design configurations discussed above with respect to the attachment devices.
Optionally, garment belts of the invention can comprise a slide piece 100, as shown in FIGS. 12 in association with belt 10 d, and independently in FIG. 13. Slide piece 100 can be configured to allow at least two passes of strap 16 through an internal opening 104. Slide 100 can be utilized to harness a free end of strap 16 after adjusting or tensioning of the strap.
Slide 100 can have a front 102 that can optionally comprise a design that is similar or that differs from any of the other belt components. Example design configurations are described above.
Slide piece 103 can additionally include a back 108 and opposing top and bottom portions 106 extending between the back and the front. An overall width W₁(vertical) of slide piece 100 can preferably be the same as one or more of adjustment portion 18 (where present) and attachment portions 12, 14. A width W₉(horizontal) can be, for example, 0.5 inches. An example thickness d₃of the slide piece can be, for example, 0.325 inches. Opening 104 through slide 100 can have an example thickness d₄of about 0.1 inches. Slide 100 can be flat as shown or can be curved (top to bottom), or can have a flat front portion with a curved back portion.
Use of the belts of the invention in conjunction with men's women's or children's garments are contemplated. Accordingly, the sizes of the various components of the described garment belts can be varied relative to those specifically set forth. The belts may be provided in specific lengths (i.e. specific measurement of belt length or strap length), in adjustable lengths based upon a range of sizes (i.e. small, medium, large, etc. for men women or children), or as a one size fits all.
In compliance with the statute, the subject matter disclosed herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise example embodiments. The claims are thus to be afforded full scope as literally worded, and to be appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment belt comprising:

a first attachment device at a first end of a belt;

a second attachment at a second end of the belt; and

a strap extending between the first attachment device and the second attachment device.

2. The belt of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment device, wherein the strap is threaded through the adjustment device.

3. The belt of claim 2 wherein the adjustment device is a bar slide buckle.

4. The belt of claim 2 wherein the adjustment device is integral with one of the first and second attachment device.

5. The belt of claim 2 wherein the strap consists of two separate pieces and wherein the adjustment piece joins the two separate pieces.

6. The belt of claim 2 wherein the strap is a single contiguous piece.

7. The belt of claim 1 wherein the strap comprises one or more of the members of the group consisting of nylon, cloth, leather, chain, elastic, woven material, hemp, and rope.

8. The belt of claim 1 wherein the first attachment device is a hook and the second attachment device is a clip.

9. The belt of claim 1 wherein the first and second attachment devices independently comprise one or more of plastic, metal, wood, plate metal, steel, aluminum, copper and brass.

10. The belt of claim 1 further comprising a slide disposed around the strap configured to hold a fee end of the strap.

11. A garment belt comprising:

a first attachment device at a first end of the belt, the first attachment device being configured to attach over a first belt loop on a garment;

a second attachment device on a second end of the belt, the second attachment device being configured to attach over a second belt loop on a garment; and

an adjustment piece disposed along the belt strap between the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device.

12. The belt of claim 11 where the first and second attachment devices are independently selected from the group consisting of hooks, and clips.

13. The belt of claim 11 wherein the belt strap is from about 8.0 inches to about 10.0 inches in length.

14. The belt of claim 11 wherein each of the first and second attachment devices comprises a strap slot through which the strap passes.

15. The belt of claim 11 wherein the adjustment piece is a buckle having two openings.

16. The belt of claim 11 wherein the belt strap is attached to each of the first attachment device and the second attachment by stitching, grommets, gluing, rivets or a combination thereof.

17. The belt of claim 11 wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of pants, shorts, skirts, dresses and outerwear.

18. A method of adjusting a garment, the method comprising:

providing a belt having a pair of opposing attachment devices comprising a first attachment device and a second attachment device and a belt strap extending between the first and second attachment devices;

attaching the first attachment device to a first belt loop on a garment; and

attaching the second attachment device to a second belt loop on the garment.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the first and second belt loops are adjacent belt loops.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing an adjustment device disposed between the pair of opposing attachment devices and utilizing the adjustment device to apply tension between the first and second belt loops by adjusting the length of the belt strap.