| WO/2009/126086 | BELT |
| WO/2002/052967 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLY OF GARMENTS |
| JP11086818 | BELT-TYPE BATTERY |
Claims
[1] A functional belt to which flexibility is imparted, comprising: a flexible part (90) integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract along a longitudinal direction thereof; and a buckle (92) coupled with one end of the flexible part (90) to allow a user to adjust a length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down.
[2] The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising a connector (94) connecting an opposing end of the flexible part (90), which is coupled with the buckle (92), to a belt member (30) that is made of a predetermined material.
[3] The functional belt according to claim 1, wherein the flexible part (90) includes a flexible member (22), which is arc-shaped and made of a flexible material, and a cover (26), which is arc-shaped and conforms to a shape of the flexible member (22) and surrounds the flexible member (22), the cover (26) having a predetermined length longer than that of the flexible member (22) to limit stretching of the flexible member (22) therein.
[4] The functional belt according to claim 3, wherein the flexible member (22) is made of rubber or a flexible material.
[5] The functional belt according to claim 4, wherein a fixing bar (20) is integrally connected to a connecting bar (21) of the buckle (92), the cover (26) surrounding the flexible member (22) holds the fixing bar (20) when the flexible member (22) is torn or cut due to overuse, thereby preventing the buckle (92) from being separated, so that the functional belt still functions as a belt.
[6] The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising fastening portions
(24, 27) for fastening a cover (26) and a flexible member (22) in the flexible part (90) using coupling means, wherein the fastening portions (24, 27) are prepared to be provided as separate parts when the functional belt is sold, and are separately attached, so that the flexible part (90) is easily inserted into and coupled to an opening, which is defined by a connecting bar (21) coupled to the buckle (92) and a fixing bar (20).
[7] The functional belt according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening (24, 27) for fastening a cover (26) and a flexible member (22) in the flexible part (90), wherein the fastening portions (24, 27) integrally couple the buckle (92) and the flexible part (90) using coupling means when the flexible part (90) is inserted into an opening, which is defined by a connecting bar (21) coupled to the buckle (92) and a fixing bar (20), and the fastening portions (24, 27) are attached to the flexible part (90). [8] The functional belt according to claim 7, wherein the coupling means integrally fastens the cover (26) and the flexible member (22) by sewing, so that a sewing line (25) is formed.
[9] The functional belt according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the connector (94) has a pair of rotary holes (48) at one portion thereof and a pair of fixing lugs (46) at corresponding portion thereof, wherein a lever plate (44) has a pair of rotary lugs (52) at one portion thereof and a fitting protrusion (62) at an opposite end portion thereof, the rotary lugs (52) inserted into and coupled to the rotary holes (48) of the connector (94), wherein the fastening portions (24, 27) of the flexible part 90 are fixed coupled by rotating the lever plate (44) so that the fitting protrusions (62) of the lever plate (44) are engaged with the fixing protrusions (46) of the connector (94), and wherein the connector (94) has protrusions (34) at a pair of fixing sections (32) thereof, the protrusions (34) fixedly pressing one end of the belt member 30.
[10] The functional belt according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein a lever plate (44) includes a front push plate (72), fixing the flexible part (90), and a rear push plate (74), fixing the belt member (30), wherein the front push plate (72) has a protruding central portion in a form of an upside-down "T" in order to enhance pressure, and the rear push plate (74) has a U shape with a recessed center portion and protruding side portions, and wherein a space (86) having a predetermined interval is formed between the front lever plate (72) and the rear lever plate (74) in order to facilitate rotation of the front lever plate (72) and the rear lever plate (74).
[11] A functional belt to which flexibility is imparted, comprising: a buckle (100) having a fixing bar (120) arranged perpendicular thereto; a belt member (200) having a bend (240), which is bent from one end to an opposing end to surround the fixing bar (120), thereby forming a first opening (220) having a predetermined depth; a flexible member (300) fixed inside the first opening (220), and spaced apart a predetermined interval from a bottom (225) of the first opening (220), wherein the flexible member (300) is coupled to the fixing bar (120) so that the belt is allowed to stretch and contract in a longitudinal direction; and means for fixing an end of the bend (240) to the belt member (200).
[12] The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the flexible member (300) is made of rubber or a flexible material, is "C" shaped to surround the fixing bar (120), and has both ends fixed to respective surfaces of the first opening (220), so that the flexible member (300) is spaced apart from the bottom (225) of the first opening (220). [13] The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a male button and a female button, the male button fitting into the female button.
[14] The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a sewing line formed by sewing to fix the end of the bend (240) to the belt member (200).
[15] The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means include a button and a button hole, wherein the button is formed in the end of the bend (240) and the button hole is formed in a portion of the belt member (200) opposite the end of the bend (240), or the button hole is formed in the end of the bend (240) and the button is formed in the portion of the belt member (200) opposite the end of the bend (240).
[16] The functional belt according to claim 11, wherein the fixing means is an adhesive.
[17] A functional belt, comprising: a buckle (412); a belt member (411); and a ruler (413) formed on an inner circumference of the belt member (411) a predetermined interval from the buckle (412), wherein the ruler (413) includes a centimeter scale and an inch scale extending along a central line and arranged on respective sides of the central line, and a scale and a dimension of a portion of the belt that overlaps a zero point of the ruler (413) are indicated, whereby a user is allowed to determine an outer circumference of his/her waist.
[18] The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler (413) of the belt member (411) is divided into a plurality of sections having different colors, whereby the user is allowed to determine a current status of the outer circumference of his/her waist.
[19] The functional belt according to claim 18, wherein the ruler (413) of the belt member (411) is divided into a normal section (413a), an attention section (413b) and a warning section (413c), and wherein the normal section (413a), the attention section (413b) and the warning section (413c) are different colors.
[20] The functional belt according to claim 19, wherein the normal section (413a) is green, the attention section (413b) is yellow, and the warning section (413c) is red.
[21] The functional belt according to claim 20, wherein the ruler (413) includes a yellow section indicating a waist circumference for men ranging from 34 to 36 and a waist circumference for women ranging from 32 to 34, a green section indicating a waist circumference under 34 for men and a waist circumference under 32 for women, and a red section indicating a waist circumference over 36 for men and a waist circumference over 34 for women. [22] The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler (413) is printed on the inner circumference of the belt member (411). [23] The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein the ruler (413) is attached to the inner circumference of the belt member (411) using adhesive or double-sided tape. [24] The functional belt according to claim 17, wherein a Velcro fastener is attached between the belt member (411) and the ruler (413), so that the ruler (413) is able to be attached to and detached from the belt member (411). [25] The functional belt according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 24, wherein the belt member (411) has an indicator (414) on an outer circumferential portion, the indicator (414) indicating a starting point of the ruler (413). |
Description FUNCTIONAL BELT
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a functional belt, and more particularly, to a functional belt having a flexible structure, which can decrease pressure applied to the belly and the waist, thereby reducing the possibility of disc disease, prevent hy- pometabolism attributable to belts that do not stretch, thereby promoting good health, and maintain its function as a belt even if the flexible portion is torn.
[2] The present invention also relates to a functional belt, in which one end of the belt is directly fixed to a fixing bar of a buckle, and a flexible member is disposed in a first opening at one end of the belt. The functional belt has a simple structure and includes a smaller number of components, thereby remarkably reducing product costs. The flexible member is not easily torn since it is not exposed to the outside. Even if the flexible member is torn, the functional belt does not lose its function as a belt.
[3] The present invention also relates to a functional belt, which has a ruler on the inner circumference of the belt, so that the user can measure his/her waist circumference. This belt can awaken the user to health risks such as obesity, and can also be used as a measuring tape at home, at the office, or outdoors. Background Art
[4] In general, a waist belt consists of a buckle and a belt member. The belt member, fixed to the buckle, is fastened to clothes such as trousers and then locked again using the buckle in order to prevent the trousers from slipping down.
[5] The belt is required to have various functions, such as an accessory function, in addition to the intrinsic function of preventing the trousers from slipping down. As a matter of fact, the belt tends to continuously push the belly when the user is seated more than when the user is standing. Although the user can loosen or untie the belt in order to relieve such pressure, a simpler method for overcoming such a problem is necessary.
[6] Generally, people use a belt as shown in FIG. 1 when they wear trousers or a skirt.
As shown in FIG. 1, the belt is attached to the waist by fixing one end of a belt member 4 to a buckle plate 6, which is connected to one end of a buckle 2, threading the belt member 4 through belt loops of the trousers, and then fastening the other end of the belt member 4 to the opposite end of the buckle 2.
[7] However, one inconvenience is that this kind of belt does not have flexibility once it is worn on the waist, and thus applies strong pressure to the belly. After a meal, the pressure increases to an extent of causing the user to suffer from indigestion. Although
the user can loosen the belt to cope with the expansion of the belly during the meal, the belt should be tightened again after the meal, thereby applying strong pressure to the belly. People, who repeatedly sit on a chair and stand on the floor, need to frequently adjust the buckle of the belt. This is not only inconvenient but also creates a negative impression on others.
[8] In order to overcome these problems, such as inconvenience in wearing, a number of approaches have been developed. A conventional rubber belt completely surrounds the waist when attached to trousers or a skirt, and thus causes problems such as furling and wrinkling of clothes. The rubber belt also tends to increase frictional force against the skin, thereby leaving a mark on the skin, or cause sweat or pain, thereby forming itchy areas on the skin. Furthermore, since the pressure is distributed to the whole belt, the user can feel less pressure on the belly, and thus may excessively tighten the belt, thereby causing adverse metabolic effects.
[9] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional belt that can stretch and contract in length. The conventional belt includes a buckle 2, a belt member 4 and a flexible band 10.
[10] A buckle fitting plate 6 is connected to one end of the buckle 2, and an "L" shaped clamping plate 6a having a row of teeth is hinged to the opposite end of the buckle fitting plate 6, to clamp one end of the flexible band 10.
[11] The flexible band 10 is formed of a highly flexible material, and has a length of
20cm or less. The flexible band 10 is clamped, at one end, to the buckle fitting plate 6 and fixed, at the opposite end, to the belt member 4 by sewing, thereby forming a flexible section A, as shown in FIG. 2. However, since the flexible section A is formed of the band, it tends to excessively stretch in accordance with the movement of the user. Thus, this belt cannot overcome problems such as marks on the skin due to an increase in frictional force against the skin, and itching of the skin due to sweat or pain. Furthermore, if the flexible section A is torn or cut, the belt cannot be used any longer. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[12] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems with the prior art, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt having a flexible structure, which can relatively decrease the pressure applied to the belly and the waist, thereby reducing the possibility of disc disease, and prevent hy- pometabolism attributable to belts that do not stretch, thereby helping promote health.
[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt, which can maintain its function as a belt even if a flexible portion is torn.
[14] A further object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt, which includes a smaller number of components, thereby reducing product costs.
[15] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a functional belt having various functions, which has a ruler on the inner circumference of the belt, so that the user can determine his/her waist circumference. Technical Solution
[16] The present invention provides a functional belt to which flexibility is imparted.
The functional belt includes a flexible part integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length, a buckle coupled with one end of the flexible part to allow the user to adjust the length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down, and a connector connecting the other end of the flexible part, coupled with the buckle, to a belt member, which is made of a predetermined material.
Advantageous Effects
[17] According to the functional belt of the present invention, as set forth above, the flexible section is formed in the belt, so that people who frequently change their posture from a position of sitting on a chair to a standing position and vice versa can conveniently use the belt. When the belly expands, attributable to a meal, an abdominal breathing exercise, a change in posture, exercise and so on, the functional belt naturally stretches to an appropriate length, thereby alleviating the pressure to the belly. The functional belt also decreases the pressure applied to the waist, there reducing the possibility of disc disease.
[18] Since the flexible portion stretches in response to the expansion of the belly without giving adverse effects to metabolism, it is possible to protect the health of the internal organs. The user can keep his/her dignity by wearing a belt that correctly fits his/her body. The length of the flexible portion can be varied according to different amounts of belly expansion, and the outer appearance can be the same as conventional belts.
[19] Furthermore, since one end of the belt is directly fixed to the fixing bar of the buckle, and the flexible member is placed in the first opening of the one end of the belt, the present invention has the merits of a simple structure and a smaller number of components, by which the product cost can be remarkably reduced. The flexible member is easily torn, since it is not exposed to the outside. Even if the flexible member becomes torn, the functional belt does not lose its function as a belt.
[20] The present invention also relates to a functional belt, which has a ruler on the inner circumference of the belt, so that the user can determine his/her waist circumference. This belt can awaken the user to health risks such as obesity, and can also be used as a measuring tape at home, in the office or outdoors. Brief Description of the Drawings
[21] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating an example of the prior art;
[22] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another example of the prior art;
[23] FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of a first embodiment of the present invention;
[24] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of FIG. 3;
[25] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;
[27] FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6;
[28] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[29] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8;
[30] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembled state of the functional belt according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [31] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 12 is a bottom view illustrating a functional belt according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [33] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the usage of the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; [35] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and [36] FIG. 16 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [37] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a functional belt to which flexibility is added. The functional belt includes a flexible part 90 integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length, a buckle 92 coupled with one end of the flexible part 90 to allow the user to adjust the length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down, and a connector 94 connecting the other end of the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to a belt member 30, which is made of a suitable material. [38] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a functional belt to which flexibility is imparted. The functional belt includes a buckle 100 having a
fixing bar 120 arranged perpendicular thereto; a belt member 200 having a bend 240, which is bent from one end to an opposing end to surround the fixing bar 120, thereby forming a first opening 220 having a predetermined depth; a flexible member 300 fixed inside the first opening 220 with a predetermined interval from the bottom 225 of the first opening 220, wherein the flexible member 300 is coupled to the fixing bar 120 so that the belt is allowed to stretch and contract in the longitudinal direction thereof; and means for fixing one end of the bend 240 to the belt member 200.
[39] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a functional belt, which includes a buckle 412 and a belt member 411. The functional belt also has a ruler 413 formed in the inner circumference of the belt member 411 at a predetermined interval from the buckle 412. The ruler 413 includes a centimeter scale and an inch scale extending along a central line and arranged on either side of the central line, and a scale and a dimension of the portion of the belt that overlaps the zero point of the ruler 413 are indicated, whereby a user is able to determine the outer circumference of his/her waist. Mode for the Invention
[40] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments thereof are shown.
[41] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating an example of the prior art, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another example of the prior art, FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6.
[42] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a belt that is typically used in the prior art, and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a belt having flexibility according to the prior art. These belts have already been specifically described in the background art section, and the present invention is devised to make further advancements to the prior art in order to provide a useful functional belt.
[43] FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, a fixing bar 20 is formed at one end of connecting bars 21, which extend toward and are attached to the buckle 92, and the flexible part 90 is connected to the fixing bar 20, so that flexibility can be imparted to the belt.
[44] FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing bar 20 is laterally restrained in a flexible member 22,
which is placed inside a cover 26, so that applying force to the belt stretches the flexible member 22 to increase the total length of the belt, thereby alleviating the pressure applied to the waist.
[45] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 will be described in greater detail with reference to the exploded perspective view.
[46] In the functional belt, the flexible part 90 is integrally provided at one end of the belt to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length, the buckle 92 is coupled with one end of the flexible part 90 to allow the user to adjust the length of the belt, which is fastened to clothes such as trousers, in order to prevent the clothes from slipping down, and the connector 94 connects the other end of the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to the belt member 30, which is made of a predetermined material.
[47] The flexible part 90 includes the flexible member 22 and the cover 26. The flexible member 22 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or any material having flexibility. The cover 26 is placed outside and surrounds the flexible member 22 in order to prevent the flexible member 22 from stretching beyond a predetermined length.
[48] The flexible member stretches in length to increase the length of the functional belt to a predetermined value when a predetermined force is applied, that is, when the user wearing the belt sits on a chair or his/her waist becomes bigger than usual after a meal. Since the length of the belt increases, it is possible to reduce the relative pressure applied around the waist of the user.
[49] The outside cover 26 prevents the length from increasing beyond a predetermined length. In the case where the belt has belt holes, moving to the next belt hole is sufficient to reduce the pressure to the waist that is applied when the user eats or sits on a chair from a standing posture. Thus, the cover 26 acts to prevent the length of the belt from increasing more than necessary.
[50] Stretching the flexible member beyond the predetermined length can fatigue the flexible member, and the accumulated fatigue can cause the flexible member to be easily torn. The flexible member will lose the length adjusting function when it is torn.
[51] The cover 26 acts to prevent the flexible member 22 from stretching beyond the predetermined length. Furthermore, even if the flexible member is torn (cut) due to overuse, the belt having the cover 26 can still effectively carry out a typical belt function.
[52] In addition, if the typical belt function is not enough when the flexible member 22 tears due to fatigue, the flexible part 90, to which fastening portions 24 and 27 are additionally attached as shown in FIG 5, is wound on the fixing bar 20 and coupled with the connector 94.
[53] In the cover 26 and the flexible member 22 of the flexible part 90, the flexible
member 22 is arc-shaped, and the cover 26 is configured to surround the exterior of the flexible member 22. The length of the flexible member is shorter than that of the cover.
[54] That is, the flexible member 22 stretches to the length of the cover 26, which is disposed outside the flexible member 22, so that the stretching length can be limited.
[55] The fastening portions 24 and 27 are fastened via adhesion or sewing to fasten the cover 26 to the flexible member 22. The fastening portions 24 and 27 are prepared to be provided as separate parts when the functional belt is sold, and are configured to be separately attached to the cover.
[56] In the case where fastening portions 24 and 27 are the separate parts (that is, the flexible part 90 is integrally formed with the buckle 92), the flexible part 90 is inserted into an opening, which is defined by the connecting bars 21 coupled with the buckle 92 and the fixing bar 20, the fastening parts 24 and 27 are attached to the flexible part 90 as shown in the drawings, and they are coupled to form one body using coupling means.
[57] It is preferable that the coupling means, which insert the flexible part 90 and attach the fastening parts 24 and 27 to the flexible part 90, be sewn to integrally form the cover 26 and the flexible member 22, so that sewing lines 25 are formed.
[58] The connector 94 connects the flexible part 90, coupled with the buckle 92, to the belt member 30, which is made of leather or a suitable material. In the connector 94, a pair of rotary holes 48 is formed, and rotary lugs 52 formed at opposing ends of a lever plate 44 are inserted into the rotary holes 48. When the fastening portions 24 and 27 of the flexible part 90 are inserted into an opening of the connector 94, the lever plate 44 is rotated in one direction, so that fitting protrusions 62 engage with fixing protrusions 46, thereby holding the fastening portions 24 and 27. Protrusions 34 of a pair of fixing sections 32 fixedly press one end of the belt member 30, thereby accomplishing the functional belt.
[59] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention. Fixing the belt member 30 by pressing the end with the protrusions 34 of the fixing sections 32 is inconvenient. When the user finds that the belt member 30 is longer than necessary, the belt member 30 is disassembled from the connector by spreading the fixing sections 32 using a tool, the end of the belt member 30 is cut away, and then the belt member 30 is fixedly coupled again. Therefore, a front lever pi ate 72 and a rear lever plate 74 are provided, so that the flexible part 90 and the belt member 30 can be easily adjusted in length by pivoting the lever plates 72 and 74.
[60] Described in greater detail, the front lever plate 72 fixes the flexible part 90, and the rear lever plate 74 fixes the belt member 30. The front lever plate 72 has a protruding central portion (in the form of an upside-down "T") in order to enhance pressure, and the rear lever plate 74 has a U shape with a recessed central portion and protruding side
portions. A space 86 is formed between the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74 in order to facilitate the rotation of the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74. [61] FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the assembled state of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG.
7, the space 86 forms a predetermined interval between the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74 in order to facilitate the rotation of the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74. This structure makes it possible to insert a finger or a driver into the space 86 in order to rotate the front lever plate 72 and the rear lever plate 74.
[62] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG.
8, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembled state of the functional belt according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the functional belt includes a buckle 100 having a fixing bar 120, a belt member 200, one end portion of which surrounds the fixing bar 120, and a flexible member 300 interposed between the fixing bar 120 and the belt member 200 to allow the belt to stretch and contract in length. The functional belt of this embodiment will now be described more fully.
[63] The buckle 100 is made of a metal material, and the fixing bar 120 for fixing the belt member 200 is perpendicularly provided in the rear of one end portion of the buckle 100. A locking mechanism (not shown) for maintaining the belt member 200 in a position fixed to the buckle 100 is provided in a central portion of the buckle 100. The locking mechanism can include a fitting pin, which is fitted into a fitting hole (not shown) in the belt member 200, and pressing means, which press the belt member 200 to elastically fix it to the buckle 100. This structure of the buckle 100 is similar to that of a well-known buckle.
[64] The belt member 200 is made of an inflexible material, such as leather or fabric, and is fixedly coupled to the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. A bend 240 having a first opening 220 is formed at one end of the belt member 200 by bending one end portion of the belt member 200 180°. The first opening 220 surrounding the fixing bar 120 is opened toward the opposing end of the bent member 200 and has a predetermined depth. That is, the one end portion of the belt member 200 is bent in the form of a "C" to form the bend 240 and the first opening 220, which has the predetermined depth Ll and is opened to the opposing end of the belt member 200. The fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100 is inserted into the first opening 220, and a flexible member 300 is fixed in the first opening 220.
[65] The flexible member 300 is "C" shaped, and opposing ends thereof are fixed to opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 to surround the fixing bar 120. The
flexible member 300 is designed to be varied in length according to changes in the thickness of the waist of the user, and is made of a flexible member such as a rubber. The flexible member 300 is bent in the form of a "C", and opposing ends thereof are fixed to opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 using fastening means. In this fashion, the flexible member 300 forms a second opening 320, which also surrounds the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100 but has a depth smaller than that of the first opening 220.
[66] Here, both ends of a middle portion of the "C" shaped flexible member 300 are fixed to the first opening 220 and are spaced apart a predetermined interval from the bottom 225 of the first opening 220. That is, both ends of the flexible member 300 are fixed to the opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 by fastening means in a fashion such that a bottom wall 325 in the middle portion of the flexible member 300 is spaced apart from the bottom 225 of the first opening 220.
[67] The fastening means for fixing the flexible member 300 to the belt member 200, that is, fixing the opposing ends of the flexible member 300 to the opposing inner surfaces of the first opening 220 of the belt member 200, can be embodied as sewn lines, as shown in FIG. 1, by which the flexible member 300 is fixed to the first opening 220. Although this embodiment of the present invention has been described with respect to the case in which the fastening means are the sewn lines, the opposing ends of the flexible member 300 can be fixedly attached to the first opening using an adhesive. Of course, any means that can maintain the flexible member 300 in a position fixed to the first opening 220 can be adopted.
[68] The flexible member 300 stretches in length toward the bottom 225 of the first opening 220 a predetermined amount when a predetermined force is applied, that is, when the user wearing the multi-functional belt of the present invention sits on a chair or his/her waist becomes bigger than usual after a meal. Since the length of the belt increases, it is possible to reduce the relative pressure applied around the waist of the user.
[69] When the flexible member 300 reaches the bottom 225 of the first opening 220, it is restrained and thus cannot stretch further. That is, even if the size of the waist of the user increases due to overeating or sitting on a chair from a standing posture, the flexible member 300 stretches only to the extent of the bottom 225 of the first opening 220, and thus does not stretch further than necessary, thereby preventing fatigue from accumulating therein. This prevents the flexible member 300 from being easily torn. Furthermore, even if the flexible member 300 is torn (cut) due to overuse, the belt can efficiently carry out a typical belt function since the first opening 220 of the belt member 200 surrounds the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100.
[70] At the end of the bend 240 of the belt member 200, fixing means for fixing the end
of the bend 240 to the opposite belt member 200 is provided. The fixing means acts to close the first and second openings 220 and 320 in order to maintain one end of the belt member 200 in a position coupled to the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. The fixing means includes a pair of snap buttons 500, which are fixed to the end of the bend 240 and a portion of the bent member 200, which opposes this end. The snap buttons 500 include a male button and a female button, the male button fitting into the female button.
[71] Accordingly, when the end of the bend 240 is simply fixed to the belt member 200 by one touch using the pair of snap buttons 500, the end of the belt member 200 remains in the position coupled with the fixing bar 120 of the buckle 100. Even if the flexible member 300 is torn due to overuse, the snap buttons can be unfastened to simply replace the flexible member 300 with a new one.
[72] Although this embodiment of the present invention has been described with respect to the case in which the fixing means is the pair of snap buttons 500, the bend 240 can be completely fixed by forming the sewing line 550 in the belt member 200 with a sewing machine, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, a button can be formed in the end of the bend 240 and a button hole can be formed in the portion of the belt member 200 that is opposite this end, or vice versa, so that the button can fit into the button hole to fix the bend 240 to the belt member 200. As an alternative, it is also possible to use an adhesive as the fixing means. Of course, any means that can fix the end of the bend 240 to the belt member 220 can be adopted.
[73] According to the multi-functional belt of the present invention, having the above- mentioned construction, the bend 240 is formed at the end of the belt member 200 with the first opening 220 opened toward the opposite end of the belt member 200, the "C" shaped flexible member 300 is fixed to the first opening 220 a predetermined interval from the bottom 225 of the first opening, and the end of the bend 240 is fixed to the belt member 200 using the fixing means. Compared to a conventional belt, which requires an additional belt fastener, the present invention has a simpler construction and includes a smaller number of components. Accordingly, the present invention can advantageously reduce the cost of final products.
[74] In the multi-functional belt of the present invention, the flexible member 300 is fixed to the inside of the first opening 220 of the belt member 200 without being exposed to the outside of the belt. Thus, the multi-functional belt of the present invention can advantageously function as a belt even if the flexible member 300 is torn. On the contrary, the conventional belt cannot function as a belt when an elastic band is torn, since the elastic band is exposed to the outside and connects the buckle to the belt member.
[75] FIG. 12 is a bottom view illustrating a functional belt according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the usage of the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a functional belt according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a partially-exploded perspective view illustrating the functional belt according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[76] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the functional belt 410 of the present invention includes a buckle 412 and a belt member 411. A ruler 413 is formed in the inner circumference of the belt member 411 a predetermined interval from the buckle 412. In the ruler 413, a centimeter scale and an inch scale extend along the central line and are arranged on either side of the central line.
[77] The ruler 413 of the belt member 411 is divided into a normal section 413a, an attention section 413b and a warning section 413c in order to indicate the present status of the thickness of the waist of the user. The normal section 413a, the attention section 413b and the warning section 413c are given different colors.
[78] For example, the normal section 413a is colored green, the attention section 413b is colored yellow, and the warning section 413c is colored red.
[79] In other words, the ruler 413 can include a yellow section, indicating a waist circumference for men ranging from 34 to 36 and a waist circumference for women ranging from 32 to 34, a green section indicating a waist circumference for men under 34 and a waist circumference for women under 32, and a red section indicating a waist circumference for men over 36 and a waist circumference for women over 34.
[80] In this way, the colors of the ruler 413 can be changed variously.
[81] In the ruler 413, the centimeter scales can be separate from the inch scales.
[82] The centimeter scales are engraved on one side of the central line of the ruler 413, and the inch scales are engraved on the other side of the central line of the ruler 413.
[83] An indicator 414, which indicates the starting point of the ruler 413, is formed on the outer circumference of the belt member 411.
[84] The indicator 414 can be printed on the belt or attached to the belt using an adhesive.
[85] In the present invention, the ruler 413 is printed on the inner circumference of the belt member 411.
[86] As shown in FIG. 14, the ruler 413 of the present invention can be attached to the inner circumference of the belt member 411 using an adhesive or a double sided adhesive tape 415.
[87] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a Velcro fastener 416 is provided between the belt member 411 and the ruler 413, so that the ruler 413 can be attached to and detached
from the belt member 411.
[88] According to the present invention as set forth above, the ruler 413 is given different colors for cases where attention should be paid or care should be taken, so that the user can determine his/her waist circumference and thus take care of his/her health.
[89] The ruler 413 can be used to determine the current waist circumference of the user, which a doctor can use as a reference for diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the determined value of the waist circumference can awaken the user to health risks.
[90] When the user wears the belt, if the reference portion (i.e., the indicator 414 in the embodiment of the present invention) is positioned in the warning section 413c of the ruler 413 on the belt member 411, the user can recognize that his/her waist size is excessively large and he/she is excessively fat. If the indicator 414 is positioned in the attention section 413b, the user can recognize that his/her waist size exceeds a reference value and thus he/she should pay attention to fatness. If the indicator 414 is positioned in the normal section 413a, the user can recognize that he/she is not fat.
[91] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 relates to a women's belt, in which the normal section 413a is less than 32 inch, the attention section 413b ranges from 32 to 34 inches, and the warning section 413c is over 34 inches.
[92] Although not illustrated in this embodiment, in the case of a men's belt, the normal section 413a is less than 34 inches, the attention section 413b ranges from 34 to 36 inches, and the warning section 413c is over 36 inches.
[93] Of course, the ranges of the normal, attention and warning sections 413a, 413b and
413c can be varied according to the body shape of the user who wears the belt.
[94] Furthermore, the ruler 413 is printed with inches or centimeters, so that the belt can be used as a measuring tape at home, in the office, or outdoors when necessary.
[95] While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited thereto. It is to be appreciated that equivalents to the foregoing embodiments are embraced by the scope of the present invention.