Belt with lighting element

A duty belt for providing visibility and awareness of the user wearing the belt is disclosed. The belt is worn about the waist and generally provides a lighting element which illuminates in order to improve the visibility and awareness of a person viewed from a distance. Further, the duty belt is functionally and ergonomically designed to easily attach existing duty gear including pepper spray, firearms, flashlights, etc. without interfering or snagging with the lighting element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a belt, particularly to a belt providing a lighting element to help improve the safety, awareness, and visibility of the person wearing the belt.

BACKGROUND

A police duty belt, sometimes referred to as a gun belt, duty rig, and/or kit belt, is a belt used by police and security officers to carry equipment in a series of pouches attached to the belt, in a readily-accessible manner, while leaving the hands free to interact. This belt can carry any number of useful items and gear, for example, handcuffs, flashlights, pepper spray, firearms, etc.

Duty belts wrap around the officer's waist and fasten with a buckle at the front. Most duty belts have a width of 2¼ inches and are either made of ballistic nylon or leather. Nylon duty gear is generally less expensive, lighter, and easier to maintain than leather gear of comparable quality.

Law enforcement and other designated personnel, particularly those engaged with directing traffic, typically utilize safety equipment such as traffic cones and warning signs, signal flares, signal flags, hand signs, and signal batons to direct traffic and mitigate harm to themselves and surrounding people. Often, personnel wear safety clothing and/or gear such as reflective vests, boots, pants, and helmets to maximize visibility to drivers. However, even with the implementation of existing safety equipment, often vehicle drivers are distracted and do not see the law enforcement and other workers causing severe bodily injury or even death.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for improved safety equipment that is hands-free, integrates with existing equipment, and visually alerts vehicle traffic of the presence of law enforcement or other designated personnel.

SUMMARY

The present application relates to a unique duty belt for providing visibility and awareness of the user wearing the belt. The belt is worn about the waist and generally provides a lighting element that illuminates to improve the visibility and awareness of a person viewed from a distance. Further, the duty belt is functionally and ergonomically designed to easily attach existing duty gear including pepper spray, firearms, flashlights, etc. without interfering or snagging with the lighting element. Ideally, the duty belt is outfitted to be effectively worn by law enforcement, roadside assistance personnel, roadside workers, and/or any person wanting to be clearly seen, particularly as it relates to passing traffic.

In a version of the application, the duty belt may generally comprise: a belt portion configured to extend about the waist of the user between a first end and a second end, the belt portion having a top perimeter, bottom perimeter, interior side and an exterior side; a buckle assembly for selectively connecting the first end and the second end of the belt; a lighting element operably positioned to emit light along the length of the exterior side of the belt portion between the first end and the second end; a light controller assembly for selectively operating the lighting element, the light controller assembly comprising: a power supply for providing electric power; and a power switch;

In a version of the application, the exterior side of the belt portion comprises an upper strip of material extending the length of the top perimeter and a lower strip of material extending along the bottom perimeter, the upper strip and the lower strip are positioned to form a channel which extends therebetween along the length of the belt portion; wherein the lighting element is operably positioned between the upper strip and the lower strip within the channel.

Further, the lighting element comprises an outermost point, wherein the outermost point is positioned at or below the exterior surface of the exterior side of both the upper strip and the lower strip, thereby providing an unhindered exterior side accessible for attachment of the user's gear. The interior side of the belt portion comprises a rear strip of material extending between the top perimeter and the lower perimeter and along the length of the belt portion.

In a detailed version of the application, the belt portion further comprises a light transparent layer having a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter, wherein the top perimeter is sandwiched between the upper strip and the rear strip of material and the bottom perimeter is sandwiched between the lower strip and the rear strip of material, wherein a portion of the light transparent layer extends across the channel and over the lighting element, thereby providing a protective cover over the lighting element.

In certain versions of the application, the outermost point of the light transparent layer is positioned at or below the exterior surface of the exterior side of both the upper strip and the lower strip, thereby providing an unhindered exterior side accessible for attachment of the user's gear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the present invention is a unique duty belt for providing visibility and awareness of the user wearing the belt. The duty belt generally provides a lighting element that illuminates to provide visibility from a distance and to bring awareness of the presence of a person. Further the duty belt, is functionally and ergonomically designed to easily attach existing duty gear including pepper spray, firearms, flashlights, etc. without interfering or snagging with the lighting element.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other versions that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

Moreover, the description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

Initially with reference toFIG.1-FIG.7C, a description of a version of the invention will be provided. In particular,FIG.1is a front perspective view showing a version of the duty belt100. In the version, the duty belt100includes a lighting element102which generally extends the circumference of the belt100. Thus, while in use, the lighting element102uniquely illuminates the waistline of the person80wearing the belt100(SeeFIG.15) which dramatically increases the visibility and awareness of the presence of a person. Ideally, the duty belt100is outfitted to be effectively worn by law enforcement, roadside assistance personnel, roadside workers, and/or any person wanting to be clearly seen, particularly as it relates to passing traffic.

In certain versions of the application and as shown inFIG.1-FIG.7C, the duty belt100generally comprises a belt portion104which extends between a first end106and a second end108, a buckle assembly110for connecting the first end106with the second end108, a lighting element102which generally extends the length of the belt portion104, and a controller assembly112for operating the lighting element102.

The belt portion104is configured to extend about the waist of the user between the first end106and the second end108. Generally, the belt portion104has a top perimeter114, a bottom perimeter116, an interior side118and an exterior side120. In the version, the belt portion104is generally rectangular in shape and is ideally manufactured of a high-grade, heavy-duty nylon.

With reference toFIG.1andFIG.10, the buckle assembly110includes a female buckle end122positioned at the first end106of the belt portion104and a male buckle end124positioned at the second end108of the belt portion104. Preferably, as illustrated in the version, the female buckle end122and the male buckle end124operably connect together via a side release configuration with a snap fit button126which securely fastens each of the first end106and the second end108together. In order to release the male buckle end124from the female buckle end122, the opposing side prongs128a,128bof the male buckle end124are squeezed together and the snap fit button126is depressed simultaneously, thereby releasing the male buckle end124from the female buckle end122. Other belt buckle designs can certainly be utilized.

The belt portion104and buckle assembly110are adapted to encapsulate and wrap around the waist82of the personnel80wearing the belt100and may optionally be length adjustable to accommodate various waist dimensions. For example,FIG.3shows a top plan view illustrating how the belt portion104can be configured to selectively loop through either the female buckle end122or male buckle end124and back upon itself, typically utilizing hook and loop material140to secure the loose end130. Thus, providing the user the ability to lengthen or shorten the belt portion104based on their particular waist circumference. Preferably, belt keepers may be utilized in conjunction with the belt100to ensure that the belt100stays in place, particularly while personnel is removing an item or gear84from the belt100or engaging in an altercation with a suspect.

In a version as illustrated byFIGS.7A-7CandFIG.9, the lighting element102is a plurality of light-emitting diodes (“LED lights”)130. Preferably, a linear LED strip132or an elongated strip of sequenced LED lights130is positioned along the length of the belt portion104approximately at a midpoint M between the top perimeter114and the bottom perimeter116on the exterior side120. When lit, the lighting element102emits light in the form of a ring around the waist82of the officer80, thus significantly improving visibility and safety thereof (SeeFIG.15). In other versions, the light element102may comprise one or more traditional lights in various configurations. For example, lighting elements102could be positioned along the top perimeter114and/or the bottom perimeter116or in a cluster or other pattern configuration.

As best shown inFIG.10-FIG.14, the light controller assembly112is configured to allow the user operation of the lighting element102. Generally, the light controller assembly112may include a control unit134for controlling the activation of the lighting element102, an onboard power supply136or battery for providing electric power to the lighting element102and/or control unit134, and a power/activation/input switch138which is operably configured to allow the user to activate the lighting element102by communicating with the control unit124and provide the ability to select various lighting options.

With reference toFIGS.7A-7CandFIG.16, the control assembly112via the control unit134may generally provide the user the ability to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the lighting element102from a dim (low) setting to a bright (high) setting depending on the desired light output. For example,FIG.7Aillustrates the lighting element102while providing either a solid light emission (no flashes) or a light flash sequence that has a low intensity for the desired effect of producing a lower level of visibility.FIG.7Billustrates either a solid light emission or a light flash sequence that has a medium intensity.FIG.7Cillustrates either a solid light emission or a light flash sequence that has a high intensity for producing a high level of visibility. Preferably, the control unit134is a micro LED light controller that varies the output voltage of the power supply136in order to produce a spectrum of light intensities. Ideally, the control unit134output voltage is preferably 3-8 volts sufficient to power a 12 volt LED light strip, providing a spectrum of light intensities.

Aside from providing the ability to adjust the light intensity, the control unit134may be configured to provide the user the ability to select optional light-emitting flash sequences/patterns. As an example, the control unit134can be configured or programmed to instruct the lighting element102to emit a solid continuous light or follow a predetermined flash pattern or sequence based on the timed activation of one or more of the LED lights. For example, a flash pattern sequence may implement the following cycle: sequence 1: control unit134activates lighting element102for a period of 1.5 seconds, the control unit134deactivates lighting element102for a period of 2 seconds; sequence 2: control unit134activates lighting element102for a period of 1.5 seconds, control unit134deactivates lighting element102for a period of 2 second which completes the cycle. The cycles may continue C1, C2 . . . Cn, where n equals the number of cycles, until the user either activates another light emitting flash pattern sequence or turns off the control unit134via the activation switch138.

Preferably, the user can depress the activation switch138for a predetermined period of time to adjust the intensity of the light. Other versions of the application may provide one or more switches or activation buttons to carry out the selection light flash patterns/intensity options. The power/activation switch138may serve more than one purpose such as both an on/off switch and as a button to adjust light intensity or lighting flash sequences.

Preferably, the power supply136or battery is positioned within the light controller assembly112adjacent to the control unit134to provide a compact profile. Preferably, the power supply136is a lithium battery that provides at least 750 mAh which shall be sufficient to supply several hours of battery life for a 12 volt linear LED light strip. In other versions of the application, the power supply or battery136may be positioned exterior of the duty belt100. For example, the battery could be detached from the duty belt100and positioned in a pocket of the personnel80or attached interior of the belt portion104.

Preferably, the controller assembly112includes a means for charging142the battery136. In the illustrated version (FIG.14) a USB-C female port143is provided which is adapted to receive power from a standard USB-C cable. Further, light indicators144may be utilized to indicate that the controller assembly112and power supply136are receiving a charge from the USB-C cable or other type. In a version, there is a light180which turns on to indicate that the battery136is low on power.

In certain versions, the buckle assembly110and the controller assembly112may be integrally combined. In the version as illustrated inFIG.10, the buckle assembly110is flexibly attached to the controller assembly112via a pivoting joint140. Preferably, the entirety of the interior surface146of the interior side118of the belt portion104comprises hook and/or loop type material148, a preferably loop material to provide an attachment surface for the user's gear and other items having reciprocal hook material thereon or vice versa.

With specific reference toFIG.8andFIG.9, the lighting element102can be attached into or embedded within the surface of the exterior side120of the belt portion104in order to form a mostly continuous flush exterior surface150. This type of configuration would provide an unhindered exterior side120exterior surface150which is ideal when attaching the user's gear84and other items, such as a firearm, flashlight, pepper spray, hand cuffs, etc. (SeeFIG.15). Positioning the lighting element102below the exterior surface150of the exterior side120allows the duty belt100to function exactly as a traditional duty belt would. Put simply, the gear84and other items placed on the duty belt100will not snag on the lighting element102nor do any of the controls of the lighting element102interfere with the gear84.

In the version, the exterior side120of the belt portion104comprises an upper strip of material152extending the length of the top perimeter114and a lower strip of material154extending along the bottom perimeter116, the upper strip152and the lower strip154are positioned to form a channel156which extends therebetween along the length of the belt portion104. The lighting element102is operably positioned between the upper strip152and the lower strip154within the channel156. Preferably, the upper strip of material152and the lower strip of material154are rectangular and planar in nature providing a flat exterior surface and are flexible. Ideally, the strips152,154are manufactured of a woven nylon; however, can be made of other materials such as metal, plastics, and composites.

Further, in the version, the lighting element102comprises an outermost point158as best shown inFIG.8. Generally, the outer most point158is positioned at or below the exterior surface150of the exterior side120of both the upper strip of material152and the lower strip of material, thereby providing an unhindered exterior side120accessible for attachment of the user's gear84.

In the depicted version, the belt portion104may further include a top perimeter cap160and a lower perimeter cap162, each of the top perimeter cap160and the lower perimeter cap162extends the length of the belt portion104and is configured to clamp the layers at their respective perimeters114,116to maintain structural integrity of the belt portion (SeeFIG.8).

In the version, the interior side118of the belt portion104comprises a rear strip of material164extending between the top perimeter114and the lower perimeter116and along the length of the belt portion104essentially forming a rear wall. Preferably, the rear strip of material164forming a rear wall is made of a woven nylon material. Preferably, the rear strip of material164is rectangular in nature and provides a planar interior surface146.

Preferably, the belt portion104further comprises a light transparent layer166having a top perimeter168and a bottom perimeter170, wherein the top perimeter168is sandwiched between the upper strip of material152and the rear strip of material164and the bottom perimeter170is sandwiched between the lower strip of material154and the rear strip of material164. As illustrated clearly inFIG.8, a portion of the light transparent layer166extends across the channel156and over the lighting element102, thereby providing a protective cover over the lighting element102while providing an overall continuous exterior side120exterior surface150.

In certain embodiments, it is preferable that the outermost point172of the light transparent layer166is positioned at or below the exterior surface150of the exterior side120of both the upper strip of material152and the lower strip of material154, thereby providing an unhindered exterior side120accessible for attachment of the user's gear84. Preferably, the light transparent layer166is a least partially manufactured of a mesh material, ideally either an extruded plastic mesh or a woven plastic mesh; however, other materials may be utilized such as a clear plastic or other transparent material.

The duty belt100can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, and ergonomic. In certain versions, the duty belt can incorporate materials such as metals, leather, plastics, composites, and synthetics.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein.

All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.