Abstract:
A martial arts belt display rack, which includes a first placard, a second placard, and one or more fasteners positioned between the first placard and the second placard and adapted to position and secure the second placard a distance from the first placard. In this particular embodiment, a martial arts belts can be displayed in the display rack by placing folded martial arts belts between the first placard and the second placard, so that at least a portion of the folded martial arts belts extend past an edge of the one or both of the first placard or the second placard. In addition, one or both of the first placard or the second placard can comprise any shape imaginable, such as, for example, square, a rectangle, a circle, a semi-circle, a star, or a martial arts specific shape. In some embodiments, the first placard and the second placard can have different shapes and/or different sizes of the same shape.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to belt racks, and more particularly to racks for displaying martial arts belts.  
         [0002]     Martial arts is becoming a very popular sport. It offers both children and adults vast benefits, including fitness, discipline, confidence, and a sense of well being. As an athlete advances up the different levels of the martial arts systems, he/she earns different colored belts to signify the athlete&#39;s level. Obtaining a new belt and the level it signifies is a great accomplishment, worthy recognition and pride.  
         [0003]     Because obtaining a new belt is a significant accomplishment, many athletes like to display the belts in much the same way one displays trophies and medals. Given the nature and structure of belts, however, it can be difficult. Generally, a rack or display structure is needed.  
         [0004]     Various different models of martial arts belt racks are known. The prior art belt racks, however, are not flexible. Typically, they are designed for one particular orientation and/or display option. For example, the rack might be designed to be free standing, so it cannot be wall mounted. Also, many of the prior art racks ate inflexible because they only accommodate one particular belt length. Thus, there is a need for a more flexible martial arts belt rack system.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     One embodiment of the present invention relates to a martial arts belt display rack, which comprises a first placard, a second placard, and a plurality of rows of posts positioned between the first placard and the second placard. The plurality of rows of posts are adapted to position the second placard a distance from the first placard. Martial arts belt can be displayed in the rack by placing a folded martial arts belt between two of the plurality of rows of posts.  
         [0006]     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the first placard of the display rack has a first height and a first width, and the second placard of the display rack has a second height and a second width, and the second height is smaller than the first height and the second width is smaller than the first width.  
         [0007]     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the first placard is aligned with the bottom of the second placard, thus forming a base for placement on a substantially horizontal surface, such as a shelf, a desk, a countertop, or the like. Further, the first placard can include at least one mounting hole for mounting the belt rack to a wall. Also, in one embodiment, each of the rows of post comprises two posts.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment of the invention, the middle of the width of the second placard can be approximately centered with the middle of the width of the first placard, and the middle of the height of the second placard can be approximately centered with the middle of the height of the first placard.  
         [0009]     In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a martial arts belt display rack, which includes a top plate assembly, a bottom plate assembly, and first and second placards secured therein. In this particular embodiment, the top plate assembly comprises a first top plate and a second top plate secured together at a defined distance from each other by one or more fasteners. Similarly, the bottom plate assembly comprises a first bottom plate and a second bottom plate secured together at a defined distance from each other by one or more fasteners. Further, the first top plate. the second top plate, the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate all include notches formed therein. In this particular embodiment, the first placard is secured between the top plate assembly and the bottom plate assembly by having a first portion of the first placard integrally positioned within the notch in the first top plate and having a second portion of the first placard integrally positioned within the notch in the first bottom placard. Similarly, the second placard is secured between the top plate assembly and the bottom plate assembly by having a first portion of the second placard integrally positioned within the notch in the second top plate and having a second portion of the second placard integrally positioned within the notch in the second bottom placard. Thus, with this particular embodiment, martial arts belts can be displayed in the display rack by placing folded martial arts belts between the first placard and the second placard.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment of the invention, wherein one or both of the first placard and the second placard comprise a transparent material. In addition, in other embodiments, the top plate assembly can further include a plurality of posts extending upward out of the top plate assembly, so that a martial arts belt can be displayed by placing the belt in communication with the plurality of posts.  
         [0011]     In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises martial arts belt display rack, which includes a first placard, a second placard, and one or more fasteners positioned between the first placard and the second placard and adapted to position and secure the second placard a distance from the first placard. In this particular embodiment, a martial arts belts can be displayed in the display rack by placing folded martial arts belts between the first placard and the second placard, so that at least a portion of the folded martial arts belts extend past an edge of the one or both of the first placard or the second placard. In addition, one or both of the first placard or the second placard can comprise any shape imaginable, such as, for example, square, a rectangle, a circle, a semi-circle, a star, or a martial arts specific shape. In some embodiments, the first placard and the second placard can have different shapes and/or different sizes of the same shape.  
         [0012]     Further, in still other embodiments, the display rack can include a transparent sheet affixed to the first placard for displaying a certificate, award, picture, etc. In other embodiments, the display rack can include one or more hooks affixed to the first placard and which are operable to hold a martial arts belt on the first placard. In still other embodiments, the display rack can be configured to display belts either horizontally or vertically, and the fasteners between the first placard and the second placard can be adjustable, so that the distance between the first placard and the second placard can be adjusted.  
         [0013]     A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description of preferred embodiments and claims when considered in connection with the figures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1   a  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 1   b  is a back elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0017]      FIG. 1   c  is a left elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0018]      FIG. 1   d  is a right elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0019]      FIG. 1   e  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0020]      FIG. 1   f  is a bottom elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0021]      FIG. 2   a  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3   a  is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3   b  is a side elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 3   a;    
         [0024]      FIG. 4   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 4   a;    
         [0026]      FIG. 4   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 4   a;    
         [0027]      FIG. 5   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 5   a;    
         [0029]      FIG. 5   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 5   a;    
         [0030]      FIG. 6   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 6   a;    
         [0032]      FIG. 6   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 6   a;    
         [0033]      FIG. 7   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 7   a;    
         [0035]      FIG. 7   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 7   a;    
         [0036]      FIG. 8   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 8   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 8   a;    
         [0038]      FIG. 8   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 8   a;    
         [0039]      FIG. 9   a  is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 9   b  is a top elevational view of the martial arts belt display rack of  FIG. 9   a;  and  
         [0041]      FIG. 9   c  is a side elevational view of the martial arts display rack of  FIG. 9   a.   
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     The present invention relates to belt racks for displaying martial arts belts. The belt rack designs of the present invention can be displayed on a wall or other vertical surface, or as a free-standing display on a horizontal surface such as a desk or table. In addition, the belt racks are designed so that martial arts belt can be inserted into and removed from the display easily, without damaging the belts. Also, the belt racks comprise a simple, self contained design, which requires no loose or additional parts to insert the martial arts belt to the display. Finally, the belt racks are design to display any length belt without defacing the belts, showing the respect that all martial artists have for the martial arts belts they have earned.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   f,  one embodiment of a martial art belt rack  100  in accordance with the present invention is show. In the illustrated embodiment, belt rack  100  comprises a base placard  102 , and a front placard  104  positioned at a set distance from base placard  10 . In this particular embodiment, two columns of posts  106  secure front placard  104  to base placard  102 , and are set at a consistent distance apart horizontally and at a repeating interval vertically. In addition, in this particular embodiment, the bottom of base placard  102  and the bottom of front placard  104  can be set to align on a level horizontal plane, so that belt rack  100  can stand on a flat or substantially flat surface. In addition, base placard  102  can include mounting holes  108  for mounting the belt rack on a wall.  
         [0044]     In one embodiment, a martial arts belt can be mounted in rack  100  by first folding the belt (e.g., in half 3 times), and then inserting the belt horizontally between 2 rows of posts  106 . The thickness of the folded martial arts belt makes the martial arts belt fit snugly when compressed between base placard  102  and front placard  104  and secures the martial arts belt without defacing the martial arts belt. As successive martial arts belts are earned, they can be added to the display. The martial arts belt display rack can be hung flush on a wall or other vertical surface using mounting holes  108 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the bottoms of base placard  102  and front placard  104  also can be aligned, thus forming a solid base so the martial arts belt display rack can sit on a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface, such as a desk, a counter, a shelf, or the like.  
         [0045]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, belt rack can be mounted horizontally on a wall by moving the location of the mounting holes  108  and centering or substantially centering front placard  104  in the vertical and horizontal dimensions with respect to base placard  102 .  
         [0046]     Further, in yet another embodiment, belt rack  100  can be made to longer or shorter to accommodate different number of martial arts belts.  
         [0047]     In accordance with yet another embodiment, front placard  104  also can be held above base placard  102  by two posts  106  at the bottom of front placard  104  and two posts  106  at the top of front placard  104  leaving an unobstructed vertical space between base placard  102  and front placard  104 , allowing belt rack  100  to display any width of martial arts belt.  
         [0048]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , belt rack  200  comprises a base placard  210  and a front placard  212  positioned at a set distance from the base placard. Two columns  220  of posts  230  secure the front placard to the base placard, and are set at a consistent distance apart horizontally and at a repeating interval vertically. In this embodiment, folded belts  240  can then be inserted between two consecutive posts  230  in one of columns  220  of posts  230  in such a fashion that part of folded belt  240  extends past the edge of the front placard allowing part of the belt to be seen. In addition, display rack  200  can include one or more mounting holes or brackets for mounting it to a wall, or the like.  
         [0049]     In this embodiment front placard  212  has a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the front placard is not limited to this rectangular shape. Other possible shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, stars, octagons, semi-circles, or any other suitable shape. In addition, the front placard can be made of either transparent material(e.g., glass, Plexiglas or the like) or opaque material (e.g., wood, plastic, etc). Variations of these embodiments also allow for the inclusion of a transparent sheet (e.g., glass, Plexiglas or the like) affixed to the front placard for displaying a certificate of achievement, picture, etc. Examples of this are illustrated and described below in alternative embodiments.  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b,  yet another embodiment of a martial arts belt display rack  300  in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b,  belt display rack  300  comprises a front placard  310 , a back placard  320 , a pair of top plates  330  and  332 , and a pair of bottom plates  340  and  342 . Top plates  330 ,  332  include notches  350  and  352 , respectively, and bottom plates  340 ,  342  each have notches  360  and  362 , respectively. Notches  350  and  360  are configured to receive and secure front placard  310 , and notches  352  and  362  are configured to receive and secure rear placard  320 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3   b,  top plates  330  and  332  and bottom plates  340  and  342  can be secured a consistent distance apart using, for example, posts, dowels, or other fasteners  370 , which in turn, also positions front placard  310  and back placard  320  a consistent distance apart. In the illustrated embodiment, four posts are used to secure the top plates  330 ,  332  and bottom plates  340 ,  342 . One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that any number of posts or fasteners can be used, and they can be spaced with any spacing or configuration.  
         [0051]     In this particular embodiment, folded belts can be inserted between front placard  310  and back placard  320  and stacked one on top of another. The folded belts can be placed in a fashion such that part of the folded belts can extend past the edge of front placard  310  and/or back placard  320 , allowing part of the belt to be seen. Further, as discussed above, front placard  310  and/or back placard  320  can be made from transparent or opaque materials. If transparent materials are used, the belts can be seen through the placards. Further, in another embodiment, top plates  330  and  332  can include posts  380 , thus allowing a belt to be displayed by placing the belt between the posts across the top of the rack. In the illustrated embodiment, each of top plates  330  and  332  include two posts, but as one skilled in the art will appreciate, any number of posts can be used. In addition, display rack  300  can include mounting holes, similar to the mounting holes  108  found in  FIG. 1   b,  or brackets for mounting it to a wall, or the like.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c,  still another embodiment of a martial art belt display rack  400  in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c,  belt display rack  400  comprises a front placard  410  and a rear placard  420 . One or more posts  430  (e.g., four posts in the illustrated embodiment), secure front placard  410  to rear placard  420  at a consistent distance from each other. In some embodiments, posts  430  may be adjustable, so that the distance between the placards also is adjustable. In this particular embodiment, belts  440  can be placed between front placard  410  and rear placard  420  and are held vertically in place between the placards, for example, by compressing the belts between the placards. In some embodiments, the distance between the placards can be adjusted, so belts  440  can be tightly held between the placards. In addition, in some embodiments, front placard  410  and rear placard  420  may include posts  450 , for securing a belt  440  between the posts across the top of the rack. In the illustrated embodiment, both placards  410 ,  420  include two posts each, but as one skilled in the art will appreciate, any number of posts can be used. In addition, display rack  400  can include mounting holes or brackets for mounting the rack to a wall or the like.  
         [0053]     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c,  the placards of the display rack are roughly boat-shaped or include pointed wings on each end. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that many other possible shapes of the placards can be used. For example, one or both of the placards can comprise shapes, such as, circles, semi-circles, stars, hexagons, or any other suitable shape. For example,  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate display racks having semi-circular configurations.  
         [0054]     In  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c,  a semi-circular display rack  500  is shown, in which belts  540  are displayed in a vertical fashion similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c.  In this embodiment, display rack  500  comprises a front placard  510  and a rear placard  520  secured a distance apart with posts or fasteners  530 . As with other embodiments, posts or fasteners  530  may be adjustable so that the distance between the placards also is adjustable. In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c,  display rack  500  can include posts or hooks  550  for holding an additional belt  540  across the front and/or top of the display rack. In the illustrated embodiment, hooks  550  positioned across front placard  510 , but posts across the top (e.g., similar to posts  450  in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ) also can be used. Further, display rack  500  can include a transparent sheet  560  (e.g., glass, Plexiglas or the like) affixed to the front placard for displaying a certificate of achievement, picture, etc. In this particular embodiment, belts  540  can be placed between front placard  510  and rear placard  520  and are held vertically in place between the placards, for example, by compressing the belts between the placards. In some embodiments, the distance between the placards can be adjusted, so belts  50  can be tightly held between the placards.  
         [0055]     In  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c,  a semi-circular display rack  600  is shown, which is similar to the rack in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  except that belts  640  are displayed horizontally in the rack instead of vertically. In this particular embodiment, display rack  600  comprises a front placard  610  and a rear placard  620  secured a distance apart with posts or fasteners  630 . Again, as with other embodiments, posts or fasteners  630  may be adjustable so that the distance between the placards also is adjustable. In addition, as discussed above, display rack  600  can include posts or hooks  650  for holding an additional belt  640  across the front and/or top of the display rack, and/or a transparent sheet  660  (e.g., glass, Plexiglas or the like) affixed to front placard  610  for displaying a certificate of achievement, picture, etc. In this particular embodiment, folded belts  640  can be placed one on top of another between the two placards in such a fashion that a portion of the folded belts  640  extends past the edge of the front and/or rear placards.  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c,  a circular display rack  700  is shown, which is similar to the rack in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  except the rack is circular, instead of semi-circular. In this particular embodiment, belts  740  can be displayed horizontally. In this particular embodiment, display rack  700  comprises a front placard  710  and a rear placard  720  secured a distance apart with posts or fasteners  730 . Again, as with other embodiments, posts or fasteners  730  may be adjustable, and display rack  700  can include posts or hooks  750  for holding an additional belt  740  across the front and/or top of the display rack. Further, as discussed above, display rack  700  can include a transparent sheet  760  (e.g., glass, Plexiglas or the like) affixed to front placard  710  for displaying a certificate of achievement, picture, etc. In this particular embodiment, folded belts  740  can be placed one on top of another between the two placards in such a fashion that a portion of the folded belts  740  extends past the edge of the front and/or rear placards.  
         [0057]     Similar to the embodiment in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c,    FIGS. 8   a - 8   c  illustrated a circular display rack  800 , but in this embodiment, belts  840  can be displayed vertically instead of horizontally. Thus, display rack  800  can include a front placard  810 , a rear placard  820 , posts or fasteners  830 . Further, in alternative embodiments, display rack  800  can also include posts or hooks  850  and/or a transparent sheet  860 , in much the same manner as with the embodiments discussed above. Finally,  FIGS. 9   a - 9   c  illustrate yet another embodiment of a display rack  900  having a front placard  910  and/or a rear placard  920  that is star-shaped, or the like. Again, display rack  900  can have any or all of the features of the other display racks discussed herein, such as, for example, adjustable posts of fasteners  930 , hooks or posts  950  and/or a transparent sheet  960 . Further, in this particular embodiment, belts  940  can be secured in display rack  900  either horizontally or vertically.  
         [0058]     In conclusion, the present invention provides novel designs for a martial arts belt display rack. While detailed descriptions of multiple embodiments of the invention have been given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.