Abstract:
A “series” of martial arts belt display racks consisting of two vertical side pieces (rails) attached together by a top and bottom cross piece (slat) of various ornamental designs and widths. The side pieces of said martial arts belt display racks will vary in length and contain a definitive number of holes (or slots) sufficient to hold a prescribed number of belts or sashes. The belts or sashes will be threaded through said holes in the side pieces and then secured in a traditional “knot”. Following the procedure of attachment of the belt or sash to the side pieces of the belt rack and the securing of said knot, the belt or sash will appear to the viewer as it would if it were tied around a martial artist&#39;s waist. The ornamental differences between each belt rack in this series will depict a distinct expression of a variety of different martial arts and their individual ranking systems therein.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to the field of sports equipment for the martial arts, and more specifically to a series of martial arts belt display racks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A symbolic and traditional aspect of the karate belt or kung-fu sash exists in the manner in which it is worn by the martial artist. Martial arts belt display racks currently on the market today do not mount or display the belt or sash in this way. Rather, karate belts are folded and “stacked” in a manner not at all similar to the way they are worn around the waist. Further, a belt rack which displays a kung-fu sash is seemingly nonexistent. 
         [0003]    The main concept surrounding these various belt rack designs is to display martial arts belts or sashes as they are typically viewed around the waist, tied in a traditional knot with the belt ends extended from the knot. Each belt rack is designed to display numerous belts or sashes in a particular order of progression in rank as is indicated by a specific martial art style or school, or a single belt or sash mounted on a belt rack or picture frame combination design. These belt racks are designed to express a professional and aesthetic image of martial arts belts or sashes that depict the historical, cultural and spiritual discipline and distinction that the martial arts promote. 
         [0004]    Another goal of these designs is to introduce new, improved and desirable products to the consumer that is both cost effective and is a clear improvement of similar products currently on the market. 
         [0005]    The term “karate belt” will be used generically to indicate all systems or styles of martial arts such as tae kwon do, juijitsu, hapkido, karate, etc. which use this type of belt. The term “judo belt” will be used to indicate the Kodokan judo system. The term “sash” will indicate kung-fu styles or systems that utilize this type of a rank belt. The term “belt” can also be used to describe sports competition awards, championship title belts or commemorative or honorary belts and awards. 
         [0006]    Thus, it would be desirable to provide a series of martial arts belt display racks that achieves the goal of displaying a martial arts belt or sash as it would appear traditionally around the martial artist&#39;s waist, accomplished by the process of threading the belt or sash through holes or slots in the vertical side pieces of said belt display rack and then securely fastening a traditional knot with the belt ends extending from the knot. Said martial arts belt display racks would also provide for the display of picture frames, a variety of martial arts weapons, or any other ornamentation. 
         [0007]    It is to be understood that while certain forms of the invention are illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an objective of the invention to provide a series of martial arts belt display racks which display a single belt or sash or a number of belts or sashes as they are typically viewed around the martial artists&#39; waist, tied in a traditional knot with the belts ends extended from the knot. 
         [0009]    It is another objective of the invention to display numerous belts or sashes in a particular order of progression in rank as indicated by a specific martial art style or school from beginner to advanced belts. 
         [0010]    It is another objective of the invention to express a “series” or variety of similarly designed martial arts belt display racks that can adapt to the various needs or display preferences of the individual martial arts student and martial arts styles and schools. This is accomplished through subtle and unique design changes and ornamentation. 
         [0011]    It is another objective of the invention to provide two parallel holes or slots of sufficient size (one on each side piece) to allow each belt or sash to be threaded through said holes or slots before being fastened by the traditional knot as indicated in a particular martial arts style or system. 
         [0012]    It is another objective of the invention to accept a martial arts belt or sash through various methods or procedures of threading said belt or sash through said slots in the vertical side pieces, and upon completion of said methods or procedures achieves the goal of displaying a martial arts belt or sash as it would appear traditionally around the martial artists&#39; waist. 
         [0013]    It is another objective of the invention wherein a picture frame and martial arts belt or sash can be displayed together. This design would incorporate the attachment of a picture or certificate frame, along with a martial arts belt or sash, allowing for the simultaneous display of a belt or sash and a corresponding photo or certificate of achievement. 
         [0014]    It is another objective of the invention to provide a variety of widths to accommodate the various sizes of martial arts belts or sashes being displayed. 
         [0015]    It is another objective of the invention to hang on the wall or mount on a base for display. 
         [0016]    It is another objective of the invention to be custom made as needed to hold from one to twenty belts or sashes; customized to a specific number of belts or sashes depending on a particular ranking system within a particular martial art style. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention discloses a series of diverse belt display rack designs which, through various methods of attachment of martial arts belts or sashes, generally and sufficiently displays various sizes of martial arts belts or sashes in a manner which mirrors the appearance of said belts or sashes as they would be viewed around the martial artists&#39; waist, thus expressing a professional and aesthetic display of martial arts belts or sashes that depict the historical, cultural and spiritual discipline and distinction that the martial arts promote. The present invention further discloses a variety of ornamentation designs and features that sufficiently allow a picture frame, sword or other ornamentation to be displayed in combination with said martial arts belts or sashes. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Although the invention will be described in terms of a specific embodiment it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many more various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions can be made to the model types without departing from the conceptual scope of the invention. 
         [0019]    The three main design groups in this series consist of the “Standard”  FIG. 1 , the “Scroll”  FIG. 2 , and the “Executive”  FIG. 3 , according to a preferred embodiment of said invention in an assembled configuration. Said belt display racks can be constructed using wood, metal, plastic or bamboo. Said belt display racks can be painted any color or finished with a variety of wood stains or polyurethane, or left “natural” (unfinished). The belt display racks are designed to hang on a wall or mount on a base for display. 
         [0020]    As best seen in the exploded view shown in  FIG. 4 , the Standard (karate) martial arts belt display rack is comprised of two identical side pieces or rails  4 , (whose exact design is dependent upon its model type) which run vertically and parallel to each other. A top horizontal cross piece  5  and a bottom horizontal cross piece  6  (slats), of varying widths and designs are attached to the top notch  7  and bottom notch  8  of the vertical side pieces using screws and/or glue. Said cross pieces provide stability as well as a surface to house further ornamentation such as logos, emblems, patches, photos, certificate, an engraved plaque, motto or kanji. In the “Extreme Executive” model types, an additional central horizontal cross piece  9  ( FIG. 17 ) is added for further stability. The widths of the cross pieces can vary and be custom made from keychain size to large scale. 
         [0021]    The single belt rack or picture frame combination design can be used to display certificates, photos, educational information pertaining to the particular belt being displayed or general rank requirements or criteria specific to that belt in each individual martial art style or school. 
         [0022]    As seen in  FIG. 8 , the belt rack designs can also include a sword mount  37  for Japanese or Chinese type swords, or any other weapon i.e. bo, tonfa, nunchaku, etc. 
         [0023]    The assembly procedure for the Standard  1  and Scroll  2  belt display rack designs is identical. The top and bottom cross pieces,  5  and  6  for the Standard design and  10  and  11  for the Scroll design, are fitted into their respective notches in the vertical side rails and secured using screws and or glue. 
         [0024]    The assembly procedure for the Executive (karate) belt display rack  FIG. 6  involves the assembly of the Shinto gate top ( FIG. 21 ), central support dowel  12  ( FIG. 6 ), and two decorative pegs  14  ( FIG. 6 ), attached to the vertical side rails (by insertion of said support dowel and decorative pegs into pre-drilled holes  34  and  35  ( FIG. 22 ), along with the top and bottom cross pieces.  FIG. 19  illustrates an exploded front view of the Shinto gate top, which consists of the base piece  16 , the center cap piece  17  and the top cap piece  18 .  FIG. 20  is a top view of the base piece and the two cap pieces. Prior to the attachment of said base piece  16  to the center and top cap pieces  17  and  18 , the base piece  16  receives two “notches”  33  as shown in  FIG. 20 . These notches will accept the vertical side pieces. The center and top cap pieces are glued to the base piece. Once the assembly of the Shinto gate top is accomplished, as in  FIG. 21 , the connection of the Shinto gate top and the vertical side rails is completed using glue and or screws. The central support dowel  12  and two decorative pegs  14  are also attached. The top and bottom cross pieces  5  and  6  (see  FIG. 6 ) are then fitted into their respective notches in the vertical side rails  7  and  8  and secured using screws and/or glue, completing the assembly procedure for the “Executive (karate) belt display rack.” 
         [0025]    This assembly procedure applies to all model types described in the “Executive” design group. The vertical side rails and top and bottom cross pieces will vary in design and configuration depending upon the select model type being assembled. In the model types combining a picture frame display and a single belt or sash display, each vertical side rail receives a notch  13  ( FIG. 11 ) of sufficient size to accept the wide board-like cross piece  25  ( FIG. 11 ). This cross piece  25  is then attached to each vertical side piece using glue and/or screws. A picture frame is then secured to the cross piece  25  using a nail or hook and loop fastening material. 
         [0026]    As seen in  FIGS. 33   a  through  33   i , martial arts belts or sashes are “threaded” through a hole (slot)  19  in each vertical side piece (rail) and then tied in the “traditional knot”  36 . The holes or “slots” which house the belts or sashes can be rectangular or rounded in shape or made with any other ornamental shape i.e. triangular, hexagon, etc. Once said belt or sash is tied, the resulting image of the belt or sash is identical to the manner in which said belt or sash is viewed when worn around the waist. 
         [0027]      FIG. 33   a - 33   i  illustrates one method of how a “karate” belt is threaded through the vertical side pieces and finally secured in the traditional knot. The process is the same for threading a kung-fu sash through the side pieces as well. The knot of the kung-fu sash will be tied in a fashion dictated by the select kung-fu style or practitioner. 
         [0028]    The process of attaching a karate belt to the belt display rack begins by first identifying one end of said karate belt as “A” and the opposite end as “B”. In  FIG. 33   a , as you view the belt display rack from the front, belt end “A” of the karate belt is threaded through the slot on the left vertical side rail from the outside and through the corresponding slot on the right vertical side rail from the inside. 
         [0029]    In  FIG. 33   b  belt end “A” continues to advance through both vertical side rails and loops around the front of the belt display rack. 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 33   c  belt end “A” is again threaded through the left and right slots. 
         [0031]    As seen in  FIG. 33   d , following the procedure of threading belt end “A” through the left and right slots twice, belt end “A” will be on the inside of the encircled karate belt, positioned on the left side of the belt display rack as you view it from the front. Belt end “B” will be on the right side of the belt display rack and will form the top layer of the encircled karate belt. 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 33   e , belt end “B” is then folded underneath belt end “A” and threaded up through the inside of the encircled karate belt. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 33   f , belt end “A” is then folded over to the right side remaining below the encircled belt as illustrated. 
         [0034]    As seen in  FIG. 33   g , belt end “B” is then folded downward over the top of the encircled karate belt and over the top of belt end “A”. 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 33   h  belt end “B” is then threaded up through the folded belt end “A”. By pulling in the direction of the arrows, the “traditional knot”  36  of the karate belt is completed. 
         [0036]      FIG. 33   si  illustrates the appearance of the tied karate belt and the martial arts belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; a martial arts belt in a fastened configuration mounted on a martial arts belt display rack. 
         [0037]    The completed union of the martial arts belt display rack and the martial arts belt or sash clearly illustrates a unique and aesthetic method of display combining the symbolic and traditional image of the martial arts belt or sash, coupled with a wide variety of martial arts belt display rack designs depicting the historical, cultural and spiritual discipline and distinction that the martial arts promote. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates the front view of the design for the “Standard” group of martial arts belt display racks, according to a preferred embodiment of said martial arts belt display rack in an assembled configuration. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  illustrates the front view of the design for the “Scroll” group of martial arts belt display racks, according to a preferred embodiment of said martial arts belt display rack in an assembled configuration. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates the front view of the design for the “Executive” group of martial arts belt display racks, according to a preferred embodiment of said martial arts belt display rack in an assembled configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the Standard karate belt display rack. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the Scroll karate belt display rack. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the Executive karate belt display rack. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive kung-fu belt display rack. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the Executive kung-fu belt display rack with sword display feature. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive judo belt display rack. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive karate belt display rack with sword display feature. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the Executive karate belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display. 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive kung-fu sash display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single sash display. 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive black belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display rack with sword display feature. 
           [0051]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive kung-fu display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single sash display rack with sword display feature. 
           [0052]      FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive (karate) single belt display rack. 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Executive (kung-fu) single belt display rack. 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the extreme Executive karate belt display rack. 
           [0055]      FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of the vertical side piece for the Extreme Executive judo belt display rack. 
           [0056]      FIG. 19  is an exploded front view of the Shinto gate top showing the base piece and the two cap pieces. 
           [0057]      FIG. 20  is a top view of an exploded view of the Shinto gate showing the base piece and the two cap pieces. 
           [0058]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of the Shinto gate top in an assembled configuration. 
           [0059]      FIG. 22  is a detail view of the attachment of the decorative peg and central support dowel to the vertical side rail. 
           [0060]      FIG. 23  illustrates a front view of the Executive karate belt display rack in an assembled configuration with eleven karate belts attached to the martial arts belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of said invention, thus showing how said invention displays said martial arts belts exactly as they would be viewed when worn around the waist. 
           [0061]      FIG. 24  illustrates a perspective view of the Standard karate belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration. 
           [0062]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of the Scroll karate belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration. 
           [0063]      FIG. 26  illustrates a perspective view of the Executive karate belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration. 
           [0064]      FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of the Executive karate belt display rack with sword display feature according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembled configuration. 
           [0065]      FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of the Executive karate belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display in an assembled configuration. 
           [0066]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of the Executive Black Belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display, with sword display feature. 
           [0067]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of the Extreme Executive karate belt display rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 31  illustrates the front view of the design for the Executive karate bamboo martial arts display rack, according to a preferred embodiment of said belt display rack in an assembled configuration. 
           [0069]      FIG. 32  illustrates the front view of the design for the Executive Black Belt bamboo martial arts belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display rack, according to a preferred embodiment of said martial arts belt display rack in an assembled configuration. 
           [0070]      FIG. 33   a  through  33   i  illustrate how a karate belt is threaded through the vertical side rails of the martial arts belt display rack and finally secured in the traditional knot. The process is the same for threading a kung-fu sash through the vertical side rails as well. The knot of the kung-fu sash will be tied in a fashion dictated by the select kung-fu style or practitioner. 
       
    
    
     KEY FOR REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             ( 1 ) Standard design group 
             ( 2 ) Scroll design group 
             ( 3 ) Executive design group 
             ( 4 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Standard and Scroll design group (side view) 
             ( 5 ) Top horizontal cross piece (slat) for the Standard and Executive design group 
             ( 6 ) Bottom horizontal cross piece (slat) for the Standard and Executive design group 
             ( 7 ) Top notch in the vertical side piece for accepting the Standard or Scroll top horizontal cross piece 
             ( 8 ) Bottom notch in the vertical side piece for accepting the Standard or Scroll bottom horizontal cross piece 
             ( 9 ) Central horizontal cross piece (slat) for the Extreme Executive model types 
             ( 10 ) Top horizontal cross piece (slat) for the Scroll design group 
             ( 11 ) Bottom horizontal cross piece (slat) for the Scroll design group 
             ( 12 ) Central support dowel for the Executive model types 
             ( 13 ) Shinto gate top in an assembled configuration 
             ( 14 ) Decorative peg 
             ( 15 ) Vertical side piece for the Executive karate belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 16 ) Base piece for the Shinto gate top 
             ( 17 ) Center cap piece for the Shinto gate top 
             ( 18 ) Top cap piece for the Shinto gate top 
             ( 19 ) Slot type for accepting a kung-fu sash 
             ( 20 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive kung-fu belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 21 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive kung-fu belt display rack with sword mount feature (side view) 
             ( 22 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive judo belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 23 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive karate belt display rack with sword mount feature (side view) 
             ( 24 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive karate belt display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single belt display (side view) 
             ( 25 ) Wide board-like cross piece for certificate or picture frame display 
             ( 26 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive kung-fu sash display rack with certificate or picture frame display capability and single sash display (side view) 
             ( 27 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive black belt display rack (side view) with certificate or picture frame display and single belt display with sword mount feature and top horizontal cross piece feature 
             ( 28 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive kung-fu display rack (side view) with certificate or picture frame display capability and single sash display with sword mount feature and top horizontal cross piece feature 
             ( 29 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Executive karate single belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 30 ) Vertical side piece for the Executive kung-fu single sash display rack (side view) 
             ( 31 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Extreme Executive karate belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 32 ) Vertical side piece (rail) for the Extreme Executive judo belt display rack (side view) 
             ( 33 ) Notch in base piece of the Shinto gate top for the Executive model types 
             ( 34 ) Hole in the inside surface of the vertical side piece (rail) for accepting the central support dowel for the Executive model types 
             ( 35 ) Hole in the outside surface of the vertical side piece (rail) for accepting the decorative peg for the Executive model types 
             ( 36 ) Traditional knot of the karate belt when tied 
             ( 37 ) Sword mount (side view).