Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The embodiments of the invention are generally in the technical field of utility belts. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to a waist-encompassing utility belt that include a ratcheting binding that improves the closing, adjusting, and releasing of said belt. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The use of ratchet buckling systems is known and prevalent in the snowboard binding field where they have evolved as the binding of choice due to an ability to bind quickly and securely in diverse situations, such as when full of snow, and still perform satisfactorily. Ratcheting buckling systems are not currently used for other purposes with the exception of roller blades, bike racks, and ice skates. 
         [0005]    Currently, utility belts are closed with a buckle or clasp such as: a conventional belt buckle, a slide release buckle, a blimp buckle, or a simple clasp that snaps together. Currently no utility belts use ratchet type buckling systems. Ratchet fasteners are the most complex type of threading fastener, and offer advantages in taking up slack and adjusting tension. The ratchet mechanism functions similarly to a socket wrench; you open and close the fastener repeatedly to pull the webbing through the fastener. Releasing the tension is a simple matter of depressing the release lever and pulling the webbing, also called a strap, or a laddered strap, back through the fastener. The complexity of the ratcheting mechanism further allows for fine adjustment in tension, unlike the large increments found on standard buckles. This provides for improved comfort for the user who must carry tools, ropes, and other equipment for sustained periods of time. In addition, the complex nature of such a mechanism offers a more secure and heavy-duty way to fasten and support a utility belt. 
         [0006]    Utility belts are also made of durable leather or thick fabric that becomes uncomfortable when weight is suspended from the belt. A padded belt would dramatically improve user comfort. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The scope of the embodiments are defined solely by the appended claims and detailed description of a preferred embodiment, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. Generally the embodiments describe a waist-encompassing belt comprising the complementary elements of a ratcheting buckling system which, when buckled, form a longitudinally adjustable closed loop. The belt may also comprise a closure assembly that may be a ratcheting buckle, wherein the ratcheting buckle is attached to at least a first belt. The first belt may also be attached to one or more additional belts. The first belt and any additional belts may also be jointly attached to the ratcheting buckle. In another embodiment, a ratcheting buckling system is attached to a belt that is webbed wherein the webbed belt may be further attached to a utility belt. In yet another embodiment, a ratcheting buckling system is attached to a neoprene, or other padded material, belt that is further attached to a utility belt. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The above, and other, aspects, features, and advantages of several embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following Detailed Description as presented in conjunction with the following several figures of the Drawing. 
         1. Figures 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  (Sheet  1 ) illustrates a side view of an open utility belt system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  (Sheet  1 ) illustrates a side view of an open utility belt system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  (Sheet  2 ) illustrates a perspective view of a closed utility belt system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  (Sheet  2 ) illustrates a perspective view of a closed utility belt system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  (Sheet  3 ) illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet buckling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  (Sheet  3 ) illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet buckling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures can be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed embodiments. Also, common, but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       2. References 
       [0000]    
       
           36  First Ratchet Buckling System 
           38  Second Ratchet Buckling System 
           40  Second Holster 
           42  Second Pouch 
           44  First Holster 
           46  First Pouch 
           48  First Loop 
           50  Utility Belt 
           52  Lever 
           54  Locking Element Base 
           56  Release Handle 
           58  Pawl Engagement Tooth 
           60  Ladder Strip 
           62  Serrated Teeth 
           64  Casing 
           66  First Pivot Hole 
           68  Second Pivot Hole 
           70  Engagement Strap 
           72  Sliding Groove 
           74  Spring 
           76  Locking Plate 
           78  Fine Adjustment Handle 
           80  Ratchet Bucket 
           82  Impediment 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments, many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the Claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0041]    Further, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the present disclosure can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the Detailed Description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0042]    Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. Also, as used herein, terms such as “positioned on” or “supported on” mean positioned or supported on but not necessarily in direct contact with the surface. 
         [0043]    The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. The terms “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
         [0044]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. 
         [0045]    Generally, a utility belt with a ratcheting buckle with a binding similar to what is used on a ski board or snowboard is disclosed. The belt may also comprise a climbing belt, a utility belt, a work belt, or a safety belt such as commonly used in carpentry and may include attachments specific to its desired use. In a preferred embodiment, the ratcheting buckle system may be comprised of such metal or hard plastic attachments, clamps, and holders as are commonly used on snowboard bindings and ski boots. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an open utility belt is shown with a ladder strip  60  extending from one end of the utility belt  50 , and the ratchet buckle  80  attached to the opposite end of the utility belt  50 . The ladder strip can be any narrow piece, comparatively long, and having serrated teeth along at least a portion of its length. Serrated teeth are defined as a notches wherein several notches project, and resemble or suggest teeth. The utility belt can be any strip of flexible material worn around the waist that supports much of the weight of the overlying parts that it carries. The ratchet buckle  80  is a device wherein a tooth is engaged by a pawl to control motion by degrees, for and used to fasten at least two parts to one another. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the open utility belt of  FIG. 1  is further depicted with included elements such as a first pouch  46 , a loop  48 , and a first pocket  44 . A pouch and pocket can be any structure resembling a bag or container for storing or transporting items. A loop is a ring or curved piece used to form a handle or catch. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a closed utility belt is disclosed, including a first ratchet buckling system  36  and variety of possible added elements such as a first pouch  46 , a second pouch  42 , a first pocket  44 , a second pocket  40 , and a loop  48 . A ratchet buckle is something that closes and shuts, and includes a ladder strip, which is a narrow piece comparatively long and having serrated teeth along at least a portion of its length. The serrated teeth can be any notching wherein several notches project resembling or suggesting teeth; and a ratchet buckle, which is a device wherein a tooth is engaged by a pawl to control motion by degrees for and used to fasten at least two parts to one another. The first ratchet buckling system  36  includes a ladder strip  60 , a release handle  56 , and a pawl engagement tooth  58 . 
         [0049]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a closed utility belt is disclosed, including a second ratchet buckling system  38 , a variety of possible added elements such as; a first pouch  46 , a second pouch  42 , a first pocket  44  a second pocket  40 , and a loop  48 . The second ratchet buckling system  38  includes a latter strip  60 , a locking plate  76 , and a fine adjustment handle  78 . The fine adjustment handle can be any part that is grasped, seized, or held for regulation in consistent and minute amounts. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 3 and 4  differ in that they display two different ratchet buckles. These are only examples, and do not serve to limit the scope of the claims, in other words, any type or variation of a ratchet buckle can be used. 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first ratchet buckling system  36  of  FIG. 3  is further made up of a system of parts. The first ratchet buckling system  36  includes a ladder strip  60  that slides into an opening in the release handle  56  referred to this disclosure as a sliding groove  72 . The latter strip  60  can slide into the opening in the release handle  56  until it reaches an impediment  82 . The ratchet buckle  80  illustrated in  FIG. 5  includes a release handle  56 , and a pawl engagement tooth  58 . The release handle  56  includes a lever  52  that when lifted up allows the pawl engagement tooth  58  to lift from the serrated teeth  62  of the ladder strip so that the ladder strip  60  can slide along its length through the sliding groove  72 , and into the ratchet buckle  80 . Once sizing placement has been chosen by a user, the pawl engagement tooth  58  catches on a tooth  62  on the ladder strip  60  as the lever  52  is clamped down against the base of the locking element  54 . An engagement strap  70  can be any narrow piece, comparatively long, that is intended to occupy, interlock, or be secured for use. A sliding groove  72  can be any cut, indention, or channel in a part or area that allows for another part or area to slip easily, or unobtrusively on, or through as if on a tract, or guide rail. A release handle  56  can be any part of a thing made specifically to be grasped or held by a hand or finger, and to free from confinement, anything the restrains or fastens. A lever  52  can be any rigid bar that pivots about one point, and is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third. A pawl engagement tooth  58  can be any pivot bar adapted to engage, occupy, interlock or be secured for use with the teeth-like projections of a ratchet, or the like, so as to prevent movement or to impart motion. Serrated teeth  62  are several notches that project, resemble, or suggest teeth. A locking element or locking base  54  can be any element that fastens or secures by the operation of shutting in place a thing against the bottom support on which the thing stands or rests. 
         [0052]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the second ratchet buckling system  38  of  FIG. 4  is further made up of a system of parts. The second ratchet buckling system  38  comprises a ladder strip  60  that slides into an opening in the release handle referred to in this disclosure as a sliding groove  72 , and along the casing  64  that encasing the many parts of the ratchet buckle  80 . The ratchet buckle  80  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , includes a fine adjustment handle  78 , and a locking plate  76  which further includes a spring  74  that when engaged, allows for the locking plate to either release, allowing for the ladder strip of the engagement strap to slide along its length in order for the closure to open entirely, or to readjust over the length of the utility belt  50 . Once a user has chosen sizing placement, the locking plate  76  is simply not released, the spring  74  remains in resting position, and together with the locking plate  76 , the ladder strip  60  is then locked into place. Once sizing placement has been chosen by a user, the pawl engagement tooth  58  catches on a tooth  62  on the ladder strip  60  as the lever  52  is clamped down against the base of the locking element  54 . A spring is can be any mechanical device used to store energy due to resilience, and subsequently release it to absorb shock or maintain a force between contacting surfaces. 
         [0053]    The ratchet buckling systems of  36  and  38  may include a locking plate  76  or a mechanism that engages the teeth of a ladder strip  60 , an unlocking mechanism wherein the locking plate  76  is disengaged from the teeth  62  of the ladder strip  60  for enabling the engagement strip  70  to be removed from the casing  64 , a fine adjustable handle  78  adapted to be adjusted by hand to move the strip forward after engagement has begun, and the engagement strip  70  has been locked by the locking plate  76 . A locking plate can be any a mechanism having a notched rim that engages with another mechanism permitting it to pass through a specific area. A casing can be any covering or housing or any frame or framework. The casing can include pivot holes such as the first and second pivot holes  66  and  68  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . A pivot hole can be any opening or cavern that houses a pin or shaft wherein mechanical parts turn.  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate ratchet fasteners, a known type of thread fastener. Such assemblies are known types of thread fasteners. First and second ratchet buckling systems  36  and  38  serve as just two of many assembly possibilities. 
         [0054]    Those who know prior innovations in the field of thread fasteners, know that there are many possible combinations of parts, ways wherein the parts can be arranged together, and names for which various parts can be called. For examples, the release handle  56  and fine adjustment handle  78  can be interchangeably used. Also, the pawl engagement tooth  58  and locking plate  76  also can be interchangeable as there are many ways wherein a ratchet buckle  80  and ladder strip  60  can be engaged. 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, the ratcheting closure is attached to what might be best described as a climbing belt, which is essentially a webbing type belt preferably a nylon webbing though there is no limit as to the material used, a rope serves as one of many alternative examples. The webbing type belt can also be attached to any utility belt. In another embodiment the utility belt may be made of a neoprene, or other padded material; and in another embodiment the belt can be connected to a back-pack. 
         [0056]    Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and is, thus, representative of the subject matter; which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which can become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. 
         [0057]    Moreover, no requirement exists for a system or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, work-piece, and fabrication material detail can be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as can be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the present disclosure.

Technology Category: 1