DRESS BELT WITH RECESSED INSERT

Abstract

A belt with a recess defined in the surface of the belt. The recess is configured to receive and hold an insert in place. A magnet is positioned behind the recess and the insert is fabricated from a magnetic material. The depth of the recess is such that a significant portion or all of the thickness of the insert fits within the recess thus alleviating the risk of the insert being inadvertently dislodged from the belt.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Even with the grandest of advancements in golf technology, the average weekend golfer, that is the average non-cheating average weekend golfer, still hovers around the 100-stroke range per round. But generally, the average weekend golfer will hit those two or three shots per round that just feeds into that hunger to come back just one more time. But whether you hit 120, 100, break the 100 barrier, or are even a scratch golfer, the one thing that the typical golfer wants to do is look good and stylish on the course and in the clubhouse. Golf is, for the most part, a gentlemen's (and gentle-women's) game. Even the golfer with the most awkward swing, with the wildest slice and the king duffer know that when they are standing in the clubhouse or enjoying a quality bourbon at the bar, that if he or she dresses the part, no one except their golfing buddies (and maybe a few guys that saw him or her rummaging through the woods off of the fairway of the wrong hole) can tell if you are a scratch golfer or quad-putter. And so, the golfing industry has made a fortune on selling the most dapper apparel.

[0002] Another thing that every golfer, well almost every golfer, religiously adheres to is the customary etiquette of the game. Fixing your divots, repairing your ball marks, not walking in someone else's putting line, not talking when someone is about to make a shot and not throwing your clubs at other player is just engrained into the golfer. Such etiquette includes proper usage of the esteemed ball marker. Not only is utilize the ball marker a great opportunity to clean your ball, it just looks snazzy and posh to bend down and place your ball marker on the green as you pick up your ball. But what totally blows the moment is when you spend 30 seconds digging around in your pockets trying to find that ball marker and only succeeding to find a quarter, dime or God forbid, a penny or just pocket fuzz. That is why the golf accessory industry has developed flashy alternatives for storing of your ball marker. Such solutions have included a snap-on ball marker located on the back of the golf glove, a magnetic holder on the end of the putter handle and even a variety of little golf caddies that can hang from your golf bag.

[0003] But, there is always an innovator out there with a new and improved idea. One such novel improvement is the subject of this disclosure, an improvement that has been birthed out of the mind of a fashion accessory designer with a love for the game of golf.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a belt that can hold an insert, such as a golf ball marker. In an exemplary embodiment, the belt defines a recess with a magnet adhered to the backside or embedded within the strap of the belt proximate to the recess. An insert fabricated from a magnetic material can be placed within the recess and held in position until removed for use. The recess is designed such that when the ball marker is removed, the belt is still aesthetically pleasing. The various aspects of the present invention may implemented in a variety of manners and may also be utilized with other accessories such as shoes, wallets and key fobs as non-limiting examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a belt with a ball marker installed.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the belt of FIG. 1 with ball marker removed.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a top-plan view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a bottom-plan view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a buckle end elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a tip end elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a side-elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view taken at line A-A of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 9 is another exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view taken at line A-A of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the belt with ball marker.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the belt with ball marker.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the belt with ball marker.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a top-plan view of yet another belt embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wallet incorporating aspects of the removable insert.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a view of yet another embodiment incorporating the removable insert.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a view of yet even another embodiment incorporating the removable insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing a belt that can hold golf ball markers and/or decorative logo-medallions and, more specifically is directed towards a dress belt that includes a recessed area for receiving and holding a golf ball marker and/or decorative logo-medallion such that the golf ball marker and/or decorative logo-medallion is at least partially recessed.

[0023] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise", "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[0024] Turning now to the figures, the various embodiments, as well as aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are described in greater detail.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a belt with a ball marker installed. As illustrated, the belt 100 includes a buckle 110, a strap 112, a keeper 114 and a plurality of holes or notches 120 located in the strap 112 to facilitate adjustments the size of the belt. In the illustrated embodiment, outer surface 102 of the belt strap 112 includes a recessed area 150 that is suitable for receiving a golf ball marker 160. Throughout this description, although the embodiments are described as suitable for holding a golf ball marker, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments may also be suitable for holding a logo, a medallion, a decorative item as well as a variety of other items (each collectively and individually referred to as an insert). Thus, although the various embodiments may be described as being suitable for ball makers, the embodiments should not be construed as to limit the scope of the invention to only being applicable to holding golf ball markers. Further, although the various embodiments are illustrated as holding a round or circular shaped, disc-like insert, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments may be configured to hold a wide variety of items of various shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the insert is illustrated as a golf ball marker with a logo applied to the surface. In such an embodiment, when the insert is installed, the belt appears to be a normal dress belt with a logo affixed thereto. However, a user can easily remove the insert to utilize the insert for other purposes, such as for marking the location of a golf ball. The recessed area 150 illustrates an edge that extends around the periphery of the recess. When the insert 160 is inserted into the recess 150, the edge of the recess completely surrounds all edges of the insert thus preventing the insert 160 from catching on anything an being inadvertently popped out. However, in some embodiments, it will be appreciated that there may be one or more breaks in the edge of the recess to provide ease of access for removing the insert 160.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the belt of FIG. 1 with insert removed. In the illustrated configuration, the insert 160 has been removed from the recessed area 150 of the belt strap 112. When the insert 160 is removed, a surface 106 below the insert is revealed. In the illustrated embodiment, hash lines 104 are used to illustrated that in some embodiments, the outer surface 102 of the belt strap 112 utilizes the same material and texture as the surface 106 of the recess 150. Advantageously, this aspect allows the belt to be word within the insert while still maintaining its aesthetic qualities. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a different material and or texture could be utilized for the surface 106 of the recess 150 than what is used for the outer surface 102 of the belt strap 112. In the former embodiment, once the insert 160 is removed, the recessed area 150 of the belt 100 is visually subdued and may be unnoticed by the casual observer or, simply look like a decorative aspect of the belt. In the latter embodiment, the recessed can be configured to be substantially visible to an observer and may even include a logo or other decorative surface.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top-plan view of the belt of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 160 is positioned within the recess 150 of the belt 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom-plan view of the belt of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the back surface 108 of the belt 100 is shown as not including the recess 150.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a buckle end elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1. The illustration is magnified to show detail and thus should not be considered as being drawn to scale.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a tip end elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1. The illustration is magnified to show detail and thus should not be considered as being drawn to scale.

[0032] In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the insert 160 is shown as being at least partially recessed within the recess 150 such that only a portion of the insert 160 protrudes from the recess 150.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a buckle end elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1. The illustration is magnified to show detail and thus should not be considered as being drawn to scale. In this embodiment, the insert 160 is shown as being substantially recessed within the recess 150. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the insert 160 may be fully recessed within the recess 150 such that the upper surface of the insert 160 is flush with the outer surface 102 of the belt 100 and even in other embodiments, the insert 160 may be recessed further such that the upper surface of the insert 160 is recessed fully below the outer surface 102 of the belt strap 112.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side-elevation view of the belt of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view taken at line A-A of the belt of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 112 includes an outer material 902 and an inner material 916, wherein the inner material 916 is so named because when the belt 900 is worn, the inner material is positioned proximate to the wearer's waist and the outer material 902 is positioned distal to the wearer's waist or visually exposed. The outer material 902 and the inner material 916 are joined together along their edges 918 to form an interior cavity 940. The outer material 902 and the inner material 916 can be joined together in any of a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, stitching, heat welding and adhesive. The outer material 902 defines the recess 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess includes an aperture that completely passes through the outer material 902 into the interior cavity 940. In this embodiment a backing material 930 is positioned below the recess and completely covering the recess to create recess surface 106. The backing material can be affixed to the underside of the outer material 902 in any of a variety of manners including but not limited to stitching, heat welding and adhesive. Sandwiched between the outer material 902 and the inner material 916 and positioned below the recess 150 and the backing material 930 is a magnet 910. Further, in some embodiments a support material 920 may also be positioned within the cavity 940 to provide additional support for the belt 900. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the insert 160 is illustrated as having a thickness that is substantially the same as the depth of the recess 150 and thus, the upper surface of the insert 160 is substantially flush with an outer surface of the outer material 902.

[0036] FIG. 10 is another exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view taken at line A-A of the belt of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 112 includes an outer material 1002 and an inner material 1016, wherein the inner material 1016 is so named because when the belt 1000 is worn, the inner material is positioned proximate to the wearer's waist and the outer material 1002 is positioned distal to the wearer's waist or visually exposed. The outer material 1002 and the inner material 1010 are joined together along their edges 1018 to form an interior cavity 1040. The outer material 1002 and the inner material 1016 can be joined together in any of a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, stitching, heat welding and adhesive. The outer material 1002 defines the recess 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess includes an aperture that completely passes through the outer material 1002 into the interior cavity 1040. In this embodiment a backing material 1030 is positioned below the recess 150 and completely covering the recess 150 to create recess surface 106. The backing material 1030 can be affixed to the underside of the outer material 1002 in any of a variety of manners including but not limited to stitching, heat welding and adhesive. Sandwiched between the outer material 1002 and the inner material 1016 and positioned below the recess 150 and the backing material 1030 is a magnet 1010. Further, in some embodiments a support material 1020 may also be positioned within the cavity 1040 to provide additional support for the belt 1000. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the insert 160 is illustrated as having a thickness that is slightly greater than the depth of the recess 150 and thus, the upper surface of the insert 160 protrudes from the recess slightly.

[0037] Thus, in some embodiments, the insert can be slightly thinner than the depth of the recess, equal to the depth of the recess or slightly thicker than the depth of the recess. In one embodiment the thickness of the insert is no more than 1.25 times the depth of the recess. In another embodiment the thickness of the insert is no more than 1.5 times the depth of the recess. In yet another embodiment the thickness of the insert is not more than 2 times the depth of the recess. In even yet another embodiment, the thickness of the insert is no more than 0.75 times the depth of the recess. In even a further embodiment, the thickness of the insert is no more than 0.5 times the depth of the recess.

[0038] The shape of the recess can be any of a variety of shapes including circular, square, rectangular, diamond, oval, and triangular as non-limiting examples. The shape of the insert typically corresponds with the shape of the recess but, in some embodiments the shapes can be different. However, in typical embodiments, the insert should fit completely within the recess. The insert may fit snuggly within the recess in some embodiments, while in other embodiments a gap may exist between the edges of the insert and the edges of the recess. Such an embodiment allows a wearer to easily extract the insert by using a fingernail or other object to leverage the insert out. An advantage of utilizing the recess is that the insert is more securely held within the recess and thus, alleviating or eliminating the risk of the insert being inadvertently knocked out and lost.

[0039] In operation, a user can put the belt on and then place the insert within the recess. When the user desires to utilize the insert, such as to mark the position of a ball, the user can extract the insert and place the insert on the ground. Subsequently, the user can pick the insert up and return it to the recess. In some embodiments a small protrusion or bead may be configured on the surface of the recess such that when an edge of the insert is pressed inward, the insert rocks on the bead thus raising an opposing edge of the insert thereby making extraction easier.

[0040] In some embodiments, the belt may be comprised of a solid material, such as a thick hide, rather than two pieces joined together. In such embodiments, the recess can be defined in the surface of the belt by drilling out a portion of the material to a particular depth or by other techniques such as leather tooling or carving as non-limiting examples. Further, in such embodiments the backside of the belt may have a magnet adhered or affixed thereto proximate or below the recess. The magnet may be attached to the inner surface of the belt or a second recess can be created in the inner surface of the belt proximate to and under the recess in the outer surface. The second recess can be used to secure the magnet to the belt. The magnet can be held in place by any of a variety of techniques including adhesive or by stitching or adhering a backing to the inner surface of the belt at least over the magnet.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the belt with ball marker. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple recesses are illustrated and thus, the belt 1100 is configured to receive and hold multiple inserts. Although the illustrated embodiment presents two such recesses 1102 and 1104, it should be appreciated that any number of recesses could be utilized in various embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, one or more recesses could be used for removable inserts while one or more recesses may be used for permanently affixed medallions, etc. Thus, the medallions may be for decorative purposes but also, one or more of the medallions can be used as removable inserts for ball markers. In addition, with the use of a backing to create the recess surface, multiple recesses may be utilized simply for a decorative design when the belt is worn during normal use but, one or more inserts can be placed into the recesses when the belt is being worn during golf use.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the belt with ball marker. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 1200 is shown as including multiple recesses to receive and hold multiple inserts. Although the illustrated embodiment presents two such recesses 1202 and 1204, it should be appreciated that any number of recesses could be utilized in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt is what is referred to in the art as a reversible belt. In such embodiments, the reversible belt generally has one color or texture on one side and a different color and/or texture on the opposite side. Thus, the belt can be worn with different types of shoes or clothing. In such an embodiment, a holder for the insert can be provided regardless of the manner in which the belt is worn. When the belt 1200 is worn in one configuration, the insert 1204 is easily accessible and, when the belt 1200 is reversed and worn in such configuration, the insert 1202 is easily accessible.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a top-plan view of yet another belt embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 1300 includes a recess 1302 that is coaxially aligned with each of the notches or eyelets 1304 of the belt strap 1306. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. As can be seen from the illustration, one recess 1402 is positioned under the frame 1420 of the buckle and the prong 1422 is inserted into the notch 1404 of the recess 1402. The other illustrated recess 1432 is position in the opening of the buckle frame 1420 and the insert 1434 is placed within the recess 1432. Thus, in this embodiment, the insert 1434 is positioned at the front of the wearer and can appear as a decorative logo but also can be removed for use as a ball marker.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wallet incorporating aspects of the removable insert. In this embodiment, the wallet 1500 includes a face 1510 in which a recess 1520 is defined. An insert 1530 can be placed into the recess 1520 and removed as desired.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a view of yet another embodiment incorporating the removable insert. In the illustrated embodiment, a golf shoe 1600 is shown as defining a recess 1610 near the heel area of the golf shoe 1600. It will be appreciated that the recess could be located in any of a variety of locations on the golf shoe 1600 and as such, the illustrated location is simply one non-limiting example. The insert 1620 is shown as being located in the recess 1610 of the golf shoe 1600. The insert 1620 can thus be removed by a user bending down to replace a golf ball with the insert 1620.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a view of yet even another embodiment incorporating the removable insert. In the illustrated embodiment, a key fob 1700 is shown as including a fob 1710 that defines a recess 1720. The insert 1730 is illustrated as being located in the recess 1710 of the fob 1710.

[0047] It will be appreciated that this aspect of the invention can thus be incorporated into a variety of objects including, but not limited to, a golf bag, a score card holder, a tee caddy, a drink koozy, a golf hat, a golf hat bill, a visor, a visor bill, stems of sun glasses, etc.

[0048] It will be appreciated that although the various embodiments have been illustrated as including a heel roller style belt buckle, other buckle configurations may also be utilized in various embodiments, including, but not limited to loop and hook buckles, clamp buckles, military style buckles, friction buckles, side squeeze buckles, heel bar buckles, lock tongue buckles, cam lever buckles, jam lever buckles and cinch buckles. In addition, various types of materials can be used for the straps in belt embodiments including, but not limited to, leather, hide, fabric, plastic, bonded leather, web, rope, vinyl, elastic and silicone. Further, the strap may include a tip, such as a metal tip, a metal encasement, etc., or be left bare.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiments, the insert has been described as being of a magnetic material and the object that defines the recess includes a magnet to hold the insert in place. In other embodiments, the insert may include a magnet and the object may include a magnetic material. In yet other embodiments, the insert and the object may include magnets. In some embodiments the opposing sides of the insert may include different decorative aspects, such as silver on one side and gold on the other as a non-limiting example. In should be appreciated that the magnetic material could be any of a wide variety of magnetic materials but is preferably a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, gadolinium, iron oxide (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4), Manganese Bismuth (MnBi), and Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe.sub.2O.sub.4) as non-limiting examples. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these materials are very strongly affected by magnetic fields.

[0050] The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a strap having an first surface and a second surface; a buckle attached on one end of the strap distal from a tip of the strap and configured to secure the strap in a looped configuration; a recess defined by the first surface of the strap, the recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the recess including a recessed surface; an insert substantially having the particular shape, a particular thickness and at least partially comprised of a magnetic material; and a magnet having a magnetic field and being embedded within the first surface and the second surface of the strap, the magnet being positioned proximate to the recess and positioned under the recessed surface; wherein the insert can be placed within the recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the magnet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is substantially the same as the particular depth of the recess, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is flush with the first surface of the strap.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is less than the particular depth of the recess, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is below the first surface of the strap.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is no more than 1.25 times the particular depth of the recess, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is only partially above the first surface of the strap.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is no more than 1.5 times the particular depth of the recess, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is only partially above the first surface of the strap.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is no more than 2 times the particular depth of the recess, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is only partially above the first surface of the strap.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second recess defined by the second surface of the strap, the second recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the second recess including a second recessed surface; a second magnet having a magnetic field and being embedded between the first surface and the second surface of the strap, the second magnet being positioned proximate to the second recess and positioned under the second recessed surface; wherein the insert can be placed within the second recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the second magnet.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second recess defined by the second surface of the strap, the recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the recess including a second recessed surface; wherein the second recess and the recess are substantially coaxially aligned and wherein the insert can be placed within the second recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the magnet.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second recess defined by the first surface of the strap, the second recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the second recess including a second recessed surface; wherein the magnet is further positioned proximate to the second recess and positioned under the second recessed surface; wherein the insert can be placed within the second recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the magnet.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second recess defined by the first surface of the strap, the second recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the second recess including a second recessed surface; a second magnet having a magnetic field and being embedded between the first surface and the second surface of the strap, the second magnet being positioned proximate to the second recess and positioned under the second recessed surface; wherein a second insert can be placed within the second recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the second magnet.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the particular shape of the first recess is different from the particular shape of the second recess and the second insert is substantially shaped like the second particular shape.

12. An apparatus comprising: a strap having an first surface and a second surface; a buckle attached on one end of the strap distal from a tip of the strap and configured to secure the strap in a looped configuration; a recess defined by the first surface of the strap, the recess having a particular shape and a particular depth and the recess including a recessed surface; an insert substantially having the particular shape, a particular thickness and at least partially comprised of a magnetic material, wherein the particular thickness of the insert is no more than 1.25 times the particular depth of the recess; and a magnet having a magnetic field and being embedded within the first surface and the second surface of the strap, the magnet being positioned proximate to the recess and positioned under the recessed surface; wherein the insert can be placed within the recess and held in position by the magnetic field of the magnet and, wherein when the insert is placed within the recess, an upper surface of the insert is between only partially above the first surface of the strap and flush with the first surface of the strap.