US20070022576A1

US20070022576A1 - Stretchable belt loop retention device

Info

Publication number: US20070022576A1
Application number: US11/193,506
Authority: US
Inventors: Joyce Christanio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-01
Filing date: 2005-08-01
Publication date: 2007-02-01

Abstract

A stretchable or elastic, removable and reversible elongated strip or closed loop of material forms a belt loop retention device. This belt loop retention device releasably secures and/or retains a free or dangling end portion of a conventional belt. In one preferred embodiment a closed loop of material having at least one loop-fastening member securted to either loop end to lockingly receive the other loop end to form a belt loop about the free or dangling end of the conventional belt. In another preferred embodiment the strip of material having at least a pair of loop fastening members secured at opposite ends or locations thereon to lockingly receive one another to form a belt loop about the free or dangling end of the conventional belt. Optionally, a decorative brooch or garment-enhancing securing element adapted to be used in combination with the strip or closed loop of material to form the belt retention device. The decorative brooch or garment-enhancing securing element having at least one fastening member disposed thereon for removably locking with at least one fastening members disposed on the strip or closed loop of material to form the belt loop.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of belt accessories in general and in particular to a device or securing and retaining the dangling loose end of a belt against the main body portion of the belt in an attractive manner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Over the years, many have attempted to address the problem of securing the free end of a belt that hangs loosely below the waist of an individual, thereby producing a sloppy and unattractive appearance. Many of these devices were not stretchable or flexible, easily removable and decorative to accommodate belts of many sizes while embellishing the appearance.
Various devices have been utilized for securing and retaining the free dangling end of a belt. Such devices can be seen by reference in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,414,048; 1,495,925; 2,686,920; 2,863,196; 3,866,276; 4,280,254; 4,619,020; 4,627,132; 4,819,303; 5,077,867; 5,251,361 and 5,920,964. These patents show many different types of clasps or fasteners forming belt loop retention devices for supporting and retaining a free dangling end portion of a belt. Of these prior patents, U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,964 is the most pertinent prior art to the claimed invention. Note that this patent clearly teaches a flexible and easily removable belt loop device made out of a strip of flexible material with a pair of fastening members to accommodate different belt sizes and their free loose ends.
As a result of this patent, a more improved flexible and easily removable belt loop retention device has been constructed. The provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background prior art, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a preferred embodiment of a much improved belt loop retention device for securing or retaining a free or dangling end of a conventional belt. The belt loop retention device is an improved elastic, easily removable and reversible elongated closed loop of material. The closed loop of material comprises: a) inner and outer surfaces or faces; b) a securing member, the securing member is fastened about the outer surfaces, placing the inner surfaces in an abutting and overlapping engagement with one another or in a crossing relationship, thereby forming a pair of loops at opposites sides of the securing member; c) at least one loop fastener disposed at the top center of either one of the loops; and d) the loop fastener having a first receiving portion to receive one of the loops and a second receiving portion for receiving the other loop for lockingly securing the belt loop device about the free end of the belt to thereby form a belt loop to prevent the free end of the belt from dangling.
In multiple forms of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the securing member is a block-like element that can be pressed, clamped, crimped and/or molded about the outer faces of the closed loop of material, where the inner surfaces or faces overlap and abut one another. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the block-like element can be received or clipped about an inner and outer surface or face of the closed loop of material at any location thereon. Note that the securing member can be decorative or colorful in order to embellish the appearance of the belt or a piece of clothing. In the preferred embodiments, the securing member further includes a snap recess in the middle or center thereof for receiving a complimentary fastener in the middle or center of the backside of a decorative or brooch-like element to further embellish the appearance of the belt or a piece clothing. The snap recess comprises a spring-like element therein and the complimentary fastener is a stem-like member with an enlarged head for lockingly receiving one another.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is the object of the instant invention to provide a much improved belt loop retention device for releasably securing a free end of a belt to the body thereof, the belt retention device improvement comprising: a) a stretchable, removable and reversible strip of material; b) a pair of unitary fistening members disposed on opposite ends of the strip of material, the opposite ends having a rolled shape defining a through opening, said fastening members having a section with a spring-like portion disposed through the opening; c) a decorative and removable securing and garment-enhancing element, the securing and garment-enhancing element including a pair of complimentary fastening members disposed at opposite ends thereon, the complimentary fastening members having a pair of recesses disposed at said opposite locations or ends; and d) the spring-like portion being a pair of spring actuated pins that are removably received within the recesses to form the belt loop retention device about the free or loose end of the belt to prevent the free or loose end from dangling.
In another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, it is the object of the instant invention to provide a much improved belt loop retention device for releasably securing a free end of a belt to the body thereof the belt retention device improvement comprising: a) a stretchable, removable and reversible strip of material; b) a pair of unitary loop-like fastening members disposed on opposite ends of the strip of material, said loop-like fastening members having a section with a spring-like portion disposed thereon; c) a decorative and removable brooch or garment-enhancing element, the brooch or garment-enhancing element including a pair of complimentary fastening members disposed at opposite locations thereon, the complimentary fastening members having protruding stem-like elements with one end fixedly secured to said opposite locations, with the other end having an enlarged head portion; and d) the spring-like elements are forced apart by said head portion, with the head portion passing through the spring-like elements from one side to the other side, once the head portion is positioned on the other side, the head portion is seated against the other side of the spring-like elements to retain the belt retention device about the free end of the belt, until the head portion is forcibly retracted through the space and externally to the one side. The spring-like elements of the loop fasteners are illustrated in two different embodiments, which will be discussed in greater detail below.
In one specific embodiment of the decorative securing block-like element includes a) a pair of block sections, one of the sections having a front face with a snap recess for receiving a decorative element and a pair of elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements disposed on a back side face adjacent the ends thereof; b) the other section having a pair of elongated complimentary snap channels on a front side face adjacent the ends thereof; c) the closed loop of material inner surfaces or faces are overlapped or in a crossing relationship as recited above, with the outer faces being placed within a cavity in each block section positioned between the elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements and the elongated complimentary snap channels; and d) the pair of elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements is lockingly snapped into the elongated complimentary snap channels or vice-versa thereby retaining the overlapped surfaces or faces securely within the cavities in the block-like sections, while maintaining the pair of loops in their desired positions.
Alternately, the block-like element could be a single block with a slit opening disposed on one side thereof with the other side being closed and acting like a hinge member. The single block-like element can be molded from plastic material with a flexibility that allows the slit to open or closed to receive the overlapped portion of the closed loop of material. A pair of recesses is disposed on the inside faces of the single block-like element to receive the overlapped portion therein. The hinge member allows the two sections on opposite sides of the slit to be opened to receive the overlapped portion within the recesses and clamped therein when the two sections closes the slit or come together.
In another specific embodiment of the decorative securing block-like element is a clamp-like device that includes a) a front face with a snap recess for receiving a decorative element; b) the back side face is spring-like clamp portion with a varying cavity for receiving different dimensions and/or sizes of the elongated strip of material; and c) the spring-like clamp is moved back and forth to removably insert the elongated strip of material within the varying cavity.
The above securing block-like element can utilize a cover or shield member that is sized to cover the entire face of the securing block-like element in order to cover the snap recess in the middle or center thereof, if desired. This cover or shield can be solid in color or can be decorative to embellish the appearance of the belt or a piece of clothing. Also, the cover or shield can be used when one wants to dress down rather than dressing up by utilizing a more dressy type of brooch or garment-enhancing element inserted into the snap recess. Furthermore, the cover or shield member can be made of the same type of material as the securing member or the cover or shield can be made of different types of material from the securing member, if desired.
The loop fastening members, the securing block-like element, and the cover can be made of metals from the group consisting of silver, gold bronze or copper, or can be made from different types of plastic materials that are rigid with flexible capabilities.
The closed loop and/or elongated strip of material can be either a single color or different colors to match a single garment or belt or to match different color garments or belts.
Other objects and features of advantage will become apparent as the specification progresses, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the belt loop retention device constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a loop fastener of the belt loop retention device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the loop fastener connected with the pair of loops of the stretchable material of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of block-like sections of the securing element of the belt loop retention device of the present invention with a snap recess on a front surface of one the block-like sections.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the belt loop retention device constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.
FIG. 6 is another preferred embodiment of a belt loop retention device constructed in accordance with the present invention with a closed loop of material and a clamp-like securing element.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the belt loop retention device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the belt loop retention device of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the belt loop retention device of FIG. 6 and shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.
FIG. 10 is another preferred embodiment of a belt loop retention device constructed in accordance with the present invention with an elongated strip of material with spring type releasing means at each end thereof for engaging a securing element.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stretchable elongated strip of material with the spring type releasing means of FIG. 10.
FIG. 11 a is a sectional view of FIG. 11 that illustrates the rolled ends of the elongated strip of material.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the securing element of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the spring type releasing means and its components.
FIG. 14 is a top view of the securing element with the spring type releasing means being engaged with securing apertures at one end of the securing element.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the belt loop retention device constructed in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 and shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.
FIG. 16 is a front view of a garment-enhancing cover device that can be installed in the snap recess of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a side view of the garment-enhancing cover device with a stem-like portion and spherical head portion secured to the backside thereof for releasably engaging with the snap recess of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a front view of a garment-enhancing brooch type device that can be installed in the snap recess of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a side view of the garment-enhancing brooch type device with a stem-like portion and spherical head portion secured to the backside thereof for releasably engaging with the snap recess of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cover device inserted into the snap recess of the present invention and shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the garment-enhancing brooch type device inserted into the snap recess of the present invention and shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.
FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a brooch device with fastening devices that are releasably secured to a stretchable strip of material with spring-like fasteners disposed at each end thereof forming a belt loop device.
FIG. 23 is a front view of the stretchable strip of material with spring-like fasteners disposed at each end thereof as shown in FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 a side view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 22, having one of the fastening ends of the stretchable strip of material being released from one of the fastening devices of the brooch device for disengaging the belt loop device.
FIG. 25 is a front view of a modified version of the spring-like fasteners disposed at each end of the stretchable strip of material as shown in FIG. 23.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 shown in an installed position on a conventional belt.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now in detail to FIG. 1 of the appended drawings, therein illustrated an elastic or stretchable, easily removable and reversible belt loop retention device 3 that forms a belt loop to retain and support a free or loosely hanging end 2 of a conventional belt 1 as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 1, the belt loop retention device comprises an elongated closed loop of material designated by the numerals 11 and 12. The elastic or stretchable closed loop of material is made of the combination of polyester and rubber materials. Preferably, the closed loop of material is made of at least 51% polyester and at least 49% rubber. This combination of materials provides a long-lasting elasticity life with the least amount of wear and tear on the closed loop material over a period of constant use. It is to be noted that other types of materials and combination of materials can be used that has adequate elastic or stretchable capability. Alternately, the range of percentages of the combination of materials can vary depending on use and utility. Note that the closed loop of material could be made of a single type of stretchable or elastic material, if desired.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the belt loop retention device 3 includes the closed loop of material 11 with an exterior surface 12, inner surfaces 11 a and 11 b and outer surfaces 12 a and 12 b. The inner surfaces 11 a and 11 b are placed in abutting and overlapping engagement with one another and held together by a securing element 4 secured about the inner surfaces 11 a and 11 b and the outer surfaces 12 a and 12 where they overlap one another to thereby form a pair of loops 14 and 14 a. As depicted in FIG. 1, the securing element 4 has a snap recess 13 for receiving a garment-enhancing element, such as a brooch or a decorative member (illustrated and to be discussed in greater detail later). In FIG. 4, the securing element 4 has a snap recess 13 for receiving a garment-enhancing element, such as a brooch or a decorative member (illustrated and to be discussed in greater detail later).
The securing block-like element 4 includes a) a pair of block sections, the first block-like section having a front face 10 with the snap recess 13 for receiving a decorative member and a pair of elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements 7 are disposed on a back side face adjacent the ends thereof; b) the second block-like section having a pair of elongated complimentary snap channels 9 disposed on a front face adjacent the ends thereof; c) the closed loop of material inner surfaces 11 a and 11 b are overlapped with one another as recited above, with the outer surfaces 12 a and 12 b being placed within a cavity 7 a in the first block-like section and a cavity 9 a in the second block-like section. Cavity 7 a is positioned between the elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements and cavity 9 a is positioned between the elongated complimentary snap channels 9; and d) the pair of elongated raised chamfered or beaded snap elements 7 are lockingly snapped into the elongated complimentary snap channels 9 or vice-versa thereby retaining the overlapped surfaces securely within the cavities in the block-like sections, while maintaining the pair of loops in their desired positions.
A loop fastener device 15, illustrated in FIG. 2, is selectively secured to the center portion of one of the loops 14 and 14 a. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 15 is connected to both loop portions 14 and 14 a to form the belt loop retention device connector. The loop fastener 15 as depicted in FIG. 2 is a piece of rigid and flexible material that defines a single fastening unit. This material can be made of different types of metals and/or plastics. The loop fastener 15 has a double S-shape with one side being shorter than the other side. The shorter side has an upper indented portion 20 that is deformed inwardly toward a slanted elongated leg portion 17 of the longer side to form a receiving cavity 18 there between. An upper portion 19 of the elongated leg portion 17 defines a second receiving or hook-like portion. The indented portion 20 is able to be flexed outwardly by pulling to allow one of the loops 14 or 14 a to be received within cavity 18, while the other loop 14 or 14 a is pulled over the hook-like portion 19 to lock the two loops 14 and 14 a together to form the belt loop retention device as illustrated in FIG. 3. Note that either one of loops 14 or 14 a can selectively be received and maintained in the cavity 18 while the other loop will be received and maintained within the hook-like portion 19. The indented portion 20 provides a flexible or bendable and retainable element that prevents the loop received within cavity 18 from coming out. However, the loop within cavity 18 is easily removed once the indented portion is flexed or pulled outwardly, or the loop is pulled forcibly past indented portion 20. The other loop is easily removed from the hook-like portion 19. The ease in removing the closed loop of material enables other closed loops of materials of different types, sizes, and colors to be utilized to accommodate different sizes and color of belts to enhance different color garments, if desired.
FIG. 5 depicts the use of the belt loop retention device as a belt loop with a conventional belt 1 for retaining the free and loosely dangling end 2 thereof.
In another preferred embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 6-9, the elastic or stretchable belt retention device 21 includes a securing block-like element 22 with a front face 23, side faces 25 and a top face 26. On the front face 23 a spring-action snap recess 23 a is disposed in the center or middle of the front face 23. A clamp member 27 provided on a backside of the securing block-like element 22 for clamping the belt retention device 21 to the closed loop of material 24 with an outer face 24 a and an inner face 24 b. The clamp member 27 includes a spring-like member 28 that moves toward and away from the backside of the securing block-like element 22 for releasably receiving a portion of the closed loop of material 24. This clamp is similar in nature to a tie-clamp. The spring-like member 28 allows different dimensions of closed loop of material to be utilized. The spring-action snap recess 23 a could be a single member with a pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations 23 b and 23 c on a front surface thereof and a pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations 23 b and 23 c on a rear surface thereof secured within recess 23 a. A channel (not illustrated) is disposed and aligned between the front and rear indentations 23 b and 23 c. Also, the recess 23 a could be a pair of parallel spring members or devices with the same indentations and channel. A brooch or cover-enhancing device having a spherical head is removably received within the recess 23 a. The indentations 23 b and 23 c allow for easy insertion and removal. Such brooch or cover-enhancing device allows one to dress up or dress down a piece of clothing, if desired. The non-illustrated channel is adapted to receive a stem portion that is attached between the backside of the broach or cover-enhancing device and the spherical head. Alternately, the non-illustrated channel could be omitted. The broach or cover-enhancing device will be discussed in greater detail later.
FIG. 7 illustrates the side view and FIG. 8 shows the top view of the securing block-like element 22. FIG. 9 shows the elastic or stretchable belt loop retention device 21 being utilized with a conventional belt 1 for retaining a free or loosely dangling or hanging end 2. The conventional belt 1 is removably inserted through the belt loop retention device 21 or the belt loop retention device 21 is slidably and removably received along the conventional belt 1.
Another preferred embodiment of the instant invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 11 a. In FIG. 10, element 36 is an elongated elastic strip of material with reversible surfaces 36 a and 36 b. This allows either side to be utilized. Note that the surfaces 36 a and 36 b could be of the same or different colors to coincide with different color garments. Each end 37 of element 36 is rolled to form an elongated circular opening 37 a that is open on both ends as depicted in FIG. 11 a. Element 38 is a spring member of the type that is typically used in watchbands. This spring member 38 is inserted into the circular opening 37 a of element 37 with end portions 38 a extending there from.
FIG. 13 shows a more detailed view of the spring member 38 and FIG. 14 shows a detailed top view of spring member 38. As shown in FIG. 10, the elongated strip of material 36 is removably attached to a garment-enhancing plate 29. This garment-enhancing plate 29 can be of many shapes and forms. However, it is preferred that the shape be square, rectangular or circular. In FIG. 10, the shape takes the form of a rectangular. Note that the rectangular has a pair of horizontal parallel legs 30 with a pair of opposite ends 31 that is joined perpendicularly by a pair of vertical parallel ends 33 a adjacent or near the opposite ends 41 but spaced there from. Element 30 a represents the sides of the legs 30 as shown in FIG. 12. The opposite ends 31 extend beyond the vertical parallel ends 33 a. A pair of receiving apertures 32 are disposed within an inside wall portion of the extended portion of the opposite ends 31 for receiving elements 38 a of the spring member 38. In the middle of the garment-enhancing plate is a snap recess 34 for receiving a snap fastener of a garment-enhancing device or broach member. The backside of the element 29 is a flat surface, or in the alternative, the backside can be a duplicate of the front side of element 29. This duplication allows element 2′9 to be reversible. Details of the snap recess 34 are the same as discussed above for FIGS. 6-9.
Now the belt loop retention device can easily be formed for retaining a free and/or loosely dangling end of a belt. This is achieved by first placing one of the spring ends 38 a into a first set of receiving apertures 32 at one end of the elongated elastic strip of material 36. Then the elongated elastic strip of material 36 is looped around a conventional belt 1 as shown in FIG. 19 and then, hooking the other spring end 38 a into the other set of receiving apertures to form the belt loop retention device for retaining the free or loosely dangling end 2 of the belt 1. Now one can dress up or dress down a piece of clothing or a belt by inserting the cover stem 42 and the spherical head portion 43 of the cover member 39 as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 into snap recess 34.
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrates a decorative or brooch device 44 with a front face portion 40 with a decorative element 45. FIG. 18 shows a side view with sides 47, a stem portion 46 and spherical head portion 48. The stem portion 46 and the spherical head portion 48 are removably inserted into the snap recess 34 as discussed earlier. This allows one to embellish a piece of clothing or a belt. The decorative or brooch device 44 and the above discussed cover member 39 shows an improved versatility over all of the above discussed prior art.
FIG. 19 depicts a conventional belt utilizing the preferred embodiment of FIG. 10, belt loop retention device 29 for retaining the free and loosely dangling end 2 of belt 1. This figure shows the use of the belt loop retention device 29 with out the use of cover member 39 or brooch device 44. FIG. 20 shows the brooch device 44 and FIG. 21 shows the cover member 39 being used with any one of the previous discussed embodiments. FIGS. 20 and 21 clearly demonstrate the improved versatility over all of the above discussed prior art.
Alternate embodiments are depicted in FIGS. 22-25. In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-23, an improved belt loop retention device comprises a decorative or a brooch securing member 49 coupled to an elongated stretchable fastening device 53. FIG. 22 shows a side view of the decorative or broach type securing member 49 with a front surface 50, side wall portion 50 a, and a pair of male fastening elements 51 disposed on the back side 50 b of securing member 49. On the front surface 50 of the securing member 49 a decorative or display element 52 is secured thereto. The decorative or display element 52 can be attached to surface 50 by various means, such as, bonding, molding, gluing, brazing, welding, etc. This type of attachment means is dependent on the type of material that the securing member 49 is made out of. The types of material that the securing member 49 is made out of could be from various types of metals or plastics as discussed earlier.
Alternately, the front face 50 could have a snap recess and the display element 52 could have a stem with spherical head portion in the same manner as discussed above in the previous embodiments. As shown in FIG. 23, the elongated elastic or stretchable fastening device 53 includes an elongated strip of elastic or stretchable material 54 and a pair of female fastening members 56 secured to both ends of the elongated strip of elastic or stretchable material 54. The fastening members 56 have a base portion 56 a, an intermediate inward arcuate wall section 56 b and an upper spherical or ball-shaped spring member 57 defining a female receiving portion that joins the intermediate wall section to define a unitary fastening member 56. The spherical or ball-shaped member 57 is a spring-like element or member that has a pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations (not shown) on a front surface thereof and a pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations on a rear surface thereof in the same manner as previously discussed.
In FIG. 22, the strip of material 54 is stretched between the male fastening members 51 with each of the female fastening members 56 lockingly receiving each of the male fastening members 51. Note that the male fastening members 51 can be hooks, pins, buttons, etc. They can take on various shapes and forms. This fastening or locking action defines an improved belt loop retention device as shown in FIG. 26 for retaining the free or loosely dangling end 2 of the conventional belt 1. In FIG. 26, the strip of material 54 is disposed between the backside of the conventional belt 1 and a piece of clothing, even though it cannot be seen as depicted. This improved belt loop retention device 49, 53 has the capability of being universal and reversible by making each side of the strip of material of the same color or different colors, if desired. Note that the different colors can coincide with different color garments or belts. Also, the universal and reversible capability is achieved because the fastening members 56 are the same on both sides as recited previously. The improved belt loop retention device 49, 53 clearly embellishes or enhances a piece of clothing or belt.
FIG. 24 shows one of the male fastening members 51 being released from one of the female fastening members 56. Once the female fastening spring member 57 is pulled on, the spring member 57 will spread outwardly slightly enabling it to be released from the male fastening member 51. The ease of release of the fastening members 57 from the fastening members 56 is a direct result of the arcuate indentations 23 b and 23 c as previously discussed.
FIG. 25 is the same as FIG. 23 with the exception of modified fastening members 58. The elongated elastic or stretchable fastening device 53 includes an elongated strip of elastic or stretchable material 54 and a pair of unitary female fastening members 58 secured to both ends of the elongated strip of elastic or stretchable material 54. The fastening members 58 have a base portion 58 a, an intermediate inward arcuate wall section 58 b and an upper nose or nipple shaped portion 59 defining a female receiving portion that joins the intermediate wall section to form the unitary fastening members 58.
The uniqueness of fastening members 58 is that, it is made of spring-like or flexible material. This means that the fastening members can be made from the many types of metals and plastic material as mentioned earlier. Note that the wall sections 58 b and nipple portion 59 is originally flexed inwardly, such that when the male fastenings 51 is inserted within the nipple portion 59 the wall sections are able to be flexed outwardly. Once the male fastenings 51 has been inserted into the nipple portion 59, then the wall sections 58 b will collapse about the male fastening members 51 to lockingly fasten the strip of material 54 to the securing member 49. When the strip of material 54 is to be released from the securing member 49, one only needs to pull on the fastening members 58 slightly and the wall sections will spread slightly outwardly just enough to enable the fastening members 51 to be released with ease from the nipple portion 59.
It is readily apparent that FIG. 25 will be secured or fastens in the same manner as discussed above in reference to FIG. 22. This enables the securing member 49 and the elastic or stretchable fastening member 53 to form the belt loop retention device 49, 53 for retaining the free or loosely dangling end 2 of the conventional belt 1. The universal and reversible capability is the same as discussed above for FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 25 will be released in the same manner as FIG. 23 as recited above in reference to FIG. 24.
The face of the brooches will be manufactured in many different shapes, sizes, dimensions, and materials, such as star shape, to fit various size belts. Also, the face of the brooches may be created in diamonds, rhinestones, different color gems, sterling silver, gold, etc.
Since the preferred use is a belt loop retention device primarily for women, there are many other alternate uses for the claimed invention. These alternate uses are 1) a ponytail holder, 2) a necklace pendant, 3) a toe ring, 4) a garment closure, 5) a sandal (shoe) brooch, 7) a scarf pendant, 8) a cloth napkin holder (ring), 9) a towel ring and 10) curtain holder (all house type curtains, shower curtains, etc).
Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be apparent that many substitutions, modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and-described herein is only limited to the extent of the breadth and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A belt loop retention device, the belt loop retention device improvement comprising:

a closed loop of stretchable material, the closed loop of stretchable material having inner and outer surfaces;

a securing element, the securing element is secured about the outer surfaces of the stretchable material, with the inner surfaces overlapping one another in an abutting engagement therein, thereby forming a pair of loops at opposites sides of the securing block;

a unitary loop fastener having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being selectively secured to a center portion of either one of the loops, the fastener having a second portion for receiving the center portion of the other loop; and,

wherein the first and second portions lockingly receiving the pair of loops defining a belt loop for securing and retaining the free end of a belt to prevent the free end of the belt from dangling.

2. The belt loop retention device of claim 1 wherein the securing element having a pair of block sections.

3. The belt loop retention device of claim 3 wherein the block sections have a first block member and a second block member.

4. The belt loop retention device of claim 3 wherein the first block member has a front surface with a snap recess in the center thereof, and a back portion with a pair of snap protruding ribs or beads with a first cavity disposed there between.

5. The belt loop retention device of claim 3 wherein the second block member has a front surface with a pair of complimentary snap protruding rib or bead channels with a second cavity disposed there between, with the first and second cavities being in alignment with one another.

6. The belt loop retention device of claim 1 wherein the securing block is adapted to receive a cover within the snap recess to embellish the appearance of the securing block.

7. The belt loop retention device of claim 6 wherein the cover can be made of many different colors to match different colors and styles of belts and garments.

8. The belt loop retention device of claim 6 wherein the cover has a stem portion with a spherical head portion at the end thereof, wherein the spherical head portion is adapted to be pressed into the snap recess for securing the cover to the securing block.

9. The belt loop retention device of claim 4 wherein the snap recess being adapted to receive a locking element of an ornamental device, such as a brooch, to enhance the appearance of the belt or a piece of clothing.

10. The belt loop retention device of claim 9 wherein the ornamental device has a stem portion with a spherical head portion at the end thereof, wherein the spherical head portion is adapted to be pressed into the snap recess for securing the ornamental device to the securing block.

11. The belt loop retention device of claim 6 wherein the cover and the securing element can be made from different types of material selected from the group consisting of metals and plastics.

12. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the loop fastener is made from different types of material selected from the group consisting of metals and plastics.

13. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the stretchable material is made of polyester and rubber materials.

14. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the stretchable material is made of at least 51% polyester and at least 49% rubber.

15. The belt loop device of claim 9 wherein the ornamental device having a face that can be made up of diamonds, rhinestones or different color gems.

16. The belt loop device of claim 9 wherein the ornamental device can be made of different types of materials, such as sterling silver, gold, brass, bronze, plastics, etc.

17. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the unitary loop fastener is molded or bent into a double S-shape configuration with one side longer than the other, the shorter side having an intermediate indented portion with an upper portion being formed as a lip or a slightly curved end and a first lower curved end, the longer side having an intermediate slanted or inclined portion an upper hook-like portion and a second lower curved end, the joining of the curved ends, the inclined portion and the indented portion create a receiving cavity there between, whereby, one is able to catch the lip or the slightly curved end to enable the indented portion to be moved slightly way from the inclined portion to allow one of the loops to be received within the receiving cavity, while the other loop is secured within the upper hook-like portion to form the belt loop.

18. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the snap recess includes a releasable spring member therein.

19. The belt loop device of claim 1 wherein the spring member include a pair of spring elements, the spring elements have a first pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations on a front surface and a second pair of arcuate or semi-circular indentations on a rear surface, each of the arcuate or semi-circular indentations having a semi-circular groove or channel extending there between, whereby the engagement of the head portion against the first semi-circular indentations allows for easy movement of the spring elements away from one another so that the spherical or head portion can pass along the semi-circular groove or channel to the exterior of the second semi-circular indentations and lockingly seating there against with the stem portion seating within the semi-circular groove or channel.

20. A belt loop retention device for releasably securing a free end of a belt to the body thereof the belt retention device improvement comprising:

a stretchable, removable and reversible strip of material;

a pair of fastening members disposed at both ends of the strip of material, the fastening members having a spring section disposed thereon;

a securing member, the securing member includes a pair of complimentary fastening members disposed at opposite locations at each end thereon, the spring section having a pair of complimentary engaging portions thereon; and,

wherein, each pair of the complimentary engaging portions at both ends of the strip of material releasably receive the complimentary fastening members of the securing member at each end thereon to form a belt loop member for securing and retaining the free end of a belt to prevent the free end of the belt from dangling.

21. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the complimentary fastening members of the securing member are receiving apertures.

22. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the spring section includes a pair of spring members having complimentary protruding stem elements extending there from, the spring members having a housing element with a spring element housed between the pair of protruding stem elements that extend through each end of the housing element.

23. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the strip of material is rolled at each end to form an opening for receiving and enclosing at least a major portion of the spring members therein.

24. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the securing fastening members can be made from different types of material selected from the group consisting of metals and plastics.

25. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the strip of material is made of polyester and rubber materials.

26. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the strip of material is made of at least 56% polyester and at least 44% rubber.

27. The belt retention device of claim 20 wherein the securing member can be made from different types of material selected from the group consisting of plastics and metals.

28. The belt loop retention device of claim 20 wherein the securing member has a snap recess on a front surface thereof and being adapted to selectively receive either one of a cover or an ornamental device, such as a brooch therein to enhance the appearance of the securing member.

29. The belt loop retention device of claim 20 wherein the cover can be made of many different colors to match different colors and styles of belts and garments.

30. The belt loop retention device of claim 28 wherein each of the cover and the ornamental device has a stem portion with a spherical head portion at the end thereof, wherein the spherical head portion is adapted to be pressed into the snap recess for selectively securing each of the cover and the ornamental device to the securing member to enhance the appearance of the belt or a piece of clothing.

31. The belt loop retention device of claim 28 wherein the cover can be made from different types of material selected from the group consisting of metals and plastics.

32. A belt loop retention device, the belt loop retention device improvement comprising:

a closed loop of elastic or stretchable material, the closed loop of elastic or stretchable material having inner and outer surfaces;

a securing member, the securing member is secured about a selected portion of the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic or stretchable material, the securing member having a front side and a rear side;

a unitary closed loop fastener having at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being fixedly secured to the rear side of the securing member, the second portion being flexed in one direction to expand a space with the rear side for slidably receiving selected portions of the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic or stretchable material; and,

wherein the second portion is flexed in another direction for contracting the space to lockingly retain the securing member about the selected portions of the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic or stretchable material, thereby creating a belt loop for securing and retaining the free end of a belt to prevent the free end of the belt from dangling.

33. The belt loop retention device of claim 32 wherein the securing member is a clamp.

34. The belt loop retention device of claim 32 wherein the securing member has a snap recess on a front surface thereof and being adapted to selectively receive either one of a cover or ornamental device, such as a brooch therein to enhance the appearance of the securing member, the belt or a piece of clothing.

35. The belt loop retention device of claim 34 wherein the cover can be made of many different colors to match different colors and styles of belts and garments.

36. The belt loop retention device of claim 34 wherein each one of the cover and ornamental device has a stem portion with a spherical head portion at the end thereof, wherein the spherical head portion is adapted to be pressed into the snap recess for selectively securing the cover and the ornamental device to the securing member.