Attachable belt keeper

Abstract

An apparatus for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt is disclosed, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional attachment methods. It includes a belt keeper configured to secure an inner belt to the duty belt, and an attachment mechanism comprising a clip and / or a hook and loop member with a fastening element selected from rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, and squeeze tensions. This setup allows for semi-permanent attachment, minimizing the need for frequent removal or repositioning, thereby enhancing the stability and accessibility of equipment on duty belts for law enforcement and security personnel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 569,343, filed Mar. 25, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of personal equipment management, especially for law enforcement and security personnel, duty belts are used to carry necessary tools and equipment. These belts often require additional components to secure an inner belt and maintain the stability of the equipment. However, traditional solutions do not easily attach to the duty belts, leading to frequent misplacement and the need for time-consuming repositioning or removal after each use. This inefficiency can disrupt the workflow of personnel who rely on quick access to their equipment.

[0003] Existing solutions for securing these components often involve cumbersome processes that do not adequately address the need for a reliable, semi-permanent attachment to the duty belt. The lack of an effective attachment mechanism results in inconvenience and potential loss, which can be particularly problematic in high-pressure situations where time and efficiency are of great importance. There is a clear need for an improved method that allows these components to be securely and conveniently attached to duty belts, reducing the time and effort required for repositioning and minimizing the risk of misplacement.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides an apparatus for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt. The apparatus includes a belt keeper configured to be disposed around the duty belt so as to secure an inner belt to the duty belt, and an attachment mechanism operatively coupling the belt keeper to the duty belt. The attachment mechanism comprises a clip and / or a hook and loop member along with a fastening element selected from the group consisting of rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, and squeeze tensions. In this embodiment, the clip or hook and loop member is configured to enable a semi-permanent attachment in a desired position on the duty belt, thereby reducing the need for repeatedly removing or repositioning the belt keeper.

[0005] In additional embodiments, various advantageous features are provided. For example, the clip may include a tang that engages the belt keeper to facilitate semi-permanent attachment. The clip may be fabricated from a metal material that is sufficiently stiff yet flexible enough to generate spring tension in predetermined areas. Alternatively, the hook and loop member may comprise a material disposed on an inner surface of the belt keeper to promote secure attachment to the duty belt. The fastening element may be permanently affixed by means such as rivets or detachably connected using snaps, magnets, buttons, or squeeze tensions. Furthermore, the belt keeper may be configured to encircle both the duty belt and an inner belt, thereby locking them together. In some embodiments, the clip or hook and loop member is dimensioned to correspond substantially to the width of the duty belt, and the attachment mechanism is arranged to allow repositioning of the belt keeper without requiring complete removal.

[0006] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an attachable belt keeper device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an attachable belt keeper device illustrating the attachment of a belt keeper to a duty belt;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an attachable belt keeper device illustrating the attachment of a belt keeper to a duty belt;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an attachable belt keeper device in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the belt keeper attachment mechanism taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross sectional view of the belt keeper attachment mechanism of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0014] In the field of personal equipment management, particularly for law enforcement and security personnel, duty belts play a crucial role in carrying necessary tools and equipment. These belts often require additional components, such as belt keepers, to secure an inner belt and maintain the stability of the equipment. However, traditional solutions for attaching belt keepers to duty belts present several challenges. Typically, belt keepers are not designed to be easily attachable to duty belts, leading to frequent misplacement and the need for time-consuming repositioning or removal after each use. This inefficiency can disrupt the workflow of personnel who rely on quick access to their equipment.

[0015] Existing solutions for securing belt keepers often involve cumbersome processes that do not adequately address the need for a reliable, semi-permanent attachment to the duty belt. The lack of an effective attachment mechanism results in inconvenience and potential loss, which can be particularly problematic in high-pressure situations where time and efficiency are of great importance. Traditional methods may include using separate fasteners or relying on friction to hold the belt keeper in place, both of which can be unreliable and require frequent adjustments.

[0016] The present device addresses these and other issues with conventional devices and methods by providing an improved approach for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt. The method includes a belt keeper configured to be disposed around the duty belt, securing an inner belt to the duty belt, and an attachment mechanism that operatively couples the belt keeper to the duty belt. This attachment mechanism comprises a clip and / or a hook and loop member, along with a fastening element selected from rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, and squeeze tensions. This configuration allows for a semi-permanent attachment in a desired position on the duty belt, thereby reducing the need for repeatedly removing or repositioning the belt keeper. The present invention enhances the stability and accessibility of equipment on duty belts, providing a more efficient and reliable solution for law enforcement and security personnel.

[0017] The apparatus for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt introduces a novel attachment mechanism that significantly enhances the efficiency and reliability of securing belt keepers. By incorporating a clip and / or a hook and loop member, along with a fastening element such as rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, or squeeze tensions, the apparatus allows for a semi-permanent attachment of the belt keeper to the duty belt. This configuration minimizes the need for frequent removal or repositioning, thereby reducing the risk of misplacement and saving time for users, such as law enforcement and security personnel, who rely on quick access to their equipment. The clip or hook and loop member is designed to maintain the belt keeper in a desired position on the duty belt, ensuring stability and accessibility of the equipment carried. This arrangement provides a practical solution to the problem of belt keepers being easily misplaced or requiring cumbersome repositioning, offering a more efficient and reliable method of attachment compared to traditional solutions.

[0018] The belt keeper 10 is designed to secure an inner belt to the duty belt 16. The belt keeper 10 is configured to be disposed around the duty belt 16, providing a stable and reliable attachment mechanism that minimizes the need for frequent repositioning or removal. The belt keeper 10 ensures that the duty belt 16 and the inner belt remain securely locked together, enhancing the stability and accessibility of equipment carried by law enforcement and security personnel. The belt keeper 10 may be constructed from various materials, such as nylon or leather, to accommodate different user preferences and environmental conditions. The design allows for flexibility in positioning, ensuring that the belt keeper 10 can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of the user without compromising the semi-permanent attachment to the duty belt 16.

[0019] The belt keeper strap 12 is crafted to wrap around the duty belt 16, providing a snug fit that prevents the belt keeper 10 from slipping or becoming misplaced during use. The strap 12 may be constructed from durable materials that offer both strength and flexibility, ensuring that the strap can withstand the rigors of daily use by law enforcement and security personnel. The strap 12 is equipped with snap fasteners 14, which facilitate easy attachment and detachment, allowing the user to adjust the position of the belt keeper 10 as needed. The design of the strap 12 ensures that the strap can accommodate various widths of duty belts, making the strap a versatile component of the device.

[0020] The snap fasteners 14 provide a secure yet adjustable means of attaching the strap 12 to the duty belt 16. These fasteners 14 are designed to allow for quick and easy detachment and reattachment, enabling the user to reposition the belt keeper 10 without the need for complete removal. The snap fasteners 14 may be constructed from materials such as metal or high-strength plastic, ensuring durability and reliability in high-pressure situations. The use of snap fasteners 14 enhances the convenience and efficiency of the belt keeper 10, allowing law enforcement and security personnel to maintain quick access to their equipment while minimizing the risk of misplacement.

[0021] The duty belt 16 serves as the primary support structure for carrying necessary tools and equipment used by law enforcement and security personnel. Typically worn over an inner belt, the belt keeper 10 is designed to encircle both belts, effectively locking them together. This configuration ensures that the equipment carried on the duty belt 16 remains stable and accessible, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. The duty belt 16 may be constructed from materials such as leather or reinforced nylon, providing the strength and durability required for demanding environments. The design of the duty belt 16 allows accommodation of various attachment mechanisms, such as the clip 18 or hook and loop fasteners, ensuring compatibility with the belt keeper 10.

[0022] The clip 18 provides a semi-permanent attachment of the belt keeper 10 to the duty belt 16. The clip 18 may be fabricated from metal materials that are both stiff and flexible, allowing the clip to generate spring tension in predetermined functional areas. This design ensures that the clip 18 can securely engage the belt keeper 10, minimizing the risk of misplacement or the need for frequent repositioning. The clip 18 may include a tang that facilitates engagement with the belt keeper 10, providing additional support and stability. The dimensions of the clip 18 can be tailored to correspond to the width of the duty belt 16, ensuring a snug fit that enhances the overall functionality of the device. The clip 18 may be permanently affixed to the belt keeper 10 using rivets, stitching, adhesive, or other suitable means, or it may be detachably connected using snaps, magnets, buttons, or squeeze tensions, offering flexibility in its implementation.

[0023] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the belt keeper 12 is attached to the duty belt 16 using a clip 18 made from a durable metal, such as stainless steel, which is both stiff and flexible enough to provide spring tension. This clip may include a tang that engages the belt keeper, allowing for a semi-permanent attachment. The dimensions of the clip or hook and loop member can be tailored to match the width of the duty belt 16, ensuring a snug fit. Snap fasteners 14 are used to secure the belt keeper strap 12 around the duty belt 16. Alternatively, the fastening element could be magnets embedded within the belt keeper 12, providing a quick-release mechanism while maintaining a strong hold during use.

[0024] As depicted by way of example in FIGS. 4-6, belt keeper 12 may further comprise a hook and loop fastener members 20A / 20B, such as Velcro™, affixed to the inner surface of the belt keeper 12, enabling secure yet adjustable positioning on the duty belt 16.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the belt keeper 12 is designed to encircle both the duty belt 16 and an inner belt, effectively locking them together, which is particularly useful for law enforcement or security personnel who require a stable and secure setup for carrying equipment. The hook and loop fasteners 20A / 20B of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-6 provide additional security. Each of these embodiments allows for the belt keeper to be repositioned along the duty belt without the need for complete removal, offering flexibility and convenience to the user.

[0026] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt, comprising:a belt keeper configured to be disposed around the duty belt and to secure an inner belt to the duty belt;an attachment mechanism operatively coupling the belt keeper to the duty belt, the attachment mechanism comprising:a clip and / or a hook and loop member; anda fastening element selected from the group consisting of rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, and squeeze tensions, the clip or hook and loop member being configured to enable semi-permanent attachment to a desired position on the duty belt, thereby reducing the need to repeatedly remove or reposition the belt keeper.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a tang configured to engage the belt keeper, thereby facilitating a semi-permanent attachment of the belt keeper to the duty belt.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clip is fabricated from a metal material that is stiff yet sufficiently flexible to generate spring tension in predetermined functional areas.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hook and loop member comprises a hook and loop material disposed on an inner surface of the belt keeper to facilitate secure attachment to the duty belt.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is permanently affixed to the belt keeper by rivets.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is detachably connected to the belt keeper by snaps, magnets, buttons, or squeeze tensions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the belt keeper is configured to encircle both the duty belt and an inner belt, thereby locking the duty belt and the inner belt together.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clip or hook and loop member is dimensioned to correspond substantially to the width of the duty belt.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to enable repositioning of the belt keeper on the duty belt without necessitating complete removal.

10. A method for attaching a belt keeper to a duty belt, comprising:providing a belt keeper configured to secure an inner belt to the duty belt;providing an attachment mechanism comprising a clip and / or a hook and loop member and a fastening element selected from the group consisting of rivets, stitching, adhesive, magnets, snaps, and squeeze tensions;positioning the belt keeper around the duty belt such that the belt keeper encircles both the duty belt and the inner belt; andengaging the attachment mechanism with the duty belt to effect a semi-permanent attachment of the belt keeper in a desired position, thereby reducing the need for repeatedly removing or repositioning the belt keeper.

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