BELT SECURING MECHANISM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 63/684,591, filed on Aug. 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Flag football belts are commonly used in recreational sports to simulate tackling through the removal of attached flags. These belts typically feature a simple popper or pop socket mechanism for attaching and detaching the flags. Traditionally, this system may suffer from issues related to flag displacement, wear and tear of attachment points, and limitations in customization for different players'sizes and game conditions.

Current flag football belts often face considerable shortcomings, including inadequate flag retention during intense physical activity, which may lead to unfair penalties and interruptions in gameplay. The existing flag attachments mechanisms may only provide limited stability, as constant stress and strain from repeated use can deteriorate the attachment mechanisms effectiveness over time, diminishing the belt's overall usability and reliability. Furthermore, the lack of customization elements in most traditional designs restricts their adaptability to various player preferences and flag football rules.

What is needed is a securing mechanism for flag football belts that enhances the attachment stability and durability of the flags while providing customizable fit options to accommodate different player requirements and gameplay conditions. A solution that addresses the frequent displacement of flags, minimizes wear and tear, and offers ease of attachment and detachment would significantly improve the reliability and enjoyment of flag football.

FIELD

Description of the Field

The technology pertains to the field of sports equipment, specifically focusing on securing mechanisms for flag football belts. The invention involves elastic and alternate securing mechanisms designed to maintain the stability of flag attachments during gameplay, aiming to reduce flag displacement and enhance player performance.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a belt securing mechanism is provided, featuring two elastic elements positioned at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on a belt. These elastic elements, may be thought of as “bungee pieces,” are attached or affixed to the belt to ensure a secure attachment and distribute tension evenly to prevent wear and tear.

One objective of the mechanism is to improve the stability of attached flags by ensuring minimal lateral and vertical movement during use. This configuration is designed to enhance player performance by minimizing accidental flag displacement.

In another aspect, an alternate securing mechanism comprises a single piece with cutouts designed to hold the belt securely in place. This single-piece mechanism offers multiple adjustable cutouts to accommodate different flag positions and belt sizes.

Yet another objective of the alternate mechanism is to offer customizable fastening properties through the inclusion of snap buttons or hook and loop fasteners, thereby enhancing the flexibility and usability of the securing mechanism for various player preferences and playing conditions.

In yet another embodiment, the single-piece mechanism is constructed from a semi-rigid, durable material, with adjustable cutouts and fastening features to ensure long-term resilience and support. This ensures the flags remain securely positioned at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions during gameplay.

Additionally, potential variants of the elastic mechanism may include differences in thickness, elasticity, and length of the bungee pieces to suit a range of belt sizes and player requirements. Adjustable tension settings on the elastic elements can further accommodate varying playing conditions.

Moreover, alternate mechanism variants could involve different configurations of the single-piece cutout design, optimized for different belt designs and attachment methods. Modular components may allow for replaceable cutouts to adapt to varying flag football rules and preferences.

Overall, the flag football belt securing mechanism and its variants aim to enhance the functional stability of flag positions, thereby reducing accidental penalties and improving the overall reliability and enjoyment of the sport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a belt securing mechanism illustrating a belt, a flag, and an attachment mechanism without the securing mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of shorts with an attached belt, depicting the attachment mechanism secured by first and second flexible loops, and including a flag.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of shorts with an attached belt, showing an attachment mechanism secured to the belt and a flag via a flexible anchor with a center recess.

FIG. 4 is a bird's eye view of the flexible attachment mechanism attached to shorts.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an individual wearing a belt securing mechanism attached to a pair of shorts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts shorts 5 with belt 10 sitting on top and having flag 15 which is held in place by attachment mechanism 20. This figure does not include any securing mechanism and it demonstrates how flag 15 is able to move freely along belt 10.

FIG. 2 shows several components of a belt securing mechanism for use in flag football. Specifically, the figure depicts shorts 5, which serve as the base garment. Sitting above the shorts 5 is belt 10, which is positioned around the waist area, providing a secure foundation for the attachment of further components.

Extending downward from the belt 10 is flag 15, which is held in place by attachment mechanism 20. This attachment mechanism 20 is designed to securely fasten the flag 15 to the belt 10 while allowing for easy detachment when pulled during gameplay. The attachment mechanism 20 includes a clasp or buckle system that ensures the flag 15 remains securely attached during physical activity but can be released with a specific pulling force.

Additionally, shorts 5 incorporates enhanced retention features via first flexible loop 25a and second flexible loop 25b. These flexible loops, designated as 25a and 25b, loop over belt 10 and wrap around its body, providing added stability and ensuring that the belt 10 and flag 15 remains positioned correctly on shorts 5. The loops are fastened to the shorts 5 and are designed to distribute tension evenly, reducing wear and tear over time and enhancing the durability of the securing mechanism. First flexible loop 25a and second flexible loop 25b may be attached direct to shorts 5 and belt 10 may be threaded through.

Each component depicted in FIG. 2 works cohesively to provide an effective flag football belt system. Shorts 5 support belt 10, which in turn provides a stable base for attachment mechanism 20 to hold flag 15 firmly in place while allowing the flag to be released under certain conditions. First flexible loop 25a and second flexible loop 25b ensure additional stability and tension distribution across the belt, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the system.

An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 3, which is a detailed view of the assembly involving the belt 10 secured around the shorts 5. The assembly includes a flag 15 affixed via an attachment mechanism 20. The belt 10 extends around the waist region of the shorts 5, ensuring stable positioning during movement.

The attachment mechanism 20 is engaged with the belt 10 and interacts directly with the flexible piece with center recess 30. This flexible piece 30, positioned centrally below and around the attachment mechanism 20, serves to secure the flag 15, preventing unintentional movement under typical forces encountered during gameplay. The recess in the flexible anchor 30 effectively embraces the attachment mechanism 20, maintaining the structural integrity and alignment of the flag 15 relative to the belt 10.

The figure also highlights that the flexible anchor 30 is designed to conform to the belt 10, providing a supplementary securing feature to the flag 15. The attachment mechanism 20 interfaces seamlessly with the components, ensuring a firm hold while allowing for the quick-release functionality when necessary. This configuration ensures the flag 15 remains stable and properly positioned, minimizing the likelihood of unintended displacement during athletic activities.

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment, wherein the flexible piece with center recess 30 is attached directly to shorts 5, rather than to belt 10. In this embodiment, belt 10 is threaded through either end of flexible piece with center recess 30. Belt 10 is prevented from moving because attachment mechanism 20 is connected to the portion of belt 10 that is accessible through the recess in flexible piece with center recess 30. Thus, there is a portion of flexible piece with center recess 30 on either side of attachment mechanism 20 that prevents belt 5 from moving. Attachment mechanism 20 remains in place even if flag 15 has been removed. Thus, belt 10 remains immobile during flag football play.

FIG. 5 shows a flag football belt assembly being worn. The assembly includes shorts 5, which are typically athletic shorts used in flag football play. The belt 10 encircles the wearer's waist and attached to the belt 10 are the flags 15, which are positioned on either side at the 3′o'clock and 9 o'lock positions. The flags 15 are connected to the belt using an attachment mechanism 20.

The attachment mechanism 20 may be a quick-release buckle or pop socket mechanism that facilitates easy attachment and detachment of the flags 15. Additionally, a flexible piece with center recess 30 provides additional support the attachment mechanism 20, thereby preventing the flags 15 and belt 10 from shifting during game play.

The described configuration demonstrates how the various elements (5: Shorts, 10: Belt, 15: Flag, 20: Attachment Mechanism, and 30: Flexible piece with center recess) collectively ensure that the flags remain securely attached during play while allowing easy detachment when pulled. This implementation helps minimize accidental flag displacement, thereby enhancing gameplay and reducing penalties associated with unintended flag removal.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the belt securing mechanism has been described in detail herein, the invention is not necessarily so limited and other examples, embodiments, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, uses, and modifications may be made without departing from the process and all such embodiments are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.