Adjustable belt loop fastening device

Abstract

Adjustable bell loop fastening devices configured to extend between two or more belt loops on a garment and to selectively lessen the distance there between the belt loops to secure the waistline of a garment to a wearer while concurrently minimizing the force and/or pressure applied to the wearer's abdominal region, especially for wearer's having chronic diseases and/or illnesses (e.g., Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, etc.) that frequently result in increased abdominal sensitivity and tenderness.

Claims

1. An adjustable belt loop fastening device configured to extend between and be directly affixed to a plurality of belt loops on a garment instead of directly on a garment waistline and, while in use and affixed to the plurality of belt loops, to selectively lessen distance between the belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another to secure the garment waistline to a wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer, the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprising: an elongate sheath having a first end, a connecting portion, and a second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having a length defined between the first end and the second end, the length configured to only extend a distance between a first consecutive belt loop and second consecutive belt loop of the plurality of belt loops when affixed to the plurality of belt loops, wherein the elongate sheath has upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face, and wherein: the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment and selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of the elongate sheath remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use and affixed to the separate belt loops, wherein: the first end, the second end, and the connecting portion comprise hook and loop fasteners positioned thereon in which the first and second ends comprise the same hook or loop fastener and the connecting portion comprises a complimentary hook or loop fastener configured to securely engage the first and second ends while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

2. A kit comprising one or a plurality of adjustable belt loop fastening devices of claim 1.

3. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 1, wherein the elongate sheath comprises is a semi-rigid material.

4. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 1, wherein the elongate sheath is a non-deformable material.

5. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 1, wherein the elongate sheath is a semi-rigid and non-deformable material.

6. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 1, wherein the elongate sheath comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a leather strap.

7. An adjustable belt loop fastening device configured to extend between and be directly affixed to a plurality of belt loops on a garment instead of directly on a garment waistline and, while in use and affixed to the plurality of belt loops, to selectively lessen distance between the belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another to secure the garment waistline to a wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer, the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprising: an elongate sheath having a first end, a connecting portion, and a second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having a length defined between the first end and the second end, the length configured to only extend a distance between a first consecutive belt loop and a second consecutive belt loop of the plurality of belt loops when affixed to the plurality of belt loops, wherein the elongate sheath has upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face, and wherein: the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment and selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or the second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of the elongate sheath remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use and affixed to the separate belt loops, wherein the first and second ends comprise different fasteners, wherein the first end comprises snap fit buttons configured to securely engage one another while concurrently being affixed to and gripping one belt loop of the belt loops while the device is in use, and the connecting portion and the second end comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners so that the second end securely engages the connecting portion while concurrently being affixed to and gripping the another belt loop while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

8. A kit comprising one or a plurality of adjustable belt loop fastening devices of claim 7.

9. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 7, wherein the elongate sheath comprises is a semi-rigid material.

10. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 7, wherein the elongate sheath is a non-deformable material.

11. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 7, wherein the elongate sheath is a semi-rigid and non-deformable material.

12. The adjustable belt loop fastening device of claim 7, wherein the elongate sheath comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a leather strap.

13. An adjustable belt loop fastening device configured to extend between and be directly affixed to a plurality of belt loops on a garment instead of directly on a garment waistline and, while in use and affixed to the plurality of belt loops, to selectively lessen distance between the belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another to secure the garment waistline to a wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer, the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprising: an elongate sheath having a first end, a connecting portion, and a second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face, wherein: the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment and selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or the second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of the elongate sheath remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use and affixed to the separate belt loops, wherein the first and second ends comprise different fasteners and wherein the first end comprises a rigid hook permanently affixed thereto having an internal recess configured to receive and securely engage one belt loop of the belt loops therein while the device is in use, and the connecting portion and the second end comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners so that the second end securely engages the connecting portion while concurrently being affixed to and gripping the another belt loop while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

14. An adjustable belt loop fastening device configured to extend between and be directly affixed to a plurality of belt loops on a garment instead of directly on a garment waistline and, while in use and affixed to the plurality of belt loops, to selectively lessen distance between the belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another to secure the garment waistline to a wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer, the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprising: an elongate sheath having a first end, a connecting portion, and a second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having a length defined between the first end and the second end, the length configured to only extend a distance between a first consecutive belt loop and a second consecutive belt loop of the plurality of belt loops when affixed to the plurality of belt loops, wherein the elongate sheath has upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face, and wherein: the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment and selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or the second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two of the belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of the elongate sheath remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use and affixed to the separate belt loops, wherein the first and second ends comprise different fasteners, and wherein the first end comprises a first magnet and second magnet having opposite polarities that are embedded within the first end of the elongate sheath and that are foldable so that the magnets securely engage one another while the first end securely engages one belt loop of the belt loops while the device is in use, and the connecting portion and the second end comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners so that the second end securely engages the connecting portion while concurrently being affixed to and gripping the another belt loop while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

15. A method of selectively lessening a distance between a plurality of belt loops comprising: (a) threading an adjustable belt loop fastening device disclosed herein between a plurality of belt loops; (b) engaging and securing a first belt loop within a first end of the device; and (c) applying force towards a second belt loop by pulling a second end of the adjustable belt loop fastening device in a direction opposite the first belt loop; and engaging the second end of the adjustable belt loop fastening device to another portion of the device to selectively lessen distance between the first and second belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias the first and second belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of an elongate sheath of the device remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use, wherein: the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprises the elongate sheath having the first end, a connecting portion, and the second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face in which the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment to selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or the second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another and fastened on the device, and the first end, the second end, and the connecting portion comprise hook and loop fasteners positioned thereon in which the first and second ends comprise the same hook or loop fastener and the connecting portion comprises a complimentary hook or loop fastener configured to securely engage the first and second ends while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate sheath comprises is a semi-rigid material.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate sheath is a non-deformable material.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate sheath is a semi-rigid and non-deformable material.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongate sheath comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a leather strap.

20. A method of selectively lessening a distance between a plurality of belt loops comprising: (a) threading an adjustable belt loop fastening device disclosed herein between a plurality of belt loops; (b) engaging and securing a first belt loop within a first end of the device; and (c) applying force towards a second belt loop by pulling a second end of the adjustable belt loop fastening device in a direction opposite the first belt loop; and engaging the second end of the adjustable belt loop fastening device to another portion of the device to selectively lessen distance between the first and second belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias the first and second belt loops towards one another while the first and second ends of an elongate sheath of the device remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use, wherein: the adjustable belt loop fastening device comprises the elongate sheath having the first end, a connecting portion, and the second end in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion positioned there between, the elongate sheath having upper planar and lower planar faces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face in which the first and second ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment to selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first end and/or the second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another and fastened on the device, and the first and second ends comprise different fasteners, wherein the first end comprises snap fit buttons configured to securely engage one another while concurrently being affixed to and gripping one belt loop of the belt loops while the device is in use, and the connecting portion and the second end comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners so that the second end securely engages the connecting portion while concurrently being affixed to and gripping the another belt loop while the device is in use, and wherein the hook and loop fasteners are continuously arranged on the device such that the hook and loop fasteners directly contact one another when the adjustable belt loop fastening device is in use and when the device is completely open in a flat position.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the elongate sheath comprises is a semi-rigid material.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the elongate sheath is a non-deformable material.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the elongate sheath is a semi-rigid and non-deformable material.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the elongate sheath comprises one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a leather strap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device being in use:

(3) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device;

(4) FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device;

(5) FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device;

(6) FIG. 5 is a back view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device;

(7) FIG. 6 is a top view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device;

(8) FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a right side view, with the left side view being a mirror image thereof.

(10) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a second embodiment;

(11) FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment having hook and loop fasteners positioned thereon;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment;

(13) FIG. 12 a bottom view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment;

(14) FIG. 13 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment before being threaded between two consecutive belt loops;

(15) FIG. 14 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment being threaded into one of the two consecutive belt loops;

(16) FIG. 15 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the second embodiment being threaded into each of the two consecutive belt loops;

(17) FIG. 16 depicts the end portions of the second embodiment being wrapped around and engaging each of the two consecutive belt loops in which the hook and loop fasteners positioned on the bottom of the device engage one another to affix the device to the belt loops;

(18) FIG. 17 depicts the end portions of the second embodiment being fully engaged to internal portions of the device to affix the device to the two consecutive belt loops and thereby decreasing the distance between the two consecutive belt loops to secure the wearer's garment to the wearer,

(19) FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a third embodiment;

(20) FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a third embodiment:

(21) FIG. 20 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the third embodiment being threaded into each of the two consecutive belt loops;

(22) FIG. 21 depicts the end portions of the third embodiment being wrapped around and engaging each of the two consecutive belt loops in which the fasteners are positioned only on the bottom of the device and engage one another when affixing the device to the belt loops;

(23) FIG. 22 depicts the end portions of the third embodiment being fully engaged to internal portions of the device to affix the device to the two consecutive belt loops and thereby decreasing the distance between the two consecutive belt loops to secure the wearer's garment to the wearer;

(24) FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a fourth embodiment;

(25) FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a fourth embodiment;

(26) FIG. 25 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the fourth embodiment being threaded into each of the two consecutive belt loops and with a rigid hook positioned on one end of device being affixed to a belt loop;

(27) FIG. 26 depicts the second end of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the fourth embodiment being wrapped around and engaging the second belt loop;

(28) FIG. 27 depicts the end portions of the fourth embodiment being fully engaged to and affixing the device to the two consecutive belt loops and thereby decreasing the distance between the two consecutive belt loops to secure the wearer's garment to the wearer;

(29) FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a fifth embodiment;

(30) FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to a fifth embodiment;

(31) FIG. 30 depicts the adjustable belt loop fastening device according to the fifth embodiment being threaded into each of the two consecutive belt loops;

(32) FIG. 31 depicts the end portions of the fifth embodiment being wrapped around and engaging each of the two consecutive belt loops in which the fasteners are positioned only on the bottom of the device and engage one another when affixing the device to the belt loops; and

(33) FIG. 32 depicts the end portions of the fifth embodiment being fully engaged to and affixing the device to the two consecutive belt loops and thereby decreasing the distance between the two consecutive belt loops to secure the wearer's garment to the wearer;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(34) The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

(35) FIGS. 1-8 depict the adjustable belt loop fastening device 100 disclosed herein, and FIG. 1 more specifically depicts the device 100 while in use—being threaded through a plurality of belt loops 211, 212 of the garment 190 to selectively lessen the distance (I) there between the belt loops 211, 212 to secure the waistline 201 of a garment 190 to a wearer while concurrently minimizing the force and/or pressure applied to the wearer's abdominal region, especially for wearer's having chronic diseases and/or illnesses (e.g., Crohn's disease, irritable bowel).

(36) As shown specifically in FIGS. 2-8, the adjustable belt loop fastening device 100 includes an elongate sheath 110 formed of a woven, nonwoven, and/or a compressible elastomeric material (e.g., a natural or synthetic rubber containing material such as neoprene). The elongate sheath is resiliently deformable and may have one-way stretch properties (i.e., ability to stretch more or less along one axis relative to another axis) along the longitudinal axis (L.sup.1 in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the elongate sheath 110 or may have unidirectional stretch properties (i.e., the same stretching properties along all axes). In certain preferred aspects, the elongate sheath 110 is a resiliently deformable material having unidirectional stretch properties thus allowing various forces to be exerted on the sheath 110 in all directions while the device 100 is in use but with the sheath reacting to these forces in a substantially similar and uniform manner throughout the sheath to further ensure proper functioning of the device when engaged with belt loops, and in certain aspects to further ensure this uniformity, the elongate sheath is continuously formed and devoid of any openings and/or gaps except for the plurality of fasteners (discussed further below) positioned therein.

(37) As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the elongate sheath 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114 that are spaced apart from one another. The first end 112 and second ends 114 are connected to one another by a foldable portion 116 positioned there between along the length of the elongate sheath 110. As further shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the elongate sheath 110 further includes upper 120 and lower planar faces 130. While in use and engaging a plurality of belt loops, the elongate sheath 110 is further foldable, for example, about an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis (L.sup.1 in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the sheath 110 and is resiliently deformable such that (i) the upper and lower planar faces reside in parallel planes while the device is not in use (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3) and (ii) while in use (e.g., FIG. 1), certain portions of the upper and lower planar faces reside in intersecting planes and overlap with one another and/or are directly adjacent to one another.

(38) In certain aspects and as further shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a first plurality of fasteners 122 are positioned within the first end 112 of the elongate sheath 110. The first plurality of fasteners 122 are preferably permanently anchored within and at least partially encased by the material forming the elongate sheath 110. As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first plurality of fasteners 122 extend above an outermost surface of the upper planar face 120 of the elongate sheath 110 in a direction (D′) extending away from the device 100.

(39) In certain aspects and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a second plurality of fasteners 132 are positioned within the second end 114 of the elongate sheath 110. The second plurality of fasteners 132 extend above an outermost surface of the lower planar face 130 of the elongate sheath in a direction (1) extending away from the device 110 and away from the first plurality of fasteners 122.

(40) As further shown in FIG. 1, the elongate sheath 110 is configured to fold within the foldable portion 116 of the elongate sheath 110 along one or more axes (e.g., F.sup.1, F.sup.2) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device 100 such that at least one fastener from the first plurality of fasteners 122 overlaps, aligns, and engages with at least one fastener from the second plurality of fasteners 132 such that portions of the upper 120 and lower 130 planar faces and portions of the first 112 and second 114 ends of the elongate sheath are adjacent to one another while the device is in use thereby selectively lessening the distance (D.sup.3) between belt 211, 212 loops to secure the garment's waistline 201 to the wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer.

(41) In certain aspects, each fastener of the first and second plurality fasteners are snap fit buttons configured to mate with and securely engage with one another while the device is in use as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In other aspects, each fastener of the first and second plurality fasteners are magnets having opposite polarity in order to be attracted to one another and to securely engage one another while the device is in use as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In other aspects, the fasteners within the first and second plurality of fasteners may be a combination of snap fit buttons and magnets (discussed immediately above). The overall number of first plurality of fasteners and second plurality of fasteners may be the same or vary as desired so long as 2 or more spaced apart fasteners are included within each of the first plurality and second plurality of fasteners thereby allowing the overall length of the device 100 to be varied by a selectively predetermined amount when the device is in use as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. This allows for the device user/wearer to selectively adjust the garment's waistline thereby securing the garment to the user with the desired amount of pressure and further minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer while the device 100 is in use and engaging belt loops 211, 212 as shown in FIG. 1.

(42) In certain aspects and as further shown, for example, in FIG. 1, also disclosed is a method of selectively lessening the distance (D) between a plurality of belt loops 211, 212 including (a) threading the adjustable belt loop device 100 disclosed herein between a plurality of belt loops 211, 212; and (b) engaging at least one fastener from the first plurality of fasteners 122 with at least one fastener from the second plurality of fasteners 132 such that portions of the upper 120 and lower planar 130 faces and portions of the first 112 and second 114 ends of the elongate sheath 110 are adjacent to one another and selectively lessen the distance D.sup.3 between belt loops 211, 212 thereby secure the garment waistline to the wearer while concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer. In certain aspects, the method includes a plurality of adjustable belt loop devices are provided and threaded within and engaged different pluralities of belt loops to selectively lessen multiple portions of the garment waistline.

(43) FIGS. 9-32 depict second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments (200, 300, 400, 500 respectively) of the adjustable belt loop fastening device(s). In particular and in view of FIGS. 9-32, disclosed are adjustable belt loop fastening devices 200, 300, 400, 500 configured to extend between and be directly affixed to a plurality of belt loops 211, 212 on a garment instead of directly on a garment waistline and, while in use and affixed to the plurality of belt loops. As shown for example in FIGS. 17, 22, 27, 32, the adjustable belt loop fastening devices 200, 300, 400, 500 selectively lessen distance between belt loops 211, 212 by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two belts loops towards one another (indicated by black arrows) to secure the garment waistline to a wearer while, in contrast to conventional belts, concurrently selectively minimizing force applied to an abdominal region of the wearer. The adjustable belt loop fastening devices 200, 300, 400, 500 of FIGS. 9-32 each include an elongate sheath 220, 320, 420, 520 having a first end 222, 322, 422, 522, a connecting portion 226, 326, 426, 526, and a second end 224, 324, 424, 524 in which the first and second ends are each connected to but spaced apart from one another by the connecting portion 226, 326, 426, 526, positioned there between. In certain aspects, the elongate sheath comprises a woven or non-woven fabric and/or is a leather strap, which is preferably semi-rigid and is non-deformable. In this aspect, the first and second ends of the sheath may vary or be comprised of the same material as the connecting portion disclosed herein.

(44) As further shown in FIGS. 9-32, the elongate sheath 220, 320, 420, 520 has upper planar 230, 330, 430, 530 and lower planar 240, 340, 440, 540 faces/surfaces in which fasteners are only positioned on the lower planar face 240, 340, 440, 540 in which the first 222, 322, 422, 522 and second 224, 324, 424, 524 ends of the elongate sheath are configured to wrap around (circumferentially engage) and grip separate belt loops of a wearer's garment and selectively lessen distance between the separate belt loops when the first and/or second end of the elongate sheath are advanced towards one another by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias two belts loops towards one another while the first and second ends of the elongate sheath remain substantially coplanar (shown in, for example, FIGS. 17, 22, 27, 32) relative to one another while the device is in use and affixed to the separate belt loops.

(45) Also shown herein are sequential depictions of the adjustable belt loop fastening device in use. For example, FIGS. 13-17 sequentially depict the adjustable belt loop fastening device 200 according to the second embodiment being fastened to separate belt loops 211, 212 and securing a wearer's garment to the wearer by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops and biasing (indicated by black arrows in FIG. 17) two belts loops towards one another. Likewise, FIGS. 20-22 sequentially depict the adjustable belt loop fastening device 300 according to the third embodiment being fastened to separate belt loops 211, 212 and securing a wearer's garment to the wearer by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops and biasing (indicated by black arrows in FIG. 22) two belts loops towards one another. Similarly, FIGS. 25-27 sequentially depict the adjustable belt loop fastening device 400 according to the fourth embodiment being fastened to separate belt loops 211, 212 and securing a wearer's garment to the wearer by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops and biasing (indicated by black arrows in FIG. 27) two belts loops towards one another, and FIGS. 30-32 sequentially depict the adjustable belt loop fastening device 500 according to the fifth embodiment being fastened to separate belt loops 211, 212 and securing a wearer's garment to the wearer by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops and biasing (indicated by black arrows in FIG. 32) two belts loops towards one another

(46) The above mentioned second 200, third 300, fourth 400, and fifth 500 embodiments disclosed herein may be used in a similar manner in a method for selectively lessening a distance between a plurality of belt loops (e.g., 211, 212). This method includes (a) threading an adjustable belt loop device 200, 300, 400, 500 disclosed herein between a plurality of belt loops 211, 212; (b) engaging and securing a first belt loop 211 within a first end of the device 222, 322, 422, 522 (e.g., wrapping a first end of the device around a belt loop and circumferentially engaging (either entirely or partially circumferentially engaging) the belt loop); and (c) applying force towards a second belt loop 212 by pulling a second end 224, 324, 424, 524 of the adjustable belt loop device 200, 300, 400, 500 in a direction opposite the first belt loop; and engaging the second end of the adjustable belt loop device to another portion of the device to selectively lessen distance between the first and second belt loops by gripping and applying force directly to the belt loops to bias the first and second belts loops towards one another while the first and second ends of an elongate sheath of the device remain substantially coplanar relative to one another while the device is in use,

(47) In view of the above method of use, features of the second 200, third 300, fourth 400, and fifth 500 embodiments are disclosed in further detail below. Regarding the adjustable belt loop fastening device 200 shown in FIGS. 9-17, this adjustable belt loop fastening device 200 includes a first end 222, second end 224, and connecting portion 226 having hook and loop fasteners 250, 260 positioned thereon in which the first and second ends 222, 224 comprise the same hook or loop fastener 250 and the connecting portion comprises a complimentary hook or loop fastener 260 configured to securely engage the first and second ends as shown, for example, in FIG. 17 while the device 200 is in use.

(48) In certain embodiments, and as specifically shown in FIGS. 18-32, the first and second ends of the device 300, 400, 500 comprise different fasteners. For example and in view of FIGS. 18-22, the adjustable belt loop fastening device 300 according to a third embodiment includes a first end 322 comprises snap fit buttons 370, 371 configured to securely engage one another while concurrently being affixed to and gripping one belt loop 211 while the device is in use, and the connecting portion 326 and second end 324 comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners 350, 360 so that the second end securely engages an internal portion of the device positioned on the connecting portion 326 while concurrently being affixed to and gripping another belt loop 212 while the device is in use. In this aspect and as further shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first end 322 is configured to fold along a crease or crease portion 371 that extends in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable belt loop fastening device 300.

(49) In another embodiment, and as further shown in FIGS. 23-27, the adjustable belt loop fastening device 400 includes a first end 422 having a rigid hook 470 (formed from metal and/or a thermoplastic resin) having an internal recess 472 configured to receive and securely engage one belt loop 211 therein while the device is in use, and the connecting portion 426 and second end 424 comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners 450, 460 so that the second end 424 securely engages the connecting portion 426 while concurrently being affixed to and gripping another belt loop 212 while the device is in use.

(50) In yet another embodiment and as further shown in FIGS. 28-32, the adjustable belt loop fastening device 500 includes a first end 522 comprises a first and second magnet 570, 571 having opposite polarities that are embedded within the first end of the elongate sheath 520 and that are foldable 572 (e.g., along a crease or a creased portion) so that the magnets securely engage one another while the first end securely engages one belt loop 211 while the device 500 is in use, and the connecting portion 526 and second end 524 comprise complimentary hook and loop fasteners 550, 560 so that the second end 524 securely engages the connecting portion 526 while concurrently being affixed to and gripping another belt loop 212 while the device 500 is in use. In this aspect and as further shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the first end 522 is configured to fold along a crease or crease portion 571 that extends in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable belt loop fastening device 500.

(51) In certain aspects, also disclosed is a kit including one or a plurality of any of the above disclosed adjustable belt loop fastening device(s) 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and packaging with the one or plurality of adjustable belt loop fastening device(s) packaged therein.

(52) In certain aspects, each of the adjustable belt loop fastening devices disclosed herein is limited in length that is only sufficient to be affixed to two consecutive belt loops and pull those two consecutive belt loops towards one another for the purposes disclosed above.

(53) The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.