BELT WITH A BATTERY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a belt with a rechargeable battery comprising: a buckle housing that contains the at least one rechargeable battery; wherein the buckle housing has an adjustment mechanism to adjust length of at least one belt member extending from the buckle housing and wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is connected to or connectable to a charging cable for connecting to an electrical device to be charged or for connection to a power supply to charge the rechargeable battery.

Claims

1. A belt with at least one rechargeable battery comprising: a buckle housing that contains the at least one rechargeable battery; wherein the buckle housing has an adjustment mechanism to adjust length of at least one belt member extending from the buckle housing and wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is connected to or connectable to a charging cable for connecting to an electrical device to be charged or for connection to a power supply to charge the rechargeable battery.

2. A belt according to claim 1 including two belt members, one extending from each opposed end of the buckle housing; wherein distal ends of each belt member have an attachment means to connect to a garment, each other, or to a second section.

3. A belt according to claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a hook or a clip.

4. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a reel mechanism.

5. A belt according to claim 4 wherein the reel mechanism has a reel that accepts a cord associated with the proximal ends of the belt member(s) and a dial connected to the reel that is turned to adjust length of the belt member(s).

6. A belt according to claim 5 wherein the reel mechanism includes a base mounted on the buckle housing that receives the dial and reel as a single part.

7. A belt according to claim 6 including an engagement means between the single part and the base.

8. A belt according to claim 7 wherein the engagement means is a ratchet mechanism to allow incremental adjustment.

9. A belt according to claim 4 wherein the reel mechanism is a Fidlock Winch (RTM) mechanism.

10. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the at least one rechargeable battery has a port for receiving the charging cable.

11. A belt according to claim 1 wherein a distal end of the charging cable has a plurality of plugs for receiving different electrical devices.

12. A belt according to claim 1 wherein a distal end of the charging cable has a plug a for connection to a power supply to enable the rechargeable battery to be charged.

13. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the charging cable comprises at least one universal serial bus plug on at least one end.

14. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the buckle housing provides a storage compartment for the charging cable(s).

15. A belt according to claim 1 comprising a cable wheel for the charging cable(s).

16. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the belt member is formed from webbing and has a cord at a proximal end that connects to the adjustment mechanism.

17. A belt according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the belt member is elastic.

18. A belt according to claim 1 including a second section for connection to the belt member(s) to form a continuous loop around the whole of a wearer's waist.

19. A belt according to claim 1 wherein the buckle housing has at least one indicator to display charging status and/or battery level.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0059] FIGS. 1A shows a side view of a first embodiment of the buckle housing without the belt member;

[0060] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the first embodiment of the buckle housing with a belt member;

[0061] FIG. 1C shows a top view of the belt shown in FIG. 1B;

[0062] FIG. 1D shows a top view of the buckle housing shown in FIG. 1A;

[0063] FIGS. 2A shows a side view of a second embodiment of the buckle housing without the belt member;

[0064] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the second embodiment of the buckle housing with a belt member;

[0065] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the belt shown in FIG. 2B;

[0066] FIG. 2D shows a top view of the buckle housing shown in FIG. 2A;

[0067] FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D shows cross section views A, B and C of the belt shown in FIG. 3A;

[0068] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the belt shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D;

[0069] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the belt;

[0070] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the third embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 5;

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the third embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 5;

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the third embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 5;

[0073] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the belt;

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the fourth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 9;

[0075] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the fourth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 9;

[0076] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 9;

[0077] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 9, with the charging cable retracted;

[0078] FIG. 14 shows an exploded isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 9;

[0079] FIG. 15 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 9;

[0080] FIG. 16 shows a top view of a fifth embodiment of the belt according to the present invention, with cable extended;

[0081] FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 16;

[0082] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the fifth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 16; and

[0083] FIG. 19 shows a front diagrammatic view of the fifth embodiment of the belt as shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0084] With reference to the Figures there are five embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 of the belt. Like parts have like references.

[0085] In all embodiments there is provided a buckle housing 2 that contains the rechargeable battery 55. From the buckle housing 2 extend belt portions 9 that are adjusted in length by an adjustment mechanism 5.

[0086] All embodiments have at least one charging cable 15, 20, 25, 35 that is connected to the battery 55 at a connection point 56. The charging cable(s) 15, 20, 25, 35 is stored in (see FIGS. 5 to 19) or around (see FIGS. 1, 2 and) the buckle housing 2.

[0087] In the embodiments 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 the belt member is formed from two parts 9A and 9B which can connect directly to the waistband of a garment, for example attaching to waistband belt loops by clips 6. In this way the belt 100 only passes part way around the wearer's waist, typically the front part of the wearer's waist. Alternatively, in some embodiments the length of the two parts 9A, 9B may enable the two parts to be connected to each other to form a continuous loop around the wearer.

[0088] In the embodiments 300, 400, 500 shown in FIGS. 5 to 19 the belt members 9A, 9B that extend from the buckle housing 2 are joined to a second section 12 to form a continuous loop around a wearer. It is appreciated that the belt shown in embodiments 300, 400 and 500 may be donned without the use of the second section 12, thereby connecting to the garment as described above, or by connection of ends of the two belt portions 9A, 9B to each other.

[0089] Preferably the belt members 9A, 9B and second section 12 are not elastic, for example being cotton or Nylon (RTM) webbing.

[0090] The battery 55 is contained within a buckle housing 2.

[0091] The buckle housing 2 also houses an adjustment mechanism 5 which enables the belt members 9A, 9B to be adjusted in length from a first length to a second length.

[0092] In the pictured embodiments the adjustment mechanism 5 has a reel 52 that is internally connected to proximal ends of the belt members 9A, 9B so that the belt members 9A, 9B can be retracting into, or extended from, the buckle housing 2 to adjust their length.

[0093] In the pictured embodiments 300, 400, 500 shown in FIGS. 5 to 19 the second section (connecting part) 12 is a fixed length and in use will be the opposing side of the user, passing around the wearer's back.

[0094] The second section 12 and the belt members 9A, 9B are arranged with an attachment means 1, which allows connection of the distal ends 7 of the second section with the distal ends 6 of the belt members 9A, 9B to form the complete loop around a wearer's s waist.

[0095] The connecting parts of the attachment means 1 comprise mating clasps, 6,7, typically formed in stainless steel, although it is appreciated that other materials may be used.

[0096] In this way the second section 12 can be easily connected to the belt members 9A, 9B to form the belt and either attachment means 6, 7 can be undone to provide a break in the belt so that it can be removed.

[0097] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, and 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show first and second embodiments that vary only in size and in that the second embodiment 200 includes light emitting diode indicators 11 to reflect charging status. The first embodiment 100 is larger than the second embodiment 200. Preferred dimensions in millimetres are included to show examples of the buckle housing dimensions.

[0098] The buckle housing 2 is rectangular and is curved to correspond to the curvature of a wearer's waist. The battery 55 is housed within the buckle housing 2 and is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 54. The charging cable 15 is connected to the battery 55 via the PCB 54 (see the exploded view in FIG. 3).

[0099] The buckle housing 2 has a front face 22 and rear face 21 that encase an internal wall 26 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the battery 55 on one face and the adjustment mechanism 5 on the opposed face. In this way the internal wall 26 acts as a mount that is sandwiched between the front and rear faces of the housing 22, 21. The front 22 and rear 21 faces of the buckle housing 2 are joined by a set of four screws 27 (see FIG. 4).

[0100] Proximal ends of the belt portions 9A, 9B are connected to the adjustment mechanism 5.

[0101] Distal ends of belt portions 9A, 9B have a clip 6 for connecting to either: a garment (forming a belt that passes part way around a user's waist); or to connect one clip 6 to the other (forming a belt that passes completely around a wearer's waist); or to connect to a corresponding clip 7 on the second section 12 (to form a continuous belt around a wearer's waist).

[0102] In FIGS. 1 and 2 the adjustment mechanism 5 is a Fidlock Winch (RTM). A dial 50 is provided on the outer face of the front face 22 of the housing 2 which is turned or released to lengthen or shorten the belt members 9A, 9B that are connected to the adjustment mechanism of the Fidlock Winch (RTM).

[0103] The dial 50 is connected to the reel 52 to form a single part that connects in use to the base 57. The single part (50, 52) connects to the base 57 by a magnetic connection and there are separable to release the cord 53. There is an engagement means (not shown) between where the reel 52 and base 57 engage. Both interfacing surfaces have corresponding teeth that engage so that the reel 52 can be turned in one direction to tighten the belt portions 9A, 9B and will not unwind until the single part 50, 52 is released from the base 57.

[0104] In FIGS. 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C the charging cable 15 is shown wrapped around a perimeter edge of the buckle housing 2 when not in use. A cable holder 16 is provided to secure the cable 15 in place when not deployed for use. The buckle housing 2 has a groove 17 in which the cable 15 sits (see FIGS. 1A and 2A).

[0105] It is appreciated that in an embodiment with a displaceable cable, the buckle housing may have no modifications to store a cable. For example the buckle housing may have a smooth exterior finish and the cable connected via the port (socket) when required.

[0106] The cable is not shown in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 2A and 2D.

[0107] In FIGS. 5 to 18 the buckle housing 2 has a compartment in which the cable(s) is received when not in use.

[0108] In FIGS. 5 to 8 (third embodiment 300) the front face 22 of the buckle housing 2 has a socket 8 for receipt of a charging cable 15. The socket 8 is covered by a displaceable tethered silicone plug to minimise any water or dust ingress in use. Therefore in this embodiment the charging cable 15 is displaceable from the socket 8.

[0109] In FIGS. 5 to 8 the buckle housing 2 contains one extendable charging cable 15, which is provided on a cable reel 3 situated a little way along the cable 15. This allows the wire remainder 4 (distal end of the cable 15) to be wound onto the cable reel 3.

[0110] The cable reel 3 may be a reel that is common in the art such as with a plastic casing covering the reel.

[0111] The charging cable 15 has a magnetic end 13, which allows for a plug to be added and removed so that a plurality of different plugs can be provided on the one charging cable 15. The different plug heads 14 are connected mechanically and electrically using a magnetic connection. It is appreciated that a mechanical connection without use a magnetic means may also be used.

[0112] With reference to the fourth embodiment 400 shown in FIGS. 9 to 16 this buckle housing 2 has an internal compartment 23 which is accessed through an opening that is closed by a sliding cover 24 in an upper side of the housing 2. The cover 24 comprises a thumb slider depression 42 to aid with movement of the cover 24.

[0113] The fourth embodiment 400 has two charging cables 20, 25. There is a long incoming charging cable 20 and a long outgoing charge cable 25, which are both permanently connected to the internal battery 55. The cables 20, 25 are loose (not on a reel) and arranged to be pushed or stuffed into the compartment 23 when not in use.

[0114] On the front face 22 of the housing 2 there is a dial 50 which provides the control means for the adjustment mechanism 5 and is used to retract the ends of the belt members 9A, 9B into the housing 2 during tightening to the second length. The dial 50 connects to a reel 52 and the dial 50 and reel 52 are received to a base 57. The base 57 and reel 52 are within the housing 2 and the dial 50 extends from an outer front face 22 of the housing 2.

[0115] The dial 50 has a plurality of external ridges to aid in purchase of a user's fingers against the dial 50.

[0116] Internally the proximal ends of the belt members 9A, 9B have looped ends 51 (see FIG. 15) which receive a cord 53 that engages with the reel 52 of the adjustment mechanism 5.

[0117] In other embodiments ends of the belt members 9 may have a plurality of pins along their edges that engage with the adjustment mechanism 5 to enable incremental adjustment.

[0118] In the fourth embodiments 400 shown in FIG. 15 the adjustment mechanism 5 is a reel mechanism formed of a dial 50, reel 52, and cord 53 which is wound around the reel 52 that engages with the dial 50. Each cord has pins 53A embedded in the cord for engagement with the reel 52, base 57 and dial 50. The embedded pins 53A enable accurate adjustment and to prevent slippage.

[0119] The dial 50 is connected to the reel 52 such that the dial is turned to wind the cords 53 around the reel 52, which causes the proximal ends of the s belt members 9A, 9B to be pulled towards each other and the belt members 9A, 9B are thereby shortened to the second length.

[0120] The pictured embodiments all internally include a battery 55. In the first embodiment 100, second 200, and fourth embodiments 400 there is also shown a printed circuit board 54.

[0121] The PCB 54 may allow automated control of rotation of the reel 52 through a slider button 10, as is shown on both the third 300 and fourth 400 embodiments. The slider button 10 provides an activation control for charging (acting as a switch to turn on and off charging), and a plurality of light emitting diodes 11 (LEDs) to indicate charge status, such as charging on/charging off/level of charge etc.

[0122] With reference to the fifth embodiment 500 as shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 the belt has two charging cables 20, 35. One of the cables 35 comprises multiple plug heads 14 for the outgoing charge cable 35, so as to enable connection to a plurality of socket types for different electrical devices (not shown).

[0123] Both charging cables 20, 35 are stored within the buckle housing 2 and are accessed through an opening in the side edge. The cables 20, 35 are free and not on a reel.

[0124] The housing 2 has a reduced depth relative to the third and fourth embodiments 300, 400 such that the dial 50 extends further forward of the housing.

[0125] The Figures include some preferred dimensions of the belt 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, but it is appreciated that the dimensions in millimetres are only an example of what the dimensions may be.

[0126] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.