SCABBARD BELT BUCKLE

Abstract

A belt buckle for holding a golf ball mark repair tool. Such a belt buckle may include a frame having a recess within the frame, a pocket material held in place within the recess, the pocket material defining a pocket having an opening, a retention piece held in place within said recess, such that there is a gap separating the retention piece and the opening, and optionally a base material.

Claims

1. A belt buckle comprising: a frame, said frame defining a recess within said frame; a pocket material held in place within said recess, said pocket material defining a pocket, said pocket having an opening; and a retention piece held in place within said recess, said retention piece comprising an edge oriented toward said opening, wherein there is a gap separating said edge and said opening.

2. The belt buckle of claim 1, wherein at least one of said pocket material and said retention piece comprises a material selected from the group consisting of animal hide, plastic, EVA foam, and silicone.

3. The belt buckle of claim 1, further comprising: a base material held in place within said recess, said base material underlying said pocket material.

4. The belt buckle of claim 3, wherein said pocket material and said base material are formed as single piece.

5. The belt buckle of claim 1, further comprising: a base material held in place within said recess, said base material underlying said retention piece.

6. The belt buckle of claim 5, wherein said retention piece and said base material are formed as single piece.

7. The belt buckle of claim 5, wherein said base material also underlies said pocket material.

8. The belt buckle of claim 7, wherein at least one of said pocket material, said retention piece, and said base material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of animal hide, plastic, EVA foam, and silicone.

9. The belt buckle of claim 7, wherein said pocket material, said retention piece, and said base material are formed as single piece.

10. The belt buckle of claim 1, further comprising: a golf ball mark repair tool, said golf ball mark repair tool comprising a body, a prong end at one end of said body, a handle end at an opposing end of said body, and a protuberance on a surface of said body, wherein at least a portion of said prong end of said body is inside said pocket and said protuberance is retained in said gap.

11. A belt buckle comprising: a frame, said frame defining a recess within said frame; a pocket material held in place within said recess, said pocket material defining a pocket, said pocket having an opening; and a retention piece held in place within said recess, said retention piece comprising a bump, wherein there is a gap separating said bump and said opening.

12. The belt buckle of claim 11, wherein at least one of said pocket material and said retention piece comprises a material selected from the group consisting of animal hide, plastic, EVA foam, and silicone.

13. The belt buckle of claim 11, further comprising: a base material held in place within said recess, said base material underlying said pocket material.

14. The belt buckle of claim 13, wherein said pocket material and said base material are formed as single piece.

15. The belt buckle of claim 11, further comprising: a base material held in place within said recess, said base material underlying said retention piece.

16. The belt buckle of claim 15, wherein said retention piece and said base material are formed as single piece.

17. The belt buckle of claim 15, wherein said base material also underlies said pocket material.

18. The belt buckle of claim 17, wherein at least one of said pocket material, said retention piece, and said base material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of animal hide, plastic, EVA foam, and silicone.

19. The belt buckle of claim 17, wherein said pocket material, said retention piece, and said base material are formed as single piece.

20. The belt buckle of claim 11, further comprising: a golf ball mark repair tool, said golf ball mark repair tool comprising a body, a prong end at one end of said body, a handle end at an opposing end of said body, and a cavity in a surface of said body, wherein at least a portion of said prong end of said body is inside said pocket and said cavity is retained by said bump.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a frame of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6 shows an overhead view of a golf ball mark repair tool according to the prior art;

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a golf ball mark repair tool according to the prior art;

[0023] FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of a golf ball mark repair tool according to the prior art;

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a golf ball mark repair tool according to the prior art;

[0025] FIG. 10 shows a cutaway side view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 11 shows a cutaway side view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway side view of a belt buckle according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

[0028] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

[0029] As used throughout this application, the word may is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The words include, including, and includes and the like mean including, but not limited to. As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As employed herein, the term number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0030] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are coupled shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, directly coupled means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, fixedly coupled or fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0031] The present disclosure includes disclosure of a holder for a golf ball mark repair tool that is integrated into a belt buckle. Such a holder allows for a golfer to easily insert a golf ball mark repair tool into the holder, and maintain the golf ball mark repair tool in a physically safe, easily viewable position, and easily accessible position. Such a holder also allow for easy removal of such golf ball mark repair tool. Only one motion is required to insert the golf ball mark repair tool into the holder and have it retained, without the use of use of magnets or similar coupling methods. One reverse motion is all that is required to remove the golf ball mark repair tool from the holder.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of belt buckle 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a side view of belt buckle 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, belt buckle 10 comprises frame 12, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 is rectangular in shape. However, frame 12 of belt buckle 10, is not limited to a rectangular shape. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 10 may be in the shape of a regular polygon. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 10 may be in the shape of an irregular polygon. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 10 may be in the shape of a regular ellipse. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 10 may be in the shape of an irregular ellipse. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 10 has a closed geometric shape.

[0034] In the embodiment of belt buckle 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2, frame 12 comprises leading edge 14, trailing edge 16, and side edges 18, 20 that connect leading edge 14 to trailing edge 16. Frame 12 further comprises fingers 24, which extend inwardly from frame 12. As is more visible in FIG. 2, frame 12 further comprises mount 30 and post 32. Mount 30 connects frame 12 to a belt strap (not shown). Post 32 engages with the belt strap material (not shown) such as, but not limited to, through a hole in the belt strap material, in order to secure the belt around the golfer's waist.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, belt buckle 10 further comprises pocket 22, retention piece 26, and base material 28. Base material 28 is visible between pocket 22 and retention piece 26 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, pocket 22 further comprises tented region 23 and opening 29. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, retention piece 26 further comprises edge 27 facing opening 29 of pocket 22.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of belt buckle 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a side view of belt buckle 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, belt buckle 11 comprises frame 12, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 is rectangular in shape. However, frame 12 of belt buckle 11, is not limited to a rectangular shape. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 11 may be in the shape of a regular polygon. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 11 may be in the shape of an irregular polygon. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 11 may be in the shape of a regular ellipse. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 11 may be in the shape of an irregular ellipse. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, frame 12 of belt buckle 11 has a closed geometric shape.

[0038] In the embodiment of belt buckle 11 shown in FIGS. 3-4, frame 12 comprises leading edge 14, trailing edge 16, and side edges 18, 20 that connect leading edge 14 to trailing edge 16. Frame 12 further comprises fingers 24, which extend inwardly from frame 12. As is more visible in FIG. 4, frame 12 further comprises mount 30 and post 32. Mount 30 connects frame 12 to a belt strap (not shown). Post 32 engages with the belt strap material (not shown) such as, but not limited to, through a hole in the belt strap material, in order to secure the belt around the golfer's waist.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, belt buckle 11 further comprises pocket 22, base material 28, and retention piece 126. Base material 28 is visible between pocket 22 and retention piece 126 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, pocket 22 further comprises tented region 23 and opening 29. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, retention piece 126 further comprises bump 125 across from opening 29 of pocket 22.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of frame 12 of belt buckle 10 and belt buckle 11, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, mount 30 of frame 12 comprises bar 34, to which a belt strap (not shown) may be attached. Also as shown in FIG. 5, frame 12 comprises recess 36, which is bounded by leading edge 14, trailing edge 16, and side edges 18, 20. Recess 36 comprises floor 38.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, belt buckle 10 is assembled by first installing base material 28 into recess 36 in frame 12. Base material 28 may cover all or at least a portion of floor 38. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 is coupled to floor 38 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 is coupled to the internal wall of one or more of leading edge 14, trailing edge 16, and/or one or more of side edges 18, 20 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 is retained within recess 36 by frictional force. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 is retained within recess 36 by stitching. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises a semi-rigid material. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises an animal hide material. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises a plastic material. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises an EVA foam material. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises a silicone material.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, after base material 28 is installed in recess 36, pocket 22 is installed in recess 36 of frame 12. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 is installed in recess 36 of frame 12 by sliding pocket 22 under fingers 24 until pocket 22 abuts trailing edge 16 of frame 12. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 is coupled to base material 28 and/or floor 38 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 is coupled to the internal wall of one or more of trailing edge 16 and/or one or more of side edges 18, 20 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 is retained within recess 36 by frictional force. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 is retained within recess 36 by stitching. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 comprises a semi-rigid material. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 comprises an animal hide material. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 comprises a plastic material. In at least one embodiment, pocket 22 comprises an EVA foam material. In at least one embodiment, base material 28 comprises a silicone material.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, after base material 28 and pocket 22 are installed in recess 36, retention piece 26/126 is installed in recess 36 of frame 12. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 is installed at the opposite end of frame 12 from pocket 22. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 is installed in recess 36 of frame 12 by inserting retention piece 26/126 into recess 36 of frame 12 such that retention piece 26/126 abuts leading edge 14 of frame 12. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 is coupled to base material 28 and/or floor 38 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 is coupled to the internal wall of one or more of leading edge 14 and/or one or more of side edges 18, 20 by, for example, an adhesive. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 is retained within recess 36 by frictional force. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 comprises a semi-rigid material. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 comprises an animal hide material. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 comprises a plastic material. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 comprises an EVA foam material. In at least one embodiment, retention piece 26/126 comprises a silicone material.

[0044] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, there is a separation between pocket 22 and retention piece 26/126. As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, a portion of base material 28 is visible between pocket 22 and retention piece 26/126. In at least one embodiment of belt buckle 10 according to the present disclosure, base material 28 is not included. Pocket 22 and retention piece 26/126 are secured in recess 36, and a portion of floor 38 will be visible between pocket 22 and retention piece 26/126. As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, pocket 22 is installed in frame 12 in a manner that results in tented region 23 and opening 29 at one end of pocket 22.

[0045] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, pocket 22, retention piece 26/126, and base material 28 may be formed as a single piece, such as, but not limited to, a silicone or plastic molded part, and then attached to a belt buckle frame.

[0046] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, pocket 22 and base material 28 may be formed as a single piece, such as, but not limited to, a silicone or plastic molded part, and then attached to a belt buckle frame. Retention piece 26/126 then could be added to the belt buckle frame.

[0047] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, retention piece 26/126 and base material 28 may be formed as a single piece, such as, but not limited to, a silicone or plastic molded part, and then attached to a belt buckle frame. Pocket 22 then could be added to the belt buckle frame.

[0048] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, pocket 22, retention piece 26/126, base material 28, and a belt buckle frame all may be molded or formed as a single piece, such as, but not limited to, a silicone or plastic molded part.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows an overhead view of golf ball mark repair tool 100 according to the prior art. FIG. 7 shows a side view of golf ball mark repair tool 100 according to the prior art. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, golf ball mark repair tool 100 comprises handle 102, prong end 104, protuberance 106, and optional gripping feature 108 on protuberance 106. Although golf ball mark repair tool 100 is shown in FIGS. 6-7 having only one prong, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a golf ball mark repair tool 100 according to the prior art may have two or more prongs.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of golf ball mark repair tool 200 according to the prior art. FIG. 9 shows a side view of golf ball mark repair tool 200 according to the prior art. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, golf ball mark repair tool 200 comprises handle 202, prong end 204, and cavity 206. Although golf ball mark repair tool 200 is shown in FIGS. 8-9 having only one prong, those of skill in the art will appreciate that a golf ball mark repair tool 200 according to the prior art may have two or more prongs.

[0051] FIG. 10 shows a cutaway side view of belt buckle 10, taken along line X-X of FIG. 1, along with a cutaway side view of golf ball mark repair tool 100, taken along line X-X of FIG. 6.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, golf ball mark repair tool 100 is retained in pocket 22. Prong end 104 of golf ball mark repair tool 100 is inserted into opening 29 of pocket 22. Pocket 22 flexes as prong end 104 of golf ball mark repair tool 100 is inserted into pocket 22, and/or retention piece 26 flexes as protuberance 106 passes edge 27. After prong end 104 of golf ball mark repair tool 100 is inserted far enough into the pocket 22, protuberance 106 will pass edge 27 of retention piece 26, and be forced toward base 28 between pocket 22 and retention piece 26. The interaction of edge 27 of retention piece 26 and protuberance 106 restricts golf ball mark repair tool 100 from falling or sliding out of pocket 22. Pocket 22 and/or retention piece 26 return to the original shape, further enabling retention of golf ball mark repair tool 100. After golf ball mark repair tool 100 is inserted into pocket 22, at least a portion of handle 102 remains outside of pocket 22. The exposed surface handle 102 may allow for logos, advertising, or other graphics. To retrieve golf ball mark repair tool 100 from belt buckle 10, the golfer lifts handle 102, guides protuberance 106 over edge 27, and slides prong end 104 of golf ball mark repair tool 100 out of pocket 22.

[0053] FIG. 11 shows a cutaway side view of belt buckle 10, taken along line X-X of FIG. 1, along with a cutaway side view of golf ball mark repair tool 200, taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 8.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, golf ball mark repair tool 200 is retained in pocket 22. Prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into opening 29 of pocket 22. Pocket 22 flexes as prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into pocket 22, and/or retention piece 26 flexes as cavity 206 approaches edge 27. After prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted far enough into the pocket 22, cavity 206 will engage edge 27 of retention piece 26. The interaction of edge 27 of retention piece 26 and cavity 206 restricts golf ball mark repair tool 200 from falling or sliding out of pocket 22. Pocket 22 and/or retention piece 26 return to the original shape, further enabling retention of golf ball mark repair tool 200. After golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into pocket 22, at least a portion of handle 202 remains outside of pocket 22. The exposed surface handle 202 may allow for logos, advertising, or other graphics. To retrieve golf ball mark repair tool 200 from belt buckle 10, the golfer lifts handle 202, guides cavity 206 over edge 27, and slides prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 out of pocket 22.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway side view of belt buckle 11, taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 3, along with a cutaway side view of golf ball mark repair tool 200, taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 8.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 12, golf ball mark repair tool 200 is retained in pocket 22. Prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into opening 29 of pocket 22. Pocket 22 flexes as prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into pocket 22, and/or retention piece 126 flexes as cavity 206 approaches bump 125, and/or bump 125 flexes as cavity 206 approaches bump 125. After prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted far enough into the pocket 22, cavity 206 will engage bump 125 of retention piece 126. The interaction of bump 125 of retention piece 126 and cavity 206 restricts golf ball mark repair tool 200 from falling or sliding out of pocket 22. Pocket 22 and retention piece 126 return to the original shape, further enabling retention of golf ball mark repair tool 200. After golf ball mark repair tool 200 is inserted into pocket 22, at least a portion of handle 202 remains outside of pocket 22. The exposed surface handle 202 may allow for logos, advertising, or other graphics. To retrieve golf ball mark repair tool 200 from belt buckle 11, the golfer lifts handle 202, guides cavity 206 over bump 125, and slides prong end 204 of golf ball mark repair tool 200 out of pocket 22.

[0057] While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs, the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represents one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.