Patent Application
20230292865
The present invention relates to the field of clothing accessories and more precisely it relates to waist belts commonly used to support garments such as trousers, skirts, and the like.
Moreover, the invention relates to a clothing system of waist belts according to the invention and modified garments such as trousers, skirts, and the like, which are modified for optimally fitting with such waist belts.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a waist belt that can be used as abdominal belt for making gait analysis and other dynamic body measurements.
Waist belts have a linear development according to the size of the wearer's waistline, most commonly straight or sometimes, slightly arched with a large constant radius.
In case of low-waist garments, since the waistline of the belts is lower than the anatomically expected one, the support action given by the belts may not be optimal and make certain actions such as difficult bending or bending forward of the torso.
WO2018088764A1 and JP3202416U disclose a body-fitting type waist belt capable of preventing, while the waist belt is worn, detachment thereof between a belt spinal portion and a rear part, by means of a belt middle portion that is curved toward a lower part. In this way the waist belt is more body-adhesive preventing the lower underwear from being exposed and preventing a skirt from rotating while the waist belt is worn.
GB191517633 discloses a waist belt made with a broad center portion which fits against the wearer's back and tapering down on each side to the dimensions of an ordinary belt.
GB191215789 discloses a waist-belt having at the sides with downwardly projecting portions adapted to prevent the clothing of the wearer from being rubbed when golf clubs or the like are carried resting on the hip. The upper, edge of the belt is downwardly curved or recessed above the downwardly projecting portions.
EP1074191 discloses waist belt formed by a band that, when open and stretched over a plane, has a curved shape outlined by two generally curved longitudinal edges. When the belt is worn, it takes up a substantially frustoconical shape, the shorter longitudinal edge being placed on the upper side.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,337 discloses a contoured waistband portion formed of a fabric having a high degree of stretch and having opposed sides which extend adjacent to or slightly above the upper edges of the hip bones and extend generally across the lower back and the lower front abdomen in a downwardly extending converging V shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,569 discloses a waist-encircling band of a wearing apparel, comprising a band-like element of a pliant material including an elongated portion having a generally symmetrical arched center-back portion arranged to lie across the small of the back. The center-back portion merges at each end into a portion of reversed curvature, arranged to arise over the wearer's hip regions. Each portion of reversed curvature in turn merges into a further portion which extends obliquely downwardly to accommodate the wearer's hip and to terminate in a shorter portion arranged to turn upwardly from the obliquely downwardly extending portion. The band circuit is completed by a generally symmetrical arched center terminal portion, which extends from the one shorter portion to the other and lies across the front region and reaches under the wearer's diaphragm structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,297 discloses a trouser construction in which the front part of the waistband is much lower than the back portion, which fits around the small of the back of the wearer. The side portions of the waistband are angled downwardly to follow essentially the line of juncture between the abdomen and the legs. The terminal portion of the waistband covers only the lowermost portion of the abdomen. The waistband does not suspend the trousers on the body of the wearer, but simply provide points of attachment by means of which the trousers are suspended by suspenders or by attachment to the shirt of the wearer.
An object of the present invention is to provide a waist belt for garments able to better accommodate the skeletal conformation of the pelvis and hip area, compared to known type belts, so as to obtain at the same time a better wearability of the belt and greater freedom of movement for the wearer.
Another object of the invention is to provide a waist belt that improves the effectiveness of support of the garments and ad also improves the comfort/freedom of movement offered by the belt in case of low waist garments.
Another object of the invention is to provide a waist belt that can be manufactured by techniques usual in the art, in order to be able to offer all the variants of material, color and aesthetics that may be required by the market.
A further object of the invention is to provide a waist belt that presents production costs substantially equivalent to those of a belt known in the art.
A further object of the invention is to obtain an improved belt which improves its stability on a wearer's body in dynamic conditions, for example during a gait cycle.
These and other objects are achieved by a waist belt for garments, such as trousers and skirts of the type with belt loops, said waist belt made of band flat material and comprising:
The waist belt has a length equal to the sum of the central portion, the two curved portions, and the two terminal portions, adapted to cover a wearer's waistline and to be fastened with the buckle, as many other known waist belts.
The two curved portions are wearer's side portions, symmetrically extending from the sides of the central posterior portion, having specular developments sufficient to surround the area of the wearer's hips and curvilinear trends suitable for following, the iliac crests.
The two terminal straight portions are wearer's terminal portions respectively extending from the side portions, having a straight course and associated, at the ends, with the buckle coupling means suitable for mutually binding them in a removable way to each other, in such a way that, once connected, they surround the wearer's pelvis at the height of the pubic symphysis.
According to a possible feature of the invention, each curved portion has two consecutive concave portions having concavity opposite to each other.
According to a possible feature of the invention, said central straight portion has a length that is comprised between 40% and 50% an overall length of said waist belt.
According to a possible feature of the invention, said first and second curved portions have a same longitudinal extension, which can vary each for between 15% and 20% an overall length of said waist belt.
According to a possible feature of the invention, the terminal symmetry plane and the central symmetry plane are arranged at a height distance from each other provided by the following formula:
ΔH=H1/H0*ΔH0
According to a possible feature of the invention semi-rigid reinforcement strips are provided associated with said curved portions and arranged to keep said distance between said terminal symmetry plane and said central symmetry plane when said waist belt is worn.
According to a possible feature of the invention at least said curved portions consist of two superimposed layers of material and said reinforcing strips (are interposed between said two layers.
According to a possible feature of the invention said reinforcement strips include consecutive sectors hinged together.
According to a possible feature of the invention said central rear portion, said side portions and said terminal portions are made with a single strip of flexible and inextensible seamless material.
According to a possible feature of the invention said central rear portion, said side portions and said terminal portions are made with corresponding consecutive strips of flexible and inextensible material connected to each other.
According to a possible feature of the invention an inertial measurement unit is provided connected to said central portion, wherein said inertial measurement unit is configured to communicate inertial data to an external control unit by a wireless connection.
According to a possible feature of the invention stretch sensors are provided that extend bilaterally from said inertial measurement unit, said stretch sensors configured to communicate inertial data to said external control unit by a wireless connection to provide information on the movements of a wearer's lower limbs.
According to another aspect of the invention, a system of a belt as defined above, and a modified garment is provided. The modified garment comprises back belt loops and front belt loops that are arranged between a top edge and a waistline seam, wherein the top edge presents an edge back portion, front portions and curved portions between said edge back portion and said front portions, and said waistline seam presents a seam back portion, seam front portions and seam curved portions between said seam back portion and said seam front portions, wherein a back plane is a mid plane of said back belt loops, and a front plane is a mid plane of said front belt loops, wherein between said back plane and said front plane said modified garment provides a distance comprised between 3.2 and 20 cm.
The advantages of the invention become apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated only by way of non limiting indication in the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the figures listed above, reference 1 indicates the improved waist belt according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Waist belt 1, according to an embodiment of the invention, can comprise:
Reference letters L and R stand for left and right even if it is clear that symmetric arrangement by exchanging right and left is equivalent. Moreover, in the figures buckle elements 5,6 are represented as a buckle 5 and holes 6, even if it is clear that other types of buckles, or other means fastening the terminal portions to each other, can be used, as known in the art. For example, a closure system that shortens both terminal portions of the belt (toothed or clip type), can be provided
The waist belt according to claim 1, wherein said central straight portion has a length that is comprised between 40% and 50% an overall length of said waist belt.
First and second curved portions 3L and 3R are symmetrical to each other and have a same longitudinal extension 30, which can vary each for example between 15% and 20% an overall length of said waist belt, according to the wearer's anatomy.
As shown in
Preferably, the curvilinear course of side portions 3L, 3R is formed by the two consecutive opposite curves concave portions 3′L and 3″L and 3′R and 3″R which are circumference portions of similar radius and angular development of less than 90°.
With reference to
As shown in
Curved side portions 3L, 3R, symmetrically extend from the sides of central portion 2, and have specular developments sufficient to surround an area WH of the hips of wearer W. They have curvilinear trends suitable for following the iliac crests of the wearer, so that an arrival level, namely terminal plane 400, of said side portions 3L, 3R is located lower than a starting level, namely central plane 200, of said central rear rectilinear portion 2, for the same height distance ΔH of
The two terminal portions 4L, 4R respectively extend from side portions 3L, 3R. They have a straight course and bear buckle means 5 and 6, for example a known buckle 5 with tongue and holes 6, or equivalent means, suitable for mutually binding them to each other in a removable manner, in order to surround the pelvis WP of wearer W at the height of the pubic symphysis.
In
Furthermore, it can be observed how waist belt 1, engaged in the loops K of trousers T worn by wearer W, imposes to trousers T a deformation of the waist line of the garment, such that the front part WP is lower than the rear part WB, in accordance with the height distance ΔH between central plane 200 of central part 2 and terminal plane 400 of terminal portions 4L, 4R.
According to the invention, with reference to
More precisely, the central straight portion 2 can have a length 20 that is configured to extend horizontally on the wearer's back WB between two wearer's pelvis Posterior Superior Iliac Spines 70, which are located at the specific height distance ΔH from the wearer's pubic symphysis 90 of the wearer's pelvis WP. The length 20 of the central straight portion 2 determines the starting point of curved portions 3L and 3R on the wearer's body W (
First concave portions 3′R or 3′S are configured to start from wearer's pelvis Posterior Superior Iliac Spines 70 and rest on the respective wearer's iliac crests 75, so as to extend between a respective wearer's Superior Posterior Iliac Spine 70 and the wearer's Superior Anterior Iliac Spines 80 so that the wearer's intersection of the median frontal/coronal plane with the iliac crest, which cuts the human body in two equal halves anterior and posterior, falls within the concave portions.
After or anteriorly such wearer's intersection falls connection point 300 of belt 1, between first concave portions 3′R or 3′S and second concave portion 3″R or 3″S, with upward concavity, which configured to rest on the respective wearer's anterior inferior iliac spines 85 and to land at terminal plane 400, which is at the same height as the wearer's pubic bone 90 and anteriorly to the pubic bone of the wearer's pelvis WP (see also
The two terminal rectilinear portions 4L and 4R, which have respective lengths 41 and 42, are finally joined to each other by the belt buckle elements 5 and 6, anterior to the pubic symphysis namely at the wearer's pubic bone 90 of the wearer's pelvis WP.
The choice of the coincidence of first and second concave portions 3′R or 3′S, and 3″R or 3″S, with wearer's anatomic references from 70 to 85 permits to identify dimensional values of the different parts of the belt 1, in order to obtain a positioning of the belt on the wearer's bone contours, and specifically on the male or female pelvis.
For example, for a male individual of medium height 181 cm, that is the median height of the 21-year-old European man, starting from the aforementioned anatomical references for the sizing of the parts of the belt, in the case of an individual male of medium height 181 cm in erect position, there is a height ΔH: 8.6 cm from the line joining the two Posterior Superior Iliac Spines and the pubic symphysis of the pelvis. Such value of ΔH can be considered as reference value for sizing of the belt for a male wearer.
Taking into account that this height may vary according to body size and sex, it can be expected that ΔH0=8.6 cm±4 cm or 4.6<ΔH0<12.6 cm. Furthermore, taking into account that the rear rectilinear portion 2 can also be suitable for providing lumbar support, an increase in the maximum values of 6 cm can be envisaged: 4.6<ΔH0<18.6 cm.
As for a female model, being the median height in the adult female population 167 cm and the female pelvis, in the fertile phase of a woman's life, undergoes functional anatomical modifications that reduce ΔH up to a ratio of 5/7 compared to Male ΔH, the possible correlation for a female wearer we have 3.2<ΔH0<13.3 cm
Then, a linear correlation is then possible between the difference in height of the two planes (central and terminal) and the height of the wearer to maintain the positioning of the belt on the bony contours of the pelvis, provided by the following formula:
ΔH=H1/H0*ΔH0
In this way, a range of ΔH is obtained for an individual which is useful for this precise purpose of obtaining a positioning of the belt on the bony contours of the pelvis, and it is possible to determine the ideal size of the belt according to the invention for an individual male, adult female or for children.
The following is an example of sizing for male wearers.
The following is an example of sizing for female wearers.
Preferably, ΔH is independent of the body mass index, that is, it is the same for two individuals of the same height.
As a result of the value of ΔH the inclination of the curved portions will determine with greater slopes of portions 3R and 3S in smaller sizes.
In the above examples, a specific ΔH0 has bee selected. Of course, ΔH0 can vary in case of specific anatomy and needs. For example, an analysis of functional anatomy can be followed by a practical evaluation of the creation of specific belts 1, also considering the large-scale production process with die cutting, as indicated below.
Concerning the length 41 and 42 of terminal portions 4L and 4R, they can be lengthened or shortened (to about 40% of the total length) in order to allow the insertion of a metal buckle (about 5cm long) and corresponding holes for closure (n 5 holes spaced each no 2 cm) allowing a range of shortening / lengthening of the belt worn by ±4 cm.
For such applications a larger ΔH (up to 20 cm) can be useful, for providing a lumbar support by the central portion 2.
The waist belt of the invention offers the wearer perceptible advantages, besides an elegance similar to a normal belt it provides high stability and full support of the garments, high adherence to the body without determining high forces when sitting.
The evidence of such reduced forces is shown in
In
In
Therefore, using the belt according to the invention, owing to reduced effort in the sit-to-stand movement with respect to straight belts of prior art can provide positive effects on low back pain and functional capacity in gymnastic exercise like sit-to-stand, squats, lunges. In particular, the belt can be applied in the elderly or in patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases for improving walking and preventing falls.
In the embodiment shown in
Advantageously, it can be provided that at least the side portions 3L, 3R of the improved waist belt 1 consist of two superimposed layers of material, in a way not shown in the figures but obvious for a person with ordinary skill, so as to be able to house the reinforcing strips 50 interposed between said two layers.
In a preferred constructive solution, the reinforcing strips 50 comprise consecutive sectors mutually articulated with hinges (not shown), so that the overall flexibility of the aforementioned side portions 3L, 3R, considered in the capacity of waist belt 1 to wrap around the wearer's body W, remains almost equivalent to that of said central rear portion 2 and terminal portions 4L, 4R, so as not to alter the wearability characteristics of waist belt 1 itself.
The belt according to the invention can be used also for medical or sports performance applications. In fact, the various embodiments described above and depicted in the drawings, the belt according to the invention can support the wearer while sitting and can provide an aid or remove a constriction/limitation in flexion-extension movements of the trunk on the legs as well as in the activity of getting up and sitting down (sit-to-stand.
Moreover, the creation of rigid, elastic or “stiff” curves 3L and 3R as needed, allows the application by such curves of a direct force anteriorly and inferiorly on the Posterior Superior Iliac Spines or with modifications on the lumbar spine, which supports and stabilizes the pelvis.
The stability of the position of the belt in the rear central point WB of
In the embodiment shown in
In particular, with reference to
The IMU sensor 500 or the like on central portion 2 of belt 1 for gait analysis in everyday life environments avoids the drawback the affects such type of sensors when applied to patients, since they require almost constant positioning of the accelerometer applied to the belt with respect to the body, thus reducing the amount of data processing necessary to “clean the signal”.
Furthermore, the waist belt of the invention lends itself to implementing IMUs for analysis of trunk movements: the rear part of the belt follows the flexion-extension movements of the trunk and the sensor positioning point is characterized by movements of greater amplitude than the traditional belt.
Advantageously, the IMU sensor 500 or the like on central portion 2 of belt 1 is connected to a control unit 510 by a wireless connection 520, not described in detail since obvious to a person with ordinary skill. The control unit can be a dedicated unit or a mobile phone or tablet on which a dedicated app is run, that shows gait information to the wearer or to a doctor or assistant.
In a further possible embodiment, shown in
As shown in
The possibility of applying different types of sensors to the belt 1 according to the invention, owing to its stability on the wearer's body permits to achieve high advantages. The belt 1 with sensors as depicted in
The belt of the invention can be made of classic leather, or other natural and synthetic materials.
For example, waist belt 1 can be made, like known belts, with said central rear portion 2, side portions 3L, 3R and terminal portions 4L, 4R formed by a single strip of flexible and inextensible material, for example natural leather. or synthetic, without solution of continuity.
For example, from a tanned hide 100 portion many waist belts can be obtained by a die cutting operation, as shown in
Alternatively, to die cutting, laser or CNC cutting of portion 100 can be carried out. In particular, the shape of belt 1 permits high cutting efficiency. In fact, central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R, even if they are not aligned with terminal portions 4L and 4R, permit to cut adjacent belts 1, since central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R of each subsequent belt 1 substantially matches the space formed under each central portion 2 and curved portions 3L and 3R each previous belt 1.
A mechanical assembly of different sections can also be provided. For example, it is possible to provide that the aforementioned central rear portion 2, side portions 3L, 3R and terminal portions 4L, 4R are made with corresponding consecutive strips of flexible and inextensible material, of the same or different type, mutually stitched or in any case interconnected, for example by means of rings or the like, in a way not shown but known to a person with ordinary skill in the art.
The proposed belt can be made without any difficulty according to the usual techniques of the art, in order to offer all the variations of material, color and aesthetics that the market requires.
As it is easy to understand, the proposed belt can be produced with production costs substantially equivalent to those of a belt of the known art, so as to be able to offer it at prices that are not so different from the latter.
According to another aspect of the invention, a modified garment G is arranged according to the same principles of belt 1, as shown in
The rest of modified garment G is not shown since well known to a person with ordinary skill. It is clear that the right and left ends of modified garment G coincide with each other, like the waistline of a skirt, trousers, pants, etc.
The modified garment G provides back belt loops K2 and front belt loops K4 that are arranged between the top edge 600 and the waistline seam 610. The top edge presents an edge back portion 602, curved portions 603 and front portions 604, whereas the waistline seam 610 presents a seam back portion 612, curved seam portions 613 and seam front portions 614. A front plane 6400 is the mid plane of belt loops K4, and a back plane 6200 is the mid plane of belt loops K2. Between back plane 6200 and front plane 6400, according to the invention, a modified garment provides a distance ΔH, which has the same value of distance ΔH between plane 400 and plane 200 of belt 1, as defined above.
As shown in
The modified garment G in combination with the belt according to the invention permit to achieve the same advantage of belt 1 indicated above, with the further advantage that the modified garment avoids creases and permits an optimal fit of belt 1 with the wearer's body. In particular, belt 1 with its above-described outline follows precisely back belt loops K2 and front belt loops K4, edge back portion 602, curved portions 603 and front portions 604, seam back portion 612, curved seam portions 613 and seam front portions 614.
The above description concerning the way of determining distance ΔH for belt 1 is to be considered applicable also to modified garment G for determining distance ΔH between back plane 6200 and front plane 6400. Therefore, such description for determining distance ΔH is not repeated for simplicity.
The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt such embodiments for various applications, without further research and without parting from the invention as defined by the attached claims, and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the exemplary embodiments and exemplary specific embodiments. The means and the materials to put into practice the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
