Universal straps for all ages and sizes: stretchable and continuously adjustable straps for adult incontinence garments

Abstract

This invention disclosure describes a stretchable and continuously adjustable strap of my design. It is shown that pairs of this type of straps can accommodate an essentially complete range of human waistlines from that of an infant to as large as 58″ with minimal stretching, and up to 100″ with 100% elongation of the elastic belts, when used in one of the recommended configurations in connection with a commercially available incontinence garments (a.k.a. belted undergarments). Straps of my invention can be made with elastic material that is readily available in the textile industry. Significant economic advantage inherent in my invention for mass-production and distribution is expected.

What I claim as my invention is:  
     
         1 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap comprising an elastic belt with both front and back surfaces plush, or otherwise conditioned to allow attachment by Velcro- or 3M-type hooks anywhere on the front and back surfaces of the elastic belt, and with a short segment of Velcro- or 3M-type hook tape sewed to each end of the elastic belt, the stretching being accomplished through elongation of the elastic belt, and the ability for being continuously adjustable being brought about by attaching the Velcro- or 3M-type hook tape at each end of the elastic belt to different locations on the front or back surface of the elastic belt.  
     
     
         2 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , wherein the elastic belt is about 28 cm (11″) in length and can be stretched by up to 200% of its original length.  
     
     
         3 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , wherein the hook tapes at either end of the belt are each about 4 cm (1½″) in length, and are sewed back to back to provide hooking action on either front or back surface of the belt.  
     
     
         4 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , wherein two segments of Velcro- or 3M-tapye loop tapes are sewed to a non-plush side (or plush side if both sides are plush) of the belt one third and two third of the way from either end of the belt.  
     
     
         5 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , wherein one segment of Velcro- or 3M-tapye loop tapes is sewed to the plush side of the belt one third of the way from either end of the belt.  
     
     
         6 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , of which the effective length can be increased by connecting two straps in tandem with the hook and loop tapes sewed on them.  
     
     
         7 . A stretchable and continuously adjustable strap according to  claim 1 , pairs of which can accommodate a range of waistlines from that of an infant to as large as 58″ without any stretching, and up to 100″ with 100% elongation of the elastic belts when used in one of the recommended configurations in connection with a commercially available incontinence garment (a.k.a. belted undergarment).