Adjustable Fastening Device with Integrated Excess Material Management for Belts and Watch Bands

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a flap attachment for a fastening device of a personal accessory, aimed at managing and concealing excess strap material. The invention consists of an elongated piece of flexible material designed to be secured to the inner surface of a personal accessory strap, such as a belt or watch band. This flap attachment features a cavity accessible from an opening at one end, extending towards an opposing end, to accommodate and retain excess strap material when the accessory is worn. The design ensures the excess material is concealed and secured against the strap, enhancing the appearance and comfort of the accessory. Additionally, the invention may be integrated with or detachably coupled to the strap, providing versatility in application.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flap attachment for a fastening device of a personal accessory, the flap attachment comprising:
 an elongated piece of flexible material configured to be secured to an inner surface of a personal accessory strap;   a first end of the flap attachment forming an opening to a cavity and a second, opposing end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive and retain excess material of the strap;   first and second edges extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first and second edges are attachable to the strap, and wherein a portion of the flap attachment between the first and second edges is not attached to the strap, thereby forming the cavity;   wherein the cavity is accessible from the opening at the first end for insertion of the excess material, and extends towards the second, opposing end to accommodate the excess material within the cavity when the personal accessory is worn, such that the excess material is concealed and secured against the strap.   
     
     
         2 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the flap attachment further comprises small guide wings located at the cavity opening, the guide wings being configured to facilitate the insertion of the excess material into the cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the second, opposing end of the flap attachment is open-ended to allow for the accommodation of lengths of excess material that are greater than the length of the flap attachment itself. 
     
     
         4 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the flap attachment is integrally formed with the strap of the personal accessory. 
     
     
         5 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the flap attachment is detachably coupled to the strap of the personal accessory, the detachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of adhesive attachments and sewn attachments. 
     
     
         6 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of excess material portions along the first and second edges, the excess material portions being configured to facilitate attachment of the flap to the strap. 
     
     
         7 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated piece of flexible material is made from a material selected from the group consisting of leather, fabric, synthetic polymer, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the flap attachment is combined with a buckle mechanism of the personal accessory, the buckle mechanism having a configuration that allows for the threading of excess material from the strap to be directed inwardly towards the body of the wearer when fastened. 
     
     
         9 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity is formed in such a manner that when the personal accessory is worn, the flap and the excess portion it holds are hidden from view, and the excess material is retained snugly against the inner surface of the strap. 
     
     
         10 . The flap attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second edges of the flap attachment include attachment means for securing the flap attachment to the strap, the attachment means selected from the group consisting of stitching, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A buckle mechanism for a personal accessory strap, comprising:
 a body with a first opening configured to permanently secure a main portion of the strap;   a second opening adjacent to and underneath the first opening, the second opening configured to receive excess material of the strap;   a guide ramp positioned below the second opening, configured to direct the received excess material towards an inner side of the overlapping strap portions when fastened, such that the excess material is guided away from an outer surface to rest on the inner surface of the overlapping portions;   wherein the body further includes a hinged joint adjacent to and underneath the guide ramp, facilitating the movement of the strap for adjustable fitting, the arrangement of the first opening, second opening, and guide ramp being such that the buckle mechanism enables the threading of excess strap material inwards, ensuring the excess material is concealed and positioned closely to the body of the wearer, thereby preventing the excess material from hanging loose.