U.S. patent application number 13/219795 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for hipband pouch.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mia Do. Invention is credited to Mia Do.
Application Number | 20130048687 13/219795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47742177 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130048687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Do; Mia |
February 28, 2013 |
HIPBAND POUCH
Abstract
A pouch for holding items is disclosed which has the appearance
of a waistband. The pouch is formed as a tube of a stretchable
material with a plurality of openings therein. Items may be
inserted through the openings and positioned within the pouch. The
pouch may be manipulated to position the openings at various
positions around the body. The openings may also be positioned on
the outside, inside, top or other part of the pouch. The pouch has
a substantially constant width to better camouflage items placed
therein. The openings may include closures to prevent items from
falling out. The pouch may be formed of a single circle or include
closures for placing it around the body.
Inventors: |
Do; Mia; (Broomfield,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Do; Mia |
Broomfield |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47742177 |
Appl. No.: |
13/219795 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/222 ;
224/191; 224/235; 224/682 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 9/00 20130101; A45F
3/005 20130101; A41D 27/205 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A41D
27/20 20130101; A45F 2003/144 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/222 ;
224/682; 224/191; 224/235 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A wearable apparatus for storing items, comprising: a tubular
body of a stretchable material, having an interior and an exterior,
the tubular body being formable into a circle; a plurality of
spaced apart openings in the tubular body extending along a single
circumferential line thereof to allow access to the interior of the
tubular body; and a plurality of spaced apart sealed portions in
the tubular body positioned between two of the plurality of spaced
apart openings.
2. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the tubular body is formed as a single circle.
3. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the tubular body includes a first end and a second end, and
the wearable apparatus further comprising: at least one closure
positioned at least one of the first end and the second end of the
tubular body, the at least one closure connecting the first end and
the second end of the tubular body to form a circle.
4. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one closure includes at least one of a snap, a
hook and loop closure, a zipper and a button.
5. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one closure includes a first clip attached to
the first end of the wearable body and a clip attached to the
second end of the wearable body, the first clip and second clip
being connectible to form the tubular body into a circle.
6. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of openings are extending along a
circumferential line on an outside of the circle formed by the
tubular body.
7. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of openings are extending along a
circumferential line on an inside of the circle formed by the
tubular body.
8. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of openings are extending along a
circumferential line on an edge of the circle formed by the tubular
body.
9. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein at least one of the plurality of openings includes: a
closure for retaining opposing sides of the at least one of the
plurality of openings.
10. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 9,
wherein the closure includes at least one of a snap, a button, a
zipper, and a hook and loop a hook and loop closure.
11. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the circle formable by the tubular body is of a dimension
to resiliently fit around a portion of a wearer's body.
12. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 11,
wherein the portion of the wearer's body includes one of a waist,
hips, arm, and leg.
13. The wearable apparatus for storing items according to claim 1,
wherein the tubular body has a substantially constant width.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to wearable accessories for
carrying one or more items during physical activity. More
particularly, it relates to a wearable pouch formed to create a
smooth band worn about a portion of the body.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] It is a common practice for individuals engaged in exercise
activity and other sports to wear device/items holders in the form
of arm bands or wristbands or athletic utility belts such as fanny
packs. The packs allow the user to carry phones, music devices
and/or other misc items during the physical activity. However, many
of these packs are often too conspicuous or bulky, not stable
against the body, not easy to access items, nor offer flexibility
of item placement and access. Many women in the gym do not like to
wear anything that looks like a utility belt or fanny pack to hold
only a few items even with the smallest versions of today's packs.
Many will carry a few items to work out such as phone/music
devices, locker key/cards by hand rather than wear the typical
waist pouch that looks like a fanny pack with separate pouch, belt
and buckle. This invention is a waistband pouch belt that looks
like a waistband over your typical leotard or shorts. Previous
designs/inventions even in the smallest form are a belt with a
pouch in some form attached to it and are not the easiest or
flexible method to access your items during activity. Various
closures such zippers are difficult to zip/unzip during activity.
The present invention's one pouch construction throughout the belt
also allows for your item to slide as desired horizontally to any
placement around your waist for access. The typical pouches do not
allow the convenience of many access openings throughout the waist.
This invention uses slits throughout the band that allow sliding
your items in and out easily during activity and finding a slit is
easy with many located throughout the band. Previously there is
nothing that offers the ability to turn your belt around your body
allowing you to place the openings in any position that suits your
needs without changing the placement of a bulging pouch or buckle
or to be able to turn the pocket openings vertically on the belt by
rotating the openings for a more secure hold when turning them to
the belt backside. Previously the hold is less stable because of
the inconsistent material or construction throughout the waistband,
loose or bulging pouches and varying widths of the belt and pouch
created with or without the items in the pouch. This invention
offers more stability in hold because the whole band is the pocket
and the wide width is close to the width of the phone/devices and
small items. This keeps the items from twisting or flipping while
the stretch material consistent throughout the band offers a tight
hold.
[0005] Consequently, a need still exists for an innovation which
will provide an effective solution to the aforementioned problem in
the prior art without introducing any new problems in place
thereof.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. US 2008/0190980 A1 to Overton shows a compact
waist pouch practical for activity and exercise. This pouch,
however, is not the best for gym use in that it is still a visible
fanny pack with buckles and expands into a pouch when items are
placed in it. The hold is not as secure with the inconsistent
design of a pouch sewn to a belt and accessibility to your items
during activity still requires unzipping the bag placed in one
location.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. D334,471 to Yerby, et al. shows a waist pouch
practical for day-to-day use, and carrying multiple items. This
pouch, however, is not practical for the gym goer needing to hide
his or her phone, one key or credit card. It is also not practical
for the exercise involved in rigorous activity, in that the pouch
will jump around.
[0008] There are several waist pouch type designs on the market,
such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,824 to Alvarez, et al. (Sep. 29,1992),
but similar to U.S. Pat. No. D334,471, such packs/ pouches/bags are
impractical for individuals who are in need of a holder for just
their key, or phone, or money, and for those who are involved in
rigorous activity such as jogging or exercising. The excess
material for various compartments also increases the cost and time
of production.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,835 to Payne (Oct. 29, 1991) discloses a
belt type personal carrier apparatus for conveniently supporting a
beverage container and other belongings of a person about the
person's waist. Though this belt provides the user with a carrying
space attached to the pocket, it is designed to fit atop of the
belt; therefore it will bounce when the user participates in
vigorous activities such as jogging. Additionally if or when the
water carrying devise is not used it will interfere with the
comfort of the user.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,975 to Libertucci (Oct. 11, 1994) is
specifically designed as a Carrier For A Portable Stereo Unit. It
has the capability to hold items such as an MP3 player and Internet
access mobile phone, but as with U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,835 and U.S.
Pat. No. D334,471 it is impractical for individuals who are in need
of a holder for just their key, or phone, or money, and for those
who are involved in rigorous activities such as jogging or
exercising.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,205 to Kennedy (Jul. 8, 1997) shows a
pouch, consisting of an enclosure, a re-sealable inner waterproof
pouch, and a detachable strap to be fastened around the waist of
the user. Users may find this useful when swimming where there is
not such a need for a belt to stay snug to the body, but during out
of the water rigorous activities this belt is not practical. This
pouch is not designed to remain taut against the body and will not
withstand rigorous activities such as jogging or exercising out of
the water.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,636 to Angus et al. (Mar. 2, 2004) waist
pouch. This is an example of a multi-pocket belt. This pouch is
made with elastic that expands on the user's body, however the
multi-pocket belt also comes with a thick band and bulky buckles. A
thicker belt promotes sweat, and is not preferred by the runner or
exercise enthusiasts who prefer to keep their apparel to a
minimum.
[0013] Other waist pack/pouches multi-compartment styles on the
market can make it difficult to access a single item while engaging
in a rigorous activity such as jogging or exercising.
Multi-compartment belt pouches do not allow for quick access to
items, and are confusing to the user when searching for a single
item during an activity such as running.
[0014] Therefore, a need exists for a pouch which can accommodate
different items during exercise, which allows easy access to the
items, which prevents items from interfering with exercise, and
which does not distract from the appearance and clothing of the
wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention overcomes many of the deficiencies of
the prior art by providing a pouch for holding items formed as a
single structure. According to one aspect of the invention, the
pouch is formed of a stretchable material which can be worn around
a portion of the body, such as the waist, hips, arm, wrist, torso,
leg or ankle. The stretchable nature of the material holds the
pouch in place. According to another aspect of the invention, the
pouch is formed as a single circle of material. According to
another aspect of the invention, the pouch includes a closure at
the ends thereof for creating a circle.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the pouch is
formed as a tube of material having openings therein. Items may be
inserted through the openings and held in place within the tube of
material. According to another aspect of the invention, the
openings are separated by closed portions of the tube. The closed
portions hold items in place. Since the pouch is formed of
stretchable material, items of various sizes may be inserted
through the openings. The stretchable material holds items securely
within the tube of material. According to another aspect of the
invention, closures may be used to partially seal the openings.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the pouch is
of substantially constant width throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hipband pouch according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a back view of the hipband pouch according to the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates portion of the hipband pouch of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the hipband pouch according to the
embodiment of FIG. 1 retaining objects therein.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a view of a hipband pouch according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is a stretchable pouch which can be
worn for carrying items. The pouch is formed as a circle to be worn
about a part of the body. It is stretchable so that it will form
tightly about the body, remain in place and hold the items without
movement. Preferably, the pouch is sized to fit around the wearer's
hip or waist. The pouch is preferably of substantially consistent
width. In this manner, it may appear as a part of the clothing,
such as a waistband, worn by the wearer. Preferably, the pouch is
worn about the hips and is, therefore, referred to as a hipband
herein. Of course, the hipband may be worn about the waist or any
other part of the body. The invention is not limited by the size of
the hipband pouch nor where it is worn or designed to be worn.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the hipband pouch is constructed
to wrap around the wearer's waist or hips as an ordinary waistband.
The entire hipband functions as a carrying pouch for flexible
placement of items. The hipband pouch is formed of a stretchable
material so that items are held in place by the elastic tension of
the material. The hipband pouch includes several openings or slits
around the entire band. The multiple openings allows easy and
flexible access of items while securely retaining the items
contained therein.
[0025] Many prior art waist pouches show pouches as separate
entities and/or material from the belt which holds the pouch in
place. The pouches have a pouch or pouches sewn to a belt. This
results in pouches that have bulges at different locations along
the belt and look like fanny packs. The present invention allows
the tension of the waistband stretch material to hold items in the
pouch snuggly without creating an obvious bulge in an obvious
pouch. When small objects are placed into the band they are neatly
hidden in the thickness and width of the band. The consistent width
all around is preferably the same width or wider as a cell phone in
horizontal placement. Other embodiments can be adapted such as
varying width to fit other wider or narrower objects.
[0026] An embodiment of the hipband pouch 1 is illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2 which illustrate front and rear views of thereof. The
hipband pouch is preferably formed from a one piece, seamless,
elastic/stretchable/expandable fabric or other material 10. The
material 10 is shaped to form a tube having an inner side 11 and
outer side 12. The material 10 is preferably shaped as a rectangle
so that the hipband 10 has substantially constant width. A
plurality of openings or slits 31, 32, 33, 34 are formed around the
outer side 12 of the hipband 1. Between the openings 31, 32, 33, 34
are a plurality of sealed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. The openings
31, 32, 33, 34 allow items to be inserted therethrough into the
interior of the tube of material. The sealed portions 21, 22, 23,
24, 25 help the hipband 1 to retain its shape and provide elastic
tension of the material 10 about the items to hold them in
place.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the placement of items 50, 51, 52 within
the hipband pouch 1. Any item may be placed in the hipband pouch 1.
Items may included locker or other keys, phone/music devices,
credit cards, tissues, gum, etc. The hipband pouch is even and
consistent in design all around allowing for flexible placement of
the hipband on the body because the appearance is consistent. It
has the same width all around and is preferably the same width or
wider as a cell phone in horizontal placement. Of course, because
the material is stretchable, the hipband pouch 1 can accommodate
items which may be somewhat larger than the width of the hipband
pouch 1. The material flexes to allow placement of the larger
items. The construction and design described herein allow the
hipband pouch to hold multiple items throughout the belt while
maintaining a look that blends with the wearer's other
garments.
[0028] The hipband pouch 1 is formed as a circle sized to be worn
on a part of the body of the wearer. The circle may be formed by a
seam 40 at the ends of the tube of material. Alternatively, the
ends of the tube of material may be releasably attached together
using any known methods. Such methods may includes connectors,
clips, latches, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, zipper,
etc. Alternatively, the material may be formed as a single circle
of material without any seam. The hipband pouch 1 of the present
invention provides a pouch for holding items which extends entirely
around the waist, hip or other body part. The hipband pouch 1
offers flexibility as to placement of items within the pouch. The
multiple openings 31, 32, 33, 34 allow items to be inserted
anywhere around the hipband pouch 1. Any number of openings 31, 32,
33, 34 may be used. A single opening may be sufficient, but
multiple openings allow improved placement of materials. The
tubular nature of the hipband pouch 1 allows items to be stored
throughout the band even in the backside and items can be moved
horizontally within the belt to the desired placement of the
wearer. For example, a phone could be inserted in the front and
slid from to the front or side.
[0029] The hipband pouch 1 may be formed of a stretchable material
10 in any desired manner. It may be formed of a single piece of
material or multiple pieces of material which are attached
together. An embodiment for forming a hipband pouch is illustrated
in FIG. 3. The material 10 is stitched in a cylindrical or tubular
manner leaving openings/slits 31, 32 between sewn portions 21, 22
of the waist seam. The pouch 10 may be lined 15 with another fabric
to create two plies. The material 10 is preferably a flexible
fabric material that will stretch around the waist and hips of the
user for a snug fit. That is, with no items in the pouch, the pouch
will fold like a headband. The material is preferably soft and
stretchy elastic/expandable fabric or other material that also has
some surface friction so that the band does not slip from the hip
placement. The material can be a performance fabric or cotton
Lycra, spandex, or other outdoor recreational fabric with stretch
so as to blend with clothing articles.
[0030] The entire waistband pouch is preferably made from one piece
of generally rectangular fabric of med weight for structure with
some friction to hold the band in place as the outer shell. A good
fabric weight and elasticity will allow for a balance of holding
the waistband structure yet be pliable enough to fit nicely around
the hips and waist without being too bulky. A lining may be used to
give a smooth interior finish for ease of pulling the items in and
out of the pouch.
[0031] A generally rectangular piece of fabric 10 can be stitched
to the lining 15 on the long edges then turned inside out. This
single 2 ply rectangle can then be folded over (so that the top
edge is brought to the bottom edges) to enclose an internal volume.
The sewing will leave openings along the brought together edges so
they can act as the pouch openings. This tube is then wrapped where
the ends are stitched together to finish the circle hipband.
[0032] A hipband pouch design used in some preferred embodiments
makes it easier to provide/manufacture bands in various colors and
patterns as in simple clothing accessories. This allows production
to more easily incorporate a variety of colors at lower cost to
produce. A belt that is the single pouch offers individuals with a
variety of waistband appearances (colors, designs, fabric types,
etc.) at a relatively lower production cost where prior-art pouches
do not. The hipband can become as variable and the headband. The
different colors and patterns can make the user with the basic
black legging appear to change outfit with different waistband
pouch changes.
[0033] In some embodiments, the lining or shell will be of water
resistant material for water activity such as boating or beach
goers or activity in the rain.
[0034] A preferred embodiment will have a width of approximately
3'' to comfortably enclose a cell phone placed horizontally in the
belt. In some embodiments, the waistband pouch will also have wider
widths and elasticity, that is, the pouch will be able to be a
tighter support to also accentuate the waistline or control the
extra belly appearance. The hipband can act as a `control top` as
well as a pouch for small items.
[0035] In some embodiments, the fabric or other material used to
form the band will be a grip fabric or have custom printed grip for
non-slip stay on smooth performance type fabric bottoms.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention solve problems of
inconsistent support tension and uneven weight of the belt in many
prior art waist pouches. The hipband pouch 1 formed of a single
material 10 offers consistent support throughout where the `pouch`
portion will not behave differently from the belt such as
flip/twist or difference in support and tightness of hold. The use
of one consistent material throughout the belt allows the pouch to
stretch which allows the pouch to remain snug against the wearer's
body during use. The elasticity/material of the waistband pouch and
size/width of the pouch can be varied depending on the intended
use, such as the size of the items that are to be contained within
the pouch and the intended activity of the wearer such as in the
gym or casual day wear.
[0037] Several objects and advantages provided by various
embodiments of the invention include: to provide a utility belt
that is created from a single pocket pouch which can be
economically and easily produced; to provide a carrying belt
apparatus that is inconspicuous and is not a pouch attached to a
belt so it does not look like or flop around like a fanny pack; to
provide a simple waistband belt that items are easily assessable
during working out by having many openings to the one pouch and
items can be placed anywhere along the band and the openings can be
placed anywhere that is comfortable to the user to access items or
secure items, to provide a belt that is water-friendly and washable
as a fashion accessory; and to provide a comfortable and secure
alternative to holding items in a pocket or purse when workout at
the gym or for daily use that looks like a waistband and hides
items neatly inside.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the openings 31, 32, 33, 34
extend along the length of the hipband 1. Alternatively, openings
could be formed which are vertical and extend perpendicular to the
hipband 1. With vertical openings added opening restrictions, such
as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or zippers may be used
to retain items within the pouch. Alternatively, a simple smaller
opening than the width of the hipband 1 with notch stitch on either
end of the slit will keep items in the hipband during horizontal
position activities
[0039] Preferably, the openings have a clean finished face side of
a seam (where the shell and lining where stitched together and
turned inside out creating a tube with the seam allowance hidden).
The stitch preferred is an over-lock stitch that allows the fabric
to stretch around the opening. The opening measurements are
approximately 3'' to comfortably slip a phone/device through or
stretch for a bigger object. The stitched portion from opening to
opening is approximately 2''-5'' with the longer stitched closure
wide enough to cover the entire phone/device under the
closure/seam. The placements of the openings and length of the
closures are preferably evenly distributed with 2 openings in the
front and 2 in the back. However, these can change depending on
intended objects and use such as phone, tissue, key, gum for the
gym or small wallet, granola/power bar, suntan lotion for a hike or
walk.
[0040] In some embodiments, the openings 31, 32, 33, 34 of the
hipband 1 may have a fastener such as a snap, button, hook and loop
fastener, zipper, fabric roll or other closure to enclose the
openings for added security and fashion.
[0041] The hipband is preferably worn on the waist or hips with
non-smooth stretch material. The stretch will be equivalent to
waistbands found in women's activewear hence a need for sizes will
be necessary. The sizes will be similar to the activewear bottoms,
such as S, M, L. Each size will be cut in similar grading lengths
as activewear bottoms waistband sizes.
[0042] Alternatively, the pouch may be sized to fit on different
body part, such as the arm, torso, wrist, ankle, or leg. A variety
of pouch sizes may be used for different purposes.
[0043] In the previous embodiments, the hipband 1 is formed with
openings on the outer side 12. Because the hipband 1 is formed as a
tube, the openings can be placed in different positions to allow
for different looks, uses, and security. FIG. 5 shows turning the
hipband 1 inside out, so that the openings 31, 32 face the wearer's
body. When worn against the body the items are secure as the
openings are fully sealed by the wearer's body. The openings can
also be turned upward for easy access of items.
[0044] In disclosed embodiments, the hipband 1 functions as a
visible garment worn outside other clothing. The hipband 1 has a
smooth look adding to the fashion and appearance of garments.
Alternatively, the hipband 1 may be worn under other clothing.
Since the hipband 1 holds items tightly and provides a smooth look,
the hipband 1 may be used under other clothing without creating
visible bulges. The hipband 1 may be used to as a security
belt.
[0045] The scope of the present application is not intended to be
limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,
manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps
described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art
will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present
invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of
matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be
developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments
described herein may be utilized according to the present
invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include
within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
* * * * *