U.S. patent application number 14/068275 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for convertible athletic belt assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shifra Pomerantz. Invention is credited to Shifra Pomerantz.
Application Number | 20140124559 14/068275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49518644 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140124559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pomerantz; Shifra |
May 8, 2014 |
CONVERTIBLE ATHLETIC BELT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A convertible athletic belt assembly includes a central pouch
assembly having a plurality of support assemblies each securely
attached along an oppositely disposed end of the central pouch
assembly. The central pouch assembly includes a storage compartment
and a closure mechanism to secure contents therein. An accessory
pouch assembly is mounted to each support member via an inner cover
member, and further includes an outer cover member disposable
between an open and closed disposition. An accessory assembly is
mounted inside each accessory pouch assembly and is retained
therein while the corresponding outer cover member is in a closed
disposition, however, the accessory assembly is deployed in an
operable configuration when the outer cover member is in an open
disposition. The accessory assembly may include a container holder
configured to hold a bottle of water, energy drink, etc., a
portable electronic device holder, a coin purse, etc.
Inventors: |
Pomerantz; Shifra; (North
Miami, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pomerantz; Shifra |
North Miami |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49518644 |
Appl. No.: |
14/068275 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61721782 |
Nov 2, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/582 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A41F
9/02 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45F 2200/0583 20130101;
A45F 2003/144 20130101; A45F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/582 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/00 20060101
A45F003/00; A41F 9/02 20060101 A41F009/02 |
Claims
1. A convertible athletic belt assembly comprising: a central pouch
assembly comprising a storage compartment, said central pouch
assembly further comprising a closure mechanism disposable between
an open position and a closed position, said storage compartment is
maintained in a secure closed configuration while said closure
mechanism is disposed in said closed position, at least one support
member attached to said central pouch member, said support member
having a front surface and a rear surface, an accessory pouch
assembly mounted to said front surface of said at least one support
member, said accessory pouch assembly comprising a cover closure
mechanism and is disposable between a closed disposition and an
open disposition, at least one accessory assembly mounted in said
accessory pouch assembly, said at least one accessory assembly
disposable into an operable configuration when said accessory pouch
assembly is in said open disposition, and an adjustable belt
assembly structured to releasably secure at least said central
pouch assembly and said support member about a user's waist or
hips.
2. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said accessory assembly comprises a container holder having
an open end and a closed end, said container holder structured to
removably retain a container therein while disposed in said
operable configuration.
3. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 2
wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of
construction to facilitate secure yet removable retention of the
container therein while disposed in said operable
configuration.
4. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 2
wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of
construction to facilitate storage of said container holder within
said accessory pouch assembly, while said at least one accessory
pouch assembly is in a closed disposition.
5. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 3
wherein said accessory assembly further comprises a retaining cord
having an adjustable stop member, said retaining cord structured to
operatively engage a portion of the container while the container
is retained in said container holder.
6. A convertible athletic belt assembly comprising: a central pouch
assembly comprising a secure storage compartment, said central
pouch assembly having oppositely disposed ends, a plurality of
support members each attached to said central pouch member along a
different one of said oppositely disposed ends, each of said
plurality of support members having a front surface and a rear
surface, an accessory pouch assembly mounted to said front surface
of each of said plurality of support members, each said accessory
pouch assembly being disposable between a closed disposition and an
open disposition, each said accessory pouch assembly comprising an
outer cover member and an inner cover member movably interconnected
to one another via a cover interconnect, an accessory assembly
disposable in a stored configuration in each said accessory pouch
assembly, each said accessory assembly disposable into an operable
configuration when a corresponding one of said accessory pouch
assemblies is in said open disposition, and an adjustable belt
assembly secured at opposite ends to a different one of each of
said plurality of support members, said adjustable belt assembly
structured to releasably secure at least said central pouch
assembly and said plurality of support members about a user's waist
or hips.
7. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 6
wherein said inner cover member of each said accessory pouch
assembly is securely affixed to said front surface of a
corresponding one of said plurality of support members.
8. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 7
wherein said open disposition of each said accessory pouch assembly
is at least partially defined by said outer cover member rotated
about one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to a corresponding
said inner cover member via said cover interconnect.
9. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 8
wherein each said outer cover member comprises a tab.
10. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 9
wherein each of said plurality of support members further comprises
a securing cord attached thereto, and a secure stop member
removable securable to a free end of said securing cord.
11. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 10
wherein said open disposition is further defined by said securing
cord being disposed through at least a portion of said securing tab
of said outer cover of a corresponding one of said accessory pouch
assemblies.
12. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11
wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a container
holder having an open end and a closed end, said container holder
structured to removably retain a container therein while disposed
in said operable configuration.
13. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 12
wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of
construction to facilitate secure yet removable retention of the
container therein while disposed in said operable
configuration.
14. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 12
wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of
construction to facilitate storage of said container holder within
a corresponding one of said accessory pouch assemblies, while said
pouch assembly is in a closed disposition.
15. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 13
wherein said accessory assembly further comprises a retaining cord
having an adjustable stop member, said retaining cord structured to
operatively engage a portion of the container while the container
is retained in said container holder.
16. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11
wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a portable
electronic device holder having an open end and a closed end, said
portable electronic device holder structured to removably retain a
portable electronic device therein while disposed in said operable
configuration.
17. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11
wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a coin purse
having a secure closure mechanism, said coin purse structured to
securely retain a user's valuables while disposed in said operable
configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] A convertible athletic belt assembly includes a central
pouch assembly attached to a plurality of support members, each
support member having an accessory pouch assembly mounted thereon.
Each accessory pouch assembly includes an accessory assembly, such
as a container holder, portable electronic device holder, secure
concealed pouch, credit card holder, etc., retained therein while
in a closed disposition, the accessory assemblies operably deployed
while the accessory pouch assembly is in an open disposition.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] As a nation we have become more and more health conscious,
and as a result, more and more people are engaging in healthy
activities including the performance of regular exercise regimens.
Among favored forms of exercise are walking, jogging, and running,
as they can be performed without fixed equipment, specialized
trainers, or commitments to gym or health club memberships. Another
trend in today's society is our affinity, in some cases, obsession,
with connectivity via any of a variety of portable electronic
devices, such as cell phones or smart phones. Many people simply
cannot or do not wish to be separated from their devices at any
time, including while exercising.
[0005] Thus, an issue many user's face when seeking to walk, hike,
jog, or run, is what to do with their personal belongings while
they are performing these activities. In addition, and in some
cases more importantly, a person must assure that proper hydration
is readily available to them while they are walking, jogging, or
running.
[0006] Numerous devices have been developed to store a user's
personal belongings to himself or herself, commonly known
generically as fanny packs. These devices typically include a pouch
attached or attachable to a strap of belt which is, often, loosely
attached around a wearer's waist.
[0007] Other devices have been developed to attach a water bottle
to a user for access while walking, hiking, jogging, running, or
while performing other activities. These devices include bottle
holders that strap to a user's arm, or a belt with a holder to
attach around a user's waist. The problem with these known devices,
however, is that they are bulky, uncomfortable, and often intrusive
when positioned on a user while exercising or performing other
activities. Furthermore, a number of these devices include rigid
container holders which add to the discomfort of a user employing
the same. As a result, these devices are often not employed when
they should be, or a user may cut his or her planned exercise
routine short as a result of the discomfort from wearing these
types of devices.
[0008] Similar devices have been developed to attach a cell phone
or smart phone to a user while jogging, running, hiking, etc. Once
again, known devices include a holder strapped to a user's arm, or
a holder designed to be attached to a user's belt. These devices
suffer from the same drawbacks as noted above with regard to bottle
holders, i.e., they are often intrusive and uncomfortable, and as a
result, they either not used, or result in shortened exercise
regimens due to the discomfort of the wearer.
[0009] As such, it would be beneficial to provide an athletic belt
assembly that is comfortable and convenient for a user to wear
while jogging, running, or performing other exercises or
activities, for example, hiking, so as to promote consistent use of
the same. It would also be helpful to provide such an athletic belt
assembly that is convertible such that it may be deployed in an
open operable disposition while in use, and returned to a closed
disposition so as to be unobtrusive to the user when not in use. An
additional benefit may be realized by providing a single
convertible athletic belt assembly that includes a plurality of
storage compartments and holders for various belongings,
containers, and/or devices which a user may wish to carry with
himself or herself while walking, hiking, jogging, running, or
performing other activities which require a user belongings to be
secured about the user, while the user's remain free. More in
particular, it would be desirable to provide a single convertible
athletic belt assembly that allows a user to carry numerous items,
a few items, or no personal belongings or accessories at all while
walking, hiking, jogging, running, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present disclosure is directed to a convertible athletic
belt assembly comprising a central pouch assembly having a storage
compartment. The central pouch assembly, in at least one
embodiment, further comprises a closure mechanism disposable
between an open position and a closed position, wherein the storage
compartment is maintained in a secure closed configuration while
the closure mechanism is disposed in the closed position.
[0011] A convertible athletic belt assembly in accordance with the
present disclosure includes at least one support member attached to
the central pouch member, the support member having a front surface
and a rear surface. At least one embodiment of a convertible
athletic pouch assembly in accordance with the present disclosure
comprises a plurality of support members, wherein each of the
plurality of support members is securely attached to the central
pouch assembly along oppositely disposed sides hereof.
[0012] An accessory pouch assembly is mounted to the front surface
of each support member and, in at least one embodiment, the
accessory pouch assembly comprises an outer cover member and an
inner cover member moveably interconnected via a cover
interconnect, and wherein the outer cover member is movable between
a closed disposition and an open disposition.
[0013] At least one accessory assembly is mounted in each accessory
pouch assembly, and is retained therein while the corresponding
outer cover member is in a closed disposition. Each accessory
assembly, however, is disposable into an operable configuration
when the corresponding accessory pouch assembly, and more in
particular, the outer cover member, is in an open disposition. The
accessory assembly can comprise any of a variety of useful storage
mechanisms including, but in no manner limited to, a container
holder to securely yet removably retain a bottle of water or other
fluid, a portable electronic device holder, a concealed secure
pouch, credit card holder, etc.
[0014] An adjustable belt assembly is attached to the support
members and is structured to releasably secure the assembly a about
a user's waist or hips, so that the user is free to walk, jog, run,
or conduct other hands free activities while his or her personal
effects are securely stowed via the convertible athletic belt
assembly.
[0015] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as
the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible athletic
belt assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure in a closed disposition.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the convertible
athletic belt assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the embodiment of the
convertible athletic belt assembly of FIG. 1 including a partial
cutaway view of one embodiment of a central pouch assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of the
convertible belt assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
convertible belt assembly in accordance with the present disclosure
in an open disposition.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the
convertible athletic belt assembly of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the convertible belt assembly
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of the
convertible athletic belt assembly as shown in FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a convertible belt assembly in accordance with the present
disclosure in an open disposition.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one further
embodiment of a convertible belt assembly in accordance with the
present disclosure in an open disposition.
[0027] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] As stated above, the present disclosure is directed to a
convertible athletic belt assembly generally as shown as at 10
throughout the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrative
of one embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in
accordance with the present disclosure. More in particular, FIG. 1
presents a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 wherein each
accessory pouch assembly 40 is shown in a closed disposition. FIG.
5, described below, is illustrative of one embodiment of a
convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the
present disclosure wherein each accessory pouch assembly 40 is
disposed in an open position.
[0029] Looking again to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the convertible
athletic belt assembly 10 includes a central pouch assembly 20. The
central pouch assembly 20 includes a closure mechanism 21 which, in
the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, comprises a zipper. Of
course, it is understood to be within the scope and intent of the
present invention for closure mechanism 21 to comprise any number
of mechanical mechanisms for securing a pouch-like structure in a
closed disposition including, but in no manner limited to, buttons,
snaps, hook and loop type fasteners, etc. Closure mechanism 21 is
provided to secure a user's personal belongings placed within the
central pouch assembly 20.
[0030] The central pouch assembly 20 is constructed of a flexible
yet durable material, and in at least one embodiment, the central
pouch assembly 20 comprises a material of construction which is at
least water and sweat resistant, if not waterproof, thereby
securing a user's belongs in a safe and dry environment. In at
least one embodiment, the central pouch assembly 20 is constructed
of neoprene, and in one further embodiment, the central pouch
assembly is constructed of spandex or a spandex blend.
[0031] FIG. 3 presents a front elevation of the convertible
athletic belt assembly 10 of FIG. 1 including a partial cutaway
view of one embodiment of a central pouch assembly 20 in accordance
with the present disclosure. As may be seen from FIG. 3, the
central pouch assembly 20 comprises a storage compartment 22 in
which a user may place one or more personal belongings while
walking, jogging, running, or performing any other activity which
may require the user's hands to remain free while his or her
belongings are secured on his or her person. The central pouch
assembly 20 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
3 comprises at least one pouch divider 24 which may be utilized to
segregate personal belongings between front and rear portions of
the storage compartment 22.
[0032] Further, in at least one embodiment, an internal pocket 26
is attached to pouch divider 24, as shown in the illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 3, in order to additionally secure select items
within the storage compartment 22 of the central pouch assembly 20
itself. In one further embodiment, the internal pocket 26 may be
attached to either the front or back of the central pouch assembly
20 itself, inside of the storage compartment 22.
[0033] The convertible athletic belt assembly 10, and more in
particular, the central pouch assembly 20 comprises at least one
reflective member 29 in accordance with at least one embodiment of
the present disclosure, which may be in the form of a tab or stripe
comprising reflective material attached to central pouch assembly
20. The reflective member 29 is constructed of a reflective
material such that a wearer will be more readily visible to
motorists when headlights are directed towards reflective member
29. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, a
corresponding one of each of plurality of reflective members 29 are
attached along opposite sides of the central pouch assembly 20.
[0034] The central pouch assembly 20 further includes a securing
section 28 along either side, structured and disposed to securely
attach a support member 30 along each side of the central pouch
assembly 20, such as may be seen in the illustrative embodiments
throughout the figures. As previously stated, in at least one
embodiment, the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance
with the present disclosure includes a plurality of support members
30 securely attached along opposite sides of a central pouch
assembly 20. More in particular, each support member 30 includes an
attachment section 36 which cooperatively and securely engages
securing section 28 of the central pouch assembly wherein
attachment section 36 is fixedly attached to securing section 28 of
the central pouch assembly 20. In at least one embodiment, the
attachment section 36 of support member 30 is fixedly attached to
securing section 28 of the central pouch assembly 20 by way of
stitching. However, it is understood to be within the scope and
intent of the present disclosure for other methods of mechanically
fastening materials to one another such as, by way of example only,
heat welding, clamping, cringing, stapling, adhesive, rivets, etc.
Of course, the foregoing methods of mechanically fastening
materials are merely exemplary, and in no manner limit securing an
attachment section 36 to a securing section 28 in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each support member 30 includes a
front surface 32 and a rear surface 34. FIG. 4 further illustrates
an embodiment of the present convertible athletic belt assembly 10
wherein rear surface 34 of support member 30 comprises a plurality
of dimples 35. In one embodiment, the plurality of dimples 35 may
be physically attached to rear surface 34 of support member 30, and
in at least one further embodiment, the dimples 35 are formed of a
material similar to support member 30 itself. In one further
embodiment, the plurality of dimples 35 are formed integral with
the rear surface 34 of the support member 30 such as via molding,
stamping, or pressing. The plurality of dimples 35 on rear surface
34 of support member 30 create frictional resistance between the
wearer's clothes and the corresponding support member 30 to
minimize shift and movement of support member 30, and more
importantly, the contents of an accessory pouch assembly 40
associated therewith.
[0036] In at least one further embodiment, a support member 30
includes a securing cord 38 attached thereto. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, each support member 30 includes a securing cord 38 attached
thereto and extending downwardly therefrom. Furthermore, a secure
stop member 39 is attached to a free end of a securing cord 38, as
best shown in FIG. 2. Securing cord 38 and corresponding secure
stop member 39 may be utilized to attach various items to the
convertible athletic belt assembly 10 while it is worn by a user.
As one example, the securing cords 38 and secure stop members 39
may be utilized to attach a number or nametag corresponding to the
user, as is common in athletic competitions such as track and
field, marathon running, cycling, etc. As will be discussed further
below, in at least one embodiment, securing cord 38 and secure stop
member 39 are utilized to maintain an accessory pouch assembly 40
disposed in an operable, open disposition.
[0037] As also shown throughout the figures, a convertible athletic
belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure further
comprises an adjustable belt assembly 100, to facilitate
positioning and retaining the assembly 10 about a user's hips or
waist during use. With primary reference to the illustrative
embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable belt assembly 100
includes elongated belt members 102 each being attached to
oppositely disposed ends of the support members 30. As before, the
belt members 102 may be secured to corresponding support members 30
by stitching, heat welding, adhesive, rivets, etc. A quick connect
release member 106 is attached at a free end of each belt member
102, and is cooperatively structured to permit the ends of belt
members 102 to be quickly and easily attached to or released from
one another. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, an adjustment
member 108 is provided on at least one belt member 102 to allow a
user to adjust an overall length of the convertible athletic belt
assembly 10 about his or her waist or hips, to assure a secure and
comfortable fit is maintained while the assembly 10 is being worn
by the user.
[0038] As indicated above, a convertible athletic belt assembly 10
in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one
accessory pouch assembly 40. As shown in the illustrative
embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, the convertible athletic belt
assembly 10 includes a plurality of accessory pouch assemblies 40,
each mounted to a front surface of a different one of the
corresponding plurality of support members 30. As used herein, the
term "mounted" shall mean and include, but shall not be limited to,
fixedly or securedly attached, such as via integral construction,
sewing, adhesives, heat welding, etc., as well as being removably
and replacably attached such as via snaps, clips, tongue and groove
interconnections, hook and loop fasteners, etc.
[0039] Looking further to the embodiment of FIG. 3, each accessory
pouch assembly 40 includes an outer cover member 42. Further, and
once again with reference to FIG. 3, the outer cover member 42 of
each accessory pouch assembly 40 includes a securing tab 43, which
is discussed further below.
[0040] Turning next to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a convertible
athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure
having accessory pouch assemblies 40 in an open disposition is
presented. As may be seen from FIG. 5, each accessory pouch
assembly 40 includes an outer cover member 42 opened and rotated
away from a corresponding inner cover member 44, wherein each inner
cover member 44 is securely affixed to a front surface 32 of a
corresponding support member 30. As shown in the illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 1, a cover interconnect 46 is provided to
movably interconnect the outer cover member 42 to the inner cover
member 43, while the outer cover member 42 is disposed in an open
position. More in particular, the cover interconnect 46 comprises a
flexible hinge-like component which may be constructed of a
resilient fabric such as nylon, neoprene, etc. or other such
resilient material of construction. The cover interconnect 46 is
securely attached to each of the outer cover member 42 and inner
cover member 44 by any of a variety of methods, such as by
stitching, stapling, adhesive, heat welding, etc., as noted above,
with regard to securing section 28 and attachment section 36.
[0041] In at least one embodiment, the cover interconnect 46 is
integral with both the outer cover member 42 and inner cover member
44, i.e., outer cover member 42, inner cover member 44, and cover
interconnect 46 are cut or punched from a single piece of material,
wherein outer cover member 42 and inner cover member 44 are
attached to one another via cover interconnect 46.
[0042] A cover closure mechanism 48 is provided to maintain the
outer cover member 42 in a closed and overlying disposition
relative to inner cover member 44 while the accessory pouch
assembly 40 is in a closed disposition, once again, as shown in the
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1. As with closure mechanism 21 of
the central pouch assembly 20, the cover closure mechanism 48 of at
least one embodiment of an accessory pouch assembly 40 comprises a
zipper mechanism. Of course, it will be appreciated that it is
within the scope and intent of the present disclosure for the cover
closure mechanism 48 to comprise any of a number of known closure
devices including buttons, snaps, air locking tabs, etc., as noted
above with reference to closure mechanism 21.
[0043] Turning again to FIG. 5, once the cover closure mechanism 48
is fully open, the corresponding outer cover member 42 is rotated
about the cover interconnect 46 until the accessory pouch assembly
40 is in a fully open disposition. Looking to FIG. 6, the securing
cord 38 is routed through the securing tab 43 on the outer cover
member 42, and secure stop member 39 is removably attached to the
free end of the securing cord 39 after it passes through the
securing tab 43. Thus, the securing cord 38 of the securing tab 43
serve to maintain the outer cover member 42 in a fully open
disposition until secure stop member 39 is removed by the user, and
the securing cord 38 is released from the securing tab 43.
[0044] As previously stated, FIG. 5 is illustrative of one
embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance
with the present disclosure wherein each accessory pouch assembly
40 in an open disposition. As shown in FIG. 5, each accessory pouch
40 includes an accessory assembly 50 mounted therein. Once again,
as used herein, the term "mounted" shall mean and include, but
shall not be limited to, fixedly or securedly attached, such as via
integral construction, sewing, adhesives, heat welding, etc., as
well as being removably and replacably attached such as via snaps,
clips, tongue and groove interconnections, hook and loop fasteners,
etc.
[0045] Looking again to the embodiment of FIG. 5, each accessory
assembly 50 includes a container holder 52 having an open end 54
and a closed end 56. The container holder 52 is constructed of a
flexible material that will stretch to conform to the size and
shape of any of a variety of containers an athlete may carry for
water, electrolyte fluids, etc. The flexible construction of the
container holder 52 assures that a container is securely retained
while the user is walking, jogging, running, or performing other
activities which require the user's hands to be free. The container
may be utilized to store water, electrolyte solutions, or other
hydration fluid of a user's choosing, in order to assure that such
hydration fluids are readily available and accessible to a user
while walking, jogging, running, etc.
[0046] A retaining cord 58 is mounted proximate the open end 54 of
the container holder 52. More in particular, retaining cord 58 is
also constructed of the flexible material and is structured to
engage a portion of a container, for example, a neck of a bottle,
which is disposed in an operative position in container holder 52
such as is shown by way of example in FIG. 5. As FIG. 5 further
illustrates, adjustable stop member 59 is movably attached to
retaining cord 58 and is positionable to further secure the portion
of a container which extends through and is engaged by the
retaining cord 58.
[0047] Of course, container accessory 50 is only one of a variety
of accessory assemblies 50 which may be mounted in an accessory
pouch assembly 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. As one
example, an accessory assembly 50 may comprise a portable
electronic device holder 52' once again comprised of a flexible
fabric that will stretch to conform to the size and shape of any of
a variety of portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, a
portable electronic device holder 52' in accordance with the
present disclosure includes an open end 54' and a closed end 56' in
which to securely yet removably retain a cell phone, MP3 player,
portable GPS device, etc., while a corresponding accessory pouch
assembly 40 is an open disposition, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In
one further embodiment, an accessory assembly 50 comprises a secure
concealed pouch 57 having a secure closure mechanism 57' in which a
user may place money, coins, keys, etc. Turning to the embodiment
of FIG. 10, at least one accessory assembly 50 comprises a card
holder 57'' having a plurality of slots in which a user may place a
driver's license, identification card, credit card, debit card,
access card, etc. In yet one further embodiment, an accessory
assembly includes a key ring having a quick release mounted inside
an accessory pouch assembly 40 in accordance with the present
disclosure to which a user may securely store his or her keys while
walking, jogging, running, working out, etc.
[0048] As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present
convertible athletic belt assembly 10 may be configured with an
almost limitless combination of device holders, pouches, and/or
attachment assemblies in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0049] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0050] Now that the invention has been described,
* * * * *