RUNNING BELT

A running belt has a pouch that defines a primary compartment sized to receive at least a smartphone therein, and there is a divider within the compartment to divide the compartment into a front portion and a rear portion, wherein at least one of the front portion and the rear portion is adapted to retain the smartphone therein, and the divider defines an interior pocket that is divided into at least two portions by a panel within the pocket of the divider, and the pocket is sized to receive an item that is smaller than the smartphone therein, and the panel maintains a substantially constant shape of the divider when the item is inserted into or removed from the pocket and when the smartphone is inserted into or removed from the primary compartment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a running belt.

BACKGROUND ART

Carrying a cell phone while exercising offers several benefits and reasons why individuals choose to have their phone with them. First, it offers accessibility. By keeping the cell phone and keys on their person, individuals can quickly access important information or make necessary calls or messages during their exercise sessions without interrupting the workout. Second, it allows the tracking of fitness Data. Fitness apps and wearable devices can track and monitor various exercise metrics, such as distance, pace, heart rate, and calories burned. Carrying a cell phone allows individuals to utilize these apps and devices to gather and analyze data, monitor their progress, and set fitness goals. Third, it provides safety and communication. Carrying a cell phone ensures individuals can reach out for help or assistance in case of an emergency or unexpected situation. It provides a sense of security, especially when exercising alone or in remote areas. Fourth, it enables enjoyment of music and entertainment. Many people enjoy listening to music or podcasts while exercising to enhance their workout experience and stay motivated. Having a cell phone on hand allows immediate access to favorite playlists or entertainment options. Fifth, it offers connection through social media. Carrying a cell phone ensure that individuals can taking pictures, texting, answering an email, or posting on social media based on where the person is or what they are doing—Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, while out, or during a running event, etc.

In addition to carrying a cell phone, individuals have other devices available for conveniently carrying or holding their cell phones (and keys or wallet/cash/credit cards) while exercising. Some exemplary devices are clips or armbands. Clips or holders are compact and lightweight devices that can be attached directly to clothing, such as waistbands or bra straps, keeping the cell phone or keys securely in place. Clips or holders provide a minimalist solution for individuals who prefer to keep their items within easy reach. Armbands are worn around the upper arm and feature a pocket or pouch to hold the cell phone. They offer a hands-free option, keeping the phone accessible without interfering with movement. Armbands are popular among runners and individuals engaging in arm-intensive exercises.

Other devices such as running belts or waistbands, which are specifically designed for carrying cell phones and keys during exercise. Running belts or waistbands are constructed with lightweight and moisture-wicking materials to ensure comfort and prevent irritation during physical activities. Typically, they offer the advantages such as being stretchable bands that can be adjusted to fit around the waist or hips, providing flexibility and a snug fit. Elastic waistbands often feature pockets to securely hold the cell phone and keys, preventing them from bouncing or shifting while running. Further, many running belts or waistbands come with zippered pouches that provide additional security for the stored items. The zipper ensures that the belongings stay in place, even during vigorous movements. These pouches may have separate compartments to keep the cell phone and keys organized. Still further, some running belts or waistbands feature expandable pockets that can accommodate larger cell phones or other items like energy gels, small water bottles, or wallets. They use stretchable materials or adjustable straps to hold the contents securely. Also, for safety purposes, some running belts or waistbands may incorporate reflective elements such as strips or logos. These increase visibility during low-light conditions, making the wearer more easily seen by motorists or other pedestrians.

Although running belts or waistbands are advantageous, they are not without their drawbacks. Running belts typically provide a limited amount of storage space compared to other carrying options like backpacks or hydration vests. If an individual needs to carry larger items such as water bottles or extra gear, a running belt may not be sufficient. Depending on the design and placement of the pockets, accessing items stored in a running belt can be somewhat cumbersome during a workout. It may require slowing down, stopping, or adjusting the belt to retrieve or stow away items, which can interrupt the flow of exercise. Despite efforts to create a snug fit, some running belts may still experience bouncing or shifting during vigorous activities, particularly if they are not properly adjusted or secured. This movement can be distracting or uncomfortable, potentially affecting the overall workout experience.

There are compromises to be made when choosing current running belts or waist packs/fanny packs. For instance, the most stretchy and breathable fabrics may not be sweat or weather resistant. Options that use zippers have constrictive openings. Fixed loops aren't adjustable and may be awkward to put on or step into. They may incorporate divider materials that don't stretch so they compromise the stretch of any stretchy material to which they are sewn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The running belt or waistband detailed in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure addresses the drawbacks of previous configurations. The present disclosure provides varying examples of a running belt or waistband that addresses these drawbacks through innovative features such as anti-bounce technology (i.e., bounce free), increased securement of devices or objects, improved accessibility, or added storage options. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a divider within a primary compartment of a pouch, wherein the construction and configuration of the divider enables the pouch to stretch four ways. The pouch has a top front panel or pocket flap that can be tightly pulled over the top. Then, adjusting the belt around the waist stretches the pouch four ways to allow the pouch to expand, while stretching to hold what's inside snugly against the body. The configurations of the embodiments of the running belts shown herein preserves the maximum stretchiness and water-resistance of the outside pouch in a way the maximizes the performance of the running belt—snugness around the waist, functionality of using the divider for leverage, maintaining the shape of the compartment when phone isn't inside to make getting phone back inside easier, keeping the pocket water-resistant—and making getting things in and out more easily and quickly because of this functionality.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a running belt or waistband that utilizes a combination of different materials that results in a running band that is bounce-free or substantially bounce-free (because these materials stretch but the materials provide enough support) when the belt is donned or worn by a user. The belt includes a divider within a main or primary compartment of a pouch. One embodiment has an opening to the primary compartment of the pouch that is a flap or overlap opening that may be selective opened and closed and connected with a hook-and-loop closure but without a zipper such that the opening isn't constricted or too small for the largest phones, and a user does not have to pack, unpack, and repack or fuss around to access an object or device, such as a phone, which results in easy access. The embodiments detailed herein provide separation and organization, water resistance, comfort and adjustment.

One exemplary divider in the primary compartment of pouch of the running belt functions to divide the primary compartment of the pouch into a first portion (e.g., a front compartment) and a second portion (e.g., a rear compartment). The divider may have its own pocket, which may have a zippered opening. The divider may be formed with material that surrounds or shrouds a rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible panel. The pocket of the divider may be defined between the panel and the material that shrouds or surrounds the same. The pocket in the divider may be considered to be a sub-pocket relative to the primary compartment inasmuch as it is a pocket within a pouch. The pocket in the divider (i.e., the sub-pocket) keeps anything inserted inside the zip pocket part of the divider like a key fob, keys, a wallet or a credit card. The panel in the pocket of the divider eliminates bulkiness and retains shape such that the divider substantially does not bulge on at least one side of the divider (such as the back side of the divider). The panel enables the divider to remain flat on the back side thereof. This enables the divider to not obstruct the user when the user desired to slide a phone back into the main or primary compartment because the stiffness of the material forming the panel in the divider maintains the back or front side of the divider, as the case may be, flat and smooth. In one embodiment, the panel in the divider is formed from polypropylene (PP). The PP panel in the divider can be used to maintain a device or objects in the first portion or front compartment of the primary compartment out of the way and it then holds the flat space between the divider and the body so it makes it easy slide the phone back. The material of the divider that shrouds or surrounds the PP panel stretches and so it tends to hold the phone very secure against the body maintaining stability and lack of movement of the phone inside the pocket. The divider also maintains the pocket's flat shape after the phone is removed, which again, aids getting the phone back inside, while preventing anything else inside from rounding out/rolling up.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment, the PP panel in the divider is connected or stitched to the ends of the elastic belt that are located within the pocket defined by elastic or elastane (such as Spandex® or Lycra®) material that shrouds or surrounds the PP panel, and collectively form the divider. The divider with the PP panel is incorporated in a way that does not inhibit the stretchiness or stretchability of the belt outer material forming primary pouch or pocket. For example, the PP panel inside the divider is attached to the elastic belt inside an elastane shroud. The PP panel is sewn to the ends of the belt in a way that allows the divider as a unit to stretch (and thus hold a phone or other object behind it and next to the body more securely) and it permits the neoprene pouch to stretch. Because the neoprene pouch can still stretch, and together with the fact that it is more sturdy as compared to spandex, the stretching of the pouch in four directions, mainly horizontally around the waist, holds everything inside tight against the body when the elastic belt is stretched to secure the entire running belt around the waist because when the elastic belt is stretched, it also stretches the neoprene pouch. With the pouch stretched, it operates like a rubber band holding contents inside against the body. Thus, in this embodiment, if the PP panel was stitched to the pouch then the neoprene would not stretch horizontally and it would function no differently than nylon or some non-flexible, non-stretchable material, and then contents inside the pocket could bounce, which would be undesirable.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a running belt that has a pouch that defines a primary compartment sized to receive at least a smartphone therein, and there is a divider within the compartment to divide the compartment into a front portion and a rear portion, wherein at least one of the front portion and the rear portion is adapted to retain the smartphone therein, and the divider defines an interior pocket that is divided into at least two portions by a panel within the pocket of the divider, and the pocket is sized to receive an item that is smaller than the smartphone therein, and the panel maintains a substantially constant shape of the divider when the item is inserted into or removed from the pocket and when the smartphone is inserted into or removed from the primary compartment.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a running belt comprising: a pouch forming a primary compartment, and the primary compartment is adapted to carry a device; a divider within the pouch to divide the primary compartment into a first portion and a second portion, the divider comprising a panel surrounded by a first material, wherein a pocket is defined within the divider between the panel and the first material, and the pocket within the divider is adapted carry an item that is smaller than the device; and an adjustable belt connected to respective ends of the pouch and the belt is operable to retain the pouch about a portion of a user's body. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include a first surface on the panel; a second surface on the panel, wherein the second surface faces an opposite direction as the first surface; and a first portion of the first material proximate the first surface on the panel, wherein the first portion of the first material defines an opening that is selectively opened and closed. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include a zipper on the first portion of the first material that effectuates the opening to be selectively opened and closed. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide that the zipper is laterally aligned. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include a first surface on the panel, wherein a first portion of the pocket within the divider is defined between the first surface of the panel and a front portion of the first material; and a second surface on the panel, wherein the second surface faces an opposite direction as the first surface, wherein a second portion of the pocket within the divider is defined between the second surface of the panel and a rear portion of the first material. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that the pouch comprises a second material that is different than the first material. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that the first material comprises elastane and the second material comprises neoprene. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that the panel comprises PP. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include a top edge and a bottom edge on the panel; a first end and second end on the panel; and wherein the first end and the second end on the panel are directly or indirectly coupled to the first material, and the first material freely surrounds the top edge and the bottom edge on the panel. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that the first material that freely surrounds the panel defines a front portion of the pocket and a rear portion of the pocket within the divider. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include a first end of the divider and second end of the divider; a top of the divider and a bottom of the divider; wherein the first end of the divider and the second end of the divider are directly or indirectly coupled with respective ends of the pouch; and wherein the pouch freely surrounds the top of the divider and the bottom of the divider, and wherein there is no connection of the bottom of the divider to the pouch such that the first portion of the primary compartment is in open communication with the second portion of the primary compartment below the divider, and wherein there is no connection of the top of the divider to the pouch such that the first portion of the primary compartment is in open communication with the second portion of the primary compartment above the divider.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method comprising: donning a belt having a pouch defining a primary compartment and having a divider located within the primary compartment, wherein the divider divides the primary compartment into a first portion and a second portion of the primary compartment; selectively inserting a device into either one of the first portion of the primary compartment or the second portion of the primary compartment; opening the divider to reveal a pocket within the divider; and inserting an item into the divider, wherein the item is smaller than the device This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that the divider includes a panel that divides the pocket into a first portion and the second portion, the method further comprising selectively inserting the item into either one of the first portion of the pocket or the second portion of the pocket. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include stretching a first material that surrounds the panel and defines the divider in response to insertion of the item, wherein the panel has a top edge and a bottom edge, and has a first end and second end, and wherein the first end and the second end on the panel are directly or indirectly coupled to the first material, and the first material freely surrounds the top edge and the bottom edge on the panel. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include stretching a second material that forms the pouch in response to insertion of the device, wherein the divider has a top edge and a bottom edge, and the divider has a first end and second end, and wherein the first end and the second end on the divider are directly or indirectly coupled to the second material, and the second material freely surrounds the top edge and the bottom edge on the divider. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide that opening the divider to reveal a pocket within the divider is accomplished by unzipping a laterally aligned zipper on a frontal portion of the divider. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include flexing a panel located within the pocket of the divider prior to inserting the item into the pocket of the divider, wherein the panel is flexed prior to inserting the device into either one of the first portion of the primary compartment or the second portion of the primary compartment, wherein the panel is formed from PP. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include opening the pouch via an overlap opening on a frontal portion of the pouch to provide access to the primary compartment. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further include maintaining an exterior profile shape of the divider via a panel located within the pocket of the divider when the item is inserted into the pocket of the divider and when the item is removed from the pocket of the divider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1throughFIG.10depict one exemplary embodiment of a running belt generally at10. Running belt10may also referred to generally as a waist band or, simply, belt10. Thus, the term “running” should not be construed to be limiting as the belt10can be used for other activities for which a user or wearer of belt10desires to retain, carry or otherwise hold devices, objects or items with the belt. Further, while it is primarily envisioned that belt10will be word around a user's waist, it is to be understood that belt could be worn in different manners, such as a cross-body sling.

Belt10includes a pouch12forming a primary compartment14. The primary compartment14is adapted to carry a device, such as a cellphone or smartphone, wallet, or other similarly sized device. Belt10includes a divider16within the primary compartment14of pouch12to divide the primary compartment14into a front or first portion14A and a rear or second portion14B. The divider16includes a panel18surrounded or shrouded by a shroud20of first material. In one embodiment, the first material that forms the shroud20is elastane (e.g., LYCRA® or SPANDEX®) or comprises elastane or consists essentially of elastane. A pocket22is defined within the divider16and is located between the panel18and the first material of shroud20. The pocket22within the divider is adapted carry an item that is smaller than the device. For example, the item carried within pocket22may be a key, credit card, coins, cash or other money, or other similarly sized item that is smaller than the device. Belt10also includes a belt24. Belt24may be adjustable via adjustment slides26and releasably connected to itself via a connector28. The belt24may be connected to respective ends12A,12B of the pouch12and the belt24is operable to retain the pouch about a portion of a user's body.

FIG.1andFIG.2depict pouch12as laterally extending between first end12A and second end12B. Pouch12includes a top edge12C that extends in the lateral direction and a bottom edge12D that extends in the lateral direction vertically below top edge12C. Top edge12C has respective lateral ends that transition or taper downward to the first end12A and the second end12B respectively. The tapered end portions of the top edge12C may be formed by folding a portion of the different second material that forms the pouch12. In one particular embodiment, the different second material forming pouch12may be neoprene, comprise neoprene, consist neoprene, or consist essentially of neoprene. The bottom edge12D includes lateral ends that taper upward into the respective ends12A,12B and mirror that of the top edge12C relative to an imaginary horizontal centerline or horizontal axis38(seeFIG.10). Rear panel12E of the pouch12may be formed from a continuous piece of material as shown inFIG.2. There may be two panels that collectively form the front panels of the pouch12. There may be a top front panel12F and a bottom front panel12G that define an opening to the primary compartment14therebetween. A pull-tab30may be in operative communication with a hook and loop connector32that selectively permit open and closure of the opening to the primary compartment between top front panel12F and bottom front panel12G. Pull-tab30extends vertically downward from the lower edge of the top front panel12F. The opening to the pouch12may be considered a flap opening or overlap opening based on the arrangement and configuration of the top front panel12F and bottom front panel12G.

Overall the shape of the pouch12takes the form of an elongated octagon in which the outer perimeter of pouch12is symmetric relative to a horizontal axis38and symmetric relative to a vertical axis. However, other configurations of pouch12are entirely possible. For example pouch12could have a circular perimeter, a rectangular perimeter, or any other geometric configuration or shape that still includes the other features detailed herein.

FIG.7throughFIG.10depict the divider16within the primary compartment14. The divider16includes a first end16A, a second end16B, a top edge16C, and a bottom edge16D. Divider16includes a front surface16E opposite a rear surface16F. The first end16A and the second end16B may be indirectly coupled to the first end12A and the second end12B of the pouch12, respectively. In one particular embodiment, the first end16A of the divider16is fixedly connected via stitching or other mechanical or chemical connections to the belt24within the primary compartment14. In this particular embodiment, the second end16B of the divider16is fixedly connected by stitching or other mechanical or chemical connections to the belt12within the primary compartment14.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the divider has a vertical dimension measured between the top edge16C and the bottom edge16D that is less than the vertical dimension of the primary compartment14such that a space or top space14C of the primary compartment14is present between the top edge16C of divider16and the top edge12C of pouch12. Further, there is a space or bottom space14D between the bottom edge16D and the bottom edge12D of pouch12. The top space14C and the bottom space14D allow the front portion or first portion14A of the primary compartment14to be in open communication with the second portion or rear portion14B of the primary compartment14. More particularly, the top space14C establishes that there is no connection of the top edge16C of divider16to the pouch12such that the first portion14A of the primary compartment in in open communication with the second portion14B of the primary compartment above the divider16. Additionally, there is no connection of the bottom of the divider16to the pouch12such that the space14D causes the first portion14A of the primary compartment14to be in open communication with the second portion14B of the primary compartment14below the divider16.

The shroud20includes a first end20A that is collocated with the first end16A of divider16and the shroud20includes a second end20B that is collocated with the second end16B of divider16. The respective ends20A,20B of shroud20are directly or indirectly coupled to pouch12. In one particular embodiment, the ends20A,20B of shroud20are fixedly connected to the respective first and second ends12A,12B of pouch12. Shroud20includes a top edge20C and a bottom edge20D. As depicted inFIG.10andFIG.11the top edge20C and the bottom edge20D of shroud20freely surround the panel18and contact the panel18but are not fixedly connected thereto. This allows the panel18to freely move within the pocket22within the divider16, but also allows the first material to freely stretch relative to the panel18.

The shroud20formed of the first material includes a front or first portion20E and a rear portion20F. There may be an opening34formed in the front portion20E that permits access to the pocket22within the divider16. The opening34may be a laterally aligned or horizontally aligned zippered opening effectuated by zipper36.

With continued reference toFIG.10andFIG.11, panel18includes a first end18A and a second end18B. Panel18includes a top edge18C and a bottom edge18D. The first end18A of panel18is connected with an end24A of belt24within pocket22of divider16. The second end18B of panel18is connected to a second end24B of belt24within the pocket22of divider16. The connections of the ends24A,24B of belt24to the panel18may be accomplished through stitching or another mechanical, chemical, or non-mechanical and non-chemical connection manners. Stated otherwise, the ends24A,24B of belt24are disposed within the pocket22defined by the first material forming shroud20of divider16.

The panel18has a generally rectangular configuration that is horizontally elongated. Panel18is formed from a semi-flexible material that retains its shape under ordinary forces, however is able to be flexed or bent in response to a force that overcomes the strength of the material. One exemplary material that forms panel18is polypropylene (PP). The PP material forming panel18allow the panel to retain its shape within the first material that forms shroud20and allows it to remain horizontally elongated in a generally rectangular configuration as shown inFIG.10andFIG.11. The orientation of the panel18causes the divider to have an elongated octagonal configuration as shown inFIG.10andFIG.11, as well as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8.

FIG.10depicts that the top edge20C of shroud20tapers at respective ends of the shroud20relative to horizontal axis38. The tapering portion of the top edge20C of shroud20that is associated with the first end20A of shroud20tapers along plane40. Plane40intersects horizontal axis38at an angle42. Angle42may in a range from about 15 degrees to about 45 degree. However, other angles are entirely possible for angle42. For example, in one particular embodiment angle42defined between plane40and horizontal axis38is about 40 degrees. In one particular embodiment, the tapering portion associated with the second end20B of shroud20tapers at a similar angle relative to horizontal axis38.

Panel18includes a vertical dimension44and a lateral dimension46. The vertical dimension44of panel18may be in a range from about 2 inches to about 4 inches. In one particular embodiment, the vertical dimension44of panel18is approximately 2.75 inches. The lateral dimension46of panel18may be in a range from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one particular embodiment, the lateral dimension46of panel18is approximately 6 inches. Panel18may have rounded corners18E when panel18is arranged or configured as a laterally elongated rectangle. Panel18has a first or front surface18G that is bound by the first end18A, second end18B, top edge18C, bottom edge18D, and rounded corners18E. Panel18has a second or rear surface18F that is bound by the first end18A, second end18B, top edge18C, bottom edge18D, and rounded corners18E. The first or front surface18G faces an opposite direction as the second or rear surface18F. A first or front portion22A of pocket22is defined between the first or front surface18G of panel18and the front portion20E of shroud20. A second or rear portion22B of pocket22is defined between the second or rear surface18F of panel18and the rear portion20F of shroud20.

Panel18(and panel118, introduced below) may be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material having lower coefficient of friction (COF) than the material layers that form the pouch12, and having high durability. The panel18may line or divide the interior of pocket22, as discussed herein, and the rigidity of the material selected for panel18may support the structure of divider16when an item is not inserted therein. According to one aspect, panel18may be formed of a material having a low COF such as a polymer plastic, or other similar material. As used herein, a low COF (i.e. the ratio between friction force and normal force) is contemplated to include materials with a COF below 1, where a coefficient of 1 represents the point where friction force is equal to the gravity force of the weight of the material. In one particular embodiment, panel18is formed of PP. PP is a tough, durable, and flexible polymer that may impart some flexible rigidity into divider16while having a low COF to allow for ease of insertion and removal of items therefrom. PP, like all materials, has a varying COF dependent upon the type of material the PP interacts with; however, generally speaking, PP has an approximate dynamic COF between 0.28 (plastics to steel) to 0.44 (plastics to plastic) and a static COF of 0.30 (plastics to steel) to 0.76 (plastics to plastics). For reference, materials with a COF below 0.1 are considered lubricous materials (e.g. lubricants).

Having thus describe the exemplary configuration of belt10, reference is now made to its operation and shown inFIG.13A-FIG.15B.

In operation and with reference toFIG.13AandFIG.13B, a user or wear of belt10will don the belt10on their body, typically around their waist. The user may pull the pull tab30to release the connector32on top panel12F from its connection with the corresponding connector32on bottom panel12G. Once the connection of connectors32is release, the top panel12F will be moved upward in the direction of Arrow A. The upward movement of top panel12F will expose the opening to the primary compartment14. With the top panel12F raised in an upward or opened position, the user will move or press the divider in the rearward direction, as indicated by Arrow B. The movement of divider in the rearward direction of Arrow B will enlarge the frontal portion14A of primary compartment14and decrease the rear portion14B of the primary compartment14. Then, with the divider16having moved from its normal or central position to a rear position, the user may insert a device1into the front portion14A of primary compartment14. Device1is diagrammatically shown but shall be understood to be a phone, smartphone, wallet or other similarly sized device that may fit within primary compartment14. Thereafter, with the device1disposed in the front portion14A of primary compartment14, the user may move and return the top panel12F to its previous position to connect connectors32to secure and close the flap opening of pouch12.

In operation and with reference toFIG.14AandFIG.14B, a user or wear of belt10will don the belt10on their body, typically around their waist. The user may pull the pull tab30to release the connector32on top panel12F from its connection with the corresponding connector32on bottom panel12G. Once the connection of connectors32is release, the top panel12F will be moved upward in the direction of Arrow A. The upward movement of top panel12F will expose the opening to the primary compartment14. With the top panel12F raised in an upward or opened position, the user will move or press the divider in the forward direction, as indicated by Arrow C. The movement of divider in the forward direction of Arrow C will enlarge the rear portion14B of primary compartment14and decrease the forward portion14A of the primary compartment14. Then, with the divider16having moved from its normal or central position to a forward position, the user may insert the device1into the rear portion14B of primary compartment14. Thereafter, with the device1disposed in the rear portion14B of primary compartment14, the user may move and return the top panel12F to its previous position to connect connectors32to secure and close the flap opening of pouch12.

In addition to that which is shown inFIG.13A-FIG.14B, the primary compartment14may hold, secure and/or retain two devices1. One device may be located forward of the divider16in the front portion14A of the primary compartment14and another device may be located rearward of the divider in the rear portion14B of the primary compartment14. Because the pouch12freely surrounds the top portion16C of divider16and freely surrounds the bottom edge16D of divider16, the second material forming pouch12can stretch and flex to permit the two devices to be snuggly secured in the primary compartment with the divider16located between the two devices. This arrangement also allows the second material, such as neoprene (closed cell material and waterproof), to not be compromised by small holes from the stitch punctures which can allow moisture to get into the pocket, and therefore, the design without stitching, whereby a single piece of neoprene wrapped over itself to form a protective hood over the opening allows maximum protection from sweat and weather. In this embodiment when two devices1(or objects) are used, one of the devices will likely be a cell phone whereas the other device will be another object, such as lip balm, food, snacks, or another object larger than item2.

In operation and with reference toFIG.15A, when the user has pulled the pull tab30to release the connector32on top panel12F from its connection with the corresponding connector32on bottom panel12G to open the pouch (or opened the pouch in any other manner), the divider will be exposed and accessible to the user. The user will open the opening34in the divider by moving the zipper36in a lateral direction. Alternatively, the user may open the opening34in any other known manner if the zipper36is not present. When the opening34is opened, the user has access to the pocket22within the divider16. Because the panel18is flexible or moveable, the user may push the panel rearward to enlarge the front portion22A of pocket22. This allows the user to insert an item2that is smaller than device1, such as cash, coins, keys, or a credit card into the front portion22A of pocket22(as seen inFIG.15A). Alternatively, the user may push the panel forward to enlarge the rear portion22B of pocket22. This allows the user to insert the item2into the rear portion22B of pocket22(as seen inFIG.15B).

In addition to that which is shown inFIG.15A-FIG.15B, the pocket22may hold, secure and/or retain two items2. One item may be located forward of the panel18in the front portion22A of the pocket22and another item may be located rearward of the panel18in the rear portion22B of the pocket22. Because the shroud20of first material freely surrounds the top edge18C of panel18and freely surrounds the bottom portion18D of panel18, the first material forming shroud20can stretch and flex to permit the two items to be snuggly secured in the pocket22with the panel18located between the two items. Alternatively, pocket22may function as containment area as extra security for primary compartment14, the pocket22keeping small things (i.e., items2) out of the way, and valuables extra secure for peace of mind, and with no worries of them accidentally falling out when something from primary compartment14is retrieved. The shroud being expandable can fit more items2(and bulge out to the front if needed).

Furthermore, the each of the shown configurations carrying either the device1or the item2can be combined with any other configuration. For example, the belt10may be utilized to carry one device1in the front portion14A of the primary compartment and one item2in the front portion22A of the pocket22. The belt10may be utilized to carry one device1in the front portion14A of the primary compartment and one item2in the rear portion22B of the pocket22. The belt10may be utilized to carry one device1in the rear portion14B of the primary compartment and one item2in the front portion22A of the pocket22. The belt10may be utilized to carry one device1in the rear portion14B of the primary compartment and one item2in the rear portion22B of the pocket22.

According to one exemplary aspect, the PP panel18is advantageous to managing getting the phone or object back into the primary compartment14more easily. The panel maintains the shape of the compartment14when the object1such as a phone is not inside. The panel18flexes to push the divider16forward and assists to place the object1inside the compartment14. The panel18pushes the stretchy, sticky, rubbery, flexible neoprene (i.e., second material) out of the way along the entire shape of the panel18to push those flexible materials out of the way while opening the compartment the entire length of the panel18, which manages the neoprene (i.e., second material) in a way that facilitates getting the phone or object1inside the compartment14. This configuration manages and accounts for the flexible, stretchy neoprene second material without compromising the waterproof nature thereof. In another embodiment, a fixed panel (i.e., the panel stitched to the neoprene second material) could accomplish a similar objective but then there would be the compromise of stitching the outside neoprene (i.e., the stitching could reduce the waterproof capabilities).

The PP panel makes it easy for the user to get the phone or object1into primary compartment14without compromising the beneficial stretchiness horizontally which helps hold contents inside securely. The belt10holds the phone or object1securely inside compartment14even with the flap open b/c the divider stretches and holds the phone securely against the body with the flap (i.e., top front panel12F) open. The zippered pocket still permits the divider16to stretch because the panel18is attached to the elastic belt24on the inside of the pocket22. Together, these allow the user to leverage the stretchiness of the materials in a way that allows the user to see inside easily, stretch the materials wide to fit things inside while wearing the belt10, keeps things secure, and not compromise the outside neoprene second material with stitching.

Additionally, the belt10may be utilized to carry two or more devices1(at least one device1in the front portion14A of the primary compartment and at least one device1in the rear portion14B of the primary compartment) and one item2in the front portion22A of the pocket22. The belt10may be utilized to carry two or more devices1(at least one device1in the front portion14A of the primary compartment and at least one device in the rear portion14B of the primary compartment) and one item2in the rear portion22B of the pocket22. The belt10may be utilized to carry one device1in either the front portion14A or the rear portion14B of the primary compartment and two or more items2in the pocket22(at least one item2in the front portion22A and at least one item2in the rear portion22B).

FIG.16-FIG.19depicts an alternative embodiment of a running belt110that utilizes many of the same features of belt10and parts having similar reference elements are not repeated for brevity. Running belt110utilizes a panel118that is not located in a divider but rather affixed to the front lower panel112G on the interior surface thereof to line or define or bound primary compartment114of pouch112. Panel118may be formed from a PP material and have the same height dimension and lateral dimension as panel18. Panel118affixed to the interior surface of lower front portion112G would be stitched or attached to the tab118A at its top edge. The remaining perimeter of panel118is not affixed to the lower front portion112G of pouch112. This allows the second material that forms pouch112to stretch. With the panel118only sewn along its tab118A at the top edge, the pouch112would be able to stretch but still retain an overall flat configuration when viewed from the front to provide a sufficient structural shape to the primary compartment114when a device is inside the compartment114. The panel118that is only stitched along the tab118A at its top edge to the lower front portion112G would keep the primary compartment relatively flat when the belt110is worn by the user and makes it easy to facilitate inserting and retrieving the device from the primary compartment114.

One exemplary advantage of belt10is that the materials and configuration of divider16within the primary compartment14of pouch12may offer ergonomic benefits based on the natural positioning of the belt around a user's waist (or other part of their body) when inserting a device or removing a device from the pouch12. The configuration of pouch12with the divider16takes advantage of the biometric alignment of the wrist, and arm relative to an operational position of belt10resulting in improved comfort and reduced strain. Further, there may be some other benefits of the configuration of belt10. For example, the material used to form panel18and should20can provide flexibility to easily move the divider16so that the user has direct line of sight to the device with the primary compartment14regardless of whether the device is in the front portion14A or the rear portion14B of compartment14. Contrarily, a fixed divider can obstruct the line of sight, particularly when in dark, small and tight spaces.

The configuration of belt10can greatly facilitate cleaning efforts. Belt10enables cleaning to be more accessible and efficient. A user can easily reach into the primary compartment without hindrance due to the construction of divider16, ensuring thorough cleaning practices are upheld. The presence of and combination of materials described herein minimizes the effort required to remove dirt, making the cleaning process more efficient.

The pouch12presents an excellent space for customization and branding. This area offers high visibility, making it an ideal spot to display logos, company names, or decorative patterns. Belt10can serve as effective marketing tools, promoting brand recognition and creating a professional and cohesive atmosphere. Customization options can extend to various industries and settings, including corporate offices, hospitality venues, educational institutions, and public spaces, allowing organizations to leave a lasting impression on users. The curvature of the belt10on the exterior of pouch12or on the divider16can serve as a natural contour for incorporating logos or brand symbols. By aligning the logo with the pouch12or divider16, it can seamlessly follow the shape, creating a visually appealing and cohesive design. This not only reinforces brand identity but also enhances the overall aesthetics of the chair. The conforming curvature of belt10when worn by a user allows for creative and eye-catching logo placement, making it more noticeable and memorable to users. Belt10can also be utilized to accentuate brand colors. By applying the brand's signature colors to belt10, it creates a visually striking effect.

Optionally, the belt10or110may additionally include one or more sensors to sense or gather data pertaining to the surrounding environment, the user's or wearer's activity level, or operation/location of the belt10or110. Some exemplary sensors capable of being electronically coupled with the belt10or110(either directly connected to the belt10or110or remotely connected thereto) may include but are not limited to: accelerometers sensing accelerations experienced during rotation, translation, velocity/speed, location traveled, elevation gained; gyroscopes sensing movements during angular orientation and/or rotation, and rotation; altimeters sensing barometric pressure, altitude change, terrain climbed, local pressure changes, submersion in liquid; impellers measuring the amount of fluid passing thereby; Global Positioning sensors sensing location, elevation, distance traveled, velocity/speed; audio sensors sensing local environmental sound levels, or voice detection; Photo/Light sensors sensing ambient light intensity, ambient, Day/night, UV exposure; TV/IR sensors sensing light wavelength; Temperature sensors sensing machine or motor temperature, ambient air temperature, and environmental temperature; and Moisture Sensors sensing surrounding moisture levels.

The belt10or110may include wireless communication logic coupled to sensors on the belt10or110. The sensors gather data and provide the data to the wireless communication logic. Then, the wireless communication logic may transmit the data gathered from the sensors to a remote device, such as a user or wearer-worn fitness activity tracker. Thus, the wireless communication logic may be part of a broader communication system, in which one or several belts10or110may be networked together to report alerts and, more generally, to be accessed and controlled remotely. Depending on the types of transceivers installed in the belt10or110, the system may use a variety of protocols (e.g., Wifi, ZigBee, MiWi, Bluetooth) for communication. In one example, each of the belts10or110may have its own IP address and may communicate directly with a router or gateway. This would typically be the case if the communication protocol is WiFi.

In another example, a point-to-point communication protocol like MiWi or ZigBee is used. One or more of the belts10or110may serve as a repeater, or the belts10or110may be connected together in a mesh network to relay signals from one belt10or110to the next. However, the individual belt10or110in this scheme typically would not have IP addresses of their own. Instead, one or more of the belts10or110communicates with a repeater that does have an IP address, or another type of address, identifier, or credential needed to communicate with an outside network. The repeater communicates with the router or gateway.

In either communication scheme, the router or gateway communicates with a communication network, such as the Internet, although in some embodiments, the communication network may be a private network that uses transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) and other common Internet protocols but does not interface with the broader Internet, or does so only selectively through a firewall.

The system that receives and processes signals from belt10or110may differ from embodiment to embodiment. In one embodiment, alerts and signals from the belt10or110are sent through an e-mail or simple message service (SMS; text message) gateway so that they can be sent as e-mails or SMS text messages to a remote device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer, monitored by a responsible individual, group of individuals, or department, such as a user of a fitness mobile application. Thus, if a particular belt10or110creates an alert because of a data point gathered by one or more sensors, that alert can be sent, in e-mail or SMS form, directly to the individual responsible for monitoring the user's fitness level. Of course, e-mail and SMS are only two examples of communication methods that may be used; in other embodiments, different forms of communication may be used.

While components of the present disclosure are described herein in relation to each other, it is possible for one of the components disclosed herein to include inventive subject matter, if claimed alone or used alone. In keeping with the above example, if the disclosed embodiments teach the features of A and B, then there may be inventive subject matter in the combination of A and B, A alone, or B alone, unless otherwise stated herein.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.

To the extent that the present disclosure has utilized the term “invention” in various titles or sections of this specification, this term was included as required by the formatting requirements of word document submissions pursuant the guidelines/requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and shall not, in any manner, be considered a disavowal of any subject matter.