Abstract:
Apparatus transportable by an exercising person, for maintaining a liquid drink within one-handed reach while the person is exercising, includes a container for the liquid drink, an adjustable belt for fitting about the person&#39;s waist, a holster connected to the belt, for releasably retaining therewithin the container, and a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt, connected thereto at respective web extremities but being arcuately spaced therefrom along a middle portion of the web.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0001]    Joggers, runners, cyclists, rock and mountain climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts need periodic, sometimes nearly continuous, hydration. One prior art approach to the hydration problem is to provide an elastic tube, much like a rubber band, to retain a water bottle in place within a runner&#39;s carriage or harness as the runner is running. Carrying a hydration bottle filled with water or other liquid may be awkward, especially for those engaged in relatively active pursuits, such as jogging, bicycling, running, and the like. In addition to being awkward, carrying a bottle of water poses difficult challenges. The water bottle tends to bounce against the carrier&#39;s body, thereby creating discomfort and distraction. Additionally, the water within the bottle may slosh around, especially as the bottle is emptied, thereby changing the dynamics of carrying the bottle and the weight associated therewith. As a result, known apparatus for carrying hydration bottles is cumbersome and deficient in many respects. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In one of its aspects, this invention provides apparatus, transportable by an exercising person, for maintaining a drinking liquid supply within reach of the person during exercise without the person using the person&#39;s limbs where the apparatus includes a container for holding the liquid for drinking, an adjustable belt for fitting around the person&#39;s waist, a holster connected to the belt for reversibly retaining therewithin the bottle and a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt with the cradling web being connected to the holster and the belt at respective cradling web extremities but being separated from the cup and from the belt along a middle portion of the web. The cradling web end connected to the belt is preferably transverse to the belt centerline. The cradling web end connected to the holster is preferably parallel with the holster lip and connected to the holster at the holster lip. The cradling web is stiffer than both the holster and the belt. The holster retains the container frictionally within the holster and releases the container responsively to force applied to the container by the person using one hand. 
         [0003]    In another one of its aspects, this invention provides apparatus for maintaining a beverage container within reach of an exercising person carrying the container where the apparatus includes an adjustable elastic belt for fitting around the person at the waist, a holster connected to the belt for releasably retaining therewithin a generally cylindrical beverage container upon application of manual force thereto by the exercising person using but one hand, a cradling web connecting the holster and the belt at respective web extremities and being arcuately separated therefrom along the middle portion of the web with one cradling web end connected to the belt preferably being transverse to the belt centerline and the remaining cradling web end connected to the holster lip and being aligned therewith. The cradling web is stiffer than both the holster and the belt. The belt is preferably elasticized fabric. The holster preferably has a “D-shape” cross section with the flat side of the “D” connected to the belt so as to be proximate the person&#39;s body when the apparatus is worn. Alternatively, and less preferably the holster may be of generally cylindrical cross section. 
         [0004]    In yet another one of its aspects, this invention provides apparatus for maintaining a beverage container within reach of an exercising person carrying the container where the apparatus includes a belt wearable about the torso of the person where the belt has a pair of elastic segments, and includes male and female members of a releasable clasp at respective ends of respective segments for selectively connecting the segments together, a horizontally elongated fabric segment positioned between and connected proximate its horizontal extremities to those ends of the respective elastic segments which are remote from the clasp members, with the elastic end fabric segments of the belt facilitating adjustable close fitting of the belt about the torso when the elastic segments are connected by the clasp. The apparatus further includes a holster connected preferably to the fabric segment of the belt for releasably retaining therewithin a generally cylindrical beverage container. 
         [0005]    The apparatus yet further includes a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt fabric segment and being connected thereto at respective cradling web extremities but being arcuately separated therefrom along a middle portion of the web. A cradling web end connected to the fabric segment is preferably transverse to the belt centerline with the cradling web end connected to the holster being connected thereto at a lip portion of the holster and being aligned with the lip. The holster may be oriented at an angle to the vertical of at least 45 degree, or may be horizontal or at other orientations, and is preferably positioned substantially opposite from the clasp when the belt is worn. The holster cross section is within a preselected range relating to the diameter of the preferably cylindrical bottle in order to provide force preventing the bottle from exiting the holster in response to movement of the holster as the person traverses over ground but permitting the beverage container to be withdrawn from the holster and thereafter replaced back into the holster by the person using one hand, for holster retention of the beverage container, while the person is traversing over ground. 
         [0006]    A major advantage of this invention is that the cradle and belt combination, provided by a cradle member and holster affixed to an elastic belt member having a fabric segment at the central portion thereof, is that while the cradle and belt are in position, the cradle remains open so that when a runner reaches behind his or her body, the runner may grasp a hydration container and pull the hydration container out of the cradle provided by the cradling member and holster. Once the runner has taken a drink from the hydration container, the runner may replace the hydration container back in the cradle defined by the cradle member and holster, without having to hold the holster open or otherwise adjust the holster or cradle member or other bottle-holding mechanism. The cradling member is preferably sewn in slight tension, in order that it may pull the outer portion of the holster towards the wearer&#39;s body, thereby pulling the hydration container and the cradle defined by the holster and cradle member towards the body as well. This is facilitated by fastening the belt of the apparatus fairly firmly around the wearer&#39;s body when worn. 
         [0007]    A loop on the cap of the hydration container facilitates pull-out of the container from the cradle assembly, defined by the cradle member and holster, by the wearer using a single hand. 
         [0008]    The cradle assembly for the body is essentially formed of foam. The foam is a fairly rigid foam to define the holster and maintain the holster in an open, tunnel-like disposition, when the container is removed from the holster. With apparatus embodying the invention, there is no need for any elastic loop to go over the nozzle or cap of the hydration container thereby to retain the hydration container in close proximity to the exercising person&#39;s body. Rather, there is a stable cradle provided by a holster and cradle member for the hydration container. The cradle member keeps the holster against the runner&#39;s body without the holster bouncing up and down due to the weight of the bottle being carried, thereby contributing to stability of the entire assembly as worn by a runner. Additionally, the configuration of the holster provides a runway or shoot or tunnel effect for the hydration container with the foam in part defining the interior configuration of the holster. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exploded front elevation of apparatus for maintaining a hydration beverage container within reach of an exercising person carrying the container, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, with the hydration beverage container shown in position ready to be placed in, and carried by, a person using the apparatus. A smaller nutrition flask, which optionally may also be carried by the apparatus, is also depicted 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with the beverage container and nutrition flask in position in the apparatus, but with the belt segments not completely shown. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 , without the beverage container and nutrition flask, and with the belt segments not completely shown. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a broken rear elevation, with the belt portion broken away, of a lumbar backing portion of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with the hydration beverage container in position in the apparatus for carriage by a person using the apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an isometric depiction of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with the hydration beverage container and the nutrition flask in place, being worn by an exercising person, who is in the midst of withdrawing the hydration beverage container from the holster portion of the apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an exploded schematic sectional view depicting a lower part of the holster portion of the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1  though  6 , taken at lines and arrows  6 - 6  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an exploded schematic sectional view depicting a cradle portion of the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 , taken at lines and arrows  7 - 7  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an exploded schematic sectional view depicting an upper part of the holster portion of the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1  though  6 , taken at lines and arrows  8 - 8  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an exploded schematic sectional view depicting a lumbar backing portion of the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 , taken at lines and arrows  9 - 9  in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is schematic front elevation of an exemplary lumbar support, holster and cradling band in accordance with the invention, illustrating the configuration of the lumbar support, holster and cradling band prior to the apparatus, that includes this lumbar support, holster and cradling band, prior to being worn. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is schematic side elevation of the exemplary lumbar support, holster and cradling band in accordance with the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is schematic front elevation of an exemplary lumbar support, holster and cradling band in accordance with the invention, similar to  FIG. 10  but illustrating the configuration of the lumbar support, holster and cradling band while the apparatus, that includes this lumbar support, holster and cradling band, is worn. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is schematic side elevation of the exemplary lumbar support, holster and cradling band in accordance with the invention, illustrated in  FIG. 12   
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is schematic front elevation of an exemplary lumbar support, holster, cradling band and elastic belt segments in accordance with the invention, illustrating one orientation the lumbar support, cradling band and belt segments in the apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is schematic front elevation of an exemplary lumbar support, cradling band and elastic belt segments in accordance with the invention, similar to  FIG. 14  but illustrating a second orientation the lumbar support, cradling band and belt segments in the apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is schematic front elevation of an exemplary lumbar support, cradling band and elastic belt segments in accordance with the invention, similar to  FIGS. 14 and 15  but illustrating a third orientation the lumbar support, cradling band and belt segments in the apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a isometric schematic depiction of load bearing members and resulting forces in the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 5  when the apparatus is worn. Certain details of the apparatus have been omitted from  FIG. 17  to enhance drawing clarity. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a isometric schematic depiction of load bearing members and forces resulting in apparatus when the apparatus is worn, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, having a holster for carrying a hydration beverage container horizontally, in either of two orientations, whereby the bottle cap extends from either the left or the right opening of the holster. In  FIG. 18  the bottle cap is depicted extending from the right opening of the holster. Certain details of the apparatus have been omitted from  FIG. 18  to enhance drawing clarity. 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a isometric schematic depiction of the load bearing members and forces resulting in apparatus when the apparatus is worn, in accordance with a further alternate embodiment of the invention, having two holsters, for carrying two hydration beverage containers at an angle to the horizontal, in an orientation similar to that of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . Certain details of the apparatus have been omitted from  FIG. 19  to enhance drawing clarity. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a isometric schematic depiction of the load bearing members and resulting forces in apparatus, in accordance with a yet further alternate embodiment of the invention designed particularly for women, having a single holster for carrying a hydration beverage container in a horizontal position and configured to facilitate withdrawal of the hydration beverage container from either side. Certain details of the apparatus have been omitted from  FIG. 20  to enhance drawing clarity. 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is an isometric view of a clasp and attachment thereto of an elastic belt segment of apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 21  but illustrating the manner in which the length of the elastic segment attached to the clasp segment can be adjusted, namely can be lengthened, by application of finger force. Forces on and movements of portions of the segment are denoted by the arrows. 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 22  but illustrating the fixed, tightened nature of the connection between the elastic segment and the clasp in accordance with this aspect of the invention. Forces on and movements of portions of the segment are denoted by the arrows. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    In the drawings, prime, double prime, etc. notations denote further embodiments of the invention and analogous parts therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Referring to the drawings in general and to  FIG. 1  in particular, apparatus for maintaining a beverage container within reach of an exercising person carrying the container is designated generally  10  and includes a belt designated generally  12 , where belt  12  includes a first elastic segment  14  and a second elastic segment  16 , as well as a fabric segment  18  positioned between and connected to first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16 . Fabric segment  18  provides as lumbar backing and preferably presents an air mesh moisture-wicking fabric to the exterior, for contacting the lumbar region of the person wearing the apparatus. 
         [0034]    The beverage container, which apparatus  10  is adapted to maintain within reach of the exercising person carrying the apparatus, is designated generally  20  and is shown in position above and spaced from apparatus  10  in  FIG. 1 . Container  20  is a primary hydration container typically containing water or other fluid carried by the exercising person for hydration purposes. Container  20  includes a body designated generally  22  and a cap designated generally  24 , where body  22  and cap  24  have been illustrated separated one from another in  FIG. 1 . Cap  24  is adapted to screw onto body  22  as indicated by the threads that are illustrated in  FIG. 1  but not numbered to enhance drawing clarity. 
         [0035]    Apparatus  10  further includes a holster designated generally  26  that serves to retain therewithin beverage container  20 . Holster  26  has internal size and cross-sectional dimensions falling within a pre-selected range relative to the diameter and cross-sectional dimensions of body  22  of container  20 . With the desired dimensional relationship between the interior of holster  26  and the exterior of body  22  of container  20 , holster  22  prevents container  20  from exiting holster  22  in response to movement of holster  22  as the person wearing apparatus  10  traverses over ground. This same dimensional relationship permits container  20  to be withdrawn from holster  26  and thereafter placed back into holster  26  by the person wearing apparatus  10  using one hand, for retention of container  20  by holster  26 , as the person wearing apparatus  10  continues to traverse over ground. 
         [0036]    An arcuate cradle member  28 , desirably having a web-like form, extends between holster  26  and fabric segment  18  of belt  12  and is connected, at respective extremities of cradle member  28 , to holster  26  and to fabric segment  18  of belt  12 . The mid section of cradle member  28  is arcuately separated from both holster  26  and fabric segment  18 . The end of cradle member  28  connected to fabric segment  18  is preferably positioned to be transverse to the centerline of belt  12 . The second end of cradle member  28 , which is connected to holster  26  at a lip  38  of holster  26 , is oriented so as to be aligned with lip  38  at the position of connection of the second end of cradle member  28  with holster  26 . 
         [0037]    Belt  12  is secured in position around the person wearing apparatus  10  by fastening a clasp, designed generally  30 , having a male clasp portion designated generally  32  and a female clasp portion designated generally  34 , by inserting male portion  32  into female portion  34 . Apparatus  10  may further optionally include a secondary container, designated generally  36 , for carrying nutritional fluids. Secondary container  36  may be carried in a flask pocket  40  defined in part by mesh  42 . 
         [0038]    The exterior of holster  26  is preferably nylon, most preferably a 210 denier high tenacity rip-stop nylon. Preferably, there is a three-quarter (¾) ounce polyurethane coating on the interiorly-facing surfacing of the nylon, to create some resistance to water passing through the nylon. 
         [0039]    Cradle member  28  results in holster  26  flexing to the contours of the body of the person wearing apparatus  10  and also serves to hold hydration container  20  in place within holster  26 . This results from cradle member  28  being slightly in tension. When apparatus  10  is worn with belt  12  fastened securely about the wearer&#39;s waist, cradle member  28  pulls the exterior portion of holster  26 , most remote from the lumbar region of the wearer, towards the lumbar region of the wearer, holding hydration container  20  securely in place. Holster  26  has a wide mouth, making removal of hydration container  20  and replacement thereof into holster  26  intuitive and very easy and quick for the wearer of apparatus  10 . 
         [0040]    Elastic segments  14  and  16  of belt  12  are selected to have sufficient elasticity to be non-restricting to the wearer and yet prevent bounce of the hydration waist pack defined by fabric segment  18 , holster  26  and cradle member  28  when container  20  is in place within holster  26 . 
         [0041]    First and second elastic segments  14 ,  16  are attached to fabric segment  18  in a manner to maximize stability of holster  26 , cradle member  28  and container  20  resident within holster  26  as the wearer of apparatus  10  is exercising. Most preferably first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16  are affixed to fabric segment  18  at a position which is about one-third (⅓) of the distance from the top to the bottom of container  20  when container  20  is resident in holster  26 . This positioning of the points of attachment of first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16  to fabric segment  18  has been found to minimize bouncing of holster  26  with container  20  therewithin as the wearer of apparatus  10  is exercising. 
         [0042]    The surface of fabric segment  18  that is in facing contact with the wearer&#39;s body when apparatus  10  is in position on the body may be nylon mesh with relatively small apertures in the nylon; this is used in smaller versions of apparatus  10  in which fabric segment  18  has relatively small area facing the wearer&#39;s back. The surface of fabric segment  18  facing the wearer&#39;s back in larger versions of apparatus  10 , having larger square areas of fabric segment  18  facing the wearer&#39;s back, are desirably at least a portion of air mesh providing wicking of perspiration away from the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0043]    Holster  26  is configured in part by presence of flexible foam panels interior of nylon exterior material  44 . Cradle member  28  is similarly configured with foam, which is a harder foam, known as “Hard Sponge” in the trade. This harder, firmer characteristic of the foam interior portion of cradle member  28  provides structural rigidity and yet flexibility, permitting holster  26  to flex to the contours of the wearer&#39;s body and yet securely retain hydration container  20  in place. While the foam interior of cradle member  28  is stiffer than the foam segments forming holster  26 , the foam interior of cradle member  28  is thinner than the foam segments forming the interior of holster  26 . The foam forming the interior of cradle member  28  is stitched into the seams at the top and the bottom of cradle member  28  to create more tension on the holster-cradle assembly. The foam segments defining the shape of holster  26  are inserted after seams are sewn, facilitating construction of holster  26 . The foam interior of cradle member  28  is placed in position before final stitching so that the stitching can be performed in a way to place cradle member  28  in some tension, thereby providing the desired effect in causing holster  26  to flex to the contour of the body and hold hydration container  20  securely in position. 
         [0044]    The orientation of cradle member  28  vis-a-vis holster  26  and belt  12  results in increased tension in cradle member  28  when belt  12  is wrapped around the wearer&#39;s body. Cradle member  28  is initially sewn in tension. When the wearer places belt  12  around the wearer&#39;s body, the more of a curve that is created when the belt, especially fabric segment  18 , is wrapped around the body, the tighter the cradling effect produced by holster  26  results. In the preferred practice of the invention, belt  12  is designed to accommodate an average waist dimension of from thirty (30) to thirty-four (34) inches and, with cradle member  28  configured as illustrated in the drawings, creating an ideal tension for the cradle member-holster assembly and resultant retention of hydration container  20  within holster  26  during the wearer&#39;s exercise activity. The arcuate shape of cradle member  28  and the arcuate cross-sectional shape, in the longitudinal sense of, holster  26  results in a larger opening at the top area of holster  26  and a tighter, more tensioned grip of holster  26  on container  20  at the bottom of holster  26 . This aids in getting container  20  into holster  26  and retains container  20  in holster  26  once container  20  is positioned there within. 
         [0045]    As apparent in  FIG. 3 , the cross-sectional shape of holster  26  is preferably a “D-shape” where the flat portion of the “D” is against the wearer&#39;s body. At the interior surface of the holster on the flat panel forming the upright part of the “D” the material is preferably rip-stop nylon. At the exterior of the holster, which is also rip-stop nylon, this nylon is preferably not bonded to the fabric layer immediately adjacent to it, which preferably is a very fine, knit synthetic fabric. A third layer of the holster is loose, synthetic fiber bonded to the second layer and to the fourth layer, which is another synthetic knit but with larger interstices than the second layer. These layers are secured to one another at the edge of the back flat panel of the “D-shape” with stitching which goes through all four layers. The resulting construction provides a holster which is soft against the body of the wearer. 
         [0046]    The illustrated diagonal orientation of holster  26  relative to belt  12  in  FIG. 1  facilitates withdrawal and reinsertion of container  20  from and into holster  26 . 
         [0047]    Construction of apparatus  10  is preferably all by sewing; preferably, no adhesive is used. In the area between the mid-portion of cradle member  28  and lip  38  of holster  26 , there is a knit fabric having very large interstices and which is highly flexible; this fabric does not hold any preset shape. 
         [0048]    Cradle member  28  desirably extends from a horizontal position, at approximately the center of holster  26  where cradle member  28  is affixed to holster  26 , extending in an arc-like manner to a vertical position at which cradle member  28  is affixed to belt  12 , preferably to fabric segment  18  of belt  12 . The combination of cradle member  28  and holster  26  effectively creates a “cradle” for container  20  and also serves to stabilize holster  26  as a part of the entire assembly. 
         [0049]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , holster  26  may further be oriented horizontally so as to hold container  20  in a horizontal position. This provides a lower profile for apparatus  10  on the wearer&#39;s back. Additionally, container  20  in a horizontal orientation permits either left-handed or right-handed grasping of container  20  by the wearer while exercising. Another advantage of the horizontal orientation of container  20  is less noise—liquid within container  20  sloshes less when container  20  is in a horizontal position than would the liquid if container  20  were in a vertical or close to vertical orientation. 
         [0050]    Desirably, fabrics used in construction of apparatus  10  are nylon other than the mesh materials illustrated in the drawings. These mesh materials are preferably nylon-polyester combinations. Foams used in construction of apparatus  10  are preferably closed-cell, polyurethane foams with higher and lower durometer foam portions being used as indicated above, to provide relative stiffness in cradle member  28  and less stiffness in holster  26 . A sheet of high-density polyethylene may also be used or applied to one surface of the nylon as appropriate to reduce moisture penetration. When apparatus  10  is worn, it is designed so that the fabric segment  18  is placed at the center of the wearer&#39;s back on the rear of the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0051]    In drawing  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  illustrating internal construction of apparatus in accordance with the invention and particularly the construction at the sections defined by the corresponding arrows in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , different forms of shading appearing in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  define materials used in the construction of apparatus according to the invention. 
         [0052]    Specifically, in  FIG. 6 , arrow A generally denotes a mesh having a fiber fill where the fiber fill is indicated by the continuous squiggled line identified by B. A finer mesh bounding one side of the fiber fill is denoted by intermittent vertical lines identified by C. The opposite side of the fiber fill, which is defined by coarser mesh, is identified with teardrop type markings as indicated by D. Rip stop nylon is denoted by rectangular cross hatching indicated by E. Large open mesh is indicated by diamonds identified by F. 
         [0053]    Additional mesh, some of which becomes an exterior surface of the apparatus when extended from the position illustrated in  FIG. 6 , is identified on wavy, vertical lines denoted G. 
         [0054]    Non-rip stop nylon is indicated by cross hatching at a 45 degree angle and denoted H. Sewing threads are denoted by dashed lines and indicated I. Woven material backing is indicated by stippling and identified as J. Foam is identified by intermittent circular stippling of random size and identified by L. 
         [0055]    The same letters are used throughout  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  to identify the various materials used in constructing apparatus according to the invention. The foam depicted in  FIG. 7  should be understood to be a higher durometer, stiffer foam than the foam depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 8  since  FIG. 7  depicts the foam of the cradle member. 
         [0056]    Cording is indicated by a cylindrical member and identified as M in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0057]    The two halves of the zipper are denoted Z 1  and Z 2  in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0058]    In  FIGS. 10 and 12 , dashed vertical line S denotes the approximate mid-point of the wearer&#39;s back, generally coincident with the wearer&#39;s spine. Dotted vertical line C in  FIGS. 10 and 12  denotes the position of connection between cradle member  28  and fabric segment  18  of belt  12 . Arrow  1  in  FIG. 12  indicates the direction of movement and hence of force created in cradle member  28  as belt  12  is tightened around the waist of wearer. The movement of cradle member  28  and particularly the position of the connection thereof with fabric segment  18  upon the tightening of belt  12  by a wearer is further illustrated by  FIG. 13  when that figure is compared with  FIG. 11 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  illustrate various configurations as to the positioning of the point of attachment of cradle member  28  to fabric segment  18  vis-a-vis first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16  of belt  12 . In  FIG. 14 , cradle member  28  is affixed to fabric segment  18  at a position above the centerline of first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16 . In  FIG. 15 , cradle member  28  is affixed to fabric segment  18  at a position aligned with the centerline of first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16  but with cradle member  28  spaced away from first and second elastic segments  14 ,  16 . In  FIG. 16 , cradle member  28  is depicted affixed to fabric segment  18  in a position aligned with and essentially connected to one of the elastic segments  14 ,  16 . 
         [0060]    In  FIGS. 17 through 20 , arrows AA indicate tension applied in the course of securing belt  12  around the body of a wearer. Arrows BB denote resulting force, in the nature of a tension, created in cradle member  28  due to the tightening of belt  12 . Arrows CC indicate the force produced on holster  26  as cradle member  28  draws the outer portion of holster  26  towards the body of the wearer. 
         [0061]    Airmesh is used extensively in the various embodiments of apparatus of the invention to provide wicking. This three dimensional mesh uses “push-pull” technology—polyester against the skin draws moisture from the body and nylon fibers transfer the moisture away to promote rapid evaporation. There fibers also provide cushioning, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.