Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a running belt according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Disclosed are example running belts that have a sleek and lightweight construction while still offering a large storage capacity. The example running belts eliminate excess material and weight while maintaining a smooth uninterrupted exterior having a reduced number of material edges or breaks.

The example running belts utilize a single panel that forms at least a portion of an enclosed storage volume. The single panel is inwardly folded to provide a smooth, rounded folded edge portion that is backed by a waist support. As a result, the waist support is covered and concealed in the running belt and the waist portion has a smooth rounded top edge without additional coverings or material breaks. The upper regions of the running belt may be thinner in construction, reducing the weight of the belt and potentially increasing comfort for the person wearing the belt.

Disclosed is an example running belt that may comprise a panel at least partially forming an enclosed volume having a mouth to receive articles. The panel has a front face and a folded edge portion. The running belt may further comprise a waist support to extend about the waist of a person wearing the running belt. The waist support comprises a band backing the folded edge portion, wherein the folded edge portion is secured to the front face and wherein the band is secured to the folded edge portion.

In some implementations, the panel has an outer portion forming a front of the enclosed volume, an inner portion forming a back of the enclosed volume and a lower folded portion connecting the outer portion in the inner portion. Such a construction reduces the amount of stitching and seams used to form the enclosed volume.

In some implementations, the inner portion is recessed below the folded edge portion, below the top edge of the outer portion. As a result, the top of the enclosed volume is concealed behind the outer portion of the panel. In some implementations, a second band is secured to and backs the upper edge of the inner portion. The second band strengthens those regions of the belt around an upwardly facing mouth for the enclosed volume. The second band further provides upper portions of the running belt with a uniform thickness on opposite sides of the upwardly facing mouth in that the outer portion of the panel, the folded edge portion of the panel and the waist support may have a three-ply thickness and the opposite side of the mouth also has a three ply thickness formed by the outer portion of the panel, the inner portion of the panel and the second band.

In some implementations, the mouth faces in an upward direction. In other implementations, the mouth, providing access to the interior of the enclosed volume, faces in a frontwards or sideways direction.

In some implementations, the lower folded portion comprises a W-shaped fold forming the floor of the enclosed volume and having a folded peak between the outer portion and the inner portion. In some implementations, the folded peak is secured to the inner portion. The W-shaped fold forming the floor of the enclosed volume or pocket provides the running belt with a distinct floor and flatter profile.

In some implementations, front and inner portions of the panel are stitched or otherwise non-removably connected to one another to partition the larger enclosed volume at least partially formed by the panel into multiple distinct pockets or enclosed volumes. In some implementations, one or more pockets formed by the panel encircle the waist of the person wearing the running belt. In some implementations, one or more pockets formed by the panel extend along the portion of the running belt for positioning at the front or the rear of the runner, wherein portions of the waist support encircling the waist omit pockets or an enclosed volume.

In some implementations, the waist support comprises a continuous loop, lacking separable ends that may be selectively disconnected. In some implementations, the waist support has first and second opposite ends or end portions which are releasably connectable and separable from one another by a releasable connection mechanism such as a quick release buckle, snaps, a hook and loop fastener or the like.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any number of additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term "operably coupled" shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. The term "fluidly coupled" shall mean that two or more fluid transmitting volumes are connected directly to one another or are connected to one another by intermediate volumes or spaces such that fluid may flow from one volume into the other volume.

For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "configured to" denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the stated function/use to the physical characteristics of the feature proceeding the phrase "configured to. " For purposes of this disclosure, the term "releasably" or "removably" with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

<FIG> illustrate an example running belt <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of running belt <NUM> being worn about the waist <NUM> of a person. The belt is illustrated as being spaced from waist <NUM> merely for purposes of illustration. <FIG> is a sectional view of running belt <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Running belt <NUM> comprises panel <NUM> and waist support <NUM>.

Panel <NUM> comprises a flexible panel of material that at least partially forms an enclosed volume <NUM> which has a mouth <NUM> to receive articles and providing access to the interior of the enclosed volume <NUM>. Panel <NUM> may be formed from a variety of materials. In some implementations, panel <NUM> is formed from a fabric. In some implementations, panel <NUM> is formed from a polymer, synthetic materials or natural materials. In some implementations, panel <NUM> is opaque. In some implementations, panel <NUM> is at least partially translucent, facilitating viewing of the contents of the enclosed volume. In some implementations, panel <NUM> is formed from an elastic or resiliently stretchable material.

As shown by <FIG>, the enclosed volume <NUM> is enclosed on a front side by an outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>. The enclosed volume <NUM> is further bounded by floor <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> (shown in broken lines). In the example illustrated, enclosed volume <NUM> is accessible through a mouth <NUM> which faces in an upward direction in which receive articles in the direction indicated by the arrow <NUM>. In some implementations, the floor <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> are formed by panel <NUM>. In some implementations, the floor <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> may be formed by other panels joined to panel <NUM> by stitching, adhesives or the like.

Waist support <NUM> comprise a structure that encircles waist <NUM> and supports the remainder of belt <NUM> at waist <NUM>. In some implementations, waist support <NUM> comprise a continuous loop formed by a single band <NUM> of material having first and second waist support ends that are non-releasably or releasably connected to one another. In some implementations, waist support <NUM> be formed by a first band that backs portions of panel <NUM> and one or more additional bands that are secured to the first band, and which do not back panel <NUM>. In some implementations, waist support <NUM> is inelastic. In some implementations, waist support <NUM> is resiliently flexible and elastic. In some implementations, waist support <NUM> has an adjustable length to accommodate differently sized waists.

As shown by <FIG> and <FIG>, panel <NUM> has a folded edge portion <NUM>. Folded edge portion <NUM> integrally extends from outer portion <NUM> as a single unitary body with the remainder of panel <NUM>. Folded edge portion <NUM> is inwardly folded, towards the interior of the loop formed by belt <NUM> when being worn, to form a rounded top edge <NUM>. Folded edge portion <NUM> has an inner face <NUM> (facing waist <NUM> when belt <NUM> is worn) backed by band <NUM>. In the example illustrated, folded edge portion <NUM> is vertically above and directly overlies both enclosed volume <NUM> and mouth <NUM>.

As schematically indicated by a broken lines <NUM>, folded edge portion <NUM> is secured to outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> and the band <NUM>. In some implementations, folded edge portion <NUM> is sandwiched between outer portion <NUM> and the band <NUM> by one or more stitches that pass through such layers. In some implementations, the band <NUM> is stitched to folded edge portion <NUM> by first stitch and folded edge portion <NUM> is stitched to the front face <NUM> of panel <NUM> by second stitch. In some implementations, a single stitching passing through each of the band, the folded edge portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> to secure such layers together. In yet other implementations, such layers may be held together by adhesives or welds. In some implementations, such layers may be individually held or secured to another by a combination of adhesives and stitches.

Because band <NUM> is joined to folded edge portion <NUM> on the inside of the loop of running belt <NUM>, band <NUM> is concealed. Because folded edge portion <NUM> provides the front of belt <NUM> with a smooth rounded upper edge <NUM> without the use of an overlapping cover fabric, the front face <NUM> of panel <NUM> forms the entire front of belt <NUM>, providing a smooth uninterrupted sleek appearance less likely to inadvertently catch or snag. The front of belt <NUM> omits any breaks or transitions between different layers of material. In addition, the overall complexity and weight of belt <NUM> is reduced.

<FIG> is a sectional view of running belt <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> described above except that the enclosed volume <NUM> is additionally bound by a cover or cover <NUM> and that the enclosed volume <NUM> is accessed through a front opening or mouth <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be formed by panel <NUM> or may be formed by additional panels of material stitched, welded, or bonded to panel <NUM> and/or those panels forming rear wall <NUM>.

Mouth <NUM> provides access to the interior of enclosed volume <NUM> through front panel <NUM>. Those portions of panel <NUM> about mouth <NUM> may be flexed or moved to widen mouth <NUM> during the insertion of an article into enclosed volume <NUM>, where following such insertion, such portions resiliently flexed back to the original position and shape, capturing the article within the interior of the enclosed volume <NUM>. In one implementation, mouth <NUM> comprises an elongate slit extending longitudinally (horizontally when belt <NUM> is being worn) along a portion of the length of panel <NUM>. In some implementations, mouth <NUM> may comprise an elongate vertical slit through panel <NUM>. In yet other implementations, mouth <NUM> may have other shapes, sizes, locations and/or orientations. In some implementations, mouth <NUM> may additionally include a closing mechanism such as a zip, hook and loop fastener, snap, buckle, button or the like releasably retaining mouth <NUM> in a closed state.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating running belt <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of how panel <NUM> may be used to form at least three sides of the enclosed volume <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> described above except that the floor <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM>, bounding enclosed volume <NUM>, are also formed by panel <NUM>. Panel <NUM> has a lower folded portion <NUM> and an inner portion <NUM> which form floor <NUM> and rear wall <NUM>, respectively. Because the outer portion <NUM>, floor <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> are each formed by the integral, single, construction of running belt <NUM> is simplified and the number of edges is reduced.

<FIG> is a sectional view of running belt <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> described above except that running belt <NUM> additionally comprises band <NUM>. The remaining components of running belt <NUM> which correspond to components of running belt <NUM> are numbered similarly.

Band <NUM> comprise a strap or length of material extending along the inner or rear face of inner portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> adjacent to and below mouth <NUM>. Band <NUM> backs the upper edge of inner portion <NUM> along mouth <NUM>. Band <NUM> is vertically below band <NUM>. In the example illustrated, band <NUM> is an upper edge at a vertical height no greater than <NUM> and nominally no greater than <NUM> the lower edge of band <NUM>. As a result, the vertical spacing between bands <NUM> and <NUM> is sufficiently small such that the skin or other clothing of the person wearing running belt <NUM> is less likely to be pinched or caught between the lower edge of band <NUM> and the upper edge of band <NUM>, providing a more comfortable experience for the person wearing running belt <NUM>.

In some implementations, band <NUM> comprises a band of elastic material such as a spandex, Lycra (tm) or elastane fiber alone or in combination with other material such as nylon.

In other implementations, other elastic materials may be utilized to form band <NUM> as well as band <NUM>. In such implementations, band <NUM> may also be formed from an elastic material. In some implementations, band <NUM> is formed from the same elastic material that forms band <NUM>. Because both band <NUM> and <NUM> are formed from the same or different elastic materials, both band <NUM> and band <NUM> may be in a slightly stretched state when running belt <NUM> is being worn, gripping the waist <NUM> of the person wearing running belt <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating running belt <NUM> with enclosed volume <NUM> containing an article <NUM> and while running belt <NUM> is being worn about a waist <NUM> of a person. As shown by <FIG>, because band <NUM> is elastic, band <NUM> resiliently closes about and against waist <NUM>, closing mouth <NUM> overtop of enclosed volume <NUM>. Because band <NUM> is elastic, band <NUM> resiliently closes about against waist <NUM> below band <NUM>, further assisting in retaining mouth <NUM> in a closed state. Because both of such bands <NUM> and <NUM> are elastic, their inner faces both concurrently engage waist <NUM> in the same plane (as also shown by broken lines), reducing the likelihood of pinching of the skin are article between such bands. Because band <NUM> and band <NUM> are each part of a three-ply construction (three layers of material), the exterior running belt <NUM> remain flat smooth, omitting shoulders, edges or bumps. This consistent thickness that extends across both of bands <NUM> and <NUM> provides running belt <NUM> with a sleeker appearance when being worn.

<FIG> is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of running belt <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of how the lower folded portion of running belt <NUM> may be configured for an enhanced shape and appearance. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> except that running belt <NUM> comprises a lower folded portion <NUM> in lieu of lower folded portion <NUM>. Those remaining components of running belt for <NUM> which correspond to components of running belt <NUM> are numbered similarly and/or are shown in <FIG>,<FIG>.

Lower folded portion <NUM> joins outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> to inner portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>. Lower folded portion <NUM> forms the floor <NUM> of enclosed volume <NUM>. Lower folded portion <NUM> comprises a W-shaped fold having a folded peak <NUM> between outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM>. The folded peak assists in maintaining the shape and size of floor <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the folded peak <NUM> is secured to inner portion <NUM> as schematically indicated by broken line <NUM>. In some implementations, broken line <NUM> schematically represents stitching through and between a lower portion of inner portion <NUM> and peak <NUM>. Some implementations, broken line <NUM> schematically represents a weld, fusion or adhesive bonding or joining lower portion of inner portion <NUM> to peak <NUM>. In other implementations, peak <NUM> may be secured to a lower portion of outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>. In some implementations, peak <NUM> may freely float between outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of running belt <NUM> being worn about the waist <NUM> of a person. <FIG> is a cross sectional view of belt <NUM> taken along line 8A-8A. The belt is illustrated as being spaced from waist <NUM> merely for purposes of illustration. <FIG> illustrates an example of how the enclosed volume at least partially formed by panel <NUM> may be partitioned into different pockets are pockets. <FIG> further illustrates an example of how end portions of waist support may be releasably joined to one another to facilitate donning of the running belt <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> except that running belt <NUM> is illustrated with enclosed volume <NUM> extending from a first end portion <NUM> to a second end portion <NUM>, where such end portions <NUM> and <NUM> are releasably connected to one another by a releasable connector <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the enclosed volume <NUM> is partitioned into distinct pockets or pockets <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to as pockets <NUM>). Each of pockets <NUM> directly underlies folded edge portion <NUM>. Pocket <NUM>-<NUM> extends across the front of waist <NUM> while pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> extend along the rear of waist <NUM>. Pocket <NUM>-<NUM> extends between pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and connector <NUM>. Pocket <NUM>-<NUM> extends between pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and connector <NUM>. Pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> form side pockets along the opposite sides of waist <NUM>. Pocket <NUM>-<NUM> is formed between pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Pocket <NUM>-<NUM> is formed between pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and pocket <NUM>-<NUM>. In some implementations, the relative positioning of such pockets <NUM> with respect to waist <NUM> may vary through the rotation of running belt <NUM> about waist <NUM>. For example, running belt <NUM> way be rotated <NUM>° such that connector <NUM> is positioned at the front center of waist <NUM> rather than at the rear center of waist <NUM>.

Enclosed volume <NUM> is partitioned into the various pockets by partitions <NUM> extending between outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>. In some implementations, partitions <NUM> may comprise stitching passing through and connecting outer portion <NUM> to inner portion <NUM>. In some implementations, partitions <NUM> may comprise adhesives, welds or the like directly connecting opposite surfaces of outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM>. In yet other implementations, partitions <NUM> may comprise additional flexible panels may be located between and secured to outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> to define sides of such internal volumes or pockets. In some implementations, partitions <NUM> may be omitted such that the enclosed volume <NUM> continuously extends about the waist <NUM> between end portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some implementations, each or some of such pockets <NUM> may have covers <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) formed by securing portions of outer portion <NUM> to inner portion <NUM> above the enclosed volume <NUM> by stitching, welds or adhesives, wherein panel <NUM> is provided with a mouth <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) as described above.

Releasable connector <NUM> releasably joins end portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some implementations, releasable connector <NUM> comprises a quick release buckle. In some implementations, connector <NUM> comprises overlapping portions of a hook and loop (VELCRO(tm)) connector. In some implementations, connector <NUM> comprises a snap, a buckle, a button or other mechanisms for such releasable connection of end portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some implementations, connector <NUM> may be omitted such as where end portions <NUM> and <NUM> are non-releasably connected to one another such as by stitching, welds, adhesives or the like.

<FIG> is a top view of running belt <NUM> being worn about the waist <NUM> of a person. <FIG> is a side view of running belt <NUM> of <FIG> taken along line 9A-9A. The belt is illustrated as being spaced from waist <NUM> merely for purposes of illustration. <FIG> illustrates an example of how panel <NUM> may extend about a portion of the entirety of the person's waist <NUM> to provide pockets or other enclosed volumes about just a portion of a person's waist <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of how the enclosed volume at least partially formed by panel <NUM> may be partitioned into different pockets or pockets. <FIG> further illustrates an example of how the waist support may extend beyond panel <NUM> and beyond portions of the enclosed volume <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> except that running belt <NUM> is specifically disclosed as having the construction shown in <FIG>, wherein waist support <NUM> projects beyond ends of panel <NUM> and has end portions <NUM> and <NUM> releasably connected to one another by releasable connector <NUM> (described above). Those portions of running belt <NUM> extending along the front and sides of waist <NUM> that include panel <NUM> have a cross-sectional construction similar to that shown in <FIG>.

As shown by <FIG>, panel <NUM> and enclosed volume <NUM> extend <NUM> degrees about waist <NUM>. Panel <NUM> and enclosed volume <NUM> are partitioned by partitions <NUM> to form pockets <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to as pockets <NUM>). Pockets <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are similar to pockets <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. Waist support <NUM> extends beyond pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and includes end portions <NUM> and <NUM> releasably connected to one another by releasable connector <NUM>. Although running belts <NUM> and <NUM> are each described as having a cross-sectional construction similar to that shown in <FIG>, in other implementations, running belts <NUM> and <NUM> may alternatively have panel <NUM> provided as part of a cross-sectional construction similar to that shown in and described with respect to any of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side view of an example running belt <NUM>, the side view as of <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view of running belt <NUM> of <FIG> taken along line 10A-10A. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> except that outer portion <NUM> and folded edge portion <NUM> of front panel <NUM> extend beyond pocket <NUM> and cover or overlap band <NUM> from the end of pocket <NUM>-<NUM> to connector <NUM> and from the end of pocket <NUM>-<NUM> to connector <NUM>. The outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> extending between pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to connector <NUM> terminate at or below the lower edge of band <NUM>. Such portions of panel <NUM> provide belt <NUM> with a continuous, uninterrupted transition between pockets <NUM> and the rearward portions of waist support <NUM> extending beyond such pockets <NUM>. As indicated by broken lines <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some implementations, pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may have chamfered or rounded rear edge portions provide a smoother or more gradual transition to those portions of running belt <NUM> which do not include pockets.

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating portions of an example running belt <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> except that running belt <NUM> omits releasable connector <NUM>, non-releasably connecting the end portions of the panel and bands forming the running belt. Those remaining components of running belt <NUM> which correspond to components of running belt <NUM> are numbered similarly. Portions of running belt <NUM> are shown broken away or are removed to illustrate the various layers of material. In the example illustrated, partitions <NUM> comprise stitching through outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM>. Bands <NUM> and <NUM> are further secured to portions of panel <NUM> by stitching. As shown by <FIG>, running belt <NUM> is extremely thin and lightweight while offering a sleek and smooth outer face.

<FIG> illustrate portions of an example running belt <NUM>. Running belt <NUM> is similar to running belt <NUM> described above except that running belt <NUM> comprises side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> and rear carrying straps <NUM> those remaining portions of running belt <NUM> are numbered similarly and/or are shown in and described with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

Side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> replaces pocket <NUM>-<NUM>. Although not illustrated, side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> may also be replaced with a side pocket similar to side pocket <NUM>-<NUM>. Side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> is similar to side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> except that side pocket <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a cover <NUM> (shown and described with respect to <FIG>) and a mouth <NUM> having a closure <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be formed by securing portions of outer portion <NUM> to inner portion <NUM> above the enclosed volume <NUM> by stitching, welds or adhesives.

Mouth <NUM> comprises an opening formed in outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>, providing access to the interior or enclosed volume <NUM> of pocket <NUM>-<NUM>. In the example illustrated, mouth <NUM> comprises a diagonal opening. In other implementations, mouth <NUM> may comprise a vertical or horizontal opening through outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM>. Closure <NUM> comprises a mechanism to selectively open and close mouth <NUM>. In the example illustrated, closure <NUM> comprises a zipper. In other implementations, closure <NUM> may comprise a flap or other piece of material having a hooked portion of a hook and loop fastener one side of mouth <NUM> and the looped portion of the hook and loop fastener on the opposite side of mouth <NUM>. In other implementations, closure <NUM> may comprise a snap, buckle, button or other closing mechanism. In some implementations, pocket <NUM>-<NUM> may additionally omit cover <NUM>, providing two ways of accessing the interior of pocket <NUM>-<NUM>.

Rear carrying straps <NUM> comprise bands of elastic material having opposite ends stitched, bonded or welded to the outer portion <NUM> of panel <NUM> proximate to a top edge and bottom edge of running belt <NUM>. Rear carrying straps <NUM> form at least two receiving and carrying articles, such as a water bottle, towel or the like adjacent the back the person wearing running belt <NUM>. Some implementations, running belt <NUM> may include more than two straps <NUM> in some implementations, the two or more carrying straps <NUM> may be located at the sides along other portions of running belt <NUM>. In some implementations, carrying straps <NUM> may be omitted.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail within the scope of the claims.

For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations, within the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A running belt (<NUM>) comprising:
a panel (<NUM>) at least partially forming an enclosed volume (<NUM>) having a mouth (<NUM>) to receive articles, the panel having an outer portion (<NUM>) and
a waist support (<NUM>) to extend about a waist of a person wearing the running belt,
wherein
the panel comprises a folded edge portion (<NUM>)
characterized in that
the waist support comprises a band (<NUM>) backing the folded edge portion, wherein the folded edge portion is secured to the outer portion (<NUM>) and wherein the band is secured to the folded edge portion.