BODYBAND POUCH

Abstract

A pouch for holding items is disclosed and is formed as a tube of a stretchable material with a plurality of openings therein. Items may be inserted through the openings and positioned within the pouch. The pouch may be manipulated to position the openings at various positions around the body. The openings may also be positioned on the outside, inside, top or other part of the pouch. The pouch has a substantially constant width to better camouflage items placed therein. The openings may include closures to prevent items from falling out. The pouch may be formed of a single circle or include closures for placing it around the body.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/219,795 filed Aug. 29, 2011 entitled HIPBAND POUCH.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present article of manufacture relates to a wearable accessory for carrying one or more items. More particularly, it relates to a wearable pouch formed to create a smooth band worn about a portion of the body.

2. Discussion

Many individuals prefer to wear device/item holders about their body to avoid having to carry a purse or place keys or a wallet in their pockets. It is a common practice as well for individuals engaged in exercise activity and other sports to wear device/items holders in the form of arm bands or wristbands or athletic utility belts such as fanny packs. The packs allow the user to carry phones, music devices and/or other misc items during the physical activity. However, many of these packs are often too conspicuous or bulky, they are not stable against the body, items, are difficult to access and they do not offer flexibility of item placement and access. Often individuals do not like to wear anything that looks like a utility belt or fanny pack to hold only a few items even with the smallest versions of today's packs. Many will carry a few items such as phone/music devices, locker key/cards by hand rather than wear the typical waist pouch that looks like a fanny pack with separate pouch, belt and buckle. Previous designs even in the smallest form do not allow for easy access to items during physical activity and various closures such zippers are difficult to zip/unzip during activity.

Consequently, a need exists for a lightweight pouch that allows easy access to items stored within the pouch while allowing for a close comfortable fit by the wearer. Therefore, a need exists for a pouch which will accommodate different items during exercise, allows easy access to the items, prevents items from interfering with exercise, and does not distract from the appearance and clothing of the wearer.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the pouch is formed of an endless tubular member of elastic material having a hollow interior, a plurality of slits in spaced circumferential relation to one another along the tubular member and wherein each of the slits forms a normally closed opening in the tubular member which are spreadable for insertion of one or more articles into the interior and which slits return to a closed position whereby to retain the articles against accidental release from the tubular member. The tubular member, when stretched, assumes a flattened configuration and defines inner and outer substantially flat parallel sides, at least one of the sides having said circumferentially spaced slits. In this configuration the slits are urged to a closed position. The pouch may be defined by a plurality of stretchable layers and the side with the spaced slits may be reversed to face inwardly.

The pouch may also be formed as a tube of material having openings therein. Items may be inserted through the openings and held in place within the tube of material and the openings are separated by closed portions of the tube. The closed portions hold items in place. Since the pouch is formed of stretchable material, items of various sizes may be inserted through the openings. The stretchable material holds items securely within the tube of material and closures may be used to partially seal the openings. The pouch may also be of substantially constant width throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bodyband-pouch.

FIG. 2 is a reverse perspective view of the pouch according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the band pouch about lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the band pouch about lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view of a cross-section of an alternate form of band pouch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present article of manufacture is a stretchable pouch which can be worn for carrying items. An embodiment of the band pouch 1 is shown in FIG. 1 which illustrates a front perspective view. The band pouch may be formed from a one piece, seamless, elastic, stretchable, or expandable fabric 10 as shown in FIG. 5 or multiple layers of the same elastic, stretchable or expandable material 10, 15 and 19 may be attached together as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate a multiple layer configuration with an outer ply 19, inner ply 15 and hem stitching 17. The material 10 is stitched in a cylindrical or tubular manner leaving openings/slits 31 and 32 between sewn portions 21, 22 of the waist seam. The pouch 10 may be lined with another fabric 15 to create two plies. The material 10 may be a flexible fabric material that will stretch around the body part of the user for a snug fit. The material can be a performance fabric or cotton Lycra, spandex, or other outdoor recreational fabric with stretch so as to blend with clothing articles. In some forms, the lining or shell will be of water resistant material for water activity such as boating or beach goers or activity in the rain. The material is preferably soft and stretchy elastic/expandable fabric or other material that also has some surface friction so that the band does not slip from the body placement.

The material 10 is shaped to form an endless tubular member or resilient sleeve having an inner side 11 and outer side 12. The material 10 is shaped as a rectangle so that the band 10 has substantially constant width. The plurality of openings or slits 31 and 32 are in spaced circumferential relation to one another along the outer side 12 of the band 1. Between the slits 31 and 32 are the plurality of sealed portions 21 and 22. The slits 31 and 32 allow items to be inserted therethrough into an interior 13 of the tube of material. The sealed portions 21 and 22 help the band 1 to retain its shape and provide elastic tension of the material 10 about the items to hold them in place. Each of the slits form a normally closed opening in the tubular member 10 which are spreadable for insertion of one or more articles into the interior 13 and which slits return to a closed position to retain the articles against accidental release or removal from the tubular member 10. The tubular member, when stretched, defines the inner and outer substantially flat parallel sides 11 and 12, at least one of the sides 11 or 12 having at least one of the circumferentially spaced slits, 31 or 32.

The pouch is formed as an endless tubular member to be worn about a part of the body. It is stretchable so that it will form tightly about the body, remain in place and hold the items without movement. The pouch is sized to fit around the wearer's hip or waist but is also conformable and sized to encircle a portion of a human body such as an ankle, wrist or upper arm. The pouch is preferably of substantially consistent width. In this manner, it may appear as a part of the clothing, such as a waistband, worn by the wearer.

The present article allows the tension of the band to hold items in the pouch snuggly without creating an obvious bulge in a pouch. When small objects are placed into the band they are neatly hidden in the thickness and width of the band. The consistent width all around is preferably the same width or wider as a cell phone in horizontal placement. Other embodiments can be adapted such as varying width to fit other wider or narrower objects.

FIG. 1 also illustrates the placement of item 50 within the band pouch 1. Items may include keys, phone/music devices, credit cards, tissues, gum, etc. The band pouch is even and consistent in design all around allowing for flexible placement of the band on the body because the appearance is consistent. Of course, because the material is stretchable and resilient, the band pouch 1 can accommodate items which may be somewhat larger than the width of the band pouch 1. The material flexes to allow placement of the larger items and the construction and design described herein allow the band pouch to hold multiple items throughout the belt while maintaining a look that blends with the wearer's other garments.

The band pouch 1 is formed as an endless circle and may have a seam 40 at the ends of the tube of material. Alternatively, the ends of the tube of material may be releasably attached together using any known methods. Such methods may include connectors, clips, latches, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, zipper, etc. Alternatively, the material may be formed as a single circle of material without any side seam. The multiple slits 31 and 32 allow items to be inserted anywhere around the band pouch 1. A single slit may be sufficient, but multiple slits allow improved placement of materials. The tubular nature of the band pouch 1 allows items to be stored throughout the interior of the band even in the backside and items can be moved horizontally within the belt to the desired placement of the wearer. For example, a phone could be inserted in the front and retrieved from any of the slits 31 or 32. Separate, distinct openings may be formed as well in the pouch 1 so that various items may be kept separate within the pouch 1.

In another form, as shown in FIG. 5, a generally rectangular piece of fabric can be stitched to the lining on the long edges 18 then turned inside out. This single 2 ply rectangle can then be folded over (so that the top edge is brought to the bottom edges) to enclose an internal volume. The sewing will leave openings along the brought together edges so they can act as the pouch openings. This tube is then wrapped where the ends are stitched together to finish the circle band.

A band pouch design used in some alternate forms makes it easier to provide/manufacture bands in various colors and patterns as in simple clothing accessories. This allows production to more easily incorporate a variety of colors at lower cost to produce. The different colors and patterns can make the user with the basic black legging appear to change outfit with different band pouch changes.

One form of pouch will have a width of approximately 3″ to comfortably enclose a cell phone placed horizontally in the belt. In other alternate forms, the band pouch will also have wider widths and elasticity, that is, the pouch will act as a compression band to accentuate the waistline or control the extra belly appearance. The band can act as a ‘control top’ as well as a pouch for small items.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the openings 31 and 32 extend along the length of the band 1. Alternatively, openings could be formed which are vertical and extend perpendicular to the band 1. With vertical openings added opening restrictions, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or zippers may be used to retain items within the pouch. Alternatively, a simple smaller opening than the width of the band 1 with notch stitch on either end of the slit will keep items in the band during horizontal position activities.

Preferably, the openings have a clean finished face side of a seam (where the shell and lining are stitched together and turned inside out creating a tube with the seam allowance hidden). The stitch preferred is an over-lock stitch that allows the fabric to stretch around the opening. The opening measurements are approximately 3″ to comfortably slip a phone/device through or stretch for a bigger object. The stitched portion from opening to opening is approximately 2″-5″ with the longer stitched closure wide enough to cover the entire phone/device under the closure/seam. The placements of the openings and length of the closures are preferably evenly distributed with 2 openings in the front and 2 in the back. However, these can change depending on intended objects and use such as phone, tissue, key, gum for the gym or small wallet, granola/power bar, suntan lotion for a hike or walk.

The band is preferably worn on the body of the user with non-smooth stretch material. For example, the stretch will be equivalent to waistbands found in women's activewear hence a need for sizes will be necessary. The sizes will be similar to the activewear bottoms, such as S, M, L. Each size will be cut in similar grading lengths as activewear bottoms waistband

In the previous embodiments, the band 1 is formed with openings on the outer side 12. Because the band 1 is formed as a tube, the openings can be placed in different positions to allow for different looks, uses, and security. FIG. 2 shows turning the band 1 inside out or reversing the outer layer 12 to face the inside, so that the openings 31, 32 face the wearer's body. When worn against the body the items are secure as the openings are fully sealed by the wearer's body. The openings can also be turned upward for easy access of items.

In disclosed embodiments, the band 1 functions as a visible garment worn outside other clothing. The band 1 has a smooth look adding to the fashion and appearance of garments. Alternatively, the band 1 may be worn under other clothing. Since the band 1 holds items tightly and provides a smooth look, the band 1 may be used under other clothing without creating visible bulges. The band 1 may be used as well as a security belt.

It is therefore to be understood that while different embodiments are hereinafter set forth and described, the above and other modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the article of manufacture as defined by the appended claims and reasonable equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A wearable elastic pouch for encircling a portion of a human body comprising:

an endless tubular member of elastic material having a hollow interior;

a plurality of slits in spaced circumferential relation to one another along said tubular member; and

wherein each of said slits forms a normally closed opening in said tubular member which are spreadable for insertion of one or more articles into said interior and which slits return to a closed position whereby to retain said articles against accidental release from said tubular member.

2. The wearable elastic pouch according to claim 1 wherein said tubular member, when stretched, defines inner and outer substantially flat parallel sides, at least one of said sides having said circumferentially spaced slits.

3. The wearable elastic pouch according to claim 1 wherein said endless tubular member assumes a flattened configuration when stretched.

4. The wearable elastic pouch according to claim 1 wherein said tubular member, when stretched, resiliently urges said circumferentially spaced slits to a closed position.

5. The wearable elastic pouch according to claim 1 wherein said tubular member is defined by a plurality of stretchable layers.

6. The wearable elastic pouch according to claim 5 wherein said layers, when stretched, define inner and outer substantially flat parallel sides, at least one of said sides having said circumferentially spaced slits.

7. An endless stretchable pouch for encircling the waist of a human body comprising:

a resilient sleeve having a hollow interior;

said sleeve member, when stretched, defining front and back substantially flat parallel sides, at least one of said sides having at least one circumferentially extending slit.

8. The pouch according to claim 7 wherein said resilient sleeve is of one-piece endless construction which will assume a flattened configuration when stretched.

9. The pouch according to claim 7 wherein said circumferentially extending slits form normally closed openings in said resilient sleeve which are spreadable for insertion of one or more articles into said interior and which slits return to a closed position whereby to retain said articles against accidental release from said resilient sleeve.

10. The pouch according to claim 7 wherein each said circumferentially extending slit, when reversed to face inwardly, is urged into a closed position.

11. The pouch according to claim 7 wherein reversal of said outer substantially flat parallel side to an inner position compresses each said slit into a closed position.

10. A wearable pouch for storing items, comprising:

a tubular body of a stretchable material, having an interior and an exterior, the tubular body being endless;

a plurality of spaced apart openings in the tubular body extending at spaced intervals thereof to allow access to said interior of said tubular body; and

a plurality of spaced apart sealed portions in the tubular body positioned between two of the plurality of spaced apart openings.

11. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein the tubular body, when stretched defines inner and outer substantially flat parallel sides.

12. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein the tubular body includes a first end and a second end, and the wearable article further comprising:

at least one closure positioned at least one of the first end and the second end of the tubular body, the at least one closure connecting the first end and the second end of the tubular body to form a circle.

13. The wearable pouch according to claim 12, wherein the at least one closure includes at least one of a snap, a hook and loop closure, a zipper or a button.

14. The wearable pouch according to claim 12, wherein the at least one closure includes a first clip attached to the first end of the tubular body and a clip attached to the second end of the tubular body, the first clip and second clip being connectible to form said tubular body into a circle.

15. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings extend along an outside of said tubular body.

16. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein said tubular body is of one piece endless construction which will assume a flattened configuration when stretched.

17. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of openings includes:

a closure for retaining opposing sides of the at least one of the plurality of openings.

18. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein said endless tubular body is of a dimension to resiliently fit around a portion of a wearer's body.

19. The wearable pouch according to claim 10, wherein said tubular body has a substantially constant width.