Exercise pouch

Abstract

An exercise pouch, comprising: a body configured to define a central pocket; at least a part of the body being composed of a deformable material such that the central pocket substantially conforms to a shape of a removable object inserted into the central pocket; and at least one magnet attached to a side of the body; wherein placement of the magnetic side of the body in contact with a metal surface enables the exercise pouch to be removably attached to the metal surface.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a pouch that holds personal items during exercise.

2. Description of Related Art

Exercise is widely regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. It is common for exercisers to carry a variety of personal items with them, particularly when exercising outdoors or in a public area such as a health club. These items often include, for example, water bottles, electronic devices such as cell phones and mp3 players, keys, glasses, and money.

However, keeping such a variety of items at hand during an exercise session can be inconvenient. The items almost always need to be put aside during the actual performance of a particular exercise, since many exercises require the use of one's hands. In practice, the user will often place the items on an open space on the floor near the exercise location. When the user's next exercise is at a different location, the items need to be picked up and moved to an open space at the new location. Having to regularly bend down, pick up, and carry multiple items of disparate size can be awkward and inconvenient. Further, while on the floor the items are vulnerable to being accidentally stepped on and broken, stolen, or simply misplaced.

Another issue is that many personal items are small, fragile, expensive, and/or personally valuable. Accordingly, having to constantly keep an eye on the items and be concerned with their security can be distracting and interfere with the exerciser's concentration.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise pouch comprising:

a body configured to define a central pocket;

at least a part of the body being composed of a deformable material such that the central pocket substantially conforms to a shape of a removable object inserted into the central pocket; and

at least one magnet attached to a side of the body;

wherein placement of the magnetic side of the body in contact with a metal surface enables the exercise pouch to be removably attached to the metal surface.

These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, where the exercise pouch has a flat body;

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the exercise pouch of FIG. 1A, showing a side of the pouch containing magnets;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with another embodiment of the present invention, where the exercise pouch has a cylindrical body;

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the exercise pouch of FIG. 2A, showing a side of the pouch containing magnets;

FIG. 3A is a graphical view of a rectangular sheet of elastic material being folded, to form an exercise pouch consistent with the flat body embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a graphical view of two rectangular sheets of elastic material being joined together, to form an exercise pouch consistent with the flat body embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a graphical view of a circular sheet of elastic material being joined with a rectangular sheet of elastic material, to form an exercise pouch consistent with the cylindrical body embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3A, showing a stitched edge opposite the folded edge;

FIG. 3E is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3B, showing two stitched edges on opposing sides;

FIG. 3F is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3C, showing a stitched side edge of the cylinder;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with the flat body embodiment of the present invention, where the exercise pouch is empty and lying flat on a surface;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the exercise pouch of FIG. 4A, where a water bottle has been removed from the pouch and the pouch is empty;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, where the pouch is shown attached to a metal post through magnets attached to a side of the pouch;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pouch hanging by a fastener attachment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pouch held in a user's hand by a side handle attachment;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, where the pouch is shown attached, through magnets contained in a side of the pouch, to a metal post of gym equipment during exercise; and

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an an exercise pouch consistent with an embodiment of the present invention, where the pouch is shown in use during exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment(s) of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiment(s) is/are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown two perspective views of an exercise pouch or device 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. As indicated, exercise pouch 10 includes a body 11 that is configured to define a central pocket 12, a side pocket 14, at least one magnet 16, a fastener 18, and a side handle 20.

For convenient reference, a “side” of body 11 refers to any part or portion of the outer circumference of body 11. For greater particularity, a “front” or “front side” of the body and a “back” or “back side of the body” may be defined as the sides of the body which contain side pocket 14 and magnet or magnets 16, respectively. Accordingly, in the figures it may be seen that, according to some embodiments of the invention, side pocket 14 is located at the front of exercise pouch 10, magnets 16 are located at or attached to the back of exercise pouch 10, and fastener 18 and side handle 20 are attached or connected to body 11 on a side between the front and back of exercise pouch 10.

Central pocket 12 has an opening 22 at a top of body 11, and is sized and shaped to hold a removable object 24 such as a beverage container, for example, a water bottle. The removable object 24 is inserted into and removed from central pocket 12 through opening 22. Similarly, side pocket 14 has an opening 26 at a top of the side pocket, and is sized and shaped to hold a secondary removable object 28 such as a cell phone, mp3 player or other electronic device, keys, glasses, and/or money. The secondary removable object 28 is inserted into and removed from side pocket 16 through opening 26. Each of the top openings 22 and 26 may also be described as a neck of central pocket 12 and side pocket 14, respectively.

According to some embodiments of the invention, exercise pouch 10 contains multiple pockets, to hold a variety of personal items, and multiple attachments, fasteners, or connectors, to enable the pouch to be attached to a variety of support surfaces and projections, located both in and outdoors. In particular, when the side of body 11 that contains magnets 16 is placed in contact with a metal surface, exercise pouch 10 will attach to the metal surface through the force of attraction between the magnet and the metal. The magnetic attachment is removable, as the pouch may be pulled off the post at any time at the discretion of the user. Exercise pouch 10 accordingly enables a user to conveniently carry a variety personal items during exercise, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

More broadly, at least a part of body 11 of exercise pouch 10 is composed of a deformable or conformable material, such that central pocket 12 can substantially conform to a shape of the removable object 24 inserted into central pocket 12. At least a portion of the deformable material used to form central pocket 12 includes a resistive property, which resists a tendency of removable object 24 to slide or fall out of central pocket 12. Accordingly, the resistive property assists or acts to hold or secure removable object 24 in central pocket 12.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the resistive property comprises an elastic property associated with at least a part of the deformable material of the central pocket. The elastic material portion of the deformable material enables the deformable material to expand to form a pressure fit that holds removable object 24 in central pocket 12. Optionally, all of the deformable material of the central pocket may be elastic material or have elastic properties. According to some embodiments of the invention, the elastic material may be used for the neck or top opening 22 of central pocket 12.

Elastic material has the property of being capable of stretching from a low or no tension, or contracted state, to a stretched state having a substantive amount of tension. As a result, when a water bottle or other removable object 24 is inserted into an empty central pocket 12, the elastic material that forms the side walls of central pocket 12 will stretch and expand to accommodate the removable object. More particularly, the elastic material will hold, hug, or otherwise substantially conform to the shape of removable object 24. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, where the inserted object is a water bottle having a cylindrical shape, body 11 and central pocket 12 will substantially adopt the same cylindrical shape or curved profile. In another example, if the water bottle or other object has a polygonal profile and planar sides, then body 11 and central pocket 12 will take on a similar planar profile.

A parameter of elastic material is its degree of elasticity or resiliency, or the extent to which the material returns to its original form after being stretched. A material having a high degree of elasticity or resiliency will automatically return or snap back to its original size and form after being stretched. Other elastic materials by contrast may contract but to a lesser extent, and still others may contain a memory property which keeps the material in an expanded state, to a greater or lesser degree. The elastic material used in the present invention may have any degree of elasticity or resiliency, including any of the levels of elasticity described above, as long as central pocket 12 and side pocket 14 made of the material are able to expand to substantially conform to the shape of the removable object that is inserted into the central or side pocket, as appropriate. An elastic or partially elastic material also has the advantage of providing a secure hold of the beverage container 24 held in central pocket 12.

An example of an elastic material that may be used according to some embodiments is the neoprene type of synthetic rubber. Different types of neoprene material are available having a range of levels of resiliency. A material that has been found to be adequate is neoprene cloth, which is a cloth that has a specified percentage of neoprene that provides some element of elasticity. Alternatively, a deformable material composed entirely of neoprene may be used. Neoprene also has advantages of being waterproof, washable, resistant to slipping when wet, and providing a comfortable hold for a user.

In addition to the stretching or expandability quality, it is also advantageous if the elastic material contains an insulating property, to insulate the removable object in the central pocket with respect to the ambient temperature. In this way, if the inserted removable object 24 is a water bottle containing cold or cool water, and the environment is relatively warm, the water will stay cold for the user somewhat longer than if the bottle had been carried unenclosed or in an uninsulated container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the resistive property may comprise an anti-slip property associated with at least a part of the deformable material of the central pocket. The anti-slip portion of the deformable material enables or assists the deformable material to reduce slipping of removable object 24 in central pocket 12. Optionally, all of the deformable material of central pocket 12 may be anti-slip material or have anti-slip properties. According to some embodiments of the invention, the anti-slip material may be used for the neck or top opening 22 of central pocket 12.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the anti-slip property may be a coating on an inside surface of the deformable material of central pocket 12. According to other embodiments of the invention, the anti-slip property may be in the form of a plurality of very small or minute particles attached to at least a part of the inside surface of the deformable material. Alternatively, the anti-slip property may be an integral property of the deformable material. The deformable material having the anti-slip property may be elastic or inelastic.

Exercise pouch 10, according to some embodiments of the invention, may be provided in two embodiments that reflect different ways that body 11 may be configured to form central pocket 12. The exercise pouch 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-B is an example of a “flat body” embodiment, and exercise pouch 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-B is an example of a “cylindrical body” embodiment. FIGS. 3A-F are provided to illustrate, using simple geometrical shapes, the differences in structure of the two embodiments.

Construction of the flat body embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D, and 3E, according to some embodiments of the invention. As indicated in FIG. 3A in particular, flat body 11 may be formed by folding a single broad rectangular section of deformable material in half, along a folded or hinged side 33, so that the two halves of the original single section form opposing rectangular sections 30 aligned across from one another on each of four sides 32. For convenience, the four sides are identified in FIGS. 3A and 3B as 32p, 32q, 32r, and 32s. In this embodiment hinged side 33 (also called 32q) is already attached through the fold, and another two sides 32r and 32s may be attached by any one of several methods known in the art, such as stitching or gluing. FIG. 3D shows a top view of FIG. 3A in which the opposing sections forming side 32r are folded to enable the sections to be stitched together or otherwise attached.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3B, separate opposing rectangular sections 30 of deformable material are placed against one another so that the four sides 32 of each section are aligned with the corresponding four sides of the other section. The opposing sections along three of the sides are attached to one another, for example by stitching or gluing, and a fourth side is left unattached. In the figures, sides 32q, 32r, and 32s are attached, and side 32p is unattached. The unattached side 32p constitutes top opening 22 of central pocket 12. FIG. 3E shows a top view of FIG. 3B in which the opposing sections forming sides 32q and 32r are folded to enable the sections to be stitched together or otherwise attached. For clarity, sides 32s in each embodiment are similarly folded and attached, but are not visible in the top views of FIGS. 3D and 3E.

As a result of this construction, in the flat body embodiment central pocket 12 is defined by an interior cavity 34 formed by opposing sections 30, and by opening 22 formed by unattached side 32p. For greater clarity, sides 32q (or 33) and 32r may be designated as side edges 36, and side 32s may be designated as bottom edge 38 of exercise pouch 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-B, it can be seen that central pocket 12 substantially conforms to the shape of water bottle 24 in that most of the front and back sides of pocket 12 hug or form a tight fit with bottle 24. As a result of the construction of the flat body embodiment, it can be seen, particularly in the view of FIG. 1B, that at the bottom of exercise pouch 10 there is some excess material that forms between the bottom of bottle 24 and the bottom edge 38 of the pouch. Further, due to the single seam along the bottom, bottom edge 38 may form an upward, concave profile, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B. As a result, according to some embodiments the flat body embodiment may not stand upright when placed on a flat surface. The figures also show a bulge 40 in body 11 corresponding to the bottom of bottle 24, which further reflects how central pocket 12 substantially conforms to the shape of water bottle 24.

A feature of the flat body embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 4A, when central pocket 12 is empty, exercise pouch 10 can be easily or readily configured to lie in a substantially flat state. This has, the advantage that exercise pouch 10 can be substantially compact when stored or not in use.

When removable object 24 such as a water bottle is inserted into central pocket 12, body 11 adopts an expanded state as the material expands to accommodate the object. When removable object 24 is removed so that central pocket 12 is empty, the manner in which the flat body embodiment of exercise pouch 10 returns to the substantially flat state depends on the resiliency of the material. If the material is sufficiently resilient body 11 will automatically return to the substantially flat state. If, on the other hand, the material has a memory property, body 11 may remain in an expanded state even when empty, as shown in FIG. 4B. In that case, body 11 may be re-configured in the substantially flat state by simply pressing a side of the body until the body becomes flat, as shown in FIG. 4A.

The construction of the cylindrical embodiment of exercise pouch 10, according to some embodiments, is shown in FIGS. 3C and 3F. As indicated, a circular section 42 of deformable material forms a base or bottom side of the body. A single rectangular section 44 of deformable material may be rolled to form a tube and attached at one end to base 42. The opposing end of the tube is left open and forms top opening 22 of central pocket 12. As a result, body 11 is in the form of a cylinder, with circular base 42 and circular wall 44 attached to base 42 at one end of wall 44, and having opening 22 at an opposing end of wall 44. For the cylindrical embodiment, central pocket 12 is accordingly defined by an interior cavity 46 of the cylinder and opening 22 at the top end of circular wall 44. FIG. 3F shows a top view of FIG. 3C in which the opposing ends of wall 44 are folded to enable the ends to be stitched together or otherwise attached.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-B, it can be seen that in the cylindrical embodiment central pocket 12 substantially conforms to the shape of removable object 24 inserted into the central pocket. More particularly, in this embodiment central pocket 12 hugs or forms a close fit around the circumference of removable object 24. Further, the bottom of the water bottle or other circular removable object 24 forms a close fit with the bottom of body 11, since the bottom is base 42 that has a matching circular profile. In this way, there is minimal or substantially less excess material at the bottom of exercise pouch 10, relative to the flat body embodiment. As a result of this configuration, the cylindrical embodiment can more easily be made to stand upright when placed on a flat surface.

The cylindrical embodiment cannot be as easily configured to lie substantially flat when empty, since base 42 is circular and does not have a single seam along bottom edge 38, as in the flat body embodiment. The ease with which the cylindrical embodiment may be made to lie flat when empty depends to some extent on the resiliency and flexibility of the material used for body 11.

It is to be appreciated that other shapes besides a circle could be used for base 42, such as an octagon or other polygon. A circular shape however is preferred for this embodiment, as a circle more closely approximates the shape of round bottle, and accordingly seats more firmly against the bottom of the bottle.

An advantage of the flat body embodiment is that it is relatively easier to manufacture than the cylindrical body embodiment. More particularly, it may be easier to stitch or attach two flat sections of material together, than to attach a curved section along an edge to a round base as in the cylindrical body embodiment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each section of deformable material described above may comprise two sheets or layers of material, i.e an inner layer and an outer layer. This type of construction is preferred, as it provides greater strength and insulation, and also facilitates attachment of magnets 16, as described further below.

Further, according to some embodiments of the invention any side 32 of the flat body embodiment, or base 42 or wall 44 of the cylindrical body embodiment, may contain perforations, holes, or apertures. The apertures should be sized and shaped so as not to substantially weaken the grip of central pocket 12 on removable object 24. An advantage of including apertures is that it may allow any water or other liquid that might spill from, or condense on the outside of water bottle 24, to more easily escape or evaporate from inside central pocket 12.

According to some embodiments of the invention, cylindrical body embodiment may use a base 42 in the form of a band having a length substantially equal to the cylinder diameter and a width less than the diameter of the cylinder, so that there are two relatively broad apertures, one on either side of the band. An advantage of this configuration, in addition to the release of water, is that the pouch may be made to lie flat when empty more easily than other cylindrical body embodiments having a solid base 42.

It is to be appreciated that body 11 has a length and a width. More particularly, in the flat body embodiment the length of body 11 is the length of side edges 36, and the width is the length of bottom edge 38. Similarly, in the cylindrical embodiment the length of body 11 is the height of circular wall 44, and the width is the diameter of circular base 42. It is also to be appreciated that in both embodiments, due to the configuration of central pocket 32 from body 11, that central pocket 12 has a length substantially equal to the length of body 11 and a width substantially equal to the width of body 11.

As noted above, one of the most common items carried by exercisers during exercise are beverage containers, and in particular water bottles, due the importance of staying hydrated while exercising. Accordingly, while central pocket 12 may be used to hold any personal item of interest, it is particularly configured to hold beverage containers such as plastic bottles for water or sports drinks.

Exercise pouch 10 may be configured to accommodate any particular size or shape of bottle, or may be sized and shaped to accommodate bottles over a wide range of dimensions for maximum flexibility. Preferably, central pocket 12 is sized and shaped to provide the user with sufficient surface area to maintain an effective grip on water bottle 24. Further, central pocket 12 is preferably sized and shaped to enable exercise pouch 10 to hold a sufficient portion of bottle 24 so that the bottle does not tip over or fall out of pouch 10, particularly when the pouch is mounted on a metal surface by magnets 16.

Beverage containers such as bottles typically have a main body having a relatively wide diameter and a narrower neck portion at the top. Exercise pouch 10 is preferably configured so that central pocket 12 holds a sufficient portion of bottle 24 so that the bottle may be held securely in pouch 10, and so that a user can access the bottle without having to remove the bottle from the pouch. According to some embodiments, central pocket 12 may have a height that extends to substantially the neck of the bottle. According to other embodiments, central pocket 12 may extend to a height below the neck of the bottle, such as a point three-quarters or one-half the height of bottle 24, and provide sufficient hold of the bottle and convenience to the user.

An example of an embodiment of exercise pouch 10 that has been found to be adequate is a height of side edges 36 of about seven and one-half inches (7½″), and a width of bottom edge 38 of about five inches (5″). For the cylindrical embodiment of exercise pouch 10, an embodiment capable of handing most common bottles sizes may have circular base 42 about five inches in diameter, and circular wall 44 about seven and one-half inches in height. Where an elastic material is used, circular base 42 may be smaller as the material may expand to accommodate the diameter of the bottle. These dimensions have been found to be adequate to hold water bottles having a volume or capacity in the range of about 500 to 600 ml, and that have a height of about eight inches (8″).

Exercise pouch 10 according to some embodiments may be used as a convenient beverage holder for general use and not just exercise applications. For example, exercise pouch 10 could hold bottles of soda or energy drinks.

According to some embodiments of the invention, side pocket 14 is provided to enable the user to carry secondary removable objects 28 comprising other useful personal items in addition to water bottle 24.

Side pocket 14 is preferably composed of elastic material, such that side pocket 14 can substantially conform to the shape of secondary removable object 28 inserted into side pocket 14. In this way, side pocket 14 is similar to central pocket 12. For manufacturing convenience, it is advantageous for side pocket 14 to be made of the same elastic material used for central pocket 12, though another elastic material having different characteristics, such as a different resiliency, is also comprehended by the present invention. According to some embodiments of the invention, side pocket 14 may be made of a non-elastic material that substantially conforms to the shape of secondary removable object 28.

As shown in the figures, side pocket 12 may be formed by attaching a single sheet, or two or more co-planar sheets, of deformable material to a side of body 11. Where the sheet or sheets are, for example, rectangular, the attachment may be made along three sides corresponding to the sides and bottom of the sheet, with the top side left open to form top opening 26. Side pocket 12 accordingly may be a patch attached to an outside of body 11. The attachment may be made by any method that is strong, durable, and compatible with the aesthetics of pouch 10, such as stitching or glue.

According to some embodiments, side pocket 14 is sized and shaped to hold a secondary removable object 28 that is substantially flat. Also as shown in the figures, according to some embodiments side pocket 14 is sized and shaped to hold a cellular telephone, since this is a personal item favored by exercisers. Such a side pocket 14 may be suitable to carry an mp3 player like an iPod, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or other electronic device. The electronic devices may be substantially flat, or may have other shapes.

An example of side pocket 14 that has been found to be adequate to hold such items has dimensions of about five inches (5″) in height and about four inches (4″) in width. In particular, exercise pouch 10 having central pocket 12 that is 7½″ high×5″ wide, and side pocket 14 that is 5″ high×4″ wide, has been found to provide adequate results in holding water bottles 24 that are about 8″ high and that have a volume in the range of 500 to 600 ml in central pocket 12, and “smartphone” type cell phones 28 such as an iPhone™ in side pocket 14.

Side pocket 14 may optionally include a flap, zipper, or other closure over top opening 26 to prevent small items from falling out of side pocket 14. According to some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, side pocket 14 may contain a closure 15 formed from opposing pieces 17 and 19 of velcro material. The velcro pieces 17 and 19 are configured to be removably attachable to one another, such as “male” and “female” types. As shown, velcro pieces 17 and 19 are attached inside side pocket 14, close to and just under side pocket top opening 26, at or about the middle of the pocket. One piece is attached to body 11, and the other is attached to the inside of side pocket 14. Accordingly, pressing the outer part of side pocket 14 against body 11 causes pieces 17 and 19 to press against and attach to one another. Similarly, pulling side pocket 14 away from body 11 pulls pieces 17 and 19 apart. In this way, side pocket 14 may be closed and provide enhanced security when secondary removable object 28 is a small item that fits underneath closure 15. Examples of such small items include, for example, keys, money, and smaller electronic devices such as some mp3 players and cell phones.

As described, according to some embodiments of the invention, magnets 16 are attached to or embedded in pouch 10, which substantially conforms to the shape of removable object 24.

A view of how magnets 16 may be contained in a side of body 11, according to some embodiments of the invention, is shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B. In these views magnets 16 are not visible, as they are covered by the outer layer of deformable material, and are accordingly represented by circular dashed line 16.

According to some embodiments of the invention, magnets 16 are attached to body 11 by placing one or more of the magnets at desired locations on the side of body 11, in between the two layers or sheets of material such as neoprene, and by stitching the sheets together around the entire periphery of the magnet. In the figures, a rectangular or square stitching 48 is shown as a dashed line around circular magnet 16. The stitching 48 of the inner and outer layers of neoprene comprising body 11 has the effect of creating an internal enclosure or pocket 49 that securely holds magnet 16 in the desired location in the side of body 11. Further, internal pocket 49 functions to protect the magnet from the external environment, so that the magnet does not get wet or inadvertently jarred or bumped, and separated from body 11. Other means of attaching magnets 16 to body 11 are comprehended by the present invention, including directly gluing the magnets to body 11.

When placing magnets 16 on the surface of body 11, each magnet is oriented so that the magnetic flux lines projecting out of the side of body 11 create an attractive force when the magnets are in proximity to a metal surface.

Any type of magnet 16 may be used, but permanent magnets having a relatively large strength to size and weight ratio are preferred. The magnets may be rigid or flexible. In order to minimize the size of a bulge or protrusion in the side of body 11, magnets 16 having a relatively thin or flat profile are preferred. Magnets 16 having sufficient strength to support a combined weight of removable object 24 and secondary removable object 28, such as a full 500-600 ml water bottle and a cell phone, have been found to be adequate. Two circular magnets, each having a dimension of about one inch (1″) and a thickness of about one-eighth inch (⅛″) may be used. For magnets of this dimension, magnet pocket 49 having a rectangular dimension of about 1½ inches wide and 1¼ inches high, or alternatively 1½ inches or 1½ inches square may be adequate.

While one magnet 16 may be used, it has been found advantageous to use two or more magnets so that, as noted, each magnet may be smaller, and accordingly less bulky and thick. When using multiple magnets it is also advantageous to arrange them substantially vertically or above one another, on body 11. In this way, when exercise pouch 11 is placed on a metal surface such as a post having a vertical length, each magnet 16 will make substantive magnetic contact with the metal surface and provide a stronger overall connection. By contrast, where magnets are arranged horizontally, since body 11 will usually have a curved profile due to the curved shape of most water bottles, when placed against a metal surface only the one magnet that is tangential to the surface will have a full magnetic contact. Magnets on either side will be separated by some distance from the metal surface due to the curvature of body 11. These magnets will accordingly provide a lower degree of magnetic attraction force, so that the overall attractive force will be lower, and the risk of the pouch falling off the metal surface will increase.

According to some embodiments of the invention, where two magnets 16 are used, a configuration that has been found to be adequate is to place one magnet substantially close to top opening 22, and the other magnet substantially vertically below the first magnet, at a distance from bottom edge 38 of approximately one-half the height of body 11, where the height of body 11 is the distance from bottom edge 38 to top opening 22.

FIG. 5 illustrates exercise pouch 10 attached to a metal surface 50 through magnets 16. As indicated, pouch 10 has two magnets 16 arranged substantially vertically, so that each magnet may be positioned in contact with metal surface 50.

Magnets 16 may be placed anywhere on body 11, such as on the front side or back side of body 11, but preferably not on a part of body 11 that is occupied by side pocket 14. While magnets 16 may be placed on side pocket 14, this arrangement is not preferable since it would block access to secondary removable object 28 such as a cell phone when pouch 10 is attached to a magnetic surface. Also, since in many embodiments side pocket 14 does not extend the full height of body 11, multiple magnets 16 would need to be place all on side pocket 14 rather than over a broader range of body 11. As shown in the figures, placing magnets 16 on a back side of body 11, substantially opposite to the position of side pocket 14 on the front side of body 11, has been found to provide adequate results.

Fastener 18 is convenient for attaching exercise pouch 10 to a support or projection 51 such as a hook, strap, or loop. The support 51 may include a belt loop or other article of clothing, so that the user can carry exercise pouch 10 without hands. An illustration of fastener 18 attached to support 51 is shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, fastener 18 may be a carabiner, such as the “D” shaped ring with a spring catch on one side of the type used in mountaineering. In other embodiments and as shown in the other figures, a spring clip containing a fixed hook-shaped part and a straight bendable spring that together form a closed loop may be used. Carabiners are preferred over spring clips because they provide a more secure hold. Fasteners 18 made of metal are also preferred as metal provides durability and strength.

Fastener 18 may be attached to body 11 through a strip of material 52 which is attached to body 11. Material 52 may be inelastic or elastic, and provides a flexible connection of fastener 18 to body 11. An inelastic nylon webbing is preferred for material 52.

Fastener 18 may be placed on any part of body 11, such as on side edge 36 as shown in the drawings. Fastener 18 is preferably attached to exercise pouch 10 at a top of body 11 adjacent or close to top opening 22 of central pocket 12. In this way, as shown in FIG. 6, when fastener 18 is in use holding exercise pouch 10, central pocket 12 and side pocket 14 will be positioned so that their respective openings 22 and 26 are oriented upward. Removable objects 24 and 28 will accordingly be securely held in pockets 12 and 14 and have an upward or substantially upward orientation, so the risk of these items falling out of exercise pouch 10 is reduced.

Side handle 20 provides a convenient handle for a user's hand 54, so that exercise pouch 10 may be comfortably held by a user. An illustration of exercise pouch 10 being held in hand 54 is shown in FIG. 7. Side handle 20 can also be used as a loop to attach pouch 10 to a hook or other support surface.

Side handle 20 according to the example of the figures comprises a strip of handle material having opposing ends, where each end is attached to a side of body 11. Preferably the attachment points of each end are arranged vertically, or one above the other, as shown in the figures. In this way the user's hand will naturally fit around the body of exercise pouch 10 holding a water or other type of bottle. The handle material may be of any type, elastic or inelastic, and is preferably a nylon webbing.

Side handle 20 may be placed anywhere on body 11. As shown, positioning of side handle 20 on side edge 36, and under fastener 18 is convenient as it enables the user's fingers to wrap around the back side of body 11. This side provides a relatively smooth contiguous surface as it is occupied in this embodiment by only the relatively low profile magnets 16. Side handle 20 is also preferably placed to overlap or be positioned substantially close to a midpoint between top opening 22 and bottom edge 38 of body 11, so that the exercise pouch 10 will be held substantially close to the center of mass of the pouch, particularly when the pouch is holding water bottle 24 and cell phone 28.

As discussed, exercise pouch 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention provides a water bottle holder that substantially conforms to the shape of the bottle, and also provides at least one magnet 16 attached to or contained in a side of the body of the pouch that enables the pouch to be removably attached to a metal surface. The bottle is held in a central pocket that has resistive properties to hold the bottle securely in the pocket. Further, as exercise pouch 10 contains two pockets and multiple means of attachment, the pouch provides a number of benefits to an exerciser.

Since the pouch is made of a lightweight material with lightweight and relatively small attachments such as magnets 16, fastener 18, and side handle 20, the empty pouch is relatively small, compact, and light. Further, for many configurations as described above the pouch may be readily pressed to lie flat when empty. The pouch accordingly may be easily transported in a gym bag, for example, by a user intending to use the pouch at a gym, without taking up space or adding any appreciable extra weight.

During an exercise session such as at a gym or elsewhere, as noted the user will often carry the pouch between exercise stations. In that context, exercise pouch 10 offers the convenience of being light, so that it does not add any material weight to the personal items of interest that are being carried. The pouch holds the items relatively close to one another without adding bulk, so that the entire package being carried by the user is relatively compact. The pouch enables multiple items of diverse size and shape, such as a water bottle and cell phone, to be carried together in one convenient container. In this way, and through the provision of side handle 20, the user can conveniently carry the items in one hand. Further, the pouch feels comfortable in the user's hand through the use of a suitable soft material such as neoprene for body 11. The user also has the option of carrying the pouch with no hands, by attaching carabiner or clip 18 of the pouch to a belt loop or other part of clothing.

When the user engages in exercise and needs to set the pouch in place in the immediate vicinity, the multiple attachments feature of pouch 10 provide versatility and convenience. In particular, the pouch may be conveniently placed off of the floor, at a position that is at a convenient level above the ground where it may be at eye level or within easy visual observation. An illustration of exercise pouch 10 placed in a convenient position above the floor during exercise is shown in FIG. 8A.

A result of this feature is that the user is spared the discomfort and inconvenience of having to repeatedly bend down to place the items on the floor and then to pick them up again. It is also easier for the user to keep his or her eye on the items as they are at eye level. This provides greater security and peace of mind for the user, and the user will be less distracted and better able to concentrate on and enjoy the exercise workout. Further, in their position off the floor, there is less risk that the items will be stepped on, broken, and/or misplaced.

Exercise pouch 10 provides yet further benefits in that the personal items may be accessed during exercise. An example of this benefit is shown in FIG. 8B. As shown, while the user is exercising by riding an exercise bicycle, the user is able to hold exercise pouch 10 in hand and drink from a water bottle and listen to audio through earphones connected to an mp3 player. The water bottle remains in central pocket 12 and the mp3 player remains in side pocket 14, as neither item needs to be removed for the user to maintain access. Lastly, use of material such as neoprene having an insulating feature enables the water to remain cool for a longer period of time.

Although selected embodiment(s) of the present invention has/have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment(s). Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to this/these embodiment(s) without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An exercise pouch, comprising:

a body configured to define a central pocket;

at least a part of the body being composed of a deformable material such that the central pocket substantially conforms to a shape of a removable object inserted into the central pocket; and

at least one magnet attached to a side of the body;

wherein placement of the magnetic side of the body in contact with a metal surface enables the exercise pouch to be removably attached to the metal surface.

2. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the central pocket has a resistive property, to hold the removable object in the central pocket.

3. The exercise pouch according to claim 2, wherein the resistive property comprises an elastic property associated with at least a part of the deformable material of the central pocket, wherein the elastic material expands to form a pressure fit that holds the removable object in the central pocket.

4. The exercise pouch according to claim 3, wherein all of the deformable material of the central pocket is elastic.

5. The exercise pouch according to claim 3, wherein a part of the deformable material that comprises a neck of the central pocket is elastic.

6. The exercise pouch according to claim 3, 4, or 5, wherein the elastic material is neoprene.

7. The exercise pouch according to claim 2, wherein the resistive property comprises an anti-slip property associated with at least a part of the deformable material of the central pocket, wherein the anti-slip material assists to reduce slipping of the removable object in the central pocket.

8. The exercise pouch according to claim 7, wherein the anti-slip property comprises a coating on an inside surface of the deformable material of the central pocket.

9. The exercise pouch according to claim 7 or 8, wherein all of the deformable material of the central pocket has the anti-slip property.

10. The exercise pouch according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a part of the deformable material that comprises a neck of the central pocket has the anti-slip property.

11. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises opposing rectangular sections of deformable material that are attached along three common sides and unattached along one common side,

wherein the central pocket is defined by an interior cavity formed by the opposing sections and an opening formed by the unattached side.

12. The exercise pouch according to claim 11, wherein the body comprises a broad rectangular section of deformable material folded in half, to create the opposing rectangular sections of deformable material,

wherein one of the attached common sides is the fold in the broad rectangular section of deformable material.

13. The exercise pouch according to claim 11, wherein the body is configured to be in a substantially flat state when the central pocket is empty and in an expanded state when the central pocket holds the removable object.

14. The exercise pouch according to claim 13, wherein the deformable material contains a resilient property such that the body automatically returns to the substantially flat state upon removal of the removable object from the central pocket.

15. The exercise pouch according to claim 13, wherein the deformable material contains a memory property such that the body remains substantially in the expanded state upon removal of the removable object from the central pocket,

and wherein the body may be restored to the substantially flat state by pressing a side of the body'until the body becomes flat.

16. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises deformable material in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder having a circular base and a circular wall attached to the base at one end of the wall and having an opening at an opposing end of the wall,

wherein the central pocket is defined by an interior cavity of the cylinder and the opening at the end of the circular wall.

17. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the body has a length and a width, and wherein the central pocket has a length substantially equal to the length of the body and a width substantially equal to the width of the body.

18. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the central pocket is sized and shaped to hold a beverage container.

19. The exercise pouch according to claim 18, wherein the beverage container is a water bottle.

20. The exercise pouch according to claim 18, wherein the central pocket holds the beverage container up to substantially a neck of the beverage container.

21. The exercise pouch according to claim 18, wherein the body has a height of seven and one-half inches and a width of five inches.

22. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet comprises at least two magnets arranged substantially vertically on a side of the body.

23. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, wherein the deformable material comprises two sheets of material, and wherein the at least one magnet is attached to the side of the body between the two sheets of material.

24. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, further including a side pocket attached to the body, for holding a secondary removable object.

25. The exercise pouch according to claim 24, wherein the side pocket is sized and shaped to hold a substantially flat secondary removable object.

26. The exercise pouch according to claim 24, wherein the secondary removable object is one from a group of items consisting of a cell phone, mp3 player, and personal digital assistant.

27. The exercise pouch according to claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the side pocket includes a resistive property, to hold the secondary removable object in the side pocket.

28. The exercise pouch according to claim 24, wherein the at least one magnet is attached to a location on the body substantially opposite to a location of the side pocket.

29. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, further including a fastener for attaching the exercise pouch to a support.

30. The exercise pouch according to claim 29, wherein the fastener is attached to the exercise pouch adjacent to an opening of the central pocket.

31. The exercise pouch according to claim 29, wherein the fastener is a carabiner.

32. The exercise pouch according to claim 29, wherein the support is one of a hook, strap, or loop.

33. The exercise pouch according to claim 1, further including a side handle comprising a strip of material having opposing ends, each end being attached to a side of the body.