Personal Waistband Storage Device

Abstract

A waistband storage device includes a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment, a back plate attached to the body portion, the back plate including a plurality of layers of material arranged to mirror the musculature of a human lower back; and a V-shaped strap attached to the back plate for securing the body portion to a user. The waistband storage device is resistant to slippage during physical activity due to increased friction between the back plate and the lower back.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to personal item carrying devices or personal item storage devices, and more specifically to personal item storage devices that may be attached to, or carried on, an individual's waist.

Related Technology

Efficient transportation of small personal items has presented a challenge for many years. Small personal items may be carried in pockets of clothing, but when carried in this manner, small personal items are susceptible to falling out of the pocket, especially during vigorous physical activity. In order to solve this problem, zippers or other closure devices have been incorporated into clothing pockets. However, transportation of small personal items remains a challenge when wearing clothing lacking pockets, when carrying sharp objects, or when participating in physical activities that subject the wearer and pocket contents to bouncing, bruising or damage, for example when running, cycling or participating in aerobic exercise. Similarly, when participating in activities during low-light or night-time conditions, participants are restricted to areas where external lights are located, or participants must hand-carry personal illumination devices, such as flash-lights. Additionally, personal electronic devices, such as smart phones, having applications directed to safety, location, personal performance, or communication often require a secure, easy-access carrying device to allow a user hand free operation while participating in activities or athletic events.

Eventually, storage devices were developed for wearing around an individual's waist. This type of waistband storage device includes a central storage chamber that is connected at opposite sides to a belt. This type of device is designed to be worn as a belt with the storage compartment located around a user's waist. While such devices are capable of transporting small personal items, the existing waistband storage devices were not well suited for use during vigorous activity, or when carrying sharp objects. Existing waistband storage devices often bounce, slip, or rotate during vigorous physical activity subjecting the contents and the user to damage or injury.

As described above, known waistband storage devices are subject to slippage or movement during physical activity. This slipping phenomenon is generally due to the decrease in friction created when sweat or other liquid becomes trapped between the waistband storage device and the user. When friction is decreased between the waistband storage device and the body, the waistband storage device is subjected to forces generated during the physical activity, such as the vertical and horizontal accelerations encountered during aerobic activities involving running, or jumping, or the rapid bouncing movements resulting from bicycling over rough terrain or even riding a wildly gyrating theme park roller coaster.

Thus far, the only way to increase friction between the waistband storage device and the body has been to tighten an attachment (or waist) strap, which may result in discomfort in the region of the attachment strap. This can be a major problem during participation in athletic events. Moreover, the attachment strap, when tightened to prevent slipping, can be detrimental to the user's performance by restricting diaphragm movement involved in breathing, restricting blood circulation, causing bruising, or causing injury when carrying sharp objects, for example, epi-pens, injectors, or other personal items needed by the user during prolonged physical activity.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a waistband storage device includes a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment, a back plate attached to the body portion for supporting the waistband storage device on the lower back of a user, and a strap attached to the body portion for securing the body portion to the waist.

In another embodiment, the back plate includes a first region, a second region, and a third region, the second region being thicker than the first region, and the third region being thicker than both the first and second regions. The first, second, and third regions being formed to mirror the musculature of the human lower back.

In yet another embodiment, the strap may have a V-shape including a two separated ends that are attached to the body portion. The V-shaped strap produces a more effective contact area with the human lower back that increases the amount of friction, thereby increasing the resistance to slipping during physical activity.

In yet another embodiment, the waistband storage device may include interior compartments incorporating a plurality of transparent windows visible to the outside of the interior compartments, along with one or more access ports for portable electronic device earjack access. These pockets can contain an illumination device or portable electronic device incorporated into one or more of the body portion and an attachment strap securement mechanism. Integrated into this mechanism can be a molded quick-release attachment device capable of containing an illumination unit. The illumination unit may comprise a plurality of illumination devices, such as LEDs or incandescent light bulbs. The plurality of illumination devices may be located in multiple locations to illuminate a path in front of the user. Similarly, a flashing strobe or steady illumination device may be integrated into various positions on the waistband storage device to provide the user with enhanced visibility from all directions to alert rapidly approaching vehicles, or other threats, to the user's location during night or low-light conditions. These devices can also be water-proof and used with infrared covers to assist search and rescue operators operating night-vision equipment to locate the user when in distress on land or at sea.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a waistband storage device including transparent windows and earjack access ports for portable electronic devices located within the storage device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of an attachment strap securement mechanism including a plurality of detachable illumination devices;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of the waistband storage device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of a connection between the attachment strap and the body of the waistband storage device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the back plate of the storage device of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5;

FIG. 6 illustrates a race number attachment mechanism that may be attached to the waistband storage device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 illustrates the waistband storage device of FIG. 1 with a storage compartment in an open position, with transparent window and attachments for alternative illumination devices attachable to selected positions on the attachment strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a waistband storage device 10 is illustrated. The waistband storage device 10 may include a V-shaped strap 12, attached to a body portion 14. A storage compartment may be accessed through an opening 16 in the body portion 14. An interior storage compartment is located in front of a transparent window visible from the outside of the device. Personal items, including illumination devices, large cellular telephones, music players, and other portable electronic devices may be carried in the storage compartment during virtually any type of physical activity. An Ear jack access port may be constructed of overlapping water-resistant material capable of preventing rain, sweat, dust, or dirt from entering the interior of the storage compartment.

The V-shaped strap 12 is attached to one side of the body portion 14 at a split end 18 by two extensions 20. The V-shaped strap 12 may include one or more perforations 22 that allow air to circulate between the V-shaped strap 12 and the user's back. In one embodiment, the perforations 22 may be approximately 1 mm in diameter, which results in efficient air movement, sweat evaporation, and cooling. The V-shaped strap 12 may be made of a flexible material, such as neoprene and elastic, along with a moisture-wicking material, such as charcoal bamboo mesh. Bamboo mesh has the added benefit of inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. One end of the V-shaped strap 12 may include a securement device 24 having a male portion 24a and a female portion 24b. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the securement device 24 is a clip-type connector. This connector can be molded to integrate a quick-release or squeeze-to-release mechanism or may be attachable by other means that allow secure attachment of portable illumination devices. However, in other embodiments, other types of securement devices may be used, such as post and hole devices (e.g., belt buckle-type devices), hook and loop fasteners, cinch straps, etc. A soft material flap 26 may extend from one or both sides of a back plate 30 to protect a user's back from the securement device 24 and/or the V-shaped strap 14.

The body portion 14 may include a pocket or compartment 32 having a transparent front window 34. A first illumination unit 36 may be disposed in the compartment 32. The first illumination unit 36 may include one or more light emitting diodes 38. The light emitting diodes 38 enhance visibility of the waistband storage device 10, and thus the visibility of a user wearing the waistband storage device 10, especially during low-light conditions, such as night time. As a result, a user is more visible to automobile (or other vehicle) drivers, which enhances safety. In other embodiments, other types of illumination devices may be used, such as incandescent bulbs, florescent bulbs, etc. When the waistband storage device 10 is located on a user's waist, the body portion 14 will normally be located on the user's lower back. As a result, the first illumination unit 36 directs light rearward. For this reason, the first illumination unit 36 may include colored filters, such as a red filter, so that colored light is projected. In other embodiments, light emitting diodes that emit certain colors of light (such as red light) may be used instead of a colored filter.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the female portion 24b of the securement device 24 is illustrated. The female portion 24b includes a receiving section 40 and a strap section 42. The strap section 42 includes an opening 44 and a post 46 extending across the opening. The V-shaped strap 14 may be attached to the female portion 24b by threading the V-shaped strap 14 through the opening 44 and around the post 46 so that a length of the V-shaped strap 14 may be adjustable. In other embodiments, an end of the V-shaped strap 14 may be formed in a loop and disposed around the post 46 to secure the V-shaped strap 14 to the female portion 24b. The receiving section 40 includes an end opening 50 sized and shaped to receive at least some of the male portion 24a (See FIG. 1) of the securement device 24. The receiving section 40 includes a compartment 52 that is at least partially transparent. A second illumination unit 54 is disposed in the compartment 52. The second illumination unit 54 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 56 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, other light emitting devices may be used, such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent bulbs. When the female portion 24b is attached to the male portion 24a and the waistband storage device 10 is disposed around a user's waist, the second illumination unit 54 will be located on an opposite side of the user's body from the first illumination unit 36. As a result, the combination of the first and second illumination units 36, 54 emit light from both the front and back of the user, thereby increasing safety while exercising. In one embodiment, the illumination units may project fan-shaped beams of light.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a back of the body portion 14 may include the multi-layered back plate 30 that is formed to mirror the contours of the human lower back, as discussed above. The disclosed back plate 30 has a large contact area with the lower back. This large contact area increases friction against a user's skin or shirt, which results in more resistance to slipping due to sweat or moisture accumulation. The back plate 30 may include a first region 58, a second region 60 that is thicker than the first region 58, and a third region 62 that is thicker than both the first and second regions 58, 60. The differences in thickness may be formed by varying a number of layers of material that make up each region. For example, a first layer 64 (FIG. 5) may extend across each of the first, second, and third regions 58, 60, 62, respectively. A second layer 66 may extend across only the second and third regions 60, 62, respectively. A third layer 68 may extend across only the third region 62. The third region 62 may have a triangular-shape to mirror the small of a user's back. The third region 62 may be wider near a bottom 70 of the back plate 30 than near a top 72 of the back plate 30. In this way, the third region 62 increases the effective contact area of the device, provides additional friction to prevent slipping, and stabilizes and supports the waistband storage device 10 on the human lower back when worn by a user.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, one or more beverage container holders 73 may be attached to the body portion 12. The beverage container holders 73 may be made of flexible fabric that may stretch to accept various shaped beverage containers. Each beverage container holder 73 may accept a beverage container 75 that is at least partially shaped to minor a user's lower back.

Unlike other types of foam padding, molding characteristics of visco-elastic memory foam used to form at least a portion of the back plate 30 produces a customized, tailored fit to the musculature, size and shape of any user's lower back, thereby facilitating a comfortable and virtually no-slip contact with the user's waist. In addition, visco-elastic foam provides the added benefit of protecting the wearer's waist from sharp objects that may be carried internally in the storage compartment in addition to shock absorption in case of collision or if the waistband storage device 10 is accidently dropped.

In one embodiment, each layer 64, 66, 68 may be approximately 3 mm thick. However, other embodiments may include one or more layers that are in the range of between 1 mm and 5 mm thick. The layers 64, 66, 68 may be covered by a moisture-wicking fabric, such as polyester “dry-max” fabric or charcoal bamboo rayon. The back plate 30 may include one or more channels 74 that direct sweat or other moisture away from the wearer's back. By forming the back plate 30 of visco-elastic memory foam and a semi-coarse moisture-wicking mesh fabric, air is free to circulate through the material allowing for increased moisture evaporation and cooling. In this way, the back plate 30 remains relatively dry, which produces friction between the back plate 30 and the lower back. Therefore, the waistband storage device 10 is less susceptible to slippage during physical activity, which is a problem in prior art storage devices.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a close up view of the V-shaped strap 14 and a portion of the back plate 30 are illustrated. The V-shaped strap 14 may include an outer rim 76 of moisture wicking mesh fabric. The outer rim 76 directs moisture towards edges of the V-shaped strap 14 so that the center portion of the V-shaped strap 14 remains dry, which increases friction and reduces slipping. Similarly, the back plate 30 includes an outer rim 78 of moisture wicking mesh fabric.

FIG. 6 illustrates a race number holding device 80 that may be attached to the waistband storage device 10. A race number (often a piece of paper or other material) may be secured to the race number holding device 80 to identify a particular runner during a race. The race number holding device 80 includes a cord 82 and a clasp 84. The clasp 84 may be attached to the V-shaped strap 14 or body portion 12, thus securing a race number to a user.

FIG. 7 illustrates the waistband storage device 10 in an open configuration in which a user may access the storage compartment through the opening 16. The storage compartment may include one or more expandable storage pockets for securing personal items. Various personal items may be stored in the storage compartment; the personal items may include, but are not limited to, a phone 86, a credit card 87, a lip balm container 88, a writing instrument 89, and a key 90. Moreover, one or more additional illumination units 92, 94, may be attached to the V-shaped strap 14 or the body portion 12 to further enhance illumination of a user during exercise.

The waistband storage devices described herein allow a user to carry greater weights of personal items than prior art storage devices, while avoiding slipping and discomfort common with other storage devices. This benefit is due at least in part to the back plate and the V-shaped strap described herein. Both the back plate and with the V-shaped strap enhance stabilization of the waistband storage device by increasing the effective contact area, while distributing weight across a larger area and by maintaining friction between the waistband storage device and a user's back thereby reducing slippage. In addition, the perforated moisture-wicking mesh fabric and the breathable memory foam that form the back plate provide superior air circulation and thus excellent evaporation and cooling of the skin of the lower back. By keeping the skin dry, friction between the waistband storage device and the lower back is increased, which significantly reduces the possibility of the device slipping during extreme physical activities.

The waistband storage device described above is designed for optimal placement on a user's lower back. The lower back is subject to less lateral forces during physical activity than other, more extreme, parts of the body. For example, items placed on the wrist are subjected to much greater forces, both laterally and vertically, than a device located on the lower back. By locating the waistband storage device on the lower back, and by forming the back plate from visco-elastic memory foam and moisture wicking material and attaching the back plate to a V-shaped strap, the waistband storage device described herein produces superior stability and resistance to slipping during rigorous physical activity.

The waistband storage device produces the superior stability and resistance to slipping by using at least six different structural elements, any one of which will increase stability and resistance to slipping on its own. First, friction between the storage device and the lower back is increased by forming a back plate that is larger than the size of a storage compartment. Second, surface area contact between the back plate and the lower back is increased by covering the back plate with breathable, visco-elastic memory foam padding that will contour to the shape and musculature of the wearer's lower back. Third, friction between the back plate and the lower back is further increased by covering visco-elastic memory foam with a semi-course, moisture-wicking mesh/webbed fabric that will allow air to circulate between the memory foam padding and mesh/webbed fabric thereby promoting enhanced moisture evaporation, which reduces moisture accumulation and increases friction between the lower back and the back plate. Fourth, effective compressibility (tension) is increased by splitting the ends of the V-shaped strap and attaching the split ends to upper and lower sides of the storage compartment. The V-shaped strap provides a wider dispersion of the tension force across the area of the storage compartment. Fifth, the memory foam padded back plate may be extended so that the V-shape strap rests, at least partially, over the extended sections, further increasing the effective contact area against the lower back (which increases friction) without the need to increase the width of the connecting strap itself. Sixth, strap perforations for venting air circulation holes mitigate the formation of sweat, which maintains greater friction between the back plate and the lower back. Optionally, the V-shaped strap may be lined with moisture-wicking mesh fabric, which like the back plate would pull the moisture away from the lower back for increased evaporation and friction.

These six features synergistically solve slipping problems that have plagued previous personal storage devices. Even during the most extreme physical activities, the waistband storage device described herein maintains adequate friction between the lower back and the back plate to prevent slipping, while minimizing the tension applied to the V-shaped strap. As a result, the disclosed waistband storage device allows the wearer to comfortably carry an unprecedented number of items and weight (including water/energy drinks/flashlight) inside the storage compartment without adversely impacting the wearer's performance.

While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.

In one or more of the foregoing examples, the description uses terms such as upper, lower, front, back, top, bottom, inwardly and/or outwardly. These terms are relative only and are to be used in the context of describing the exemplary embodiments when positioned as shown in the Figures. Those of skill in the art will readily understand that waistband storage devices may be positioned in different orientations than those shown in the Figures and those of skill in the art can readily understand how to adapt these relative terms to alternate orientations of the subject waistband storage devices.

While the waistband storage device has been described with respect to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the appended claims are not intended to be limited thereto, and that modifications can be made that are considered within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A waistband storage device comprising:

a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment contained within the body portion;

a back plate attached to the body portion, the back plate including a plurality of layers of material arranged to mirror the musculature of a human lower back; and

a strap attached to the back plate for securing the body portion to a user.

2. The waistband storage device of claim 1, wherein the back plate includes a first region, a second region, and a third region, the second region being thicker than the first region, and the third region being thicker than the first region and the third region being thicker than the second region.

3. The waistband storage device of claim 2, wherein the back plate further comprises, a first layer of material that extends across the first region, the second region, and the third region; a second layer of material the extends across the second region and the third region, and a third layer of material that extends across the third region.

4. The waistband storage device of claim 3, wherein the third region is triangular in shape.

5. The waistband storage device of claim 4, wherein the third region is wider near a bottom of the back plate and narrower near a top of the back plate.

6. The waistband storage device of claim 1, wherein the back plate includes a plurality of channels adapted to direct moisture away from the back plate.

7. The waistband storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers of material are covered by a layer of moisture wicking fabric.

8. The waistband storage device of claim 1, wherein the strap has a V-shape, including separated end portions that are attached to the back plate.

9. The waistband storage device of claim 1, wherein the back plate is wider than the body portion.

10. A waistband storage device comprising:

a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment contained within the body portion;

a back plate attached to the body portion; and

a V-shaped strap attached to the back plate for securing the body portion to a user.

11. The waistband storage device of claim 10, wherein the V-shaped strap includes two separated portions at one end, the two separated portions being attached to the body portion at one side, one separated portion being attached to the body portion proximate a top of the body portion and the other separated portion being attached to the body portion proximate a bottom of the body portion.

12. The waistband storage device of claim 10, wherein the V-shaped strap includes a plurality of perforations.

13. The waistband storage device of claim 12, wherein the V-shaped strap is lined with a moisture-wicking material.

14. The waistband storage device of claim 10, further comprising a soft material flap extending from the back plate, the soft material flap being located between the V-shaped strap and a user's lower back when the waistband storage device is attached to a user's waist.

15. The waistband storage device of claim 10, wherein the back plate includes a first region, a second region, and a third region, the second region being thicker than the first region, and the third region being thicker than the second region, the third region having a triangular shape with a wider portion near a bottom of the back plate and a narrower portion near a top of the back plate.

16. A waistband storage device comprising:

a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment contained within the body portion;

a back plate attached to the body portion, the back plate being adapted to support the body portion on the lower back of a user; and

a strap attached to the back plate for securing the body portion to a user,

wherein the body portion includes a pocket having a window and a first illumination unit disposed within the pocket, the first illumination unit being adapted to project a first beam of light through the window.

17. The waistband storage device of claim 16, further comprising a securement portion attached to the strap, the securement device having a male portion and a female portion, the female portion having a receiving section and a compartment located on the receiving section, and a second illumination unit disposed within the compartment.

18. The waistband storage device of claim 17, wherein the first illumination unit includes one of a color filter and a colored light emitting diode.

19. The waistband storage device of claim 18, wherein the second illumination unit includes one of a color filter and a colored light emitting diode.

20. The waistband storage device of claim 16, further comprising a beverage container holder attached to the body portion.