CONVERTIBLE ATHLETIC BELT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A convertible athletic belt assembly includes a central pouch assembly having a plurality of support assemblies each securely attached along an oppositely disposed end of the central pouch assembly. The central pouch assembly includes a storage compartment and a closure mechanism to secure contents therein. An accessory pouch assembly is mounted to each support member via an inner cover member, and further includes an outer cover member disposable between an open and closed disposition. An accessory assembly is mounted inside each accessory pouch assembly and is retained therein while the corresponding outer cover member is in a closed disposition, however, the accessory assembly is deployed in an operable configuration when the outer cover member is in an open disposition. The accessory assembly may include a container holder configured to hold a bottle of water, energy drink, etc., a portable electronic device holder, a coin purse, etc.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A convertible athletic belt assembly includes a central pouch assembly attached to a plurality of support members, each support member having an accessory pouch assembly mounted thereon. Each accessory pouch assembly includes an accessory assembly, such as a container holder, portable electronic device holder, secure concealed pouch, credit card holder, etc., retained therein while in a closed disposition, the accessory assemblies operably deployed while the accessory pouch assembly is in an open disposition.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a nation we have become more and more health conscious, and as a result, more and more people are engaging in healthy activities including the performance of regular exercise regimens. Among favored forms of exercise are walking, jogging, and running, as they can be performed without fixed equipment, specialized trainers, or commitments to gym or health club memberships. Another trend in today's society is our affinity, in some cases, obsession, with connectivity via any of a variety of portable electronic devices, such as cell phones or smart phones. Many people simply cannot or do not wish to be separated from their devices at any time, including while exercising.

Thus, an issue many user's face when seeking to walk, hike, jog, or run, is what to do with their personal belongings while they are performing these activities. In addition, and in some cases more importantly, a person must assure that proper hydration is readily available to them while they are walking, jogging, or running.

Numerous devices have been developed to store a user's personal belongings to himself or herself, commonly known generically as fanny packs. These devices typically include a pouch attached or attachable to a strap of belt which is, often, loosely attached around a wearer's waist.

Other devices have been developed to attach a water bottle to a user for access while walking, hiking, jogging, running, or while performing other activities. These devices include bottle holders that strap to a user's arm, or a belt with a holder to attach around a user's waist. The problem with these known devices, however, is that they are bulky, uncomfortable, and often intrusive when positioned on a user while exercising or performing other activities. Furthermore, a number of these devices include rigid container holders which add to the discomfort of a user employing the same. As a result, these devices are often not employed when they should be, or a user may cut his or her planned exercise routine short as a result of the discomfort from wearing these types of devices.

Similar devices have been developed to attach a cell phone or smart phone to a user while jogging, running, hiking, etc. Once again, known devices include a holder strapped to a user's arm, or a holder designed to be attached to a user's belt. These devices suffer from the same drawbacks as noted above with regard to bottle holders, i.e., they are often intrusive and uncomfortable, and as a result, they either not used, or result in shortened exercise regimens due to the discomfort of the wearer.

As such, it would be beneficial to provide an athletic belt assembly that is comfortable and convenient for a user to wear while jogging, running, or performing other exercises or activities, for example, hiking, so as to promote consistent use of the same. It would also be helpful to provide such an athletic belt assembly that is convertible such that it may be deployed in an open operable disposition while in use, and returned to a closed disposition so as to be unobtrusive to the user when not in use. An additional benefit may be realized by providing a single convertible athletic belt assembly that includes a plurality of storage compartments and holders for various belongings, containers, and/or devices which a user may wish to carry with himself or herself while walking, hiking, jogging, running, or performing other activities which require a user belongings to be secured about the user, while the user's remain free. More in particular, it would be desirable to provide a single convertible athletic belt assembly that allows a user to carry numerous items, a few items, or no personal belongings or accessories at all while walking, hiking, jogging, running, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a convertible athletic belt assembly comprising a central pouch assembly having a storage compartment. The central pouch assembly, in at least one embodiment, further comprises a closure mechanism disposable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the storage compartment is maintained in a secure closed configuration while the closure mechanism is disposed in the closed position.

A convertible athletic belt assembly in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one support member attached to the central pouch member, the support member having a front surface and a rear surface. At least one embodiment of a convertible athletic pouch assembly in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a plurality of support members, wherein each of the plurality of support members is securely attached to the central pouch assembly along oppositely disposed sides hereof.

An accessory pouch assembly is mounted to the front surface of each support member and, in at least one embodiment, the accessory pouch assembly comprises an outer cover member and an inner cover member moveably interconnected via a cover interconnect, and wherein the outer cover member is movable between a closed disposition and an open disposition.

At least one accessory assembly is mounted in each accessory pouch assembly, and is retained therein while the corresponding outer cover member is in a closed disposition. Each accessory assembly, however, is disposable into an operable configuration when the corresponding accessory pouch assembly, and more in particular, the outer cover member, is in an open disposition. The accessory assembly can comprise any of a variety of useful storage mechanisms including, but in no manner limited to, a container holder to securely yet removably retain a bottle of water or other fluid, a portable electronic device holder, a concealed secure pouch, credit card holder, etc.

An adjustable belt assembly is attached to the support members and is structured to releasably secure the assembly a about a user's waist or hips, so that the user is free to walk, jog, run, or conduct other hands free activities while his or her personal effects are securely stowed via the convertible athletic belt assembly.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible athletic belt assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure in a closed disposition.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the convertible athletic belt assembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the embodiment of the convertible athletic belt assembly of FIG. 1 including a partial cutaway view of one embodiment of a central pouch assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of the convertible belt assembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible belt assembly in accordance with the present disclosure in an open disposition.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the convertible athletic belt assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the convertible belt assembly as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the embodiment of the convertible athletic belt assembly as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a convertible belt assembly in accordance with the present disclosure in an open disposition.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one further embodiment of a convertible belt assembly in accordance with the present disclosure in an open disposition.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As stated above, the present disclosure is directed to a convertible athletic belt assembly generally as shown as at 10 throughout the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrative of one embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. More in particular, FIG. 1 presents a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 wherein each accessory pouch assembly 40 is shown in a closed disposition. FIG. 5, described below, is illustrative of one embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure wherein each accessory pouch assembly 40 is disposed in an open position.

Looking again to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 includes a central pouch assembly 20. The central pouch assembly 20 includes a closure mechanism 21 which, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, comprises a zipper. Of course, it is understood to be within the scope and intent of the present invention for closure mechanism 21 to comprise any number of mechanical mechanisms for securing a pouch-like structure in a closed disposition including, but in no manner limited to, buttons, snaps, hook and loop type fasteners, etc. Closure mechanism 21 is provided to secure a user's personal belongings placed within the central pouch assembly 20.

The central pouch assembly 20 is constructed of a flexible yet durable material, and in at least one embodiment, the central pouch assembly 20 comprises a material of construction which is at least water and sweat resistant, if not waterproof, thereby securing a user's belongs in a safe and dry environment. In at least one embodiment, the central pouch assembly 20 is constructed of neoprene, and in one further embodiment, the central pouch assembly is constructed of spandex or a spandex blend.

FIG. 3 presents a front elevation of the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 of FIG. 1 including a partial cutaway view of one embodiment of a central pouch assembly 20 in accordance with the present disclosure. As may be seen from FIG. 3, the central pouch assembly 20 comprises a storage compartment 22 in which a user may place one or more personal belongings while walking, jogging, running, or performing any other activity which may require the user's hands to remain free while his or her belongings are secured on his or her person. The central pouch assembly 20 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises at least one pouch divider 24 which may be utilized to segregate personal belongings between front and rear portions of the storage compartment 22.

Further, in at least one embodiment, an internal pocket 26 is attached to pouch divider 24, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, in order to additionally secure select items within the storage compartment 22 of the central pouch assembly 20 itself. In one further embodiment, the internal pocket 26 may be attached to either the front or back of the central pouch assembly 20 itself, inside of the storage compartment 22.

The convertible athletic belt assembly 10, and more in particular, the central pouch assembly 20 comprises at least one reflective member 29 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be in the form of a tab or stripe comprising reflective material attached to central pouch assembly 20. The reflective member 29 is constructed of a reflective material such that a wearer will be more readily visible to motorists when headlights are directed towards reflective member 29. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, a corresponding one of each of plurality of reflective members 29 are attached along opposite sides of the central pouch assembly 20.

The central pouch assembly 20 further includes a securing section 28 along either side, structured and disposed to securely attach a support member 30 along each side of the central pouch assembly 20, such as may be seen in the illustrative embodiments throughout the figures. As previously stated, in at least one embodiment, the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plurality of support members 30 securely attached along opposite sides of a central pouch assembly 20. More in particular, each support member 30 includes an attachment section 36 which cooperatively and securely engages securing section 28 of the central pouch assembly wherein attachment section 36 is fixedly attached to securing section 28 of the central pouch assembly 20. In at least one embodiment, the attachment section 36 of support member 30 is fixedly attached to securing section 28 of the central pouch assembly 20 by way of stitching. However, it is understood to be within the scope and intent of the present disclosure for other methods of mechanically fastening materials to one another such as, by way of example only, heat welding, clamping, cringing, stapling, adhesive, rivets, etc. Of course, the foregoing methods of mechanically fastening materials are merely exemplary, and in no manner limit securing an attachment section 36 to a securing section 28 in accordance with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each support member 30 includes a front surface 32 and a rear surface 34. FIG. 4 further illustrates an embodiment of the present convertible athletic belt assembly 10 wherein rear surface 34 of support member 30 comprises a plurality of dimples 35. In one embodiment, the plurality of dimples 35 may be physically attached to rear surface 34 of support member 30, and in at least one further embodiment, the dimples 35 are formed of a material similar to support member 30 itself. In one further embodiment, the plurality of dimples 35 are formed integral with the rear surface 34 of the support member 30 such as via molding, stamping, or pressing. The plurality of dimples 35 on rear surface 34 of support member 30 create frictional resistance between the wearer's clothes and the corresponding support member 30 to minimize shift and movement of support member 30, and more importantly, the contents of an accessory pouch assembly 40 associated therewith.

In at least one further embodiment, a support member 30 includes a securing cord 38 attached thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each support member 30 includes a securing cord 38 attached thereto and extending downwardly therefrom. Furthermore, a secure stop member 39 is attached to a free end of a securing cord 38, as best shown in FIG. 2. Securing cord 38 and corresponding secure stop member 39 may be utilized to attach various items to the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 while it is worn by a user. As one example, the securing cords 38 and secure stop members 39 may be utilized to attach a number or nametag corresponding to the user, as is common in athletic competitions such as track and field, marathon running, cycling, etc. As will be discussed further below, in at least one embodiment, securing cord 38 and secure stop member 39 are utilized to maintain an accessory pouch assembly 40 disposed in an operable, open disposition.

As also shown throughout the figures, a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure further comprises an adjustable belt assembly 100, to facilitate positioning and retaining the assembly 10 about a user's hips or waist during use. With primary reference to the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable belt assembly 100 includes elongated belt members 102 each being attached to oppositely disposed ends of the support members 30. As before, the belt members 102 may be secured to corresponding support members 30 by stitching, heat welding, adhesive, rivets, etc. A quick connect release member 106 is attached at a free end of each belt member 102, and is cooperatively structured to permit the ends of belt members 102 to be quickly and easily attached to or released from one another. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, an adjustment member 108 is provided on at least one belt member 102 to allow a user to adjust an overall length of the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 about his or her waist or hips, to assure a secure and comfortable fit is maintained while the assembly 10 is being worn by the user.

As indicated above, a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one accessory pouch assembly 40. As shown in the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, the convertible athletic belt assembly 10 includes a plurality of accessory pouch assemblies 40, each mounted to a front surface of a different one of the corresponding plurality of support members 30. As used herein, the term “mounted” shall mean and include, but shall not be limited to, fixedly or securedly attached, such as via integral construction, sewing, adhesives, heat welding, etc., as well as being removably and replacably attached such as via snaps, clips, tongue and groove interconnections, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

Looking further to the embodiment of FIG. 3, each accessory pouch assembly 40 includes an outer cover member 42. Further, and once again with reference to FIG. 3, the outer cover member 42 of each accessory pouch assembly 40 includes a securing tab 43, which is discussed further below.

Turning next to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure having accessory pouch assemblies 40 in an open disposition is presented. As may be seen from FIG. 5, each accessory pouch assembly 40 includes an outer cover member 42 opened and rotated away from a corresponding inner cover member 44, wherein each inner cover member 44 is securely affixed to a front surface 32 of a corresponding support member 30. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, a cover interconnect 46 is provided to movably interconnect the outer cover member 42 to the inner cover member 43, while the outer cover member 42 is disposed in an open position. More in particular, the cover interconnect 46 comprises a flexible hinge-like component which may be constructed of a resilient fabric such as nylon, neoprene, etc. or other such resilient material of construction. The cover interconnect 46 is securely attached to each of the outer cover member 42 and inner cover member 44 by any of a variety of methods, such as by stitching, stapling, adhesive, heat welding, etc., as noted above, with regard to securing section 28 and attachment section 36.

In at least one embodiment, the cover interconnect 46 is integral with both the outer cover member 42 and inner cover member 44, i.e., outer cover member 42, inner cover member 44, and cover interconnect 46 are cut or punched from a single piece of material, wherein outer cover member 42 and inner cover member 44 are attached to one another via cover interconnect 46.

A cover closure mechanism 48 is provided to maintain the outer cover member 42 in a closed and overlying disposition relative to inner cover member 44 while the accessory pouch assembly 40 is in a closed disposition, once again, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1. As with closure mechanism 21 of the central pouch assembly 20, the cover closure mechanism 48 of at least one embodiment of an accessory pouch assembly 40 comprises a zipper mechanism. Of course, it will be appreciated that it is within the scope and intent of the present disclosure for the cover closure mechanism 48 to comprise any of a number of known closure devices including buttons, snaps, air locking tabs, etc., as noted above with reference to closure mechanism 21.

Turning again to FIG. 5, once the cover closure mechanism 48 is fully open, the corresponding outer cover member 42 is rotated about the cover interconnect 46 until the accessory pouch assembly 40 is in a fully open disposition. Looking to FIG. 6, the securing cord 38 is routed through the securing tab 43 on the outer cover member 42, and secure stop member 39 is removably attached to the free end of the securing cord 39 after it passes through the securing tab 43. Thus, the securing cord 38 of the securing tab 43 serve to maintain the outer cover member 42 in a fully open disposition until secure stop member 39 is removed by the user, and the securing cord 38 is released from the securing tab 43.

As previously stated, FIG. 5 is illustrative of one embodiment of a convertible athletic belt assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure wherein each accessory pouch assembly 40 in an open disposition. As shown in FIG. 5, each accessory pouch 40 includes an accessory assembly 50 mounted therein. Once again, as used herein, the term “mounted” shall mean and include, but shall not be limited to, fixedly or securedly attached, such as via integral construction, sewing, adhesives, heat welding, etc., as well as being removably and replacably attached such as via snaps, clips, tongue and groove interconnections, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

Looking again to the embodiment of FIG. 5, each accessory assembly 50 includes a container holder 52 having an open end 54 and a closed end 56. The container holder 52 is constructed of a flexible material that will stretch to conform to the size and shape of any of a variety of containers an athlete may carry for water, electrolyte fluids, etc. The flexible construction of the container holder 52 assures that a container is securely retained while the user is walking, jogging, running, or performing other activities which require the user's hands to be free. The container may be utilized to store water, electrolyte solutions, or other hydration fluid of a user's choosing, in order to assure that such hydration fluids are readily available and accessible to a user while walking, jogging, running, etc.

A retaining cord 58 is mounted proximate the open end 54 of the container holder 52. More in particular, retaining cord 58 is also constructed of the flexible material and is structured to engage a portion of a container, for example, a neck of a bottle, which is disposed in an operative position in container holder 52 such as is shown by way of example in FIG. 5. As FIG. 5 further illustrates, adjustable stop member 59 is movably attached to retaining cord 58 and is positionable to further secure the portion of a container which extends through and is engaged by the retaining cord 58.

Of course, container accessory 50 is only one of a variety of accessory assemblies 50 which may be mounted in an accessory pouch assembly 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. As one example, an accessory assembly 50 may comprise a portable electronic device holder 52′ once again comprised of a flexible fabric that will stretch to conform to the size and shape of any of a variety of portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, a portable electronic device holder 52′ in accordance with the present disclosure includes an open end 54′ and a closed end 56′ in which to securely yet removably retain a cell phone, MP3 player, portable GPS device, etc., while a corresponding accessory pouch assembly 40 is an open disposition, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In one further embodiment, an accessory assembly 50 comprises a secure concealed pouch 57 having a secure closure mechanism 57′ in which a user may place money, coins, keys, etc. Turning to the embodiment of FIG. 10, at least one accessory assembly 50 comprises a card holder 57″ having a plurality of slots in which a user may place a driver's license, identification card, credit card, debit card, access card, etc. In yet one further embodiment, an accessory assembly includes a key ring having a quick release mounted inside an accessory pouch assembly 40 in accordance with the present disclosure to which a user may securely store his or her keys while walking, jogging, running, working out, etc.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present convertible athletic belt assembly 10 may be configured with an almost limitless combination of device holders, pouches, and/or attachment assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A convertible athletic belt assembly comprising:

a central pouch assembly comprising a storage compartment,

said central pouch assembly further comprising a closure mechanism disposable between an open position and a closed position, said storage compartment is maintained in a secure closed configuration while said closure mechanism is disposed in said closed position,

at least one support member attached to said central pouch member, said support member having a front surface and a rear surface,

an accessory pouch assembly mounted to said front surface of said at least one support member, said accessory pouch assembly comprising a cover closure mechanism and is disposable between a closed disposition and an open disposition,

at least one accessory assembly mounted in said accessory pouch assembly, said at least one accessory assembly disposable into an operable configuration when said accessory pouch assembly is in said open disposition, and

an adjustable belt assembly structured to releasably secure at least said central pouch assembly and said support member about a user's waist or hips.

2. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said accessory assembly comprises a container holder having an open end and a closed end, said container holder structured to removably retain a container therein while disposed in said operable configuration.

3. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of construction to facilitate secure yet removable retention of the container therein while disposed in said operable configuration.

4. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of construction to facilitate storage of said container holder within said accessory pouch assembly, while said at least one accessory pouch assembly is in a closed disposition.

5. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said accessory assembly further comprises a retaining cord having an adjustable stop member, said retaining cord structured to operatively engage a portion of the container while the container is retained in said container holder.

6. A convertible athletic belt assembly comprising:

a central pouch assembly comprising a secure storage compartment, said central pouch assembly having oppositely disposed ends,

a plurality of support members each attached to said central pouch member along a different one of said oppositely disposed ends, each of said plurality of support members having a front surface and a rear surface,

an accessory pouch assembly mounted to said front surface of each of said plurality of support members, each said accessory pouch assembly being disposable between a closed disposition and an open disposition,

each said accessory pouch assembly comprising an outer cover member and an inner cover member movably interconnected to one another via a cover interconnect,

an accessory assembly disposable in a stored configuration in each said accessory pouch assembly, each said accessory assembly disposable into an operable configuration when a corresponding one of said accessory pouch assemblies is in said open disposition, and

an adjustable belt assembly secured at opposite ends to a different one of each of said plurality of support members, said adjustable belt assembly structured to releasably secure at least said central pouch assembly and said plurality of support members about a user's waist or hips.

7. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said inner cover member of each said accessory pouch assembly is securely affixed to said front surface of a corresponding one of said plurality of support members.

8. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said open disposition of each said accessory pouch assembly is at least partially defined by said outer cover member rotated about one-hundred and eighty degrees relative to a corresponding said inner cover member via said cover interconnect.

9. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein each said outer cover member comprises a tab.

10. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of support members further comprises a securing cord attached thereto, and a secure stop member removable securable to a free end of said securing cord.

11. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said open disposition is further defined by said securing cord being disposed through at least a portion of said securing tab of said outer cover of a corresponding one of said accessory pouch assemblies.

12. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a container holder having an open end and a closed end, said container holder structured to removably retain a container therein while disposed in said operable configuration.

13. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of construction to facilitate secure yet removable retention of the container therein while disposed in said operable configuration.

14. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said container holder comprises a resilient material of construction to facilitate storage of said container holder within a corresponding one of said accessory pouch assemblies, while said pouch assembly is in a closed disposition.

15. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said accessory assembly further comprises a retaining cord having an adjustable stop member, said retaining cord structured to operatively engage a portion of the container while the container is retained in said container holder.

16. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a portable electronic device holder having an open end and a closed end, said portable electronic device holder structured to removably retain a portable electronic device therein while disposed in said operable configuration.

17. The convertible athletic belt assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least one said accessory assembly comprises a coin purse having a secure closure mechanism, said coin purse structured to securely retain a user's valuables while disposed in said operable configuration.