Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02755621 2011-10-20
EXERCISE POUCH
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;
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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:
Figure 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;
Figure 1B is another perspective view of the exercise pouch of Figure 1A,
showing a side of the pouch containing magnets;
Figure 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;
Figure 2B is another perspective view of the exercise pouch of Figure 2A,
showing a side of the pouch containing magnets;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 3D is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3A, showing a
stitched edge opposite the folded edge;
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Figure 3E is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3B, showing
two
stitched edges on opposing sides;
Figure 3F is a top view of the sheet of elastic material of FIG. 3C, showing a
stitched side edge of the cylinder;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 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;
Figure 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
Figure 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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. Figures 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. Figure
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. Figure 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.
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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
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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. Figure 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.
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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
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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
(734"), 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
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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 TA"
high x 5"
wide, and side pocket 14 that is 5" high x 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 iPhoneTM 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
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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. 113 and 28. 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
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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 (1/8") may be used. For magnets
of this
dimension, magnet pocket 49 having a rectangular dimension of about 11/2
inches wide
and 11/4 inches high, or alternatively 11/2 inches or 11/4 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.
=
Figure 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.
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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
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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 continguous 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
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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. 88. 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
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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.
