Wearable Exercise Object

Joggers may rely on wearable sports equipment such as backpacks, slings, fanny packs, drawstring bags, etc., while they exercise to carry personal items such as clothing, keys, cell phones, wallets, earbuds, etc. Oftentimes, this requires the joggers to strap the separate equipment to themselves over their clothes. During exercise, as a jogger's body temperature increases, the jogger may remove layers of clothing to stay cool. The removed layers are often carried around by hand during the remainder of an exercise, tied around the person's waist, or separately stored in the wearable sports equipment. Multiple separate items may be difficult to keep track of, and these may easily be lost or misplaced. Furthermore, joggers are often encumbered with personal items that need to be stored in open pockets or carried by hand.

An apparatus may comprise a garment; an attachable segment configured to enclose the garment in a collapsed configuration; a strap configured to wrap around at least one body part; and a strap compartment that temporarily houses at least a portion of the strap, wherein the garment, the attachable segment, the strap compartment, and the strap are all unitarily formed or attached as a single wearable article of clothing.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use during exercise, and more particularly, disclosed herein is an apparatus that has the ability to store part of itself. Even more particularly, disclosed herein is an apparatus having an attachable segment configured to enclose a garment, whereby the garment may be neatly folded into a pocket temporarily formed by the attachable segment. In examples, the apparatus may serve as both a wearable garment and a storage device, simultaneously.

A “substantial portion of,” as used herein, refers to at least 30%. In some examples, a substantial portion may be greater than 50%, greater than 70%, or ranges therebetween.

Advantageously, the apparatus may have the ability to store part of itself during exercise, thereby doubling as both a wearable exercise garment and as a storage device. The apparatus eliminates the need for joggers to carry separate storage devices to house their apparel and/or personal belongings. The apparatus may also unencumber the jogger by eliminating their need to hold removed clothes in their hands or to tie them around their waist, etc.

In addition, such may also reduce the risk that a garment-removed during exercise becomes lost or misplaced, e.g., by virtue of the garment's being unitarily formed as part of or otherwise attached to the part of the apparatus the serves as the storage device. Further, in examples where the garment comprises a reflective device, the article may improve the jogger's safety, e.g., as a result of there being a reduced risk of misplacing the garment. Other advantages may include ergonomic washing of both the garment and the personal storage device since they are, in some examples, the same unit of clothing and are thus washed and dried simultaneously.

illustrates a front view of an apparatusthat includes central pocketfor holding fabric, a strap, and personal items, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, apparatusmay comprise a single article comprising various sections, such as a central section, strap, and fabric disposed within fabric pocket. Apparatusmay comprise multiple sections stitched together, or else may comprise a single uniform fabric comprising the various sections. In the illustrated example, a garment (e.g., garmentof) is neatly folded within an inner regionof fabric pocket. Fabric pocketmay be closed by fastenersarranged horizontally across an upper endof central section.

A central pocketmay be disposed on an outer surface of central sectionand may include a pocket closing devicethat allows access to the central pocket. Central pocketmay be used to store personal items such as a cell phone, wallet, flashlight, etc. In some examples, a boundary indicated by a dotted line atmay generally conform to the profile of apparatusbetween strap compartments, however may have alternative profiles (e.g., referring to). In essence, however, apparatusis designed such that it accommodates storing a garment (e.g., garmentof) unitarily formed as part of, or permanently attached to, the apparatusin addition to the personal items. While this Figure shows a pocket closing deviceto open or close central pocket, such may alternatively be, to use non-limiting examples, any suitable fastening mechanism (e.g., snap, button, buckle, hook-and-loop, clip, magnet, etc.). Central pocketmay include lining that conforms to the boundary ator may alternatively be formed directly from the outer surface of central sectionand an outer layer of fabric adjacent to the central section, e.g., stitched at the boundary indicated at. In some examples, one or more connectors (e.g., key lanyard deviceof) for attaching to a lanyard, such as a button, loop and carabiner, etc., may be formed or attached to an outer surface of central pocket.

Fastenersmay comprise any suitable fastening mechanism for closing the inner regionof fabric pocket, for example, snaps, buckles, clips, buttons, magnets, lace or fabric, clamps, rings or grommets, adjustors, zippers, drawstring, combinations thereof, or the like. Fastening fastenersmay include snapping, clipping, tying, sliding, clamping, pressing, buttoning, etc., or the like. This example shows four fastenerswhich are linearly arranged in a single row near the upper endof central section, however any suitable number of fastenersmay be used, for example, two, three, five, six, ten, or ranges therebetween. Likewise, fastenersmay be positioned in various alternative configurations, such as with multiple rows, such as when fabric pocketis divided into a plurality, for example. Suitable locations where one or more of fastenersmay be placed may include, for example, near upper end, near lower end, approximately halfway between upper and lower ends,, or the like, of central section. Alternatively, or additionally, on the central pocketand/or strap compartments, as well as various regions of a garment(e.g., referring to), to be discussed in later figures.

Strapis a sturdy and/or elastic material, or fabric attached to a bucklethat may support the weight of the apparatus, garment (e.g., garmentof), and personal belongings when it is strapped around a person's waist. Alternatively, strapmay be configured instead to strap around various other parts of a person's body, such as over a shoulder so that strapextends diagonally across the person's torso. Strapmay be tightened at buckle.

A reflective devicemay be attached to apparatus, such as to an outer surface of central pocketadjacent an outer surface of central section. For example, one or more of the reflective devicemay be attached at any suitable location of apparatusand may be visible both when garment(e.g., referring to) is tucked away inside fabric pocketor when garmentis worn during exercise. Reflective devicemay be, for example, a reflective tape, one or more reflectors, or the like. As mentioned, reflection devicemay, where used, protect the safety of a night-time jogger by signaling to drivers their location.

Bilateral strap compartmentsmay be disposed at or near opposite ends,of central section, as illustrated. As with central pocket, strap compartmentsmay either include lining conforming to a boundary ator else simply a single layer of fabric adjacent to (e.g. stitched to) central section. The boundaries atandmay be spaced apart or else joined at an interface. In examples, fabric on the outer surface of central sectionmay comprise a single fabric, or multiple. Respective zippersor alternative suitable fasteners may allow access to strap compartments. As will be shown in, strap compartmentsmay house strapand buckle.

Apparatusmay comprise fabric. For example, central section, fabric pocket, central pocket, and strap compartmentsmay comprise any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics. Fabric constructions may include woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric (e.g., breathable fabric, water repelling fabric, water resistant fabric, etc.), and any combinations (e.g., a multi-layered combination) thereof. In some examples, fabric may include one or more fiber-based and/or yarn-based materials. For example, fabric may include a natural fiber-based material such as, but not limited to, cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, jute, combinations thereof, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, a synthetic fiber-based material such as, but not limited to, polyester, spandex, polypropylene, nylon, regenerated fibers, combinations thereof, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, yarns such as, but not limited to, viscose rayon, lyocell, regenerated cellulose, modal fabric, bamboo fabric, combinations thereof, etc. Yet alternatively, or additionally, one or more recycled materials. Chemically recycled and/or mechanically recycled materials may be present in the fabric in any amount, such as about 90%. Alternatively, from about 0% to about 25%, about 25% to about 50%, about 50% to about 75%, about 75% to about 100%, or any ranges therebetween. Material may also be recycled in the sense that it is repurposed from pre-existing garments.

illustrates apparatusofwith the strap tucked into strap compartments, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned, strapand buckle(e.g., referring to) may be stored inside strap compartments, such as by tightly folding or rolling strap. In examples, a substantial length (e.g., greater than 50%, 70%, 90%, etc.) of the strap may fit within strap compartments.

illustrates the garment ofwith fasteners undone to reveal a garmentdisposed in fabric pocket, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the garmentis neatly folded and tucked away within fabric pocket, and the fabric pocketis in an open configuration with the fastenersundone. In examples, fabric pocketand garmentmay comprise the same fabric. For example, the fabric pocketmay be formed by the garment. In examples, fabric pocketmay include additional fastening features(e.g., referring to) corresponding to the fasteners. In use, a jogger may store or retrieve garmentby opening and closing the inner regionof the fabric pocketby fastening and unfastening the fasteners.

illustrates a rear view of the garment of, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This view more clearly shows the additional fastening featureswhich correspond to the fasteners(e.g., referring to). While this example schematically shows the additional fastening featureas circles, these may be holes for buttons, other end of a snap fastener, receiving end of a buckle, etc., corresponding to the fasteners. This example also shows fabric pocketextending all the way across lower endto upper end. One advantage of this configuration is that the garment(e.g., referring to), may serve as padding between a jogger and any personal items disposed within the central pocketwhen garmentis tucked away inside fabric pocket, making for a more comfortable apparatus.

illustrates a cross-sectional view of the garment ofat line-, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, garmentis disposed within fabric pocket. Internal regions of fabric pocketand central pocketmay be separated by central section, which may comprise a central section dividing the two regions. In examples, the central sectionmay comprise fabric wrapped around a rigid support (e.g., cardboard, plastic sheet, rubber layer, etc.) or just be a single layer of the fabric. This view also shows pocket closing devicewhich is closed to enclose the inner region of central pocket.

illustrates a front view of the garment ofwith the garmentextended out of a fabric pocket(e.g., referring to), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, garmentmay include sleevesand a body. Sleevesare shown as short sleeves in this example but may be long-sleeved or sleeveless. In examples, garmentcomprises a shirt. Alternatively, garmentmay be a hoodie, jacket, or any suitable upper body clothing (or lower body clothing, e.g., pants, sweats, shorts, etc.) that fits inside the fabric pocket(e.g., referring to). In this example, buckleis snapped closed and tightened around the bodyat a person's waist on an outer surface of the front sidefabric of garment, with a free endof strapextending out from the buckle. In some examples, buckleneed not necessarily be fastened while garmentis being worn, but which may be buckled to provide additional support.

illustrates a rear view of the garment of, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This example shows both fastenersdisposed at the upper endof central sectionand the corresponding fastening featuresplaced on the rear sidefabric of garmentat a distance. Distancemay be about 6 inches, or else from about 3 inches to about 8 inches, or any ranges therebetween, for example. In this example, when garmentis neatly folded, garmentextends forwards (i.e., towards front side) and around lower endof central sectionto connect fastenersto corresponding fastening features.

In an alternative example, the fastenersand corresponding fastening featuresare alternatively disposed on a front side(at an area indicated aton) of garmentand on the interiorof the front sidefabric of garmentnear the bottom(at an area indicated at), respectively. In this alternative example, an upper portionof garmentis folded backwards over the upper endof central sectionand a lower portionof garmentis also folded backwards around the lower endof central sectionand up towards the upper endto connect fastenersto the corresponding fastening features. In yet alternative examples, the fastenersand/or corresponding fastening featuresare placed on any suitable location of garment, such as on the interior and/or exterior sides of either or both front sidefabric and rear sidefabric. For example, on a sleeveor collar.

illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatusmay share one or more features in common with any of. However, in this example, apparatuscomprises central section, strap compartments, straps, buckle, and pocket closing device. Central sectionmay include one or more inner pockets accessible via an opening through pocket closing device. Respective portions of strapsmay be removably stored within strap compartmentsattached to or unitarily formed as part of central section.

illustrates a schematic diagram of apparatusof, but flipped around and viewed from the other side, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows an attachable segmentwhich houses (e.g., wraps around a coiled portion of) the garment (e.g., garmentof). Various connectorsmay allow for releasable connecting of various regions of apparatustogether. These regions may include regions of fabric and/or corresponding receivers (e.g., connectorofand/or connectorof). Connectorsmay comprise any suitable connection device such as any of those previously listed (e.g., referring to fastenersof).

illustrates a partially transparent view of the apparatusofin an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows the strapsextending around garmentwhere they meet at buckle. This figure also shows connectorsof attachable segmentdetached from respective connectorsafter garmenthas been withdrawn from an inner pocket temporarily formed between attachable segmentand central section. While this Figure shows central sectionas another layer of fabric layered behind garment, central sectionmay be unitarily formed as part of garment, in some examples (e.g., where strap compartmentsare attached directly to garmentinstead of a layer of fabric superimposed on garment). A dotted line atschematically shows where an opening to one or more central pockets (e.g., pocketof) may be accessible (e.g., via pocket closing deviceof). In the illustrated Figure, creaseis positioned so as to generally line up with the outer edge of garment, but may alternatively be, or be positioned above or below, the outer edge.

illustrates a close-up schematic view of the apparatusofto show attachable segmentwrapped around garmentin a coiled position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In examples, the connection between connectors,(e.g., referring to) is sufficient to withstand impact associated with jogging so as to retain garmentin the coiled position during use.

illustrates a schematic front view of apparatusofin an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown by this Figure and by, when the garmentis extended from apparatus, it is not necessary that the straps(e.g., referring to) be deployed but may be housed within respective strap compartments(e.g., again referring to). Accordingly,illustrates a schematic rear view of apparatusof, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. However,illustrates the schematic rear view of the apparatusof, except that one of the strapsis extended out from its respective strap compartment. The other strap compartmentis pulled back away from garmentto reveal a pair of connectors,. As with other pairs of connectors, connectorsandmay attach to each other to join two fabrics together whereby a pocket may form between the separate layersand. In some examples, this is the mechanism which strapsare temporarily tucked away and stored within strap compartments(e.g., referring to). One purpose served by connectorsandis to allow strap compartmentsto detach from garment, thereby allowing garmentto fold at seamso that it fits more compactly in the coiled configuration (e.g., referring to). Alternative configurations/mechanisms for storing strapwithin strap compartmentare possible, such as a zipper pocket between the separate layersand. In one or more examples, a mechanical device may be placed within strap compartmentsto automatically reel strapsinto a coiled position, e.g., when buckleis released.

illustrates a front view of an example of the apparatusofwith the garmentin the coiled position of, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure shows strapsdeployed out from strap compartments,, openingaccessible via pocket closing device, and the outer surfaceof the apparatus. Also visible in this figure is a key lanyard devicewhose purpose is to allow a jogger to easily retrieve an item (e.g., key, ID card, key fob, etc.) attachable thereto.

illustrates a rear view of the example apparatusshown in, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. This Figure also shows the attachable segmentwrapped around garmentin the coiled position of. During use, the apparatus in the coiled position may be buckled (e.g., at the waist) to a jogger such that an outer surface of attachable segmentseats against the jogger's body.

illustrates the rear view of the example apparatusofwith both the garmentand the attachable segmentin an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates the example apparatus ofafter flipping it around and partially rolling or folding the garmentto a coiled position. As illustrated, garmentmay be neatly stored within the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates the rear view of the example apparatusofwith the garmentin the extended position but with the straps(e.g., referring to) housed with respective strap compartmentsof the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates the rear view of the example apparatus shown inbut with the strapsextended, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

An example method of using the apparatusis provided. To open the apparatus, a person may undo/detach connectorsand(e.g., referring to) to release garmentfrom the coiled position (e.g., referring to). After unrolling garment, the person may optionally stow the strapswithin their respective storage compartments(e.g., referring to) by closing two separate fabricsandaround the respective strapand/or buckleand attaching connectorsand. Whether or not strapsare stowed away within respective storage compartments, the person may also attach connectorsandand put on the apparatus. Attachable segmentmay be reattached to central sectionsuch as by sliding it through a space formed between parallel seams, central section, and a back of garment. This prevents attachable segmentfrom hanging down and trailing behind the jogger during exercise. In some examples, collapsing the apparatus to the collapsed configuration (e.g., as shown in) may involve performing one or more of these operations in reverse. For example, a person may remove the apparatusfrom their body, fold the garment(e.g., parallel with seam) and roll, crumple, squish, etc., or otherwise reduce the volume of garmentso that attachable segmentneatly captures garmentwithin a temporary pocket formed between attachable segmentand another portion (e.g., central section) of the apparatus.

illustrates an embodiment of apparatuscomprising a fabricthat is sewn together, generally at the edges, at locationto form a tubular structure. Tubular structuremay be formed from a single piece of fabricor multiple pieces of fabricsewn together. As disclosed herein, fabricmay comprise solely of or at least in part, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, elastane, cotton, bamboo, and/or modal. The internal space formed with an outer shell of tubular structuremay be referred to as cavity. In examples, tubular structuremay be of any suitable length with a first endand a second end. First endand/or second endmay be joined to form apparatus.

As illustrated in, apparatushas been joined at first endand second endof tubular structureto form a “donut” shaped structure. As illustrated, first endand second endmay be attached to each other through at least opening device. In this example, the structure of opening devicemay be tubular in structure and the same diameter as first endand second end. As illustrated, opening devicemay be any suitable opening device that may allow access to cavity(e.g., referring to) within tubular structure. For example, opening devicemay be one or more snaps, one or more buckles, one or more clips, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, lace or fabric, one or more clamps, one or more rings, one or more, one or more adjustors, one or more zippers, one or more drawstrings, one or more fold over flaps, and/or the like. With continued reference to, opening devicemay be tubular in structure, which may allow first endand/or secondto be sewn to opening deviceat edges. However, apparatusas illustrated in, opening devicemay be disposed only in a part of the outer surface of tubular structure. For example, at least a part of first endand second endmay be sewn together at location. Additionally, any other portion of first endand second endnot sewn together may be sewn to an edgeof opening device. In examples of apparatusin which opening deviceis a flap, as illustrated in, the portions of first endand second endnot sewn at edge, as opposed to sewn together at edge, together may overlay each other to form a flapfor opening device. The edges of first endand/or second endthat overlay each other may be hemmed at end, to prevent fraying of fabric. Referring back to, opening devicemay allow access to cavity(e.g., referring to). Cavitymay be completely sealed within tubular structureand opening device. During use, loose items, such as keys, cell phones, and/or the like may be placed within cavitythrough opening device. After closing opening device, loose items within cavitymay be held and/or contained within tubular structure.illustrates embodiments in which tubular structuremay be hemmed or seamed at one or more locations. At location, the hem or seam may pinch tubular structure, effectively creating a closed end. In examples, there may be one or more hems or seams at location. Additionally, the one or more hems or seams may be parallel and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tubular structure. This may reduce the space within cavityin which loose items may be stored held.

further illustrates an embodiment when a second tubular structuremay be formed from fabricthat is sewn together at the edges. Second tubular structuremay be formed from a single piece of fabricor multiple pieces of fabricsewn together. First endand second endof second tubular structuremay be hemmed, to prevent deterioration of the edge of fabricand add robustness to second tubular structure. In examples, as illustrated in, first tubular structuremay be disposed within second tubular structure. As illustrated, second tubular structuremay be disposed about opposite opening device, referring to. Additionally, first tubular structuremay be attached to second tubular structureat locationby a hem or seam. This may not only reduce space of cavity, as discussed above, but may also attach both first tubular structureto second tubular structure. In other examples, first tubular structuremay not be disposed within second tubular structure. In this example, the outer surface of first tubular structuremay be attached to the outer surface of second tubular structureby hem or seam. By attaching second tubular structureto first tubular structurea pouchmay be formed opposite opening device. Pouchmay allow for additional articles of clothing to be stored and easily accessible to the user.

Thus, the present disclosure provides an apparatus which includes a garment, an attachable segment configured to house the garment, a strap, and a strap compartment configured to house the strap, wherein all these are uniformly formed or attached as a single wearable article of clothing. This unencumbers joggers and eliminates the need for additional wearable sports equipment. Advantageously, the apparatus may store part of itself easily so that joggers are not required to carry their loose clothing in their hands.

In alternative embodiments, rather than the apparatus itself being permanently attached to or unitarily formed as part of the garment, it may comprise (e.g., consist of) the attachable segment, strap, and strap compartment. For example, these together may form the apparatus that is separately attachable (e.g., temporarily/removably) to the garment. Separately attaching the apparatus to the garment may be achieved with a connector (or plurality) at specific regions of the garment and apparatus, or else may involve frictional engagement alone without any connector. In examples, this means that the apparatus may have the capability of being removably attached to any one of a plurality of garments, such as to any shirt of an appropriate size within a closet.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the word “may” is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “include,” and derivations thereof, mean “including, but not limited to.” The term “coupled” means directly or indirectly connected. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted for the purpose of understanding this invention.

For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Various advantages of the present disclosure have been described herein, but embodiments may provide some, all, or none of such advantages, or may provide other advantages.