US20160302558A1 - Activity Band - Google Patents

Abstract

An activity band is provided and includes a strap, a cover section, a cover fastener, and an activity device receiving pocket. The cover section is positioned on top of and attached to the strap. The cover fastener is secured to the strap and positioned to correspond with the cover section. The activity device receiving pocket is located between the cover section and the strap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates to an activity band and, more particularly, an activity band for holding an activity tracking device.
BACKGROUND
• In recent years, activity trackers have been developed to track a user's measurable data, including steps walked and heart rate. Early activity trackers were wired and required the user to place the activity tracker on their body or clothing during use. Since these early trackers were cumbersome and restricted by wires, the user would typically remove the activity tracker when not performing an activity to be tracked. Newer activity trackers were developed with additional equipment to gather other measurable data, including sleep patterns and other personal metrics. As a result, the user would be required to wear the activity tracker throughout the day and night. Wireless technology was developed to allow the user to wear the activity device without restriction.
• Companies developed these wearable activity devices to be easily worn on clothing or parts of the body. For instance, many wearable activity devices were built into wristbands. However, the activity tracker built in the wearable activity device could not be removed or easily exchangeable with other wearable apparel.
SUMMARY
• Therefore, the invention relates to an activity band having a strap, a cover section, a cover fastener, and an activity device receiving pocket. The cover section is positioned on top of and attached to the strap. The cover fastener is secured to the strap and positioned to correspond with the cover section. The activity device receiving pocket is located between the cover section and the strap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following with reference to embodiments, referring to the appended drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic design of an activity band according to the invention being worn by a user;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the activity band ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of the activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 7 is another sectional view of the activity band according to the invention, taken along line7-7 ofFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 9 is a close up perspective view of the activity band ofFIG. 8 showing an activity device being positioned there within;
• FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the activity band ofFIG. 8;
• FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the activity band ofFIG. 8;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another activity band according to the invention;
• FIG. 13 is a close up bottom perspective view of the activity band ofFIG. 8;
• FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the activity band ofFIG. 12; and
• FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the activity band ofFIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)
• Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.
• Referring first toFIGS. 1 through 6, an activity band1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown and includes the following major components: astrap10, acover section20, acover fastener30, and an activitydevice receiving pocket50.
• With reference toFIGS. 2 through 6, thestrap10 will be described. As shown, thestrap10 is an elongated body of material having a uniform thickness. Thestrap10 can be manufactured from textile, leather, plastic, or other known materials used for apparel. In the shown embodiment, thestrap10 is flexible.
• Thestrap10 includes aproximal end12, adistal end14, a plurality offastener receiving passageways16 and a first catch receiving passageway18. Theproximal end12 is positioned opposite thedistal end14. The plurality offastener receiving passageways16 are positioned along thedistal end14, with eachfastener receiving passageway16 being a hole extending there through thestrap10. Eachfastener receiving passageway16 is sequentially aligned with and spaced apart from each other. As shown, there are fourfastener receiving passageways16. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that one or morefastener receiving passageways16 can be used. The first catch receiving passageway18 is positioned along theproximal end12 in the embodiment shown. The first catch receiving passageway18 includes aslit19 that extends away from the first catch receiving passageway18. Since theslit19 extends into the first catch receiving passageway18, theslit19 allows the size of the first catch receiving passageway18 to expand.
• With reference toFIGS. 2 through 4, thecover section20 will be described. An exemplary embodiment of thecover section20 includes atop wall22, a plurality ofside walls24, adevice access section25, atab section26, and a second catch receiving passageway28.
• Like thestrap10, thecover section20 is a body of material having a uniform thickness. Thecover section20 can be manufactured from textile, leather, plastic, or other known materials used for apparel. In the shown embodiment, thecover section20 is also flexible. While thecover section20 in the shown embodiment is made from the same material as thestrap10, it is possible that thecover section20 and thestrap10 are made of different materials.
• In the shown embodiment, the plurality ofside walls24 extend from three sides of thetop wall22. In particular, one of theside walls24 extends from a distal end of thetop wall22, while a pair ofside walls24 extends from opposite longitudinal sides of thetop wall22. Thetab section26 extends from a proximal end of thetop wall22, opposite the distal end.
• In the shown embodiment, thetab section26 is tapered. Thetab section26 is trapezoidal in shape. As shown, thetab section26 includes a leadingfree end27 that is shorter in length than a distal end that extends from thetop wall22. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible, and thetab section26 can be formed into different shapes, including squares, triangles, and semi-circles, for example.
• As shown inFIGS. 2-4, thedevice access section25 is a notch extending across a width of thetop wall22. Thedevice access section25 extends completely through thetop wall22. In the shown embodiment, thedevice access section25 is an elongated opening having a rectangular shape. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design shapes are possible.
• As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second catch receiving passageway28 is an opening extending through thetab section26. In particular, the second catch receiving passageway28 is positioned about a center of thetab section26 and extends completely there through. In the shown embodiment, the second catch receiving passageway28 is a circular shaped opening. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design shapes are possible. The second catch receiving passageway28 includes a slit29 extending from the second catch receiving passageway28, which allows the size of the second catch receiving passageway28 to change.
• With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thecover fastener30 will be described. An exemplary embodiment of thecover fastener30 is shown and includes alower section32 and anupper section38.
• Thelower section32 includes abase34 and a fastener post36 extending upward from a center of thebase34. In the shown embodiment, thebase34 and the fastener post36 are a monolithic construction made from a rigid material, such as metal, hard plastic, or other known rigid materials. Thebase34 is disk shaped, while the fastener post36 is cylindrical having a helical ridge wrapped there around.
• Theupper section38 includes a receivingsection40, a lower section receiving passageway46, and a catch48. In the shown embodiment, the receivingsection40 and the catch48 are a monolithic construction made from a rigid material, such as metal, hard plastic, or other known rigid materials
• In the shown embodiment, the receivingsection40 includes a receiving body42 and a ridge44 extending around a circumference of the receiving body42. The receiving body42 is conical shaped and includes walls that taper away from the ridge44 toward a proximal end thereof. The lower section receiving passageway46 extends through the ridge44 and into the receiving body. The lower section receiving passageway46 is a cylinder shaped channel having a helical ridge wrapped around an inner surface thereof. The lower section receiving passageway46 is dimensioned and shaped to correspond with the fastener post36.
• The catch48 is a spherical shaped body in the shown embodiment. The catch48 is positioned on top of the receiving body42 and dimensioned such that the catch48 is wider than the proximal end of the receiving body42. The catch48 is also shaped and dimensioned to correspond with the first catch receiving passageway18 and the second catch receiving passageway28. However, the catch48 is slightly larger than a diameter or width of the first catch receiving passageway18 and the second catch receiving passageway28, while the proximal end of the receiving body42 is slightly smaller than the diameter or width of the first catch receiving passageway18 and the second catch receiving passageway28. One skilled in the art should appreciate that that the catch can be differently shaped.
• Now with reference toFIGS. 2-4, the activitydevice receiving pocket50 will be described. As shown, the activitydevice receiving pocket50 is provided between thestrap10 and thecover section20.
• The activitydevice receiving pocket50 is dimensioned and shaped to correspond with anactivity tracking device2. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the activitydevice receiving pocket50 shown in the Figures is merely illustrative and it can be sized and shaped to accommodate various types of activity tracking devices.
• As shown, the activitydevice receiving pocket50 is dimensioned and shaped to conform to the outer surface of theactivity tracking device2, such that theactivity tracking device2 fits snugly in the activitydevice receiving pocket50. As shown, thedevice access section25 extends into the activitydevice receiving pocket50. Again, depending on the type ofactivity tracking device2, the size and shape of the activitydevice receiving pocket50 may vary.
• Since someactivity tracking devices2 include sensors that require physical contact with the user, the activity band1 may include one or more sensor receiving passageways that extend from the activitydevice receiving pocket50 to the user's skin. For instance, thestrap10 may include one or more sensor receiving passageways (not shown) that extend there through, from activitydevice receiving pocket50.
• Now with reference toFIGS. 1-7, assembly of the activity band1 according to an embodiment of the invention will be described. In particular, theside walls24 are secured to thestrap10 and thetab section26 is free to move about thetop wall22. As a result, theactivity tracking device2 is properly positioned in the activity band1 when theactivity tracking device2 is positioned through the activitydevice receiving passageway52 and into the activitydevice receiving pocket50.
• In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, for instance, thecover section20 is positioned along the proximal end of thestrap10. The second catch receiving passageway28 is aligned to correspond with the first catch receiving passageway18. Theside walls24 are firmly secured to thestrap10 such that the edges of thestrap10 are flush with edges of theside walls24. In the embodiment shown, thecover section20 is secured to thestrap10 using stitching21. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that securing mechanisms can be used, including mechanical welds, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, for instance.
• As shown inFIG. 5, the fastener post36 is positioned through one of the plurality offastener receiving passageways16 and received by the lower section receiving passageway46. In the shown embodiment, the fastener post36 is screwed into the lower section receiving passageway46.
• Now with reference toFIGS. 1-7, use of the activity band1 with an activity tracking device will be discussed.
• In the embodiment shown, the activity band1 is to be worn on a user's wrist. As a result, the activity band1 can be adjusted in order to accommodate the user's wrist size.
• As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, thecover fastener30 can be positioned through any of the plurality offastener receiving passageways16. Since thefastener receiving passageways16 are sequentially positioned along thestrap10, the user can secure thecover fastener30 in thefastener receiving passageway16 that provides a proper length between thecover fastener30 and the first catch receiving passageway18 to comfortably fit the user's wrist circumference.
• Next, as shown inFIG. 3, the user can lift thetab section26 to provide access to the activitydevice receiving passageway52. The user then urges theactivity tracking device2 through the activitydevice receiving passageway52 and into the activitydevice receiving pocket50. As clearly shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, theactivity tracking device2 is frictionally fit in the activitydevice receiving pocket50. When positioned in the activitydevice receiving pocket50, theactivity tracking device2 presses up against thetop wall22,side walls24, and thestrap10 in the embodiment shown. Thedevice access section25 allows access to buttons or screens of theactivity tracking device2.
• After adjusting the position of thecover fastener30, the user positions thestrap10 around their wrist and positions thecover fastener30 through the first catch receiving passageway18. The catch48 stretches the first catch receiving passageway18 open. Since theslit19 is connected to the first catch receiving passageway18, the first catch receiving passageway18 accommodates the catch48 that is sized slightly larger than the first catch receiving passageway18 and allows passage there through (seeFIG. 6). The first catch receiving passageway18 then sits around the receiving body42 to secure the strap about the user's wrist.
• Next, as shown inFIG. 6, the user positions the catch48 through the second catch receiving passageway28. The catch48 stretches the second catch receiving passageway28 open. Since the slit29 is connected to the second catch receiving passageway28, the second catch receiving passageway28 accommodates the catch48 that is sized slightly larger than the first catch receiving passageway18 and allows passage there through. The second catch receiving passageway28 then sits around the receiving body42 to secure thetab section26 against theactivity tracking device2. Hence, the activity tracking device is secured in the activitydevice receiving pocket50.
• Since thedevice access section25 allows access to buttons or screens of theactivity tracking device2, the user can access or view features of theactivity tracking device2 while secured in the activity receiving pocket.
• Now with reference toFIGS. 8-11, anotheractivity band100 according to the invention is shown. Theactivity band100 includes like component pieces of the activity band1 described above. For the sake of brevity, only those features that differ from the activity band1 will be described, while like components will be omitted.
• In the shown embodiment, theactivity band100 includes astrap fastener110 used in addition to thecover fastener30 shown in the activity band1. With thestrap fastener110, the activitydevice receiving pocket50 can be positioned anywhere along thestrap10, and the strap is fit and secured to the user's wrist by way of thestrap fastener110. Furthermore, thestrap10 may not require the first catch receiving passageway18. Instead, thestrap10 may include afastener receiving passageway16 that is positioned to correspond with the second catch receiving passageway28 when thecover section20 is positioned on and secured to thestrap10. Typically, thecover section20 will be positioned about an approximate center section of theactivity band100, as shown.
• Thestrap fastener110 generally includes a plurality ofbuckle receiving passageways112 and a buckle section114.
• The plurality ofbuckle receiving passageways112 are positioned along thedistal end14 of thestrap10, with eachbuckle receiving passageway112 being a hole extending through thestrap10. Eachbuckle receiving passageway112 is sequentially aligned with and spaced apart from each other. As shown, there are ninebuckle receiving passageways112. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate one or morebuckle receiving passageways112 can be used.
• The buckle section114 includes pair ofstrap receiving loops116 and abuckle118.
• As shown, the buckle section114 is a two ply section of material and, in particular, a two-ply arrangement of thestrap10 material, one end of which is doubled to provide an overlapping section of material. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the buckle section could be prepared with one or more ply arrangements. Thestrap receiving loops116 are loops of rigid material interposed between the plies ofstrap10 material and secured in place against longitudinal movement by a securing mechanism, such as stitching, adhesive or other known fastening mechanisms. While thestrap receiving loops116 are metal in the shown embodiment, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other materials could be used, including plastic, composites, and flexible fabrics.
• Thebuckle118 includes ashaft120 that is positioned between the two plies ofstrap10 material. More specifically, theshaft120 is positioned at an end of the two ply section and is secured, in the shown embodiment, in place against longitudinal movement by a securing mechanism, such as stitching, adhesive or other known fastening.
• Now with reference toFIGS. 12-15, anotheractivity band200 according to the invention is shown. Theactivity band200 includes like component pieces of theactivity bands1,100 described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only those features that differ from theactivity bands1,100 will be described, while like components will be omitted.
• In the shown embodiment, theactivity band200 includes aresilient fastener210 used in addition to thecover fastener30 shown in the activity band1. With theresilient fastener210, the activitydevice receiving pocket50 can be positioned anywhere along thestrap10, and the strap is fit and secured to the user's wrist and by way of theresilient fastener210. Furthermore, thestrap10 may not require the first catch receiving passageway18. Instead, thestrap10 would include afastener receiving passageway16 that is positioned to correspond with the second catch receiving section28 when thecover section20 is positioned and secured to thestrap10. Typically, thecover section20 is positioned about an approximate center section of theactivity band200, as shown.
• Theresilient fastener210 generally includes afastener212, anelastic band214, and an elasticband receiving passageway220.
• In the shown embodiment, thefastener212 is a button type fastener that is secured to one end of thestrap10. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other known fasteners could be used, including buckles, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Thefastener212 is by a securing mechanism, such as stitching, adhesive or other known fastening mechanisms.
• Theelastic band214 includes an elastic body216 and afastener receiving section218. The elastic body216 is an elastic cord having one or more elastic strands forming a core. In the shown embodiment, the elastic cord is covered in a woven textile material, such as cotton or a polypropylene sheath. Thefastener receiving section218 is positioned at one end of the elastic body216 and corresponds with thefastener212. For instance, in the embodiment shown, thefastener receiving section218 is a loop made of the elastic cord. However, depending on the type offastener212 used, thefastener receiving section218 could be a corresponding strap for a buckle, snap, or hook and loop fastener, etc.
• The elasticband receiving passageway220 is a hole positioned at another end of the strap that is positioned opposite thefastener212. The elasticband receiving passageway220 receives theelastic band214, which is secured there about, using a knot in the shown embodiment. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that a securing mechanism can be used, including stitching, mechanical welds, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, for instance.
• In other embodiments, it is possible that thefastener212 is positioned on the end of theelastic band214 and a fastener receiving mechanism (not show) is position on thestrap10 to correspond and secure with thefastener212.
• The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, a

Claims (28)

What is claimed is:

1. An activity band, comprising:

a strap;

a cover section positioned on top of and attached to the strap;

a cover fastener secured to the strap and positioned to correspond with the cover section; and

an activity device receiving pocket located between the cover section and the strap.

2. The activity band ofclaim 1, wherein the strap is an elongated body having a uniform thickness.

3. The activity band ofclaim 2, wherein the strap is leather.

4. The activity band ofclaim 1, wherein the strap includes a plurality of fastener receiving passageways positioned along a distal end, and a first catch receiving passageway positioned along a proximal end and corresponding with the cover section.

5. The activity band ofclaim 4, further comprising a slit that extends from the first catch receiving passageway.

6. The activity band ofclaim 1, wherein the cover section includes a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the top wall and secured to the strap.

7. The activity band ofclaim 6, further comprising a tab section extending from the top wall and having a catch receiving passageway corresponding with the cover fastener.

8. The activity band ofclaim 7, wherein the tab section is tapered.

9. The activity band ofclaim 6, further comprising a device access section extending across a width of the top wall.

10. The activity band ofclaim 9, wherein the device access section is an elongated opening extending completely through the top wall.

11. The activity band ofclaim 1, wherein the cover fastener includes a lower section extending through the strap and an upper section connecting with the lower section.

12. The activity band ofclaim 11, wherein the lower section includes a base and a fastener post extending upward from a center of the base.

13. The activity band ofclaim 12, wherein the base is disk shaped and the fastener post is a cylinder having a helical ridge wrapped there around.

14. The activity band ofclaim 13, wherein the upper section includes a receiving section with a lower section receiving passageway extending there through and a catch positioned on top of the receiving section.

15. The activity band ofclaim 14, wherein the receiving section includes a receiving body and a ridge extending around a circumference of the receiving body.

16. The activity band ofclaim 15, wherein the receiving body is conical and includes walls that taper away from the ridge toward a proximal end thereof.

17. The activity band ofclaim 16, wherein the lower section receiving passageway extends through the ridge and into the receiving body and corresponds with the fastener post.

18. The activity band ofclaim 15, wherein the catch is a spherical shaped body positioned on top of the receiving body and dimensioned such that the catch is wider than a proximal end of the receiving body.

19. The activity band ofclaim 1, further comprising a strap fastener having a plurality of buckle receiving passageways and a buckle section.

20. The activity band ofclaim 19, wherein the plurality of buckle receiving passageways are positioned along a distal end of the strap and the buckle section is positioned at a proximal end of the strap.

21. The activity band ofclaim 20, wherein the cover fastener is positioned between the plurality of buckle receiving passageways and the buckle section.

22. The activity band ofclaim 21, wherein the buckle section includes a strap receiving loop and a buckle.

23. The activity band ofclaim 1, further comprising a resilient fastener system having a fastener and an elastic band positioned at opposite ends of the strap.

24. The activity band ofclaim 23, wherein the cover fastener is positioned between the fastener and the elastic band.

25. The activity band ofclaim 24, wherein the fastener is a button type fastener secured to one end of the strap.

26. The activity band ofclaim 25, wherein the elastic band includes an elastic body secured to the strap and a fastener receiving section extending from the elastic body.

27. The activity band ofclaim 26, wherein the elastic body is an elastic cord having one or more elastic strands forming a core.

28. The activity band ofclaim 27, wherein the fastener receiving section corresponds to secure with the fastener.

Images