US20160302558A1

US20160302558A1 - Activity Band

Info

Publication number: US20160302558A1
Application number: US14/687,291
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan King
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-15
Filing date: 2015-04-15
Publication date: 2016-10-20

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 of FIG. 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 line 7-7 of FIG. 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 of FIG. 8 showing an activity device being positioned there within;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the activity band of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the activity band of FIG. 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 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the activity band of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the activity band of FIG. 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 to FIGS. 1 through 6, an activity band 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown and includes the following major components: a strap 10, a cover section 20, a cover fastener 30, and an activity device receiving pocket 50.
With reference to FIGS. 2 through 6, the strap 10 will be described. As shown, the strap 10 is an elongated body of material having a uniform thickness. The strap 10 can be manufactured from textile, leather, plastic, or other known materials used for apparel. In the shown embodiment, the strap 10 is flexible.
The strap 10 includes a proximal end 12, a distal end 14, a plurality of fastener receiving passageways 16 and a first catch receiving passageway 18. The proximal end 12 is positioned opposite the distal end 14. The plurality of fastener receiving passageways 16 are positioned along the distal end 14, with each fastener receiving passageway 16 being a hole extending there through the strap 10. Each fastener receiving passageway 16 is sequentially aligned with and spaced apart from each other. As shown, there are four fastener receiving passageways 16. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that one or more fastener receiving passageways 16 can be used. The first catch receiving passageway 18 is positioned along the proximal end 12 in the embodiment shown. The first catch receiving passageway 18 includes a slit 19 that extends away from the first catch receiving passageway 18. Since the slit 19 extends into the first catch receiving passageway 18, the slit 19 allows the size of the first catch receiving passageway 18 to expand.
With reference to FIGS. 2 through 4, the cover section 20 will be described. An exemplary embodiment of the cover section 20 includes a top wall 22, a plurality of side walls 24, a device access section 25, a tab section 26, and a second catch receiving passageway 28.
Like the strap 10, the cover section 20 is a body of material having a uniform thickness. The cover section 20 can be manufactured from textile, leather, plastic, or other known materials used for apparel. In the shown embodiment, the cover section 20 is also flexible. While the cover section 20 in the shown embodiment is made from the same material as the strap 10, it is possible that the cover section 20 and the strap 10 are made of different materials.
In the shown embodiment, the plurality of side walls 24 extend from three sides of the top wall 22. In particular, one of the side walls 24 extends from a distal end of the top wall 22, while a pair of side walls 24 extends from opposite longitudinal sides of the top wall 22. The tab section 26 extends from a proximal end of the top wall 22, opposite the distal end.
In the shown embodiment, the tab section 26 is tapered. The tab section 26 is trapezoidal in shape. As shown, the tab section 26 includes a leading free end 27 that is shorter in length than a distal end that extends from the top wall 22. One skilled in the art should appreciate that other designs are possible, and the tab section 26 can be formed into different shapes, including squares, triangles, and semi-circles, for example.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the device access section 25 is a notch extending across a width of the top wall 22. The device access section 25 extends completely through the top wall 22. In the shown embodiment, the device access section 25 is an elongated opening having a rectangular shape. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design shapes are possible.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second catch receiving passageway 28 is an opening extending through the tab section 26. In particular, the second catch receiving passageway 28 is positioned about a center of the tab section 26 and extends completely there through. In the shown embodiment, the second catch receiving passageway 28 is a circular shaped opening. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other design shapes are possible. The second catch receiving passageway 28 includes a slit 29 extending from the second catch receiving passageway 28, which allows the size of the second catch receiving passageway 28 to change.
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover fastener 30 will be described. An exemplary embodiment of the cover fastener 30 is shown and includes a lower section 32 and an upper section 38.
The lower section 32 includes a base 34 and a fastener post 36 extending upward from a center of the base 34. In the shown embodiment, the base 34 and the fastener post 36 are a monolithic construction made from a rigid material, such as metal, hard plastic, or other known rigid materials. The base 34 is disk shaped, while the fastener post 36 is cylindrical having a helical ridge wrapped there around.
The upper section 38 includes a receiving section 40, a lower section receiving passageway 46, and a catch 48. In the shown embodiment, the receiving section 40 and the catch 48 are a monolithic construction made from a rigid material, such as metal, hard plastic, or other known rigid materials
In the shown embodiment, the receiving section 40 includes a receiving body 42 and a ridge 44 extending around a circumference of the receiving body 42. The receiving body 42 is conical shaped and includes walls that taper away from the ridge 44 toward a proximal end thereof. The lower section receiving passageway 46 extends through the ridge 44 and into the receiving body. The lower section receiving passageway 46 is a cylinder shaped channel having a helical ridge wrapped around an inner surface thereof. The lower section receiving passageway 46 is dimensioned and shaped to correspond with the fastener post 36.
The catch 48 is a spherical shaped body in the shown embodiment. The catch 48 is positioned on top of the receiving body 42 and dimensioned such that the catch 48 is wider than the proximal end of the receiving body 42. The catch 48 is also shaped and dimensioned to correspond with the first catch receiving passageway 18 and the second catch receiving passageway 28. However, the catch 48 is slightly larger than a diameter or width of the first catch receiving passageway 18 and the second catch receiving passageway 28, while the proximal end of the receiving body 42 is slightly smaller than the diameter or width of the first catch receiving passageway 18 and the second catch receiving passageway 28. One skilled in the art should appreciate that that the catch can be differently shaped.
Now with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the activity device receiving pocket 50 will be described. As shown, the activity device receiving pocket 50 is provided between the strap 10 and the cover section 20.
The activity device receiving pocket 50 is dimensioned and shaped to correspond with an activity tracking device 2. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the activity device receiving pocket 50 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 activity device receiving pocket 50 is dimensioned and shaped to conform to the outer surface of the activity tracking device 2, such that the activity tracking device 2 fits snugly in the activity device receiving pocket 50. As shown, the device access section 25 extends into the activity device receiving pocket 50. Again, depending on the type of activity tracking device 2, the size and shape of the activity device receiving pocket 50 may vary.
Since some activity tracking devices 2 include sensors that require physical contact with the user, the activity band 1 may include one or more sensor receiving passageways that extend from the activity device receiving pocket 50 to the user's skin. For instance, the strap 10 may include one or more sensor receiving passageways (not shown) that extend there through, from activity device receiving pocket 50.
Now with reference to FIGS. 1-7, assembly of the activity band 1 according to an embodiment of the invention will be described. In particular, the side walls 24 are secured to the strap 10 and the tab section 26 is free to move about the top wall 22. As a result, the activity tracking device 2 is properly positioned in the activity band 1 when the activity tracking device 2 is positioned through the activity device receiving passageway 52 and into the activity device receiving pocket 50.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for instance, the cover section 20 is positioned along the proximal end of the strap 10. The second catch receiving passageway 28 is aligned to correspond with the first catch receiving passageway 18. The side walls 24 are firmly secured to the strap 10 such that the edges of the strap 10 are flush with edges of the side walls 24. In the embodiment shown, the cover section 20 is secured to the strap 10 using stitching 21. 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 in FIG. 5, the fastener post 36 is positioned through one of the plurality of fastener receiving passageways 16 and received by the lower section receiving passageway 46. In the shown embodiment, the fastener post 36 is screwed into the lower section receiving passageway 46.
Now with reference to FIGS. 1-7, use of the activity band 1 with an activity tracking device will be discussed.
In the embodiment shown, the activity band 1 is to be worn on a user's wrist. As a result, the activity band 1 can be adjusted in order to accommodate the user's wrist size.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover fastener 30 can be positioned through any of the plurality of fastener receiving passageways 16. Since the fastener receiving passageways 16 are sequentially positioned along the strap 10, the user can secure the cover fastener 30 in the fastener receiving passageway 16 that provides a proper length between the cover fastener 30 and the first catch receiving passageway 18 to comfortably fit the user's wrist circumference.
Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the user can lift the tab section 26 to provide access to the activity device receiving passageway 52. The user then urges the activity tracking device 2 through the activity device receiving passageway 52 and into the activity device receiving pocket 50. As clearly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the activity tracking device 2 is frictionally fit in the activity device receiving pocket 50. When positioned in the activity device receiving pocket 50, the activity tracking device 2 presses up against the top wall 22, side walls 24, and the strap 10 in the embodiment shown. The device access section 25 allows access to buttons or screens of the activity tracking device 2.
After adjusting the position of the cover fastener 30, the user positions the strap 10 around their wrist and positions the cover fastener 30 through the first catch receiving passageway 18. The catch 48 stretches the first catch receiving passageway 18 open. Since the slit 19 is connected to the first catch receiving passageway 18, the first catch receiving passageway 18 accommodates the catch 48 that is sized slightly larger than the first catch receiving passageway 18 and allows passage there through (see FIG. 6). The first catch receiving passageway 18 then sits around the receiving body 42 to secure the strap about the user's wrist.
Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the user positions the catch 48 through the second catch receiving passageway 28. The catch 48 stretches the second catch receiving passageway 28 open. Since the slit 29 is connected to the second catch receiving passageway 28, the second catch receiving passageway 28 accommodates the catch 48 that is sized slightly larger than the first catch receiving passageway 18 and allows passage there through. The second catch receiving passageway 28 then sits around the receiving body 42 to secure the tab section 26 against the activity tracking device 2. Hence, the activity tracking device is secured in the activity device receiving pocket 50.
Since the device access section 25 allows access to buttons or screens of the activity tracking device 2, the user can access or view features of the activity tracking device 2 while secured in the activity receiving pocket.
Now with reference to FIGS. 8-11, another activity band 100 according to the invention is shown. The activity band 100 includes like component pieces of the activity band 1 described above. For the sake of brevity, only those features that differ from the activity band 1 will be described, while like components will be omitted.
In the shown embodiment, the activity band 100 includes a strap fastener 110 used in addition to the cover fastener 30 shown in the activity band 1. With the strap fastener 110, the activity device receiving pocket 50 can be positioned anywhere along the strap 10, and the strap is fit and secured to the user's wrist by way of the strap fastener 110. Furthermore, the strap 10 may not require the first catch receiving passageway 18. Instead, the strap 10 may include a fastener receiving passageway 16 that is positioned to correspond with the second catch receiving passageway 28 when the cover section 20 is positioned on and secured to the strap 10. Typically, the cover section 20 will be positioned about an approximate center section of the activity band 100, as shown.
The strap fastener 110 generally includes a plurality of buckle receiving passageways 112 and a buckle section 114.
The plurality of buckle receiving passageways 112 are positioned along the distal end 14 of the strap 10, with each buckle receiving passageway 112 being a hole extending through the strap 10. Each buckle receiving passageway 112 is sequentially aligned with and spaced apart from each other. As shown, there are nine buckle receiving passageways 112. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate one or more buckle receiving passageways 112 can be used.
The buckle section 114 includes pair of strap receiving loops 116 and a buckle 118.
As shown, the buckle section 114 is a two ply section of material and, in particular, a two-ply arrangement of the strap 10 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. The strap receiving loops 116 are loops of rigid material interposed between the plies of strap 10 material and secured in place against longitudinal movement by a securing mechanism, such as stitching, adhesive or other known fastening mechanisms. While the strap receiving loops 116 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.
The buckle 118 includes a shaft 120 that is positioned between the two plies of strap 10 material. More specifically, the shaft 120 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 to FIGS. 12-15, another activity band 200 according to the invention is shown. The activity band 200 includes like component pieces of the activity bands 1, 100 described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only those features that differ from the activity bands 1, 100 will be described, while like components will be omitted.
In the shown embodiment, the activity band 200 includes a resilient fastener 210 used in addition to the cover fastener 30 shown in the activity band 1. With the resilient fastener 210, the activity device receiving pocket 50 can be positioned anywhere along the strap 10, and the strap is fit and secured to the user's wrist and by way of the resilient fastener 210. Furthermore, the strap 10 may not require the first catch receiving passageway 18. Instead, the strap 10 would include a fastener receiving passageway 16 that is positioned to correspond with the second catch receiving section 28 when the cover section 20 is positioned and secured to the strap 10. Typically, the cover section 20 is positioned about an approximate center section of the activity band 200, as shown.
The resilient fastener 210 generally includes a fastener 212, an elastic band 214, and an elastic band receiving passageway 220.
In the shown embodiment, the fastener 212 is a button type fastener that is secured to one end of the strap 10. However, one skilled in the art should appreciate that other known fasteners could be used, including buckles, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. The fastener 212 is by a securing mechanism, such as stitching, adhesive or other known fastening mechanisms.
The elastic band 214 includes an elastic body 216 and a fastener receiving section 218. The elastic body 216 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. The fastener receiving section 218 is positioned at one end of the elastic body 216 and corresponds with the fastener 212. For instance, in the embodiment shown, the fastener receiving section 218 is a loop made of the elastic cord. However, depending on the type of fastener 212 used, the fastener receiving section 218 could be a corresponding strap for a buckle, snap, or hook and loop fastener, etc.
The elastic band receiving passageway 220 is a hole positioned at another end of the strap that is positioned opposite the fastener 212. The elastic band receiving passageway 220 receives the elastic band 214, 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 the fastener 212 is positioned on the end of the elastic band 214 and a fastener receiving mechanism (not show) is position on the strap 10 to correspond and secure with the fastener 212.
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

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 of claim 1, wherein the strap is an elongated body having a uniform thickness.

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

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

6. The activity band of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 7, wherein the tab section is tapered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. The activity band of claim 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 of claim 23, wherein the cover fastener is positioned between the fastener and the elastic band.

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

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

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