US20080230580A1 - Tennis ball belt - Google Patents
Tennis ball belt Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080230580A1 US20080230580A1 US12/050,761 US5076108A US2008230580A1 US 20080230580 A1 US20080230580 A1 US 20080230580A1 US 5076108 A US5076108 A US 5076108A US 2008230580 A1 US2008230580 A1 US 2008230580A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- balls
- wearer
- ball
- interior surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/0015—Sports garments other than provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/088
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
- A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
- A41D31/18—Elastic
- A41D31/185—Elastic using layered materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41F—GARMENT FASTENINGS; SUSPENDERS
- A41F9/00—Belts, girdles, or waistbands for trousers or skirts
- A41F9/002—Free belts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
- A45F2003/144—Pack-carrying waist or torso belts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
- A45F5/021—Fastening articles to the garment to the belt
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
- A63B47/04—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for cleaning balls
- A63B2047/043—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for cleaning balls with drying means
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a device and method for assisting players of ball games, and more particularly to a device and method for holding one or more balls.
- Holding an adequate supply of tennis balls during play or practice is an unaddressed problem in tennis.
- match play a player requires two balls, holding another ball in reserve during service, in case of a service fault.
- drills or casual play a player, especially a new player, benefits from holding up to six or ten balls on their person, rather than picking balls out of a basket, or retrieving them from the tennis court.
- a first type is the cage-type ball holder. These provide a cage, or pocket, that usually attaches to, or is incorporated into, a belt, and which holds each tennis ball individually.
- a second type of ball holders is pouch-type. These ball holders are worn around the waist or over the shoulder and provide a pouch that holds a number of balls.
- a third type underwear for women's tennis skirts, allows one to put the ball in the lower edge of the panty. Each of these devices is cumbersome to use, is limited in the number of balls that can be held, or fails to hold balls during play.
- Certain embodiments include an apparatus for holding tennis balls that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a belt that can be worn, for example, and without limitation, about the torso, arm, or leg, and which restrains one or more balls between the belt and the wearer's body.
- the term “ball holder” is used herein, and without limitation, to describe an apparatus that permits a user to store balls, including but not limited to tennis balls.
- the ball holder is a belt that may be a continuous band or which may be a material with ends that can be secured to from a belt.
- a ball holder includes a belt that includes a flexible, expandable fabric.
- the belt is a continuous band.
- the belt includes a fastener and a band to permit the attachment and removal of the ball holder.
- the belt is a material having two ends that can be tied about the wearer.
- a ball holder that is easy to wear, can accept several tennis balls at a time that are easily reached and removable by the wearer, and restrain the tennis balls within the apparatus while the wearer moves about the court.
- the ball holder is primarily a ball storage device, allowing one-handed access to the ball.
- the ball holder is worn as an article of clothing, and includes a dri-fit fabric with moisture wicking capabilities.
- Yet other certain embodiments restrain balls using tension and friction from a belt to hold the balls between the wearer's body and a flexible, expandable band made of fabric.
- the band is a stretch fabric that may include one or more of a nylon, a LYCRA®, a spandex, or a polyester material.
- the fabric is ergonomically designed to fit snuggly about the player, without binding or twisting, and offering easy access to and retrieval of tennis balls.
- the ball holder When the ball holder is worn around the lower waist or hips, it provides a flat profile when empty, until balls are inserted, after which the band bulges about the inserted tennis balls. Balls so held not slip down or pop out of the top or bottom of the band due to the weave of the of the fabric, the fabric content, and snugness of the fit.
- the width of the band holds the balls firmly against the body without flopping or producing distracting momentum.
- inventive ball holders have one or more of the following advantages over the prior art, including:
- Cage-type holders are usually made from stiff, hard materials and the balls pop in and out of the cages.
- the cages poke and scratch during activity.
- the balls are held out from the body they bounce, and may pull on the garment if clipped to a waistband.
- Pouch-type holders also have bouncing issues, and when not full, the balls may move around during activity. This causes the belt to slide to one side, requiring adjustment.
- Accessing the balls quickly with one hand is critical during play. While the cage-type holders offer this, putting the balls in the cage is not always as easy. Accessing the balls in a pouch type holder may require unzipping or unsnapping a closure (two hands), or fishing around for the ball. Certain embodiments described herein offer quick, one-handed access to any of the balls being held, as well as quick storage.
- the most successful cage-type design stores only one or two balls.
- the panty type also store at most two balls per leg. Certain embodiments described herein can hold up to 6 balls, and is particularly useful when practicing drills, serves, and rallying in non-match situations.
- Durability The plastic cages are rigid, and frequently break. Certain embodiments described herein include a high performance textile that will last several years, and has no breakable parts.
- Certain embodiments described herein can become part of a tennis, or other sporting, outfit when balls are not being stored. Other certain embodiments described herein would, when not holding balls, appear as a wide waistband that lays flat about the wearer. Yet other certain embodiments include a variety of colors and designs to compliment the wearer's outfits.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball holder worn around the upper hips;
- FIG. 1 a is a cross section of FIG. 1 showing one ball between the body of the wearer and the ball holder;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view, having a cut-out, of one embodiment of a belt with a two layer construction, where the top and bottom have been seamed or bonded to keep the layers together;
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the two layer construction of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a ball holder having one layer construction
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate two layer construction using two different weaves of textile in one circular knit band, before it is folded on top of itself to create the two layers;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the band of FIG. 5 folded create a two layers with one seam
- FIG. 7 shows the cross section of the belt of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an embodiment of a belt formed from a material having a hook and loop fastener to secure the belt.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball holder worn around the upper hips, as a belt 2 on a wearer 1 . It is preferred that belt 2 is sized to be worn about the wearer, and that it can expand to accommodate one or more items. Belt 2 is illustratively shown in FIG. 1 as restraining a plurality of tennis balls 3 . In one embodiment, belt 2 can stretch to accommodate more than one ball, such as up to six tennis balls.
- the balls may have, for example and without limiation, a diameter of from approximately 2.5 inches to approximately 3.0 inches
- Belt 2 includes at least some expandable material.
- belt 2 is formed from materials commonly found in active-wear garments.
- the material includes an “expandable” knit, which includes but is not limited to, a ribbed knit, a mesh knit, or a waffle knit.
- the expandable knit is formed of yarns which include, but are not limited to, one or more of a LYCRA®, nylon, spandex, and/or a polyester material.
- FIG. 1 a is a cross section of the ball holder of FIG. 1 , showing one tennis ball 3 between the body of the wearer 1 and belt 2 .
- Belt 2 has an interior surface 2 a, an exterior surface 2 b, a top edge 2 c, and a bottom edge 2 d.
- Tennis ball 3 is held between interior surface 2 a and the wearer.
- the surfaces 2 a and 2 b may be part of material of belt 2 , or alternatively be a surface finish, coating, laminate or some other material or treatment of the belt.
- interior surface 2 a is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design.
- belt 2 expands and forces the nap of an accepted tennis ball into the small pockets created in the weave of interior surface 2 a, making it difficult for the accepted ball to roll or slide.
- belt 2 is worn around the upper hips of a person, which may be a man, woman, or child.
- top edge 2 c and bottom edge 2 d contact the wearer, as shown in FIG. 1 a.
- exterior surface 2 b has a weave that will lay flat, discourage pulls in the yarn, and provides additional tension to keep the balls snug to the body.
- exterior surface 2 b is ribbed or is flat knit.
- Belt 2 may be constructed on a circular knitting machine, creating a band with no vertical seams. Seams or other bonding may be used at one or both of top edge 2 c or bottom edge 2 d, resulting in a two layered band (belt).
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view with a cut-out
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, respectively, of one embodiment of a belt 20 , which may be generally similar to belt 2 , except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2 and 3 .
- Belt 20 has a first material 9 , forming interior surface 2 a, and a second material 10 , forming an exterior surface 2 b, that are joined at a seam 9 a along top edge 2 c and at a seam 9 b along bottom edge 2 d.
- the seams 9 a and 9 b may be a sewn, bonded or other type of connection of materials 9 and 10 .
- the materials of interior surface 2 a and exterior surface 2 b, and thus first material 9 and second material 10 , respectively, are described above.
- material 9 is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design.
- material 10 is ribbed or is flat knit.
- FIG. 2 shows dimensions of belt 20 , which may also apply to various other embodiments of belt 2 .
- the circumference C of belt 20 has a length of top edge 2 c or bottom edge 2 d that ranges from approximately 26 inches to approximately 46 inches.
- the width W of belt 2 (that is, the distance between top edge 2 c and bottom edge 2 d ) is no less than about 3 inches, and is, for example, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 6 inches. In one embodiment, W is approximately 5.5 inches. In another embodiment, the width W is in proportion to the circumference C to create a more flattering visual design.
- FIG. 4 is a cross section view of an embodiment of belt 40 , may be generally similar to belt 2 or 20 , except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 , 1 a. 2 , 3 , and 4 .
- belt 40 is a one layer construction, where the material is as described with reference to belt 2 .
- an inside layer 11 and/or an outside layer 12 of belt 40 has the same or different materials applied thereto to change the properties or appearance of the belt.
- the material of belt 40 is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design and layer 11 includes a flocking or gummy strips, or dots, to increase the friction of a ball placed between belt 40 and wearer 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the construction of an alternative embodiment of a two layer belt 70 .
- Belt 70 may be generally similar to belt 2 , 20 , or 40 , except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a first step in forming a belt 70 using two different weaves without a seam. This can be accomplished, for example, using a circular knitting machine to knit a band 50 .
- Band 50 has having an upper section 15 with an upper edge 13 , and a lower section 16 having a lower edge 14 .
- Upper section 15 is generally similar to material 10
- lower section 16 is generally similar to material 9 .
- FIG. 6 shows the band 50 of FIG. 5 being folded over, with upper edge 13 folded to meet lower edge 14 .
- edges 13 and 14 are joined at seam 19 , which can be a sewn, bonded or knit seam, to create two layers, using only one horizontal seam.
- belt 2 includes a closure mechanism or can be tied.
- belt 2 is not a loop, but has two ends that can be knotted together.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an embodiment of a belt 80 having two ends, each with matching parts of a hook and loop type fastener, such as a VELCRO® fastener, which may be used to secure the belt.
- Belt 80 may be generally similar to belts 2 , 20 , 40 , or 70 , except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 .
- Belt 80 includes has an end 84 , matching VELCRO® parts, such as hooks 81 and loops 82 near end 84 , and a loop 83 to thread and fold VELCRO® loops 82 over loop 83 and onto VELCRO® hooks 81 to fasten the belt for an adjustable fit. While belts 20 , 40 , and 70 are bands that must be stepped into or slid over the body to be worn, belt 80 is more easily removable and is adjustable.
Abstract
An apparatus is described having a wide piece of stretchy fabric or other material worn around a person's waist, hips, arm, or thigh, that is adapted to hold balls snuggly against the person while performing an activity, such as playing tennis. Balls may be placed in the front, side or back of the person. Tension from the belt's elasticity, and friction from the fabric contacting the surface of the ball, for example the nap of the tennis ball, prevents the ball from slipping or rolling down the body. Balls may be accessed easily by reaching under the band of fabric from either the top or bottom of the band and pulling the ball out, or applying pressure to the top of the ball through the band and pushing the ball out. The device may be worn independently or may be integrated as an outer layer to a garment. The number of balls the person may carry is determined by the size person, width and circumference of the band, and comfort during activity.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/896,470, filed Mar. 22, 2007. The entire contents of the above-listed provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification.
- The present invention generally relates to a device and method for assisting players of ball games, and more particularly to a device and method for holding one or more balls.
- Holding an adequate supply of tennis balls during play or practice is an unaddressed problem in tennis. In match play, a player requires two balls, holding another ball in reserve during service, in case of a service fault. In practice, drills or casual play, a player, especially a new player, benefits from holding up to six or ten balls on their person, rather than picking balls out of a basket, or retrieving them from the tennis court.
- Several types of tennis ball holders are known in the art. A first type is the cage-type ball holder. These provide a cage, or pocket, that usually attaches to, or is incorporated into, a belt, and which holds each tennis ball individually. A second type of ball holders is pouch-type. These ball holders are worn around the waist or over the shoulder and provide a pouch that holds a number of balls. A third type, underwear for women's tennis skirts, allows one to put the ball in the lower edge of the panty. Each of these devices is cumbersome to use, is limited in the number of balls that can be held, or fails to hold balls during play.
- Thus there is a need in the art for an apparatus that permits a player to have easy access to one or more tennis balls. Such an apparatus should be easy to use and be robust enough to restrain the tennis balls as the player moves about the court.
- Certain embodiments include an apparatus for holding tennis balls that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a belt that can be worn, for example, and without limitation, about the torso, arm, or leg, and which restrains one or more balls between the belt and the wearer's body. The term “ball holder” is used herein, and without limitation, to describe an apparatus that permits a user to store balls, including but not limited to tennis balls. The ball holder is a belt that may be a continuous band or which may be a material with ends that can be secured to from a belt. In one embodiment, a ball holder includes a belt that includes a flexible, expandable fabric. In another embodiment, the belt is a continuous band. In yet another embodiment, the belt includes a fastener and a band to permit the attachment and removal of the ball holder. In yet another embodiment, the belt is a material having two ends that can be tied about the wearer.
- Other certain embodiments provide a ball holder that is easy to wear, can accept several tennis balls at a time that are easily reached and removable by the wearer, and restrain the tennis balls within the apparatus while the wearer moves about the court. In one embodiment, the ball holder is primarily a ball storage device, allowing one-handed access to the ball. In another embodiment, the ball holder is worn as an article of clothing, and includes a dri-fit fabric with moisture wicking capabilities.
- Yet other certain embodiments restrain balls using tension and friction from a belt to hold the balls between the wearer's body and a flexible, expandable band made of fabric.
- Certain embodiments provide a belt for holding tennis balls formed from a 5.5 inch wide circular band. In one embodiment the band is a stretch fabric that may include one or more of a nylon, a LYCRA®, a spandex, or a polyester material. The fabric is ergonomically designed to fit snuggly about the player, without binding or twisting, and offering easy access to and retrieval of tennis balls. When the ball holder is worn around the lower waist or hips, it provides a flat profile when empty, until balls are inserted, after which the band bulges about the inserted tennis balls. Balls so held not slip down or pop out of the top or bottom of the band due to the weave of the of the fabric, the fabric content, and snugness of the fit. The width of the band holds the balls firmly against the body without flopping or producing distracting momentum.
- Certain embodiments of inventive ball holders have one or more of the following advantages over the prior art, including:
- Comfort: Cage-type holders are usually made from stiff, hard materials and the balls pop in and out of the cages. The cages poke and scratch during activity. In addition, because the balls are held out from the body they bounce, and may pull on the garment if clipped to a waistband. Pouch-type holders also have bouncing issues, and when not full, the balls may move around during activity. This causes the belt to slide to one side, requiring adjustment. Some also require zippers to open and close the pouch. These can scratch during frequent ball access as well as be stiff and uncomfortable. Certain embodiments described herein reduce or eliminate bouncing, and have primarily fabric contacting the wearer to reduce or eliminate scratching or poking the wearer.
- Modularity: All of the belt-type designs, cage, pouch, or the one proposed herein, offer a modular solution that affords the wearer freedom of choice in their tennis attire without regard for tennis ball storage. For women it eliminates the need to purchase tennis panties and skirts, which many women do not like to wear.
- Access: Accessing the balls quickly with one hand is critical during play. While the cage-type holders offer this, putting the balls in the cage is not always as easy. Accessing the balls in a pouch type holder may require unzipping or unsnapping a closure (two hands), or fishing around for the ball. Certain embodiments described herein offer quick, one-handed access to any of the balls being held, as well as quick storage.
- Storage: The most successful cage-type design stores only one or two balls. The panty type also store at most two balls per leg. Certain embodiments described herein can hold up to 6 balls, and is particularly useful when practicing drills, serves, and rallying in non-match situations.
- Durability: The plastic cages are rigid, and frequently break. Certain embodiments described herein include a high performance textile that will last several years, and has no breakable parts.
- Attractiveness: Certain embodiments described herein can become part of a tennis, or other sporting, outfit when balls are not being stored. Other certain embodiments described herein would, when not holding balls, appear as a wide waistband that lays flat about the wearer. Yet other certain embodiments include a variety of colors and designs to compliment the wearer's outfits.
- These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by certain embodiments of a ball holder, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball holder worn around the upper hips; -
FIG. 1 a is a cross section ofFIG. 1 showing one ball between the body of the wearer and the ball holder; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view, having a cut-out, of one embodiment of a belt with a two layer construction, where the top and bottom have been seamed or bonded to keep the layers together; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the two layer construction ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a ball holder having one layer construction; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate two layer construction using two different weaves of textile in one circular knit band, before it is folded on top of itself to create the two layers; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the band ofFIG. 5 folded create a two layers with one seam; -
FIG. 7 shows the cross section of the belt ofFIG. 5 andFIG. 6 ; and -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an embodiment of a belt formed from a material having a hook and loop fastener to secure the belt. - Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.
- The inventive ball holder is described herein with reference to the following embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, different materials or dimensions, types of items held, uses of the apparatus, and appendages against to which the apparatus may hold a ball are merely representative and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball holder worn around the upper hips, as abelt 2 on a wearer 1. It is preferred thatbelt 2 is sized to be worn about the wearer, and that it can expand to accommodate one or more items.Belt 2 is illustratively shown inFIG. 1 as restraining a plurality oftennis balls 3. In one embodiment,belt 2 can stretch to accommodate more than one ball, such as up to six tennis balls. The balls may have, for example and without limiation, a diameter of from approximately 2.5 inches to approximately 3.0 inches -
Belt 2 includes at least some expandable material. In one embodiment,belt 2 is formed from materials commonly found in active-wear garments. In another embodiment, the material includes an “expandable” knit, which includes but is not limited to, a ribbed knit, a mesh knit, or a waffle knit. In one embodiment, the expandable knit is formed of yarns which include, but are not limited to, one or more of a LYCRA®, nylon, spandex, and/or a polyester material. -
FIG. 1 a is a cross section of the ball holder ofFIG. 1 , showing onetennis ball 3 between the body of the wearer 1 andbelt 2.Belt 2 has aninterior surface 2 a, anexterior surface 2 b, atop edge 2 c, and abottom edge 2 d.Tennis ball 3 is held betweeninterior surface 2 a and the wearer. Thesurfaces belt 2, or alternatively be a surface finish, coating, laminate or some other material or treatment of the belt. In one embodiment,interior surface 2 a is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design. When a tennis ball, for example, is accepted withinbelt 2,interior surface 2 a presents a surface that increases the friction on the nap of the tennis ball. Thus, for example,belt 2 expands and forces the nap of an accepted tennis ball into the small pockets created in the weave ofinterior surface 2 a, making it difficult for the accepted ball to roll or slide. - In one embodiment,
belt 2 is worn around the upper hips of a person, which may be a man, woman, or child. In one embodiment,top edge 2 c andbottom edge 2 d contact the wearer, as shown inFIG. 1 a. In one embodiment,exterior surface 2 b has a weave that will lay flat, discourage pulls in the yarn, and provides additional tension to keep the balls snug to the body. In one embodiment,exterior surface 2 b is ribbed or is flat knit. -
Belt 2 may be constructed on a circular knitting machine, creating a band with no vertical seams. Seams or other bonding may be used at one or both oftop edge 2 c orbottom edge 2 d, resulting in a two layered band (belt). -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view with a cut-out, andFIG. 3 is a cross sectional view, respectively, of one embodiment of abelt 20, which may be generally similar tobelt 2, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2 and 3. -
Belt 20 has afirst material 9, forminginterior surface 2 a, and asecond material 10, forming anexterior surface 2 b, that are joined at aseam 9 a alongtop edge 2 c and at aseam 9 b alongbottom edge 2 d. Theseams materials interior surface 2 a andexterior surface 2 b, and thusfirst material 9 andsecond material 10, respectively, are described above. Thus, for example, in one embodiment,material 9 is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design. In another embodiment,material 10 is ribbed or is flat knit. -
FIG. 2 shows dimensions ofbelt 20, which may also apply to various other embodiments ofbelt 2. The circumference C ofbelt 20, has a length oftop edge 2 c orbottom edge 2 d that ranges from approximately 26 inches to approximately 46 inches. The width W of belt 2 (that is, the distance betweentop edge 2 c andbottom edge 2 d) is no less than about 3 inches, and is, for example, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 6 inches. In one embodiment, W is approximately 5.5 inches. In another embodiment, the width W is in proportion to the circumference C to create a more flattering visual design. -
FIG. 4 is a cross section view of an embodiment ofbelt 40, may be generally similar tobelt FIGS. 1 , 1 a. 2, 3, and 4. - In one embodiment,
belt 40 is a one layer construction, where the material is as described with reference tobelt 2. In another embodiment, aninside layer 11 and/or anoutside layer 12 ofbelt 40 has the same or different materials applied thereto to change the properties or appearance of the belt. Thus, for example, in one embodiment the material ofbelt 40 is woven in a diamond, mesh or basket-type design andlayer 11 includes a flocking or gummy strips, or dots, to increase the friction of a ball placed betweenbelt 40 and wearer 1. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view andFIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the construction of an alternative embodiment of a twolayer belt 70.Belt 70 may be generally similar tobelt FIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a first step in forming abelt 70 using two different weaves without a seam. This can be accomplished, for example, using a circular knitting machine to knit aband 50.Band 50 has having anupper section 15 with anupper edge 13, and alower section 16 having alower edge 14.Upper section 15 is generally similar tomaterial 10, andlower section 16 is generally similar tomaterial 9. -
FIG. 6 shows theband 50 ofFIG. 5 being folded over, withupper edge 13 folded to meetlower edge 14. As shown inFIG. 7 , edges 13 and 14 are joined atseam 19, which can be a sewn, bonded or knit seam, to create two layers, using only one horizontal seam. - In an alternative embodiment,
belt 2 includes a closure mechanism or can be tied. Thus, for example,belt 2 is not a loop, but has two ends that can be knotted together. As another example, which is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention,FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an embodiment of abelt 80 having two ends, each with matching parts of a hook and loop type fastener, such as a VELCRO® fastener, which may be used to secure the belt.Belt 80 may be generally similar tobelts FIGS. 1 , 1 a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. -
Belt 80 includes has anend 84, matching VELCRO® parts, such ashooks 81 andloops 82 nearend 84, and aloop 83 to thread and foldVELCRO® loops 82 overloop 83 and onto VELCRO® hooks 81 to fasten the belt for an adjustable fit. Whilebelts belt 80 is more easily removable and is adjustable. - Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
- Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.
Claims (40)
1. A belt for restraining one or more articles against a wearer's body, said belt comprising:
an expandable portion,
where, when said belt is worn by the wearer, said expandable portion expands to accept one or more articles between the wearer's body and the belt, and where said belt restrains the motion of accepted articles.
2. The belt of claim 1 , where the articles are balls.
3. The belt of claim 2 , where the balls have an diameter of from approximately 2.5 inches to approximately 3.0 inches.
4. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is sized to restrain from between 1 ball and 6 balls.
5. The belt of claim 1 , where the belt has a width of at least 4 inches.
6. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt further includes:
an interior surface; and
an exterior surface,
where said interior surface is a different material than said exterior surface.
7. The belt of claim 6 , where said interior surface provides enhanced gripping force for gripping the article than does said exterior surface.
8. The belt of claim 6 , where the material of said exterior surface is more expandable than the material of said interior surface.
9. The belt of claim 6 , where the material of said interior surface includes a first continuous fabric, where the material of said exterior surface includes a second continuous fabric, and where said first continuous fabric and said second continuous fabric have different weaves.
10. The belt of claim 6 , where the material of said interior surface includes a fabric having non-fabric features applied thereto.
11. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is attached to another article of clothing.
12. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is sized for wearing about a waist.
13. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is sized for wearing about the hips.
14. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is sized for wearing about an arm.
15. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt is sized for wearing about a thigh.
16. The belt of claim 1 , where said belt further includes fastening means for securing said belt about a wearer's body.
17. The belt of claim 16 , where said fastening means includes a fastener.
18. The belt of claim 16 , where said belt includes two ends, and where said fastening means includes sufficient belt length for tying said two ends together.
19. A belt for restraining one or more articles against a wearer's body, where said belt when worn by the wearer, conforms from a first configuration against the wearer's body to a second configuration to restrain one or more balls placed between the wearer's body and the belt.
20. The belt of claim 19 , where the balls have an diameter of from approximately 2.5 inches to approximately 3.0 inches.
21. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is sized to restrain from between 1 ball and 6 balls.
22. The belt of claim 19 , where the belt has a width of at least 4 inches.
23. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt further includes:
an interior surface; and
an exterior surface,
where said interior surface is a different material than said exterior surface.
24. The belt of claim 23 , where said interior surface provides enhanced gripping force for gripping the article than does said exterior surface.
25. The belt of claim 23 , where the material of said exterior surface is more expandable than the material of said interior surface.
26. The belt of claim 23 , where the material of said interior surface includes a first continuous fabric, where the material of said exterior surface includes a second continuous fabric, and where said first continuous fabric and said second continuous fabric have different weaves.
27. The belt of claim 23 , where the material of said interior surface includes a fabric having non-fabric features applied thereto.
28. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is attached to another article of clothing.
29. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is sized for wearing about a waist.
30. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is sized for wearing about the hips.
31. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is sized for wearing about an arm.
32. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt is sized for wearing about a thigh.
33. The belt of claim 19 , where said belt further includes fastening means for securing said belt about a wearer's body.
34. The belt of claim 33 , where said fastening means includes a fastener.
35. The belt of claim 33 , where said belt includes two ends, and where said fastening means includes sufficient belt length for tying said two ends together.
36. A method for holding balls in a belt worn by a wearer, where said belt includes an expandable portion, said method comprising:
placing the belt about the wearer's body;
placing a ball between the belt and the wearer's body.
37. The method of claim 36 , where further comprising:
placing two or more balls between the belt and the wearer's body.
38. The method of claim 37 , where further comprising:
placing from between two and six balls between the belt and the wearer's body.
39. The method of claim 36 , where said ball is a tennis ball.
40. The method of claim 36 , further comprising removing the ball from between the belt and the wearer's body.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/050,761 US20080230580A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2008-03-18 | Tennis ball belt |
PCT/US2008/057715 WO2008116102A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2008-03-20 | Tennis ball belt |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US89647007P | 2007-03-22 | 2007-03-22 | |
US12/050,761 US20080230580A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2008-03-18 | Tennis ball belt |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080230580A1 true US20080230580A1 (en) | 2008-09-25 |
Family
ID=39766468
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/050,761 Abandoned US20080230580A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2008-03-18 | Tennis ball belt |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080230580A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008116102A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100282794A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2010-11-11 | Helen Argyriou | Band it / tennis band |
US20130048695A1 (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2013-02-28 | Mia Do | Bodyband pouch |
US20140143936A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-29 | Christine Flanagan | Ball retention systems |
US20140304899A1 (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2014-10-16 | Volx Undergear, LLC | Undergarment with shirt retainer |
USD838101S1 (en) | 2017-03-14 | 2019-01-15 | Kathiuzka Chiquito | Waist worn tennis ball bag |
USD898328S1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-10-13 | Strappt LLC | Waist garment |
USD905932S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-29 | Strappt LLC | Torso garment |
US11523642B2 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-12-13 | Sophia Irene Hartwick | Wearable baby burping device and system |
USD978527S1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2023-02-21 | Level Terrain | Wearable carrying accessory |
US20230371630A1 (en) * | 2022-05-20 | 2023-11-23 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Sportswear garment with seamless multi-tiered compression waistband |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2520071B (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-09-23 | Stefanã Grosse | Sports Garment |
USD786535S1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2017-05-16 | Stefanï{umlaut over ( )} Grosse | Sports garment |
CH711669B1 (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2019-12-30 | Griffes Consulting Sa | Device for storing and distributing tennis balls. |
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US20100282794A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2010-11-11 | Helen Argyriou | Band it / tennis band |
US10687604B2 (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2020-06-23 | Level Terrain Llc | Wearable carrying accessory |
US20130048695A1 (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2013-02-28 | Mia Do | Bodyband pouch |
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US20140143936A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-29 | Christine Flanagan | Ball retention systems |
US20140304899A1 (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2014-10-16 | Volx Undergear, LLC | Undergarment with shirt retainer |
USD838101S1 (en) | 2017-03-14 | 2019-01-15 | Kathiuzka Chiquito | Waist worn tennis ball bag |
USD898328S1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-10-13 | Strappt LLC | Waist garment |
USD905932S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-29 | Strappt LLC | Torso garment |
USD978527S1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2023-02-21 | Level Terrain | Wearable carrying accessory |
US11523642B2 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-12-13 | Sophia Irene Hartwick | Wearable baby burping device and system |
US20230371630A1 (en) * | 2022-05-20 | 2023-11-23 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Sportswear garment with seamless multi-tiered compression waistband |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008116102A1 (en) | 2008-09-25 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |