Patent Application
20240148090
The invention relates to a belt for wearing around a body center of an athlete during exercise.
A belt preferably means a garment which, in a closed condition, forms a closed curve and, in the closed condition, can be worn around the body center and, without being supported by the wearer's head, arm or shoulder area, is held against the body. In turn, wearing in this context preferably means that the belt, when closed, encompasses the body or body center of the wearer and is held in position without the application of any external force other than gravity, and thus does not immediately change position.
Belts belonging to the technical field initially mentioned are known. For example, DE 20 2015 007 672 U1 by Sebastian Riedel describes a sports and kidney belt. This belt comprises a base part with a closure section at each end for releasing and connecting the ends for taking off or putting on the belt by a user. Further, the belt includes a back portion disposed between the fastening portions, which back portion, in use, rests against a back of a wearer of the belt. When the belt is attached to the human body as a kidney belt, a padding, including support members, serves to provide secure protection against injury and chilling of the pelvic and lumbar regions. The belt can also be used as a seat by inserting sports poles into existing insertion pockets on the front sections of the belt on both sides and dipping the sports poles into the ground at an angle.
Such known belts have the disadvantage that they are cumbersome to use and only support the wearer when performing running and other activities performed while standing. It is true that such belts can also serve as a seat. However, these belts serve more as a seat when resting and cannot support the wearer during seated exercise of sports activities. In addition, such belts are very cumbersome to use.
In the present text, various characteristic numbers of the belt are used, such as a width of the belt, a thickness of the belt, and a length of a component of the belt. Each characteristic number can be used as a value, or as an indication of a certain distance for orientation on the belt, or along the belt. These characteristic numbers are determined as follows:
The belt is laid out in a closed state without the application of external force. As a result, the belt forms a closed curve around a geometric axis. The belt and the axis are arranged and aligned relative to each other in such a way that a projection of the belt onto a plane perpendicular to the axis encloses the largest possible area and the axis pierces the enclosed area at the geometric center of gravity of the enclosed area. By height along the axis is preferably meant a position along the axis and refers to the position of the intersection of a height determination plane perpendicular to the axis with the axis. All points located in this height-determining plane have the same height along the axis, and the height along the axis is read from the position of the intersection of the height-determining plane with the axis. The height along the axis can thus be specified as a real number and increases in one direction along the axis and decreases in the opposite direction along the axis.
For determining the width of the belt, or a width of a component of the belt, such as the seat pad, at a position of the belt or component, preferably the belt and the axis are arranged as described above, and preferably a width determination plane is assumed at the corresponding position of the belt or component, both the corresponding position and the axis lying in the width determination plane. The width of the belt or component at the corresponding position is the longest distance along a straight line, which straight line passes through the corresponding position and lies within the width-determining plane, that can be found between two points of the belt.
The length of a component of the belt is also preferably determined with the arrangement of the belt and the axis described above. The length of a component of the belt is preferably the distance taken when projecting the component onto a plane perpendicular to the axis in order to cover the largest possible angular range on the side of the projection facing away from the axis with respect to the axis.
For determining the thickness of the belt or a component of the belt at a certain position of the belt or the component of the belt, preferably the belt and the axis are arranged as described above and preferably a thickness determining plane perpendicular to the axis is assumed, the corresponding position lying in the thickness determining plane, a straight line lying in the thickness determining plane being drawn through the corresponding position and through the axis. Here, the thickness of the belt or component of the belt is preferably the longest distance along the straight line that can be found between two points of the belt or component of the belt lying on a same side of the axis.
The inner circumference of the belt at a certain height along the axis is preferably determined by constructing at the corresponding height along the axis a circumferential determination plane perpendicular to the axis, wherein the inner circumference is the smallest distance lying within the circumferential determination plane which is necessary to cover an angular range of 360° within the belt in this circumferential determination plane with respect to the axis.
Analogously, the outer circumference of the belt is preferably the longest such path distance that can be found. If such a path distance does not exist, no such circumference exists at the corresponding height of the axis.
A circumferential length of the belt means the value of the smallest inner circumference that can be found for the belt.
In this text, the formulation “and/or” is occasionally used between two features. In this context, the formulation “feature A and/or feature B” preferably means at least one of feature A and feature B. I.e., it means only characteristic A, only characteristic B, or both characteristic A and characteristic B.
The object of the invention is to provide a belt belonging to the technical field initially mentioned, which can support the wearer of the belt both in the practice of running sports and other activities performed in a standing position and in the sedentary practice of sports activities, and which at the same time is easy and comfortable to use.
The solution of the task is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it is a belt for wearing around a body center of an athlete while exercising, comprising a padded portion, the padding portion having a seat pad for sitting thereon, and at least one elastic portion. Thereby, the belt has, in particular in a closed state, without the application of external force, a circumferential length, whereby under the action of an external force, the circumferential length of the belt can be reversibly increased by at least 8%, preferably by at least 20%, by an elastic stretching of the at least one elastic region.
Preferably, body center refers to the waist area and hip area of a person or athlete when exercising. Preferably, exercising includes running. Particularly preferably, exercising also includes exercising in a seated position or at least with the buttocks resting on the floor. Thus, by athlete is preferably meant any human person, in particular of any gender or age, who engages in sports. In particular, by athlete is meant a person who uses or wears the belt of the invention while exercising. The wearer of the belt is also preferably any human person, of any gender or age, who wears the belt according to the invention around the body center, whereby the athlete and the wearer can in particular be the same person.
According to the invention, the belt comprises at least one elastic portion. Preferably, the at least one elastic portion is made of an elastic fabric and thus of an elastic textile. In this regard, the elasticity of the elastic fabric may be due to the weaving technique used to weave the elastic fabric and/or due to the elasticity of the material from which the elastic fabric was woven. For example, the at least one elastic portion may also be made of polyurethane-containing elastane. Alternatively, however, the at least one elastic portion may be made, for example, of natural rubber, i.e., vulcanized rubber, or of artificial rubber. Particularly preferred is a width of the at least one elastic portion in the range of from 50 mm to 600 mm, most preferably in the range of from 80 mm to 500 mm, most preferably in the range of from 100 mm to 400 mm. However, the at least one elastic portion may also have a width of less than 50 mm or more than 600 mm. Particularly preferably, the at least one elastic portion has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm. However, the at least one elastic portion may also have a thickness of less than 1.0 mm.
In the closed state, the belt is preferably closed or the belt preferably forms a closed curve, respectively, which closed curve has the circumferential length of the belt.
According to the invention, the belt includes a padding portion. This padding portion is a portion of the belt which has a seat pad. A seat pad has the task of absorbing force effects, in particular punctual force effects, from outside the belt, in particular by resting on a hard floor or on hard objects resting on the floor, such as stones, branches, etc., on the wearer of the belt, for example by deformation, in particular elastic deformation, and to distribute the force over as large an area of the wearer as possible in order to protect the wearer from injuries, pain or unpleasant pressure points. In addition to force effects, the belt, in particular the padding portion, can furthermore protect the wearer from unpleasant and/or dangerous temperature effects by forming a thermal insulation layer between the wearer and the corresponding influence. Thus, the belt, in particular the padding portion, can attenuate or prevent a temperature flow from the wearer or to the wearer. Examples of such temperature impacts may include a cold outside temperature, a cold ground, a hot ground (e.g., a heated beach), or the like. Again, these may be different types of heat fluxes, namely heat conduction via, for example, direct contact of the wearer or the belt, in particular the padding portion with, for example, the ground, or, for example, forced convection, such as by moving cold or hot air such as wind. The belt may further protect the wearer from exposure to wetness, such as rain or ground wetness. Also, the belt, particularly the padding portion, may protect the wearer from combinations of various such impacts, such as force impacts, heat flows, and wetness.
By the belt having the at least one elastic portion, the advantage is achieved that the belt can be worn around both the waist region and the hip region. For example, when the belt is worn around the waist region, the belt may be loosely guided around the waist region against the body and therefore be subject to very little external force. Accordingly, when worn around the waist region, the belt may have a circumferential length substantially equal to the circumferential length without the application of external force. For example, the circumferential length of the belt when worn around the waist region may be increased by less than 2%, less than 1%, or even less than 0.5% compared to the circumferential length without any external force applied. In this wearing position, the belt allows, for example, the practice of running sports or even other activities performed in a standing position without hindering the wearer in moving. For example, while wearing the belt around the waist area, the following sports exercises can also be performed: Skipping, squats, weight lifting, skiing or snowboarding. Furthermore, while wearing the belt around the waist area as well as around the hip area, it is also possible to perform sports that involve a posture other than standing upright, such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
Since under an external force applied to the belt the circumferential length of the belt can be reversibly increased by at least 8%, preferably by at least 20%, by elastic stretching of the at least one elastic portion, the belt can be effortlessly slid starting from the waist region along the body towards the legs to the hip region of the body and worn around the hip region. This sliding of the belt can easily be done with the belt in the closed position.
By sliding the belt starting from the waist area along the body towards the legs to the hip area of the body, the padding portion of the belt can be slid over the buttocks of the wearer. The belt worn around the wearer's waist area, with the padding portion positioned over the wearer's buttocks, can effectively support the wearer during sports exercises or even when taking a break in a sitting or lying position. Examples of sports exercises in a sitting or lying position are all variations of trunk bends (sit-ups).
Switching between comfortably wearing the belt while running, or other activities, and using the padding portion with the seat cushion is thus very quick and easy, allowing, for example, a quick sequence of running exercises and sports exercises in a seated position. This can be done outdoors and in a different place each time, as the belt can be comfortably carried around the waist area during running exercises. Also, in sports such as snowboarding, the belt thus allows easy switching between riding the snowboard and sitting on the padding portion of the belt, where the wearer can thus be protected from the cold snow.
Thus, the belt according to the invention can support the wearer of the belt both during the practice of running and other activities performed in a standing position and during the sedentary practice of athletic or other activities, while being easy and comfortable to use. Other examples of uses for the belt include: Any outdoor activities, festival attendance, camping or fishing.
Preferably, the belt forms a closed curve, in particular a permanently closed curve. Precisely because of the at least one flexible area, the belt is flexible enough to be pulled over the feet to the hips or waist, thus enabling a design as a permanently closed curve and thus without an openable closing mechanism. This has the advantage that the belt does not have to have a less flexible closing mechanism, which could hinder the wearer in his activities, especially sports activities. Furthermore, a permanently closed curve can be made load resistant by appropriate stitching without having to incorporate a new, possibly heavier or less flexible element into the belt. Alternatively, however, the belt may be designed with a closing mechanism such as a hook-and-loop fastener or other closure such as a zipper, one or more snaps, or the like.
If the belt forms a closed curve, in particular a permanently closed curve, the belt preferably comprises exactly one belt arm adjoining the padding portion. In this case, the exactly one belt arm can connect with a first end to one side of the padding portion and connect with an end opposite to the first end to the other side of the padding portion, thereby serving to complete the closed curve. However, it is also possible for the belt to have two or more belt arms when the belt forms a closed curve. For example, the two or more belt arms may be interconnected by other elements of the belt to form the closed curve. For example, the belt may have two belt arms, each of the two belt arms each connecting at one end to a different side of the padding portion and each connecting at another end to a further element of the belt to form the closed curve. For example, the further element may be an openable closing mechanism for closing the belt. Regardless, preferably each of the at least one elastic portion forms a portion of one of the at least one belt arm or an entire one of the at least one belt arm. However, the at least one elastic portion may also form a portion of the padding portion or the entire padding portion. Alternatively to these variations, the belt may not comprise a belt arm. For example, the padding portion may form a closed curve having a desired circumference. Also, the padding portion may connect on both sides to an openable closing mechanism, by which closing mechanism the closed curve with the desired circumference may be formed.
Advantageously, the belt comprises at least two elastic portions. This has the advantage that the wearing comfort of the belt is increased, since the reversible increase of the circumferential length of the belt by at least 8% or even by at least 20% when external force is applied can be achieved by elastic stretching of two or more elastic portions of the belt which are separate from each other and can thus be distributed. In addition, the two or more elastic portions of the belt can be located at little sensitive areas of the body when the belt is worn. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the belt to have only one elastic portion.
Preferably, the belt comprises a padding portion, a belt arm and two elastic portions, the two elastic portions being separated from each other both by the padding portion and by an abdominal portion of the belt arm, which abdominal portion is opposite to the padding portion on the circumference of the belt. This has the advantage of additionally increasing the wearing comfort for the wearer of the belt. Preferably, the two elastic portions are each located along the length of the abdominal portion at one end of the abdominal portion. Each of the two elastic portions is in turn spaced from the padding portion by an end portion of the belt arm. In this regard, the abdominal region is also preferably non-stretchable in nature and may particularly preferably comprise a padded layer that protects the belt wearer from friction against the belt. Alternatively, however, the abdominal region may be identical in nature to the end portions of the belt arm. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one elastic portion is located entirely on a belt arm and is connected at its two ends to the respective remaining belt arm or padding portion via at least one parallel seam in each case, particularly preferably two parallel seams. This increases the tear resistance of the belt in view of athletic use. Alternatively, however, the at least one elastic portion may be connected to the remainder of the belt arm in a different manner. In a further alternative, the abdominal portion and the at least one elastic portion may also be implemented by the same portion of the belt.
Preferably, the at least one elastic portion is at least 5 cm long. On the other hand, if the belt comprises at least two elastic portions, the at least two elastic portions are preferably each at least 5 cm long. This has the advantage that the reversible increase in the circumferential length of the belt can be achieved in a simple and reliable manner by elastic stretching of the at least one elastic portion by at least 8% or at least 20%, respectively, under the action of an external force.
Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the at least one elastic portion is not at least 5 cm long.
Preferably, the seat pad of the belt is formed in one piece. This preferably means that the seat pad is made from one continuous piece of a raw material, e.g. cellular rubber. In a variant thereto, the seat pad is also formed from a plurality of individual pieces of a raw material which are, for example, joined together with a seam, glued together, welded together or otherwise joined together. Regardless of whether the seat pad is formed as a single piece or is made from a plurality of individual pieces, the seat pad is advantageously dimensioned in such a way that, when the wearer is seated, the seat pad is sufficient to provide adequate protection for the wearer and to fulfill its function as a seat pad. In other words, the seat pad is advantageously not too small.
Alternatively, it is also possible for the padding portion to have more than one seat pad. In this case, the seat pads are advantageously arranged in the poster area in such a way that the support is sufficiently protected and that the seat pads thus fulfill their function as seat pads.
Preferably, the belt comprises a cover, in which cover the seat pad is arranged and by which cover the seat pad is enclosed. Particularly preferably, the cover is water-repellent, in particular waterproof. In one variant, the cover or other parts of the belt or the entire belt is not water-repellent and/or waterproof.
Water-repellent preferably means that the cover is hydrophobic on its surface facing away from the seat pad. Hydrophobic preferably means the property that when a water droplet contacts the hydrophobic surface, a contact angle or wetting angle of at least 85° is formed between the surface of the water droplet and the hydrophobic surface at the transition point of the water of the water droplet to the hydrophobic surface. This contact angle or wetting angle is preferably measured within the water droplet, i.e. the larger the contact angle or wetting angle, the more hydrophobic the hydrophobic surface. Waterproof in this context preferably means that the cover is waterproof up to a water column of at least 2000 mm.
In a preferred variant thereof, the cover is also breathable. For example, the cover can be made of a functional textile. Softshell, for example, is such a functional textile. Softshell often consists of two or three laminated membrane layers. Usually, the outer layer is made of a mechanically resistant and durable material, which insulates the inner lining and transports moisture. This can be fabrics woven from synthetic fibers, but also laminates. These are fibers with a good moisture transport capacity, which themselves absorb little moisture. Examples of such synthetic fibers are polyester (PES), polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP). In a variant to this, there is also the possibility that the cover is not breathable.
Advantageously, the seat pad is firmly sewn into the belt. I.e. if the belt comprises a cover, in which cover the seat pad is arranged, the seat pad is preferably sewn firmly into the belt by sewing the cover shut. However, the seat pad may also be sewn to the cover. However, if the belt does not comprise such a cover, the seat pad may be firmly sewn into the belt, for example, by sewing the at least one belt arm to both sides of the seat pad or by sewing one of the at least one belt arm to both sides of the seat pad. Irrespective of whether the seat pad is firmly sewn into the belt or is for example only inserted in a pocket formed in the belt by the cover being open on one side, the seat pad is preferably encased in the cover, the cover preferably being water-repellent, particularly preferably waterproof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one belt arm and the cover of the padding portion are jointly made of two layers which are sewn together at their edges, wherein preferably the seat pad is secured against displacement of the seat pad of the cover along the length of the belt by two additional seams along a respective width of the padding portion. Alternatively, the belt may not include a cover for the seat pad, or the cover may be neither water repellent nor waterproof.
Preferably, the belt is three-layered in the padding portion, with the seat pad forming one of these layers. Preferably, three-layered means that the belt comprises three layers in a central region of the width and a central region of the length of the padding portion in a direction in which the thickness of the belt is measured, these three layers being respectively a first part of the cover, the seat pad and a second part of the cover. Alternatively, however, the belt in the padding portion may have two layers or a single layer. Also, the belt may have more than three layers in the padding portion.
Advantageously, the seat pad includes a seat pad material, which seat pad material has a compression hardness of at least 32 kPa at 25% compression and/or at least 60 kPa at 50% compression.
The compression hardness is preferably measured according to the ASTM D 1056 standard of 1985. In the present text, it is indicated in each case whether the specified value of the compression hardness is to be determined at a compression of 25% or at a compression of 50%. By the seat pad including a seat pad material, which seat pad material has a compression hardness of at least 32 kPa at 25% compression and/or at least 60 kPa at 50% compression, the advantage is achieved that the seat pad does not have to have an excessively large thickness in order to optimally fulfill its function as a seat pad.
Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the seat pad not to include a seat pad material, which seat pad material has a compression hardness of at least 32 kPa at 25% compression and/or at least 60 kPa at 50% compression.
If the belt comprises at least one belt arm adjoining the padding portion, a first end of the at least one belt arm preferably adjoins the padding portion on a first side of the padding portion and a second end of the at least one belt arm adjoins the padding portion on a second side of the padding portion opposite the first side of the padding portion. Regardless of whether the first end and the second end belong to the same belt arm or belong to two different belt arms, the first end and the second end of the at least one belt arm each extend across a width portion of the padding portion at the location where the respective end of the at least one belt arm joins the padding portion. If the padding portion is laid out flat in a plane, a quadrilateral can be constructed by connecting the end points of these two width portions with straight lines, the straight lines preferably not crossing each other. Preferably, a geometric center of gravity of the padding portion is located within this quadrilateral. This has the advantage that for the wearer of the belt, when wearing the belt, in particular when wearing the belt around the waist area, the wearing comfort is increased, since the at least one belt arm and the padding portion are substantially on a common line, whereby the padding portion cannot move around or only slightly loosely on the wearer's body when the wearer moves.
Alternatively, the belt may be formed differently.
Preferably, viewed over the entire length of the padding portion, the width of the padding portion has exactly two maxima separated from one another. Here, the maximum of the width of the padding portion preferably designates a location along the length of the padding portion at which the width of the padding portion assumes a maximum value. Preferably, the width of the padding portion is the same at the two maxima. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the width of the padding portion to be different at the two maxima.
By having exactly two maxima separated from each other over the entire length of the padding portion, the advantage is achieved that the area around the ischial tuberosities of the wearer are sufficiently covered by the padding portion during a sitting posture to protect the wearer from punctual pressure loads. At the same time, recesses around the two maxima can be used to ensure that the padding portion does not unnecessarily impede the wearer when performing activities while standing. The flexibility of the padding portion can also be maximized by this shape.
Due to the reduced width of the padding portion between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion, the belt also has increased flexibility for torsional movements of the seat pad. This in turn increases the wearing comfort e.g. when performing sports exercises in a sitting position, where the legs are also moved individually, but also when performing running sports or other activities performed in a standing position.
Advantageously, a distance between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion, in particular measured along the length of the padding portion, is between 30% and 70%, particularly preferably between 40% and 60%, of the length of the padding portion.
If one or both of the two maxima extend over a length section along the length of the belt, the distance between the two maxima is preferably measured in each case starting from the center of the length section of the respective maximum to the center of the length section of the respective other maximum.
The distance between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion is between 30% and 70%, and more preferably between 40% and 60%, of the length of the padding portion, resulting in a shape of the seat pad that does not hinder the wearer when performing sports exercises while standing, but provides sufficient protection when performing sports exercises while sitting. This ratio of the length and the distance of the maxima of the width of the padding portion also takes into account the fact that the distance of the ischial tuberosities can vary depending on the posture, which means that the distance of the pressure points on the buttocks can also vary depending on the posture.
In a preferred variant, the distance between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion has a value between 90 mm and 180 mm, particularly preferably between 100 mm and 130 mm. This is approximately the range of values that includes the distance between the ischial tuberosities of a majority of adults (approximately 60%). Alternatively, the distance between the two maxima can also be chosen differently.
Advantageously, the width of the padding portion between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion assumes a minimum value, which minimum value is between 100 mm and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 185 mm and 220 mm.
Tests with different widths of the padding portion have shown that for a large part of the possible wearers of the belt this minimum width of the padding portion between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion still provides sufficient padding when the respective wearer wears the belt around the waist portion and at the same time impedes the wearer of the belt as little as possible in moving, both when the respective wearer wears the belt around the waist portion and when the respective wearer wears the belt around the waist portion.
Alternatively, the belt may have a minimum width of the padding portion between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion smaller than 100 mm or a minimum width of the padding portion between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion larger than 300 mm.
Advantageously, the width of the padding portion at each of its two maxima is between 140 mm and 330 mm, particularly preferably between 210 mm and 250 mm.
Tests have shown that for the majority of potential wearers of the belt, this range of values for the maxima of the width of the padding portion creates a comfortable wearing experience and the belt also provides sufficient protection for the wearer during sports exercises in a seated position and, for example, during rolling movements. At the same time, the wearer of the belt, both when the respective wearer wears the belt around the hip area and when the respective wearer wears the belt around the waist area, is impeded as little as possible when moving.
In a variant to this, one of the two maxima of the width of the padding portion or both maxima of the width of the padding portion can also assume a value outside this range of values.
Alternatively, the padding portion can also have a constant width over the entire length of the padding portion. Also, viewed over an entire length of the padding portion, the width of the padding portion may have only one maximum or may have more than two maxima.
In a preferred embodiment, the length of the seat pad is between 200 mm and 600 mm, particularly preferably between 240 mm and 480 mm. Again, tests have shown that this length range provides sufficiently good cushioning for a majority of potential wearers of the belt with as little hindrance as possible to the wearer for moving around. Also of importance in determining the ideal length of the padding portion is that the seat pad is generally less flexible than the flexible portions of the belt. Thus, too long a length of the seat pad is less comfortable to wear and also makes the belt less likely to conform to the shape of the wearer's waist and hips. Alternatively, however, and especially for body sizes and shapes that deviate from the average, the seat pad can have a length outside the range of values indicated above.
Advantageously, the thickness of the seat pad is between 8 mm and 30 mm. Particularly preferably, the thickness of the seat pad is between 10 mm and 25 mm. In this case, the choice of the thickness of the seat pad is a trade-off between wearing comfort, sufficient protection during sports exercises while seated and stability of the wearer on the ground, whereby too great a thickness leads to reduced stability. Tests have shown that the value range of 8 mm to 30 mm, preferably 10 mm to 25 mm, for the thickness of the seat pad represents an optimum for a large proportion of potential wearers for the seat pads in use. Alternatively, and especially for wearers with body weight and/or height far outside the average values for an adult person, seat pads with a thickness of more than 30 mm or with a thickness of less than 8 mm can also be used.
Advantageously, without external force being applied to the belt, the belt has a constant inner circumference over the entire height of the smallest width of the belt.
If no inner circumference can be found at a height along the smallest width of the belt, this height is not included in the present consideration. Particularly preferably, however, the belt has a constant inner circumference over its entire width without any external force acting on the belt. That is, preferably, a major surface of the belt forming the inner circumference of the belt without external force being applied to the belt is preferably aligned parallel to the axis, which axis as explained above is used to determine the various characteristic numbers of the belt, such as the width of the belt, the thickness of the belt, and the length of a component of the belt. It is thus the geometric axis around which the belt forms a closed curve when the belt is laid out in the closed state without the application of external force.
Tests have shown that, surprisingly, a constant inner circumference over the entire height of the smallest width of the belt results in greater comfort for the wearer than, for example, a tapered inner circumference. Especially the change from wearing in the waist area to wearing in the hip area is easier with a constant inner circumference of the belt and creates less uncomfortable pressure from the belt on the wearer's body. But even when worn in the waist area, such as during running exercises, a belt with a tapered inner circumference is more obstructive than a belt with a constant inner circumference.
Alternatively, however, the belt may have a varying inner circumference over part or all of the height of its smallest width. This can be particularly advantageous for applications in which athletic activity is not the main focus.
Preferably, the width of the belt along the entire belt is at least 100 mm, preferably at most 300 mm. This has the advantage that the belt becomes very stable and can also withstand heavy loads, such as those that can occur during sportive activities. Alternatively, however, the belt may assume a width less than 100 mm or greater than 300 mm.
Advantageously, the belt comprises a pocket, in particular a pocket for a cell phone. Alternatively, the pocket may also be designed, for example, for cereal bars, heat pads or any other objects. Preferably, the pocket is located on the belt opposite the padding portion of the belt when the belt is closed. Here, the term “opposite” preferably means that the center of the length of the cell phone pouch is as far as possible from the center of the padding portion in its positioning along a circumference of the belt. However, in the event that the belt has a closing mechanism and that closing mechanism interferes with the above positioning, the cell phone pouch is positioned adjacent to the closing mechanism in accordance with the above criterion. Experiments have shown that a cell phone located in the pocket least hinders the wearer during exercise when the pocket is located in his abdominal area. This is achieved by positioning the bag opposite the padding portion. In contrast, in one variation thereof, the pocket is positioned elsewhere, e.g., directly adjacent the padding portion.
In an alternative to these variants, however, the belt does not include a pocket.
Advantageously, there is a loop on the belt in the form of a cord or a ribbon, which is attached to the belt with its ends. This loop can be used to securely fasten keys to the belt, for example. Alternatively, the belt may go without such a loop.
Preferably, the belt comprises a reflector attached to the outside of the belt for reflecting light. This has the advantage that a wearer of the belt is more visible, which increases safety for the wearer of the belt, in particular in the vicinity of moving vehicles, for example in traffic. Alternatively, the belt may go without such a reflector.
Advantageously, the belt may also comprise a self-luminous means, such as a battery-powered lamp, or a fluorescent element. Alternatively, the belt may be designed without self-luminous means.
Advantageously, the belt has a minimum inner circumference in the range between 500 mm and 1600 mm when closed. A belt within this value range can be worn around the waist by children or ladies with dress size XS (according to EN 13402-3:2017) and larger, and can also be worn around the waist area by men at least up to approximately the international dress size 4XL. Particularly preferably, the belt has a minimum inner circumference in the range of 600 mm and 1340 mm.
Preferably, the seat pad has two main surfaces, which two main surfaces are substantially parallel to each other over their entire surfaces without any external force acting on the seat pad and therefore have an equal distance from each other everywhere. That is, if the two main surfaces are the same size and are arranged to be congruent, then the seat pad preferably has the same thickness everywhere. If, on the other hand, the two main surfaces are laterally displaced relative to one another or if one main surface is smaller than the other main surface, then at least in sections there is an edge region of the seat pad between the two main surfaces, which edge region is oriented at an angle deviating from 90° relative to the main surfaces.
Preferably, the seat pad has chamfered edges. Preferably, the edges of the seat pad are the surfaces that connect the outer edges of the main surfaces of the seat pad. Locally, this can be one smooth surface in each case. However, these can also in each case be locally several surfaces angled towards each other or various round surface elements. Chamfered preferably means that one main surface is smaller than the other main surface. As a result, the edges of the seat pad are preferably at an angle of more than 90° to the smaller main surface, at least in sections. The edges can be at an angle of 90° or less to the larger main surface.
For example, the smaller main surface may have been created by removing material from a raw upholstery. In this context, raw cushion preferably denotes a body whose one main surface corresponds to the larger main surface of the seat pad, the two main surfaces of the raw cushion being connected to one another by edges aligned perpendicular to the main surfaces of the raw cushion.
Particularly preferably, the chamfered edges of the seat pad have an angle of about 45° to the larger main surface of the seat pad and an angle of about 135° to the smaller main surface of the seat pad.
In an alternative embodiment, the edges are shaped so that the edges have an angle of 90° to the larger main surface and an angle of about 135° to the smaller main surface. Preferably, this is realized by the edges consisting of two surfaces, again angled towards each other.
Alternatively, however, the seat pad may have no chamfered edges.
Preferably, the seat pad of the belt includes at least one material from the list of foam, cellular rubber, sponge rubber, cork granules and cork. In this context, foam preferably refers to a plastic, such as polypropylene, with a cell-like structure, the individual cells being hollow and preferably filled with a gas, in particular air. Cellular rubber (also cellular rubber) is preferably a closed-cell, foam-like elastomer (e.g. vulcanized natural rubber). In contrast, sponge rubber preferably denotes an only partially closed-cell, foam-like elastomer. Sponge rubber, in turn, preferably denotes an open-cell, foam-like elastomer. Cork granules consist of agglomerates which also contain cork.
Alternatively, the seat pad may contain none of these materials.
Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention result from the following detailed description and the totality of the patent claims.
The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:
In general, the same parts are given the same reference signs in the figures.
Without external force acting on the belt 1, the belt 1 has a constant inner circumference over its entire width. Thus, without external force acting on the belt 1, the belt 1 has a constant inner circumference over the entire height of the smallest width of the belt 1.
By having the first elastic portion 6 and the second elastic portion 8, the belt 1 can be worn around the waist area as well as around the hip area. For example, when the belt 1 is worn around the waist region, the belt 1 may be loosely guided around the waist region against the body and therefore be subject to very little external force. Since, under the action of an external force on the belt 1, the circumferential length of the belt 1 can be reversibly increased by at least 20% by elastic stretching of the at least one elastic portion, the belt 1 can be effortlessly slid along the body starting from the waist region towards the legs to the waist region of the body and worn around the waist region. This sliding of the belt 1 can easily be done with the belt 1 in the closed state. To fulfill this functionality, it was also sufficient if the circumferential length of the belt 1 can be increased by 8% by elastic stretching of the at least one elastic portion. Therefore, in another embodiment, the belt can also be designed in such a way that the circumferential length of the belt can be increased by only 8% by elastic stretching of the at least one elastic portion.
In
In the present embodiment, the padding portion 2 is formed by a cover 11 with the seat pad 3 arranged in the cover 11. In this case, the seat pad 3 is firmly sewn into the cover 11. In the present embodiment example, the cover 11 is water repellent and waterproof. In addition, the cover 11 is breathable. However, it is not required that the cover 11 be breathable. Also, it is not required that the cover 11 is water repellent or even waterproof. In the present embodiment example, the cover 11 is made of polyester. However, in variations thereon, the cover 11 may also be made of another material.
In that the padding portion 2 is formed by a cover 11 with the seat pad 3 arranged in the cover 11, the belt 1 is three-layered in the padding portion 2, the seat pad 3 forming one of these layers. In the present embodiment example, the seat pad 3 is formed in one piece and is made of cellular rubber. The cellular rubber used has a compression hardness of 35 kPa at 25% compression and 70 kPa at 50% compression. The seat pad 3 has a length of 390 mm and a thickness of 16 mm. Further, the seat pad 3 has a varying width when viewed along its length. At its longitudinal ends, its width is 155 mm. In between, the width of the seat pad 3 has two maximum values of 230 mm each with a local minimum value of 155 mm arranged between the two maxima when viewed in the longitudinal direction.
As can be seen in
The shaping of the padding portion 2 essentially follows the shaping of the seat pad 3. Starting from its longitudinal end with the seam 4N2, the padding portion 2 widens constantly over about a quarter of its length to a first maximum of its width. This maximum width subsequently extends over about 12% of the length of the padding portion 2. Thereafter, the width of the padding portion 2 tapers again until it reaches a local minimum of the width in the central region of the padding portion 2. This local minimum has a width that is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal ends of the padding portion 2 and extends over about 5% of the length of the padding portion 2. Thereby, this local minimum of the width of the padding portion 2 with half of its length lies exactly on half of the length of the padding portion 2. Since the padding portion 2 is mirror-symmetrical as well as the seat pad 3, the second half of the padding portion 2 towards the second longitudinal end of the padding portion 2 with the seam 2N5 is mirror-symmetrical to the previously described, first half of the padding portion 2. Thus, the width of the padding portion 2, viewed over the entire length of the padding portion 2, has exactly two maxima separated from each other. At each of these two maxima, the width of the padding portion 2 is 225 mm. A distance between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion 2 measured along the length of the padding portion 2 is 106 mm. Between the two maxima of the width of the padding portion 2, the width of the padding portion 2 assumes a minimum value, which minimum value is 160 mm.
As can be seen in
As already mentioned, the padding portion 2 is sewn to the longitudinal ends of the belt arm 10 at each of its longitudinal ends by a seam 4N2, 2N5. In this connection, the belt arm 10 has an intermediate piece 5 following the seam 2N5, to which intermediate piece 5 the first elastic portion 6 is connected. Thereby, the intermediate piece 5 is sewn to the first elastic portion 6 on its side opposite the seam 2N5 by a seam 5N6. Further, the first elastic portion 6 is sewn to the belly portion 7 by a seam 7N6 on its side opposite the seam 5N6. Similarly, the belt arm 10 has an intermediate portion 4 adjacent to the seam 4N2, to which intermediate portion 4 the second elastic portion 8 is adjacent. Thereby, the intermediate piece 4 is sewn to the second elastic portion 8 with a seam 8N4 on its side opposite to the seam 4N2. Further, the second elastic portion 8 is sewn to the belly portion 7 with a seam 8N7 on its side opposite to the seam 8N4. By means of the two intermediate pieces 4 and 5, it is achieved that the first elastic portion 6 and the second elastic portion 8 are located opposite each other on the belt 1. Thus, when the belt 1 is correctly worn by a wearer, the first elastic portion 6 and the second elastic portion 8 are located on both sides of the wearer, while the abdominal portion 7 is located in the area of the wearer's abdomen, while the padding portion 2 is located in the area of the lower back or in the area of the buttocks, depending on whether the wearer wears the belt 1 around the waist area or around the hip area.
The padding portion 202 shown in
The intermediate pieces 204 and 205 shown in
In an alternative embodiment of the padding portion 202, the padding portion 202 together with the intermediate pieces 204 and 205 comprise two correspondingly shaped textile pieces, which are laid flush over one another and then joined together at the edges with seams. In such an alternative embodiment, the seams 4N2 and 2N5 are absent. In this case, the seat pad 203 (shown in
The seat pad 203 shown in
The seat pad 203 comprises two main surfaces of different sizes, both of which are aligned parallel to the plane of representation in the illustration of
The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Thus, the belt can be manufactured with masses different from those indicated above, in particular smaller and also larger masses. Thus, the belt can be adapted in different sizes for persons of different heights, slimmer and firmer build. Also, the belt can thereby be adapted to the different sizes of children. In one embodiment not shown in the figures, the belt includes a pocket, such as a pocket for a cell phone, located on the belt opposite the padding portion of the belt when the belt is closed. Also, the padding portion may have a shape other than that shown. For example, the belt may include only an elastic portion. The elastic portion may also be disposed in the padding portion. Further, only an elastic portion without a belly portion may also close the belt to form a closed curve. Also, a closing mechanism may be provided in the belt to allow the belt to be opened. Furthermore, the seat pad may have a different shape than the one shown and may also have different masses and dimensions than the ones mentioned above. Furthermore, it is also possible that the edge of the seat pad is arranged at a different angle to the main surfaces or has a different shape, such as a curved surface.
In summary, a belt is provided for wearing around a body center of an athlete while exercising, which belt can support the wearer of the belt while performing running sports and other activities performed while standing, as well as while performing sports activities while sitting, while being easy and comfortable to use.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22204195.6 | Oct 2022 | EP | regional |
