Wearable fitness device and fitness device interchangeable with plural wearable articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to wearable fitness device and fitness device interchangeable with plural wearable articles. In certain embodiments, the wearable fitness device includes a wearable article having a structure therein or thereon configured and dimensioned for holding a fitness device such as a pedometer in an oriented position. Fashion accessories with functional fitness device are described, thereby allowing one to track their steps while at work, shopping, an evening out, or anytime one is on the move. Further, a fitness device is provided that can capture steps practically and comfortably during a normal person's daily routine.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 497,572 filed on Aug. 1, 2006, which claims priority under 35 USC 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 704,365 filed on Aug. 1, 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to wearable fitness devices and fitness devices interchangeable with plural wearable articles.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Fashion played a vital role in the explosion of fitness accessories and the companies which market them, such as Nike, Adidas, Champion, Reebok, and other companies. This industry has brought the gym out onto the street and into the shopping malls, casual restaurants, schools, etc. However, many people still spend the bulk of their time in places where fitness-oriented clothing, no matter how attractive, is not appropriate or desired. The workplace, places o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide desirable fashion accessories with functional fitness devices, such as pedometers or accelerometers, thereby allowing one to track their steps while at work, shopping, an evening out, or anytime one is on the move.

[0018]Fashion accessories with functional fitness device are described, thereby allowing one to track their steps while at work, shopping, an evening out, or anytime one is on the move. Further, a fitness device is provided that can capture steps practically and comfortably during a normal person's daily routine.

Problems solved by technology

However, many people still spend the bulk of their time in places where fitness-oriented clothing, no matter how attractive, is not appropriate or desired.

For example, we all know that we should walk more, but tracking our progress has been limited by ugly, impractical step meters.

For women and certain workers required to wear uniforms, existing step counters are impractical.

While this method of attachment is practical when the wearer is dressed in athletic clothing such as jogging pants, shorts or sweat pants, it is impractical and cumbersome when the wearer is dressed in less casual clothing such as a dress, suit or uniform.

Many articles of clothing, e.g., dresses, offer no waistband on which the device can be attached, while other articles of clothing, e.g., skirts or dress pants, develop awkward and uncomfortable bulges when the device is attached.

In all circumstances, the clip may be dislodged resulting in loss of the device during normal daily activities such as working, driving, cleaning, using the toilet, etc.

None-the-less, for many people the inability to accurately capture non-planned exercise steps due to the impracticality of the pedometers available results in frustration, so that the programs goals are not achieved.

erson. However, this is not enabling, because the elastic member described in Darley is only set forth as applicable to tightly attaching to shoelaces, and not for attachment to a limb of a p

le or neck. Since this elastic member is described as an elastic member for tightening to shoelaces, with the requisite elasticity, this certainly would be an uncomfortable, if not dangerous situation, for a wearer to wear directly upon

Therefore, Darley and other art that addresses incorporation of pedometers specifically in fitness apparel such as athletic shows clearly does not solve this problem.

In addition, Darley does not address interchangeability of the same fitness device with different articles of clothing to coordinate with a wearer's outfit or to accommodate one's personal taste.

Furthermore, the device of Freeman et al. is specifically an electronic device, and makes no attempt to provide a device that coordinates with one's outfit or accommodate personal tastes.

In addition, Freeman et al. does not address interchangeability of the same fitness device with different articles of clothing.

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