Package and article carriers – Carried by animate bearer – Article held by receiver
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-29
2001-01-23
Vidovich, Gregory M. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Carried by animate bearer
Article held by receiver
C224S250000, C224S246000, C224S271000, C224S682000, C224S919000, C206S315100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176403
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sports accessories. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a sports utility belt for use in the transport of a baseball bat and like articles.
2. Problems in the Art
Each year hundreds of thousands of people participate in recreational baseball and softball leagues. The young adults and children that participate often rely on bicycles, mopeds, and skateboards as means of transportation to and from games and practices. It is a common site, for example, to see Little League baseball players ride their bikes to the baseball field, carrying a baseball bat and glove. Typically, a player will hold the bat in one hand and steer the bike with the other. Because both hands of the player are not free, this makes the player more susceptible to a traffic accident. In addition, the bat or glove may drop from the player's hand and actually cause the accident. Thus, there is a need in the art for a device that provides for a safer means of transporting baseball and softball equipment.
Another problem in the art is that baseball and softball equipment is not inexpensive and can easily become damaged during transport. Unless securely attached to either the player or the bicycle, for example, the equipment may impact against the bicycle or the road, scratching and marring the equipment. Thus, there is also a need in the art for a device that protects baseball and softball equipment from damage during transport.
Yet another problem in the art is the need for a device to use in the transport of baseball and softball equipment that is both comfortable and esthetically pleasing to the user. An apparatus or device to be worn by a player that is either uncomfortable or unsightly will simply not get used.
FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a method and means for transporting baseball and softball equipment which overcomes the problems found in the prior art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a sports utility belt that holds the baseball and softball equipment, freeing the hands of the wearer during transport using a bicycle or similar means.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a sports utility belt that adequately secures the baseball and softball equipment to ensure that the equipment does not become damaged during transport.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of a sports utility belt that is comfortable to wear.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a sports utility belt that is esthetically pleasing to the wearer.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a sports utility belt that is efficient in operation and durable in use.
These as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The sports utility belt of the present invention includes a belt adapted to be worn around the waste of the player, and a bat holder attached to the belt and adapted to hold either a baseball or softball bat. In its preferred form, the bat holder of the sports utility belt has an inner surface contoured to fit a portion of the bat and hold the bat in a substantially horizontal position behind the player. The bat holder is preferably made from two sections separated by a living hinge that allows the bat holder to open and close. The sports utility belt may also include a pouch attached to the belt to hold a baseball or softball and a strap adapted to secure a baseball or softball glove to the belt.
The present invention also includes a method of transporting a baseball or softball bat having the advantage of freeing the hands of the player to operate a vehicle, such as a bicycle, moped or skateboard. The method generally includes the steps of providing a sports utility belt as described above, inserting the bat into the bat holder, fastening the belt around the waste of the player, and driving the vehicle to the desired destination.
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Davison Ryan R.
Svare Zachary D.
Vidovich Gregory M.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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