Wristband with integrated pocket

Abstract

The invention provides a wristband with an integrated pocket that can be used to store small valuables.

1 . A wristband comprising a pocket for holding small items affixed to an elastic strap, wherein:
 (a) the strap comprises a plurality of loops, each loop having a braided structure, the plurality of loops being closely and concentrically assembled and configured to cover the pocket; and   (b) the pocket is configured to be positioned between the strap and the wrist of a wearer when the wristband is on the wrist.   
     
     
         2 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein each loop of the plurality of loops is a discrete, closed loop. 
     
     
         3 . The wristband of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of loops is two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine discrete, closed loops. 
     
     
         4 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of loops comprises two or more contiguous loops formed of a segment of braided cording. 
     
     
         5 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of loops is assembled in parallel relation to form the strap, the strap thereby comprising a parallel portion. 
     
     
         6 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein at least two loops in the plurality of loops are assembled in cross relation to form the strap, the strap thereby comprising one or more crisscrosses. 
     
     
         7 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein at least one loop in the plurality of loops comprises two or more segments of braided cording assembled to form the at least one loop. 
     
     
         8 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the strap, the pocket, or the strap and the pocket comprise spandex, nylon or spandex and nylon. 
     
     
         9 . The wristband of  claim 1 , the strap, the pocket, or the strap and the pocket comprise a polyester-spandex blend. 
     
     
         10 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the strap, the pocket, or the strap and the pocket comprise a 4-way stretch material. 
     
     
         11 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket comprises an outward facing slot through which a small item can be inserted into the pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The wristband of  claim 11 , wherein the outward facing slot is beneath of one or more loops in the plurality of loops. 
     
     
         13 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket comprises a slot disposed along a portion of an edge of the pocket to enable a small item to be inserted into the pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket comprises a slot configured with a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snaps, or one or more buttons. 
     
     
         15 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is affixed to the strap through stitching. 
     
     
         16 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket comprises a swath swatch of material to which a zipper is stitched, the edges of the swatch of material and the edges of the zipper being co-extensive, the swatch of material and the zipper being stitched along their co-extensive edges to form an internal pocket chamber accessible through the zipper, and wherein the stitching securing the swatch of material and the zipper along their co-extensive edges secures the pocket to the wristband. 
     
     
         17 . The wristband of  claim 16 , which comprises a parallel portion having five parallel loop segments. 
     
     
         18 . The wristband of  claim 16 , which comprises a crisscross portion. 
     
     
         19 . The wristband of  claim 16 , wherein the zipper opening is disposed beneath a third loop segment or between a second and a third loop segments. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is sized so as to be hidden by the strap when the wristband is on the wrist of the wearer.