US20040094592A1

US20040094592A1 - Wearable carrier for holding a personal item

Info

Publication number: US20040094592A1
Application number: US10/298,809
Authority: US
Inventors: Worth Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-18
Filing date: 2002-11-18
Publication date: 2004-05-20

Abstract

The present invention provides a device that enables the user to flexibly position and hold in place an item of personal property for which the user desires to have frequent and immediate access. The device includes a strap that extends diagonally along the front of the user over one shoulder of the user and diagonally across the back of the user, wherein the strap has end portions that come together near the person's waste and attach, via a mechanism, to an item of apparel worn by the user. A carrier slideably engages the strap for example at a portion of the strap along the front side of the user. The carrier houses one or more personal items, such as a cell phone.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices for transporting personal items and more particularly to a wearable device for holding items of personal property, such as cell phones. The use the cell phones has increased at an extraordinary rate over the past decade. Approximately fifty percent of the population of the United States has a cell phone. It is common to see people, male or female, young or old, at play or at profession, at school or in the business world, using a cell phone in public, in a vehicle or in other places. People use cell phones to conduct business, to talk to friends, to keep in touch with family members and perform virtually any task that can be performed by a business phone or home phone.

In a like manner, the use of portable compact disc players as well as other types of electronic devices, such as digital music players (MP3, miniature disk and the like), hand-held email and/or internet access devices, have also become very pervasive in society. People enjoy listening to music while walking from the train to work, while jogging or performing virtually any exercise in or out of the home. Of course, along with these types of electronic devices, people transport other items of personal property on a regular basis, such as makeup, a comb or hair brush, address books, sunglasses as well as other items.

In each of these instances, it is obviously awkward for a person to have to hold in their hand one or more of the above mentioned items for a prolonged period of time. For this reason, various devices have been developed that allow a person to more conveniently transport personal items. Students often use backpacks to transport books and other school items, wherein the backpacks usually contain smaller pockets for storing the items listed above. It is also common for people to carry these types of personal items in a briefcase. Still further, women commonly use purses to carry makeup and other items, such as cell phones.

A need has arisen however for people to have more immediate access to certain items than is typically provided by a backpack, briefcase or purse. When a person receives a cell phone call, it is cumbersome for the person to open up a briefcase, purse or backpack, find the phone and answer it before the person calling hangs up. A person using a portable compact disc player may find it cumbersome to have headphone wires extending from and pulling on the person's head because they run to the disc player located in a backpack or briefcase.

People often desire to keep certain items, such as makeup or cigarettes in a place that is readily and immediately accessible. A backpack, briefcase or purse does not in many instances provide sufficient accessibility. Further, a backpack, briefcase or purse may not provide the level of security or access for carrying important items, such as wallets, medicine, passports and the like, for example, while in an airport or traveling abroad.

Cell phones, beepers and the like have in the past been attached removably to one's pants or belt. This arrangement has a number of drawbacks. First, the device and in particular the cell phone, which in many cases includes an antenna that sticks upwardly from the top of the cell phone, jabs one's stomach area and ribs when fixed to one's waistline. The device can be even more uncomfortable when one sits or bends at the waistline or for overweight people. Cell phones that swivel with respect to a person's belt have been provided but tend to come loose easily from the belt.

The devices can also act to restrict the movement of a person who tries to avoid the discomfort caused by the device being stored at or near the waistline. Further, due to the regular activity that occurs at or near the waistline, such as, twisting or sitting, removing items from a pocket, bumping into other people, fixtures and other items that may crowd a person, the current method of holding a cell phone or other type of device on the pants or belt of a person is prone to causing the device to become damaged or dislodged. Cell phones also pose a danger to people when used by a person who is driving.

Elderly people, people confined to a wheelchair and people with medical ailments may have an increased need to be close to a readily accessible telephone. Cell phones enable people in such conditions to travel safely outside the range of a cordless telephone. It would therefore be beneficial to make cell phones more accessible to people with such needs.

For each of the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a device, which is comfortable to use, and which allows ready access to personal items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device that enables the user to flexibly position and hold in place an item of personal property for which the user desires to have frequent and ready access. The device includes a strap that extends diagonally along the front of the user, over one shoulder of the user, and diagonally across the back of the user, wherein the strap has end portions that come together and attach near the waistline to an item of apparel worn by the user. A carrier or caddy, slideably engages the strap, for example at a portion of the strap along the front side of the user.

The slideable caddy in one embodiment defines apertures that are sized to frictionally engage the strap, so that the user is required to exert a force on the caddy that is greater than forces normally exerted on the caddy due to gravity or via the action of the user either walking, jogging or running. The caddy holds itself in place after being placed in a desired position.

The end portions of the strap couple to an assembly that includes an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism attaches to an item of apparel worn by the user. In an embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes a spring-loaded clip, such as a “bulldog” clip or an “alligator” clip. These types of attachment mechanisms are especially convenient because a person can attach the clip by feeling for the person's pants or belt without looking down to attach the clip.

In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes a spring-loaded hook or alternatively a lock, hook, clip, clamp, latch, etc. The attachment mechanism rotates in an embodiment with respect to a link portion of the assembly, wherein the link portion of the assembly is moveably secured to the end portions of the strap. The link portion of the assembly can be separated from the attachment mechanism by a section, for example, a piece of the strap material.

In an embodiment a single carrier or caddy is provided and supported by the strap. In alternative embodiments, multiple carriers are slideably coupled to the strap. Further alternatively, a single carrier can have multiple slots or compartments to divide space for different personal items.

The caddies frictionally engage the strap so that the caddy is maintained at a desired position along the strap. In an embodiment, the caddy defines apertures and can include multiple layers of material that frictionally hold the caddy in place with respect to the strap. In an alternative embodiment, one or more separate locking mechanisms can be provided which aid in holding the caddy in place against the strap. The strap and caddy can be made of the same or different materials, and can be made from any material or any combination of materials, such as leather, suede, cowhide, fur, any type of polymer such as a woven polymer or extruded polymer, any type of cloth, meshed material, woven material and any combination of these.

The strap can be made in different lengths to fit different sized men and women. In an alternative embodiment, the strap is adjustable to fit different sizes of users. In the adjustable embodiment, a buckle is provided that separates the strap which is split and attached at the split ends to the buckle.

The strap and caddy are worn conveniently by persons performing virtually any activity while walking, sitting or exercising. The strap and caddy are also worn conveniently by persons driving cars, motorcycles or other types of sports vehicles. The caddy, located close to the body provides a secure location for important items such as wallets, airline tickets and passports. The present invention also aids disabled and elderly people by providing convenient access to cell phones and other items having a potential immediate need, such as medicine or emergency medical response buttons.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that enables a person to carry and access readily one or more personal items.

It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a device that houses personal items and is worn comfortably by a person.

It is a further object of the advantage of the present invention to provide a housing for a personal item that is securely attached to an item of apparel worn by the person.

It is still a further advantage of the present invention to provide a device that carries multiple items and is worn by the user.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that allows multiple personal item carriers to be positioned at desired positions relative to user's body.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention showing the components of same and one embodiment for attaching the device to an item of apparel worn by the user. [0024]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a man and a woman wearing the device having the slidable caddy of the present invention. [0025]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of first and second caddies that each slideably engage a single strap. [0026]
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative caddy that includes multiple compartments for holding differently sized personal items. [0027]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one preferred caddy of the present invention. [0028]
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the end portions of the strap connected to various alternative attachment mechanisms of the present invention. [0029]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment for providing detachable end portions of the strap connected to one preferred attachment mechanism. [0030]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable strap for the device of the present invention. [0031]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable strap for the device of the present invention.[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the [0033] device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The device 10 is worn about the shoulder of a person and extends across the person's body, wherein device 10 links or attaches to an item of apparel worn by the person. The device includes a carrier or caddy that slidingly engages a strap, wherein the strap extends over the shoulder and attaches at its end portions, via a mechanism, to a selected item of apparel.
[0034] Device 10 includes a strap 12. Strap 12 is constructed of any desired material, such as leather, suede, cowhide, fur, cloth, a woven polymer, a non-woven polymer, a meshed material, extruded material, a cut material, and any combination of these. Strap 12 can have a number of folds or plies, such as two and/or three folds or three plies. Strap 12 can also have a smooth rib or fold of material stitched or otherwise applied to its edges to provide a smooth surface with which to move the caddy against, for example, when the strap 12 is fur or cowhide that can be damaged by an abrasive contact with the caddy.
In the illustrated embodiment, [0035] strap 12 of device 10 is sized for a particular body size or range of body sizes. The strap 12 can be made in varying lengths to fit men and women of all shapes, sizes, heights, weights, etc. FIGS. 8 and 9 below illustrate alternative straps that are adjustable. The illustrated strap 12 is shown generally as a solid structure, however, strap 12 can have any desired series of apertures or protrusions extending therefrom, providing a strong construction but allowing for design and ornamental variations.
The [0036] strap 12 includes end portions 14 and 16. In the illustrated embodiment, end portions 14 and 16 of strap 12 define a loop or ring for attachment to a link portion 26 of assembly 20. The loop or ring of the end portions 14 and 16 is formed in an embodiment by stitching the end portions 14 and 16 so as to form the loop. In an alternative embodiment, the loop is formed by heat sealing, an adhesive seal, via compression bands 50 (as illustrated) that hold two pieces of the strap 12 together in a looped fashion or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, band 50 is of the same material as strap 12, however, band 50 can be of a different material than strap 12. Band 50 can for example be hard plastic or metal, wherein the strap 12 is of a flexible material.
[0037] End portions 14 and 16 loop around the link portion 26 of the assembly 20, so that the strap 12 is fixed to the assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the loops formed at end portions 14 and 16 allow the strap 12 to move or rotate with respect to the assembly 20. This feature enables the assembly 20 to move as necessary relative to the end portions 14 and 16 of the strap 12. In the illustrated embodiment, end portions 14 and 16 are permanently and rotatably fixed to the assembly 20. In an alternative embodiment, end portions 14 and 16 are configured such that the strap 12 is removable from the assembly 20, for example, to replace a worn or damaged strap 12 or so that different colors and styles of the strap 12 and assembly 20 can be mixed and matched.
The [0038] assembly 20 includes an attachment mechanism 22. The attachment mechanism 22 in an embodiment is integral to the assembly 20. In another embodiment, attachment mechanism 22 fixedly attaches or adheres to the link portion 26 of the number 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, attachment mechanism 22 rotatably or hingedly attaches to the link portion 26 of the assembly 20. The degree of freedom provided by the rotational attachment of the mechanism 22 to the assembly 20 further provides for a flexible attachment of the device 10 to the item of apparel 24, so that strap 12 fits comfortably about the user's body.
[0039] Attachment mechanism 22 in the illustrated embodiment includes a spring-loaded clip that biases the mechanism to be fixed to the item of apparel 24. The spring-loaded clip can be of any desired form, size and variety. In one preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded clip as illustrated has the shape of a “bulldog” clip as this term is known in the art. The bulldog clip is advantageous because it allows the device 10 to be attached either to a belt, the top of a pair of pants, a skirt, a dress, a shirt, a sweater, a jacket or any other item of apparel, collectively referred to herein as apparel item 24. Another type of spring clip useable with the present invention is an “alligator” clip.
The [0040] link portion 26 and the attachment mechanism 22 of the assembly 20 are made of the same material in an embodiment, however, the link 26 and mechanism 22 can be made of different materials in alternative embodiments. In various embodiments, the link 26 and the attachment mechanism 22 are made of metal, hard plastic, wood, stone and any combination of these. They can have adornments and design features tailored to men's or women's fashions The link 26 defines one or more apertures for receiving the end portions 14 and 16 of the strap 12 and for receiving the attachment mechanism 22. While FIG. 1 illustrates one possible configuration for the link portion 26 of the assembly 20, it is possible for those skilled in the art to develop various different configurations for the link portion 26, which can include one or more apertures. Alternatively, the link portion 26 includes protrusions (not illustrated) that extend through and attach to the end portions 14 and 16 of the strap 12 and/or the attachment mechanism 22.
The [0041] device 10 enables the user to conveniently insert and remove a personal item 28 into and from, respectively, a carrier or caddy 30. Item 28 as illustrated is a cell phone in one embodiment. The personal item 28 can be any transportable item including any one or more of the following: a pager, a wallet, a passport, an airline ticket, medicine, a portable compact disc player, a compact disc, a cigarette package, makeup, an address book, digital music players (MP3, miniature disk and the like), hand-held email and/or internet access devices, combinations of such devices with cell phones and various other items that are of a size and weight that allow for comfortable transportation via the strap 12 and carrier 30. The caddy 30, which is illustrated in more detail below, is made of the same material as the strap 12 in an embodiment, however, the caddy 30 can be made of a different material than the strap 12 in various alternative embodiments. The material for the carrier or caddy 30 includes any of the materials listed above for strap 12.
In an embodiment, one of the [0042] end portions 14 or 16 is removable from the link 26 of the assembly 20, so that the caddy 30 can slide off of the removable end portion. This enables damaged or worn carriers or caddies to be replaced and also enables different straps 12 and caddies 30 to be mixed and matched. In an alternative embodiment, the caddy 30 provides a hinged or removable portion that allows the caddy to be removed directly from the strap 12.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the [0043] device 10 is illustrated positioned onto male and female users. The strap 12 is sized so that the strap extends up across the front of the user's body, over a shoulder on one side of the users body, and down across the back of the user's body towards the opposite side of the body from the shoulder that receives strap 12 and to the same side of the body from which the strap originated. The end portions 14 and 16 of strap 12 reside at or near the waist of the user, wherein the assembly 20 having the attachment mechanism 22 attaches and secures strap 12 of the device 10 to an item of apparel 24. As illustrated, men typically wear belts, so that the assembly 20 and attachment mechanism 22 attach the strap 12 to the belt. However, even when wearing a belt, or in the case of women who many times do not wear belts, e.g., when wearing a skirt, the attachment mechanism 22 of the assembly 20 can alternatively attach to the pants, skirt, dress or any of the other apparel items 24 listed above.
Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment for the arrangement of [0044] strap 12 with caddy 30 and an additional second carrier or caddy 130 is illustrated. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated that strap 12 in an embodiment supports a single carrier or caddy 30. FIG. 3 illustrates that strap 12 can support multiple caddies, such as caddy 30 and second caddy 130. Although FIG. 3 illustrates two separate caddies supported by strap 12, any suitable number of caddies that can fit onto the strap (on either the front or back of the person) is possible.
One embodiment for attaching the [0045] caddy 30 to the strap 12 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Caddy 30 includes a back 32, sides 34 and 36 and a bottom 38. The caddy is generally a five-sided structure that defines an opening 42 for receiving one or more personal items 28. For example, opening 42 in FIG. 3 could be sized to hold a single cellular phone, or alternatively, be sized to hold a cell phone and an item of makeup or a credit or debit card. To facilitate the holding of multiple items, inner pockets or compartments are provided in an embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, outer pockets or compartments are provided, for example, on the front 48 of the caddy 30.
The [0046] back 32 is formed in an embodiment from a separate piece of material that also forms a cover or flap 44 that folds over the top of the opening 42, securing personal items 28 that are inserted into caddy 30. An attachment mechanism 46, such as Velcro® strips or the like is provided between an end portion of the cover or flap 44 and the upper portion of the front 48 of caddy 30.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the [0047] strap 12 provides an area along the front side of the body of the user with which the user can adjust the caddy 30 up towards the shoulder on the first side of the body or down towards the waist of the second side of the body. The present invention provides a mechanism that allows the user to slide easily the caddy 30 up or down, wherein the caddy 30 is held in place at the position desired by the user. FIG. 3 illustrates one possible mechanism for providing such a feature. In FIG. 3, back 32 defines apertures 52 and 54 that allow strap 12 to extend into one of the apertures and out of the other aperture, wherein a portion of the strap is maintained inside of the back 32 of the caddy 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 52 and 54 are sized and the back 32 and the piece forming the cover or flap 44 are fabricated sufficiently tightly against one another so that the caddy 30 does not move relative to the strap 12 without a relatively strong force applied to the caddy 30 to move same. For example, it is contemplated that the force of gravity or forces created inadvertently by walking, jogging or running with the carrier or caddy in place would not be sufficiently strong enough to move or let slip caddy 30 along strap 12.
In an alternative embodiment, one or more mechanisms not illustrated can be provided to hold the [0048] caddy 30 on the strap 12 in a desired position. For example, a number of protrusions can extend from the back 32 and the strap 12 could define a number of apertures, wherein the protrusions and apertures are spaced apart the same distance and wherein the user can force the protrusions to extend into the apertures when the device 30 is in a desired position. In a further alternative embodiment, a separate locking mechanism is provided on the strap 12, wherein the user slides the additional locking mechanism up against the caddy 30 when the caddy 30 is at a desired position. The additional locking mechanism, for example, can be a plastic piece that frictionally couples to the strap 12 and requires a fairly significant amount of force to move relative to the strap 12. In an embodiment, the additional locking mechanism is provided on strap 12 on one or both sides of the caddy 30.
The second carrier or [0049] caddy 130 includes many of the same components as caddy 30, such as a back 132, sides (e.g., side 134), a bottom 138, a front 148, a cover or flap 144 and an attachment mechanism 146. The second caddy 130 is five-sided and defines an opening 142 that receives an item 28. In an embodiment, opening 142 is sized differently from opening 42 of caddy 30, wherein the first and second caddies 30 and 130 are sized to receive differently sized items 28. Each of the alternative embodiments, such as the internal and external pockets or compartments described above in connection with the caddy 30, is also applicable to the second caddy 130. The second caddy 130 includes a different attachment mechanism 146 than that shown with caddy 30. Caddy 30 uses a Velcro® type attachment mechanism, wherein attachment mechanism 146 includes a tab that rotates relative to a base portion, wherein the cover or flap 144 defines an aperture 152 that slides over the tab when the tab is aligned with the aperture 152 and wherein the tab can turn, for example ninety degrees, and hold the cover or flap in place.
The [0050] second caddy 130 includes each of the alternative embodiments described above for slidingly and frictionally engaging the caddy 130 to the strap 12. The second caddy 130 is positioned a desired distance away from the first caddy 30. Although only two caddies are illustrated in FIG. 3, any number of suitably sized caddies or carriers can be provided.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a multi-carrier [0051] 230 is illustrated, which includes multiple carriers 240 and 260 defining apertures 242 and 262, respectively, which are sized to receive multiple components, such as a portable compact disc player and a cell phone. The multi-carrier 230 includes a back 232, sides 234 and 236, a bottom 238 and a front 248. These structures define a relatively large opening 242 for receiving a single larger personal item or multiple smaller personal items. Again, opening 242 can be separated by one or more compartments, pockets or divisions.
[0052] Opening 242 is defined by the first carrier 240. Opening 262 is defined by a second carrier 260 of the multi-carrier 230. The second carrier 260 as illustrated is sized differently than the first carrier 240. The second carrier 260, however, includes similar components, such as sides 264 and 266, a bottom 258 and a front face 268. The back side of carrier 260 is formed by the front 248 of the carrier 240. Although multiple carrier 230 is illustrated as having two carriers, it should be appreciated that any number of suitably sized carriers may be provided in multiple form.
A cover or a flap [0053] 244 extends over the openings 242 and 246 and any personal item 28 inserted into the openings. The cover 244 includes a number of fold lines 256 that allow the cover 244 to fit snuggly over and protect the personal item 28. Cover 244 also includes multiple attachment mechanisms 246 a and 246 b that attach to mating mechanisms 246 a and 246 b on the respective fronts 248 and 268 of the larger and smaller carriers 240 and 260, respectively of the multiple carrier 230. Carriers 240 and 260 of multi-carrier 230 can have the same or different types of attachment mechanisms 146 a and 146 b, which include any of the types disclosed previously. The flap 244 is sized differently at different portions to reach the mating attachment mechanisms on the fronts 248 and 268.
Referring now to FIG. 5, one preferred embodiment for a caddy of the present invention is illustrated by [0054] caddy 330. Caddy 330 includes a back 332, sides 334 and 336 and a looped bottom 338. Caddy 330 is generally a five-sided structure that defines an opening 342 for receiving one or more personal items 28. As described above, opening 342 could be sized to hold a single cellular phone, or alternatively, be sized to hold a cell phone and an item of makeup or a credit or debit card or any of the other items described above. To facilitate the holding of multiple items, inner pockets or compartments are provided in an embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, outer pockets or compartments are provided, for example, on the front 348 of the caddy 330.
The [0055] back 332 extends upward to form a cover or flap 344 that folds over the top of the opening 342, securing personal items 28 that are inserted into caddy 330. An attachment mechanism 346 a, 346 b, such as Velcro® strips or the like is provided between an end portion of the cover or flap 344 (346 a) and the upper portion of the front 348 (346 b) of caddy 330. The flap 344 in an embodiment defines a cutout 345 that enables a telephone antenna to project through the cutout. Caddy 330 uses the alternative attachment mechanism 146/152 described above.
As discussed above, the [0056] strap 12 provides an area along the front side of the body of the user with which the user can adjust the caddy 330 up towards the shoulder on the first side of the body or down towards the waist of the second side of the body. Caddy 330 provides folds 348 and 352 that fold together, clasping around the strap 12 and allowing the user to slide easily the caddy 30 up or down, wherein the caddy 30 is held in place at the position desired by the user. The strap 12 is inserted between the back 332 and the fold 352. Fold 352 has a locking mechanism 356 b on its outer surface, such as a Velcro® strip. Fold 348 has a locking mechanism 356 a on its inner surface, such as a matching Velcro® strip. In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the back 332 can include one or more Velcro® strip and a smooth strip, wherein only a single flap is used, the single strip having a matching one or more Velcro® strip on its inner surface and wherein the smooth strip slides along the strap 12.
The [0057] flaps 348 and 352 are fabricated so as to provide a locking mechanism sufficient so that the caddy 330 does not move relative to the strap 12 without a relatively strong force applied to the caddy 330 to move same. It is again contemplated that the force of gravity or forces created inadvertently by walking, jogging or running with the carrier or caddy in place would not be sufficiently strong enough to move or let slip caddy 330 along strap 12. Any of the alternative devices discussed above for holding the caddy relative to the strap are contemplated for caddy 330. For example, a separate locking mechanism can be provided on the strap 12, wherein the user slides the additional locking mechanism up against the caddy 330 when the caddy 330 is at a desired position.
Each of the alternative embodiments, such as the internal and external pockets or compartments described above in connection with the [0058] caddy 30, is also applicable to the second caddy 330. Caddy 330 can be constructed from any of the materials and combinations therefore discussed above. Certain of the components of caddy 330, such as any one or more of the folds 348, 352, sides 334, 336, front 348, back 332 and flap 344 can have multiple plies, such as two or three plies that are sown, stitched or otherwise adhered together.
Referring now to FIG. 6, various alternative embodiments for the [0059] assembly 20 and attachment mechanism 22 shown in FIG. 1 are illustrated. As described above in connection with FIG. 1, the strap 12 includes end portions 14 and 16. In an embodiment, the end portions 14 and 16 form loops, which in the illustrated embodiment are secured via bands 50. The assembly 20 in FIG. 1 includes a link portion 26 connecting ends 14 and 16 and an attachment mechanism 22 connected directly to the link portion 26. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 is slightly different. Here, end portions 14 and 16 couple to a ring portion 40 of the assembly 20, wherein an intermediate section 112 couples the ring portion 40 to one of a various number of the attachment mechanisms, illustrated here as alternative attachment mechanism 122.
In an embodiment, [0060] ring portion 40 is or resembles a metal or plastic halter square used typically to fasten horse harnesses. The end portions 14 and 16 couple to the ring portion 40 via any of the embodiments described above for coupling the end portions 14 and 16 to the link 26 of assembly 20 in FIG. 1. Section 112 is of the same material as the strap 12 in an embodiment, however, section 112 can be made of any desired material described above for the strap 12 and can be of the same or different material as strap 12.
As illustrated, the [0061] ring portion 40 attaches moveably or rotatably to the end portions 14 and 16, creating the desirable overall flexible assembly 20 in a similar manner as the flexible assembly 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The section 112, which in an embodiment forms a loop about the ring portion 40 of the attachment mechanism 122, also provides for a flexible attachment between assembly 20, an item of apparel and the strap 12 when it is placed about the user's body. The section 112 can have various different lengths, which allow the end portions 14 and 16 to reside higher or lower with respect to the person's waist and also allows for varying angles of the strap 12 across the front and back of the user's body.
FIG. 6 also illustrates multiple embodiments for alternative attachment mechanisms, which can be any type of clip, hook or lock. FIG. 6 illustrates three [0062] different attachment mechanisms 122, 222 and 322. Attachment mechanism 122 includes a ring portion 124 and a spring-loaded hook 126. Spring-loaded hook 126 connects rotatably to the ring portion 124. Spring-loaded hook 126 is designed to hook around a belt or other item that can be encircled.
Alternative attachment mechanism [0063] 222 also includes a ring portion 224 and a hook 226. Hook 226 does not include a separate spring but instead uses the flexibility of the hook ends to create a biased connection between the ends. The user can push or move one of the ends to allow the hook to open up for fastening to an item of apparel worn by the user. Hook 226 as before attaches rotatably to the ring portion 224 of alternative attachment mechanism 222.
Attachment mechanism [0064] 322 shows a further alternative embodiment. Attachment mechanism 322 includes a ring portion 324 and a hook portion 326 that is rotatably coupled to the ring 324. Hook portion 326 slides around the user's belt or other item of apparel 24 suitably grasped by hook 326.
Referring now to FIG. 7, one preferred arrangement for the [0065] assembly 20 having an attachment mechanism 422 is illustrated. Here, a strap 312 includes detachable end portions 314 and 316. The strap 312 and end portions 314 and 316 can be made of any of the materials described above and can have multiple plies or folds that can be stitched or otherwise attached to one another. In an embodiment, the end portions 314 and 316 form loops, which in the illustrated embodiment are secured via bands 50. The assembly 20 includes the ring portion 40 described above in connection with FIG. 6. Ring portion 40 is or resembles a metal or plastic halter square in one embodiment. Strap 312 can be of any of the materials described above and have multiple plies, for example, strap 312 can be of three plies in the portion receiving the caddy and two plied where connected to the halter square.
The [0066] band 50 at the end portion 316 of strap 312 frictionally but moveably and slideably engages the strap 312. The inner sides of sections 318 and 320 of end portion 316 include mating attachment mechanisms, such as mating Velcro® strips (the strips are provided in a thin form, Velcro USA 805 (Hook) and 3610 (Loop), which may be used for sections 318 and 320), which hold sections 318 and 320 together in the illustrated looped fashion about a rung portion 41 of the ring portion 40 of assembly 20. A person can slide bands 50 away from assembly 20, pull sections 318 and 320 apart and remove end portion 316 from ring portion 40. In a similar manner, band 50 at the end portion 314 of strap 312 allows for enough play so that attachment mechanisms, such as mating Velcro® strips, which hold opposing surfaces of sections 306 and 308 together can be pulled apart and reattached. Strap 312 can therefore be removed completely from ring portion 40 of assembly 20 to swap out components for fashion purposes or to replace worn or broken components.
As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a [0067] section 412 in FIG. 7 couples the ring portion 40 to any of the various attachment mechanisms described above. Section 412 is of the same material as the strap 312 in an embodiment, however, section 412 can be made of any desired material described above for the strap 12 and can be of the same or different material as strap 312. Section 412 can have multiple plies or folds that can be stitched or otherwise attached to one another.
As illustrated, the [0068] ring portion 40 attaches moveably or rotatably to the end portions 314 and 316, creating the desirable overall flexible assembly. Section 412, which in an embodiment forms a loop about the ring portion 40 of the attachment mechanism 122, also provides for a flexible attachment between assembly 20, an item of apparel and the strap 12 when it is placed about the user's body. Section 412 can have various different lengths, which allow the end portions 314 and 316 to reside higher or lower with respect to the person's waist and also allow for varying angles of the strap 312 across the front and back of the user's body.
[0069] Section 412 forms a loop about ring portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, ring portion 40 includes a snap 426 that allows the section 412 to attach removeably to ring portion 40. Section 412 can therefore be removed completely from ring portion 40 of assembly 20 to swap out section 412 for fashion purposes or to replace section 412 or ring portion 40 if either becomes worn or broken. In an alternative embodiment, Velcro® strips and/or a band 50 shown above holding end portions 314 and 316 together are used instead of snap 426. Conversely, snap 426 can be used in place of the Velcro® strips and band 50 for one or both of the end portions 314 and 316 of strap 312.
FIG. 7 shows one [0070] preferred attachment mechanism 422, which is a bulldog type clip. Bulldog clip 422 is attached to section 412 in an embodiment via a rivet 428, wherein clip 422 can rotate with respect to section 412 about the rivet connection. Bulldog clip 422 includes or defines a grasping area 424, which is widened to allow a person to more easily grasp or apply force to attachment mechanism 422 when attaching or removing attachment mechanism 422 to or from an item of apparel. Grasping area 424 can have indentations, be knurled or provide a padded surface to further aid the person in attaching or removing attachment mechanism 422.
Referring now to FIG. 8, one embodiment of an [0071] adjustable strap 212 is illustrated. Strap 212 is shown with arrows pointing towards a first end portion 214 and a second end portion 216. Upper portion 228 of the strap leads to end portion 214 defines a loop 218, which can be produced by a stitching, adhering, heat sealing or mechanically attaching a folded portion of the strap 212 together. A lower portion 208 leads to end portion 216. In an alternative embodiment, the loop 218 can be provided on the lower portion 208 leading towards end portion 216, wherein the adjustable strap 212 operates in a reverse manner from the ones shown here.
In operation, [0072] portion 208 folds through a buckle 220 and can include a folded catch 206 at its end so that portion 208 does not come loose completely from buckle 220. Buckle 220 also includes an inner rung (not seen) around which loop 218 of portion 228 extends and secures. Buckle 220 also includes a rung 204 around which portion 208 extends. Portion 208 folds over rung 204 and then beneath an outer rim 202 of Buckle 220. Buckle 220 enables the person to pull on the folded catch 206 of portion 208 to shorten the overall length of the strap 212 or pull on the body of portion 208 to loosen and thereby lengthen the overall length of strap 212.
Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of an [0073] adjustable strap 512 is illustrated. Strap 512 can be of any of the materials described above and have multiple plies that are stitched or otherwise attached to one another. Strap 512 is shown with arrows pointing towards a first end portion 514 and a second end portion 516 of strap 512. Portion 518 of the strap leads to end portion 514 and defines a number of apertures 522. Another portion 520 leads to end portion 516. Portion 520 is stitched together in a number of places so as to loop around a rung 524 of a buckle 526 and hold band 50 in place. Buckle 526 also includes a hinged projection 528 that is inserted through one of the apertures 522 selected so that strap 512 forms a loop having a desired size.
In operation, the adjustment of [0074] strap 512 is substantially that of adjusting a belt and belt buckle. Band 50 performs the function of a pant loop, holding the loose portion 518 close to the portion 520. In an alternative embodiment, band 50 is slideably adjustable to hold the loose portion 518 close to the portion 520. In a further alternative embodiment band 50 operates with Velcro® strips placed on opposing surfaces of portions 518 and 520 as discussed above with FIG. 7. Still further, a snap such as illustrated above with FIG. 7 is used to adjust the loop size of the strap.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. [0075]

Claims

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A device for carrying a personal item comprising:

a strap sized to extend from a first side of a person, along the front of the person, over the shoulder on a second side of the person, and return along the back of the person to the first side;

an assembly connected to end portions of the strap, the assembly including an attachment mechanism that connects the assembly to an item of apparel substantially at the person's waste; and

a carrier supported by the strap, the carrier sized to hold the personal item.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier is slideably held by the strap.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier defines at least one aperture that receives the strap.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes at least one fold that holds the carrier frictionally against the strap.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the folds include an attachment device that attaches the folds to one another.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier is sized and structured to hold a plurality of personal items.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a portion that opens and closes to enable insertion and removal of the personal item.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the portion includes an attachment device that holds removably the portion to the remainder of the carrier.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the personal item is selected from the group consisting of: a cell phone, a pager, a wallet, a passport, an airline ticket, a compact disk player, a compact disk, makeup, medicine, a credit/debit card, a cigarette package, an address book, a digital music player, a hand-held email access device, a hand held internet access device and any combination thereof.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: a spring clip, a lock, a hook and any combination thereof.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is removable from the assembly.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: leather, suede, cowhide, fur, fabric, a polymer, a polymer weave, a meshed material, a woven material and any combination thereof.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the assembly includes a link portion connected to the end portions of the strap.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein at least one of the end portions is removably connected to the link portion.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein link portion and the attachment mechanism are separated by a section.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the section is made, at least partially, from a material used to make at least a part of a strap.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the attachment mechanism is removable from the section.

19. A device for carrying a personal item comprising:

a strap sized to extend from a first side of a person, along the front of a person, over the shoulder on a second side of the person, and return along the back of the person to the first side;

means for securing end portions of the strap to an item of apparel worn at the person's waist; and

a caddy supported by the strap, the caddy sized to hold the personal item.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the securing means includes a first portion attached to the ends of the straps and a second portion that attaches to the item of apparel.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first and second portions are formed from the same structure.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein the first and second portions are separated by a section.

23. The device of claim 19, wherein the first and second portions connected removably to one another.

24. A device for carrying personal items comprising:

an assembly connected to end portions of the strap, the assembly including a spring-loaded clip that connects the assembly to an item of apparel worn by the person; and

a caddy supported by the strap, the caddy sized to hold the personal item.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the clip defines an aperture, the aperture receiving a portion of a section, the section connected a link portion of the assembly, the link portion connected to the end portions of the strap.

26. The device of claim 24, wherein the clip is coupled moveably to the assembly.

27. The device of claim 24, wherein the clip is coupled removably to the assembly.

28. The device of claim 24, wherein the strap is adjustable.

29. A method of manufacturing a device for carrying a personal item comprising the steps of:

preparing a strap sized to extend from a first side of a person, along the front of the person, over the shoulder on a second side of the person, and return along the back of the person to the first side;

connecting an assembly to the end portions of the strap, the assembly including an attachment mechanism that attaches to an item of apparel worn by the person; and

attaching a carrier onto the strap, the carrier sized to hold the personal item.

30. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of sizing the strap differently for differently sized users.

31. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of structuring the strap so that the strap is adjustable for different sized users.

32. The method of claim 29, which includes preparing different straps using different materials.

33. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of preparing different carriers and allowing the different carriers to be used with the same strap.

34. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of structuring the carrier so that the person can slide the carrier to a desired position along the strap, and so that the carrier remains stationary when released from the person's grasp.

35. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of structuring the carrier so that the carrier is removable from the strap.

36. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of structuring the assembly so that the assembly is removable from the strap.

37. The method of claim 29, which includes the step of structuring the assembly so that the attachment mechanism is removable from the assembly.