US20020130150A1

US20020130150A1 - Wireless communications shoulder holster

Info

Publication number: US20020130150A1
Application number: US10/095,228
Authority: US
Inventors: Winfield Stanley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-16
Filing date: 2002-03-08
Publication date: 2002-09-19

Abstract

A cell-phone holster designed to be worn over the shoulder and carry communications equipment along the torso and under the arm of the user. Equipment to be carried will include but not be exclusive to: cell phones, hand-held computers, compact disc players, MP3 digital players. The holster is held in place by use of a series of adjustable straps designed to be worn across the shoulders and back and sides of the user. Communication gear pouches are detachable and interchangeable from main shoulder harness. The holster is designed to allow movement in tight quarters where a hip or other holster is binding or impractical.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates to the holster and carriage of a wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, hand-held personal computer, compact-disc player or MP3 player by providing a means and a method by which a user may transport multiple communication devices on his person, under the arm and loosely against the torso, while allowing for ready one-handed access and unobtrusive carriage of such communications devices. Such communication devices may include but not be exclusive to: cell phones, hand-held computers, compact disc players, and digital music players. The invention additionally relates to the potential for simultaneous carriage of additional equipment other than that expressly involved with communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention establishes a method for carrying a communications device under the arm through means of a shoulder holster. The holster is designed for ready one-handed access of its carried gear by the wearer. The present invention provides for unobtrusive cell phone, hand-held PC, and communications device carriage near the torso and under the arm of the user. With the advent of varying sized, multiple-use communications devices including wireless laptops, cell phone, hand-held PC's, CD players, and MP3 players, a necessity has developed for unobtrusive daily carriage of these devices. In the current art equipment is holstered to the hip or chest often resulting in knocking, scraping, and binding, particularly in restrictive environments such as automobiles or airplanes. Current holster design often means that cell phones are either inadvertently pulled loose, or difficult to release. The present invention, in its preferred embodiment, addresses these background issues with the carriage of a communications device slung under the arm of the wearer along the torso, allowing ready access, prolonged daily ware, and protection of the carried device. Within the context of the present invention, holstering of communications devices under the arm allows for a wide range of movement and activity by the wearer.

Accordingly, it is the objective of the present invention to provide a means for carriage of electronic and communications gear that enables the user a range of movement with ready access to the carried devices—this as a flexible compliment to the wearer's setting or activity.

Placement of the carriage jacket under the arm marks an improvement over prior art, allowing the communications device to be concealed under a jacket. Improvement is achieved with the carriage jacket placement under the arm, along the torso, on a horizontal plain, while the jacket is additionally secured and supported from both above and below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objectives there is provided a shoulder holster for carrying a communications device under the arm, loosely alongside the torso, and above the hip of the user. The holster is worn about the shoulders with two shoulder pads on the left and right, a horizontal strap running over the back connecting both shoulder pads, and two vertical straps connected to the underside of the shoulder pads from below the arm and attached also to the wearer's waist band or belt. While the holster itself is made of a natural or synthetic flexible material, in order to facilitate comfortable wear, the shoulder pads themselves are softer on the underside than the topside.

By engaging straps around both shoulders the weight of carriage is dispersed, achieving the objective of device carriage, which neither limits mobility or ready one-handed device access by the user. Through use of 1) shoulder straps looped around each shoulder, 2) placement of the carriage jacket under the wearer's arm, 3) vertical straps connected to the user's waist band or belt, several objectives are achieved: 1) wide range of physical movement by the user without binding, 2) communications device remains unobtrusive as well as easily concealed, 3) communications device is readily retrieved for use with one hand even in tight quarters such as an automobile.

Additionally, coupling units placed along the upper edge of the carriage jacket and on both the left and right sides of the holster harness serve the following objectives: 1) carriage jacket may be detached from holster harness 2) carriage jacket may be worn on either side of the torso 3) carriage jacket(s) may be worn on one or both sides of the torso 4) jackets of differing dimensions, maintaining the characteristics of the present invention, may be interchanged to carry differing classes of equipment. 5) multiple devices may be carried simultaneously. In alternate embodiments, carriage jacket dimensions may vary to accommodate a class of equipment such as handheld PCs. The carriage jackets containing differing classes of communications equipment, within the context of the present invention, adjust to size in a generally universal manner for each class of equipment.

The communications device itself is held within a carriage jacket, which holds the device flat along the wearer's body along a horizontal plain. In its preferred embodiment, once the carriage jacket is unsnapped, the communications device is readily accessed from its carriage jacket by the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the carriage jacket is both padded and adjustable, allowing a single jacket to protect and hold differing sized communication devices. The interior of the carriage jacket, in the preferred embodiment, is softer in the interior than the exterior, adding further protection to its contents. The adjustability of the carriage jacket to carry a wide variety of differing shaped and sized communications devices, marks a distinct improvement over prior art.

In addition to electronic communications devices, carriage jackets in alternate embodiments may carry additional travel essentials, thereby allowing the wearer to simultaneously carry both a cell phone, for example, and a pocket notebook, wallet, or travel papers. Couplings along harness and carriage jackets (carriage holsters) allow for simultaneous carriage of both communications and weapons carriage jackets (carriage holsters).

Positioning of carriage jackets under the arm and along the torso encourages, in the context of the invention's intent, security of the carriage jacket contents against abrasion or theft.

The preferred embodiment of the invention presented here is described in the Figures and Detailed Description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims are given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. If any other special meaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification will clearly state and define the special meaning.

Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Detailed Description is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 36 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. Are sought to be invoked to define the invention, the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, materials or acts in support of that means or step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6 are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1, ([0013] 1 a) shows a left front angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, displaying left and right vertical shoulder straps and vertical waist straps.
FIG. 2, ([0014] 2 a) shows a left rear angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, displaying shoulder pads, vertical shoulder straps, horizontal shoulder strap, and vertical waist straps.
FIG. 3, ([0015] 3 a) shows a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, displaying carriage jacket and vertical strap on left side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of the present invention in its preferred embodiment, allowing for unobtrusive carriage of a communications device or ancillary material. FIGS. 1, 1[0016] a show a perspective left-front view of this embodiment, as it appears worn by the user (wearer). Two shoulder pads 2, 2 a are worn over each shoulder, attached to which are connected front shoulder straps 4, 4 a that effectively loop under each arm. Twin clips 6,6 a connect front and rear shoulder straps to cradle carriage jacket 8 under arm. Twin clips 6,6 a also contain fittings 6 b,6 c to adjust slack in front and rear shoulder straps to accommodate different size wearers. Vertical waist straps 10, 10 a secure holster to a wearer's own belt with a loop 13 and snap 12, 12 a. Waist-strap fitting allows for vertical height adjustment 14 along waist strap.
[0017] Shoulder strap adjustments 6 b, 6 c, 7 b, 7 c allowing the holster to adjust to the users stature and size are located FIG. 1,2 at the base of each shoulder strap. Strap sleeves 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c can be adjusted to contain loose strap ends.
FIG. 2, 2[0018] a show a perspective left-rear view of this preferred embodiment, as it appears void of wearer. A horizontal strap 18 connects both the left and right shoulder pads 2,4. Along the horizontal strap 18 are two adjustment sleeves 20, 20 a allowing the strap to be either lengthened or shortened to laterally accommodate varying shoulder widths. Strap-adjustment clips 6 a,7 a at back connect the vertical shoulder- straps 5,5 a at back to the vertical waistline strap on the right 10, and to the carriage-jacket on the left 8. Strap sleeves 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c along the vertical shoulder- straps 4, 4 a, 5, 5 a contain loose strap ends. Strap adjustment clips 6 b, 6 c, 7 b 7 c on each vertical shoulder-strap serve also to allow the straps to be adjusted to fit to varying size individual wearers.
FIG. 3, 3[0019] a shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, displaying the carriage jacket. The support of the carriage jacket is held, in the preferred embodiment, in the shape of an approximate triangle with two corners of support on top and one (flattened) corner of support on the bottom FIG. 3, 3a. The bottom of the triangle being attached to the vertical waste-line strap 10 a, and the top two corners of the triangle connected to the front and back shoulder straps 4,5 a by means of clips 6,6 a. The front of the carriage jacket opens in an expandable sheath 22 to contain the communications device 24 by means of a two- sided strap 26,28 joined with a snap 30,30 a. The two-sided containment strap is itself adjustable by means of Velcro-backed ends 32 and a Velcro adjustment pad 34. This containment strap 26,28 is further secured by an elastic strap 38 drawn over the Velcro pad 34. The adjustable two- sided strap 26,28 in combination with the expandable sheath and Velcro pad 34, allows in this manner for the carriage jacket to securely hold a variety of differing sized communication devices. A containment strap is positioned at the back of the carriage jacket 36. While both the front and back of the carriage jacket 8 hold containment straps 26, 28, 36, gap openings are designed into the front and back of the jacket 8 to allow for headset or ancillary wire connections and operative use while the communications device is held in the jacket 8.
[0020] Clips 6,6 a on both the carriage jacket 8 and vertical holster straps 7,7 a are universal and disengage as shown in FIG. 3 (6 a). Consequently, the carriage jacket 8 may be clipped and worn on either side of the torso or in tandem with jackets cradled on both sides of the torso. Jacket shapes may vary in shape to accommodate a variety of classes of communication devices other than cell phones 24 in a manner generally universal to size for each class. The jacket 8 may be readily detached from the holster harness 6 a, allowing jackets to be worn interchangeably, separately, or in tandem. Descending vertically from the jacket 8 is a vertical waist-strap, which loops 13 around the wearer's belt and encloses with a snap 12 a. This strap 12 a is matched on the opposite side with a balancing waist strap 12.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. a holster worn about the shoulders for carriage of a communications device comprising:

a shoulder harness, adjustable to fit a range of body types and sizes

a shoulder harness adjustable to fit the wearer both laterally and vertically

a carriage jacket, adjustable to a range of communication device sizes

a carriage jacket approximating a universal fit to a class of equipment

a carriage jacket cradled under the arm along the side torso and above the hip

a carriage jacket cradled along the side of the wearer, off the hip and chest

a carriage jacket with openings at both the front and back ends

a carriage jacket holding generally oval or rectangular devices horizontally

a carriage jacket holding non-spherical devices flat against the torso

couplings for detachment/reattachment between carriage jacket and shoulder harness couplings for simultaneous carriage of multiple carriage jackets

2. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage-jacket interior softer along its interior than exterior

a carriage jacket with protective padding

3. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

couplings between harness and carriage jackets, allowing for carriage of devices on one or both sides of the torso

4. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

quick-release couplings between holster harness and carriage jackets, positioned for universal interchange and carriage of multiple shaped carriage jackets for differing classes of equipment

5. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a range of sizes of cell-phone

6. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a range of sizes of handheld PC

7. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a range of sizes portable CD player

8. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a range of sizes of digital recording players

9. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a range of sizes of communication equipment

10. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a carriage jacket for secure and ready transport of equipment or valuables

11. the invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

couplings between harness and carriage jackets, allowing for simultaneous carriage of communications and weapons carriage jackets.

12. a holster worn about the shoulders for carriage of a communications device comprising:

a shoulder harness, adjustable to fit a range of body types and sizes

a shoulder harness whose straps and pads are constructed of a flexible material

a carriage jacket, adjustable to fit a range of sizes of communication devices

a carriage jacket approximating a universal fit to a class of equipment

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a variety of differing sized equipment

a carriage jacket with openings at both the front and back ends

a carriage jacket cradled under the arm, along the side torso, and above the hip

a carriage jacket holding oval or rectangular devices horizontally

a carriage jacket holding non-spherical devices flat against the torso

couplings for detachment/reattachment between carriage jacket and shoulder harness

couplings for simultaneous carriage of multiple carriage jackets

couplings between harness and carriage jacket, allowing for carriage of jackets on one or both sides of the torso

13. the invention in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

a carriage-jacket interior softer along its interior than exterior

a carriage jacket with protective padding

14. the invention in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

15. The invention in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

a carriage jacket for secure and ready transport of equipment or valuables

16. the invention in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

couplings between harness and carriage jackets (carriage holsters), allowing for the simultaneous transport of communications and weapons carriage jackets (carriage holsters).

17. the invention in accordance with claim 12 further comprising:

a shoulder harness with shoulder pads softer on the underside than the topside

18. a holster worn about the shoulders for carriage of a communications device comprising:

a shoulder harness, adjustable to fit a range of body types and sizes

a shoulder harness whose straps and pads are constructed of a flexible material

a carriage jacket, adjustable to fit a range of communication device sizes

a carriage jacket with openings at both the front and back ends

a carriage-jacket interior, softer along its interior than exterior

a carriage jacket approximating a universal fit to a class of equipment

a carriage jacket, adjustable to carry a variety of differing sized equipment

a carriage jacket holding oval or rectangular devices horizontally

a carriage jacket holding non-spherical devices flat against the torso

couplings between harness and carriage jackets, allowing for carriage jackets to be carried on one or both sides of the torso

19. The invention in accordance with claim 19 further comprising:

a carriage jacket for secure and ready transport of equipment or valuables

20. The invention in accordance with claim 19 further comprising:

couplings for interchange of multiple carriage-jackets for differing equipment