WO2006031233A1

WO2006031233A1 - Personal storage device

Info

Publication number: WO2006031233A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/030158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pamela Omiatek
Original assignee: Pamela Omiatek
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2004-09-14
Publication date: 2006-03-23

Abstract

A personal article carrier configured to fasten to two belt lops of a wearer’s pants. In another embodiment, the carrier is given the appearance and feel of a toy stuffed animal.

Description

PERSONAL STORAGE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to handbags, attaches, purses and other personal storage devices, and more particularly to a personal storage device having clip attachment adapted for attaching to belt loops, and to a personal storage device adapted for clipping to belt loops having ornamental design features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal storage device, such as traditional purses, hand bags, hip sacks, and similar products have been in use for many years. Typically a shoulder strap or handle is provided on the storage device, allowing the owner to carry the device easily. A wide variety of design is known in the art, and various ornamental and functional features of purses and handbags have brought wide success for many designers. Zippers, snaps, Velcro™, and similar fastening means are often incorporated to allow secure closure of such personal storage devices.

There are known devices which can be attached to the person at a single point, such as a belt loop, but these devices are less secure for having a single attachment point and also allow the device to swing freely, causing an annoying banging against the leg.

More secure known methods of attachment are too inconvenient, such as shoulder straps for purses or "fanny packs" which must be threaded onto a belt. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient and aesthetically pleasing means for storing personal items, and allowing convenient access to such items while carried.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a convenient and secure means for storing personal items, without a need for manually carrying a personal storage device. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a device which can be fastened at two of the wearer's belt loops.

In accordance with the forgoing and other objects, in one aspect the present invention provides a personal storage device preferably comprising a closable storage container having a longitudinal edge, and fastening means positioned at opposite ends of said edge.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a personal storage device preferably comprising a storage receptacle having fastening means at upper corners and further having a decorative exterior fashioned to have an ornamental appearance, for instance the appearance of an animal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an illustration of a personal storage device according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a personal storage device 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 is a storage receptacle that includes an interior space that can be closed with a zipper 12, snaps, buttons, Velcro™, or similar means. In a preferred embodiment, device 10 is closed with a zipper 12 along a top longitudinal edge 14, a clasp 16 or other fastening device is preferably positioned at opposite ends of device 10 along longitudinal edge 14. Clasps 16 may be attached to device 10 with any suitable means; however they are preferably stitched thereto.

The clasps 16 include an intermediate bracket or lanyard 18 which allows for rotation and lateral travel of the clasps. Thus, although the clasps are spaced to comport with the typical distance between belt loops on pants, the clasps have enough lateral and rotational play to allow the device to be fastened into two belt loops on the majority of pants or shorts worn today. Thus, the device is securely fastened and will not unduly bang against the wearer. Further, this attachment more securely holds the device in place when accessed by the wearer and holds the device at a convenient level for access.

Device 10 preferably comprises a body 20 having a pocket 22, shown partially in phantom in Figure 1. Pocket 22 preferably includes an open top edge 24, whereby credit cards, cash, or similar items can be inserted therein. In one preferred embodiment, pocket 22 is formed in an interior lining layer (not shown) inside body 20 of device 10. A plastic zipper 26 or similar fastening means may be utilized to close the top of pocket 22. In a preferred embodiment, a logoed zipper pull tab is utilized in opening and closing

zipper 12. While in a preferred embodiment, plastic zippers are used in constructing device 10, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of fastening means, such as metal zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro™, or any other suitable mechanism could be used for closing the top edge 14 of body 20, and securing personal items therein.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown another preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a personal storage device 110 having a flap-over cover 112 for securing contents within the storage device. In a preferred embodiment, a snap 114 or similar means is used for securing cover 112 against a fabric body 120. Turning to Figure 3 there shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention similar to personal storage device 110 of Figure 2. Flap 112 is preferably reinforced with a cardboard insert to enhance its stiffness. Similar to the Figure 1 embodiment, a logoed zipper handle is provided.

Turning to Figure 4 there is illustrated yet another personal storage device 210 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Device 210 preferably includes a fabric, leather or similar material body 220, and clasps positioned at opposite ends of a top edge 214. Device 210 is preferably constructed such that it includes a plurality of interior storage compartments. A first compartment is accessed via a zipper 212 along top edge 214, whereas a second storage compartment is accessed via a second zipper 215 positioned approximately midway between top edge 214 and bottom edge 216. In the Figure 4 embodiment, body 220 is preferably constructed from relatively stiff leather, and uses metal zippers. As in previously described embodiments logoed tabs are preferably used with the zippers.

Turning to Figure 5, there is shown yet another personal storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The Figure 5 embodiment preferably includes a personal storage device body 320 having the external appearance of a happy bear, substantially as illustrated in Figure 5. Such a device creates a comforting image for children, thus encouraging its use by children. Similar to forgoing embodiments, the device 310 preferably includes a set of clasps 316 adapted for attaching device 310 with a user's belt loops. Optionally, extension straps 317 may be attached to body 320 to facilitate engagement of body 320 with the user's belt loops. Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate further embodiments of the present invention. In the Figure 6 embodiment, a personal storage device 410 having a body 420 with the appearance of a Frog is preferably provided. In the Figure 7 embodiment, a personal storage device 510 with a body having the appearance of a Bunny 520 is provided. In the Figure 8 embodiment, a personal storage device 610 is provided having a body 620 with the appearance of a Lamb. Figures 6, 7 and 8 all preferably include clasps and/or extension straps, adapted to allow engagement of the respective clasps with belt loops of the user. Zippers are provided in the backs of the animal-shaped bodies, and allow access to interior storage compartments (not shown).

The present description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the present invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent upon an examination of the attached drawing Figures.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A receptacle for personal items comprising:

a pair of generally opposing side walls forming a pouch, said walls each having an upper edge;

a pair of releasable clasps flexibly secured to opposing ends of said upper edges of said side walls, said clasps spaced to fasten to belt loops of pants.

2. A receptacle for personal items comprising:

a partially hollow toy animal having an opening to the hollow portion;

a pair of clasps for securing said toy animal to belt loops of pants; and an extension between each of said clasps and said toy animal.