WO2012166226A2

WO2012166226A2 - Hands-free personal item carrying devices, systems, methods, and accoutrements

Info

Publication number: WO2012166226A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/026868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory CIPES
Original assignee: Wholesters, Llc
Priority date: 2011-02-28
Filing date: 2012-02-28
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: EP2680718A2; EP2680718A4; CN103687511A; CA2828521A1; WO2012166226A3; US20120217274A1; JP2014509899A

Abstract

A fashionable unisexual personal item carrying device combines the aesthetic pleasure of suspenders or a gun holster, with the functionality of a small tote or purse being worn over the shoulders, like a backpack, with hanging pockets, suspended from the bottom of the strap, and is disclosed. Two shoulder straps are connected by a bridge spanning across the wearer's back, below the shoulder line. Detachable pockets are sleek enough to stylishly hold male items such as cell phones, wallets, and money clips, while still being able to satisfy the needs of the modern young woman by having the storage capability of concealing such large items as mirrors, makeup, lip-glosses, feminine hygiene products, business cards, combs, and mints. Systems and combinations of the involved elements are likewise taught according to the teachings of the present disclosure, for allowing users to customize, accessorize, and/or leverage electronic interfaces for design, including radiation shielding embodiments in the style of a Faraday box.

Description

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

FOR

HANDS-FREE

PERSONAL ITEM CARRYING DEVICES,

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ACCOUTREMENTS

BY

GREGORY M. CIPES OF WHOLESTERS, LLC

RELATED APPLICATION

[oooi] This application claims the full Paris Convention benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application 13/370,267 filed February 9, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/464,219 filed February 28, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for carrying personal items. In particular, the present disclosure provides users with a fashionable unisex personal item transport system, allowing for management of personal items in ways heretofore uncontemplated, without the constraints that have generally encumbered typical systems of the prior art, including an emphasis on the lower body, while the upper human torso provides a larger and more well supported frame to support and array small containers of personal items.

[0003] Belted satchels have adorned the waists of men and women for centuries. The Greeks were known to have attached small animal-hide bags containing coins to their belts. During the Crusades, participants likewise sported "alms bags" pinned to girdles fastened around their midriffs, as a convenient mode of transporting the coin of the realm and enabling them to distribute such coins widely in small aliquots to the economically challenged whom they encountered on their missions. Little has changed since then.

[0004] Just as one now sees in watching today's gladiators, or participants in, for example, American Football, the "fanny pack" often adorns the waists of both quarterbacks and receivers - with the sac or bag portion intentionally rotated, if not somehow attached, to the rear. This popular sporting accessory is believed to have emerged in the mid 20^th century to support the needs of skiers, bikers and hikers. Such items were initially able to rotate 180 degrees, some have suggested, to allow for enhanced security (as in urban settings to avoid providing access to the same for muggers, for example), and in the late 1980's was even featured by Chanel in a quilted luxury version.

[0005] Acceptance in the fashion world has been countered by perceptions of inelegance across the board. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld having had suggested on national television to character George Castanza that such an item creates such a negative visual impression because it "looks like your belt is digesting a small animal." (The Wall Street Journal, "With Fanny Packs on the Runway, Can Mom Jeans Be Far Behind?" Thursday February 10, 2011 - Vol. CCLVII No. 33, at pages Al & A4). This did not stop both Hermes and Louis Vuitton from championing the design as recently as 2010, showing an ongoing need for "hands-free" transport and carry items.

[0006] Political correctness across cultural boundaries has likewise negatively impacted the "fanny pack" as our domestic use of words referring to the gluteus maximus is not generally accepted even in other English speaking countries. In the UK or Australia said term makes express reference to the female genitalia, so things such a "bum bags" or the French version ("le sac banane"- an offhand reference to the shape) have a derisive and mocking tone. Clearly, needs exist for another type of personal item transport device, free from such negative stereotyping.

[0007] The other strong reason for alternatives is that we are all aware that recent times have witnessed an explosion of personal items which individuals of both sexes are often compelled to carry with them on a regular basis, yet conventional satchels, purses, backpacks and related bags or totes have yet to evolve to address this ongoing need. Few people can avoid the need to carry cellular phones and/or personal digital assistants, personal music players, keys, and various/sundry items as discussed below.

[0008] While the concept of such goods being "hands-free" is important, there has not been much in terms of alternate offerings that cross social, business and fashion boundaries, while providing both a comfortable fit and user friendly designs amendable to accessorizing. According to the teachings of the instant disclosure, these issues have finally been addressed, with numerous offerings that can be mixed, matched and enjoyed, while performing a sorely needed function. Accordingly, such progress in science and the useful arts has solved a longstanding need and requires recognition.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0009] A device for economically and decoratively arraying at least a hands-free apparatus for carrying personal items, comprising, in combination; a bridge element, individuated straps disposed about the bridge element and pocket means for holding a user's personal items.

[0010] According to embodiments, there is provided a device for ergonomically and decoratively arraying at least a hands-free apparatus for carrying personal items, comprising, in combination; a bridge element, individuated straps disposed about the bridge element and pocket means for holding a user's personal items

[ooil] According to embodiments, there is provided a Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system, which comprises, a combination of a pocket, for holding personal items, a plurality of straps for connecting the pocket to a user at a desired orientation, abridging element for maintaining a desired spatial orientation of each said plurality of straps relative to a user, and a plurality of clasps for attaching straps to straps, bridging element and pockets; wherein the system is adjustable.

[0012] According to embodiments, there is provided a kit, comprising at least all of the elements set forth above, and further user based desiderata for creating a personally specific set or arrangement, for example, cellular mobile telephone, mp3 players (i.e., iPhone, iTouch respectively) or other platform based additions. [0013] Briefly stated, a fashionable unisexual personal item carrying device combines the aesthetic pleasure of suspenders or a gun holster, with the functionality of a small tote or purse being worn over the shoulders, like a backpack, with hanging pockets, suspended from the bottom of the strap. Two shoulder straps are connected by a bridge which spans across the wearer's back, below the shoulder line. The pockets are sleek enough to stylishly hold unisex items, such as: cell phones, digital music players, money, credit/debit cards, business cards, writing utensils, keys, cigarettes, mints/gum, and medicine; male items, such as: wallets, and money clips; while still being able to satisfy the needs of the modern young woman by having the storage capability of concealing small to large sized items, such as: mirrors, makeup, lip- glosses, feminine hygienic products, emery boards, combs/brushes and other hair paraphernalia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a full plan view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a full plan view, outside, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a full plan view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a full plan view, inside, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a view of an embodiment showing straps with pockets, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a backside view of an embodiment showing an exemplary pocket, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a front view of an embodiment showing an exemplary pocket, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a view of an embodiment showing at least a pocket detached on a belt with belt loops, according to teachings of the instant disclosure; [0020] Fig. 7 is another view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system in a view of an embodiment showing an exemplary aluminum cellphone radiation barrier, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system showing one pocket detached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system showing both pockets attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 10 is an image of a male model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a three quarters side view of an embodiment showing both pockets attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 11 is an image of a male model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a full frontal view of an embodiment showing both pockets attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 12 is an image of a male model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a backside view of an embodiment showing both pocket straps attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 13 is an image of a female model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a left side view of an embodiment showing the left pocket attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 14 is an image of a female model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a left side, left arm extended view of an embodiment showing both pockets attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 15 is an image of a male model wearing the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a right side frontal view of an embodiment showing the right pocket attached, according to teachings of the instant disclosure; [0029] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport device in a full plan view, outside, according to teachings of the instant disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0030] Among users of electronics, concerns about EMF (electron motive force), and related radiation, the need to shield users, within a personal transport system, remains unaddressed. The instant system includes embodiments which are customized, and customizable, to manage any cellular phones, personal digital assistants and/or digital electronic devices.

[0031] Like a Faraday box (also known as a "Faraday cage"), use of EMF/radiation shielding technology interrupts signals, by disposing at least an alumina, or aluminum foil layer between users and the subject devices. Such mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art, thus further description is omitted.

[0032] The present inventor has discovered that many personal items which users generally need to transport with them daily can be arrayed in pockets/pouches disposed ergonomically upon a user with an ergonomic bridging and strapping system.

[0033] The present inventor has discovered that many personal items which users generally need to transport with them daily can be arrayed in pockets/pouches disposed upon a user with an ergonomic sustaining bridging and strapping system.

[0034] In short, the Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system provides a fashionable unisexual personal item carrying device which combines the aesthetic pleasure of suspenders or a gun holster, with the functionality of a briefcase, valise, fanny pack, pocket book, small tote or purse.

[0035] According to embodiments, The Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system is worn over the shoulders, like a backpack, with hanging pockets, suspended from the bottom of the strap. The two shoulder straps are connected by a bridge which spans across the Wholesters™ device wearer's back, roughly two inches below the shoulder line according to some embodiments. The pockets are sleek enough to stylishly hold unisex items, such as: cell phones, digital music players, money, credit/debit cards, business cards, writing utensils, keys, cigarettes, mints/gum, and medicine; male items, such as: wallets, and money clips; while still being able to satisfy the needs of the modern young woman by having the storage capability of concealing such small to large sized items, such as: mirrors, makeup, lip-glosses, feminine hygienic products, emery boards, combs/brushes and other hair paraphernalia. Along with the initial benefits of providing stylish storage of personal items, Wholesters devices also separate themselves as the optimum carrying device by creating a unique dispersion of the weight of the items contained in the pockets. This balance creates a comfort noticeable the first time a Wholesters™ device is worn, and prolonged usage can be a more posture-friendly alternative to purses and wallets (Think how sore a shoulder can become after a long trip to the mall, or even how sore a man's legs, bottom, and hips are after a long drive sitting on a thick wallet.). Wholesters also feature several functions unique to the Wholesters™ brand. For instance, Wholesters™ straps are fully adjustable for use by small children to fully grown adults. Suspended pockets may be removed individually from the straps and attached directly to a belt. This also gives the Wholesters™ wearer the option to wear one or both pockets at a given time. After initial success of Wholesters in their entire, original form, individual pockets will be sold so Wholesters™ wearers can create their own pocket/strap color combinations. Additionally, Wholesters™ pockets will be featuring an aluminum barrier on the inside wall of each pocket to block harmful cell phone radiation from harming the Wholesters™ wearer.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 1, bridging element 101 is operatively linked to straps 103, 105 and pockets 107, 109 according to embodiments of the instant disclosure, as shown in this plane view of the outside of teachings of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig- ² shows an inside view wherein bridging element 101 is operatively linked to straps 103, 105 and pockets 107, 109 according to embodiments of the instant disclosure, as shown in this plane view of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig 3 shows a detailed view of pocket 107, which may include shielding elements (to prevent for example EMF/electronic device radiation/ and the like from impacting a user or being arrayed proximate to an area with lymph nodes such as the armpit of a user.). Likewise metal clasps 111, such as known to those skilled in the art are disposed at appropriate juncture points to provide for ready attachment and detachment of straps 103, pocket 107 and bridging element 101. Said clasps 111 further facilitate adjustment and detachment of each of the involved elements. It is noted that each of pockets 107 and 109 can alternately be arrayed on a user's belt.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a backside view of pocket 109 with metal clasps 111, and those skilled in the art understand that other known materials may be substituted for metal which perform the same purpose and offer other benefits.

[0038] Fig 5 is a front view of pocket 109, showing clasps 111 and optional cover 113, and strapping member 115.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 6, those skilled in the art will understand how pocket 107 may be operatively linked by straps 103 using clasps 111 to a user's belt/belt loops or similar waist related items.

[0040] Figs 7, 8, and 9 similarly show further detail, including an embodiment with aluminum (or any similar and effective material) shielding 122. The shielding is both recyclable (made from recycled aluminum cans) and easily produced. Likewise, those skilled in the art readily understand and appreciate that shielding elements may include any materials (e.g. Carbon nanotubes in silicone mesh) which act as a Faraday Box or shield, as discussed.

[0041] Fig 8 and Fig 14, each show an embodiment with only one pocket 109 arrayed upon strap 105, while Fig 9- Fig 12 and Fig. 16 show dueling pockets 109 and 107, front and back view.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 12, a back-view shows how bridging element 101 allows a user to garner the benefits of such an ergonomic system. Owing to the balanced nature of the arrangement of pockets 107, 109 on either side, the entire assembly conforms to the back of a user, and promotes or facilitates maintaining a substantially lordotic posture while the item is worn. Children, literally, tend to sit up in a straighter posture and demonstrate a body awareness (including proprioception) that encourages the type of positioning that enables both comfort and erect posture.

[0043] Referring to Figure 13, a side view, shows an embodiment with only pocket 107 arrayed upon strap 103 while Figure 15, a front view, shows an embodiment with only pocket 109 arrayed upon strap 105.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, pocket 109 likewise is arrayed on strap 105 in a unitary or one-sided arrangement. Figure 16 shows a center-link 111 likewise attached to each of strap 105, and is easily adjusted by thumb-catch 113.

[0045] According to feedback from users and early prototypes, center-link 111 keeps the Wholesters™ brand of unit tight to the body, allowing for enhanced proprioception; namely, the unit is snugly fit against the chest of a user. Those using the Wholesters™ brand of device for any type of skating, running, and/or sport become comfortable and aligned with this embodiment.

[0046] Figs. 10-16 show some of the collateral benefits and fashion-based aspects of the instant system. Owing to its inherent aesthetic charms, the use of The Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport systems works for skateboarders, climbers, movie and television actors and actresses, and those who are active yet want to project the correct image. Prior to the advent of the instant teachings, no leveraging of a "gun holster" type of arrangement is known to have been done for the masses in carrying personal, non- firearm items, as the instant disclosure.

[0047] While the method and apparatus have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. [0048] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes.

[0049] Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these.

[0050] Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms— even if only the function or result is the same.

[0051] Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.

[0052] It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.

[0053] Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates.

[0054] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0055] Finally, all references listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant.

[0056] In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only.

[0057] Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws— including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws— to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept.

[0058] To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

[0059] Further, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "compromise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. [0060] Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Claims

l. A device for economically and decoratively arraying at least a hands-free apparatus for carrying personal items upon the upper torso of a user, comprising, in combination; a bridge element, individuated straps disposed about the bridge element and pocket means for holding a user's personal items; whereby, when at least two pocket means are arrayed in an ostensively balanced state, a user is impacted with a substantially lordotic posture.

2. The device of claim l, wherein the bridge element is operatively linked to shoulder straps which are connected by said bridge spanning across the wearer's back, below the shoulder line.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of clasps connecting each of the elements in an adjustable fashion.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of said pockets is detachable, and may be arrayed alternatively from a user's waist, via attachment to another existing structure.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of said pockets is shielded with at least one chemical moiety species or selected from the group consisting essentially of aluminum , and all metals and alloys, silicones and carbon nanotubes to preclude radiation of undesired waves and/or energy into a user, for example from a cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and any related electronic devices.

6. A Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system, which comprises, in combination: at least a pocket, for holding personal items; a plurality of straps for connecting at least a pocket to a user at a desired orientation; a bridging element, for maintaining a desired spatial orientation of each of said plurality of straps relative to a user; and, a plurality of clasps for attaching straps to straps, straps to bridging element, and straps to pockets; wherein the system is adjustable.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein adjustment includes removal of any desired element.

8. The systems of claim 6, wherein adjustment allows for balancing of respective pockets whereby a user is encouraged to maintain a substantially lordotic posture, which posture promotes compliance with a healthy spine regimen.

9. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least a shielding element disposed within and about at least a pocket for mitigating transmission of undesired energy from the contents of the at least a pocket to a user shielded with at least one chemical moiety species or selected from the group consisting essentially of aluminum , and all metals and alloys, silicones and carbon nanotubes to preclude radiation of undesired waves and/or energy into a user, for example from a cellular phone

10. The system of claim 6, further comprising customized or quasi-customized graphic and/or design elements disposed upon at least one of the straps, at least one pocket, and bridging element.

11. A kit, comprising at least the system of Claim 10 and further user based desiderata for creating a personally specific set or arrangement, for example iPhone/iTouch or other platform or individually preferred item-based additions.

12. The kit of claim 11, including other and further accoutrements selected from a palate of the same offered for a user's consideration.

13. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a computer or web-interface for allowing users to mix and match, purchase and have created a Wholesters™ brand of personal item transport system remotely and/or electronically with or without wireless connections.

14. A kit, according to Claim 5.

15. The device of Claim 5, wherein the device is reversible.

16. The system of Claim 8, wherein said system is reversible.

17. The system of Claim 16, comprised of a single type of fabric.

18. The system of Claim 16, comprised of multiple types of fabric.

19. The system of Claim 18, further comprising hemp.

20. The system of Claim 19, further comprising of at least one of recyclable and sustainable materials.