Personal Gear Sling Carrier

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus suitable for carrying personal items.

BACKGROUND

[0002] As personal electronic devices like cellular/smart telephones, portable music players, handheld computers, and the like, are becoming increasingly affordable and available, more people are finding they cannot leave home without these devices. In addition to these newer personal essentials, people also need to carry more traditional items, such as keys, identification, money, credit/debit cards, and the like. [0003] Some types of clothing have few pockets or reduced pocket carrying capacity for carrying personal gear. While a wide range of carriers for personal gear exists, which includes handbags, clutches, carry-on bags, messenger bags, backpacks, fanny packs, side packs and the like, they are all easily accessible to persons who would steal such personal gear. Some of these carriers are also bulky and uncomfortable over a long period of use.

SUMMARY

[0004] As the number and type of personal gear carried by individuals increases, there is the need for a personal gear carrier that protects and secures items while providing comfortable hands-free carrying of personal items, that is of a low profile or sleek design to prevent the need for interrupting clothing lines, and that is easily adjustable for size, ability to wear across either shoulder, and/or the ability to choose which pockets or pockets are accessible in front of the wearer's body. In general, a hands- free personal carrier could take the shape of a bandoleer, sash, or sling. It is also highly desirable to have a personal gear carrier that can be quickly and conveniently varied in size, as desired, so that it can be worn easily and comfortably by persons of different height and overall size. No sling carrier for personal gear formerly developed provides the appropriate combination of security and protection in a low profile and easily adjusted (both in size as well as in wearing option) product. [0005] In one aspect a personal gear carrier is described. The carrier has a first pocket defining piece, a second pocket defining piece and an adjustable strap. The first pocket defining piece has a curved shape with a first end and a second end, wherein an

outer edge of the curved shape measured from the first end to the second end has a greater length than an inner edge of the curved shape measured from the first end to the second end. The second pocket defining piece has the curved shape with an outer edge and an inner edge, and the outer edge of the second pocket defining piece is connected to the outer edge of the first pocket defining piece and the inner edge of the first pocket defining piece is attached to the inner edge of the first pocket defining piece by a mechanical closure that can be repeatedly engaged and unengaged that when engaged closes a pocket defined by the first pocket defining piece and the second pocket defining piece and when unengaged opens the pocket. When the pocket is empty the first pocket defining piece lies flat against the second pocket defining piece. The adjustable strap is connected to the first end and the second end and forms a loop.

[0006] Embodiments of the carrier may include one or more of the following features. The pocket section can be divided into multiple pockets, each pocket having a separate mechanical closure. The first pocket defining piece and the second pocket defining piece can define a pocket section and the pockets can be arranged symmetrically along the pocket section. One pocket can be larger than the other pockets. The mechanical closure can be a zipper, magnets, or hook-and-loop material. The pocket section can include at least one opening. The opening can be located near the first end of the pocket section. The pocket can be lined with waterproof material. The first pocket defining piece can be one of nylon, plastic, neoprene or leather. Either the first pocket defining piece or the second pocket defining piece can be made from a material of greater flexibility than the other piece. The adjustable strap can include a releasable clip closure that allows the loop to be opened. The adjustable strap can include a built-in pocket. The adjustable strap can include a carrier loop. The adjustable strap can include a cover. The carrier can include a third piece attached between a portion of the outer edge of the first pocket defining piece and the outer edge of the second pocket defining piece to form an expansion gusset and a closure for the expansion gusset. The carrier can include a piece of material added to the outside of one side of the pocket section to form a outer pocket section and an adjustable closure for closing the outer pocket section. The outer pocket section can be divided into multiple pockets. The adjustable closure can include one of a button, hook hook-and and-loop or drawcord. The first pocket defining piece and the second pocket defining piece can define a pocket section, the pocket section can have a front and a back, a top and a bottom, the mechanical closure can be at the top of the

pocket section and the front can be indistinguishable from the back. The first pocket defining piece and the second pocket defining piece can define a pocket section, and an entirety of the pocket section can be made up of a plurality of integrated pockets. The first pocket defining piece and the second pocket defining piece can define a pocket section, the pocket section having an elliptical shape. The carrier can be configured to be worn by a human user over one shoulder and an opposite hip, and the carrier can be further configured to fit a contour of the human user.

[0007] Several advantages may be provided by the device described herein. The device can be an adjustable, low profile sling carrier with a single or multiple pockets to increase the convenience and maintain security and protection for carrying valuable personal gear.

[0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of a personal gear sling carrier.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a person wearing the sling carrier of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a person wearing the sling carrier of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of a personal gear sling carrier.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of a personal gear sling carrier.

[0014] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A personal gear carrier to allow for carrying valuable and necessary personal items, such as keys, identification, money, cellular/smart telephones, portable music players, handheld computers, and the like, without the need for using other bag or holder products is described. A sling carrier is defined as a curved, e.g., a semi-circular or elliptical band of material, with an adjustable strap completing a loop that fits the contours of the wearer. The curved portion can be wider at its center than at its ends. The

sling carrier can be worn over one shoulder to the opposite hip (across the torso) providing a comfortable, stable platform for integrated pockets.

[0016] The sling carrier is formed from two distinct pieces, front and rear pieces, of one or more flexible sheets of material such as nylon, plastic, neoprene, cloth, leather and the like. The two pieces of flexible material, which may be of either the same or different types of materials, are connected together along the two shortest "top" sections and the "outer" or longer section of the semi-circular shape. When the separate front and rear pieces of material are connected, they result in the formation of a single large pocket or multiple smaller pockets integrated into the sling shape. The "inner" or shorter section of the curved shape contains the access to the pockets. The pockets are accessed via a closure system, such as hook-and-loop material, zippers, magnets, buttons, clasps, flaps, and the like, to allow the quick and easy removal of personal gear from within each pocket, while protecting the gear inside of the pockets. In some embodiments, the closure system defines a seam between the front and rear pieces of material. In some embodiments, the pockets are defined by stitching the front and rear pieces of material together from the outer edge of the pieces to the inner edge of the pieces. The stitching can form the individual pockets, that is, pockets that are separated from one another. As an alternative, the front and rear pieces can be attached to one another using other methods, such as adhering, snapping, welding or other methods that close one section from another along a length of the portion of the sling carrier that includes the pockets to form individual pockets.

[0017] Depending on the materials used for the body of the sling carrier, a "dry pocket" made of water-proof material may be included inside one or more of the integrated pockets. An eyelet or opening may be incorporated into one or more pockets on one or both sides, front and rear, of the sling carrier.

[0018] Either the front piece of material or the rear piece of material can be of greater flexibility than the other material, such that the material of greater flexibility is more conformable to an item placed in the pocket than the other material. Alternatively, the front and rear materials can have substantially the same flexibility. When at least one pocket is empty, the front and rear materials can lie substantially flat to one another. When at least one pocket contains an item of personal gear, at least one of the front and rear materials stretches to substantially conform to the shape of the item.

[0019] An adjustable strap is attached to the two shortest "top" sections of the curved shape allowing for convenient adjustment for size and comfort of a user. This strap can be made of either flexible or static material, such as a webbing, and may be of a different material from the body of the sling carrier. The strap can either be a single integrated loop or include a releasable clip closure that would allow the loop to be opened. The adjustable strap may also include a built-in pocket or carrier loop for additional items.

In addition, a strap cover may be included from the same or different material that is used for the body of the sling carrier.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the personal gear sling carrier constructed in accordance with one embodiment. The pockets 16 are formed when the two separate pieces of material that comprise the sling body 10 are connected, resulting in pockets integrated into the sling design. The pockets may vary in number depending on the embodiment and expected utilization for the sling carrier. The "inner" or shorter section of the curved shape contains the access to the pockets 16. The outer edges of the two pieces of material are connected together, such as being sewn together or welded together. In the upper sections of the sling carrier are eyelets or openings 20 for headphone or other cords/tubes. An adjustable strap 12 is attached to the "top" or end sections of the sling body 10.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective of the sling carrier 10 being worn across a user's torso. The adjustable strap 12 is over the right shoulder of the user or wearer and the sling extends across the torso to the left hip. The front pockets 26 are easily accessible to the wearer and the eyelet or opening 20 is located near the wearer's ears for convenient usage of headphones.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective of the sling carrier 10 being worn across a wearer's torso. The adjustable strap 12 is over the right shoulder of the wearer and the sling extends across the torso to the left hip. A single rear pocket 36 runs across the users back. An eyelet or opening 20 is located near the wearer's ears for convenient usage of headphones.

[0023] In operation, the personal gear sling carrier is generally placed over the wearer's head and one arm so that the adjustable strap comes to rest on the wearer's shoulder and the lower portion of the sling carrier comes to rest on the opposite waist or

hip of the wearer. The sling carrier's orientation is diagonally across the torso of the wearer, providing a stable and comfortable way to carry personal gear. [0024] The sling carrier can be worn from either the left shoulder to the right hip or from the right shoulder to the left hip. In either case, the pockets are easily accessible to the wearer. The wearer may also turn the sling carrier "inside out" such that the inside portion of the carrier is now on the outside. This allows the wearer to determine which pockets will be on the front or the rear of the sling carrier based on how they prefer to wear the carrier (either left to right or right to left). In other words, a piece of material that is on the interior of loop when worn on one shoulder is on the exterior of the loop when on the other shoulder if the front pockets are kept in the front. If the front pockets are moved to the back when the carrier is moved from one shoulder to the other shoulder, the piece of material that is on the exterior of the loop remains on the exterior of the loop. [0025] FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of a personal gear sling carrier. In this embodiment, the pockets 16 are laid out in a symmetrical format with the pocket closures 18 located near the upper portion of each pocket. That is, the pockets on the front of the carrier 50, between a center 70 of the sling body 10 and an end 55 of the carrier body 10 can be symmetrical to the pockets on the back of the carrier 60, between a center 70 of the sling body 10 and an end 65. Because the sling body 10 is wider at the center 70 than at the ends 55, 65, each of the pockets can have a somewhat trapezoidal shape, that is, the bottom of a pocket 16 can be wider than a top of the pocket 16. The adjustable strap 12 is connected to the sling body 10 by strap attachment points 14 which allow for a more comfortable fit.

[0026] FIG. 5 in another alternate embodiment of a personal gear sling carrier. In this embodiment, the pockets 16 are not symmetrical but have been designed to allow the largest of expected personal gear to be included in at least one larger pocket 46. The pocket closures 18 are less apparent for security reasons but still allow for easy access to pocket contents. Although four pockets are shown, two larger pockets, i.e., bottom larger pocket 46 and back pocket 36, and two smaller front pockets 26, a different number of pockets can be integrated into the sling body 10. Further, while the bottom larger pocket 46 is shows as a U-shaped pocket, the larger pocket 46 could extend up the back of the sling and be J-shaped.

[0027] The eyelet or opening 20 is located at the upper end of the sling body 10 to insure that it is positioned near the wearer's head. The adjustable strap 12 is connected to

the sling body 10 by strap attachment components, such as loops 14 at attachment points. The ability to adjust the strap length can allow for a more comfortable fit. This embodiment includes a strap cover 22 that increases the comfort for the wearer, such as by padding the strap, and also can disguise the adjustable strap 12.

[0028] In another alternate embodiment, a third piece of flexible material, referred to as the expansion joint or gusset (not shown), may be attached between the front and rear pieces of the sling body. A closure system, such as a zipper, button, magnets, clasps, hook-and-loop material, or the like, runs along either the entire or part of the "outer" or longer section of the semi-circular shape. When the closure system is closed, the expansion joint material is hidden inside the pocket(s). When the closure system is open, the expansion joint results in an expansion of the size of the pocket to allow for an increase of the interior storage volume of the pocket(s) for bulky or larger items. The expansion joint material can be of greater flexibility such that the expansion joint allows for enhanced expansion but also improved conformability of the pocket material to the pocket(s) contents.

[0029] The expansion joint could be utilized to carry larger or bulky materials that would not fit into an unexpanded version of the sling carrier. By opening the expansion closure system, the flexible expansion joint material results in a three-dimensional expansion of the pocket(s). The expansion joint allows for enhanced expansion and improved conformability to the contents.

[0030] In another embodiment, flexible material such as mesh, nylon, cotton, and the like, are added to the outside of one or both sides of the sling body to allow for the carrying of items that may not easily fit into the integrated pockets or that the user would like to see. This flexible material may be placed as a single tube or multiple external pockets with openings toward the upper end of the sling body. Each of the openings would have an adjustable closure systems such as a drawcord, a hook-and-loop fastener, magnets, a button, a flap, or the like. If drawcords are utilized, cord locks may be provided to tighten the drawcords to any desired degree of closure. [0031] An alternate embodiment has a releasable clip closure for the strap attachment. The releasable clip closure offers additional operational opportunities, such as easy removal from under clothing without needing to remove any outwear. The use of the releasable clip closure also allows the sling carrier to be opened up and items to be looped

onto the sling carrier. This type of operation may hamper the comfort of the wearer but allows the inclusion of larger or unusual personal gear.

[0032] Accordingly the reader will see that, as to one embodiment of the invention, we have provided a hands-free carrier for personal gear that is comfortable, easily adjustable, versatile in the ways it can be worn, slim-line and sleek, and provides security and protection for the pocket contents.

[0033] While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For example, the sling body can have different shapes, alternate openings or eyelets, designed areas for built-in or removable lights, reflective materials, or accent designs, like piping and the like, incorporated portable hydration systems, either built-in or removable, modular or removable strapping system to allow carrying of larger or bulky items, or pockets attached onto the sling carrier body to carry identification or small items. , Additionally, unique materials may be utilized for any portion of the sling carrier. [0034] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.

Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination. The carrier can be free of a belt portion that wraps around the user's waist, that is, a portion that forms a second loop at approximately a 45 degree angle to the first loop. Alternatively, the carrier can include a belt portion. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.