U.S. patent application number 11/404433 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for wearable pouch.
Invention is credited to John Carroll Meyer.
Application Number | 20070241150 11/404433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38603892 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyer; John Carroll |
October 18, 2007 |
Wearable pouch
Abstract
A pouch to be worn by a user for displaying a document. A
display window 14 is formed by a pair of flexible panels 16 and 18
joined along or adjacent at least two edges. The display window has
an opening for removably displaying a document. Both panels may be
transparent, enabling the pouch to be reversible. The panels may be
of sufficient flexibility and length to largely circumscribe an
extremity of a user; thereby providing for the convenient viewing
of a large area of an underlying document. One or more ends 22,26
of the pouch may be tapered to emulate the tapering of the
underlying extremity of the user. One or more pairs of
complementary attachment elements 40 and 44 are provided for
securing the pouch in an observable disposition on the user's body.
A foldable attachment flap 128 may be provided to extend the length
of the pouch.
Inventors: |
Meyer; John Carroll;
(Gladstone, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Meyer
2924 N.E. 59th Place
Gladstone
MO
64199-2103
US
|
Family ID: |
38603892 |
Appl. No.: |
11/404433 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/219 ;
224/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A44C 5/0015 20130101; A45F 3/50 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F
2003/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/219 ;
224/222 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00; A45C 13/30 20060101 A45C013/30 |
Claims
1. A reversible pouch to be worn by a user for displaying a
document, comprising: two nested flexible transparent panels having
four edges; and said nested said panels are comprised of a front
panel and a back panel which define a window between said panels,
said window having an opening such that said document can be
removably disposed within said window; and a first position wherein
said transparent pouch is wrapped around an extremity of said user
such that the front side of said document is visible through said
front panel, and a second position wherein said transparent pouch
is wrapped around an extremity of said user such that the back side
of said document is visible through said back panel.
2. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein two
longitudinally opposing ends of said pouch comprise complementary
attachment elements adapted to mate so as to removably secure said
pouch around a circumference of a said extremity of said user such
that either said panel is outwardly viewable.
3. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein said nested
panels are of sufficient flexibility and width to largely
circumscribe a said extremity of said user.
4. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein said opening
in said window has a first closing element and an opposing
complementary second closing element including such as a hook and
loop system, a pressure closure, complementary longitudinal grooves
and tongue, snaps, or a zipper adapted to mate so as to provide a
closure mechanism for said window.
5. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein said pouch is
waterproof
6. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein at least one
longitudinally opposing end of said pouch is tapered to emulate an
underlying change in circumference along a said extremity of said
user.
7. The reversible pouch according to claim 1 wherein said pouch has
a top cuff and a bottom cuff comprising gripping elements including
such as elastic material for urging said cuffs to maintain contact
with a said extremity of said user.
8. A wearable pouch to be worn by a user for displaying a document,
said pouch comprising: two nested flexible panels having four
edges, said panels being affixed to said pouch along at least two
of said edges so as to define a window therebetween for receiving
said document; and said nested panels are comprised of a front
panel and a back panel and at least one of said panels is
transparent; and at least one of the longitudinally opposing ends
of said pouch is tapered to emulate an underlying change in
circumference along a length of an extremity of said user; whereby
said pouch is designed to fit the said tapered said circumference
of said extremity of said user.
9. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein two
longitudinally opposing ends of said pouch comprise complementary
attachment elements adapted to mate so as to removably secure said
pouch around the circumference of a said extremity of said
user.
10. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein both said
panels of said pouch are transparent.
11. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 comprised of a first
position wherein said pouch is wrapped around an extremity of said
user such that said front panel is disposed outwardly, and a second
position wherein said pouch is wrapped around an extremity of said
user such that said back panel is disposed outwardly;
12. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein said nested
panels are of sufficient flexibility and width to largely
circumscribe an extremity of a said user.
13. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein said opening in
said window has a first closing element and an opposing
complementary second closing element including such as a hook and
loop system, a pressure closure, complementary longitudinal grooves
and tongue, snaps, or a zipper adapted to mate so as to provide a
closure mechanism for said window.
14. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein said pouch is
waterproof
15. The wearable pouch according to claim 8 wherein said pouch has
a top cuff and a bottom cuff comprising gripping elements including
such as elastic material for urging said cuffs to maintain contact
with a said extremity of a said user.
16. A wearable pouch to be worn by a user for displaying a
document, comprising: two nested flexible panels having four edges,
said panels affixed to one another along at least two of said edges
so as to define a window therebetween for receiving said document;
and said nested panels are comprised of a front panel and a back
panel; and the longitudinally opposed ends of said pouch are
comprised of first attachment elements; and a foldable flap
comprises a complementary second attachment element affixed to and
extending from at least one of said ends of said pouch; whereby
said second attachment element of said flap mates with said
longitudinally said opposed end of said pouch for removably
securing said pouch around the circumference of an extremity of
said user.
17. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein both the first
side and the second side of said flap are comprised of said second
attachment elements such that when said extension said flap is
folded inwardly toward its adjacent said end of said pouch said
flap mates with said complementary attachment element of said
adjacent end of said pouch and said second side of said flap mates
with the complementary said attachment element of said
longitudinally opposed end of said pouch.
18. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein both the first
side and the second side of said flap are comprised of said second
attachment elements such that when said extension said flap extends
outwardly from its adjacent end of said pouch said flap mates with
the complementary attachment element of said longitudinally opposed
end of said pouch.
19. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein both of said
longitudinal ends of said pouch have a said foldable said
attachment flap.
20. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein at least one
of said ends of said pouch is tapered to emulate an underlying
change in said circumference along a length of a said extremity of
said user.
21. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein both said
panels of said window of said pouch are transparent.
22. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 comprised of a first
position wherein said pouch is wrapped around an extremity of said
user such that said front panel is disposed outwardly, and a second
position wherein said pouch is wrapped around an extremity of said
user such that said back panel is disposed outwardly;
23. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein said nested
panels are of sufficient flexibility and width to largely
circumscribe an extremity of a said user.
24. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein said opening
in said window has a first closing element and an opposing
complementary second closing element including such as a hook and
loop system, a pressure closure, complementary longitudinal grooves
and tongue, snaps, or a zipper adapted to mate so as to provide a
closure mechanism for said window.
25. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein said pouch is
waterproof
26. The wearable pouch according to claim 16 wherein said pouch has
a top cuff and a bottom cuff comprising gripping elements including
such as elastic material for urging said cuffs to maintain contact
with a said extremity of a said user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS
[0001] None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a wearable pouch with at
least one transparent panel for the convenient viewing of a
document.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] The present invention relates to wearable pockets or pouches
with a transparent window or panel. Such devices are for carrying
or holding maps and other documents.
[0008] There are several problems with maps, instruction guides,
and other documents used in outdoor and even some indoor
activities.
[0009] They are made of paper that easily tears, especially in
intemperate conditions.
[0010] They are often large documents with fold lines that also
cause them to tear easily.
[0011] They are often stored in an apparel pocket when not in use.
A user must retrieve the document, unfold it, refold it, and put it
away again for temporary storage. All of these activities take time
and degrade the integrity of the document.
[0012] While this may seem like a small and tolerable
inconvenience, it nevertheless interferes with many sports and
other physical activities since by the nature of the activity the
participant's hands may not be free to remove a stored map or other
document and hold it while reading. Of particular note in the prior
art is the activity of snow skiing. Such maps are generally large
in size and often display two separate ski areas on their two
sides.
[0013] Several previous patents have attempted to fix some of these
problems, yet without adequately addressing the need for a superior
device.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,917 attempts to solve the problems of
earlier designs by disclosing a pair of flexible panels joined
along three edges and selectively sealable and unsealable along a
fourth edge. The panels define a weather-resistant pocket for
receiving a document to be displayed, and the device is removably
attached to a user's arm. One problem with this design is that only
the front panel is transparent. The pocket cannot be reversed to
display another section of a document or a second document. Neither
does the design provide a transparent panel which largely
circumscribes a user's arm. Thus the panel provides only a small
viewing area. This requires the unfolding, refolding, and
reinsertion of the document each time the user wishes to view
another document section. Neither does the device teach of a
tapered pouch which generally conforms to the tapered aspect of the
user's underlying arm.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,936 offers a similar arm band holder
with the same disadvantage of being transparent on only one side.
An additional disadvantage is that this device includes a second
pouch for carrying small articles, which adds to the cost of the
product and impinges upon the aesthetic of a sleek profile. This
design also does not provide a transparent panel which largely
circumscribes a user's arm. Nor does the pouch taper to complement
the tapering of the user's arm.
[0016] As can be seen, there is a need for an improved wearable
pouch that is easy to manufacture and versatile to use.
ADVANTAGES
[0017] Accordingly, the present invention may have one or more of
the following advantages.
[0018] (a) to provide a reversible wearable pouch for documents
such that transparent panels on both sides of the pouch comprise a
window that is easily accessible to the person carrying the
information, or to a companion, whenever either person needs to
refer to the information.
[0019] (b) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which allows for
convenient and instant document referencing without the use of
hands, thus enhancing freedom of motion for the individual during a
wide range of activities which may call for referencing a
document.
[0020] (c) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which can be
securely closed by a hook and loop attachment or by other types of
closing devices such as, but not restricted to, a zipper, slide
closer, straps, snaps, or pressure closer.
[0021] (d) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which is weather
repellent, thus protecting a document or other item from the
elements of nature.
[0022] (e) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which is
waterproof, thus protecting a document or other item
underwater.
[0023] (f) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which stays in
place on the arm or leg of a user by the employment of one or more
elastic or other gripping elements.
[0024] (g) to provide a reversible wearable pouch in which the
dimensions of the pouch taper to emulate the underlying change in
circumference along a length of an extremity such as an arm or
leg.
[0025] (h) to provide a reversible wearable pouch that is adapted
to achieve a snug fit around the circumference of a wide range of
user's extremities.
[0026] (i) to provide a reversible wearable pouch in which its
transparent panels largely circumscribe an extremity of a user such
that a pair of large viewable areas are provided.
[0027] (j) to provide a reversible wearable pouch which will remain
durable, reusable, and easily maintained.
[0028] (k) to provide a reversible wearable pouch in which an
excess length of an attachment strap or flap can be tucked away or
adhered to the device to keep it out of the way while the pouch
still achieves a snug fit around the circumference of a wide range
of users' extremities.
[0029] Further objects and advantages are to provide a reversible
wearable pouch that can be manufactured easily and inexpensively,
in various sizes and colors, to accommodate a large variety of
documents such as maps, product assembly instruction guides, sport
plays, menus, scavenger hunt and road rally instructions, and first
aid procedures.
[0030] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of the reversible pouch. Still
further possible advantages and features of the invention are
described below or will become obvious from a consideration of the
following description and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In accordance with the present invention a versatile device
comprises an external wearable transparent pouch which may be
removably attached to an extremity of a user.
DRAWINGS--Figures
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a front view of the device, in which the first
element of the attachment system and the closing mechanism of the
window are visible.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a back view of the device, in which the
complementary element of the attachment system is disclosed and the
bottom side of the closure mechanism is visible through the
transparent panels.
[0034] FIG. 3A shows the device worn on a user's forearm with the
front panel facing outwardly.
[0035] FIG. 3B shows the device worn on a user's forearm with the
back panel facing outwardly.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the
device with an additional fold-out attachment member or extension
for increasing the circumference around which the device may be
attached.
[0037] FIG. 5A shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 with the attachment
elements of both ends of the device visible.
[0038] FIG. 5B shows the device with the additional attachment
member unfolded.
[0039] FIG. 5C shows the reverse side of the embodiment of FIG. 4
with the back panel facing inwardly.
[0040] FIG. 5D shows the device with the back panel facing inwardly
and the additional attachment member unfolded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1-3--PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] A preferred embodiment of wearable device or pouch of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (front view) and FIG. 2
(back view). Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the pouch has a
window 14 comprised of a nested transparent front panel 16 and a
transparent back panel 18 (FIG. 2) which can be repeatedly bent and
straightened out without fracturing. The two panels 16 and 18 of
window 14 can be easily separated from one another along an
unsealed aspect such as matable closure elements or track surfaces
32.
[0042] Front panel 16 has a closing mechanism 30 adjacent a top hem
or cuff 50. The closing mechanism 30 may comprise any device such
as, but not restricted to, a hook and loop system, a pressure
closure, complementary longitudinal grooves and tongue, snaps, or a
zipper. In the embodiment shown, the closing mechanism 30 is a
slide closure comprised of matable track surfaces 32, a closure
slider 34, and a pull tab 36.
[0043] A bottom hem or cuff 52 is of shorter length than the
opposing top cuff 50, the pouch being tapered along its
longitudinal length between a first edge 22 and a second edge 26 so
as to emulate the circumference of a user's forearm A (FIG. 3A).
Adjacent pouch elements including cuff 50 and the adjacent panel
16, as well as bottom cuff 52 and the adjacent panel 16, are
aflixed to one another by methods such as heat sealing, glue, or
sewing. Still referring to FIG. 1, a first end 20 is disposed
adjacent the first edge 22 of the front side of the pouch. The
first end 20 is comprised of a first attachment member or element
40 such as a hook fastener.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows the back side of the pouch. A second end 24 is
adjacent the second edge 26 of the back side of the pouch, and the
second end 24 is comprised of a second attachment member or element
44 such as a loop fastener. The back side of closing mechanism 30
is also visible through upwardly facing back panel 18 of the pouch.
Complementary attachment elements 40 of FIG. 1 and 44 of FIG. 2 may
be comprised of any attachment system, but in the preferred
embodiment the system is comprised of hook element 40 and loop
element 44.
[0045] Continuing with FIG. 2, the interior of cuffs 50 and 52
contain tightening or gripping elements such as stretchable elastic
material or non-stretchable drawstrings. In the embodiment shown, a
gripping element 55A of top cuff 50 and a gripping element 55 of
bottom cuff 52 are comprised of elastic material.
[0046] FIGS. 3A and 3B show the pouch disposed on the forearm of
the user A.
Operation--FIGS. 1-3
[0047] In operation, the manner of using the wearable pouch is to
insert a document or other item into window 14 and then seal the
window using closing mechanism 30. After inserting the document,
the pouch is attached to user A by wrapping the pouch around an
extremity of the user and matably engaging the attachment elements
40 and 44.
[0048] In a first position as shown in FIG. 3A, the pouch is
wrapped around the extremity of user A such that the transparent
panel 16 faces outwardly. In this position, attachment element 40
of end 20 underlaps complementary attachment element 44 of end 24.
The two attachment elements are then matably engaged to removably
affix the pouch to user A.
[0049] In a second position as shown in FIG. 3B, the pouch is
wrapped around the extremity of user A such that the transparent
panel 18 faces outwardly. In this position, attachment element 40
of end 20 overlaps complementary attachment element 44 of end
24.
The two attachment elements are then matably engaged to removably
affix the pouch to user A.
[0050] In both the first and second positions, gripping element 55
of cuff 50 and gripping element 55A of cuff 52 further urge the
pouch to maintain contact with the extremity of the user.
[0051] Because the front panel 16 is affixed to the second edge 26
of the pouch, a large viewing area of window 14 is offered on the
front side of the pouch when the pouch is worn in the first
position. Similarly, since the back panel 18 is affixed to the
first edge 22 of the pouch, a large viewing area of window 14 is
offered on the back side of the pouch when worn in the second
position. Thus, the document carrying area of the pouch extends
from first edge 22 to second edge 26.
FIGS. 4 and 5--Second Embodiment
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the wearable pouch. In
this embodiment, an additional folding attachment member, tab,
strap, or flap 128 extends outwardly from first edge 22 of the
pouch by a method such as sewing, glue, or foldable material. Both
first end 20 adjacent panel 16 and second end 24 (FIG. 5A) are
comprised of attachment elements 40 such as hook elements.
Referring again to FIG. 4, the first side of the attachment flap
128 is comprised of a complementary attachment element 144 such as
a loop element. FIGS. 4 and 5A show the flap 128 extending
outwardly from panel 16 so as to increase the circumference of the
pouch to a greater longitudinal length.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 5B, the second side of the attachment flap
128 is comprised of a second attachment element 144A which lies
adjacent panel 16 when flap 128 is folded inwardly. When thus
folded inwardly, element 144 (FIG. 5A) of flap 128 mates with
attachment element 40 adjacent first end 20 of the pouch. Thus the
longitudinal length of the pouch in FIG. 5B is the same as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0054] FIGS. 5C and 5D show the pouch with the back panel 18 facing
inwardly. In FIG. 5C, the attachment element 40 of the second end
24 faces inwardly and flap 128 is disengaged to extend outwardly
from first end 20 of the pouch. In FIG. 5D, flap 128 is folded
inwardly such that 144A offers an outwardly facing attachment
element.
Operation--FIGS. 4 and 5
[0055] In a first position as shown in FIG. 5A, the attachment
element 144 of flap 128 extends outwardly from panel 16 and is thus
available to overlap and mate with complementary attachment element
40 of second end 24. In this position, the pouch offers an extended
longitudinal length.
[0056] In a second position as shown in FIG. 5B, flap 128 is folded
inwardly adjacent panel 16 such that attachment element 144A of
flap 128 engages attachment element 40 of first end 20. Attachment
element 144A of flap 128 is thus available to overlap and removably
mate with the complementary attachment element 40 of second end
24.
[0057] In a third position as shown in FIG. 5C, the pouch is
reversed so that panel 18 in now facing inwardly. Flap 128 is
disengaged from first end 20 and extends outwardly. The attachment
element 144 of flap 28 is thus exposed to be overlapped and matably
engaged to complementary attachment element 40 of second end
24.
[0058] In a fourth position as shown in FIG. 5D, panel 18 is again
facing inwardly. Flap 128 is folded inwardly adjacent panel 16. The
attachment element 144A of flap 128 is thus available to underlap
and mate with attachment element 40 of second end 24.
[0059] As FIGS. 5A-5D show, the attachment element 144 of flap 128
may either be removably attached to adjacent first end 20 of the
pouch or may be detached to extend the longitudinal length of the
pouch Both sides of the flap 128 are comprised of similar
attachment elements. Thus, the pouch may be adjustably composed to
fit a wide variety of circumferences of users regardless of whether
panel 16 or panel 18 faces outwardly.
Advantages
[0060] From the description above, a number of advantages of the
reversible wearable pouch become evident:
[0061] (a) Both sides of the pouch may be transparent so as to be
easily accessible and viewable, doubling the amount of much-needed
viewable area.
[0062] (b) Convenient document referencing may be performed without
the use of hands.
[0063] (c) Many attachment systems can be offered for the
pouch.
[0064] (d) Many closing systems can be offered for the pouch.
[0065] (e) The pouch may be weather repellent or waterproof.
[0066] (f) In some embodiments, the pouch may be circumferentially
adjusted around a user's extremity to more conveniently reveal a
particular section of an underlying document.
[0067] (g) The pouch is removable when not needed.
[0068] (h) At least one of the opposing ends of the pouch may be
tapered to emulate the underlying change in circumference along a
length of an extremity such as a forearm or thigh.
[0069] (i) In some embodiments, the length of the pouch may be
extended by utilizing a flap or other method so that the pouch may
encircle a larger extremity.
[0070] (j) The pouch is durable, reusable, and easily
maintained.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
[0071] Accordingly, the reader will see that the reversible
wearable pouch of this invention can be used for the convenient
viewing an access of a wide range of documents. Although the
description above contains many specificities, these should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the
pouch may incorporate a transparent panel on only one side. Also,
the panels of the pouch window may be urged against one another
when worn by a user without the requirement of any window closure
system or mechanism whatsoever. Alternatively, one or more closing
mechanisms may be situated anywhere on the window, and the
transparent panels may be tinted in a variety of shades.
[0072] Furthermore, one or more attachment systems may be comprised
of elements including, but not restricted to, buttons and button
holes, snaps, bands, or straps. Also, an additional folding
attachment tab, elastic band, strap, or flap may extend outwardly
from both longitudinal ends of the pouch. In other embodiments, the
top and bottom hems or cuffs may themselves be comprised of a
tightening method or material, rather than having internal gripping
mechanisms. Alternatively, the cuffs may not contain any intrinsic
gripping methods or mechanisms whatsoever.
[0073] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by
the examples given.
* * * * *