U.S. patent application number 11/668119 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for wrist pouch for electronic equipment.
Invention is credited to Robert C. ANDERSON, James Pierce.
Application Number | 20080017678 11/668119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38970491 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080017678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDERSON; Robert C. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
WRIST POUCH FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A pouch forms a cavity for holding a portable electronic device,
a front panel of the pouch defines a viewing opening through which
a display screen of the electronic device can be viewed during use,
and an adjustable strap or other arm-mounting coupling is used to
secure the pouch and the electronic device to a user's arm. A cover
panel extends from the pouch and can be moved from a closed
position covering and protecting the display screen to an open
position exposing the display screen for viewing during use. In a
parked open position the cover is held in place with the display
screen exposed for use.
Inventors: |
ANDERSON; Robert C.;
(Cumming, GA) ; Pierce; James; (Cumming,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
38970491 |
Appl. No.: |
11/668119 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60807884 |
Jul 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/221 ;
224/236; 224/930 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0525 20130101;
A44C 5/003 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45F 2005/008
20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/221 ;
224/236; 224/930 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/18 20060101
A44C005/18; A45F 5/02 20060101 A45F005/02; A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A carrier for a portable electronic device with a display
screen, the carrier being wearable on a limb of a user, comprising:
a pouch defining a cavity configured to receive and hold the
electronic device, the pouch having a front panel defining a
viewing opening alignable with the display screen so that the
display screen is viewable by the user when the electronic device
is in the pouch; and a limb-mounting coupling adapted to mount the
pouch on the user's limb in a fixed position.
2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes
at least one connection port for a connector of an auxiliary
component, wherein the pouch defines an auxiliary opening alignable
with the connection port and through which the connector of the
auxiliary component is extendible for connecting to the connection
port when the electronic device is in the pouch.
3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the pouch has a back panel
opposite the front panel and side panels between the back panel and
the front panel, wherein the auxiliary opening is defined in one of
the side panels and is separate from the viewing opening.
4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the pouch defines an insertion
opening through which the electronic device is insertable into and
removable from the pouch, the insertion opening being separate from
the viewing opening.
5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the electronic device has a
side-mounted removable external battery, and wherein the pouch has
a back panel opposite the front panel and sides therebetween, with
the insertion opening defined at the pouch side where the battery
is so that the battery can be replaced through the insertion
opening when the electronic device is in the pouch.
6. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a back
surface that is recessed and curved to generally conform to the
limb's curvature, and wherein the pouch has a back panel that is
opposite the front panel and is flexible so that, when the user is
wearing the carrier, the back panel conforms to the curvature of
the electronic device back surface.
7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the limb-mounting coupling
comprises an adjustable strap.
8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the limb-mounting coupling
comprises a single strap that is attached to the pouch off-center
of a transverse axis of the pouch.
9. A carrier for a portable electronic device with a display
screen, the carrier wearable on a limb of a user, comprising: a
pouch defining a cavity configured to receive and hold the
electronic device, the pouch having a front panel defining a
viewing opening alignable with the display screen so that the
display screen is viewable by the user when the electronic device
is in the pouch; a cover panel movable from a closed position
covering the viewing opening to an open position with the viewing
opening exposed so that the display screen is viewable by the user
when the electronic device is in the pouch; and a limb-mounting
coupling adapted to mount the pouch on the user's limb in a fixed
position.
10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the carrier has a cover closure
adapted to removably secure the cover panel in the closed
position.
11. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the carrier has a cover closure
adapted to removably secure the cover panel in the closed position
and to removably secure the cover panel in a parked open position
with the cover panel held in place and the viewing opening exposed
so that the display screen is viewable by the user when the
electronic device is in the pouch.
12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the cover closure comprises a
first closure element attached to the cover panel, a second closure
element that cooperates with the first closure element and is
attached to the pouch at a position to removably secure the cover
panel in the closed position, and a third closure element that
cooperates with the first closure element and is attached to the
pouch or the cover panel at a position to removably secure the
cover panel in the parked open position.
13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the second and third cover
closure elements are positioned with the viewing opening
therebetween.
14. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the pouch has a back panel
opposite the front panel, the pouch defines an insertion opening
through which the electronic device is insertable into and
removable from the pouch, the pouch includes a closure having first
and second cooperating closure elements adapted for opening and
closing the insertion opening, and the pouch includes first and
second overlapping flaps adjacent the insertion opening, wherein
the first flap extends from the back panel and the second flap
extends from the front panel, the replacing closure elements are
attached to the overlapping flaps and positioned to close the
insertion opening with the second front flap over the first back
flap, and the third cover closure element is attached to an outer
surface of the second front flap, wherein by applying a force to
the cover panel adjacent the first cover closure element the cover
panel is removable from the parked open position without forcing
open the replacing closure elements.
15. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the pouch defines an insertion
opening through which the electronic device is insertable into and
removable from the pouch, the cover panel is attached to the pouch,
and the insertion opening is positioned between the viewing opening
and where the cover panel is attached to the pouch so that when the
cover panel is in the closed position the cover extends over the
insertion opening to hold the electronic device in the pouch.
16. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the cover panel includes a
first section and a second section, the first section having a
protective layer that covers the viewing opening to protect the
display screen when the cover panel is in the closed position, and
the second section being flexible to permit the cover panel to be
moved between the open and closed positions.
17. A carrier for a portable electronic device with a display
screen, the carrier being wearable on an arm of a user, comprising:
a pouch defining a cavity configured to receive and hold the
electronic device, the pouch having a front panel defining a
viewing opening alignable with the display screen so that the
display screen is viewable by the user when the electronic device
is in the pouch, the pouch defining an insertion opening through
which the electronic device is insertable into and removable from
the pouch, the insertion opening being separate from the viewing
opening; a cover panel extending from the pouch and movable from a
closed position covering the viewing opening to an open position
with the viewing opening exposed so that the display screen is
viewable by the user when the electronic device is in the pouch,
the insertion opening positioned between the viewing opening and
where the cover panel extends from the pouch so that when the cover
is in the closed position the cover panel extends over the
insertion opening to hold the electronic device in the pouch; a
cover closure adapted to removably secure the cover panel in the
closed position and to removably secure the cover panel in a parked
open position with the cover panel held in place and the viewing
opening exposed so that the display screen is viewable by the user
when the electronic device is in the pouch; and an arm-mounting
coupling adapted to mount the pouch on the user's arm in a fixed
position.
18. The carrier of claim 17, wherein the electronic device includes
at least one connection port for a connector of an auxiliary
component, wherein the pouch defines an auxiliary opening alignable
with the connection port and through which the connector of the
auxiliary component is extendible for connecting to the connection
port when the electronic device is in the pouch, wherein the
auxiliary opening is separate from the viewing opening.
19. The carrier of claim 17, wherein the cover closure comprises a
first closure element attached to the cover panel, a second closure
element that cooperates with the first closure element and is
attached to the pouch at a position to removably secure the cover
panel in the closed position, and a third closure element that
cooperates with the first closure element and is attached to the
pouch or the cover panel at a position to removably secure the
cover panel in the parked open position, wherein the second and
third cover closure elements are positioned with the viewing
opening therebetween.
20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein the pouch has a back panel
opposite the front panel, the pouch includes a replacing closure
having first and second cooperating closure elements adapted for
opening and closing the insertion opening, and the pouch includes
first and second overlapping flaps adjacent the insertion opening,
wherein the first flap extends from the back panel and the second
flap extends from the front panel, the replacing closure elements
are attached to the overlapping flaps and positioned to close the
insertion opening with the second front flap over the first back
flap, and the third cover closure element is attached to an outer
surface of the second front flap, wherein by applying a force to
the cover panel adjacent the first cover closure element the cover
panel is removable from the parked open position without forcing
open the replacing closure elements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/807,884, filed Jul. 20, 2006, entitled
WRIST POUCH FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT is hereby claimed, and the
specification thereof is incorporated herein in its entirety by
this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cases and
carriers for portable electronic devices such as PDA-like devices.
In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable pouch
for carrying such portable electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable computers and communications devices have developed
to the point that it is common to have a portable, small (often a
few inches across by several inches long) device that can serve as
a computer for accomplishing various tasks. One example of such a
portable electronic device is the so called Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA). These devices often are wirelessly connected to a
wireless network of some sort to allow the devices to send and
receive messages and/or data. There are various types of PDA's,
including the ubiquitous BLACKBERRY devices available from RESEARCH
IN MOTION LIMITED, as well devices specially adapted for use by the
United States military forces.
[0004] Conventional PDA's typically come with a carrying case that
clips onto the user's belt or pocket. Many such cases are
configured so that the display screen and keypad of the PDA face
inward towards the user's body for protection. Because the screen
and keypad are facing inward and are at the user's waist, the PDA
cannot be used unless it is removed from its case. When a person
wants to use the device, for example to send or receive an email,
they must reach down and slip the PDA out of its case. After use,
the PDA is then returned to its waist-mounted carrying case.
[0005] For users in some situations, it would be advantageous to
have quicker and easier access to their portable electronic device,
without having to remove the device from a waist-mounted carrying
case or a pocket. For example, soldiers engaged in warfare would be
better-served by having constant or immediate access to their
portable electronic devices to send and receive maps, receive
orders, request reinforcement, report enemy positions and strength,
etc. In the fog of battle, having better information and getting it
faster can improve military effectiveness and save lives. In
addition, frequently handling an electronic device, when removing
it for use and storing it afterwards, increases the likelihood of
dropping, losing, or damaging the device. Furthermore, business
persons and others using conventional PDA's would also benefit from
more ready access to their devices, for example, when walking
through an airport carrying luggage, a laptop computer, etc.
[0006] Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for an
article for carrying a PDA or other portable electronic device so
that the device is constantly or immediately available for use. It
is to the provision of an article meeting this and other needs that
the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly described, the present invention comprises a
wearable carrier for a portable electronic device. The carrier
includes a pouch defining a cavity for the electronic device and a
coupling for mounting the electronic device in a generally fixed
position on the lower arm/wrist of a user. The pouch has a front
panel with a viewing opening that aligns with the display screen
and any needed keys or buttons of the electronic device so that the
user can view the display screen and operate the electronic device
when it is in the pouch. The pouch and the viewing opening
preferably are sized and shaped for holding a PDA, but can be
readily adapted for holding a video recorder, camera, cell phone,
or other portable electronic device. The arm-mounting coupling
preferably is attached to the pouch and configured for mounting the
carrier securely to the user's lower arm/wrist, but can be readily
adapted for wearing on another arm part or another limb.
[0008] Advantageously, the present invention allows the user to
carry a PDA or other portable electronic device on the user's
wrist, instead of on a belt or in a pocket. The viewing opening of
the pouch makes it easy to access the display screen and keypad to
use the PDA quickly by simply turning one's head/eyes and arm,
without having to remove the PDA from the carrier.
[0009] In a first example embodiment according to the present
invention, the pouch has a back panel that is made of a flexible
material so that, when holding a PDA with a back surface that is
recessed and curved to conform to the user's arm, the pouch
conforms to this shape to provide a sleek and comfortable fit. In
addition, the pouch has an insertion opening through which the PDA
can be inserted into and removed from the pouch, with the insertion
opening being positioned typically at the top of the pouch.
Optionally, the pouch has an auxiliary opening that aligns with a
connection port on the PDA for connecting an auxiliary component
(earphones, charger, etc.) to the PDA when it is in the pouch, with
the auxiliary opening typically at one side of the pouch. The
insertion opening and the auxiliary opening typically are dedicated
openings that are separate from the viewing opening to provide
maximum protection for the PDA and still allow the PDA to be used
when in the pouch. Also, with the insertion opening at the pouch's
top (or other side) and when using a PDA with an external battery
mounted at its top (or corresponding side), the battery can be
replaced without removing the PDA from the pouch.
[0010] Furthermore, the arm-mounting coupling is provided by an
adjustable strap assembly that includes two bands that adjustably
connect together, for example, by a bucket. Preferably, there is
only one such strap assembly and it is attached to the pouch in an
off-center position so that it is closer to the user's wrist than
the center of the pouch to provide a more secure and comfortable
fit. Alternatively, other conventional couplings can be used, such
as flexible sleeves, clamps, collars, two or more of any of these,
etc.
[0011] In addition, the carrier preferably includes a cover panel
that can be moved from a closed position covering the viewing
opening to an open position with the viewing opening exposed. With
the viewing opening so exposed, the user can access the display
screen and keypad to use the PDA in the pouch. Also, a cover
closure (e.g., strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners) is
provided to removably secure the cover panel in the closed
position. The cover panel can be attached to the pouch with the
insertion opening between the viewing opening and where the cover
panel is attached, so that when the cover panel is in the closed
position the cover panel extends over the insertion opening to help
hold the PDA in the pouch.
[0012] Preferably, the cover closure also provides for removably
securing the cover panel in a parked open position with the cover
panel held in place so it does not interfere with the use of the
PDA. For example, the cover closure can be provided by a first
closure strip on the cover panel that can be selectively fastened
to a second closure strip and a third closure strip on the pouch.
The second closure strip is positioned to removably secure the
cover panel in the closed position, and the third closure strip is
positioned to removably secure the cover panel in the parked open
position. Typically, the second and third closure strips are
positioned on opposite sides of the viewing opening.
[0013] In a typical commercial embodiment, the pouch has two
foldable flaps that form the insertion opening, and a replacing
closure (e.g., strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners) on the
flaps for securing the pouch closed. The replacing closure strips
are positioned on the flaps to close the insertion opening with the
front flap over the back flap, and the third cover closure strip is
positioned on an outer surface of the front flap. In this way, the
cover panel can be pulled open without also opening the insertion
opening of the pouch. Alternatively, the cover panel and its
closure can be configured in other ways to cover and protect the
display screen.
[0014] In a second example embodiment according to the present
invention, the cover panel includes a first section and a second
section. The first section has a protective layer that covers the
viewing opening to protect the display screen when the cover panel
is in the closed position. The second section is flexible so that
the cover panel can be moved between the open and closed
positions.
[0015] Other advantages and benefits of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading and understanding the present
specification when taken in conjunction with the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wrist-mounted pouch
according to a first example embodiment of the present invention,
showing a portable electronic device in the pouch and a cover panel
in a parked open position exposing the device's display screen for
use.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable pouch and
electronic device of FIG. 1, showing the cover panel in a closed
position covering the device's display screen.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wearable pouch and
electronic device of FIG. 1, showing the cover panel in an open
position for replacing the device.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the wearable pouch and
electronic device of FIG. 1, showing a connection port of the
device aligned with an auxiliary opening of the pouch and the cover
panel being removed from the parked open position.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the wearable pouch and
electronic device in the open position of FIG. 3, showing the
device in the pouch being replaced.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of the wearable pouch and electronic
device in the open position of FIG. 3, showing flaps with closures
being opened to replace the device.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the wearable pouch and
electronic device in the closed position of FIG. 2, showing an
adjustable strap for mounting to a user's wrist.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wrist-mounted pouch
according to a second example embodiment of the present invention,
showing a protective layer in a cover panel for protecting the
display screen of an electronic device in the pouch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals
represent like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7
depict a wearable carrier 10 according to a first example
embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 10 is designed to
hold a portable electronic device such as, but not limited to, a
PDA-like device 12 configured to receive and transmit
communications and/or data to and from the wearer or an external
source. Such a device 12 has many functions and uses in a wide
range of applications, such as in military units, in the delivery
service industry, or in other applications where a user wishes to
access computer data and the use of a traditional computer is
impossible or impractical. Typical devices 12 include a display
screen 14 and function and input keys 16 for the user to input and
output messages and data. Conventional devices 12 are generally
rectangular, but they could be formed in any number of shapes
including, but not limited to, circular, elliptical, polygonal,
etc.
[0025] For illustration purposes, the invention is described at
places herein as being for use with a PDA 12. It will be
understood, however, that the carrier 10 can be readily adapted for
holding other types of portable electronic devices, including
PDA-like devices customized for military or other applications,
video recorders, cameras, and cell phones.
[0026] The carrier 10 includes a pouch 18 defining a cavity 20 for
holding the PDA 12 (see FIG. 5) and a coupling 22 for mounting the
PDA in a fixed position on the lower arm/wrist 24 of a user. The
pouch 18 is sized and shaped for receiving the PDA 12 in the cavity
20, so typically the pouch is generally rectangular and slightly
larger than the PDA. For military applications, the pouch 18 may
include a camouflage or other pattern selected based on the
environment where it will be used. The pouch 18 can be made from a
variety of materials; however, in preferred forms, the pouch is
made of durable fabric, vinyl or another flexible polymer, rubber,
hard plastic, graphite, fiberglass, or a combination thereof.
Similarly, the arm-mounting coupling 22 can be made from a variety
of materials; however, in preferred forms, the coupling is made of
vinyl or another flexible polymer, rubber, durable fabric, leather,
or a combination thereof.
[0027] In the depicted embodiment, the pouch 18 is rectangular and
has a front panel 26, a back panel 28, a left panel 30, a right
panel 32, and a bottom panel 34. The front panel 26, the bottom
panel 34, and the back panel 28 can be made of a single piece of
material, with the left and right panels 30 and 32 attached to them
and made of webbing or a stretch material for ease of inserting and
removing the PDA 12. In addition, the back panel 28 (if not all of
the pouch) is made of a flexible material. In this way, when
holding a PDA 12 with a back surface 36 that is recessed and curved
(see FIG. 5) to conform to the shape of a typical adult human arm
24, the pouch also conforms to this curved shape to provide a sleek
and comfortable fit. Such an electronic device is shown and
described in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/807,871,
filed on Jul. 20, 2006 (the same filing date as the present
application), and titled WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH
EDGE-MOUNTED BATTERY, the entire scope and content of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the back
panel 28 may be rigid and include this conforming curvature.
[0028] The front panel 26 of the pouch 18 has a viewing opening 38
that aligns with the display screen 14 and keys 16 (or any other
input or output interfaces) of the PDA 12 so that the user can view
the display screen and operate the PDA when it is in the pouch 20.
The viewing opening 38 makes it easy to quickly access the display
screen 14 and keys 16 to use the PDA while it is in the pouch 12.
The viewing opening 38 depicted is rectangular except for a small
notch for accessing one of the keys 16. In alternative embodiments,
the viewing opening 38 has a different size, shape, and position
relative to the front panel 26. For example, the viewing opening 38
can be rectangular, without the notch, where the PDA screen and
keys are all arranged in a rectangular array. The viewing opening
38 can be smaller where the PDA includes a touch screen for
operating the PDA, with fewer or no keys.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pouch 18 has one (or more)
auxiliary opening 40 that is positioned so that it aligns with an
auxiliary connection port 42 on the PDA 12. Such auxiliary
connection ports 42 are provided for connecting auxiliary
components 44, such as earphones, battery chargers, other computer
devices, etc. to the PDA 12. The auxiliary opening 40 is sized and
shaped so that the connector 46 of the auxiliary component 44 fits
through it and can be connected to the connection port 42 of the
PDA 12. In this way, such auxiliary components 44 can be used with
the PDA 12 without removing the PDA from the pouch 18. Preferably,
the auxiliary opening 40 is positioned at one side of the pouch 18
and is a dedicated opening that is separate from the viewing
opening 38.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the pouch 18 has an insertion
opening 48 through which the PDA 12 can be inserted into and
removed from the pouch cavity 20, as indicated by the directional
arrow in FIG. 5. In the depicted embodiment, the pouch 18 has two
foldable flaps 50 and 52 that form the insertion opening 48, and a
replacing closure for fastening the flaps together to secure the
pouch 20 closed. The first and second flaps 50 and 52 extend from
the back and front panels 28 and 26, respectively, and overlap each
other. The replacing closure preferably is provided by fasteners
that are quick, easy, and reliable to open and close, such as first
and second strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners 54a and 54b
(referred to collectively as the "replacing closure 54").
Alternatively, other conventional fasteners could be used, such as
snaps or a zipper.
[0031] Typically, the insertion opening 48 is positioned at the top
of the pouch 18 and is a dedicated opening that is separate from
the viewing opening 38. In this way, the pouch 18 can be used with
a PDA 12 having an external battery 56 removably mounted at its
top, and the battery can be replaced by opening the replacing
closure 54 and the flaps 50 and 52 but without removing the PDA
from the pouch 20. Of course, the pouch 18 can be adapted with the
replacing closure 48 positioned on another side of the pouch 18 for
use with a PDA having an external battery mounted at that
corresponding side.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the carrier 10 includes a cover
panel 58 that can be moved from a closed position (shown in FIG. 2)
covering the viewing opening 38 to an open position (shown in FIG.
3) with the viewing opening exposed. In the closed position, the
cover panel 58 protects the screen 14 and keys 16 from scratches,
dirt, moisture, and or other damaging effects. In the open
position, the viewing opening 38 is exposed so the user can access
the display screen 14 and keys 16 to use the PDA 12 in the pouch
18.
[0033] In addition, the pouch 18 has a cover closure for removably
securing the cover panel 58 in the closed position. The cover
closure preferably is provided by fasteners that are quick, easy,
and reliable to open and close, such as first and second strips of
mating hook-and-loop fasteners 60a and 60b (referred to
collectively as the "cover closure 60"). The first cover closure
strip 60a is attached to the cover panel 58 and the second cover
closure strip 60b is attached to the pouch 18 in positions so that
when they are engaged together they removably secure the cover
panel in the closed position. For example, the second cover closure
strip 60b may be positioned on the bottom side panel 34 of the
pouch 18 so that the bottom edge of the cover panel 58 is less
exposed and thus less likely to be snagged and inadvertently pulled
open. Alternatively, other conventional fasteners could be used,
such as snaps or a zipper, and positioned elsewhere on the carrier
10. Also, a pull tab 62 can be attached to the cover panel 58 and
used to quickly and easily pull or otherwise remove the cover panel
from the closed position.
[0034] The cover panel 58 preferably is attached to the pouch 18
with the insertion opening 48 between the viewing opening 38 and
where the cover panel is attached. In the depicted embodiment, the
cover panel 58 is attached to the back panel 28 at the point where
the back flap 50 folds over to close the insertion opening 48. In
this configuration, when the cover panel 58 extends over the
insertion opening 48 when it is secured in the closed position.
This acts as a backup to the replacing closure 54 to help secure
the PDA 12 in the pouch 18.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the cover closure 60 also
provides for removably securing the cover panel 58 in a parked open
position (shown in FIG. 1). In the parked open position, the cover
panel 58 is held in place with the viewing opening 38 exposed so
the cover panel does not interfere with the use of the PDA 12. That
is, with the cover panel 58 removably secured in the parked open
position, the user can move about without the cover panel flipping
back over the viewing opening 38, even in windy conditions.
[0036] The cover closure 60 may include a third cover closure strip
60c positioned on the pouch 18 or the cover panel 58 to engage the
first cover closure strip 60a to removably secure the cover panel
in the parked open position. Typically, the second and third cover
closure strips 60b and 60c are positioned on opposite sides of the
viewing opening 38, with the third cover closure strip between the
viewing opening and where the cover panel extends from the pouch
18.
[0037] In the depicted embodiment, the third cover closure strip
60c is attached to an outer surface 64 of the front flap 52, the
first replacing closure strip 54a is attached to an outer surface
of the back flap 50, and the second replacing closure strip 54b is
attached to an inner surface of the front flap 52. In this
configuration, the flaps 50 and 52 are folded and secured closed by
the replacing closure 54 by first folding over the back flap 50 and
then folding the front flap 52 over the back flap. With the third
cover closure strip 60c at the top side of the pouch 18 on the
front flap outer surface 64, the user can pull the tab 62 (as
indicated by the directional arrow in FIG. 4) and remove the cover
panel 58 from the parked open position without pulling open the
replacing closure 54. If the front and back flaps 50 and 52 were
attached differently, with the back flap folded over the front
flap, then pulling back on the cover panel 58 would also tend to
pull the back flap apart from the front flap.
[0038] In alternative embodiments, the carrier 10 is provided with
a cover panel that is slidingly retractable, removable and tethered
to the pouch, or pivotal to a side other than the top. In other
alternative embodiments, the cover closure includes two closure
elements for removably securing the cover panel in the closed
position and two separate closure elements for removably securing
the cover panel in the parked open position. And in still other
alternative embodiments, the carrier 10 is provided with a cover
panel that is fixed in place and clear for viewing the display
screen through it, or without a cover panel at all.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the arm-mounting coupling 22
may be provided by any conventional structure selected to removably
secure the pouch 18 to the user's lower arm/wrist 24. In the
depicted embodiment, the arm-mounting coupling 22 is provided by an
adjustable strap assembly that includes two bands 66 that
adjustably connect together, for example, by a bucket 68 and a
strap closure. The strap closure preferably is provided by
fasteners that are quick, easy, and reliable to open and close,
such as first and second strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners
70a and 70b (referred to collectively as the "strap closure 70").
The first and second strap closure strips 70a and 70b can be
selectively engaged together (as indicated by the directional arrow
in FIG. 7) at different positions to provide adjustability for
users with different-sized wrists/arms and for positioning the
pouch at different positions on the user's arm.
[0040] Preferably, there is only a single such strap assembly and
it is attached to the pouch 18 in an off-center position so that in
use it is closer to the user's hand than the center of the pouch.
That is, a centerline 72 of the bands 66 is off-center of a
transverse axis 74 (normal to the longitudinal axis of the user's
arm) of the pouch 18. In the configuration shown, the bands 66 are
towards the right side of the pouch 18 so that they are secured
lower on the arm where the diameter is smaller. The left, free side
of the pouch will seat against the higher-up, larger-diameter part
of the arm. This way, both the left and the right side of the pouch
18 are seated nicely against the arm so that there are no
protruding edges that can be snagged, which provides a secure and
comfortable fit. This configuration is for right-handed users, but
the position of the bands 66 can be reversed to the left side of
the pouch 18 for left-handed users.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, other conventional strap closure
elements are used, such as snaps or a zipper. In other alternative
embodiments, other conventional couplings are used, such as
flexible sleeves, C-clamps, collars, two or more of any of these,
etc. In further alternative embodiments, the coupling includes
elements for attaching to a cooperating elements included in a
military uniform (e.g., mating clips on the uniform sleeve and the
pouch), or the coupling is provided by a pocket with a viewing
opening that is made into the uniform sleeve. And in still other
alternative embodiments, the coupling is adapted for wearing on
another arm part or another limb (i.e., the legs), but not the
waist or neck, and/or for users other than adult humans (e.g.,
youths or robots).
[0042] In a second example embodiment according to the present
invention, the carrier 110 has a pouch 118 with a cover panel 158
that includes a first section 176 and a second section 178. The
first section 176 has a protective layer 180 that covers the
viewing opening to protect the display screen when the cover panel
158 is in the closed position, as shown. For example, the
protective layer 180 may be made of padding, hard plastic, or both.
And the second section 178 is flexible so that the cover panel 158
can be moved between the open and closed positions.
[0043] Accordingly, the present invention provides a number of
advantages to users of PDA's. For instance, by carrying his PDA in
one of the wrist-mounted pouches, the user has quicker and easier
access to his PDA than if he carried it on a belt or in a pocket.
In addition, the user can quickly and easily use his PDA's display
screen and keys through the viewing opening, without having to
remove the PDA from the pouch. And the cover panel in the closed
position protects the display screen, and in the parked open
position it is fixed and out of the way so it does not interfere
with the use of the PDA.
[0044] Whereas this invention has been described in detail with
particular reference to exemplary embodiments and variations
thereof, it is to be understood that other variations and
modifications can be effected within the scope and spirit of the
invention, as described hereinbefore and as defined in the appended
claims.
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