U.S. patent application number 13/045143 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for audio device carrier for headwear.
Invention is credited to Steven D. Petitt.
Application Number | 20110219522 13/045143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44558491 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110219522 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petitt; Steven D. |
September 15, 2011 |
AUDIO DEVICE CARRIER FOR HEADWEAR
Abstract
A carrier for an audio device attaches to the adjustment strap
at the back of an adjustable cap, visor or other headwear. Windows
in the face of the pocket allow access to controls of the audio
player. The carrier includes headphones with short cords having a
length to comfortably reach a wearer's ears from the player mounted
at the back of the headwear. A soft wide loop is provided on the
back of the pocket of the carrier, approximately midway between the
top and bottom of the carrier. The wide loop is sized to receive
the adjustment strap of the adjustable headwear, and resist side to
side twisting, sliding and pitching of the carrier relative to the
strap.
Inventors: |
Petitt; Steven D.; (Atlantic
Beach, FL) |
Family ID: |
44558491 |
Appl. No.: |
13/045143 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61312663 |
Mar 10, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/422 ;
2/209.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/422 ;
2/209.13 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; A42B 1/24 20060101 A42B001/24 |
Claims
1. A carrier system for headwear comprising: a headwear with a
front and back and a strap at the back of the headwear; and a
carrier with an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an
electronic audio device, said carrier further including a front
panel and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the
electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear
panel, said loop being configured to receive the strap at the back
of the headwear, and said carrier being attached to the strap at
the back of the headwear; and earphones comprising a pair of
earbuds, an audio plug and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio
plug, the length of said cables being less than twelve inches.
2. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a closure at
the top opening of the carrier.
3. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a closure
strap at the top opening of the carrier.
4. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, a lid at the
top opening of the carrier.
5. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the loop
being soft.
6. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length
of the cables being less than eleven inches.
7. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length
of the cables being less than ten inches.
8. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length
of the cables being about ten inches.
9. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length
of the cables being about nine inches.
10. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the length
of the cables being about eight inches.
11. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the front
panel of said carrier including at least one window.
12. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the front
panel of said carrier including at least one window with a
transparent covering.
13. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap
at the back of the headwear being a removable strap attached to the
back of the headwear.
14. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap
at the back of the headwear being a removable hook strap of a hook
and loop fastener attached to material comprising the back of the
headwear.
15. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the strap
at the back of the headwear being a removable hook and loop
fastener strap attached to the back of the headwear.
16. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, the
headwear comprising a wearable object from the group consisting of:
a baseball cap, a visor, a beanie, a headband, a hair band, a
helmet, and goggles.
17. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 1, said
carrier being comprised of a resilient elastomeric material.
18. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 17, said
carrier further comprising a hingedly connected cover at the top of
the carrier.
19. A carrier system for headwear according to claim 17, said
pocket being waterproof, and said carrier including a waterproof
audio plug junction.
20. A carrier system for headwear comprising: a headwear with a
front and back and a clip at the back of the headwear; and a
carrier with an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an
electronic audio device, said carrier further including a front
panel and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the
electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear
panel, said loop being configured to engage the clip at the back of
the headwear, and said carrier being attached to the clip at the
back of the headwear; and earphones comprising a pair of earbuds,
an audio jack and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio jack,
the length of said cables being less than twelve inches.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional of and claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 61/312,663,
filed Mar. 10, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to carriers for electronic
devices and, more particularly, to a carrier adapted for attachment
to the adjustment strap or structure at the back of headwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Often, people carry portable audio players to listen to
recorded music or programs or, depending upon the capabilities of
the player, to listen to radio broadcasts. This is typically done
while exercising, working or otherwise traveling.
[0004] To facilitate carrying such devices, many holsters have been
devised. Some attach an audio player to a user's belt or arm.
Others comprise pockets or other retainers (e.g., elastic bands)
attached to the brim or panels of a cap (e.g., baseball cap).
[0005] While the known carrying devices may serve their intended
purpose, they have shortcomings. Attachment to a belt or arm means
that earphone cords must extend across the wearer's body, which is
an annoyance and risks snagging. Attachment to the brim of a cap
creates an unusual weight distribution. Additionally, items hanging
from the brim distract the wearer and impede visibility. Attachment
to a panel of the cap creates discomfort when the cap is worn.
[0006] What is needed is a carrier adapted for attachment to the
adjustment strap of adjustable headwear with earphone cords having
a length sufficient to reach from the held player to a person's
ears without substantial slack.
[0007] The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the
problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an
exemplary implementation of the invention, a carrier for an audio
device is provided. The carrier attaches to the adjustment strap at
the back of an adjustable cap, visor or other headwear. The carrier
provides a pocket for securely holding a small electronic device
such as audio player. Windows (e.g., apertures) in the face of the
pocket allow access to controls of the audio player. The windows
are sized and positioned to expose the controls, which may vary
from audio player device to device. The carrier includes headphones
with short cords having a length to comfortably reach a wearer's
ears from the player mounted at the back of the headwear. A soft
wide loop is provided on the back of the pocket of the carrier,
approximately midway between the top and bottom of the carrier. The
wide loop is sized to receive the adjustment strap of the
adjustable headwear. The width of the loop resists side to side
twisting. The size of the loop resists sliding and pitching of the
carrier relative to the strap. The softness of the loop provides
comfort to the wearer.
[0009] Optionally, a supplemental band may be provided to
facilitate securing the device to headwear lacking an adjustable
band, such as bike helmets. The band may comprise a strip of
webbing with hook and loop fasteners. The band may be threaded
through openings in the back of the helmet. The free ends of the
band may be fastened to form a loop. Then the band may serve as the
adjustable strap, to which the carrier may be attached.
[0010] An exemplary carrier system for headwear includes a headwear
with a front and back and a strap at the back of the headwear. The
carrier has an interior space defining a pocket for receiving an
electronic audio device. The carrier further includes a front panel
and a rear panel, a top with an opening for receiving the
electronic audio device in the pocket, and a loop on the rear
panel, the loop I similar to a loop on pants for receiving a belt,
being configured to receive the strap at the back of the headwear.
The loop is preferably soft. A clip may be attached to the headwear
for use in lieu of a strap. The carrier is attached to the strap at
the back of the headwear. Earphones include a pair of earbuds, an
audio jack and cables coupling the earbuds to the audio plug, the
length of the cables being less than twelve inches, or less than
eleven inches, or less than ten inches, or about ten, nine or eight
inches. A closure such as a snap, strap or lid may be provided at
the top opening of the carrier. The front panel of the carrier may
include at least one window, which may have a transparent covering.
The strap at the back of the headwear may be a removable strap
(e.g., a hook strap or a hook and loop strap such as a Velcro.RTM.
strap) attached to the back of the headwear. By way of example and
not limitation, the headwear may be a baseball cap, a visor, a
beanie, a headband, a hair band, a helmet, or goggles. In one
embodiment, the carrier is comprised of a resilient elastomeric
material and includes a hingedly connected cover at the top of the
carrier. The pocket may be waterproof with a waterproof audio plug
junction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and
advantages of the invention will become better understood with
reference to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings, where:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a hat, with an adjustable
strap, for use with a carrier according to principles of the
invention; and
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary carrier for use with headwear according to
principles of the invention; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary carrier for use with headwear according to
principles of the invention; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a hat, with an adjustable
strap, and a carrier according to principles of the invention;
and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a visor, with an adjustable
strap, and a carrier according to principles of the invention;
and
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a beanie, with a hook and
loop fastener strap, and a carrier according to principles of the
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a beanie, with a pocket, and
a carrier according to principles of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a hairband, with a hook and
loop fastener strap, and a carrier according to principles of the
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a headband, with a hook and
loop fastener strap, and a carrier according to principles of the
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a rear view that conceptually illustrates a hook
and loop fastener strap extending through a loop of an exemplary
carrier according to principles of the invention; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely goggles, with an adjustable
strap, and a carrier according to principles of the invention;
and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a bicycle helmet, with a
hook and loop fastener strap, and a carrier according to principles
of the invention; and
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view that conceptually illustrates an
exemplary carrier according to principles of the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear view that conceptually illustrates an
exemplary carrier with a loop engaging a strap according to
principles of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 15 provides side and rear views that conceptually
illustrates a panel for an exemplary carrier with an engaging clip
according to principles of the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary molded resilient carrier according to
principles of the invention; and
[0028] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary molded resilient carrier according to
principles of the invention; and
[0029] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary molded resilient carrier with an open top
revealing a compartment for receiving a device to be carried
according to principles of the invention; and
[0030] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary molded resilient carrier with an open top
revealing a compartment receiving an electronic device to be
carried according to principles of the invention; and
[0031] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view that conceptually
illustrates an exemplary molded resilient carrier with an open top
revealing a compartment for receiving an electronic device to be
carried and a front panel window according to principles of the
invention; and
[0032] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an exemplary waterproof
junction for a waterproof embodiment of a carrier according to
principles of the invention.
[0033] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures
are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the
figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention.
Any dimensions and proportions provided in the drawings are
provided for exemplary purposes only, not to limit the invention to
any particular size or relative sizes, except as may be expressly
set forth in claims. The invention is not limited to the exemplary
embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of materials,
configuration, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or
proportions shown in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a rear perspective view that
conceptually illustrates exemplary headwear, namely a hat, with an
adjustable strap, for use with a carrier according to principles of
the invention is provided. The headwear may be any type of headwear
that either has a strap or pocket in the rear or can be fitted with
a strap or pocket in the rear. The exemplary hat 100 is a baseball
cap with a stiff bill or brim 105 extending from a soft crown 110.
The hat 100 is not "fitted" to the wearer's head size. Instead, it
has an adjustable strap 115 such as a plastic, hook and loop
fastener, or elastic adjustment strap so that it can be quickly
adjusted to fit different wearers.
[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide perspective views of an exemplary
carrier 205 for use with headwear according to principles of the
invention. The carrier 205 provides a pocket for securely holding a
small electronic device 200 such as audio player. The carrier 205
may be comprised of leather, fabric, film, silicone, rubber and/or
plastic (e.g., vinyl), and/or any other materials (e.g.,
Neoprene.RTM.) suitable for constructing a carrying container.
Molding, mechanical fasteners (e.g., snaps, rivets and zippers),
hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), stitching and bonding
may be used to construct the carrier.
[0036] Windows (e.g., apertures) 206, 207 in the face of the
carrier 205 allow access to a display and controls of the audio
player 200. The windows 206, 207 may be sized and positioned to
expose the controls, which may vary from audio player device to
device. Permanent (e.g., transparent plastic) or removable
coverings may be provided over the windows. Alternatively, the
windows 206, 207 may be uncovered openings in the carrier 205.
[0037] The carrier 205 includes headphones (e.g., earphones a/k/a
ear buds) 220, 225 with short cords having a length to comfortably
reach a wearer's ears from the player mounted at the back of the
headwear. The length is less than 12 inches per cord, and
preferably about 10 inches per cord. The short cords of the
headphones obviate tucking away, binding, dangling and entangling
of excess cord.
[0038] Heretofore, earphones with cords having a length less than
12 inches have not been commercially available. Therefore, to
accommodate consumers who may carry a music device, such as in a
breast pocket of a shirt, manufacturers have devised various
devices to wind and wrap-up the substantial excess cord. Such a
device is inconvenient and results in a ball of wound cord that
repeatedly strikes the wearer or constitutes a lump in a
pocket.
[0039] After considerable experimentation, it was found that a cord
of about 8 to 10 inches in length can extend from the back of a hat
to a wearer's ears for various headwear. Various hats were
evaluated, including baseball caps, helmets and beanies. Various
size hats were evaluated. Adult and child size hats were evaluated.
It was found that a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate
to reach a wearer's ears in all test cases. It was also found that
a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate to allow
adjustment of the headwear in all cases. It was further found that
a cord length of about 8 to 10 inches is adequate to allow at least
partial removal of the hat with the earphones in place. While an 8
to 10 inch length provided some slack, the slack was not
substantial and did not appreciably increase risk of snagging or
constitute an annoyance.
[0040] It was found that a cord length of less than 12 inches
provided other unexpected, but substantial, benefits. The weight of
the minimal excess cord does not pull down on the ear buds and
potentially dislodge them from the ear. The withdrawing effect of
excess cord can be particularly troublesome during high impact
activity such as running. In contrast, conventional the weight of
full length conventional cords tended to gradually dislodge and
eventually remove the earbuds, especially during physical activity.
Even loosening earbuds in one's ears degrades perceived sound
quality.
[0041] Another unexpected advantage is sound performance. The
earphones with a cord length of 12 inches or less tended to have
better quality sound than earphones having the same earbuds, but a
conventional longer cord (e.g., 24 inches or more). It is believed
that the improved sound quality may be attributed to lower
resistance and impedance associated with the shorter length cable.
Indeed, experiments showed a perceptible improvement in amplitude
(i.e., the sound output was louder). Low bass sounds and high
treble sounds were crisper and clearer with a cord of 12 inches or
less in length.
[0042] Because, heretofore, earphones with cord lengths of 12
inches or less were not commercially available, they had to be
manufactured for the subject invention. The earphones comprise
audio output devices (ear buds) suitable for placement outside of
the ear canal, without fully enveloping the ear. The audio output
devices are connected to a an audio jack, e.g., a TS or TRS or TRRS
connecter, 3.5 or 2.5 mm, or a proprietary connector for the device
to which the earphones connect. The cords are shielded to preserve
signal strength and guard against hum.
[0043] Locating the carrier at the back of the headwear, as shown
in FIG. 4, may seem counterintuitive because, in such a location,
the electronic device is not visible by the wearer. However, after
considerable experimentation, it was found that locating the
carrier at the back of the headwear provides the optimal balance of
comfort and functionality. The back of the hat bears the weight of
carrier without causing any discomfort or impairment of visibility.
The hat structure is capable of supporting the carrier at the back
of the hat without tipping, pitching or otherwise moving under
influence of the cap. The cords do not cross the wearer's field of
view. The hat remains balanced (left to right) on the wearer's
head. While the wearer cannot see the electronic device worn at the
back of the hat, the user can remove the device or the hat to make
adjustments. Alternatively, a wearer who is familiar with the
device may adjust controls through the windows without actually
seeing them.
[0044] A wide loop 215 is provided on the back of the pocket of the
carrier 205, approximately midway between the top and bottom of the
carrier. The loop is a pant-style loop for receiving a belt-like
strap. It may be comprised of a strip of material attached to the
back panel. It may lie substantially flat against the back panel
until it is urged away from the back panel. The opening defined by
the loop may only be realized by urging the loop material away from
the back panel. The opening defined by the loop is sufficient to
receive the strap (or a clip). The wide loop 215 is sized to
receive the adjustment strap 115 of the adjustable headwear 100. A
conventional belt loop for a waist belt is about 2 inches, which is
too large. After extensive experimentation, a loop opening of no
greater than 1.25 inches accommodates most headwear adjustment
straps, which is typically about 1 inch in width for a baseball
cap. Such width of the loop 215 resists side to side twisting and
translational movement of the carrier relative to the cap. The size
of the loop 215 resists sliding and pitching of the carrier
relative to the strap.
[0045] The loop is preferably soft and/or cushioned, such as padded
or quilted. Softness of the loop 215 provides comfort to the
wearer.
[0046] The loop 215 preferably does not stretch appreciably under
the weight of the carrier and its carried contents. A material
(e.g., nylon webbing) with a tight weave is preferred to reduce
elasticity. An inelastic material maintains a secure fit and
reduces the tendency of the carrier to move (e.g., bounce) during
strenuous activity. An elastic material may be used, so long as the
elastic material exhibits adequate structural integrity to avoid
appreciable stretching under the weight of the carrier and its
carried contents.
[0047] A closure band 210, flap or lid is provided to retain the
device 200 in the compartment defined by the carrier 205. The
closure is releasably closed by snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or
other form of releasably connection. The closure may cover a
portion or the entirety of the opening of the carrier 205. In one
embodiment, the closure may cover the entire opening of the carrier
205 to provide a weatherproof enclosure.
[0048] When the carrier is mounted on an adjustment strap of
headwear, a portion of the loop 215 may contact the back of the
wearer's head. A user familiar with the player may access controls
through the windows 206, 207 while wearing the carrier, even though
the controls may not be visible to the user. If necessary, the user
may remove the headwear to adjust the controls. After the controls
are properly set, the headwear may be returned to the user's
head.
[0049] The headwear is not limited to a baseball cap. Rather, the
headwear may be any type of headwear that either has a strap or
pocket in the rear or that can be fitted with a strap or pocket in
the rear. Thus, for example, in FIG. 5, an exemplary carrier 305
according to principles of the invention is shown attached to the
strap of a visor 300. In FIG. 5, an exemplary carrier 305 according
to principles of the invention is shown attached to the back of a
beanie 310. A hook and loop strap 315 is adhered to the beanie 310,
to provide a strap 315 for attaching the carrier 305. The hook side
or portion of a hook and loop strap 315 readily engage the knit
material of the beanie 310. In another embodiment, a pocket 320
with an open top 330 and a narrow bottom aperture 325 for cords
220, 225 is added to or formed on the beanie 310.
[0050] As another example, the headwear may comprise a hair band
335, as in FIG. 8, or a headband 336, as in FIG. 9. In each case, a
hook and loop strap 340 may be adhered to the band 335, 336, to
provide a strap 340 for attaching the carrier 305, as illustrated
in FIG. 10. The hook side or portion of a hook and loop strap 340
readily engage the knit or terrycloth material of the band 335,
336. The strap 340 passes through the loop 307 on the backside 306
of the carrier 305.
[0051] As additional examples, the headwear may comprise goggles
350, as in FIG. 11, or a bicycle helmet 360 as in FIG. 12. In the
case of the helmet 360, a hook and loop strap 340 may be wrapped
around a structural feature of the back of the helmet or otherwise
releasably affixed to the helmet. Thus, the strap 340 may pass
through the loop 307 on the backside 306 of the carrier 305.
[0052] FIGS. 13 and 14 provide front and rear views of another
exemplary carrier according to principles of the invention. The
carrier 365 provides a pocket for securely holding a small
electronic device such as audio player. The carrier 365 may be
comprised of leather, fabric, film, silicone, rubber and/or plastic
(e.g., vinyl), and/or any other materials (e.g., Neoprene.RTM.)
suitable for constructing a carrying container. Molding, mechanical
fasteners (e.g., snaps, rivets and zippers), hook and loop
fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), stitching and bonding may be used to
construct the carrier. The rear of the carrier 365 includes a loop
385 through which a strap 375 may be received.
[0053] Windows (e.g., apertures) 370, 380 in the face of the
carrier 365 allow access to a display and controls of the audio
player. The windows 370, 380 may be sized and positioned to expose
the controls, which may vary from audio player device to device.
Permanent (e.g., transparent plastic) or removable coverings may be
provided over the windows. Alternatively, the windows 370, 380 may
be uncovered openings in the carrier 365.
[0054] FIG. 15 provides side and rear views of a panel for an
exemplary carrier with an engaging clip according to principles of
the invention. Instead of using a loop, the carrier may be equipped
with a clip 390, such as the clip 390 on a back panel 306 of a
carrier. Only the back panel is shown in FIG. 15. Alternatively,
the clip may be affixed to the back of headwear, such as a helmet,
by bonding or other method of affixation. In such an embodiment the
loop of the carrier may extend horizontally to properly engage the
clip.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 16 through 19, an exemplary molded
resilient carrier 400 according to principles of the invention is
shown. The carrier may be made of a resilient elastomer such as
silicone or like materials. The carrier 440 includes a top cover
410 hingedly connected to the body 405. The top cover tends to
return to a closed position as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The back
panel of the body 405 includes a pair of parallel elongated slits
415 and 420, which define a strap loop 425 in the space
therebetween. Thus a strap may be fed through the slits 415, 420.
Additionally, because the carrier is resilient, the slits 415 and
420 and loop portion 425 may be stretched to receive a strap.
[0056] The hinged top cover 410 may be urged open by pivoting it
along the hinged joint 430. Opening the top cover as shown in FIG.
18 reveals a compartment 435 for receiving an electronic device,
such as the audio player 450 shown being inserted in FIG. 19. When
the player 450 is fully inserted, the top cover 410 is free to
return to its unbiased closed position as shown in FIG. 16.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the exemplary molded
resilient carrier 400, a window 440 is provided as shown in FIG.
20. The window 440 in the face of the carrier 400 allows visual and
tactile access to a display, touch screen and/or other controls of
a stored device. The window 440 may be sized and positioned to
expose the controls, which may vary from audio player device to
device. Permanent (e.g., transparent plastic) or removable
coverings may be provided over the window 440. Alternatively, the
window 440 may be an uncovered opening in the carrier 400.
[0058] In another embodiment, an exemplary carrier is configured to
provide visibility in the dark. The carrier may be comprised of
materials (e.g., fabrics, leather, vinyl or the like) impregnated
or coated with luminous or phosphorescent inks, dyes or paints. In
addition to or in lieu of the luminous or phosphorescent
substances, a reflector, such as a retroreflector, may be attached
to the visible surface of the carrier. Thus, illustratively, when a
headlight of a car illuminates the retroreflector, reflected light
is directed towards the car and its driver (rather than in all
directions as with diffuse reflection). Concomitantly, a pedestrian
can see luminous or phosphorescent substances in the dark without
any incident light beam striking the carrier.
[0059] In yet another embodiment, the carrier may be attached to a
clip that is attached to the back of a helmet. The clip may include
a removable (e.g., snap fit or threadedly removably) or pivotable
crossbar that fits through the loop 215 on the back of the carrier.
The carrier, therefore, is attached to the crossbar of the clip,
which is attached to the helmet. The clip may be glued, adhered or
otherwise bonded to the back of the helmet.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, a waterproof carrier is provided.
The carrier comprises a waterproof material (e.g., a waterproof
fabric, vinyl or other waterproof material suitable for carrier
construction), a watertight locking closure (e.g., a zipper storage
bag style closure), and a sealed audio headphone jack. The sealed
audio headphone jack includes a short cord and headphone plug
within the carrier. The plug connects to the headphone jack of the
electronic device. Waterproof headphones having the characteristics
described above (e.g., length less than 12 inches) connect to the
sealed audio headphone jack.
[0061] In another embodiment, the carrier may include an optional
inflatable element. The inflatable element may close (i.e., seal)
the top opening when inflated. The inflatable element may also
comprise a protective inflatable envelope into which an electronic
device may be inserted. When inflated, the envelope provides a snug
fit. Sliding and rattling of the contained electronic device are
virtually eliminated. The envelope may be inflated to accommodate
various size electronic devices--the smaller the device, the
greater the inflation.
[0062] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an exemplary waterproof
junction for a waterproof embodiment of a carrier according to
principles of the invention. A panel 515 of the carrier (e.g., a
bottom panel or side panel) contains an embedded audio jack 510.
The jack 510 may be molded into the carrier panel 515. The
configuration is waterproof. On the exterior side of the panel 515,
the jack 510 receives an audio plug 505 electrical cables 500 for
earphones. Electrically coupled to the jack 510 on the interior
side of the panel 515 is a cable 520 and an audio plug 525 that is
compatible with the carried audio device. This configuration
provides a waterproof junction. The electrical circuit between the
earphones and audio output of the audio device is completed.
However, water cannot pass through the junction.
[0063] While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been
described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations
thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then,
it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the
components, types of components, sizes of components, configuration
of components, and brands of components, including variations in
order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention. The above description and drawings are
illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing
from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited
only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is
considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily
occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the
invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention
as claimed.
* * * * *