U.S. patent application number 15/249070 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for torso harness with bounce-minimizing pocket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amphipod, Inc.. Invention is credited to June A. Angus, Antonio Del Rosario, Keith S. Willows.
Application Number | 20170055683 15/249070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58103377 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170055683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Willows; Keith S. ; et
al. |
March 2, 2017 |
TORSO HARNESS WITH BOUNCE-MINIMIZING POCKET
Abstract
A harness includes a waist belt and a pair of straps connected
to the belt and configured to extend over the shoulders of a user.
A pocket is attached to the harness and includes a window for
access to a device within the pocket. The pocket may be formed from
a mix of materials that includes a resilient side gusset to
minimize bounce of the pocket when in use. In some versions, the
pocket is hingedly attached to the harness.
Inventors: |
Willows; Keith S.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Angus; June A.; (Seattle, WA) ; Del
Rosario; Antonio; (Bellevue, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amphipod, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58103377 |
Appl. No.: |
15/249070 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62283316 |
Aug 26, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/146 20130101;
A45F 2003/144 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14; A41D 13/01 20060101 A41D013/01; A41D 27/08 20060101
A41D027/08 |
Claims
1. A harness, comprising: a belt configured to be worn about a
user's waist; a first shoulder strap having a first end and a
second end; a second shoulder strap having a first end and a second
end; a rear torso panel, the first end of the first shoulder strap
and the first end of the second shoulder strap each being attached
to the rear torso panel, the first shoulder strap and the second
shoulder strap being configured to extend over the user's shoulders
when in use, the rear torso panel being attached to the belt; a
pocket having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the
pocket being attached to the second end of the first shoulder strap
and to the second end of the second shoulder strap, the lower end
of the pocket being attached to the belt; the pocket further having
a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel having a window
formed from a transparent sheet material.
2. The harness of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a
rear panel, a front panel, and a side gusset, the window being
positioned in the front panel.
3. The harness of claim 2, wherein the back panel is formed from a
first material and the front panel is formed from a second
material, wherein the front panel is relatively more stiff than the
rear panel.
4. The harness of claim 3, wherein the side gusset is formed from a
third material, wherein the side gusset is relatively more
resilient than the front panel and the back panel.
5. The harness of claim 4, further comprising an internal pocket
positioned within the pocket.
6. The harness of claim 4, further comprising at least one port
extending through the pocket.
7. The harness of claim 3, wherein the side gusset is attached to
the front panel and to the back panel, and further wherein the
window is attached between the front panel and the side gusset.
8. The harness of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the pocket
extends below the belt.
9. The harness of claim 1, further comprising a chest panel
attached to the second end of the first strap and to the second end
of the second strap, and further wherein the pocket is hingedly
attached to the chest panel.
10. The harness of claim 9, wherein the pocket is hingedly attached
to the chest panel at the lower end of the pocket.
11. The harness of claim 10, further comprising an inner pocket
window attached to the back panel.
12. The harness of claim 11, wherein the inner pocket window
overlies at least a portion of the window positioned on the front
panel.
13. The harness of claim 11, further comprising a first fastener
attached to the pocket and a mating second fastener attached to the
chest panel, whereby the pocket is moveable between a stowed
position in which the first fastener is joined to the second
fastener, and an opened position in which the first fastener is
separated from the second fastener.
14. The harness of claim 9, wherein the pocket is hingedly attached
to the chest panel at the upper end of the pocket.
15. The harness of claim 10, further comprising an inner pocket
window attached to the back panel.
16. The harness of claim 11, wherein the inner pocket window
overlies at least a portion of the window positioned on the front
panel.
17. The harness of claim 11, further comprising a first fastener
attached to the pocket and a mating second fastener attached to the
chest panel, whereby the pocket is moveable between a stowed
position in which the first fastener is joined to the second
fastener, and an opened position in which the first fastener is
separated from the second fastener.
18. A harness, comprising: a belt configured to be worn about a
user's waist; a rear torso panel; a pocket having an upper end and
a lower end, the lower end being attached to the belt, the pocket
having a first connector configured for releasable attachment to
mating connector attached to the belt; a first shoulder strap
extending from the rear torso panel to the pocket; a second
shoulder strap extending from the rear torso panel to the upper end
of the pocket, the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder
strap being configured to extend over the user's shoulders when in
use; the pocket further having a front panel joined to a rear panel
and defining an interior space between the front panel and the rear
panel, the front panel having a window formed from a transparent
material, the window being attached to a cutout portion within the
front panel, the window further being positioned at the upper end
of the pocket.
19. The harness of claim 18, wherein the pocket further comprises a
chest panel, the pocket being hingedly attached to the chest panel
at an upper end of the pocket.
20. The harness of claim 18, wherein the pocket further comprises a
chest panel, the pocket being hingedly attached to the chest panel
at a lower end of the pocket.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior provisional
application Ser. No. 62/283,316, filed Aug. 26, 2015, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application relates to harnesses, particularly
including reflective harnesses, for use with activities such as
running or walking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Reflective harnesses have been available for some time, but
have largely performed the singular task of providing a reflective
surface for enhanced visibility when running or engaging in other
activities at night or other low light conditions. Because of their
limited surface area and perhaps because of their particular
purpose, others have not developed a useful way of integrating a
convenient and functional pocket into a reflective harness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The "torso harness" shown in the accompanying figures is
generally designed to be worn while the user participates in a
variety of activities. One function for the preferred "harness" is
to provide reflective surfaces to enhance visibility of the user in
low light or other situations in which the user would want to be
seen.
[0005] The preferred harness is easy to put on and take off and
adjusts to fit a variety of body sizes and types, without tangling.
The geometry of the preferred harness does not impede the user's
mobility, while providing other benefits.
[0006] In accordance with a preferred version, the harness
incorporates a pocket on the harness for carrying items such as
glasses, cell phones, lights, keys, or other items.
[0007] The preferred construction of the pocket minimizes bouncing
and jingling of the items being carried while allowing excellent
accessibility to these items (while on the go) through an access
opening that may be selectively sealed with a zipper or other
closure.
[0008] In some versions, port holes are also provided to allow the
user to route cables or to access buttons, or serve as a
pass-through for a drink tube or another component.
[0009] A window area is preferably located on the pocket, such as
on a front panel, to facilitate visible access to the interior of
the pocket or to enable a light, camera, or other element within
the pocket to pass through the window.
[0010] Most preferably, the harness can be constructed using
inexpensive and easily obtained materials, assembled using
conventional manufacturing equipment, produced easily and
inexpensively.
[0011] A preferred version of the harness includes one or more
straps extending over the torso, preferably from a location about
the waist to a location about the shoulders when in use. A belt or
similar component allows the straps to be held in place, preferably
in the form of a waist belt that provides a connection point for
the straps at a front and back of the user when in use. The pocket
is preferably carried by the straps, either on the straps
themselves or on an adjacent strap or panel positioned at some
location on the torso of the user when the harness is in use.
[0012] In one example, the straps are preferably made from somewhat
flexible material like stretchy webbing (commonly used in suspender
straps or the like). Optional materials for the straps include
nylon webbing, strips of neoprene, cotton, mesh, or others.
[0013] The straps are optionally made of a bright color to enhance
visibility, and preferably have integrated light reflectivity. The
reflectivity can take many forms, such as applied reflective strips
(for example, 3M brand scotchlite material), screened-on reflective
ink, or woven-in reflective elements. The straps may also be made
from a wholly or partially reflective material.
[0014] A variety of different materials in combination could be
used for the harness, such as nylon webbing for the shoulder straps
in combination with stretch webbing for the waist belt. Stretch
webbing may also be combined with nylon or other webbing to provide
stretch in a localized area but not in other areas.
[0015] In some versions, the straps may be produced in sizes,
shapes, or forms that differ from the preferred version, in which
the straps are elongated and narrow, with straight edges. For
example, the straps may have scalloped or undulating edges,
substantially sinuous edges, or may bulge out or in to fit better
with the user's body. The straps may also have a greater width or
thickness in some versions.
[0016] Most preferably, a buckle or fastener is provided, in order
to facilitate adjustment of the waist belt, to allow it to be
removed, and/or to connect and disconnect the straps or the pocket
from the belt. Likewise, most preferably the straps are adjustable
and incorporate a buckle, fastener, or similar component for this
purpose. The buckles or fastening elements can be made from
commonly available off-the-shelf buckles and adjusters used for
belts, backpacks, bags, suspenders, etc. In other versions, hook
and loop closures, snaps, buttons, fabric loops, zippers, ties,
eye-hooks, or other buckles or fasteners may be used.
[0017] In some versions, the harness does not include any fasteners
or buckles, and instead is either made in a fixed size or relies on
the stretchiness of the material to accommodate different
sizes.
[0018] The central pocket area is preferably constructed of
flexible light material, with a high-visibility surface which is
preferably constructed of bright reflective material. In some
versions, the pocket is backed with a soft breathable material.
Holes may optionally be provided through a panel forming the pocket
to let air more freely pass through or as a pass-through for
cables, tubes, electronic components or other elements. The front
reflective panel could be die cut, punched, cut from flat stock, or
otherwise formed. It may alternatively be injection molded, or take
the form of a reflector like those used on bicycles or street
signs.
[0019] The preferred front or rear visibility panels can house
lighting elements such as LED flashers with their associated power
supply. The light may be integrated into a light transmissive
material so entire panel is illuminated by the light. In some
versions, these lighting elements can be integrated into the straps
elements and/or the buckle or adjuster. A flexible, somewhat
flexible, or somewhat rigid light panel element (or luminous panel
or panels) can be incorporated into one or more of the visibility
panels together with an associated power supply to produce
light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention
are described in detail below with reference to the following
drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the disclosed invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
showing a smart phone positioned in a pocket such that video and
flashlight functions can be utilized through a pocket window.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment wherein
adjustment loops are placed adjacent the pocket. A top portion of
the harness is cut away for simplicity of the drawing. A smart
phone is placed in the pocket.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a front view of an embodiment wherein
adjustment loops are placed adjacent the pocket. A top portion of
the harness is cut away for simplicity of the drawing. A smart
phone is placed in the pocket.
[0026] FIG. 6A shows a section view taken through section A-A of
FIG. 1
[0027] FIG. 6B shows a section view taken through section C-C of
FIG. 2
[0028] FIG. 7A shows a section view taken through section B-B of
FIG. 1
[0029] FIG. 7B shows a section view taken through section D-D of
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 7C shows a section view taken through section E-E of
FIG. 10.
[0031] FIG. 7D shows a section view taken through section F-F of
FIG. 14.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a front view of an embodiment of a preferable
front pocket with associated components. Shoulder straps are cut
away for simplicity of the drawing.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a back view of the embodiment of a preferable
front pocket shown in FIG. 8 (shown with associated
components).
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a front view of another embodiment of a
preferable front pocket (shown with associated components).
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a back view of the embodiment of preferable
front pocket shown in FIG. 10.
[0036] FIG. 12 shows a front view of another embodiment of a front
pocket (shown with associated components).
[0037] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
12, illustrated with a front panel assembly folded down to show how
a user might view a smart phone screen or the like (not shown)
placed in the pocket, which would be visible through window 33.
[0038] FIG. 14 shows a front view of another embodiment of a
preferable front pocket.
[0039] FIG. 15 shows a front view of another embodiment of a front
pocket.
[0040] FIG. 16 shows a front view of another embodiment of a front
pocket.
[0041] FIG. 17 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
16 although front panel assembly is shown folded up to show how a
user might more simply lift up to easily view a smart phone screen
or the like placed in the pocket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred harness
with an integrated pocket. The harness is formed with one or more
straps 7, 8, which preferably include some reflective material on
one or both of the straps. As illustrated, the straps are formed
from elongated, narrow material, but the term "strap" should be
understood to include other shapes and sizes of materials that can
be used to form a body harness. The straps need not include
specialized reflective material, and instead may be formed from
material having a shiny surface or may have little or no
reflectivity at all. Each strap has a first end and a second end,
and the straps are adapted to form a harness in which a separate
one of the straps is placed over the shoulder of a person when in
use.
[0043] One end of each of the straps 7 and 8 is fed through, and
attached to, one or more rings 15 (only one is visible in FIG. 1;
the other is hidden behind strap 8). In one example, the rings or
hoops are formed from plastic, metal or other materials. In a
version in which adjustability is desired, the first end of each
strap 7, 8 is attached to a separate adjuster element 9 which may
be configured as a clip or a buckle. More particularly, the
adjuster element is preferably a ring having a central bisecting
rung, in which the first end of a strap is fed through the ring 15
and affixed to the central rung of the adjuster element using glue,
stitching, heat bonding, or other means.
[0044] In one version, the first ends of the straps are attached in
the manner described above to a rear torso panel 16, which
optionally is formed as a reflective element. The straps may
alternatively be attached directly to the rear torso panel, without
using a ring 15 for attachment, such as by stitching, riveting, or
other means. Likewise, in some versions the straps may be attached
to a belt 26 without use of a rear torso panel.
[0045] The opposite second end of each strap 7, 8 is affixed (for
example, by glue, stitching, or other means) to a front pocket 1.
In one example, the second end of each strap is sewn into a seam
located between a back panel 17 (see FIG. 6B) and a zipper 3 which
combine to form a portion of a pocket positioned on the front
panel.
[0046] The front pocket 1 is preferably formed with a neoprene back
panel 17, a stretchy lycra spandex side gusset 6, and a front panel
of a reflective sheet material 5 having a window 2. Preferably, the
back panel, side gusset, and front panel are sewn together to form
the pocket, as seen in the sectional views of FIG. 6A and FIG. 7.
In one such example, a zipper 3 may form a top closure that is
affixed, sewn, heat bonded, or integrally molded/formed, at the
pocket's top edge so that it acts as a closure for the pocket.
[0047] One end of the rear torso panel 16 is affixed (such as by
gluing, sewing, or heat bonding) to a belt or strap 26, preferably
at a relatively central location along the belt. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, a bottom end of the back panel is attached to the belt 26
while the top end of the back panel is affixed to the rings 15. The
belt is optionally adjustable, and in one preferred example the
belt is formed with a first end and a second end. Each of the first
end and the second end of the belt is fed through a pass-through
loop in a respective buckle or clasp 12, 14, each of which is
configured to mate with a complementary clip 11, 13 respectively.
The first and second ends of the belt 26 are each affixed to an
inner rung of an adjuster 9 (which may be a tri-glide loop or the
like, such as commonly found on most backpacks), which is fed onto
the belt 26.
[0048] The top end of the front pocket 1 is affixed to the straps
7, 8. In the illustrated example the straps 7, 8 are stitched to
the pocket, such as shown in FIG. 6B. In other versions, the straps
may be attached using other means, such as rings of the type used
with the back panel, rivets, or other means. In the illustrated
version, the straps 7, 8 are shown attached directly to the pocket,
but in other versions the straps may be attached to the pocket
somewhat indirectly, such as by attachment to an additional panel
or section of webbing which, in turn, is attached to the pocket. In
either case, the straps are considered to be attached to the
pocket, differing as to whether the attachment is direct or
indirect.
[0049] One end of the front pocket 1 is affixed to each of the
clips 11 and 13. Most preferably the bottom end of the front panel
is attached to the clips, preferably by means of a pair of folded
over and sewn mounting straps 19 such that the buckles 12, 14 are
held captive to the front panel by the clips 11, 13 and can be used
to remove the waist strap 26. In FIG. 8, for example, the waist
belt is shown unbuckled from the front panel.
[0050] In the illustrated example, the mounting straps 19 and clips
11, 13 extend laterally away from either side of the pocket,
generally perpendicularly to an axis extending from the bottom to
the top of the pocket, so that the combined pocket, mounting straps
19 and clips 11, 13 resemble an upside-down "T" shape. It should be
noted that there are many options for providing a releasable
fastener for the belt 26, and there are many different ways to join
the belt to the harness. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
buckles may be eliminated such that the harness waist strap 26
would be still adjustable but could be donned and removed as with a
t-shirt (having no buckles to undo the waist belt). The
nomenclature above refers to a front pocket and back panel, in
which the front is at the user's chest and the back is at the
user's back when the harness is worn by the user. A user could,
however, wear the harness in a reversed configuration with the
pocket in the back, although generally it is more desirable to wear
the pocket in the front.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
but in this case an exemplary smart phone is contained in the
pocket 1 and oriented such that video and flashlight functions can
be utilized through the window 2. The window 2 is preferably made
of flexible transparent vinyl, TPE, TPU, or the like and is sewn at
its periphery to the pocket 1 such that it protects the contents
carried therein but also allows a flexible preferably transparent
window such that functions of the phone can be actuated. In some
versions some or all of the phone or screen can be viewed and
accessed or function through the window. FIGS. 13, 15 and 16
illustrate examples of embodiments in which a large area of the
pocket allows through-window access to all or much of the phone or
other item held in the pocket.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a harness 20
similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, including a harness
having a belt 26 and straps 7, 8, 27 formed from flexible stretch
webbing or other materials. A central front panel forms a pocket
having window 2a, a front reflective layer 5, and a stretchy gusset
6a. A zipper pull 4a is illustrated, allowing access to the pocket.
Again in this version, buckles 12a, 14a and clips 11a, 13a are
provided to releasably join the belt 26 to the front pocket. A
section of strap material 27 is positioned to join the rear torso
panel 16a to the belt 26.
[0053] FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment for a harness 30
wherein adjustment loops 15 are placed adjacent the front pocket 1,
unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 wherein the loops 15 are
placed adjacent the rear torso panel 16. Adjustment of the shoulder
straps 7 and 8 are accomplished in the same way as in FIG. 1
although loops are moved to a position more closely adjacent the
front panel rather than adjacent the back panel. In some cases a
user may desire the pocket 1 to face backward on the body when in
use, wherein it may be desirable in this case to place loops
adjacent the pocket. The top portion of the harness is cut away for
simplicity of the drawing.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a front view of an embodiment for a harness 40
wherein adjustment loops 15 are placed adjacent the pocket, as in
the version of FIG. 4. In addition, in this version the waist belt
buckles and clips (such as elements 11, 12, 13, and 14 in the
version of FIG. 1) are eliminated such that the harness would be
worn like a t-shirt, with adjustment of the belt or waist strap 26
provided using the strap adjuster 9. Again, the top portion of the
harness is cut away for simplicity of the drawing.
[0055] FIG. 6A shows a section view taken through section A-A of
FIG. 1, showing the assembly of the pocket. The preferred pocket
assembly allows for expansion of the pocket such that different
sized items can be carried in a bounce-minimized manner. The pocket
1 (as shown in a front perspective view in FIG. 1) is mainly
comprised of a back panel 17, which is preferably formed from
neoprene or similar materials. A gusset 6, preferably made from
lycra spandex, stretch denim or similar materials, forms a sidewall
at each side of the pocket, and also forms a portion of the bottom
of the pocket. A front panel 5, preferably formed from a reflective
flexible sheet material, forms the front side of the pocket, facing
away from the user when in use. Most preferably, a clear vinyl
window 2 is positioned at a portion of the front panel, while a
zipper closure 3 is positioned along a top edge of the pocket.
[0056] An optional internal divider pocket 18 is shown, preferably
formed from a stretchy mesh or other appropriate material for an
internal pocket. An upper flap 91 of the internal pocket 18 can
also be seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The internal pocket 18 is
preferably formed by stitching the sides and bottom to back panel
17, leaving the top open such that it serves as a pocket held to
back panel 17. Preferably, a section of webbing strap 19 connects
to buckles labeled 11, 12, 13 and 14 shown in FIG. 1, so that the
buckles are held captive to the pocket 1 to engage and disengage
waist straps.
[0057] The pocket 1 is preferably formed by joining a first and a
second sub-assembly together. The first sub-assembly is preferably
comprised of the front panel 5 on which the window 2 is preferably
sewn in place around the periphery of window 2 (see FIG. 8 which
shows exemplary stitching around window 2a), together with stretchy
gusset 6 which is sewn in place together with the front layer 5. In
the illustrated example, a zipper 3 is also attached along the top
edge of this sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is comprised of
a back panel of neoprene or other materials, with the internal
pocket 18 sewn in place and the section of mounting strap 19 also
attached, preferably by stitching.
[0058] Sub-assembly one (front layer) and sub-assembly two (back
layer) are then preferably placed face to face inside out wherein
the zipper is left unzipped and the two sub-assemblies are then
sewn together along their bottom and sides such that pocket 1 can
now be inverted right side out wherein buckle components 11 and 13
can be assembled, sewn in place to the mounting strap 19. Ends of
the straps 7 and 8 are then preferably sewn in a gap between the
zipper 3 and the back panel 17 that is intentionally left unsewn,
such that the straps 7 and 8 are sewn firmly in place to the pocket
1. The top of the pocket is sewn, attaching the zipper 3 to the
back panel 17. As seen in FIG. 6B, an end of a strap 7 is sewn in a
position trapped between the zipper 3 and the back panel 17. The
other strap 7 is attached in the same manner.
[0059] FIG. 6B shows a section view taken through section C-C of
FIG. 2. An example cell phone 90 is shown held in the pocket 1, as
also seen through the window 2 in FIG. 2. The pocket 1 can be
assembled by sewing a first sub-assembly of the front panel
(preferably parts 6, 5, 2 and 3) to a second sub-assembly
(preferably parts 17, 18 and 19) of the back panel such that the
straps 7 and 8 are sewn trapped in between the zipper 3 and back
panel 17.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows section view taken through section B-B of FIG.
1.
[0061] Preferably back panel 17 is neoprene (or the like) of an
appropriate thickness, providing cushioning from items carried
within the pocket 1, but also preferably also providing stiffness
such that it resists bending somewhat more than the gusset 6
material (which is preferably lycra spandex, stretch denim or
similar stretch material). Thus, in one version the gusset is
formed from a different material than the material forming the back
layer, and preferably the back layer is relatively more stiff than
the gusset. Likewise, the gusset is formed from a material having a
greater degree of elasticity than the material forming the back
panel.
[0062] The gusset 6 is cut somewhat larger around its perimeter
than the back panel 17. As seen in the sectional view of FIG. 7A,
the gusset overlaps both the back panel 17 and a portion of the
front panel 5, forming a portion of the front and back of the
pocket in addition to the sidewall. Accordingly, the gusset 6 can
stretch outwardly, allowing the pocket to expand to fit different
size items carried within pocket 1. FIG. 7A shows the pocket in its
empty state, while FIG. 7B shows the pocket carrying a smart phone
or other object having a width (from left to right, in the
illustration) that is greater than the pocket in a relaxed state.
The pocket in FIG. 7B has expanded laterally to accommodate the
larger item. This geometry and expansion provides a snug fit,
minimizing bounce and movement of items within the pocket.
[0063] If it is desirable for the pocket 1 to be waterproof or have
more water resistance, materials that have more resistance to water
can be used for the gusset and back panel 17. Likewise, the seams
can be sealed or the pocket 1 can be integrally formed or molded
from flexible, stretchy material.
[0064] Lateral expansion is preferable for minimization of bounce,
as described above. Accordingly, the front panel 5 is preferably
formed from a somewhat stiff but flexible material like flexible
vinyl or reflective material that is backed (by lamination, heat
sealing, or otherwise) with vinyl or the like. Preferable materials
for the front panel 5 include retro-reflective sheeting (such as
used in reflective vests), thin flexible plastic, vinyl sheeting,
polyurethane sheeting, or the like. Also other materials could be
used with various degrees of success such as leather, ballistic
nylon fabric, non-woven sheeting, or others. In each case, the
front panel 5 is generally considered to be stiff and inelastic, in
contrast to the elasticity of the side gusset.
[0065] FIG. 7C shows a section view taken through section E-E of
FIG. 10, illustrating an alternate bottom construction of the
pocket. As shown, it is preferably constructed in a manner similar
to the side construction as shown in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, it may
be constructed as shown in FIG. 6.
[0066] FIG. 7D shows section view taken through section F-F of FIG.
14, illustrating an alternate side construction of the pocket in a
manner similar to the bottom construction shown in FIG. 6. In an
alternative version, it may be constructed as shown in FIG. 7A.
[0067] FIG. 8 shows a front view of an embodiment of a harness with
a front pocket, in which straps 7 and 8 are cut away for simplicity
of the drawing and a waist belt is not shown. The version of FIG. 8
shows a preferable shape for the window 2a and front panel 5a. It
also illustrates a zipper 3a (having zipper pull 4a), which
provides top-access to the pocket. Stitching 28 is shown as an
optional horizontal stitch at the bottom end of the pocket, through
the front and rear panels, which is intended as an optional means
of limiting the vertical space of the pocket.
[0068] FIG. 9 shows a back view of the front pocket shown in FIG.
8. Optional port holes 21 and 22 are formed as through-holes in the
back panel 17a to provide pass-through access for headphone cords
and the like. In this case, the port holes are located both at the
top and bottom of the pocket; in other versions it may be desirable
to place pass-through holes in various other locations as
desired.
[0069] FIG. 10 shows a front view of another embodiment having a
front pocket.
[0070] In this version, port holes 23 are provided in a front panel
of the pocket rather than (or in addition to) the back panel as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The port holes can alternatively be achieved
by incorporating additional panels or parts such as rubber molded
parts that are sewn or adhered as desired. The version of FIG. 10
also illustrates an alternative window shape, which in this case is
a narrower, longer wedge shape.
[0071] FIG. 11 shows a back view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
10. Optional port holes 24 and 25 are provided at a lower end of
the pocket.
[0072] FIG. 12 shows a front view of another embodiment of a front
pocket in which the front pocket is configured to fold downward
along a location at the bottom of the pocket, forming a hinge. The
pocket 60 shown in FIG. 12 includes a front panel 31 and a window
32 wherein panel 31 is preferably configured such as described in
any of the above embodiments. In this version, also illustrated in
FIG. 13, the front panel 31 is configured to fold along its bottom
end 38. The lower edge of the front panel is preferably fastened to
a chest panel 36, such as by stitching as illustrated. Thus, in
FIG. 13 the pocket has been folded downward into an open or
accessible position while in FIG. 12 the same pocket has been
folded upward into a closed or stowed position. In the open
position, a user can access the inside of the pocket assembly.
[0073] In the preferred version of this embodiment, a secondary
inner panel window 33 and inner panel bezel 34 are joined to form
the back panel of the pocket, though the back panel may
alternatively be formed from a single layer not having a window. A
section of Velcro or other hook and loop component 35a is provided
on the back panel of the pocket, while a mating component 35b is
attached to the chest panel 36, thereby enabling the pocket 60 to
be fastened in the stowed position as shown in FIG. 12 and moved to
the open position shown in FIG. 13. In this open position, a user
can access a cell phone full or portion of the screen or the like
through window 33.
[0074] The front panel 31 is preferably fastened to the back panel
34 around its periphery such that a pocket is formed, although the
pocket may also be formed with a gusset as described above. An
opening 37 is provided at the lower end of the pocket, preferably
adjacent the hinge 38, to enable access to the pocket. In the
version having an inner panel window as shown in FIG. 13, the user
may access the screen of a stowed smart phone through the inner
panel window 33. Likewise, the flashlight and video functions of
the phone can be used through the window 32 such that a user can
start a video or flashlight function on a cell phone by accessing
the cell phone screen through the internal window 33 when the
pocket 60 is in an open position as shown in FIG. 13. A user may
then stow the pocket 60 by rotating the pocket 60 upward and
joining the fasteners 35a and 35b together, enabling the video,
camera, and flashlight functions of a cell phone to be used through
the window 32.
[0075] In one version, the front panel 31 is formed from
retro-reflective sheeting (commonly used in reflective vest), thin
flexible plastic, vinyl sheeting, polyurethane sheeting, or others.
Alternatively, it may be formed from leather, ballistic nylon
fabric, non-woven sheeting, Velcro loop/hook material, Veltex,
aerospace mesh, or yet other materials, preferably allowing the
front panel to provide some structure and stiffness to hold items
close to the body. Preferable materials for the back panel 34
include the same materials as for the front panel. In some cases it
may be desirable for the back panel 34, the front panel 31 or both
(in whole or in part) to be formed of stretchy material like lycra
spandex or stretch denim or other resilient materials if some
stretch is desired such that the pocket 60 can expand to fit
different sized items.
[0076] The chest panel 36 preferably provides structure such that
the pocket 60 can fasten in place in stowed position (shown in FIG.
12) by mating fasteners 35a and 35b. Preferred materials for the
chest panel 36 include Veltex, aerospace mesh, neoprene, coolmax
and other somewhat or substantially breathable materials that are
comfortably worn next to the body. The chest panel 36 can be formed
of one or more thicknesses of material and is of an appropriate
size and shape to provide a stowing area for the pocket 60 wherein
pocket 60 can be held firmly on the chest of a user. The shoulder
straps are illustrated in cutaway view in FIGS. 12 and 13 for
simplicity.
[0077] FIG. 14 shows a front view of another embodiment of front
pocket 70. In this case, the mounting strap (or straps) 41 are
positioned at a higher location on the pocket 70, moving the
connection buckles 13a and 11a upward along the pocket 70, closer
to the pocket's center of mass. In the illustrated example, the
connection buckles are below the vertical midpoint (that is, the
point mid-way between the top and the bottom of the pocket) of the
pocket, and at a location approximately half-way between the bottom
and the vertical midpoint. This raised position for the buckles can
help to control the bounce of an item carried in pocket 70. As
shown in FIG. 14, the mounting straps 41 (and thus buckle portions
11a and 13a) can also be angled slightly downward such that they
can provide a potentially more ergonomic fit with a user. Shoulder
straps are cut away for simplicity of the drawing.
[0078] FIG. 15 shows a front view of another embodiment of a front
pocket 70. The pocket 70 shown in FIG. 15 includes a front panel 51
and a window 52. The pocket 70 of FIG. 15 may be constructed using
any of the configurations of the previous embodiments, but in this
case the window 52 on the front panel 51 is larger and occupies the
majority of the front panel such that the front panel essentially
forms a bezel about the window.
[0079] FIG. 16 shows a front view of another embodiment of front
pocket 80, having a front panel 61 and a window 62. The same pocket
is shown in FIG. 17 but in which the pocket is rotated upward into
an open position, as opposed to the stowed or closed position of
FIG. 16. In this embodiment, the front panel 61 (or, alternatively,
the back panel 64) folds along a hinge line 68, positioned at a top
end of the pocket when the pocket is in the stowed position.
Fasteners such as complementary hook and loop sections 63a, 63b are
provided to allow the pocket 80 to be fastened in the stowed
position as shown in FIG. 16 and moved to the un-stowed position
shown in FIG. 17. The front panel 61 is preferably fastened to the
back panel 64 (see FIG. 17) around its periphery such that a pocket
is formed. Access to the pocket is provided by a zipper or other
closure 66. The window and upper hinge allows a cell phone or the
like to be placed in the pocket 80 with access to the screen
preferably through the window 62. A user may stow the pocket 80
(from the un-stowed position as shown in FIG. 17) by lowering
pocket 80 and fastening fasteners 63a and 63b together such that
pocket 80 is held fixed in place attached to the chest panel 65 as
pictured in FIG. 16. The chest panel 65 is preferably sewn to
shoulder straps on one end and buckle connectors on the other end.
Shoulder straps are cut away for simplicity of the drawing.
[0080] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *