The present invention generally relates to the field of an armpocket that is a secure, functional, fashionable, and sports orientated accessory allowing easy access to personal articles. This multi-function item can be utilized by anyone requiring hands-free, immediate access to personal or professional items.
Armpockets as such are well known items. One of the examples is disclosed in
Likewise, the incessant demand of the fashion industry for fresh ideas combined with consumer demand for products that simplify their daily routine has paved the way for the development of the armpocket. This invention capitalizes on the recent miniaturization of personal electronic devices and the user's desire to keep them securely and readily available, while satisfying the demand for a functional and fashionable clothing accessory.
The present invention, which refers to an armpocket, is defined in appended claims.
The armpocket consists of a closable fabric or leather pocket worn around the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow and can be coordinated as part of the wearer's ensemble. Similar to a shoulder-worn purse that loosely hangs from the shoulder with a strap, the armpocket is designed to hold the wearer's personal belongings, but is securely attached to the wearer. The armpocket is secured to the upper arm by a plurality of adjustable, elastic, neoprene, leather or other material designed in a unique "V" configuration allowing the wearer full range of arm motion while the pocket remains securely in place on the upper arm. Additionally, through advances in visco-elastic memory foam-type padding, additional support is attained by body heat generated by the wearer causes the foam to mold to the arm's natural musculature contouring. The combination of the V-strap configuration and memory foam allows the wearer to securely carry unprecedented weight evenly distributed in the internal compartments of the armpocket. In conjunction with mesh covered, closed-foam (positively buoyant) memory-foam padding, micro-fiber wicking material, and a water-resistant exterior shell, the armpocket can be worn in any environment including water sports.
This "V" strap configuration and memory foam combination allows for greater weight distribution along the vertical axis of the arm in contrast to a single strap configuration. This greater weight distribution capability provides the wearer comfortable, secure, and easy access to an unprecedented number of personal items. Likewise, for situations where the wearer desires to carry only a few lightweight items, a single strap configuration can also be incorporated into this design said design with a single strap configuration, however, does not form part of present invention. Adding to the armpocket's security is its unique "split-end" design of the "V" strap where the ends flare out after passing through the connecting loop. This added security is afforded by the inability of the two separate ends of equal widths to pass through the narrower return loop in the event of inadvertent Velcro hook-and-loop detachment. Furthermore, this split-end configuration provides redundant connection points along the two strap ends as opposed to existing single strap configurations. This innovative design significantly reduces the possibility of inadvertently detachment - a predicament plaguing existing armband devices today.
The advancements in polycarbonate torsion support systems allow even greater weight distribution along a radially formed, side-cinch compression "arm-belt". Utilizing an Air-Mesh, EVA foam-type harness comprised of Neoprene, CoolMax, or Velvetex-type breathable fabric, the wearer can comfortably and securely carry unprecedented amounts of weight between the natural indents formed between the wearer's bicep, tricep and anterior deltoid muscle. This location's natural contouring also takes advantage of the limited range of motion and reduced forces exerted on the upper arm as opposed to the wrist or hand which is located at the end of the rapidly moving "lever" when the arm is in motion. Subsequently, the greater centripetal forces associated with most sports activities involving throwing a ball or swinging a racquet makes storage bags located on the lower arm or wrist impractical for active wearers. Tests have shown the streamlined, lightweight armpocket can be worn on the wearer's arm without impeding the player's performance. Additionally, in non-contact sports, the armpocket's internal, cushioned compartments held closed with elastic or Velcro segments allow participation in sports without damaging its contents.
The armpocket allows the runner, weight lifter, ball-player or the most avid sports fan to keep her cell phone, portable music player, keys and other valuables safe inside the confines of the pocket securely attached to her arm and not on the bench where they can "mysteriously" disappear in the heat of competition.
Additionally, integrated inside the armpocket's storage body are zippered or Velcro enclosed compartments and padded retainers constructed of expandable, elastic material for securing items such as a cell phone, portable music player, lipstick/pill bottle, credit cards, cash, and a compartment for keys and coins. The center zippered or Velcro enclosed compartment divides the main storage body into two main storage compartments that can be used for larger items such as electronic devices. This central dividing compartment is unique in that it can be secured to the bottom of the armpocket by hook and loop connectors (Velcro) allowing the quick removal and reinsertion of the compartment. This allows the wearer to easily retrieve the contents of this compartment without having to search for items with one hand while the device is worn on the arm. The ability to easily extract the central compartment also allows the wearer to quickly interchange the compartment and its contents (keys, cash, ID, credit cards) from one armpocket to another.
Flaps can be integrated into the top and bottom of the pocket and are secured with latching mechanisms. These flaps contain see-through compartments for driver license, personal identification or business cards. Variants of the armpocket that integrate flaps can also contain a cosmetic mirror and penholder for easy access. These flaps can be secured with a bungee cinch system to allow additional item into the expandable compartments.
Variants of the armpocket will contain a "touch-through" front that will allow the wearer to access the controls of their I-pod, GPS, or other electronic device. This allows the wearer to adjust their electronic device's controls without removing the device from the pocket.
Similarly, hikers or runners could carry a collapsible water canteen or other beverage container in an insulated PVC coated nylon material or other camel bak-type drinking system or water bottle and water backs specifically adapted for the armpocket. Likewise, the wearer can insert a canned beverage in an insulated holder while also holding other personal articles inside the armpocket.
Adding to this invention's functionality is the incorporation of molded aluminum, plastic or other beverage containers that conform to the shape of the wearer's arm, and would securely fit into the armpocket's insulated beverage compartment. This beverage holder would fit inside the armpocket, and be made of insulating material like denier nylon, polyurethane, foil backed bubble or other insultote-type material. These "low-profile" beverage containers could allow the wearer easy access to chilled water, his favorite energy drink, or other beverage of choice while participating in or watching sporting events.
In a social setting, women today are often restricted to carrying their personal items in a clutch or over the shoulder purse restricting the use of both hands. In addition, when searching for items buried in a cluttered purse, women often waste valuable time in search of items like keys, pens, credit cards, cash or their cell phone. The armpocket provides a fashionable, multi-functional and secure storage system that keeps personal items organized and readily available under any situation - under any condition. In addition, the armpocket can be fashionably coordinated to match the wearer's dress as a fashion accessory (embellished with sequins, colorful embroidery, or other designer accoutrement), and has the added benefit of freeing both hands to finally allow her to go to the bar and fetch the drinks. Additionally, when taking the dance floor or mingling around the room, ladies no longer have to worry about trusting her purse to the bartender or someone to watch over her purse and its valuable contents. Then, there's always the threat of purse-snatchers or pick-pockets. Worn on the lady's upper arm in constant contact and view; in conjunction with the redundant connections afforded by the theft-resistant split-end, "V-strap" design, the armpocket offers an unprecedented degree of safety and security.
Similarly, men are often concerned about the security of their wallets, and who hasn't sat in a chair only to have the contents of his pockets cascade to the floor or between the cushions of the couch. Then, there's the challenge of going through airport security screening with items left in pants resulting in repeat trips through the metal detector or even a time-consuming wand search.
Additional users could include military special forces requiring hands-free access to global positioning systems, communication devices, miniaturized tactical battlefield terminals or other traditional "hand-held" electronic devices. With advancements in similar underwater-capable systems, this device can carry a submersible, water-tight collapsible insert, "dry box" that is operable like underwater camera housings for recreational divers, who up to now must suspend these devices by straps dangling from their belts, vests, wrists or inconveniently held in the hand. Furthermore, for wearers who must wear specific uniforms or protective clothing, reinforced loops can be sewn into the garment and serve as wrinkle-resistant, armpocket attachment points.
Moreover, in many families where both parents work, many children are responsible for keeping track of their own house key, which invariably gets lost on the playground or ball field. The armpocket offers a solution to all these predicaments.
The armpocket represents a unique, viable alternative to existing personal carrying devices. Experience proves that wearing a traditional "fanny pack" while participating in sports that require running or jumping results in the pack with its unsecured internal contents to uncontrollable bounce around inside the pack causing an annoying distraction along with significant bruising to the body caused by the pack itself: Likewise, when working out at the gym, most exercise equipment requires the user to sit down, which can crush or damage fanny pack or pants pockets contents. Also, when participating in sports or attending a sporting event, it is often impractical to carry a purse or place your keys, wallet, cell phone, or music player on your person. Subsequently, this invention allows wearers to participate in their favorite sport or attend any event without worrying about the accessibility or security of their personal items.
The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, but not limitations.
In the accompanying drawings like references denote similar elements.
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details as long as it falls within the definition of the invention given in appended claims. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. The phrase "in one embodiment" is used repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.
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The "V" strap configuration according to the present invention is constructed of a soft, expandable, polyurethane or neoprene-type material which slides through a dual-loop or single loop sizing device securely stitched into the opposite reinforced edge of the armpocket body allowing the "V" strap to pass through and fold over the loop attaching to the "V" strap using hook-and-loop material (Velcro). The loop is separated from the user's arm by a padded neoprene or other soft material flap. Once passed through the loop, the "V" strap separates into a "split-end" design, with the male end of the Velcro attached at each end of the straps allowing it to attach to the female Velcro patches located on top each of the "V" strap.
While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.