Abstract:
This invention relates to a carrier apparatus and more specifically, to a shoulder strap, harness, or tool belt for carrying accessory items. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is fashioned as a tool belt or accessory sling that provides for hands free carrying of accessory items and is suitable for persons that need to use at least one hand or arm for other activities. The apparatus is designed to carry at least one (easily accessible) accessory item such as a tool or device attachment. The apparatus includes a main strap that is adjustable to provide customized sizing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/891,652, filed Feb. 26, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a carrier apparatus and more specifically, to a shoulder strap, harness, or tool belt for carrying accessory items. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    It is imperative that we surround ourselves with equipment that is versatile, effective, and efficient. There are no carrying devices that address the needs of a new mother and permit hands free accessibility. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a carrier apparatus that can be worn or displayed, over head, around waist, or over at least one shoulder and is comprised of attachments for carrying accessory items that provide convenience functions. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is fashioned as a tool belt or accessory sling that provides for hands free carrying of accessory items and is suitable for persons that need to use at least one hand or arm for other activities. The apparatus is designed to carry at least one (easily accessible) accessory item such as a tool or device attachment. The apparatus includes a main strap that is adjustable to provide customized sizing. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention, an accessory carrying device comprises: a main strap, a base strap attached to the main strap, one or more accessory loops attached to the main strap, and an accessory base attached to the main strap or the base strap, wherein the accessory base includes an affixed single loop slide release buckle. The main strap may be adjustable in length. The base strap may be affixed to an end of the main strap. The device may further comprise a loop for affixing the base strap to the end of the main strap, wherein the base strap and the end of the main strap form an angle of less than 90 degrees. The device may further comprise a detachable single loop slide release buckle, wherein the affixed single loop slide release buckle comprises a first female/male connector, and wherein the detachable single loop slide release buckle comprises a second male/female connector opposite to the first female/male connector. The device may further comprise a cord holder coupled to the second male/female connector, a cord coupled to the cord holder, and a cord lock disposed on the cord. The device may further comprise a ring accessory coupled to the second male/female connector, and a ring coupled to the ring accessory. The device may further comprise a bag coupled to the second male/female connector. The device may further comprise a third strap coupled to the main strap, wherein the third strap includes a hook and a loop. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, an accessory carrying device comprises: a shoulder strap, wherein one end of the shoulder strap is attached to an other end of the should strap, thereby forming an angle of less than 90 degrees, one or more accessory loops attached to the main strap, and an accessory base attached to the should strap, wherein the accessory base includes an affixed single loop slide release buckle. The shoulder strap may be adjustable in length. The device may further comprise a detachable single loop slide release buckle, wherein the affixed single loop slide release buckle comprises a first female/male connector, and wherein the detachable single loop slide release buckle comprises a second male/female connector opposite to the first female/male connector. The device may further comprise a cord holder coupled to the second male/female connector, a cord coupled to the cord holder, and a cord lock disposed on the cord. The device may further comprise a ring accessory coupled to the second male/female connector, and a ring coupled to the ring accessory. The device may further comprise a bag coupled to the second male/female connector. The device may further comprise a third strap coupled to the shoulder strap, wherein the third strap includes a hook and a loop. 
         [0010]    Bottled beverages including child spill-proof cups and baby bottles can be used with this device. The added functions of this device allow for hands free carrying in today&#39;s society where the need for convenience is crucial. Utilizing this device alleviates many of the stressors that come along with traveling/moving from one area to another. Having a beverage, keys, and other attachments available assists with keeping track of personal items and keeps them secure within arms reach. 
         [0011]    This lightweight device can be used for shopping trips, walks, sporting events, as well as various other indoor and outdoor activities. It can be used for both for day to day activities, vacations, or for special events. For example, the present invention can be used to carry various accessories at theme parks, during dog/pet walking, sporting events, camping, hiking, yard duty, life guarding, gardening, fishing, coaching, grocery/window shopping, walking, recreational bike riding, school, work, beach/outdoor activities/festivities, roller blading, cleaning the house, skate boarding, hunting/fishing, or golfing. 
         [0012]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a pacifier strap coupled to the carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a slide buckle coupled to the carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates two single loop slide release buckles coupled to the base carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottle bag that may be coupled to the carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a stitched attaching means for holding small devices/objects according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying  FIGS. 1-7 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The embodiments of the invention are described in the context of a carrier apparatus that can be worn or displayed, over head, around waist, or over at least one shoulder and comprises one or more attachments for carrying accessory items that provide convenience functions for the user, which may be a mother or child chaperone. Nonetheless, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that the carrier apparatus is useful for carrying suitable accessory items and not just those found useful by a mother or child chaperone. 
         [0022]    The carrier apparatus is particularly useful for mothers and child chaperones who desire to carry a number of accessory items at hand&#39;s reach, while maintaining at least one free hand for other purposes. The carrier apparatus includes a number of attaching means, described in detail below, for attaching accessory items such as, but not limited to: a pacifier; a cell phone; drinking devices such as baby bottles, water bottles, and juice boxes; blue tooth or wireless ear piece; PDA/pocket organizer; i-pod/mp3 player; portable gaming/movie device; wireless remote; ear phones; multi-tool case; hand held radio; hand held GPS; walkie talkie; camera; charms/fashion accessories/embellishments; fishing lures; flashlight; sunglasses or sunglasses case; sun block/sun screen; hand sanitizer; knife sheath; toys; baby rattle; teething ring/teether; burp clothes; diapering accessories; keys/key ring; measuring tape; tissue package; cigarette pouch; lighter; small sewing kit; bubble/chewing gum package; photo holder; garage door opener; hand wipes; counter; attach gloves; mace; pepper spray; pedometer; dog/disposable bags; timer; (safety or recess) whistle; watch; chap stick; pen; id badge; thumb drive; carabineer; and hunting/sporting licenses. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a carrier apparatus  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. The carrier apparatus  100  comprises a main strap A and a base strap B. One end of the base strap B is sewn to one of end the main strap A. The other end of the base strap B is affixed to the main strap A through a plastic loop J, thereby permitting the main strap A to be adjustable in length through a slide buckle I. In an alternative embodiment, the base strap B, plastic loop J, and slide buckle I may be omitted by sewing each end of main strap A together with one another. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus  100  further comprises one or more accessory loops C for hanging items such as cell phones, burp clothes, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the accessory loops C are fashioned from sewing a piece of fabric or webbing to the main strap A. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus  100  further includes an accessory base D sewn to the main strap A. The accessory base D includes a single loop slide release buckle (female) M for connecting a detachable single loop slide release buckle (male) O. In an exemplary embodiment, the buckle O can be attached to a cord bottle holder F, which includes a cord lock L and a cord K. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus  100  further includes an accessory base E sewn to the main strap A. The accessory base E includes a single loop slide release buckle (female) N for connecting a detachable single loop slide release buckle (male) P. In an exemplary embodiment, the buckle P can be attached to a key ring accessory G, which includes a key ring Q. 
         [0027]    As illustrated, the accessory base D and E can be disposed at the base of the main strap A. However, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes the accessory bases D and E may be disposed at any location on main strap A. Alternatively, one of accessory bases D and E may be omitted, or similar accessory bases may be added in addition to accessory bases D and E. Moreover, buckle P may be coupled to accessory base D and buckle O may be coupled to accessory E. Accessory bases D and E may also be coupled to other single loop slide release buckles (male) having additional accessories such as, but not limited to a bottle bag T. Other exemplary accessories (not shown) that may be coupled to the buckles O or P are an insulated beverage holder; a non-insulated beverage holder; a battery operated heated beverage holder; a covered beverage holder; a change pouch/wallet/purse holder; a book/journal holder; a CD/DVD case; an office supply holder; a decorative pouch/bag; a medication organizer; a fishing pole/fly rod base; a dog waste bag holder; a multipurpose knife/multi-tool sheath; a cordless drill holster; a small tool bag for holding screws, nails, drill bits; a snack holder; a binocular case; a first aid kit; a small make-up case; a dog leash; and an umbrella holder. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, accessory base D may be a metal ring for sliding through or clipping on other attachments. 
         [0028]    A strap H is attached to the main strap A in another embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap H includes a Velcro hook R and a Velcro loop S for attaching accessory items such as but not limited to a pacifier; a timer; a safety or recess whistle; a watch; lip balm; a pen; an ID badge; a fishing/sporting/hunting license; a ski lift ticket; a thumb drive; a flashlight; a carabineer; a wrap around fishing pole/fly rod to stabilize pole/rod while tying on new lure/fly; and a bell. 
         [0029]    In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the main strap A may be fashioned to include (not shown) a cushioned comfort strap; a metal ring for attaching (clipping) objects; a carabineer for attaching (clipping) objects; a pocket for storage of money or small card shaped items (e.g., credit card, ATM card, drivers license, or membership card); or any combination thereof. 
         [0030]    Table I lists exemplary materials, lengths, and sizes of the various components A-T of the carrier apparatus. Webbing of varying weights and widths can be used and can comprise materials such as, but not limited to cotton, vinyl, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, elastic, linen, rayon, jute, acrylic, hemp, wool, leather, or any combination thereof. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, fabric and/or a reflective material can also be used instead of webbing. 
         [0031]    Although various components of the carrier apparatus  100  have been described as being sewn together, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that other affixing techniques may be used place of sewing such as but not limited to: Velcro, adhesives, rivets, snaps, melting (hot iron/melting device), clips, fasteners, buttons, tape, staples, magnetic strips, or any combination thereof. The implementation of these affixing techniques is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2-7  display various photographs taken of the carrier apparatus  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         [0033]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ELEMENT 
                 NOMENCLATURE 
                 SUPPLIES 
                 SIZE 
                 LENGTH 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 A 
                 MAIN STRAP 
                 WEBBING 
                 1½″  
                 60″  
                 SEWN TO “B” TO FORM TAPERED END 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 AND RAN THRU ELEMENTS WOVEN THRU 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ELEMENT “I”, RAN THRU “J” 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 AND SECURED TO CENTER BAR ON “I” 
               
               
                 B 
                 SIMPLE LOOP 
                 WEBBING 
                 1½″  
                 5″ 
                 RAN THRU “J” AND SEWN TO 
               
               
                   
                 BASE STRAP 
                   
                   
                   
                 “A” TO FORM TAPERED END 
               
               
                 C 
                 ACCESSORY 
                 WEBBING 
                 ¾″ 
                 10″  
                 SEWN “A” ½″ 
               
               
                   
                 LOOPS 
                   
                   
                   
                 ABOVE CREATING 3-2″ LOOPS AND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 1-4″ LOOP FOR HANGING ITEMS SUCH 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 AS CELL PHONES, BURP CLOTHES, ETC 
               
               
                 D 
                 ACCESSORY 
                 WEBBING 
                 ¾″ 
                 4″ 
                 RAN THRU “M” AND SEWN TO 
               
               
                   
                 BASE 
                   
                   
                   
                 “A” AT TAPERED END 
               
               
                 E 
                 ACCESSORY 
                 WEBBING 
                 ¾″ 
                 4″ 
                 RAN THRU “N” AND SEWN TO 
               
               
                   
                 BASE 
                   
                   
                   
                 “A” 3″ ABOVE “D” 
               
               
                 F 
                 CORD BOTTLE 
                 WEBBING 
                 ¾″ 
                 4″ 
                 RAN THRU “O” AND SEWN TOGETHER 
               
               
                   
                 HOLDER 
                   
                   
                   
                 WITH “K” TO FORM BOTTLE HOLDER 
               
               
                 G 
                 KEY RING 
                 WEBBING 
                 ¾″ 
                   4.5″ 
                 RAN THRU “P” AN“Q” WITH 
               
               
                   
                 ACCESSORY 
                   
                   
                   
                 ENDS SEWN TOGETHER IN MIDDLE 
               
               
                 H 
                 PACIFIER 
                 ELASTIC 
                 ½″ 
                 8″ 
                 SEWN TO “A” 4½″ ABOVE “C”, 
               
               
                   
                 STRAP 
                 WEBBING 
                   
                   
                 USED TO HOLD PACIFIER 
               
               
                 I 
                 SLIDE BUCKLE 
                 SINGLE 
                 1½″  
                 N/A 
                 USED TO ADJUST LENGTH OF “A” TO 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BAR SLIDE 
                   
                   
                 ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT SIZED 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BUCKLE 
                   
                   
                 USERS 
               
               
                 J 
                 LOOP 
                 SIMPLE LOOP 
                 1½″  
                 N/A 
                 “A” AND “B” ARE LOOPED 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 THRU AND MAKES LENGTH OF “A” 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ADJUSTABLE. 
               
               
                 K 
                 SEE “F” 
                 CORD 
                 ⅛″ 
                 10″  
                 RUN THRU “L” AND ATTACHED TO 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 “F”, USED TO HOLD BOTTLES AND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 PERSONAL EFFECTS FROM ¼″ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 TO 4″ IN DIAMETER 
               
               
                 L 
                 SEE “K” 
                 CORD LOCK 
                 ⅛″ 
                 N/A 
                 FOR ADJUSTING “K” TO FIT BOTTLE 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 DIAMETER 
               
               
                 M 
                 SEE “D” 
                 SINGLE LOOP 
                 ¾″ 
                 N/A 
                 ATTACHED TO “A” AND USED A BASE 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SLIDE RELEASE 
                   
                   
                 FOR BOTTLE HOLDING ATTACHMENT 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BUCKLE (FEMALE) 
               
               
                 N 
                 SEE “E” 
                 SINGLE LOOP 
                 ¾″ 
                 N/A 
                 ATTACHED TO “A” AND USED AS 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SLIDE RELEASE 
                   
                   
                 BASE FOR KEY RING ATTACHMENT 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BUCKLE (FEMALE) 
               
               
                 O 
                 SEE “F” 
                 SINGLE LOOP 
                 ¾″ 
                 N/A 
                 MALE END ONLY USED FOR ATTACHING 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SLIDE RELEASE 
                   
                   
                 ACCESSORIES TO “M” 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BUCKLE (MALE) 
               
               
                 P 
                 SEE “G” 
                 SINGLE LOOP 
                 ¾″ 
                 N/A 
                 MALE END ONLY USED FOR ATTACHING 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SLIDE RELEASE 
                   
                   
                 ACCESSORIES TO “N” 
               
               
                   
                   
                 BUCKLE (MALE) 
               
               
                 Q 
                 SEE “G” 
                 KEY RING 
                  1″ 
                 N/A 
                 ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “F” AND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 USED TO HOLD KEYS 
               
               
                 R 
                 SEE “H” 
                 VELCRO (HOOK) 
                 ½″ 
                 1″ 
                 ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “H” AND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 USED TO SECURE A PACIFIER 
               
               
                 S 
                 SEE “H” 
                 VELCRO (LOOP) 
                 ½″ 
                 1″ 
                 ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “H” AND 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 USED TO SECURE A PACIFIER 
               
               
                 T 
                 BOTTLE BAG 
                 MATERIAL 
                 TBD 
                 TBD 
                 OPTIONAL INSULATED BOTTLE BAG