Abstract:
Umpire&#39;s satchel with multiple fitted compartments for required equipment items, ID cards, first-aid supplies, hygiene items is disclosed. An external anchor for an absorbent wiper is provided. The satchel can be prepared in mirror-image models for right- or left-handed individuals. Optional features such as badge window and frontwall expansion pleat are also disclosed. Alternative custom configurations and embodiments with a removable panel of customized fitted compartments are indicated. Safety provisions for handling contaminated gameballs and HIV biohazards are disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates particularly to a flexible, expandable satchel for use by male or female referees of games in which a ball is used. While on duty, such monitors or field judges are required to carry on their person at all times various small items of measuring equipment, one or more extra balls and any accessory items they may desire for their personal comfort and safety during the course of the game. In certain professional sports such as soccer or American baseball, spectators or participants may subject officials to various types of physical abuse which can lead to life-threatening injury. For these high-risk situations, the referee might need to carry not only items for individual hygiene but also first-aid supplies or a defense spray. 
     The main market for this invention is trained, league-certified umpires who serve commercial teams or non-professional athletes. Although men make up the majority of this group, the number of active women umpires is growing rapidly. It is no surprise, therefore, that previous &#34;ball bags&#34; worn by male officials tended to be small, simple &#34;waterproof pouches&#34; for carrying 1-3 extra balls, some of which might be soiled with mud or slime. Because the role of the field judge may require extended exposure to intense sun or rain and is often 100-200 meters out on the playing field, there is a need for an improved, fitted satchel which includes appropriate special-purpose compartments to hold standard items such as the photo-ID card for field security, which can be displayed at all times. In addition to personal-hygiene supplies such as hair comb, tissues, catamenial tampons, sunscreen and lip balm, modern referees need compartments designed to carry counters, brushes, writing pads, score sheets or even a handheld computer for immediate, easy one-hand access. 
     A special need that was first recognized about 1988 is the need of umpires to protect themselves against AIDS/HIV infections which can be transmitted by body fluids/discharges of the players carried upon the surface of the balls and other equipment used--and handled by the officials--during a game. This biohazard imposes the requirement for continuing use of protective gloves by the referee, special virucide surface treatments for every ball handled, and sealed, individual, disposable, impermeable bags to hold treated balls ready to be put back into play. It is conceivable that certain league rules may require that a quantity of virucide-pretreated balls be prepared and sealed into individual, tamper-evident bags prior to beginning of play. For the referee&#39;s safety, it would be desirable: (a) to handle in-play balls only with gloved hands and (b) to secure contaminated balls removed from play immediately in special closed decontamination containers. 
     For optimum ease of use, the satchel must have several special-purpose compartments placed, sized and oriented so that access to its contents, such as a strike counter, is fast and sure and the device is withdrawn ready for instant use already in the preferred hand of the user. Conversely, each compartment must contain a specific equipment item securely so that it is not lost or damaged due to running or other quick movements. Frequently, the official may also be required to carry a rule book and possibly statistical data for the field, teams and specific players. Finally, the physical appearance of the umpire satchel, especially color and decorations must conform to apparel codes imposed by the league or long traditions of the sport relative to umpire dress and modesty. 
     These specific, umpire satchel requirements are easily distinguished from the needs of a tennis player who must carry several new tennis balls for a typical service. In the case of a ball-holder worn by a lady tennis player, the only function is to hold 2 tennis balls and the main consideration is lightness, low bulk and comfort during rapid, forceful motions typical of competitive play. Waist-suspended ball holders which are heavy, sharp-cornered and bulky may hinder the player&#39;s responses or her degree of concentration. Occasionally, a typical holder will release a ball during active play which can cause a fall or delay the game. U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,290 is an example of a tennis-ball holder which attaches to the player&#39;s clothing by means of a keyhole and locking flange ring. The present umpire satchel serves a different set of needs and is therefore different in both size and design concepts. 
     Similarly, the design of an umpire&#39;s satchel is easily distinguished from the construction of a reinforced, equipment duffel bag such as used by a volunteer &#34;Little-League&#34; team manager to transport the balls, bats, gloves, masks, etc., to the playing field. Shoulder-strap carriers such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,532 are used to carry 1-10 bats, a like number of balls and other team-equipment items totaling about 25-50 Kg. The present umpire satchel serves a different set of needs and is therefore different in both size and design concepts. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The main object of this invention is a satchel with fitted compartments for carrying items of required equipment and other personal supplies to be used by a game referee or field judge. The compartments are fitted to each specific item of equipment and to the personal preferences of the user so that every equipment item is immediately available for instant use or display by either a right- or left-handed person. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a set of compartments to contain specific personal hygiene supplies for easy, one-hand access. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a set of compartments to contain specific first-aid and personal defense supplies also immediately available by one-hand access. 
     An additional object of this invention is to provide a set of fitted compartments for an umpire satchel wherein each compartment is adapted for independent size and shape adjustments. 
     A further additional object of this invention is to provide a set of fitted compartments removably attached to interior of umpire satchel. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 discloses the general features of the umpire satchel of the present invention as being worn on a waistband by a right-handed person. A mirror-image configuration would be optimal for a left-handed person. As can be seen, the front-facing aspect of the satchel also carries a retainer loop for an absorbent wiper which is easily accessed by the wearer. The vertical section plane for FIG. 8 is indicated by arrows. 
     FIG. 2 discloses an interior view, with the frontwall panel cutaway, of the backwall panel and its three fitted interior compartments for equipment. 
     FIG. 3 discloses an exterior view of the backwall of the satchel showing the envelope compartment and the placement of the vertical opening and slide closure device. Also shown is an optional transparent window compartment for an auxiliary ID card for personal/emergency medical data. 
     FIG. 4 discloses general features, construction and size proportions of the elastic element in the frontwall panel. 
     FIG. 5 discloses general features, construction and size proportions of the expansion pleat in the frontwall panel, including the central expansion pleat. 
     FIG. 6 shows the exterior view of an embodiment of the present satchel for a specific league as shown in Table 3; this embodiment does not have a central expansion pleat for the gameball compartment. 
     FIG. 7 shows the reverse side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The vertical slide fastener and transparent window compartment are indicated. 
     FIG. 8 shows a vertical section taken through the major rectangular compartment of the embodiment of FIG. 6; the location of the vertical cutting plane used is shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the frontwall is double thickness and the depth of the major rectangular compartment extends to the lower edge of the satchel. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     For consistent usage in this disclosure, the nomenclature &#34;compartment depth&#34; is used to mean the vertical extent or vertical height dimension of the specific compartment with the satchel worn about the waist. Table 1 contains a tabulation of definitions of all special terminology employed in this disclosure. 
     FIG. 1 shows an in-use view of the umpire satchel (11) of this invention being worn on the right hip as would be convenient for a right-handed person. The satchel is formed by cutting and lockstitching flat fabric pieces into the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8. Various knit, woven or non-woven fabrics with natural, synthetic and blended fibers such as broadcloth, duck, spunbonded olefin, ballistic nylon, etc., can be used for any of the panels or patch compartments. Decorative and reinforcing tapes/welts, etc., of a contrasting color or texture may be used on the principal panels and for binding major-edge seams. Laminated or coated fabrics may be used for additional water repellency and abrasion resistance of major panels. The backwall includes patch-type compartments on its interior (12a) and exterior (12b) surfaces; a full-size patch is shown in FIG. 8. The exterior fabric-patch layer also forms the back enclosure panel of the gameball compartment. The gameball compartment is indicated schematically as (18). The top zone of backwall interior panel (12a), which faces outward from the wearer&#39;s body and extends somewhat above the frontwall panel (13), is fitted with patch-type compartments sized for the specific items of equipment shown, e.g., plate brush, writing instrument (pen/pencil/input recording stylus) and ball/strike counter which can be accessed quickly with the right hand. These compartments are formed of fabric as surface-patch compartments attached to the outward-facing surface of the backwall interior panel (12a). 
     As shown, the vertical depth aspect of each of these compartments is adapted for secure enclosure of a major portion of the specific equipment item, and to leave an easily-grasped portion exposed for quick grasping. If, due to different physical sizes of different brands of equipment, the compartment is too large, a removable plastic insert, (25), as shown in FIG. 8, can be cut to fill the lower portion and give optimal exposure of the device from the top edge of the compartment. The gameball compartment, GBC, is formed between the backwall panel and the frontwall panel (13). Three major edge-closure seams, i.e., side and bottom seams define the length and depth dimensions of the gameball compartment. The top aspect of the gameball compartment is an opening with a stretchable, elastic element attached to the frontwall. When the gameball compartment is empty, the elastic element, which is stitched in place under tension, causes the formation of gathers in the top edge of the frontwall. The gathered zone between the lateral ends of the elastic element is identified as the stretch zone of the frontwall (17). The opening and its degree of stretch is appropriate to accommodate even a large man&#39;s hand holding a gameball, as would be needed for inserting a ball into the compartment. Similarly, the elastic compliance must be appropriate to encompass at least three balls securely under anticipated body movements and postures of the wearer. The gameball compartment is sized to contain at least three balls. The absorbent wiper, (15), is of appropriate size for use in cleaning game equipment and 
     
                       TABLE 1______________________________________Feature Nomenclature and IndiciaDEFINITION             Dimension RangeINDICIA  OF NOMENCLATURE  FIG.   min, mm                                 max, mm______________________________________11     umpire satchel, shown on                   1      na     na  right hip of wea11a    satchel width, horizontal                   1      150    35011b    satchel depth, vertical                   1      200    32013     frontwall panel  1      na     na14     fixed anchor loop for                   1      na     na  engagement with wi15     wiper with engagement                   1      na     na  fastener for ancho16     satchel suspension loops,                   1      50 × 20                                 100 × 90  length × width17     frontwall stretch zone, width                   1      160    30018     gameball compartment, GBC                   1      na     na19a    width dimension of GBC                   1      160    29019b    depth dimension of GBC                   1      180    30021     major rectangular                   2      na     na  compartment, MRC21a    width dimension of MRC                   2       60    15021b    depth dimension of MRC                   2      100    20022     stylus compartment, MC                   2      na     na22a    width dimension of MC                   2       20     5022b    depth dimension of MC                   2      110    19023     counter compartment, CC                   2      na     na23a    width dimension of CC                   2       70    15023b    depth dimension of CC                   2       80    15024     patch panel, fitted                   8  compartments25     removable insert 8      na     na31     envelope compartment, EC                   3      na     na31a    width of envelope                   3       80    180  compartment31b    depth of envelope                   3      100    300  compartment32     vertical opening for hand                   3      120    180  access32a    length of slide fastener for                   3      130    190  hand access33     transparent window                   3      30 × 60                                 100 × 150  compartment, length40     elastic element, EE                   4      na     na41     contracted length dimension                   4      110    300  of elastic ele42     maximum extended length                   4      120    400  of EE51     central expansion pleat, EP                   5      na     na52     maximum depth of EP                   5      100    30053     max extension provided by EP                   5       50    15064     shaped, absorbent wiper, area,                   5      150 × 15                                 400 × 400  approx. 0.65     engageable fastener integral                   5      na     na  w. wiper12a    backwall interior surface                   8      na     na12b    backwall exterior surface                   8      na     na12c    fabric overlay panel, backwall                   8______________________________________ 
    
     for personal use of the umpire; one edge or corner is releasably attached to the satchel by means of an anchor loop, (14). The belt suspension loops, (16), are of appropriate size and strength to men&#39;s or women&#39;s apparel belts and the weight of the fully-loaded satchel. 
     FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the umpire satchel laid flat on its exterior backwall surface (12b) with the frontwall panel (13) removed, as indicated by dashed lines, and the backwall interior surface (12a) is facing outward. This view shows additional size and positioning detail for the three fitted equipment compartments. The major rectangular compartment, MRC, is designated generally as (21). The width dimension of the MRC is designated as (21a); the MRC depth dimension is shown as (21b). The MRC compartment is sized to accommodate a brush which is indicated by an outline showing the bristles pointed upward. The stylus compartment, SC, is designated generally as (22); its width dimension is indicated as (22a). The depth dimension of SC can range from 80-150 percent of the MRC depth, i.e., 0.8 (21b) to 1.5 (21b). The SC compartment is sized to accommodate 1-3 writing implements such as markers, pens or pencils; a single pencil-type implement is shown in outline with the eraser-end upward. The nomenclature stylus has been deliberately chosen to include stylus-like electronic, optical, and magnetic implements or scanners used by the umpire in data acquisition/recording. The counter compartment, CC, is designated generally as (23); its width and depth dimensions are (23a) and (23b) respectively. The CC compartment is sized to accommodate a counter which is shown by an outline. As can be seen, the usable depth of the gameball compartment is approximately the depth dimension (21b) plus 1 to 1.5 gameball diameters. 
     FIG. 3 is a view with the umpire satchel laid flat on its frontwall (13) with the exterior surface of the panel (12c) facing outward. This view shows additional size and positioning detail for the envelope compartment, EC, which is generally designated as (31). The total width and depth dimensions of the EC are indicated as (31a) and (31b) respectively. This compartment is designed to hold various small personal accessories and can be accessed by the vertical opening (32) sized and positioned dose to the vertical edge to permit convenient hand access without the risk of accidental loss of loose, small items also in this compartment as the hand is withdrawn. This opening is closed by a slide fastener of length just sufficient to allow easy passage of even a large man&#39;s hand; this length is designated (32a). For maximum security, the closed position of the slider is at the uppermost or top end of the fastener. The lateral spacing of the opening from the adjacent satchel edge is preferably in the range 20-50 mm for easy right-hand access. FIG. 3 also shows one alternative placement of the transparent-window compartment (33) on the lower exterior zone of panel (12c). This transparent-window is shown with a double-line picture- frame rim around its periphery. 
     FIG. 4 is a view of the upper access opening of the frontwall panel (13) showing additional detail for the sizing and positioning of a single elastic element, EE. FIG. 4 also shows two alternative placement options for a transparent window compartment (33) to hold ID items which must be displayed for security. In other embodiments, a transparent badge window can be attached by a cord or strap to the wiper anchor. The contracted and extended lengths of EE are shown as (41) and (42) respectively. The elastic element is centered along the top edge of the frontwall panel. If needed, multiple or longer elastic elements might be used to accommodate larger hands or bagged/enclosed gameballs. 
     FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment with a single expansion pleat in the frontwall below the elastic element. This pleat structure allows an expansion of at least 50 mm. The approximate vertical extent of this pleat is 150-200 mm. This optional feature allows the gameball compartment to hold 4 softballs or 8 baseballs. Multiple or larger expansion pleats may be used for increased volume and form shaping. An absorbent, rectangular fabric wiper (64) of adequate area in the range 0.05 to 0.3 sq. meters and required color may be releasably attached to the anchor loop (15) on the satchel. The wiper can be secured to the anchor loop by threading a shaped edge zone or one corner through the anchor loop and fastening the free end of the tip back to the wiper by means of an integral fastener (65). Washable alternative integral fasteners (65) for the wiper include snaps, buttons or hook-and-loop types. 
     FIG. 6 is an external view of right-hip embodiment adapted to preferences of a selected league and shows the positioning of the upper edges of the fitted compartments with respect to the frontwall upper edge. FIG. 7 shows the reverse side of the embodiment in FIG. 6 and the transparent and envelope compartments. 
     FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of the satchel and the relationship of the frontwall and overlay fabric layers of an embodiment for a selected league. 
     Table 1 shows a summary of the special nomenclature used to describe the features of the umpire satchel of this invention. The third column of this table provides a handy reference link between the feature name and its numeric indicia used in the figures. Because of the predominance of right-handedness, all the figures show a right-hand version. To accommodate for left-handed users, a mirror-image version is more appropriate. In the case of ambidextrous individuals, it is possible that some features such as the wiper anchor (14) and envelope compartment hand access (32) can be placed according to personal preference. It is anticipated that at least 4 basic embodiments will be offered in addition to customized versions i.e., every feature, material, component and dimension adapted for a handicapped person or anatomic anomaly. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The examples A-D presented below, along with Tables 1-3 indicate some alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
     Example A 
     Alternative Fabrics 
     Satchels according to this invention can be made from a wide variety of woven, knit and nonwoven fabric materials with diverse textures and physical properties. The various fabrics can be made with continuous-filament or staple yarns using either natural or synthetic fibers. Some alternative woven fabrics are: 
     A1. polyamide (nylon) plain weave--5.1 oz/yd 2  ; 23 warp×21 fill, threads per inch; 840 warp×840 fill yarn denier, single ply; producer twist. 
     A2. polyamide (nylon) basket weave--13 oz/yd 2 , 45 warp×41 fill threads per inch; 1050 warp×1050 fill yarn denier, single ply; 2.75 Z warp×2.75 Z fill twist. 
     A3. polyester (Dacron) plain weave--5.4 oz/yd 2  ; 23 warp×21 fill threads per inch; 220 warp×220 fill yarn denier, both 4-ply; producer twist. 
     A4. polyester (Dacron) 2/2 chain twill--10.4 oz/yd 2  ; 66 warp×42 fill, threads per inch; 220 warp×220 fill yarn denier, both 3-ply; producer twist in singles; 4S warp×4S fill twist in plies. 
     A5. polypropylene 5-harness sateen--5.75 oz/yd; 52 warp×44 fill threads per inch; 210 warp×210 fill yarn denier, both 2 ply; producer twist in singles; 5.5S warp×5.5S fill twist in plies. 
     A6. urethane-coated polyester-cotton fabric--water-repellent panels, compartments 
     A7. siloxane surface-treated fabric, like Scotchguard™ sprayed on polyester-cotton fabric--water-repellent panels, compartments 
     A8. knit fabric--esp. cotton-terry toweling--absorbent wiper 
     A9. non-woven fabric like Tyvek™ or Remay™ spun-bonded polyolefins--compartments, panels 
     Table 2. shows a summary of preferred colors and materials of construction used for preparation of official umpire satchels as selected by one league. The combination presented reflects the tradition of the sport and the standards of the particular league for appearance and function. Within the scope of this invention, other fabric materials, layouts and manufacturing methods can be used within the parameters of woven, nonwoven, knit, laminated/coated fabrics as might be desirable for special characteristics. 
     Example B 
     Alternative Seams, Trim, Fasteners, Etc. 
     B1. Panel-Edge Seams 
     B1,1 Single-row lockstitch, plain with overcasting, everted 
     B1,2 Single-row stretch zigzag, plain with overcasting, everted 
     B1,3 Single-row lockstitch, flat-felled 
     B1,4 Single-row stretch zigzag, flat-felled 
     B1,5 Ultrasonic bonded seam, plain, 1-5 mm width 
     B1,6 Adhesive-bonded seam, plain, turned 1-5 mm width 
     B1,7 Binding-taped panel-edge seams 
     B2. Compartment-Edge Seams or Fasteners 
     B2,1 Single-row lockstitch, turned cut edge 
     B2,2 Single-row stretch zigzag, turned cut edge 
     B2,3 Ultrasonic bonded seam, 1-5 mm width 
     B2,4 Adhesive-bonded seam, 1-5 mm width 
     B2,5 Bar-tacked compartment, edges, seams 
     B2,6 Mating hook-and-loop strips for adjustment of width, depth 
     B2,7 Mating snaps for adjustment of width, depth 
     B3. External Trim/Decoration 
     B3,1 Tape binding, major panel edges, spec. color/texture/stitching 
     B3,2 Adhesive or ultrasonic-bonded patch w. embroidered designs 
     B3,3 Embroidered design on panel external surface 
     B3,4 lifting ribbon or pull-tab for elevating contents of fitted compartments 
     B4. Fasteners 
     B4,1 Slide zipper, metal or plastic, panel-matching color, 250 mm length 
     B4,2 Snaps to dose compartments, 7-12 mm diam., bright plating or black anodized 
     B4,3 Snaps or buttonholes for external straps, panel-matching color, 7-15 mm diam. 
     B4,5 Buttons for external straps 
     B4,6 Clips w. safety latch for attaching external items, bright plating or black anodized 
     B4,7 D-rings for attaching external items, bright plating or black anodized 
     B4,8 Flaps, tie-loops or other fasteners/closures to dose compartments, panel-matching color. 
     B5. Other Construction Features 
     B5,1 Special security closures for compartments including magnetic clips, hook-and-loop tabs 
     B5,2 Integrated belt with length-adjustment devices made of metal or polymer, 25-75 mm width, 0.5-1.5 meter girth 
     B5,3 Removable internal panel containing multiple fitted compartments with snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners for easy, secure attachment to satchel backwall interior surface 
     B5,4 Removable, closeable biohazard bag for releasable insertion into gameball compartment and fitted with mating external snap or hook-and-loop fasteners to engage with elements fixed on GBC interior 
     Example C 
     Alternative Configurations 
     C1. Right/Left Hand placement, ordering and total number of fitted compartments. 
     Depending upon handedness of wearer, league rules and personal preferences, 1-5 fitted compartments can be arranged in several different left-to-right orders across the interior backwall panel. 
     C2. Right/Left Hand placement of vertical slide fastener and wiper anchor loop. 
     Depending upon handedness of the wearer and league preferences, either the vertical slide fastener or the anchor loop may be positioned for maximum wearer convenience. Another alternative embodiment would be the use of dual slide fasteners and anchor loops. 
     Example D 
     Alternative Satchel and Compartment Dimensions 
     Basic dimensions of the satchel are dictated by the diameter of the game ball and league regulations. Relative to ball size, the diameter of a regulation-size baseball is approx. 73 mm, while the std. diameters of softballs are approx. 89 mm and 97 mm for women&#39;s-league or men&#39;s-league, respectively. Each league has specific rules for the number of game balls which must be held in reserve in the satchel. 
     The form of the present satchel can be scaled for different-sized balls by linear scaling on the basis of ball diameter. Thus, satchel dimensions as defined in Table 1 are scaleable over a range of at least plus or minus 35% for different leagues. 
     The specific width and depth dimensions of each fitted compartment is dictated by the specific types/brands/models of equipment approved or required by the league. For example, a simple mechanical counter may be much smaller and thinner than a battery-powered electronic counter with input keys and a display. The dimensions of rectangular fitted compartments are scaleable over a range of 50-300% according to the size and shape of specific items to be contained. Alternative embodiments of this satchel may include special curvilinear-shaped, expansible/elastic/pleated, non-rectangular compartments or special external hangers for hand-held telemetry signaling devices which relay umpire inputs to the scoreboard or store data directly into league computerized records. 
     For the situation of an official who may need a customized set of fitted compartments, it is anticipated that a removable panel containing multiple fitted compartments could be attached as a single unit to the present satchel. For this case, snaps, buttons and hook-and-loop fasteners would be useful. 
     Table 3. shows a summary of the preferred physical dimensions of the umpire satchel for use in one league. The specific size and placement combination presented reflects the tradition of the sport and the standards of the particular league for appearance and function. FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show appearance and construction of one embodiment. 
     Within the scope of this invention, many other combinations of length, width, size, texture, fasteners, flaps, etc., are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     
                       TABLE 2______________________________________Construction Guidelines for League A RegulationsFeature(s) name      Material (black color)                     Example/data______________________________________frontwall, backwall      polyester, plain weave,                     duck, cotton-polyester      60 × 60, 300-600 g/m2wiper      absorbent toweling                     cotton or blendsseam stitching      polyester, lockstitch                     matching colorslide fastener      metal or polymer                     matching colorsuspension loops      woven, non-woven, knit                     matching colorelastic    rubber core, polyester                     6 mm width______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 3______________________________________Size Preferences for League AFeature(s) ID      Dimension    Min, mm  Max, mm______________________________________11a        satchel width                   200      40011b        satchel depth                   200      40016         loop length  120      30016         loop width    40       8041         elastic, contracted                   150      30042         elastic, stretched                   200      400______________________________________