Personal item carrying system

An item carrying system incorporates a circumferentially adjustable waist band assembly having a pair of pouches adjustably positionable on either side of the waist band. Each pouch has a plurality of pockets and storage spaces. Each pouch also comprises a solar panel in electric communication with at least one charging port. The entire system is waterproof and buoyant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a personal item carrying system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many tasks that one's performs as part of their job, or just as part of their daily life. Often these tasks require access to small tools or items such as pens, pencils, knives, scissors, flashlights or the like. Other objects such as a cell phone, car keys, a wallet and even eye glasses must be carried as well.

Many without adequate pocket space may turn to the use of a fannie pack to help keep track of these personal items. However, fannie packs suffer from the fact that trying to find a small object buried deep inside is often difficult. Others may find the fact that their potentially heavy weight can make the person feel off center. Finally, should the wearer spend a lot of time outdoors and away from an electrical outlet, they run the risk of rain or other inclement weather ruining the contents of the pack, or running out of power for their personal electronics with no ready means to recharge them. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a fannie pack can be modified to address the above-mentioned concerns. The development of the Personal Item Carrying System fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the present invention provide for a waist belt pouch system, comprising a strap assembly having a first strap end and a second strap end, the first strap end and a second strap end are conjoined to each other with a strap coupling. The first strap end and the second strap end are attached to the strap coupling that provides a continuous encircling strap assembly. The first strap end and the second strap end are each attached to the strap coupling with at least one strap fastener, the at least one strap fastener is fixed from the strap coupling, the first strap end has a first adjustment device located along a length thereof to enable relative length adjustment thereof, the first strap end has a portion that loops back through the first adjustment device and has a means to enable retention of a desired position thereof, the second strap end has a portion that loops back through a generally identical functional second adjustment device and has a means to enable retention of a desired position thereof, the at least one strap fastener is detachable from the strap coupling.

The waist belt pouch system also has a first pouch having a first pouch front portion and a first pouch rear portion, the first pouch rear portion is generally a rectangular generally flexible body having a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls that define a hollow rear interior, holding stored items therein and the top wall has a first pouch fastener to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from the environment. The rear facing surface of the rear wall of the first pouch rear portion has a first pouch strap loop affixed thereto and oriented such that opposing longitudinal ends thereof are open to the environment, the first pouch front portion is located on the front of the first pouch rear portion and is centered thereon, the first pouch front portion has a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that defines a hollow front interior.

The system further comprises a second pouch having a second pouch front portion and a second pouch rear portion, the second pouch front portion is located on a front of the second pouch rear portion and centered thereon, the second pouch front portion has a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that defines a hollow front interior. Affixed or otherwise attached to the front wall of the second pouch front portion is a plurality of pockets, the top wall has a pouch fastener to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from the environment, the pockets are removably attached or affixed to the second pouch front portion, the pockets have a second pouch fastener similar to or different than the pouch fasteners to provide access to interiors thereof, the first pouch and the second pouch are holding various sundries and items typically carried by a user pouch is adjustably positioned on any desired strap end. The first pouch is adjustably positioned along the first strap end of the strap assembly and the second pouch is adjustably positioned along the second strap end, the rear facing surface of the rear wall of the second pouch rear portion has a second pouch strap loop affixed thereto and oriented such that opposing longitudinal ends thereof are open to the environment, the open longitudinal ends are in environmental communication with each other, such that a continuous pass-through section is present, the pass-through section is sized to enable any part of the first strap end or the second strap end of the strap assembly to pass through—thereby enabling the second pouch to be linearly adjustable relative to the strap assembly. The pass-through section is sized so as to not enable the second pouch to traverse over either the adjustment device or the strap coupling, the second pouch front portion is located on a front of the second pouch rear portion and is centered thereon, the second pouch front portion has a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that defines a hollow front interior.

The strap coupling may be selected from the group consisting of a square material, a rectangular metallic material or a hard-plastic material and the strap assembly may also be selected from the group consisting of a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, or a flexible elongated material having a length capable of encircling a human waist. The pouch fastener may be a waterproof zipper to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from an environment. The first pouch may comprise a transparent material or a somewhat translucent material so as to view the contents therein.

A first pouch pocket flap may be peeled away from the first pouch first pocket via the pouch fastener to illustrate a plurality of first pouch communication ports while the first communication port incorporates an electronic communication port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a micro-USB port, an RCA port, or an optical port. The pouch fastener may be a waterproof zipper to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from an environment.

The second pouch may comprise a transparent material or a somewhat translucent material so as to view the contents therein while the pockets on the second pouch generally have a curvilinear bottom end, a linear top end and a general U-shape. A second pouch pocket flap is peeled away from the respective pocket via the pouch fastener. The second communication port incorporates an electronic communication port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a micro-USB port, a Radio Corporation of America or RCA port, or an optical port. A first pouch pocket flap is peeled away from the first pouch first pocket via the pouch fastener to illustrate a plurality of first pouch communication ports. The first communication port incorporates an electronic communication port selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a micro-USB port, a Radio Corporation of America or RCA port, or an optical port.

Each of the communication ports are selectively plugged so as to protect the communication port when not in use. Each of the first communication ports has a first communication port plug attached via a first tether immediately subjacent from the first communication port and has a cover portion affixed to the first tether and an extension portion extending away from a side of the cover portion and the first communication port plug is sized and shaped similar to a charging connector of a cord and fully covers the electrical contacts therein.

Each of the second communication ports has a second communication port plug attached via a second tether immediately subjacent from the second communication port and the second communication port plug has a cover portion affixed to the second tether and an extension portion extending away from a side of the cover portion and is sized. Each of the second communication ports may also be shaped similar to a charging connector of a cord and fully covers a plurality of electrical contacts therein. The waist belt pouch system is particularly suited for individuals who have a plurality of items to carry and a plurality of pockets of pants or shorts are inadequate to carry all of the items. The system may also be able to float.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view of the waist pouch system (herein described as the “system”)10, which shows a first pouch30and a second pouch50, each adjustably positionable about a strap assembly20. The strap assembly20is configurable to be worn about the waist of a user. Each pouch30,50has a plurality of pockets each capable of holding various sundries and items typically carried by a user. The system10is particularly suited for individuals who have a plurality of items to carry and the pockets of normal pants or shorts are inadequate to carry all of them.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 4, the strap assembly20can be a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible elongated material, having a length capable of encircling a human waist. The strap assembly20is defined as having a strap first side21aand a strap second side21b, which are conjoined to each other with a strap coupling24, which in an exemplary embodiment is a square or rectangular metallic or hard plastic material. The strap first end21aand strap second end21bare each attached to the strap coupling24with a at least one (1) strap fastener25. It is appreciated that the straps first end21aand strap second end21bare attached to the strap coupling24such that it provides a continuous encircling strap assembly20. The strap fasteners25may be fixed or detachable from the strap coupling24. The strap first end21ahas a first adjustment device22alocated along a length thereof to enable relative length adjustment thereof. In such an embodiment, the strap first end21ahas a portion that loops back through the first adjustment device22aand has a means to enable retention of a desired position thereof. Similarly, the strap second end21ahas a generally identically functional second adjustment device22b.

Referring now toFIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b,5, and6, which illustrate various views of the features of the first pouch30and second pouch50. As previously mentioned, the first pouch30and second pouch50each preferably comprise a transparent or somewhat translucent material so as to view the contents therein. It is also preferred that each pouch30,50, and indeed the entire system10, should be able to float on water. It is also appreciated that although the illustrations herein show that the first pouch30is adjustably positioned along the first strap end21aof the strap assembly20ands the second pouch50is adjustably positioned along the second strap end21b, either pouch30,50can be adjustably positioned on any desired strap end21a,21band fully function as described herein. Also, the first pouch30and second pouch50are very similar in shape, size, and interior holding capacity and will be more specifically described below.

The first pouch30has a first pouch front portion41and a first pouch rear portion42. The first pouch rear portion42is generally a rectangular generally flexible body having a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls that define a hollow rear interior, capable of holding stored items therein. The top wall has a pouch fastener40, which is preferably a waterproof zipper or similar device to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from the environment. The rear facing surface of the rear wall of the first pouch rear portion42has a first pouch strap loop38affixed thereto and oriented such that opposing longitudinal ends thereof (those adjacent to the sidewalls) are open to the environment. The open longitudinal ends are in environmental communication with each other, such that a continuous pass-through section is present. This pass-through section is sized to enable any part of the strap first end21aor strap second end21bof the strap assembly20to pass through, thereby enabling the first pouch30to be linearly adjustable relative to the strap assembly20. The pass-through section is sized so as to not enable the first pouch30to traverse over either adjustment device22a,22b, or strap coupling24.

The first pouch front portion41is located on the front of the first pouch rear portion42and preferably centered thereon. The first pouch front portion41has a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that defines a hollow front interior. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the first pouch front portion41and first pouch rear portion42are coextensive, yet the height of the first pouch front portion41is less than the first pouch rear portion42. In some embodiments, the first pouch front portion41has a rear wall that is affixed to a front wall of the first pouch rear portion42. In such an embodiment, this means that the front interior is not in environmental communication with the rear interior and are separate. In such an embodiment, the first pouch front portion41comprises a pouch fastener40similar in construction as the pouch fastener40of the first pouch rear portion42and located on the top wall of the first pouch front portion41. In other embodiments, the rear wall of the first pouch front portion41and the front wall of the first pouch rear portion42are defined as the same wall. In still yet another embodiment, there is no rear wall of the first pouch front portion41and no front wall of the first pouch rear portion42, thereby enabling the front interior and rear interior to be in environmental communication with each other. In such an embodiment, the pouch fastener40on the top wall of the first pouch front portion41may be present or not.

Affixed or otherwise attached to the front wall of the first pouch front portion41is a plurality of pockets31a,31b,31c. The number of pockets31a,31b,31cin the exemplary embodiment numbers three (3), but it is appreciated that the number, orientation, and location of pockets31a,31b,31ccan vary. The pockets can be removably attached or affixed to the first pouch front portion41and can have similar material. The pockets31a,31b,31calso have a pouch fastener40similar to or different than the aforementioned pouch fasteners40to provide access to interiors thereof, by separating the respective pocket flap31d,51d. A more detailed description of the pockets31a,31b,31c, will be described below.

The second pouch50generally has similar or identical features as the aforementioned first pouch30. More specifically, the second pouch50has a second pouch front portion43and a second pouch rear portion44. The second pouch rear portion44is generally a rectangular generally flexible body having a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls that define a hollow rear interior, capable of holding stored items therein. The top wall has a pouch fastener40, which is preferably a waterproof zipper or similar device to enable access to the rear interior yet seal the interior from the environment. The rear facing surface of the rear wall of the second pouch rear portion44has a second pouch strap loop58affixed thereto and oriented such that opposing longitudinal ends thereof (those adjacent to the sidewalls) are open to the environment. The open longitudinal ends are in environmental communication with each other, such that a continuous pass-through section is present. This pass-through section is sized to enable any part of the strap first end21aor strap second end21bof the strap assembly20to pass through, thereby enabling the second pouch50to be linearly adjustable relative to the strap assembly20. The pass-through section is sized so as to not enable the second pouch50to traverse over either adjustment device22a,22b, or strap coupling24.

The second pouch front portion43is located on the front of the second pouch rear portion44and preferably centered thereon. The second pouch front portion43has a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that defines a hollow front interior. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the second pouch front portion43and second pouch rear portion44are coextensive, yet the height of the second pouch front portion43is less than the second pouch rear portion44. In some embodiments, the second pouch front portion43has a rear wall that is affixed to a front wall of the second pouch rear portion44. In such an embodiment, this means that the front interior is not in environmental communication with the rear interior and are separate. In such an embodiment, the second pouch front portion43comprises a pouch fastener40similar in construction as the pouch fastener40of the second pouch rear portion44and located on the top wall of the second pouch front portion43. In other embodiments, the rear wall of the second pouch front portion43and the front wall of the second pouch rear portion44are defined as the same wall. In still yet another embodiment, there is no rear wall of the second pouch front portion43and no front wall of the second pouch rear portion44, thereby enabling the front interior and rear interior to be in environmental communication with each other. In such an embodiment, the pouch fastener40on the top wall of the second pouch front portion43may be present or not.

Affixed or otherwise attached to the front wall of the second pouch front portion43is a plurality of pockets51a,51b,51c. The number of pockets51a,51b,51cin the exemplary embodiment numbers three (3), but it is appreciated that the number, orientation, and location of pockets51a,51b,51ccan vary. The pockets can be removably attached or affixed to the second pouch front portion43and can have similar material. The pockets51a,51b,51calso have a pouch fastener40similar to or different than the aforementioned pouch fasteners40to provide access to interiors thereof. A more detailed description of the pockets51a,51b,51c, will be described below.

Referring now more closely now to the pockets31a,31b,31con the first pouch30, which are illustrated inFIGS. 1, 7, and 8a, it is seen that a first pouch first pocket31ais located at the left side of the front wall and adjacent the left sidewall. The first pouch first pocket31ahas a short width (approximately one-eighth (⅛) the width of the first pouch front portion41) and an elongated length (having a bottom end substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41and an upper end terminating prior to the upper perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41). A first pouch second pocket31bis located immediately adjacent the first pouch first pocket31atowards the center of the first pouch front portion41and has an elongated width (approximately five-eighths (⅝) the width of the first pouch front portion41) and a shortened length (having a bottom end substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41and an upper end terminating lower than the upper perimeter edge of the first pouch first pocket31a). A first pouch third pocket31cis located at the right side of the front wall and adjacent the right sidewall and immediately adjacent the first pouch second pocket31b. The first pouch third pocket31ahas a shortened width (approximately one-fourth (¼) the width of the first pouch front portion41) and an elongated length (having a bottom end substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41and an upper end terminating prior to the upper perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41).

FIG. 7illustrates a preferred size and use of the first pouch first pocket31a. A first pouch pocket flap31dis peeled away from the first pouch first pocket31avia the pouch fastener40to illustrate a plurality of first pouch communication ports32a. The first pouch second pocket31bis capable of holding a portable electronic device60therein. The first pouch third pocket31cis capable of retaining any desired items therein that would fit. Although not illustrated herein, the first pouch second pocket31band first pouch third pocket31calso incorporate a first pouch pocket flap31d. Located on the front wall of the first pouch front portion41is a first pouch solar array35, substantially positioned adjacent the top perimeter edge of the first pouch front portion41and about the same width as the first pouch second pocket31b. The first communication ports32acan incorporate typical electronic communication ports, such as USB, micro-USB, RCA, optical, etc.

Referring now more closely now to the pockets51a,51b,51con the second pouch50, which are illustrated inFIGS. 1, 8b, and8c, it is seen that the pockets51,51b, and51c, generally have a curvilinear bottom end and a linear top end, such that they have general “U”-shape. A second pouch first pocket51ais located near the left side of the front wall and adjacent the left sidewall. The second pouch first pocket51ahas a shortened width (approximately one-fourth (¼) the width of the second pouch front portion43) and an elongated length (having a bottom apex substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the second pouch front portion43and an upper end terminating approximately one-half (½) the length of the second pouch front portion43). A second pouch first pocket51ais located adjacent the second pouch first pocket Ma at a minimal distance therefrom and positioned near the center of the second pocket front portion43and also has a shortened width (approximately one-fourth (¼) the width of the second pouch front portion43) and an elongated length (having a bottom apex substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the second pouch front portion43and an upper end terminating approximately one-half (½) the length of the second pouch front portion43). A second pouch third pocket51cis located adjacent the second pouch second pocket51bat a minimal distance therefrom and positioned near the right side of the front wall and adjacent the right sidewall. The second pouch third pocket51calso has a shortened width (approximately one-fourth (¼) the width of the second pouch front portion43) and an elongated length (having a bottom apex substantially terminating at the bottom perimeter edge of the second pouch front portion43and an upper end terminating approximately one-half (½) the length of the second pouch front portion43).

FIGS. 8aand 8billustrate a preferred use of the second pouch second pocket51band second pouch third pocket51c, each incorporating a second pouch communication port52a. A second pouch pocket flap51dis peeled away from the respective pocket51b,51cvia the pouch fastener40. The second pouch first pocket Ma is capable of retaining any desired items therein that would fit. Although not illustrated herein, the second pouch first pocket51aalso incorporate a second pouch pocket flap51d. Located on the front wall of the second pouch front portion43is a second pouch solar array55, substantially positioned adjacent the top perimeter edge of the second pouch front portion43and about the same width as the first pouch second pocket31b. Similar to the first communication port32a, the second communication ports52acan incorporate typical electronic communication ports, such as USB, micro-USB, RCA, optical, etc.

Referring even more closely toFIGS. 8a-8c, it is shown that each of the communication ports32a,52a, are capable of being selectively plugged so as to protect the respective communication port32a,52awhen not in use. Each first communication port32ahas a first communication port plug32battached via a first tether32cimmediately subjacent from the first communication port32a. The first communication port plug32bhas a cover portion affixed to the first tether32cand an extension portion extending away from a side of the cover portion. The first communication port plug32bis sized and shaped similar to a charging connector67of a cord66and fully covers the electrical contacts therein. Similarly, each second communication port52ahas a second communication port plug52battached via a second tether52cimmediately subjacent from the second communication port52a. The second communication port plug52bhas a cover portion affixed to the second tether52cand an extension portion extending away from a side of the cover portion. The second communication port plug52bis sized and shaped similar to a charging connector67of a cord66and fully covers the electrical contacts therein.

FIG. 9illustrates an electrical schematic of the electrical components of the system10within the first pouch30. The first pouch solar array35incorporates a plurality of first pouch solar cells36and located on the first pouch front portion41and generates a current of energy due to receipt of solar power. A first pouch solar charge controller37ais located within the first pouch30and preferably in the first pouch rear portion42is in electrical communication with the first pouch solar array35via wiring60. The first pouch solar charge controller37ashunts the current generated through the first pouch over-current protection device37bto the first pouch battery33. The first pouch battery33then releases power on-demand through the first pouch solar charge controller37ato the first pouch power supply37d, with which it is in electrical communication. The first pouch power supply37dthen delivers power to the first pouch communication ports32aand subsequently any charging connector67attached thereto.

FIG. 10, in a similar manner toFIG. 9, illustrates an electrical schematic of the electrical components of the system10within the second pouch30. The second pouch solar array55incorporates a plurality of second pouch solar cells56and located on the second pouch front portion43and generates a current of energy due to receipt of solar power. A second pouch solar charge controller57ais located within the second pouch50and preferably in the second pouch rear portion44is in electrical communication with the second pouch solar array55via wiring60. The second pouch solar charge controller57ashunts the current generated through the second pouch over-current protection device57bto the second pouch battery53. The second pouch battery53then releases power on-demand through the second pouch solar charge controller57ato the second pouch power supply57d, with which it is in electrical communication. The second pouch power supply57dthen delivers power to the second pouch communication ports52aand subsequently any charging connector67attached thereto.

The first pouch30and second pouch50can each have an interior frame or rigid interior perimeter to maintain the overall shape of either the front portions41,43, rear portions42,44, both, or neither.FIG. 7illustrates the most preferred method o fuse of the invention. The first pouch second docket32bis sized and shaped to securely retain a portable electronic device60therein, such as a mobile telephone. A charging cord66in electrical communication with the portable electronic device60has a charging connector67capable of being connected to any one (1) of the communication ports32a,52a, but in the present illustration, is most beneficially and conveniently attached to one (1) of the first communication ports52within the first pouch first pocket32a. The pouch fasteners40crimp or frictionally secure the cord66as it passes through the first pouch pocket flaps32dof each pocket32a,32b.