Abstract:
Disclosed is a portable article carrier for carrying and securing portable articles such as mobile phones, cameras, radios, tools, and water bottles; where the device can be secured to a belt, strap, or harness that is optionally worn by a wearer. The portable article carrier can be assembled from a folded flexible strap member and a loop member. The loop member can be flexible, non-flexible, or elastic. The portable article carrier can be configured to present a seamless surface to the portable article in order to minimize surface damage or wear to the portable article.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,532 filed on Mar. 14, 2013. The entire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,532 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a device for carrying portable articles, for example, cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, portable media players, tools, beverage containers, and water bottles; where the device can be secured to a belt, strap, or harness that is optionally worn by a wearer. 
         [0003]    Portable articles, such as smart phones or mobile media devices, are often small enough to fit into a garment worn by a wearer, for example, pants, vest, or jacket pockets. While it can be convenient for the wearer to store the portable article in their garment, there may be one or more disadvantages for doing so. For example, the portable article may be difficult to access when the wearer is sitting; or the article may not be securely retained and can slip out of the garment when the wearer moves or changes positions. 
         [0004]    Alternatively, a wearer can carry the portable article in a body-worn portable article carrier, for example, a belt-worn holster secured to the wearer&#39;s belt by a spring-loaded clip. Many of the presently available body-worn article carriers suffer from one or more deficiencies. For example, the spring-loaded clip of some belt-worn holsters can become loose, or fatigue and break through the stress of daily use. In addition, the spring-clip can be rigid and bulky; this can make the holster uncomfortable to wear. Even belt-worn article carriers that do not utilize spring-loaded clips can also potentially be uncomfortable due to the bulk, thickness, and rigidity of their design. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form that are described in the Description. The Summary is not intended to identify essential features or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure describes a portable article carrier that overcomes one or more of the challenges, described in the Background section of this disclosure, in the design of portable article carriers. The presently disclosed portable article carrier includes a flexible strap member that is folded, forming a fold that defines a first strap portion and a second strap portion. The portable article carrier also includes a loop member. The loop member includes two opposing side portions, a loop side portion and an opposing loop side portion. The loop member can be either a continuous loop or can be a flat length of material with its ends brought in proximity to form a loop. The loop can be made of a flexible material, an elastic material, or a rigid material, depending on the nature of the portable article to be held within the portable article carrier. The loop side portion is positioned between, and permanently secured to, the first strap portion and the second strap portion near the fold. The opposing loop side portion is positioned between, and permanently secured to, the first strap portion and the second strap portion. 
         [0007]    The first strap portion includes a first strap portion distal end. The first strap portion distal end includes an end portion, region, or section of the first strap portion that is distal to the fold, and ends at the terminus of the first strap portion. The second strap portion includes a second strap portion distal end. The second strap portion distal end includes an end portion, region, or section of the second strap portion that is distal to the fold, and ends at the terminus of the second strap portion. In one aspect, the first strap portion distal end can be used as a closure flap. In another aspect, the second strap portion distal end is securable to the second strap portion. If the second strap portion distal end is secured to the back portion of the portable article carrier, it can become a support loop portion and may be used to secure the portable article carrier to an external support strap, for example, a waist belt. The second strap portion distal end can be permanently secured, for example, by sewing, adhesive-bonding, or heat-bonding. Alternatively the second strap portion distal end can be removably secured by a complementary closure, for example, a button, a snap fastener, a magnetic closure, or a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows the portable article carrier worn on the belt of a wearer. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A-2B  each show a member of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1  in a front perspective view. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1  in a rear perspective view with the closure flap open. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1  in a front perspective view with the closure flap open. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1  with an alternative closure flap finishing and attachment mechanism. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  shows the portable article carrier, in a front perspective view, including a support ring and an alternative treatment of the support loop portion. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  in a rear perspective view with the closure flap open. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  shows the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  in a front perspective view with the closure flap open. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  shows a rear perspective view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  with an alternative closure flap finishing and attachment mechanism. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  attached to a hanging strap. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  suspended from a hanging rope. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  shows in rear perspective view the portable article carrier of  FIG. 9  attached to a support strap such as a belt. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 18A-18C  show, in rear perspective views, a sequence of steps for securing the portable article carrier to an external support strap. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  shows a front view of the portable article carrier attached to a strap as in  FIGS. 18A-18C  shown worn by a wearer. 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  shows removal of an article from the portable article carrier. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 21A-21J  show a sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIGS. 22A-22D  show a sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1  where the loop member is formed as a continuous closed loop. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 23A-23E  show an alternate sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  shows a side view of the portable article carrier with an open case. 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  shows a side view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 24  with an alternate support loop portion. 
           [0033]      FIG. 26  shows a side view of the portable article carrier without a closure flap, and with an alternate support loop portion. 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  shows a side view of a portable article carrier where the second strap portion is removably secured to itself forming the support loop portion. 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  shows a side view of a portable article carrier where the first strap portion can act as a closure flap or form part of the support loop portion. 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  shows a back perspective view of the portable article carrier of  FIG. 28 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Certain relative terms are used to aid in understanding the figures. Referring to an element as “first” or “second” is meant to distinguish elements of similar function or structure. It is not meant to limit the meaning or the scope of the claims. 
         [0039]    The following description is made with reference to figures, where like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views.  FIG. 1  shows a portable article carrier  10  worn by a wearer  12 . The portable article carrier  10  is shown securing and holding a portable article  14 . The portable article carrier  10  is secured to a waist belt  16  of the wearer  12 . 
         [0040]    The portable article carrier  10  includes a strap member  18  shown in  FIG. 2A , and a loop member  20 , shown in  FIG. 2B . Referring to  FIG. 2A , the strap member  18  includes a first fold  22 , one side of the fold defining a first strap portion  24  and the other side of the fold defining a second strap portion  26 . The strap member  18  can further include a support loop portion  28  formed by a second fold  30  located proximate to the second strap portion distal end  32 . As defined in this disclosure, the second strap portion distal end  32  refers to an end portion, section, or region of the second strap portion  26  distal from the first fold  22  ending at the terminus of the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 2A , the strap member  18  can be formed from flexible material suitable for constructing support straps, for example, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, hemp, or leather. The strap member  18  can also be made out of flexible webbing material. These examples are not meant to limit the claimed invention, but are provided as examples of suitable materials. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize other equivalent materials or combination of materials of suitable strength, shape, and flexibility. In  FIG. 2B , the loop member  20  can be either a continuous loop or can be a flat length of material with its ends brought in proximity to form a loop. The loop member  20  may be made from a flexible material; for example, woven nylon, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, hemp, or leather. The loop member  20  can be made out of an elastic material of suitable strength for carrying and holding the portable article  14  of  FIG. 1 ; for example, polyester elastic fabric, or ranger band material. In  FIG. 2B , the loop member  20  can also be made of a rigid material, for example, a molded plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), non-woven nylon, or polypropylene. The loop member  20  can be separate from the strap member  18  of  FIG. 2A , in that it starts out as an independent element. This allows the loop member  20  to be made of either the same material or a different material than the strap member  18  of  FIG. 2A . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows the portable article carrier  10  in a front perspective view.  FIG. 4  shows the portable article carrier  10  in a rear perspective view.  FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  extend downward from the first fold  22  and are looped back upward, forming the front and back of the portable article carrier  10 . The first strap portion  24  forms the inside body of the portable article carrier  10 . Opposing side portions of the loop member  20  are permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows a loop side portion  34  of the loop member  20  permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . An opposing loop side portion  36  of the loop member  20  is permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  on the back of the portable article carrier  10 . The loop side portion  34  and the opposing loop side portion  36  can be permanently secured at their respective positions between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  by sewing, adhesives, or heat bonding. In  FIGS. 3-4 , sewing is indicated by stitching lines  38 . The stitching lines  38  are for the purpose of illustration and should not be interpreted as favoring a particular stitching pattern; those skilled in the art will readily recognize appropriate stitching patterns. 
         [0044]    Referring again to  FIGS. 3-5 , a first strap portion distal end  42  can be configured as a closure flap  40 . As defined in this disclosure, the first strap portion distal end  42  refers to an end portion, section, or region of the first strap portion  24  distal from the first fold  22  ending at the terminus of the first strap portion  24 . 
         [0045]    The first strap portion distal end  42  can include outward finishing folds as illustrated, can include one or more inward finishing folds, or can be finished without folding. The closure flap  40  can be finished, for example, by sewing, adhesives, or heat-bonding. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize other methods of end finishing appropriate to the closure flap  40 . In  FIGS. 3-4 , the finishing folds of the closure flap  40  are secured by sewing and this is represented by stitching lines  38 . The stitching lines  38  are for the purpose of illustration, as previously discussed, and should not be interpreted as favoring a particular stitching pattern. 
         [0046]    The closure flap  40  can be secured to the second strap portion  26  by a complementary closure, complementary apparel fastener, or textile closure, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener (often sold under the brand name Velcro), a magnetic closure, a snap fastener, a buckle, or a slot and latch closure. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the closure flap  40  is secured by a hook-and-loop fastening system. The loop component  44  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is permanently secured to the inward-facing surface of the closure flap  40 . The hook component  46  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is permanently secured to the outward-facing surface of the second strap portion  26 . The arrangement of the hook-and-loop fastening components can be reversed. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the support loop portion  28  is shown permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  with the end of the support loop portion  28 , which is the second strap portion distal end  32 , positioned proximate to the top of the loop member  20 . The support loop portion  28  can be permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 , for example, by sewing, adhesives, or heat bonding. In  FIGS. 3-4 , the support loop portion  28  is shown permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  by sewing, indicated by stitching lines  38 . The stitching lines  38  are for the purpose of illustration and should not be interpreted as favoring particular stitching lines or patterns; those skilled in the art will readily recognize any number of suitable stitching patterns. Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the front portion of the portable article carrier  10  is defined by a first region of the second strap portion  26  that is proximal to the first fold  22 . The back portion of the portable article carrier  10  is defined by a second region of the second strap portion  26  that is proximal to the opposing loop side portion  36 . In the arrangement described, the first strap portion  24  creates a continuous seamless interior contour from the front portion of the portable article carrier  10  to the back portion of the portable article carrier  10 . This continuous interior contour can prevent the portable article  14  of  FIG. 1  from being scratched or damaged. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  shows the portable article carrier  10  in a front perspective view with the closure flap  40  open. The portable article  14  is shown resting within the portable article carrier  10 . The portable article carrier  10  is shown supported by an external support strap  48 ; for example, the waist belt  16  of  FIG. 1 . The loop component  44  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is shown secured to the inward-facing surface of the closure flap  40 . The hook component  46  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is shown secured to the outward-facing surface of the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  shows the portable article carrier  10  with an alternative finishing and attachment mechanism of the closure flap  40 .  FIG. 8  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 7 . Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , the closure flap  40  includes a snap fastener  50 , also referred to in the art as a press stud, as an attachment mechanism. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the first strap portion distal end  42  is shown as finished without folding. 
         [0050]    It may be desirable to have alternate attachment options for the portable article carrier  10 .  FIGS. 9-12  show the portable article carrier  10 , including a support ring  52  and an alternative treatment of the support loop portion  28 . The support ring  52  illustrated is a D-ring, but other suitable shapes and types are possible. For example, the support ring  52  can be a ladder lock, bar slide, standard loop ring, tri-ring, or  0 -shaped ring. The support loop portion  28  is configured further down on the body of the portable article carrier  10  as compared to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 9  shows the portable article carrier  10  in a front perspective view, including a support ring  52  and an alternative treatment of the support loop portion  28 .  FIG. 10  shows the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9  in a rear perspective view with the closure flap  40  open.  FIG. 11  shows the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9  in a front perspective view with the closure flap  40  open.  FIG. 12  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , and as previously described, the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  extend downward from the first fold  22  and are looped back upward, forming the front and back of the portable article carrier  10 . The first strap portion  24  forms the inside body of the portable article carrier  10 . Opposing side portions of the loop member  20  are permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 3-5 , the support loop portion  28  is shown permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  with the end of the support loop portion  28 , which is the second strap portion distal end  32 , positioned proximate to, or optionally abutting, the top of the loop member  20 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , the support loop portion  28  is shown permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  with the end of the support loop portion  28 , which is the second strap portion distal end  32 , positioned below the bottom of the loop member  20 . The opposing loop side portion  36  of the loop member  20  is permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  on the back of the portable article carrier  10 . In  FIG. 5  the portion of the second strap portion  26  permanently secured to the opposing loop side portion  36  is between the first fold  22  and the second fold  30 . In  FIG. 12 , an inward folded section  54  of the second strap portion  26  is located between the second fold  30  and the second strap portion distal end  32 . The portion of the second strap portion  26  permanently secured to the opposing loop side portion  36  is the inward folded section  54 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 12 , the inward folded section  54  of the second strap portion  26  is shown permanently secured to the outer portion of the support loop portion  28  at point above the top of the loop member  20  and at a point below the bottom of loop member  20 . This arrangement defines a cavity for receiving the support ring  52  under or alternatively near to the second fold  30 , and a cavity for receiving an external support strap, a waist belt, or the like, between the two points of securing. The permanent securing can be accomplished by methods previous disclosed. In  FIG. 10 , the permanent securing is accomplished by stitching  38 . As previously described, the stitching pattern is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate stitching patterns. 
         [0053]      FIG. 13  shows a rear perspective view of the portable article carrier  10  with an alternative finishing and attachment mechanism of the closure flap  40  and an alternative configuration of the support loop portion  28 .  FIG. 14  shows a sectional view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 13 . Referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  extend downward from the first fold  22  and are looped back upward, forming the front and back of the portable article carrier  10 . The first strap portion  24  forms the inside body of the portable article carrier  10 . Opposing side portions of the loop member  20  are permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 14  shows the loop side portion  34  of the loop member  20  permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . The opposing loop side portion  36  of the loop member  20  is permanently secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  on the back of the portable article carrier  10 . The loop side portion  34  and the opposing loop side portion  36  can be permanently secured at their respective positions between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  by sewing, adhesives, or heat bonding. 
         [0055]    The first strap portion distal end  42  of the first strap portion  24  is shown in  FIGS. 13-14  with inward finishing folds. The closure flap  40  can be finished, for example, by sewing, adhesives, or heat-bonding. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize other methods of end finishing appropriate the closure flap  40 . The closure flap  40  is secured by a magnetic latch. Referring to  FIG. 14 , the magnetic latch illustrated includes a first magnet  56  secured within the inward finishing folds of the closure flap  40  and a second magnet  58  secured between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  in proximate alignment with the first magnet  56 . Alternatively, the magnetic latch can use a single magnet and a portion of ferromagnetic material such as steel or iron. 
         [0056]      FIG. 14  shows a support loop portion  28  with an outward folded section  60  defined by a portion of the second strap portion  26  between the second strap portion distal end  32  and the second fold  30 . The outward folded section  60  is permanently secured to a section of the second strap portion  26  at a point above where the second strap portion  26  is permanently secured to loop member  20 , defining a hollow cavity between the point of securing and the second fold  30 , the hollow cavity adapted to receive the support ring  52 . The outward folded section  60  is permanently secured to a section of the second strap portion  26  at a point above the top of the loop member  20  and at a point below the bottom of the loop member  20 . The area between the two points of securing defines a cavity for receiving an external support, for example, the external support strap  48  of  FIG. 6 . The support loop portion  28  can be permanently secured by the methods previously described. In  FIG. 13 , the support loop portion  28  is permanently secured by sewing, indicated by stitching lines  38 . The stitching lines  38  are for the purpose of illustration and should not be interpreted as favoring a particular stitching pattern; those skilled in the art will readily recognize other appropriate stitching patterns. It should also be noted that the support loop portion  28  can be removably fastened instead of permanently secured, for example, by a complementary closure. 
         [0057]    Using the support ring  52  described in  FIGS. 9-14 , it is possible to attach the portable article carrier  10  using a variety of support structures.  FIG. 15  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9  attached to a hanging strap  62 . The hanging strap  62  is attached to the support ring  52 . The hanging strap  62  can be, for example, attached to a purse, hand bag, luggage, belt, or backpack. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 15-17  show several methods of attaching and securing the portable article carrier  10  to an external object such as the hanging strap  62  of  FIG. 15 , a hanging rope  64  of  FIG. 16 , or the external support strap  48  in  FIG. 17 . Utilizing the support ring  52  of  FIGS. 15-17 , the portable article carrier  10  can be attached to a purse, handbag, backpack, or other object utilizing a hook or clip connected to the support ring  52 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 16  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9  attached to the hanging rope  64 , or lanyard, or carabineer and rope combination, with the hanging rope  64  connected to the support ring  52 .  FIG. 17  shows, in rear perspective view, the portable article carrier  10  attached to the external support strap  48 , such as the waist belt  16  of  FIG. 1 . The portable article carrier  10  can be attached to the external support strap  48  by slipping the external support strap  48  behind the support loop portion  28 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 18A-18C  show, in several rear perspective views, a sequence to removably secure the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 9  to the external support strap  48  of  FIGS. 18B-18C , parallel with respect to the top-to-bottom axis of to the portable article carrier  10 .  FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate the portable article carrier  10  with an accessory loop strap  66  inserted in to an opening behind the support loop portion  28 . The accessory loop strap  66  is illustrated including a hook-and-loop fastening system. The loop component  44  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is permanently secured proximate to an end of the accessory loop strap  66 . The hook component  46  of the hook-and-loop fastening system is permanently secured to the opposing end and the opposing side of the accessory loop strap  66 .  FIG. 18B  shows the external support strap  48  aligned over the back of the portable article carrier  10 . In  FIG. 18C , the accessory loop strap  66  is shown in a closed position, with the hook-and-loop fasteners engaged, securing the portable article carrier  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 19  shows a front view of the portable article carrier  10 , show worn by the wearer  12 , and attached to the external support strap  48  as in  FIGS. 18A-18C . In  FIG. 19 , the portable article carrier  10  is shown carrying a portable article  14 .  FIG. 20  shows removal of the portable article  14  from the portable article carrier  10  while the portable article carrier  10  is attached to the external support strap  48 .  FIG. 20  illustrates, with the closure flap  40  open, the wearer&#39;s hand  68  pushes up the portable article  14  from the bottom from within the portable article carrier  10 . Alternatively, the portable article  14  can be grasped from the top. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 21A-21J  show a sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . These steps are shown to illustrate a typical assembly process of one of the portable article carriers disclosed; it is not meant to limit a claimed method or process to the described sequence of steps. In  FIG. 21A , the loop member  20  is inserted between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . The loop member  20  is shown as separate from the strap member  18 , in that it starts out as an independent element. In  FIG. 21B , the loop member  20  is permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . This can be accomplished, for example, by sewing, adhesive, or heat-bonding, as previously described. The second fold  30  is shown as an inward fold. This is for illustrative purposes. The second fold  30  can also be outwardly folded, as previously described. In  FIG. 21C , the loop member  20  is folded into the shape of a loop, ring, or band. The loop member  20  having a loop side portion  34  positioned between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . The loop member  20  includes an opposing loop side portion  36 . In  FIGS. 21C-21E , for ease of assembly, the abutted ends of the loop member  20  can be joined using tape  72 , for example, bias tape, hemming tape, or fusible tape. In  FIG. 21C , the closure flap  40  is show folded for finishing. In  FIG. 21D , the closure flap  40  is folded again and permanently joined. In  FIGS. 21F-21G , the first strap portion  24  is looped through the interior of loop member  20 . In  FIGS. 21H-21I , the second strap portion  26  is brought together with the assembly that includes the loop member  20 , the first strap portion  24  and second strap portion  26  permanently secured near the first fold  22 . In  FIG. 21J , the opposing loop side portion  36  is permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . The second strap portion distal end  32  is shown abutting the top edge of the loop member  20 . The second strap portion distal end  32  is positioned between and permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 22A-22D  show a sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier  10  shown in  FIG. 1  where the loop member  20  is formed as a continuous closed loop. In  FIG. 22A , the loop member  20  is shown as separate from the strap member  18 , in that it starts out as an independent element. In  FIGS. 22A-22D , the loop member  20  is a continuous band. In  FIGS. 22A-22B , the loop member  20  is moved into position between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . In  FIGS. 22C-22D , the first strap portion  24  is looped through the loop member  20  as illustrated. The remainder of the assembly process can proceed as described in  FIGS. 21H-21J . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 23A-23E  show an alternate sequence of steps for assembling the portable article carrier  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 23A , the loop member  20  is shown laid over the strap member  18  forming a cross shape. In  FIG. 23B  the first strap portion  24  and second strap portion  26  are defined by the first fold  22 . The first strap portion  24  is folded over the cross shape combination of the loop member  20  and second strap portion  26 . The second strap portion distal end  32  is positioned between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  and abuts the top edge of the loop member  20 . The second strap portion distal end  32  can be permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  in this step. In  FIG. 23C , the first fold  22  is positioned approximately even with the top of the loop member  20 . In  FIG. 23D , the loop member  20  is positioned between the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  proximate to the first fold  22 . In  FIG. 23E , the loop member  20  is permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26 . Examples of various methods of permanently securing have been described previously in this disclosure. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 24-26  show side views of alternate configurations of the portable article carrier  10  without a cover flap.  FIG. 24  shows the portable article carrier  10  with the second strap portion  26  securable to the first strap portion  24  at a position between the first strap portion distal end  42  and where the first strap portion  24  meets the top of the loop member  20 . This forms the support loop portion  28  previously described. The second strap portion  26  can be permanently secured, as previously described, to the first strap portion  24  between the first strap portion distal end  42  and the top of the loop member  20 . Alternatively, it can be removably secured using a complementary closure, for example, a button snap, a button and buttonhole combination, a hook-and-loop fastening system, or a magnetic latch. 
         [0066]      FIG. 25  shows the portable article carrier  10  with an alternate closure for the support loop portion  28 . In  FIG. 25 , the first strap portion distal end  42  is secured to the second strap portion  26  proximate to the second strap portion distal end  32  forming the support loop portion  28 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 26  shows the portable article carrier  10  with the first strap portion distal end  42  positioned between and permanently secured to the first strap portion  24  and the second strap portion  26  forming the support loop portion  28 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 27  shows a side view of the portable article carrier  10  where the second strap portion  26  is removably secured to itself forming the support loop portion  28 . In  FIG. 27 , the second strap portion distal end  32  is removably secured to the second strap portion  26  proximate to the loop member  20  by a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism. The loop component  44  of the hook-and-loop fastening mechanism is shown positioned on, and permanently secured to, the second strap portion distal end  32 . The hook component  46  of the hook-and-loop fastening mechanism is shown positioned on, and permanently secured to, the second strap portion  26  proximate to the loop member  20 . The positions of the loop component  44  and the hook component  46  can be reversed. In that instance, the hook component  46  would be permanently secured proximate to the second strap portion distal end  32 . While a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism has been shown, other complementary closures can be used, such as a snap fastener, or a button and buttonhole combination. 
         [0069]      FIG. 28  shows a side view of a portable article carrier  10  where the closure flap  40  is removably attachable to the front portion and the back portion of the portable article carrier. This allows the closure flap  40  of the first strap portion  24  to act as a cover flap or form part of a support loop portion  28 .  FIG. 29  shows a front perspective view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 30  shows a back perspective view of the portable article carrier  10  of  FIG. 29 . Referring to  FIGS. 28-29 , a first button  74  is permanently secured to the second strap portion  26 . The first button  74  is positioned on the front of the portable article carrier  10  near the first fold  22 . Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 30 , a second button  76  is permanently secured to the second strap portion  26  on the back of the portable article carrier  10  proximate to the loop member  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 29-30 , a buttonhole  78 , positioned on the closure flap  40 , can engage and secure either the first button  74  of  FIG. 29  or the second button  76  of  FIG. 30 . This allows the possibility of a portable article carrier  10  where the closure flap  40  can be used as a support loop portion. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 28-30  show a portable article carrier  10  with a button closure where the closure flap  40  can also be used as a support loop portion. Other complementary closures, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, or a button snap, can be substituted for the button fastener.  FIGS. 28-30  show a portable article carrier where the closure flap  40  is removably securable to the front portion of the portable article carrier  10  and removably securable to the back portion of the portable article carrier. Referring to  FIG. 27 , it is also possible to adapt the support loop portion  28  so that the second strap portion distal end  32  is removably securable to the front portion of the portable article carrier and removably securable to the back portion of the portable article carrier. This can be accomplished by permanently attaching a complementary closure to both sides of the second strap portion distal end  32  and to the front portion of the portable article carrier in a similar manner as described for  FIG. 28  for securing the closure flap  40 . 
         [0071]    A portable article carrier  10 , in several aspects and embodiments, has been described. It is not the intent of this disclosure to limit the claimed invention to the aspects, examples, variations, and embodiments described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations will occur when embodying the claimed invention in specific implementations and environments. For example, it is possible to implement certain features described in separate embodiments in combination within a single embodiment. Similarly, it is possible to implement certain features described in single embodiments either separately or in combination in multiple embodiments. It is the intent of the inventor that these variations fall within the scope of the claimed invention. While the examples, exemplary embodiments, and variations are helpful to those skilled in the art in understanding the claimed invention, it should be understood that the scope of the claimed invention is defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents.