Patent Publication Number: US-11044986-B2

Title: Tethered chest pouch assembly

Description:
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/915,119, filed Oct. 15, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/011,626, filed Apr. 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of bags and luggage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a body-worn carrier for personal electronic devices. 
     Mobile telephones and other personal electronic devices, such as tablet computers, digital cameras, and so forth, have proliferated. In the case of mobile telephones, their popularity is due, at least in part, to their versatile communication and computing capabilities, as well as their ability to perform multiple additional functions, such as GPS navigation and photography. Usefulness of such devices can be limited in some circumstances by their being prone to damage by being dropped or impacted by objects or by being exposed to dust, water, and other environmental hazards. 
     There is therefore a need for improved carriers for mobile telephones and other personal electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a tethered chest pouch assembly for carrying a personal electronic device. In accordance with an embodiment, a pouch has a closable opening configured to receive a personal electronic device. A base panel is configured to be worn by a user in or around the user&#39;s chest area. One or more releasable fasteners are configured for releasably fastening the pouch to the base panel. One or more tethers are configured for attachment to the base panel and to the pouch. The pouch may be postionable with respect to the panel in at least: a closed position in which the pouch is releasably fastened by the releasable fasteners substantially flat against the panel; an open position in which a top of the pouch is rotated outwardly from the panel while the pouch remains attached to the panel near a lower edge of the pouch; and a tethered position in which the pouch is tethered to the panel. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, a tethered chest pouch assembly for carrying a personal electronic device comprises a pouch having a closable opening configured to receive a personal electronic device. The assembly additionally comprises a base panel configured to be worn by a user in or around the user&#39;s chest area. The pouch is postionable with respect to the panel in at least: a closed position in which the pouch is releasably fastened substantially flat against the panel; an open position in which a top of the pouch is rotated outwardly from the panel while the pouch remains attached to the panel near a lower edge of the pouch; and a tethered position in which the pouch is tethered to the panel. One or more releasable fasteners may be provided for releasably fastening the pouch to the base panel. And, one or more tethers may be configured for tethered attachment of the pouch to the base panel. 
     These and other embodiments are described in more detail herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described with respect to particular exemplary embodiments thereof and reference is accordingly made to the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate a front (outwardly facing) side of a pouch for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back (inwardly facing) side of the pouch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front (outwardly facing) side of a chest-worn panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a back (inwardly facing) side of the chest-worn panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-E  illustrate examples of strap clasps in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a back (inwardly facing) side of pouch for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a front (outwardly facing) side of a chest-worn panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a back (inwardly facing) side of the chest-worn panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a harness in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a pouch and panel in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a pouch and panel in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a pouch in a tethered position with respect to a panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a garment with a panel incorporated into the garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a pouch for carrying a personal electronic device, such as mobile telephone, tablet computer or camera. The pouch is coupled to a base panel that is configured to be worn at the front of the body of a user, for example, on the chest area of the user. The panel can be secured to the user, for example, by a harness or by the panel being incorporated into a garment worn by the user. The pouch can preferably be positioned with respect to the panel in at least three different positions: (1) a first (“closed”) position in which the pouch is fastened substantially flat against the panel; (2) a second (“open”) position in which the top of the pouch is rotated outwardly from the panel while the pouch remains attached to the panel near a lower edge of the pouch; and (3) a third (“tethered”) position in which the pouch is tethered to the panel. 
     In the first position (i.e. the “closed” position), the pouch is secured against the panel such that the user can engage in activities without the electronic device interfering with the activities and without the user needing to hold, support or otherwise handle the electronic device. If the device is a camera or incorporates a camera, the camera can be activated to take one or more still photographs or to capture one or more video clips, e.g., in a “hands-free” manner while the person engages in activities. 
     In the second position (i.e. the “open” position), the pouch is rotated downward while still being attached near a lower edge of the pouch. In this position, the user can view and interact with a touch display screen and other interface components of the electronic device. For example, the user can read text or email messages on the display screen of the electronic device and type responses on a keypad or touch screen of the electronic device. Or, the person can place and receive telephone calls using a speakerphone functionality of the device or using earphones. 
     In the third (“tethered”) position, the pouch is tethered to the panel by one or more tethers. The tethers can be, for example, flexible straps. In this configuration, the user can hold and move the electronic device with respect to the panel while the electronic device remains in the pouch. For example, the user can bring the electronic device to the user&#39;s face, for example, to use the viewfinder of a camera or to frame a photo on a display screen. As another example, if the electronic device is a mobile phone, the user can bring the device to the user&#39;s ear in order to engage in a telephone conversation without using the speakerphone functionality. Or, the user can hold the electronic device away from the user&#39;s body in order to more comfortably type or otherwise interact with the device. Importantly, in this third position, the pouch containing the electronic device remains tethered to the panel so that if the user drops the pouch containing the electronic device, the device will not drop to the ground but will instead remain suspended by the tether. This is especially useful in situations where a dropped device could become lost, broken or difficult to retrieve, such as when the user is riding in a boat, riding a ski chairlift, using a wheelchair, engaging in rock climbing, standing in a crowd of people, and so forth. 
     In a fourth configuration, the pouch can be completely decoupled from the panel, for example, by disconnecting the tethers from the pouch. The pouch can then be reattached to the tethers as desired. 
     In all four configurations, the electronic device can remain in, and therefore be protected by, the pouch. The pouch can include a front (outwardly facing) side that includes a camera lens opening. Thus, the electronic device can capture photographic images or video while still in the pouch. The pouch can include a back (inwardly facing) side that includes a transparent flexible film. Thus, the user can interact with a touch display screen of the electronic device through the transparent film. In addition to accommodating the electronic device, the pouch can be configured to hold small items such as car keys, lip balm, credit and ID cards and cash, and electronic device accessories, such as ear phones, charging cords and spare memory cards. 
     In an embodiment, the pouch has two chambers, one in front of the other. A first chamber closest to the user&#39;s body can be configured to accommodate an electronic device such as a smartphone or other electronic device and can be equipped with a transparent flexible film for allowing user to manipulate a touch screen of the device. A second chamber can be configured with a space configured to accommodate items such as a passport and cash bills. This second chamber is also equipped with slots for accommodating a plurality, e.g., four, standard plastic cards (e.g., credit or ID cards). In an embodiment, the panel can be equipped with one or more slots or chambers for carrying items. 
     The pouch is preferably constructed of a flexible and sturdy fabric, such as nylon fabric, spandex or canvas. In an embodiment, a padded layer, e.g., a closed cell foam or foamed neoprene, is also provided adjacent to the fabric. The panel can be constructed of the same or similar materials, and also preferably includes a rigid or semi-rigid panel which aids the panel maintaining a substantially flat shape. The panel can be, for example, slightly taller than a common smartphone and slightly wider than a passport. The panel can be equipped with four (a pair in each horizontal direction) of straps with clasps on each side configured to removably attach to harness webbing. Alternatively, or additionally, the panel can be equipped with one or more loops, e.g., at the top and bottom, to attach to sternum straps on backpacks that are not adjustable, or backpacks that only have one sternum strap, by passing the sternum straps of the backpack through the one or more loops. 
       FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate a front (outwardly facing) side of a pouch  100  for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A flap  102  can be positioned raised or lowered.  FIG. 1A  shows the flap in the raised (or closed) position, while  FIG. 1B  shows the flap in the lowered position. In either the raised or the lowered position, the flap can be held in that position by a hook and loop fastener. More particularly, a first portion of a hook and loop fastener  104  can be attached to a first side of the flap  102  while a second portion of the hook and loop fastener  104  can be attached to the front of the pouch  100 . Similarly, a first portion of hook and loop fastener  106  can be attached to a first side of the flap  102  while a second portion of the hook and loop fastener  106  can be attached to the front of the pouch  100 . The in the lowered position, the flap  102  exposes an opening  108  which can be aligned with a camera lens of the electronic device. In the raised position, the flap  102  covers the opening  108  thereby protecting the camera lens of the electronic device. It will be apparent that the opening  108  can be covered with a transparent film or lens, in which case, the flap  102  can be omitted. 
     A horizontal fastener  110  such as zipper can be provided along a top edge of the pouch  100  through which an electronic device can be inserted in a first chamber of the pouch  100 . A second horizontal fastener  112 , such as a zipper, can be provided along a top edge of a second chamber through which other items, such as a passport and plastic cards, can be inserted into the second chamber. One or more detachable fasteners are also provided near one or more top corners of the pouch  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-B , a base  114  of a snap button can be positioned in one upper corner of the pouch  100 . It will be apparent that zippers and snap buttons, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-B , as well as other fasteners illustrated and described throughout this document and drawings, are exemplary of various types of releasable fasteners that can be employed in connection with the present invention. Other possible releasable fasteners include, but are not limited to: plastic snap zippers such as are used in ZIPLOC brand and other plastic re-sealable bags; two-part snap buttons, button and eye fasteners, magnets or hook and loop fasteners. 
     Therefore, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-B , there are two chambers, each assessable by a horizontal fastener  110  and  112 , respectively. The front chamber can be configured with the dimensions that accommodate a passport, while the rear chamber can be configured with the dimensions that accommodate a smartphone. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a back (inwardly facing) side of the pouch  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates the user-facing side of the pouch, which is the reverse of the side shown in  FIGS. 1A-B . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a tactile, transparent plastic film  116  is provided to allow a user to interface with a touch screen of the electronic device. A hook and loop fastener  118  is attached near the middle of a bottom edge of the pouch  100 . The hook and loop fastener  118  can alternatively extend substantially the entire width of the pouch  100 . Also, buttons, for example, could be used as a substitute for the hook and loop fastener  118 . Snap button fasteners  120  are provided near each of two upper corners of the pouch  100 . These fasteners  120  attach to buttons of the ends of long tethers  122  ( FIG. 3 ). A fastener  124 , e.g., a hook and loop fastener material, is attached near a top center of the pouch  100  and is provided to attach and detach to a top portion of the  200  ( FIG. 3 ).  FIG. 6  additionally shows the horizontal fastener  124 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front (outwardly facing) side of a chest-worn panel  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The panel  200  serves as a base for the pouch  100 . The panel  200  can be, for example, made of neoprene, leather, cloth, or some other material. One or more tethers  122  are, at or near one end, preferably permanently affixed to the panel  200 . These tethers  122  are preferably longer than a longest dimension of the panel  200 , itself. A releasable fastener  202 , such as a button or hook and loop fastener, is attached to each tether  122  at or near an end of each tether  122  opposite to the end that is permanently affixed to the panel  200 . These fasteners  202  are attachable to the fasteners  120  located near top corners of the user-facing side of the pouch  100  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     A fastener  204 , e.g., a hook and loop fastener, is attached near a lower edge of the panel  200 . The fastener  204  can be removably attached to pouch  100  by fastener  118  ( FIG. 2 ). The fasteners  118  and  204  function as a hinge that allows the pouch  100  to pivot downward while still being attached to the panel  200 . A fastener  206 , such as a hook and loop fastener, is affixed to the panel  200  near the top of the panel. This fastener  206  can be removably attached to fastener  124  ( FIG. 2 ). The fasteners  118  and  204  function to hold the pouch  100  against the panel  200 . However, the user can release the fasteners  118  and  204  so that the pouch  100  can pivot downward while still attached by fasteners  118  and  204 . 
     One or more tethers  208  are, at or near one end, preferably permanently affixed to the panel  200 . The tether  208  (also referred to as “short” tether) can be substantially shorter than the tethers  122  (also referred to as “long” tethers). A releasable fastener  210 , such as a button or hook and loop fastener, is attached to the tether  208  at or near an end of the tether  208  opposite to the end that is permanently affixed to the panel  200 . This fastener  210  is attachable to the fastener base  114  located near top corner (s 0  of the outward-facing side of the pouch  100  ( FIGS. 1A-B ). The tether  208  can be used to maintain the pouch  100  in its pivoted position when the fasteners  118  and  204  are released. In this position, the user can access a display screen on the electronic device through the transparent film  116  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Thus, the panel  200  can be tethered to the pouch  100  using two different lengths of tethers having different purposes. First, affixed near the top of the panel is an (approximately) three to four inch long tether  208  that removably attaches to an upper portion of the pouch  100 , preferably on the front facing side of the pouch  100 . Second, affixed to the panel  200  are one or more (approximately) eight to ten inch long tethers  122  that are removably attached to the pouch  100 . The short tether  208  is configured to allow the user to release the top of the pouch  100  from the panel  200  so that the top of the pouch  100  moves away from the panel  200  by a few inches while the bottom of the pouch  100  remains attached to the panel. This allows the user to view and interact with a user interface of the electronic device. When the short tether  208  is released and the lower portion of the pouch  100  is released from the panel  200 , the pouch  100  can remain tethered to the panel  200  by the long tethers  122 . In this configuration, the user has additional freedom to move the pouch  100  with respect to the panel  200 . For example, the user can lift the pouch  100  away from the panel, for example, to reach the user&#39;s face to talk on the phone or to frame photographs. 
     While the tethers  122  and  208  are preferably permanently affixed to the panel  200  at one end and removably attached to the pouch  100  at their opposite ends, it will be apparent that either or both types of tethers  122  and  208  can be permanently affixed to the pouch  100  at one end and removably attached to the panel  200  at their opposite ends. It will also be apparent that either or both types of tethers  122  and  20  can be removably attached at both ends to the pouch  100  and the panel  200 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows a number of straps  212  which can be used to secure the panel  200  to a harness  1000  ( FIG. 10 ) which can be worn by the user. Each strap  212  can be secured to the panel by one or more sets of releasable fasteners  214 , such as snap buttons. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a back (inwardly facing) side of the chest-worn panel  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This side of the panel  200  can be placed in contact with the user&#39;s chest when in use. A loop  216  of material with open sides can be provided on this side of the panel  200  so that the panel  200  can hang onto sternum straps that already exist in certain backpacks. Such sternum straps can extend horizontally through openings  218  on the sides of the loop  216 . The loop  216  and its openings  218  are therefore sufficiently large as to accommodate the sternum straps of a commercially-available backpack. 
       FIGS. 5A-E  illustrate examples of strap clasps in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. These strap clasps can be used, for example, on straps  212  ( FIG. 3 ). Most attach to vertical webbing. Some clasp onto edges in the front straps of a backpack to slide vertically. The utility is essentially equivalent such that any of these fasteners can be used in connection with the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a back (inwardly facing) side of pouch  300  for an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows rear side of the pouch  100 . The pouch  100  of  FIG. 6  differs from that of  FIG. 2  in that the transparent film  116  includes a projecting part  302  at the bottom of the film  116 . This part  302  can be used where the electronic device has a user input, e.g., a “home” button near the bottom of its display screen. The pouch  300  of  FIG. 6  also differs from that of  FIG. 2  in that the lower central part of the back of the pouch  300  is configured with, e.g. two, removable fasteners which can be in the form of snap button fasteners  304  and  306 . These fasteners  304 ,  306  can engage with corresponding fasteners on the panel  200 . The fasteners  304  and  306  can be expected to attach to the panel  200  with greater tension than is the case of hook and loop fasteners, allowing the top to easily detach from the panel  200  ( FIG. 2 ) but preventing the bottom from inadvertently being detached. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a front (outwardly facing) side of a chest-worn panel  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A removable fastener  402  in the form of hook and loop fastener is located at an upper middle portion of the panel  400 . A long tether  404  is permanently attached near an upper right corner of the panel  400  with box stitching  406  in this embodiment. The tether  404  has a removable fastener  412  in the form of a button that can attach to a reciprocal fastener  416 . The tether  404  also has a removable fastener  414  in the form of a button at the bottom. A long tether  428  is also permanently attached near an upper left corner of the panel  400  with box stitching  430  in this embodiment. The tether  428  has a removable fastener  426  in the form of a button that can attach to a reciprocal fastener  422 . The tether  428  also has a removable fastener  424  in the form of a button at the bottom. In the bottom center of the front of the panel are two removable fasteners  418 , 4  in the form of buttons. Near the upper right corner of the panel  400 , a short tether  408  is preferably permanently attached. Near an oppose end of the tether  408  is a removable fastener  410  in the form of a button. 
     Each tether  404 ,  428  has a light-tension fastener  412 ,  426  that is configured to attach to a respective fastener  416 ,  422  bottom corner of the panel  400  for the purposes of preventing the tether from hanging out in unsightly way. At the end of each tether  404 ,  428  is a strong-tension fastener  414 ,  424 , configured to attach to a respective upper corner of the pouch  100 . In the lower central parts of the front of the panel  400  are two light-tension fasteners  418 ,  420 . These fasteners  418 ,  420 , are used in conjunction with the short tether  410  to allow the pouch  100  to pivot forward with respect to the panel  400 . 
     In an embodiment, tension of the fasteners takes into consideration the expected weight of the pouch  100  containing a typical electronic device. For example, a typical smartphone may weight approximately 8 ounces while the pouch  100  itself may weigh approximately 3 ounces. Therefore, the fasteners used for securing the long tethers  122 ,  428  should be able to withstand the force of dropping an 11 ounce weight from a height of equal to the length of the tethers  122 ,  428  (e.g., 8 inches) without releasing. However, the fasteners should not take significantly more force to disengage as this would result in the having difficulty releasing them when desired. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a back (inwardly facing) side of the chest-worn panel  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Pairs of removable fasteners  432  and  434 ,  436  and  438 ,  440  and  442 ,  444  and  4460  in the form of snap buttons a positioned in each of the four corners of the panel  400 . These fasteners are configured to removably attach to and detach from a sternum strap of a harness. A loop or tube  448  having a passage  450  with two open ends for a sternum strap that may exist on a backpack is positioned across the middle of the panel  400 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a harness  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The harness  500  is configured to position the panel  200  ( FIGS. 3-4 ) or panel  4000  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) in the chest area of a user. In an embodiment, the harness  500  comprises webbing or straps that are configured to pass over a user&#39;s shoulders, cross each other at the user&#39;s back and pass beneath the user&#39;s arms on each side. The webbing or straps are additionally configured to connect to each other at the front of the user. The webbing at the user&#39;s chest is compatible with clasps on removable sternum straps  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  that can be attached to the panel  200 ,  4000  with removable fasteners  510 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516  which can be snap buttons. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a pouch  100 ,  300  and panel  200 ,  400  in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pouch  100 ,  300  can also be attached to the panel  200 ,  400  by a short tether  208  with a removable fastener  210  ( FIG. 3 ).  FIG. 10  also shows details of the harness  500  and straps  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 . In this position, the user can view and interact with a touch display screen of the electronic device without having to hold or otherwise support the electronic device. For example, the user can read a phone hands free. Also, the user may type into the phone. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a pouch  100 ,  300  and panel  200 ,  400  in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  also shows details of the harness  500  and straps  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 . In this position, the electronic device is secured so that the user can engage in activities without having to hold or otherwise support the electronic device and without fear of dropping the electronic device. The electronic device can be activated to capture video, images or sound in this position. More particularly, the user can move the flap to its up or down positions to reveal or hide a camera lens of the electronic device. 
     If the user desires to view the display screen of the electronic device, the user can easily release the fasteners at the top of the pouch  100  which allows the pouch  100  to pivot downwardly to the open position as shown in  FIG. 10 . Additionally, once the device is in the open position, as in  FIG. 10 , the user can easily move the pouch  100  back to the closed position where the fasteners near the top of the pouch  100  will secure the pouch  100  in the closed position, as in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a pouch  100 ,  300  in a tethered position with respect to a panel  200 ,  400  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown on  FIG. 12 , the user holds the pouch  100  containing the electronic device. However, the pouch  100  remains attached to the panel  6 ,  800 , by tethers  804 ,  828 . This prevents the pouch  100  containing the electronic device from falling the ground in case the user happens to let go of the pouch  1 . To move the pouch  100  from the open position, as in  FIG. 10 , to the tethered position, as in  FIG. 12 , the user releases the fastener  210  ( FIG. 3 ) of the short tether  20  ( FIGS. 3 and 10 ) and releases the fasteners near the bottom of the pouch  100 . To move the pouch  100  from the tethered position, as in  FIG. 12 , to the open position, as in  FIG. 10 , the user reattaches the fasteners near the bottom of the pouch  100  and reattached the fastener  210  ( FIG. 3 ) of the short tether  20  ( FIGS. 3 and 20 ).  FIG. 12  also shows details of the harness  1000  and straps  1002 ,  1004 ,  1006 ,  1008 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a garment  600  with elements of a base panel  1401  incorporated into the garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A removable fastener  1406  in the form of hook and loop fastener is positioned at an upper middle portion of the panel  1401 . This fastener  1406  can engage with a corresponding fastener  124  ( FIG. 6 ) of the pouch  100 . A long tether  1404  is permanently attached in an upper right corner of the panel  1401  in an embodiment by box stitching  1408 . The tether  1404  has a removable fastener  1410  in the form of a snap button that can attach to a reciprocal fastener  1424  of the panel  1401 . The tether  1404  also has a removable fastener  1412  in the form of a snap button near an opposite end of the tether  1402 . A long tether  1402  is permanently attached in an upper left corner of the panel  1401  in an embodiment by box stitching  1418 . The tether  1404  has a removable fastener  1416  in the form of a snap button  1416  that can attach to a reciprocal fastener  1430  of the panel  1401 . The tether  1402  also has a removable fastener  1414  in the form of a button at near an opposite end of the tether  1402 . Two removable fasteners  1426 ,  1428 , in the form of buttons, are positioned near a lower center of the front of the panel  1401 . These fasteners  1426 ,  1428 , can engage with corresponding fasteners  304 ,  306  ( FIG. 6 ) of the pouch  100 . A short tether  1420  is attached near an upper right corner of the panel  1401 . This tether  1402  has a removable fastener  1422  in the form of a snap button near an opposite end of the tether  1402 . This fastener  1422  can engage with a corresponding fastener base  114  ( FIGS. 1A-B ) of the pouch  100 . The embodiment of the panel  1401  of  FIG. 13  preferably has all of the features and functionality of the panel  800  of  FIG. 7  incorporated directly into garment, i.e. an article of clothing, which in this case is a t-shirt. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.