Abstract:
The invention as presently conceived discloses a personal garment apparatus resembling a holster-like shoulder bag that is worn over a person&#39;s shoulder having a plurality of pouches and pockets to store and transport various articles. The presently defined preferred embodiment consists of: three front pockets for a cell phone, a palm pilot, a USB key, a MP3 player, money clip, etc.; another larger zipper pocket situated behind the flap pockets to hold flat items like a checkbook, a passport, tickets, etc.; an adjustable strap to customize the shoulder fit for most people; and, a set of attachment clips allowing the invention to be reversed for wear on either shoulder. Besides being a new fashion accessory, the invention&#39;s functionalities are intended to provide easier access and increased comfort when compared to similar items being carried on a belt, about the waist or in pockets.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/797,026, filed May 3, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a personal garment apparatus resembling a holster-like shoulder bag preferably worn over a person&#39;s shoulder and more particularly, to said garment having a plurality of pouches and pockets to store and transport various personal articles thus serving as an alternative to the belted waist pouch. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years people have taken to wearing a belted pouch around their waists in order to carry personal items, money, keys, cellular telephones and similar personal articles. This waist pouch article of clothing has come to be known as a “fanny pack.” The belted pouches are particularly popular with individuals such as joggers, bicycle riders, walkers and others who may not have on appropriate pants or skirts with pockets. These same problems also exist in some degree with other items such as MP3 players and similar electronic devices that are required to be carried on the person. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to design pouches that allow a user to conveniently carry personal items without adding excessive weight or bulk to the person. U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,527 in the name of Karenga discloses a strap pack carrier which can be worn as a sash. The strap pack carriers form a loop adapted to stably conform to the body of the wearer to provide easy access pouches up in front of the body. Counter weights can be mounted to help stabilize the carrier against unequal front to back loads of articles. Unfortunately, this prior art example may create excessive bulk near a user&#39;s waist, making it difficult for a user to move freely. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,618 in the name of Talayera discloses a universal carrier comprised of a pocket holding support and a harness for attachment to the body of a person carrying objects on the support. The support has an outwardly facing surface whereon various sized article holding pockets can be secured. A strap like extension extends from the support and is attached to a vertical strap on the harness. Article holding pockets are secured to the outwardly facing surface on the support, and at least one water bottle carrying pocket is secured to the vertical strap on the harness. The water bottle is attached at a proper level and has a flexible tube extending out from its mouth enabling a person engaged in an activity requiring the use of both hands to move his head so the end of the tube can enter his mouth permitting the person to get a drink without using his hands. Unfortunately, this prior art example is designed to carry excessive equipment associated with certain hobbies and does not provide any benefit to a user for everyday use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,661 in the name of Lazur describes a shoulder harness apparatus for carrying personal items on an upper body portion of a user. The shoulder harness apparatus includes a main harness member designed to be worn over the shoulders of a user, and a plurality of detachable holders and sleeves for carrying personal items. Unfortunately, this prior art example creates excessive strain on the shoulder and therefore can not be worn by users with shoulder or back problems. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,575 in the name of Bartholomew discloses a harness with detachable and interchangeable pouches comprised of two torso straps extending downwardly and outwardly from a central coupler assembly, two shoulder straps, and two belly straps. The harness is adjustable to fit nearly any body size. The pouches are attached to the harness with quick-releasing retaining clips and to each other by the belly straps. Each pouch includes front and rear panels that are formed using either a right-side template or a left-side template and is interchangeable with any other pouch designed using the same template. The interchangeability allows the wearer to install pouches that are best suited for a particular activity. Each pouch is designed such that, when worn, it hangs at an angle which causes its top to slant downwardly toward the middle of the wearer&#39;s torso, thereby increasing the accessibility of the pouch contents. Unfortunately, this prior art example may create excessive bulk near a user&#39;s waist, making it difficult for a user to move freely. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a user-supported multiple pouch device designed to be worn across the chest of a user. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which personal items and electronic devices can be more easily carried and accessed and used in a mobile environment that is fashion conscious. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an apparatus to carry personal items and electronic devices while allowing easy access and use in a mobile environment that is fashion conscious. 
     The invention as presently conceived discloses a personal garment apparatus resembling a holster-like shoulder bag that is worn over a person&#39;s shoulder having a plurality of pouches, pockets and compartments to store and transport various personal items. The presently defined preferred embodiment consists of: front pockets for a cell phone, a PDA, a USB key, a MP3 player, money clip, etc.; a larger zipper pocket situated behind the flap pockets to hold flat items like a checkbook, a passport, tickets, etc.; an adjustable strap to customize the shoulder fit for most people; and, a set of attachment clips allowing the invention to be reversed for wear on either shoulder. A zipper on one (1) side or both sides allows access to a secure inner compartment that is behind the front-facing pockets and accessible from either side. The configuration of the garment allows it to be worn and used equally by right-handers and left-handers. Besides being a new fashion accessory, the invention&#39;s functionalities are intended to provide easier access, increased comfort and also as a new version for the traditional belted pouch that is worn about the waist known as “fanny packs.” The use of the present apparatus allows ease of access to personal carry items for the active person in a manner that is efficient and stylish. 
     In particular, the present invention includes a carrying case for storing and transporting objects. Such a carrying case includes a zippered pocket. Such a pocket includes a storage chamber located along an internal back face of the carrying case. The pocket includes a first zipper and a second zipper oppositely seated therefrom for allowing access to an interior portion of the pocket, and a plurality of pouches are attached to an outward facing surface of the pocket. Such first and second zippers are provided along opposing upper and lower edges of the pocket such that the pocket is advantageously accessible from the upper and lower edges thereof. The pocket further includes an frictional material situated along an inner surface thereof and engageable with a body of the user. 
     The device further includes a plurality of pouches attached to the pocket. Such pouches include a corresponding flap pivotally attached thereto. The pouches protrude outwardly along an external front face of the pocket, wherein a corresponding length of each of the pouches extends across an entire span of the pocket. Each of the pouches further includes a first magnetic fastener and a second magnetic fastener removably connected thereto. The flaps are monolithically formed with an upper sewn panel of the pouches, and the second magnetic fastener is mounted within a central location along an outward panel of the pouch and oriented in a position corresponding to the first magnetic fastener located at a central location within an internal face of the flaps. 
     The device further includes a shoulder strap monolithically formed with the pocket. Such a shoulder strap is permanently connected along a top edge of the pocket via a pivot ring, wherein the shoulder strap extends from the pocket and around a user torso, the shoulder strap is removably attachable to the bolt snap fastener and the attachment rings respectively. The pivot ring allows the shoulder strap to travel back and forth withn the ring to eliminate rigidity of a supporting angle and increase comfort. The shoulder strap further includes an adjustment clip attached to a portion thereof, and an adjustable loop portion of the shoulder strap is positional through the clip. A plurality of strap pads is attached to the shoulder strap, and a metal bolt snap is coupled to a distal end of the shoulder strap. 
     The device further includes a bolt snap fastener directly coupled to the shoulder strap, and a plurality of attachment rings is directly coupled to the pocket and removably attached to the bolt snap fastener. Such attachment rings are attached to opposing corners of the pocket. 
     Another embodiment of the device provides for a plurality of pouches of waterproof and resilient material attached to the pocket. The pouches protrude outwardly along an external front face of the pocket, wherein a corresponding length of each of the pouches extends across an entire span of the pocket. Each of the pouches further includes a zippered fastener monolithically formed within an upper location horizontally along an outward panel of the pouch. 
     A method of transporting objects in a carrying case includes the step of: placing the carrying case over a shoulder of the user such that a section of a shoulder strap of the carrying case rests the shoulder and another section of the shoulder strap rests on an oppositely located hip portion of the user such that the carrying case diagonally extends across chest and back regions of the user, whereas the pivot ring enables the shoulder strap to rest comfortably on the user. The method further includes the steps of: adjusting the shoulder strap to a desired length by adapting an adjustment clip connected thereto; interlocking a bolt snap portion of the shoulder strap to an upward attachment ring portion; opening at least one flap of a plurality of pouches connected to the pocket by disengaging first and second magnetic fasteners; placing the objects in the pouches; closing the pouches by engaging the first and second magnetic fasteners; unzipping a pocket by adapting an upward facing zipper along a first path; placing additional ones of the objects in the pocket; and zipping the pocket by adapting the upward facing zipper along a second path traveling opposite to the first path. 
     The method further includes these steps of: supporting the carrying case in a different orientation about the user; removing the objects from at least one of the pouches and the pocket; and adjusting an adjustment clip and the shoulder strap to lengthen the shoulder strap to a desired length. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a user-supported multiple pouch device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a front perspective view of a user-supported multiple pouch device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2   b  is a rear perspective view of a user-supported multiple pouch device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a rear perspective view of a user-supported multiple pouch device  10  depicting an inner pad material  22 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a user-supported multiple pouch device  10  depicting pouch zippers  29 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 user-supported multiple pouch device 
               
               
                 20 
                 pouch 
               
               
                 21 
                 flap 
               
               
                 22 
                 inner pad 
               
               
                 23 
                 zippered pocket 
               
               
                 24 
                 first zipper 
               
               
                 25 
                 first magnetic fastener 
               
               
                 26 
                 second magnetic fastener 
               
               
                 28 
                 second zipper 
               
               
                 29 
                 pouch zipper 
               
               
                 30 
                 shoulder strap 
               
               
                 31 
                 strap pad 
               
               
                 32 
                 ring 
               
               
                 35 
                 adjustable loop 
               
               
                 40 
                 adjustment fitting 
               
               
                 50 
                 bolt snap 
               
               
                 51 
                 attachment ring 
               
               
                 60 
                 user 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 2   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention (see  FIG. 3 ). It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for a user-supported multiple pouch device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for storing and transporting various personal articles within a personal garment apparatus resembling a holster-like shoulder bag that is worn over a person&#39;s shoulder. The apparatus  10  provides a plurality of pouches  20  and a large zippered pocket  23 . The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be approximately eighteen (18) inches long and four (4) inches wide and comprises a convenient adjustment fitting  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a large zippered pocket  23 , three (3) pouches  20 , three (3) flaps  21 , a ring  32 , a shoulder strap  30 , a bolt snap  50 , and two (2) attachment rings  51 . 
     The large zippered pocket  23  comprises a storage chamber of approximately four (4) inches wide by approximately eighteen (18) inches long located along an internal back face of the apparatus  10  providing a storage means for various personal items such as a checkbook, a passport, airline tickets, and the like. The zippered pocket  23  comprises a first zipper  24  and a second zipper  28  allowing wide access to the interior portion of said zippered pocket  23  (see  FIG. 2   b ). The zippered pocket  23  further provides an attachment means for a plurality of pouches  20  being attached thereupon an outward facing surface of the zippered pocket  23 . The apparatus  10  is illustrated here in a preferred embodiment depicting three (3) pouches  20 ; however, any number of various sized pouches  20  may be provided and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The pouches  20  comprise various sized enclosures with flaps  21  suitable for carrying items such as a cell phone, a palm pilot, an MP3 player, a money clip, and the like. The pouches  20  are envisioned preferably being a multi-panel sewn assembly being securely sewn thereto and protruding outwardly along an external front face of the aforementioned zippered pocket  23 ; however, said pouches  20  may be attached to the zippered pocket  23  using various methods and materials such as hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The length of each pouch  20  may extend across the entire span of the zippered pocket  23  having similar or different widths. Additionally, a plurality of pouches  20  may be instituted with the same or different dimensions than one another. The zippered pocket  23  also provides an attachment means to an adjustable shoulder strap  30  (not shown) via a ring  32  connected jointly along a top edge of said zippered pocket  23  and said shoulder strap  30  via a permanently sewn connection. The ring  32  is envisioned as a circular fitting made using metal or plastic; however, said ring  32  may be provided in a variety of shapes such as a “D”-shape, oval, or the like. The shoulder strap  30  extends from said ring  32  connection, around the user&#39;s torso  60 , and terminates in a removably attachable manner along a lower edge of said zippered pocket  23  via a bolt snap mechanism  50  and attachment rings  51 . 
     The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be long and thin thereby limiting protrusions and preventing entanglement of apparatus  10  on other objects in proximity thereto. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be introduced in stylish blends for all wardrobes and fashions for use by men and women. The apparatus  10  may also be introduced with a variety of aesthetically pleasing motifs and/or other images such as, but not limited to, cartoon characters, sport logos, and/or other caricatures. The apparatus  10  may also be introduced in a plurality of colors and designs and a variety of shapes and sizes with or without the option of it being fashioned to resemble effects such as, but not limited to, animals, characters, and/or other images. The pouches  20  may be introduced in a plurality of shapes such as, but not limited to, oval, heart, pear, square, triangle, polygon, rectangle, star, and/or other shapes capable of enclosing personal articles. Also, the apparatus  10  may be introduced with or without stitched writing for occasional occurrences such as, but not limited to, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother&#39;s Day, Father&#39;s Day, holidays, and/or other personal or impersonal embroidery. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises three (3) pouches  20 , a shoulder strap  30 , and a zippered pocket  23 . 
     Each pouch  20  further comprises a flap  21 , a first magnetic fastener  25 , and a second magnetic fastener  26 . The flap  21  is envisioned to be an extension of an upper sewn panel of the pouch  20 . The pouch  20  and the flap  21  provide a secure enclosure to valuables contained within via the magnetic fasteners  25 ,  26 . The magnetic fasteners  25 ,  26  are envisioned to be a sewn-in flat permanent magnet common in the industry. The magnetic fasteners  25 ,  26  are to be installed such that attracting polarities of each are facing one another, thereby providing a propensity to latch and secure the flap  21 . The first magnetic fastener  25  is to be located at a central location along an outward panel of the pouch  20  in a position corresponding to a second magnetic fastener  26  located at a central location along an internal face of the flap  21 . 
     The shoulder strap  30  further comprises an adjustment fitting  40 , an adjustable loop  35 , a plurality of strap pads  31 , and a metal bolt snap  50 . The shoulder strap  30  is envisioned being made using a durable strapping material such as nylon, textile, leather, or the like common in the industry. The shoulder strap  30  provides a stabilizing and conforming means thereto users  60  of various torso sizes and shapes. The shoulder strap  30  is threaded through and attached thereto an adjustment fitting  40  via a looped and sewn connection forming an adjustable loop  35  feature. The adjustment fitting  40  is illustrated here as a plastic ladder lock type buckle fixture; however, said adjustment fitting  40  may be provided in a variety of commercially available fixture styles and materials which provide similar adjusting functionality. The adjustable loop  35  provides a length adjusting means thereto the shoulder strap  30 . The shoulder strap  30  is envisioned to provide a plurality of strap pads  31  affixed to a surface directed toward the user&#39;s body  60  using materials which provide added friction while increasing comfort such as, but not limited to air bladders, silicone gels, foam rubber panels, textured plastic, or the like. The shoulder strap  30  is to be threaded therethrough the adjustment fitting  40  forming an adjustable loop  35 , thereby providing a snug fit of the apparatus  10  to users  60  torso. The adjustable loop  35  also provides an attachment means to a bolt snap fixture  50  being inserted therein along a bottom portion. The bolt snap  50  provides a wrap-around closure means to the apparatus  10  via attachment of the bolt snap  50  to one (1) of two (2) attachment rings  51 . The attachment rings  51  are envisioned being a sewn-in metal fixture located at opposing corners along a lower edge of the aforementioned zippered pocket  23 . The attachment rings  51  provide a reversing means allowing functional attachment when worn over a right or left shoulder. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  as shown here comprises a first zipper  24 , and a second zipper  28 . 
     The zippers  24 ,  28  are provided along opposing upper and lower edges of the zippered pocket  23  such that the zippered pocket  23  can be accessed through either zipper  24 ,  28  such as when the apparatus  10  is worn alternately over a left or right shoulder. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an inner pad material  22 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The zippered pocket  23  is depicted here providing a large inner pad  22  along an inner surface directed toward the user&#39;s body  60  to stabilize the position of the invention  10  upon the user&#39;s torso  60 . The inner pad  22  is envisioned being made using materials which provide added friction while increasing comfort such as, but not limited to air bladders, silicone gels, foam rubber panels, textured plastic, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting pouch zippers  29 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of pouch zippers  29 . The use of the apparatus  10  equipped with pouch zippers  29  provides a water-resistant closure means to the pouches  20 , thereby allowing use of the invention  10  when engaging in water sports such as kayaking, sailing, or the like, being especially beneficial to personal items which may be damaged by exposure to water. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user  60  in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: utilizing the reversible feature of the apparatus  10  by placing over the head and selectively over whichever arm the user  60  prefers, such that a section of the shoulder strap  30  rests on a shoulder and another section rests on the waist or hip on the opposite side of said shoulder such that the apparatus  10  is running diagonally across the chest and back of the user  60  from the shoulder to the hip; adjusting the shoulder strap  30  to a desired length using the adjustment fitting  40  to correspond to the user&#39;s  60  body size and shape; clipping the apparatus  10  thereto itself by interlocking the bolt snap portion  50  to the upward attachment ring portion  51  resulting from selection of the right or left orientation; opening any or all desired flaps  21  by unsnapping the magnetic fasteners  25 ,  26 ; placing desired personal articles in the pouches  20  such as a cell phone, a palm pilot, an MP3 player, a money clip, and the like; closing said pouches  20  by joining the magnetic fasteners  25 ,  26 ; unzipping the zippered pocket  23  by unzipping the upward facing zipper  24 ,  28 ; placing personal articles in the zippered pocket  23  such as a checkbook, a passport, airline tickets, and the like; closing said zippered pocket  23  by zipping the upward facing zipper  24 ,  28 ; removing and returning said personal articles therefrom pouches  20  and/or the zippered pocket  23  as needed during various activities; adjusting the adjustment fitting  40  and the shoulder strap  30  to lengthen said strap  30  loosely, thereby removing the apparatus  10  therefrom the user  60 , when finished; taking the apparatus  10  over the head and one arm; and, storing accordingly. 
     The apparatus  10  is not only envisioned to being a new fashion accessory, but is also intended to provide easier access and increased comfort when compared to similar items being carried on a belt, about the waist, or in pockets. The apparatus  10  is to be worn stylishly and comfortably by men and women engaged in both athletic and non-athletic activities. 
     The apparatus  10  may be worn providing the pouches  20  being located on the front face for easy access or alternately, the apparatus  10  may be reversed such that the pouches  20  are facing the user&#39;s body  60 , if desired. In either case, the apparatus  10  may be worn under a coat and/or other articles of clothing thereby increasing security and safekeeping. 
     Additionally, the apparatus  10  may be worn with equally beneficial utility in a variety of locations and orientations upon one&#39;s body  60  such as across the back area in a similar manner as the previously described chest orientation; around the waist in similar fashion as a utility or tool belt; over the shoulder; or over one&#39;s hip area. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.