Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/036,056, filed Mar. 6, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,600 and which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/040,350, filed Mar. 8, 1997. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a secure device for carrying personal items and valuables, and more particularly, to such a device that can be removably secured to a person&#39;s clothing or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Concern for the prevention of theft, accidental loss, or general secure containment of personal articles detachably carried on one&#39;s person, for travel sports and fitness, or general daily use, has resulted in numerous inventions intended to address this problem. Many of these inventions include conventional fanny packs, money belts, wrist and shoe attaching pockets, belt-supported receptacles, wallets with clip assemblies attachable to a belt and pouches with purported locking clips for securely locking the same to articles of clothing. While the prior art devices referred to provide a limited degree of protection for carrying valuables, they posses certain drawbacks that render them not entirely satisfactory. 
     Security receptacles that utilize a waist strap, such as with money belts and fanny packs, decrease comfort and restrict movement. When a money belt is worn under apparel, the user must inconveniently retreat to a private area to retrieve articles. Smaller solutions such as wrist, ankle, and shoe pockets all attach to an appendage causing a risk of loss to articles contained due to recurrent movement of the appendage. Additionally, during use of these devices in physical activity, performance and comfort are hindered by the attachment of such a device to an appendage on one side of the body. In addition to advertising valuables, these are subject to limited versatility due to factors relating to their bodily attachment location and means. Security pockets or receptacles incorporated into the construction of garments tend to reduce the aesthetic appeal of such garments and limit containment use to the garment in which the receptacle is incorporated. Wallets and pouches that utilize a neck strap are less accessible if worn under clothing, not concealed if worn outside of clothing, movement constricting, uncomfortable and neck straps may be easily cut allowing the article container to be removed, knowingly or unknowingly, from the wearer. Wallets with secure belt loop attachments are limited in that the user must either remove his or her belt in order to position or remove the receptacle. Also, the user is limited to use of the receptacle when wearing a belt or items with a waist strap. Additionally, the receptacle may slide off, when the user undoes their belt to undress or uses the restroom, jeopardizing security of items contained. 
     Several other inventions have attempted to overcome some of the disadvantages of the previously mentioned disclosures for carrying valuables. A variety of wallets and pouches with removable or permanent clip assemblies attempt to allow the user to removably retain a wallet or receptacle, for carrying items, onto the wearer&#39;s clothing. Although these attempt to address some of the previously mentioned disadvantages, are generally closer in category to the current invention, all the receptacles of this nature heretofore known suffer from a variety of disadvantages. 
     First, the clip mechanism or clipping device utilized is primary in determining how secure the receptacle, and its contents, will ultimately be against inadvertent loss or theft of the receptacle. In previous inventions clipping mechanisms disclosed generally, among other issues, suffer from drawbacks in one or more of the following key areas: gripping effectiveness and security, ease of use, and manufacturability. Generally as with the case with “U” or hairpin-style slide-on clips such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,416,315 to Foley (1983) and 4,903,745 to Roman (1990) and with spring clips, the gripping friction and the ease of use are conversely proportionate, limiting the ability of these clips, and thus, devices to provide both ease of use and secure gripping means concurrently. For example, if the clipping mechanism is easy to clip onto the items to which it is intended to grip, such as the types suggested above, then it is likely not to deliver a high level of frictional engagement for securely holding the receptacle to the user. Conversely, because it may be designed such that it improves gripping effectiveness, as with a tight spring clip or a barbed “U” clip, it generally falls short on ease of use. Thus, the harder it clamps, the more force it takes to pinch or actuate the clip for use and removal Other inventions have attempted to provide better clipping effectiveness with alternative clip designs. These suffer from, among other things, drawbacks in the areas of complexity of use and manufacturing inefficiency, and may cause damage to the articles they are intended to clip to. Clips such as those proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,237,583 to Sullivan (1980), and 5,114,061 to Brady (1992) are examples of clips that are subject to one or more of these disadvantages. 
     In addition to the above, inventions heretofore known suffer from drawbacks and disadvantages combinations of the following areas: 
     Threatened security of receptacle or articles contained 
     May damage garment or fabric when in use 
     Causes user discomfort 
     Poorly integrated features 
     Limited accessibility 
     Lacks versatility for range of use 
     Inconvenient and difficult to use 
     Inefficient or prohibitive to manufacture 
     Unreliable in operation and subject to failure 
     Incorporates odd or complex mechanisms 
     A need has arisen, therefore, for a comfortable, attractive, convenient, simple, reliable and cost-effective device for carrying valuables for use in a wide variety of situations and actives. The article-carrying device of the present invention meets this need and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     There has now been developed, and disclosed herein a new and novel device that has a number of advantages not possessed by the products of this type known heretofore to be available. A clipable article container embodying the principles of the invention has a container or pocket portion for containing personal articles; a clip or clamping mechanism or portion, enabling the container portion to be releasably attached to an article of clothing or other item; and means of attaching the clip or clamping portion to the container portion. Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     A) To provide a clipable article container that overcomes the above and other shortcomings of known attachable, article receptacles, pouches, or wallets. 
     B) To provide a clipable article container whose clamp allows it to be more securely lockclamped to a user or other articles. 
     C) To provide a clipable article container whose article containing cavities can more securely retain articles. 
     D) To provide a clipable article container whose clamp and related parts allow it to be clamped to and removed from the user more quickly, simply and easily. 
     E) To provide a clipable article container that provides superior accessibility to contents of the container while clamped on or not. 
     F) To provide a clipable article container that can be used more comfortably. 
     G) To provide a clipable article container that offers versatility in the ways it can be positioned on the user or other items. 
     H) To provide a clipable article container that can be effectively used for a wider range of activities, from everyday use to travel and sports. 
     I) To provide a clipable article container whose production allows for flexible and cost-efficient manufacturing and assembly. 
     J) To provide a clipable article container whose features are well and efficiently integrated for maximum convenience and functionality. 
     Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention, attached in one typical position onto a waistband. 
     FIG. 1A is a rear view of the present invention, attached in another position to a waistband. 
     FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the container article cavity in an open position. 
     FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the container article cavity in an open position. 
     FIG. 4 is a front view showing the main front components of the container portion. 
     FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the main rear components of the container portion. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective front view showing the holding clamp retention means. 
     FIG. 7 is a top perspective view showing the holding clamp in an open position 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the holding clamp in an open position. 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of the holding clamp in a closed position. 
     FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the holding clamp in a closed position. 
     FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing the holding clamp installed onto the article container. 
     FIG. 10A is a rear perspective showing the holding clamp installed into the clip retention plate. (Retention plate is not connected to pouch panel for purposes of illustration). 
     FIG. 10B is a side view illustrating problems that occur without preferred container darts. 
     FIG. 10C is a front view illustrating problems that occur, in use, without preferred container darts. 
     FIG. 11 shows a cross section along line  21 — 21  of FIG. 4 with the holding clamp shown in the fully open position 
     FIG. 11A is a cross section along line  21 — 21  of FIG. 4 with the holding clamp shown in the fully open position showing an alternative clamp teeth configuration. 
     FIG. 11B is a cross section along line  21 — 21  of FIG. 4 with the holding clamp shown in the fully open position showing an alternative clamp teeth configuration. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross section along line  21 — 21  of FIG. 4 with a portion cut away to show credit card and key. 
     FIG. 12A is a cross section, as shown in FIG. 12, with a line showing the labyrinth path of the material engaged in the holding clamp when it is closed. 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of the article container of the second embodiment. 
     FIG. 13A is top perspective exploded view of the article container showing components of the second embodiment. 
     FIG. 13B is a top perspective view of the holding clamp of the second embodiment. 
     FIG. 13C is a cross section of the second embodiment, taken along line  15 — 15  of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 13D is a cross section of the second embodiment, taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 13 with the holding clamp shown in full. 
     FIG. 13E is a side view of the second embodiment, seen in FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 13F is a cross section along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 13, of the second embodiment, showing the labyrinth path of the material engaged in the holding clamp when closed. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container showing a zipper closure and snap closure variations. 
     FIG. 14A is a perspective rear view of the open container showing a keying feature variation. 
     FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of an alternative cavity closure configuration while showing the article cavity in an open position. 
     FIG. 15 is a top perspective view showing the retention plate thumb gripper and clamp opening action of the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 15A is a top perspective cutout cross-sectional view of the invention showing the retention plate feed-in ramp. 
     FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a one-piece lower clamp and plate connected to the container. 
     FIG. 16A is a cross section view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing a one-piece lower clamp and plate 
     FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an alternative to cavity closure means while showing the article cavity in an open position. 
     FIG. 17A is a rear perspective of the container and internal waterproof closure means showing the article cavity in an open position. 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWING FIGURES 
       20 . User  20   
       22 . Clipable article container  22   
       22   a . container or pouch portion  22   a.    
       22   b . holding clamp portion  22   b    
       24 . garment  24   
       26 . pocket closure extension  26   
       28 . container clamp interface flap  28   
       28   a . container clamp interface dart  28   a    
       30 . container front panel  30   
       34 . holding clamp closing member  34   
       34   a . holding clamp closing member hips  34   a    
       34   b . holding clamp closing member short leg  34   b    
       34   c . closing member short leg projections  34   c    
       36  upper clamp  36   
       36   a . upper clamp teeth  36   a    
       36   b . upper clamp wings  36   b    
       36   c . upper clamp retainment tongue  36   c    
       38 . lower clamp  38   
       38   a . lower clamp teeth  38   a    
       38   b . lower clamp retaitnent bend  38   b    
       38   c . lower clamp tongue retainment slot  38   c    
       38   d . lower clamp projection rests  38   d    
       40 . upstanding flanges  40   
       42 . upstanding flange openings  42   
       44 . holding clamp retention plate  44   
       44   a . retention plate “U” cut  44   a    
       44   b . retention plate “U” cut projections  44   b    
       44   c . retention plate cut  44   c    
       44   d . retention plate cut  44   d    
       44   e . retention plate cut indents  44   e    
       44   f . plate thumb gripper  44   f    
       44   g . retention plate feed-in ramp  44   g    
       45 . plate texture  45   
       46 . holding clamp closing member retainer  46   
       48 . container rear panel  48   
       52 . inside front panel pull-apart fastening means  52   
       54 . inside rear panel pull-apart fastening means &amp; flap  54   
       56 . pocket extension pull-apart fastening means  56   
       58 . clamp flap pull-apart fastening means  58   
       60 . credit card  60   
       62 . key  62   
       64 . key (item) retention means  64   
       70 . second embodiment of present invention  70   
       71 . locking pivot of second embodiment  71   
       71   a . locking pivot holes  71   a    
       71   b . locking pivot ring  71   b    
       71   c . locking pivot projections  71   c    
       72 . latch handle  72   
       72   a . latch curve  72   a    
       72   b . latch projections  72   b    
       72   c . latch washer  72   c    
       73 . flap hole  73   
       74 . closing member hole  74   
       75 . upper clamp opening  75   
       75   a . upper clamp opening indents  75   a    
       75   b . upper clamp opening voids  75   b    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention a container, detachably securable to an article of clothing or other item and for the receipt of articles, comprises a container or pocket portion, a clip or clamp portion secured to the container, and an optional retaining plate for joining the clip portion to the container portion. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows a clipable article container  22  as worn inside the waistband of a garment  24 , of user  20  in a front position. Clipable article container  22  consists of three main components—a receptacle, pocket, pouch, or container portion  22   a  shown from front and rear views in FIGS. 4 and 5, a holding clamp portion  22   b  shown from a perspective view in FIG. 7, and a holding clamp retention plate  44  first visible in FIG.  10 . Container portion  22   a  is capable of receiving and retaining various items such as keys, money, food, electronics, and the like. Clamp portion  22   b  allows container portion  22   a  to be removably secured to clothing or other items. Retention plate  44  allows clamp portion  22   b  to be permanently or semipermanently attached to the container portion. 
     Container Portion Description—Preferred Embodiment 
     FIG. 2, a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment, shows container portion  22   a  comprising a receptacle, container, or pouch constructed from two flexible main sheets of material. A container front panel  30  and a container rear panel  48  are suitably cut to shape being overlaid one on the other and connected in some other way to each other along the vertical edges and bottom, thus forming a main container cavity between then Means of connecting panel  30  and panel  48  include, but are not limited to, stitching, gluing, welding, heat sealing, molding, grommeting and ultrasonic bonding. FIG. 2 also shows that, in the preferred embodiment, panel  30  and panel  48  are constructed as mirror images of one another along the vertical edges (sides) and bottom, however the upper portion of panel  30  and panel  48  will terminate in other named parts for different purposes, whereas panel  30  terminates in a clamp actuating hood, or container clamp interface flap  28 . The top portion of panel  30 , is folded outwardly upon itself forming a straight fold defining the boundary between front panel  30  and container clamp interface flap  28 . FIGS. 2 and 13E, at each end of the straight bordering fold, show two secured corners, short angled darts or seams  28   a . The terminal points or corners, at each end of the fold are creased inwardly, creating substantially downwardly angled termination points at either end. Darts  28   a  are formed by sewing or securing across these folds from the underside of container interface flap  28 . Darts  28   a , along with interface fold between panel  30  and flap  28 , form geometry that exerts a biasing effect. This bias holds flap  28  substantially parallel to panel  30 , as well as forms a hood or shallow pocket area on the underside of interface flap  28  where it folds to form front panel  30 . Panels  30  and  48  are preferably made from elastic and cushioned material, such a neoprene, laminated rubber, or the like. 
     As shown in FIG. 2 of the preferred embodiment, the top portion of rear panel  48  is constructed with an elongated protrusion or extension forming a pocket closure extension  26 . Fastened to the underside, or fabricated as part of extension  26  is a pull-apart fastening means  56 . A clamp flap pull-apart fastening means  58  is affixed and positioned on the exterior of container flap  28  such that it is matched to affix and remain connected with fastening means  56  of extension  26 . Suitable materials for fastening means  56  and  58  include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, hooks, zippers, tongue and groove, adhesive press tabs, magnetic closure devices, ties, loop straps, clips, turn button fastener, or any other suitable closure or fastening means. 
     As seen in FIG. 2 of the preferred embodiment, the interior of container rear panel  48 , formed by the connection of panel  30  and panel  48 , includes several elements. Pull-apart fastening means/flap  54  is connected or secured to the top edge of panel  48 , at the base of extension  26  around the panel  48 &#39;s top and sides. Fastening means/flap  54  runs the width of container portion  22   a , (when container portion  22   a  is positioned upright). Flap  54  protrudes into the article cavity deep enough to provide its fastening means to come grippingly into connection with its fastening mate, as shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment, also shows that panel  30  is constructed with several elements on its interior wall. Pull-apart fastening means  52  is the mating fastening means for attaching to fastening means  54 . Fastening means  52  is connected or secured along its sides and top to the top edge of panel  30 , runs the width of container portion  22   a , and is connected to the interior wall of front panel  30 . Fastening means  52  also protrudes into the article cavity deep enough to enable it to come grippingly into connection with mating fastening means  54 . Suitable means of connecting fastening means  52  to the interior of panel  30 , and connecting fastening means  54  to the interior of back panel  48  may include, but are not limited to, stitching, gluing, welding, heat sealing, molding, grommeting and ultrasonic bonding. Preferred materials, which may provide the multiple functions of flaps  52  and  54 , may include, but are not limited to, flexible hook-and-loop sheet fasteners or other suitable fabric-backed or sheet fasteners. Although not preferred, snaps, zippers, or the like may also be used. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, affixed to the interior wall of front panel  30 , is key-retention means  64  as seen in FIG.  3 . Retention means  64  comprises a suitably shaped piece of material affixed to the interior wall of panel  30 . This may be constructed in the shape of a slim strip of material secured on both sides as illustrated in FIG.  3 . Suitable means of affixing retention means  64  to container walls, include, but are not limited to, stitching, gluing, welding, heat sealing, molding, grommeting, and ultrasonic bonding. Suitable material for key-retention means  64  or the above retainment element may include, but is not limited to, rubber, plastic, metal, nylon, Lycra®, neoprene, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane, leather, webbing, or any other natural or synthetic material that may be cut from sheeting, die cut, woven or molded. 
     As seen in FIG. 6 of the preferred embodiment, the underside of container clamp interface flap  28  includes clamp closing member retainer  46 . Retainer  46  is approximately the size and shape of the underside of container clamp interface flap  28 . Retainer  46  is connected to the underside of container clamp interface flap  28  on all sides except a portion in the center of the base edge of interface flap  28 . This nonconnected area constitutes a closing member retainer opening  46   a , which is sufficient in size and shape to accept and retain clip closing member  34  (FIG. 10) Means of attaching closing member retainer  46  to the inside of container clamp interface flap  28  may include, but are not limited to, stitching, gluing, welding, heat sealing, molding, grommeting weaving, ultrasonic bonding, and injection molding. Although a fairly flexible material is preferred, suitable materials for closing member retainer  46  include, but are not limited to, plastics, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, webbing, leather, metals, or any other suitable natural or synthetic material. 
     Holding Clamp Description—Preferred Embodiment 
     To enable the container portion to be releasably attached to any given carrier&#39;s clothing or the like, a holding clamp portion  22   b  is provided, the second main component of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     In the preferred embodiment holding clamp  22   b  is based on a pivotally engaged overcenter cam lever biased locking clamp mechanism. FIG. 7 shows a preferred holding clamp  22   b . Clamp  22   b  is constructed with a holding clamp closing member  34 , holding clamp closing member hips  34   a , and upper clamp  36 , upper clamp teeth  36   a , a lower clamp  38  and lower clamp teeth  38   a . The lower clamp includes on each side a pair of opposed upstanding flanges  40 , each with an opening  42 . Upper clamp  36  is biased in the open position as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Closing member  34 , in conjunction with closing member short leg  34   b , acts as a lever when closing member  34  is actuated to close or compress upper clamp  36  toward lower clamp  38 . Specifically, closing member  34  is pivotally engaged with lower clamp  38  via pins, shafts or closing member short leg projections  34   c , which engage with flange openings  42 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the preferred embodiment, which shows that closing member  34  is substantially L-shaped in cross section, with a holding clamp closing member short leg  34   b  angled with respect to the longer leg portion, closing member  34 . Pivoting the closing member short leg projections  34   c , of closing member  34 , about the openings  42 , in the direction of arrow C, shown in FIG. 8, actuates leg  34   b  to engage upper clamp  36 , maintaining the upper clamp  36  in a completely closed, maximum clamping or locked position. Closing member  34  is an overcenter clamp lever, which exerts a biasing force against upper clamp  36  in the closed position reversibly deforming upper clamp  36  to increase clamping force. Holding clamp  22   b  may be thus reversibly and selectively locked securely into the closed position when it is snapped closed. 
     As in FIGS. 7 and 8, upper clamp  36  and lower clamp  38 , of the preferred embodiment, are provided with teeth, or frictional engagement means  36   a  and  38   a , respectively, to provide frictional engagement for clothing and the like between the upper clamp teeth  36   a  and lower clamp teeth  38   a  and/or holding clamp retention plate  44  (described below). Suitable material for clamp portion  22   b  and its teeth, or frictional engagement means, may include, but is not limited to the following, either alone or in combination, metal, steel, plastic, rubber, thermoplastic, or other suitable natural or synthetic material. Suitable means of fabricating clamp  22   b  may include in total or in combination; molding, forming, slide tool fabrication, stamping and bending, extrusion or the like. 
     FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view, of holding clamp  22   b , showing additional details of the clamp. Lower clamp  38  is constructed of a flat base plate having teeth or frictional engagement means on one end and on the other rear end upwardly extending upstanding flanges  40  bent upward from the flat base plate of lower clamp  38 , as shown in FIG.  9 . These upstanding flanges, which are somewhat perpendicular to the flat base plate of lower clamp  38  on either side of the lower clamp  38 , contain openings  42 . The rear end of lower clamp  38  also includes an upwardly extending bent portion at the base end, retainment bend  38   b , having a tongue retainment slot  38   c . Tongue retainment slot  38   c  can be best seen from the underside perspective drawing in FIG. 9A In FIG. 9, holding clamp  22   b  also is constructed with upper clamp  36  having a declined rear portion, which terminates on the sides in upper clamp wings  36   b  and at the base end, a central projection or upper clamp retainment tongue  36   c . Upper clamp retainment tongue  36   c  is received within tongue retainment slot  38   c  of retainment bend  38   b.    
     Clamp Retention Plate Description—Preferred Embodiment 
     The third main element of the invention in the preferred embodiment is a clamp retention plate  44 , shown in FIG.  6 . Plate  44  provides for the permanent, removable or semipermanent attachment of clamp portion  22   b  to container portion  22   a . Retention plate  44  is a molded, die-cut or otherwise suitably constructed plate that contains several cutout areas. Plate  44  is permanently attached on the vertical sides and base edge to container front panel  30  of container portion  22   a . The top edge and center area of retention plate  44 , where cuts in the plate&#39;s edge are positioned, is not affixed to container front panel  30 . This allows positioning of holding clamp  22   b  (described below) between the clamp retention plate  44  and container front panel  30 , as seen in FIG.  10 . The means of attaching the perimeter areas of clamp retention plate  44  to container front panel  30  include, but are not limited to, stitching, gluing, welding, heat sealing, molding, grommeting and ultrasonic bonding. Suitable materials for clamp retention plate  44  include, but are not limited to, flexible, semiflexible or rigid plastics, metals, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, textured sheet plastics either in sheet or injection molding states. These materials may be used alone or in combination to produce plate  44 . 
     Also, as seen in FIG. 6, clamp retention plate  44  contains several cutout areas. These include a retention plate “U” cut  44   a , a plate projection  44   b , a plate cut  44   c , a plate cut  44   d , and retention plate cut indents  44   e . Each is cut to shapes and sizes to receive and retain corresponding parts of clamp  22   b  as shown inserted under plate  44  in FIG.  10 . Additional elements to retention plate  44  are shown more closely in FIGS. 15 and 15A Plate thumb gripper  44   f  ridges are formed into a small ramp, feed-in ramp  44   g  on plate  44 . Ramp  44   g  begins flush with plate  44  at the base end of plate  44  and terminates in its highest point at the base of plate cut  44   e . Thumb gripper  44   f  and retention plate feed-in ramp  44   g  are preferably injection molded or are otherwise suitably formed into plate  44  itself; however, these elements may obviously be fabricated separate from the plate and attached via rivets, glue, bonding or via other suitable means. 
     As can be seen in FIG. 10, in the preferred embodiment, the lower portion of holding clamp  22   b , lower clamp  38 , shown earlier in FIGS. 7 and 8, is installed permanently or semipermanently between clip retention plate  44  and container front panel  30 . Lower clamp  38  rests parallel to, and is sandwiched between, the exterior of container front panel  30  and the bottom or underside of clip retention plate  44 . Once plate  44  is connected as described to container  22   a , installation of clamp  22   b  to container  22   a  via plate  44  may be achieved, as shown in FIGS. 10,  10 A and  11 . Staring with clamp  22   b  in an open position, (mouth open), holding clamp plate  38  is inserted teeth first into cut  44   a  of plate  44 . Clamp plate  38  is inserted until the teeth or frictional engagement means  38   a  protrude or rest under plate cut  44   e . In this position, both upstanding flanges  40  snugly fit perpendicular to the sides of plate “U” cut  44   a . Plate “U” cut projections  44   b  (FIG. 10A) wrap around the sides and to the backside of upstanding flanges  40  and rest flat upon lower clamp projection rests  38   d . The middle flat area of lower clamp  38  can be seen lying flat against container front panel  30  through plate cut  44   c  (FIG.  10 ). The top edge or points of lower clamp teeth  38   a  rest, either covered in a premolded channel in the corresponding location on the underside of plate  44 , or actually protrude through plate cut  44   d  as shown in FIG.  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, plate cut  44   d  has two parallel channel areas within its opening. FIG. 10 further illustrates that one channel or opening is closer to the base end of clip retention plate  44  and is the area or thin channel formed between plate cut indents  44   e  of plate cut  44   d . This channel area receives lower clamp teeth  38   a , when clamp  22   b  is inserted under plate  44 . The second area or parallel opening channel directly behind the channel in which teeth  38   a  may reside, is sized and shaped as to accept upper clamp teeth  36   a  or frictional engagement means when the clamp is actuated to rest in its closed position. Plate cut  44   c  is a cutout area between plate cuts  44   a  and  44   d  whose relative location is shown, but whose function is later described. 
     As shown in FIG. 11 of the preferred embodiment, clamp closing member  34  is inserted into closing member retainer opening  46   a . Closing member  34  rests inside opening  46   a , between the inside base portion of container clamp interface flap  28  and base edge of closing member retainer  46 . Flap  28  fits over closing member hips  34   a , thus retaining the closing member  34  in the installed position. Closing member retainer opening  46   a  is positioned snugly around closing member hips  34   a  and against the upper bend or upper edge of closing member short leg  34   b . 
     FIG. 12 provides a cross-sectional view of clipable article container  22  assembled in its clamped or closed position with a portion cutaway. Elements are included of both container portion  22   a  and holding clamp portion  22   b  of the preferred embodiment, as well as a retained key and credit card for illustration. FIG. 12A shows a labyrinth path  76  of the material engaged in the holding clamp when it is closed. 
     Variations to Preferred Embodiment Description 
     It should also be appreciated that various elements of all embodiments of the invention may be changed or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the container portion or parts thereof may be constructed of any semirigid or hard materials, molded, formed or cast. Exterior portions for example, could be molded in character forms such as animals. Container cavities and closure flaps may be shaped as desired of flexible or rigid forms. Any number of cavities may be added to the container using flexible or hard materials, as desired. Dividing container or clamp elements into separate parts or from separate parts into integrally affixed pieces or one-piece construction may be desirable for enhancing specific functions. One example of this is shown in FIG. 14B, which combines fastening means  56  and  54  into one part. In FIG. 14B, fastening means  54 ,  56 , and  58  are formed of mating hook-and-loop strips. Also, portions of the clamp and plate can be molded as one. Obvious additions may be made to the container in the form of various attachments or pocket means for specific item retainment such as: a keyring attachment or the like, as shown in FIG. 14A, mesh panels or pockets, etc. Secondary attachment means of the invention to the user may be provided including a tether to secure the invention to a belt loop or backpack, and a belt loop may be sewn into the outside panel of the container to allow secondary or optional attachment to a belt in this manner. Useful devices may be contained inside or incorporated into the container such as a pager, stopwatch, timer, recorder or computer, either permanently or removably, via a pocket with a viewing window, or other obvious retainment means. 
     Similarly, variations relating to the clamp and plate elements of the invention may be incorporated for special purposes as follows: 
     Various clamp edge or upper and lower teeth configurations of the preferred over-biased style holding clamp may be utilized providing adequate and forceful frictional engagement and effective clamping action when engaged onto clothing of the user and the like. 
     As long as the top edge or teeth of the clamp press the engaged fabric into the plate or bottom clamp area, when the clamp is closed, virtually any construction combination of one- or two-part teeth or friction-adding elements to either the plate or clamp is acceptable. For example, the teeth shown in FIG. 11A on the clamp are achieved in this design by being molded into two plates  82   a ,  82   b  as illustrated. These plates are then affixed via riveting, bonding, gluing, or being molded onto the inside of the upper and lower clamp panels. Alternatively, teeth or fiction-enhancing forms may be molded in any shape into the clamp retention plate to enhance secure gripping action. An example of this is shown in FIG.  11 B. The bottom clamp teeth or rim  84  are molded into or protrude into the underside of plate  44 , further securing the clamp to the plate. The upper clamp teeth  86  terminate in a single unserrated edge and when actuated force the sandwiched fabric between itself and the friction-enhancing serrations or forms  88  of plate  44 . These plate teeth or friction-enhancing forms may also be made in one piece with the upper and/or lower clamp panels by being molded or formed as one piece. Preferred materials for fabricating this clamp/teeth configuration are metal, plastic, or other suitable materials. 
     Within the spirit of the invention, as an alternative to inserting holding clamp  32  inside plate  44   a  as indicated in the preferred embodiment, holding clamp  32  may alternatively be affixed directly to container front panel  30 , of container portion  22   a  via other means. These include grommeting or bonding the base of the holding clamp directly onto a plate (with or without cuts), which is either on the outside of the container, as is the case with plate  44 , or to a plate on the inside of the container in which the grommets or the like attach the clamp to the plate through the fabric of the container. Additionally, the clamp or clip portion may be retained on the container portion via other means such as simply bonding, sewing, or riveting or the like, any suitable portion of the clamp portion of the invention to the container portion directly (without a plate element). Other suitable clamp retainment means may be used provided that the clamp is securely retained on the container, as intended, and has the ability to securely engage clothing and the like. 
     Although the actuating area of closing member  34  is pictured in a square shape in FIG. 7, it may be made in other shapes, such as a half-circle, round, etc. and still function as intended in an overcenter cam style clamp as described in the preferred embodiment. Similarly, the upper and lower clamps ( 36  and  38 ) of the clamp  22   b  may be made in other suitable shapes, such as fanned out or tapered from the tip to the base, to house a wider toothed area and the like. Other elements of the preferred clamp may be modified in this way as desired for special purposes or distinct features. Also, although not preferred, within the spirit of the invention, other styles of overcenter locking clips can be incorporated into the novel design, depending on the specific needs and intended use of the container and product. Other style clips that can simply be integrated into the existing novel design include overcenter, two-position, clamshell alligator style, and slide-on “U” style clipping mechanisms. 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of the clipable article container become evident: 
     Security Advantages 
     In this respect, the device disclosed herein differs from heretofore available releasably attachable article receptacles in that it provides a combination of novel and superior security components. First it provides superior means of securely clamping the container to the user. Secondly, it provides novel cavity closure components and configuration ensuring more secure containment of articles once they are placed inside the container&#39;s cavity for carrying. The clamping mechanism preferred attains a superior, highly leveraged clamping and true locking force on items to which it is clamped. Additionally, the container or cavity portion of the invention intended for the safekeeping of articles is constructed with multiple cavity-closure components, providing a superior means of safely holding items inside the cavity without fear of loss. Alternatively, the clip may employ an additional locking mechanism for secondary clamp locking means. 
     Clip Retainment Plate Advantages 
     Also significant in the invention is the novel clip retainment plate element that in its preferred form provides the following; it enables the clamp to be securely and removably attached to the container portion based upon its strategic voids for receiving the clamp, it incorporates a feed-in ramp for easy insertion of fabric into the mouth of the clamp, it contains a specific area and grippers that aid in gaining leverage in using the plate to quickly and easily open the clamp, it spreads the weight load of container contents over a wider surface area when the invention is in use, its configuration in conjunction with the clamp, forces the clamped fabric into a labyrinth configuration for further holding effectiveness; finally, it provides teeth or additional frictional engagement qualities to aid in secure clamping effectiveness. 
     Container Advantages 
     The container portion of the present invention is constructed to include components that contribute and maize the comfortable and effective use of the invention Thus, the container portion is preferably constructed using a flexible and cushioned material, for example, neoprene or laminated rubber, such that articles contained therein cannot poke or jab the user, especially when worn inside a waistband. Additionally, these qualities of the material of the container provide that the movement of the user is not limited or uncomfortable and permits the container to hold items that are sized or shaped differently than itself Alternatively, the container may be waterproofed or provide for a waterproof compartment inside. It is also preferred, and novel, that a clip hood, cover, or flap is formed into the front panel of the container portion that covers and hides the clip from plain view and doubles to provide comfortable and effective means of opening and closing the clamp component. Due to the way in which the actuating member of the clip is retained inside the container&#39;s hood or flap element, a comfortable two-sided gripping surface, leveraged clip opening, and a broader surface to actuate the clip are provided. Darts, at each side of the clip hood or cover, form a natural bias and aid in keeping the clip-actuating part inside the hood, whether the clip is in an open or closed position and importantly ensures that the invention, when worn on a waistband will not accidentally be positioned askew and look cockeyed relative to the horizontal plane of the waistband. 
     Additionally, preferred in the current invention is a flap that is formed from the back wall of the container and contributes at least three novel features to the invention. First it wraps over and acts to provide a cover to the article cavity opening, it provides a second fastening Closure to this cavity; and, thirdly, when the flap is unfastened to insert or retrieve articles to and from the cavity, it acts as a funnel or guide providing easier, quicker, one-handed, and no-looking-required access to the items contained. Importantly, the combination of the clip mechanism and the way in which it is integrated into the container portion&#39;s elements enable the user to clamp on, load and unload, and remove the invention with one hand, whereas most other attempted solutions require two hands, more time, and attention to use. Additionally, for convenience, items may be retained against a wall or orientated inside the container cavity using pockets, flaps or other article-retaining features. 
     Manufacturing Efficiency Advantages 
     The novel construction and components of the present invention also allow it to be easily, cost effectively, and flexibly manufactured. The clip and plate components require minimal and inexpensive tooling, if any, and are simple, inexpensive, and require a minimum of operations to construct. Also, the invention is constructed to allow flexibility in manufacturing and assembly and thus offers more efficiency. For example, due to design of the components, the clip retention plate may be sewn onto the container or pouch in one location such as a bag maker, and then the clip installed into the plate as a final production step in the same location. Or, the pouch with the plate may be completed and stored for the option of later installing the clip on an as-needed basis. 
     In addition, the present invention is simple and the components and features are well integrated, providing an optimal combination of elements for carrying or portably containing items safely in a highly convenient, comfortable, and efficient manner. 
     Versatility Advantages 
     Furthermore, the invention disclosed herein is highly versatile, improving upon some disadvantages of the heretofore known disclosures in the following areas. The current invention may be attached to a variety of items made of various materials from thick and thin to delicate. It is not required to be oriented in any specific position on the user, their clothing, or restricted to using on ones person. For example, it may be attached frontwards or backwards, upside-down, inside or outside a waistband. It lends itself to use during sports and/or leisure activities. It may be viably used without clamping it, as a conventional wallet or coin purse. It may be worn in either a concealed or unconcealed manner. It enables the user to load or unload items into the container before or after clipping it on. 
     Operation—Preferred Embodiment 
     When not in use clipable article container  22  is generally stored as a semiflat receptacle, since there are no articles inside, with the clamping mechanism resting in its closed position. 
     In operation, the clipable article container described above is used and functions as follows. One may begin use of the article container by either locking it first with items to be carried or contained in container  22   a  and then it may be secured or attached, if desired, to an article of clothing or the like. The alternative is to first attach the invention, if desired, to an article of clothing or the like and then load it with the items the user intends to carry or contain. 
     To attach the article container  22  either preloaded with articles or with the intention of inserting articles into the container once it is attached, clipable article container is held in one of the user&#39;s hands, the other hand is used to pull up or open interface flap  28 . The thumb of the hand holding the clipable article container  22  may, for ease of opening, be placed just under flap  28  at the base of plate  44  on plate thumb gripper  44   f  and retention plate feed-in ramp  44   g , while the other hand is used to pull open both flap  28  and closing member  34 , which is contained inside flap  28 . This action is illustrated in FIG.  15 . 
     In this open position, interface flap  28  is positioned somewhat perpendicular to container front panel  30  as shown in FIG.  10 . Because interface flap  28  houses closing member  34  (FIG.  11 ), when interface flap  28  is pulled up to its open position, closing member  34  is pulled up, thus opening or allowing upper clamp  36  and lower clamp  38  to spring open to their normally open biased position. This open position, described for both interface flap  28  and holding clamp  22   b , is shown clearly in FIG.  10 . With the holding clamp  22   b  in this open position, the user can introduce the edge or portion of any article that may be inserted between the upper and lower clamp including, but not limited to, items such as any clothing, a swimsuit waistband, belt, pocket edge, shirt pocket flap, bag strap, backpack, and the like. 
     As described earlier, the fabric or an element of the article being inserted into the mouth of the clamp is slid along retention plate  44  and up plate feed-in ramp  44   g  (FIG. 15A) assisted by its incline into the mouth of the clamp. Once the article is inserted into the open mouth of holding clamp  22   b , clamp interface flap  28 , and thus closing member  34 , is pushed down in an overcenter biased position until it stops in its fully closed or locked position It can thus be seen that the closing member  34  functions as an overcenter clamp lever, which exerts a biasing force against upper clamp  36  in the closed position, reversibly deforming upper clamp  36  to increase clamping force. The holding clamp is reversibly locked into the closed position when it is snapped closed. Once article container  22   b  is clamp-locked onto an article of clothing or the like, articles may be introduced into the main cavity area of article container  22  for secure keeping. 
     The introduction and safekeeping of articles inside the article container is achieved as follows when the article container is in its clamp-locked position onto an article of clothing or the like or held in a user&#39;s hands prior to attachment. First, pocket closure extension  26  is pulled up (FIG. 2) to its unengaged or open position. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, pull-apart fastening means and flap  54  and pull-apart fastening means  52  are pulled apart and unengaged to open the top of the main cavity of the container. Any type of items, such as those described earlier can then be inserted into the open cavity of the article container. Pull-apart fastening means/flap  54  and pull-apart fastening means  52  are pressed together to a fully fastened position. 
     Pocket closure extension  26  is pulled over the top edge of interface  28  and secured by the pressing engagement of pull-apart fastening means  56  and pull-apart fastening means  58 . 
     Uniquely, clipable article container  22  can be clipped to clothing or the like in any way desired for use of containing articles. However in FIGS. 1 and 1A, typical use of the invention on pants, shorts, or any article of clothing with a waistband is illustrated. FIG. 1 shows clipable article container  22  clipped to a waistband of shorts in a position such that front container panel  30  (FIG. 4) of the container portion lies against or faces the inside of the wearer&#39;s clothing (not the wearer) and the outside of container clamp interface flap  28  is visible or shows to one looking at a front view of the wearer, whereas back panel  48  faces the wearer&#39;s body. Therefore, in this position, the main cavity for holding articles in clipable article container  22  is sandwiched between the wearer and the inside panel of the wearer&#39;s clothing or undergarments. This provides an inconspicuous positioning of the article container. The preferred cushioned container construction provides cushioning between articles in the container and the wearer. Its preferred elasticity permits the container to accept articles that are shaped and sized differently than itself Articles can be placed inside the container  22  while it is either clipped in position on the user or the like, or held in one&#39;s hand prior to or after clipping to clothing, another article, or the like, for use. Alternatively, FIG. 1A shows clipable article container  22  clipped in another, typical use of the invention on pants, shorts, or any article of clothing with a waistband, positioned such that front container panel  30  (FIG. 4) of the container portion lies against or faces the outside of the wearer&#39;s clothing (facing the wearer) and the outside of container clamp interface flap  28  is not visible, but faces the wearer on the inside of the waistband. In this case, container rear panel  48  (exterior) would be visible to one looking at a front view of the wearer and front panel  30  faces the outside of the wearer&#39;s clothing. Therefore, in this position, the main cavity for holding articles in clipable article container  22  lies on the outside panel of the wearers clothing. Articles can be placed inside the container  22  while it is either clipped in position on the user or the like, or held in one&#39;s hand prior or after clipping to clothing, another article, or the like, for use. As suggested earlier, article container  22  may be clamped onto anything that clamp  22   b  can engage to a final closed (closed biased) position. It can also be clamped in any position (to any item) and still contain the items stored inside as intended. 
     Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described. Thus, the following additional embodiments and variations are described and illustrated. 
     Description of Second Embodiment 
     As shown in FIGS. 13-13E, the second embodiment  70  of the present invention is identical to the first embodiment except for the addition of elements to the container and clamp portions that provide additional or secondary clamp locking means to the container and holding clamp. FIG. 13A, in an exploded view, introduces the two main additional elements, of the second embodiment, a locking pivot  71  and a latch handle  72  and their connecting parts. 
     Locking pivot  71  is a solid pin-type element, which is made of three parts or areas. The upper half of pivot  71  and the lower half of pivot  71  are separated in the center by locking pivot ring  71   b , which is a permanently fixed ring element around the belly or midsection of pivot  71 . On the upper half of pivot  71 , above pivot ring  71   b , there are two pivot holes  71   a  on opposing sides of pivot  71  that extend toward each other as deep as possible toward the core or center of the pivot but are separated in the middle by a solid wall or plate. On the lower half of pivot  71 , below pivot ring  71   b , on opposing sides, there are two locking pivot projections  71   c  or bump-like protrusions. Alternative configurations may replace pivot projections  71   c  with screwtype flanges, threads, or the like to achieve the primary desired result of allowing closing member  34  to be locked, secured, or screwed to upper clamp  36  to provide the double locking security means and provide that upper clamp  36  is fitted with the appropriate mating aperture projection receiving elements. Materials for locking pivot include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals or other suitable rigid or semirigid materials. Pivot  71  parts may be molded, cast, or otherwise fabricated. 
     As also seen in FIG. 13A, there is a hole made through three elements forming three flap holes  73  that are designed and positioned to accept locking pivot  71 . Flap holes  73  are round holes cut, ultrasonically formed, punched, routed, bored, burned, or the like all the way through the midsection of container clamp interface flap  28 , closing member  34  and closing member retainer  46 . This provides that the pivot may proceed through all three holes and thus visibly protrude to the exterior of interface flap  28  when inserted. Flap holes  73  are of a suitable size to accept locking pivot  71 . 
     FIG. 13A also shows the second part of the locking element of the second embodiment of the invention—a latch handle  72 . This is a D-shaped ring element that may be fabricated from a piece of metal with a round cross section. The metal is bent into a “D” shape, whereas the midpoint of the straight edge or stem of the “D” is where two ends of the piece of metal meet. Two straight and opposing bottom pieces of the “D” ring are latch projections  72   b . A rounded top portion of the “D” ring, a latch curve  72   a , or latch handle element provides a means of engaging the locking pivot. Latch curve  72   a  can be otherwise formed in any shape such as, but not limited to, a round ring, square, round flat coin-like shape with ridges so that the form used enables the user to turn, screw in, pivot, or engage the pivot or locking device that secures closing member  34  to upper clamp  36 . Materials for latch handle  72  and its parts may include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals or other suitable rigid, semirigid, or flexible materials. Latch handle  72  may be molded, cased, formed, extruded, bent, or otherwise fabricated. 
     FIG. 13B illustrates the changes necessary to holding clamp  22   b  of the first embodiment of the invention for this second embodiment of the invention. The same types of holding clamps as discussed in the first embodiment may be used with two modifications as follows to achieve the secondary locking means of holding clamp  70   b  of the second embodiment. Holding clamp closing member  34  as shown in FIG. 13B has a round hole cut, drilled, punched, molded, routed, bored, burned, or the like through the center of its surface—forming a closing member hole  74 . An upper clamp opening or hole  75  is cut, punched, molded, drilled, routed, bored, burned, or the like through the center of the surface of upper clamp  36  forming an opening  75 . Upper clamp opening  75  creates an oblong hole in the surface of upper clamp  38 . On the opposing rounded ends of upper clamp opening  75  there are two upper clamp opening voids  75   b . This oblong, ovoid, or otherwise suitably shaped hole also has two rounded projection indents  75   a  positioned substantially perpendicular to the long axis of voids  75   b.    
     The second embodiment of the invention is assembled as shown in FIGS. 13A-13D using the above components as follows. As seen in FIGS. 13A and 13D, locking pivot  71  is inserted through hole  74  and holes  73  from a position between upper clamp  36  and holding clamp closing member  34  when clamp  70   b  is in the open position and has been installed into its final resting position in retention plate  44 . The end upper portion of pivot  71 , which contains locking pivot holes  71   a , should be inserted upward through hole  74  and holes  73  until pivot  71  reaches the point at which locking pivot ring  71   b  rests against the underside of closing member  34  and closing member retainer  46 . As shown in FIG. 13A, once pivot  71  is installed through hole  74  and holes  73 , a washer  72   c  is placed into position on the upper half of pivot  71 . Washer  72   c  is a stamped, die-cut, molded, or otherwise suitably fabricated part made of plastic, metal, or the like. Washer  72   c  can be included as a separate part as shown or can be combined as one part with latch handle  72 , providing a smooth surface molded, formed, or otherwise fabricated integral to itself Once washer  72   c  is installed, latch handle  72  can be assembled onto article container  70 . As seen in FIG. 13A, the two latch projections  72   b  are pulled apart, forcing the gap between the two projections to enlarge enough to accommodate the diameter of the head of locking pivot  71  in the location of locking pivot holes  71   a . The ends of each projection  72   c  are inserted into locking pivot holes  71   a . Due to the resilient nature of the material used for the latch handle, the tips of projections  72   c , once inserted into holes  71   a , spring forward toward one another, significantly decreasing the size of the gap between the two to their original, before-insertion, position. As mentioned earlier, pivot holes  71   a  extend toward each other as deep as possible toward the core or center of pivot  71 , but are separated in the middle by a thin vertical wall or plate. As described and shown in FIG. 13C, the tips of projections  72   c , once inserted, will spring forward to rest, with pressure, against this internal vertical wall or plate. It should be noted that there are other ways of connecting latch handle  72  to pivot  71 . Some examples include gluing, providing spline and snap elements, screwing together with conventional fasteners, and the like. 
     Operation of Second Embodiment 
     Consistent with the first embodiment of the invention, the second embodiment requires the same initial action as is required for engaging the holding clamp onto clothing or the like and inserting items into the container portion. However, in the second embodiment, as described below, the user has the option of engaging a secondary locking device, locking pivot  71 , thus providing more security in retaining article container  70  of the second embodiment, onto the user or any items to which it is clamped. 
     FIG. 13D illustrates the position of holding clamp  70   b  prior to engagement of the secondary locking means. Closing member  34 , housed inside container clamp interface flap  28 , is pressed forward such that locking pivot projections  71   c  are lined up on a vertical axis parallel to the vertical sides of holding clamp  70   b . Accordingly, latch handle  72  is lined up vertically, thus lining up pivot projections  71   c  with voids  75   b  so that, when container clamp interface flap  28  and closing member  34  are pressed forward toward upper clamp  36 , locking pivot projections  71   c  pass through upper clamp opening voids  75   b  and continue to be pushed forward through upper clamp opening  75 . Once the locking pivot reaches this point, the user, holding latch curve portion  72   a  of latch handle  72  turns latch handle  72  until locking pivot projections  71   c  slide into and are thus retained by upper clamp opening indents  75   a  Here locking pivot  71  is in its fully closed and locked position, while exerting maximum force onto the garment or the like that is being retained within the mouth of holding clamp  70 . Washer  72   c , described earlier, as part of the latch mechanism reduces the wear of the tuning of latch handle  72  on flap  28  as well as provides a smooth surface to facilitate smooth turning action of handle  72 . 
     This fully locked position, as illustrated in cross-sectional view in FIG. 13C, shows the engaged fabric or material sandwiched between the bottom end of pivot  71  and the upper inside surface of lower clamp providing additional retention properties. This strong retention of the engaged fabric is achieved through at least two main functional factors specific to this design. First, the constant (locked) pressure exerted upon the fabric by the lower portion of locking pivot  71  in its closed position forces the fabric or material in the mouth of the clamp to be tightly retained against lower clamp  38 . Secondly, while the fabric or material in the mouth of the clamp is retained by the pressure of the closed position of locking pivot  71 , it is further forced through and into the shallow cavity created by retention plate cut  44   c  superimposed upon the upper interior surface of lower clamp  38 . FIG. 13F, shows that the resulting labyrinth path  76  created by the described elements of the second embodiment provides additional retainment security over the single snap locking clamp force of the clamp  22   b  of the first embodiment. A hole or indent  90  punched in lower clamp  38  adds gripping friction. 
     Once holding clamp  70   b  of the second embodiment of the invention is fully engaged and locked onto fabric, clothing or the like, latch handle  72  may be folded over to lie flat against the exterior surface of interface flap  28 . At this point, as seen in FIG. 13, fastening means  56  of pocket closure extension  26  may be fastened to clamp flap fastening means  58  and may partially cover handle  72  and locking pivot or may preferably fully cover these components, provided that extension  26  is sized to fully conceal these components. 
     Description of Third Embodiment—Waterproof Means 
     The third embodiment of the present provides the first embodiment with waterproof containment means. This functions to allow articles to be contained and stay dry within the waterproof compartment(s) of the pouch for use of the invention while engaging in activity in water or snow-related activities. 
     If desired, the whole main cavity of the invention, or pockets within it, may be waterproofed as shown in FIG.  17 . In this case, a waterproof material is used for the container portion and sealed if necessary at the seams, or a waterproof liner or waterproof bag lining the container portion may be used. The waterproof cavity or cavities are then closed in a watertight matter using a waterproof closure, such as a waterproof zipper  90  as illustrated, or a flexible tongue-and-groove type of closure or other waterproofing closure means. As shown in FIG. 17, the waterproofed closure means may be attached to the container in place of fastening means  52  and  54  from the preferred embodiment of the invention or otherwise configured to seal off the main cavity or cavities. The container of FIG. 17 further includes hook-and-loop fasteners  92   a ,  92   b.    
     FIG. 17A shows another configuration of providing one or more waterproof compartments  77   a ,  77   b  within the regular container cavity. The container cavity includes hook-and-loop fasteners  78   a ,  78   b , and a flexible tongue-and-groove closure  79 . Therefore, items necessary to stay dry, or in an element free environment, can be placed into the waterproof compartments and those that can get wet or don&#39;t need to be protected as extensively can be placed into the nonwaterproofed compartment. 
     Means of waterproofing one or more compartments within the main cavity, but not all, are to simply provide a waterproof single pocket or cavity area with waterproof closure inside the main cavity via means described above. Examples of waterproof materials are rubber laminated with nylon (or neoprene), rubber-backed nylon, plastic-coated materials, PVC, plastics, and the like. Seams of the waterproof compartment(s) may be sealed as necessary, as described above. Additional compartments may be added as desired in a similar fashion as described for more cavities and buoyancy means may be included via the materials used or air pockets. 
     Operation of the Third Embodiment of the Invention 
     Operation of this embodiment is apparent based upon the operational description of the primary embodiment and the above description of the third embodiment. 
     SUMMARY, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the clipable article container of this invention can be used to comfortably carry personal items on one&#39;s person or attached to another item easily and conveniently. 
     It provides for superior, highly secure locking attachment to a wide range of clothing or other desired items, thus it cannot be pulled off or inadvertently fall off 
     It is simple, quick and easy to attach and remove even with one hand and without damage to clothing. 
     It provides quick and easy insertion of and access to articles contained 
     within, while still providing extra security to such items permits attachment and insertion or removal of articles in any order. 
     It permits the comfortable portability of items contained within, even when used in fitness, sport, or outdoor activities. 
     It permits great versatility in the area or position at which it may be attached to clothing or other items. 
     It permits attachment to an array of materials, from thin and delicate to thick. 
     It may effectively be used for a wide range of activities from everyday use as a wallet to travel, fitness, or outdoor activities. 
     Its elements ensure straight positioning of the article container when clamped on a straight edge. 
     It provides for highly efficient, low-cost, and flexible production and assembly. 
     It provides for the secure, but removable attachment of the clamp to the container. 
     It permits long-lasting use and reliability. 
     Its well integrated components maximize convenience and functionality in use. 
     Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: y