CARRYING DEVICE ADAPTED TO BE WORN ON THE ARM

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention an article carrying device is provided for carrying articles on the arm of a user. The article carrying device has a bag, with at least one strap extending transversally across a portion of the bag such that the user can insert his arm between the strap and the bag to retain the article carrying device thereon. The strap is made of an elastic material thereby expanding to allow the arm to be inserted and contracting to secure the article carrying device thereon. According to another aspect of the invention an article carrying device is provided wherein the article carrying device has a bag with an opening extending longitudinally through the bag to define a sleeve. The sleeve is made of an elastic material and may be tapered to further fittingly receive a user's arm.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 60/895,191 filed Mar. 16, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

An article carrying device adapted to be worn on an arm having a predetermined circumference. Specifically, an article carrying device having a strap or a sleeve configured to secure said article carrying device fittingly against a portion of a user's arm.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Article carrying devices such as hand bags and fanny packs are well known and documented. Such devices provide users with a means for storing and carrying various articles in a convenient manner. However, hand bags such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,083 to Sartena can be snatched away from an unprepared and unsuspecting user, Accordingly, attempts have been made to improve such article carrying devices by providing said devices with a means for securing said devices directly onto a user. A well known example of such a device is commonly referred to as a fanny pack. Fanny packs are adapted to fit around a user's waist. This feature helps secure articles to a user's person, however a disadvantage is that prolonged walking with a fanny pack may cause chafing of the user's waist. U.S. Publication No. 20030164389 to Byers discloses an article carrying device adapted to fit on a user's wrist. Byers teaches a device for carrying articles on a wrist comprising a wrist band, a clip, and storage compartment wherein the wrist band is slid over a user's wrist, and the clip attaches the storage compartment to the wrist band. Thus, the storage compartment has the potential of slipping off the wrist band. Furthermore, the storage compartment is limited to an area immediately surrounding the wrist and therefore limits that size and amount of articles a user may carry, and limits the placement of the device to the wrist. However, users may want to have their wrists free, especially when operating a motorcycle or riding a bike as the operation of such machines often requires the user to move the wrist for throttle control, braking or gear changing. Accordingly it is desirable to have an article carrying device which mitigates the potential of theft by securing the articles directly onto a user without the associated chafing of the fanny pack, provides the user with more storage capacity than the device disclosed in Byers, and is not susceptible of falling off the user, and allows the user to secure said device along any portion of the arm.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention an article carrying device is provided for carrying articles on the arm of a user. The article carrying device has a bag, a closure for opening and closing the bag, and at least one strap. The strap extends transversally across a portion of the bag such that the user can insert a portion of his arm between the strap and the bag, and thus retain the article carrying device on the arm. The strap is made of an elastic material thereby expanding to allow the arm to be inserted and contracting to secure the article carrying device thereon.

According to another aspect of the invention an article carrying device is provided wherein the article carrying device has a bag with an opening extending longitudinally through the bag to define a sleeve. The sleeve is made of an elastic material and may be tapered to further fittingly receive a user's arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an article carrying device worn on the forearm of a user;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an opened article carrying device and the internal storage compartments contained therein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an article carrying worn on the bicep of a user;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 without the user's bicep;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an opened article carrying device having a rectangular support sheet; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of an article carrying device having a sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of an article carrying device 10 adapted to be worn on an arm 12 having a predetermined circumference 14 is provided. Specifically, the article carrying device 10 has at least one strap 16 disposed transversely across a portion 18 thereof to secure the article carrying device 10 against a user's arm 12. The straps 16 may include a detachable means 20 and an adjustable means 22 such that the user can easily remove the article carrying device 10 or secure the article carrying device 10 along any portion 18 of the arm 12. Thus users are able to free their hands from the burden of holding a purse, handbag or the like. The article carrying device 10 includes a bag 24 having a cavity 26 for which to store various articles therein. The bag 24 can be one sheet folded appropriately or can be composed of different sheets attached together. In the first preferred embodiment, a first sheet 28 is attached to a second sheet 30 such that each sheet has a sheet portion 32 spaced apart from other to define the cavity 26. A closure 34 is provided between a free edge 36 of the second sheet 30 and the first sheet to provide a user with access to the cavity 26. The closure 34 may be fitted with a fastening device 38 such as such as a button, reciprocating pieces of Velcro, a zipper, or the like to retain the closure 34 in a closed position and open the closure 34 to provide the user with access to the cavity 26. A flap 40 is provided for concealing the closure 34. The flap 40 is moveable between a first open position 42 and a second covering position 44, thus additionally securing the contents of the bag 24.

At least one internal compartment 46 is disposed within the cavity 26 of the bag 24. The internal compartments 46 help a user to organize the contents within the article carrying device 10. Accordingly, the internal compartments 46 may be configured differently from each other. One of the internal compartment 48 can be configured to store passports, paper money, and the like, another internal compartment configured to store credit cards 50, and yet another internal compartment 52 configured to store a cellular phone at least one internal compartment 46. Furthermore, each internal compartment 46 may be fitted with a second closure 54 for opening and closing each respective internal compartment 46. The second closure 54 may also be fitted with a fastening device 38 such as such as a button, reciprocating pieces of Velcro, a zipper, or the like to retain the second closure 54 in a closed position, and to open the second closure 54 to provide access to the internal compartment 46. The storage capacity of the article carrying device 10 may be further enhanced by that addition of a pair of gussets 56 disposed at opposite ends of the bag 24. The gussets 56 work in concert with each other to collapse the bag 24 inwardly when little or no articles are contained therein, and expand outwardly to allow for the addition of articles. Thus, the storage capacity of the article carrying device 10 is such that devices directed at conveniencing the user may be included. For example, a lanyard 82 having a carabiner 84 or other clipping device may be attached to the interior of the cavity 26 so as to provide users with a convenient and secure means of retaining articles such as a key chain.

The article carrying device 10 includes a support sheet 58 which extends outwardly from the bag 24 to a free end 60. The support sheet 58 is made of a flexible material 62 to further enhance the comfort of a user and the acceptance of the user's arm 12 as described in further detail below. The support sheet 58 also provides structural advantages as it helps stabilize the article carrying device 10 to the arm 12. This feature of the support sheet 58 is especially desirable when articles are carried within the article carrying device 10. The support sheet 58 can assume different shapes as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one embodiment, the support sheet 58 has a base 64 and two sides 66 to define a triangle. The support sheet 58 is attached to the bag 24 at the base 64 and a pair of straps 16 is attached at each of the two sides 66. The straps 16 extend away from each other towards the bag 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the straps 16 are attached at opposite ends of the bag 24. FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the article carrying device 10 wherein the support sheet 58 is shaped as a rectangle. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting to the concepts pertaining to the support sheet 58.

The article carrying device 10 includes at least one strap 16 extending transversely across an exterior surface 68 of the first sheet 28 of the bag 24 between the free end 60 of the support sheet 58 and the bag 24. Thus, a strap portion 70 of each strap 16 is spaced apart from the exterior surface 68 of the first sheet 28 of the bag 24. Each strap 16 is spaced apart from the other thus providing spaced apart points of contact along a user's arm 12. As the bag 24 is designed to be adapted to a predetermined circumference 14 of an arm 12, each strap 16 will have a predetermined size 72 to further enhance the ability of the article carrying device 10 to secure itself fittingly on a user's arm 12. Accordingly, a strap 16 of the article carrying device 10 positioned to engage the arm 12.

As one of the purposes of the article carrying device 10 is to convenience the user by allowing the user to have his/her hands free, the article carrying device 10 is adaptable to be positioned along the arm 12. Accordingly, a detachable means 20 and an adjustable means 22 are provided. The detachable means 20 are disposed within a portion of each strap 16 and allow the user to remove the article carrying device 10 by simple manipulation of said detachable means 20 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 3 and 4 also show the adjustable means 22 being a clip 74 having a slot 76 wherein the straps 16 may be fed through and secured therein. The adjustable means 22 allows the user to adjust the length of the straps 16 so that the article carrying device 10 can fit securely onto any portion of the arm 12. FIG. 3 shows the article carrying device 10 worn on the forearm of a user, whereas FIG. 4 shows the article carrying device 10 worn over the bicep 12 of the user.

However, the article carrying device 10 does not require the use of adjustable means 22, thereby the straps 16 each have a predetermined dimension. In such an embodiment, the length and overall dimensions of the straps 16 will be design to accommodate a specific part of a user's arm 12. For instance, if article carrying device 10 is designed to be worn on the user's forearm, the strap 16 adjacent the wrist will be of shorter length than a strap 16 of said article carrying device 10 adjacent the elbow. Thus where no adjustable means 22 are provided, each strap 16 is designed to engage a predetermined circumference 14 correlating to a portion 18 of the forearm upon which the strap 16 will rest. The straps 16 may be made of an elastic material 78 to further enhance the article carrying device's 10 ability to secure itself onto a forearm. The elastic material 78 allows the straps 16 to expand to receive a predetermined portion 18 of the arm 12 and then contract to fittingly secure said predetermined portion 18 of the arm 12 between the strap 16 and the first sheet 28. Where the bag 24 is made of one sheet folded appropriately to define a cavity 26, or is made of more than two sheets attached together, the straps 16 are attached to the bag 24 such that ends of strap 16 are spaced apart from each other approximately the distance equal to the diameter of a respective portion 18 of the arm 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second preferred embodiment of an article carrying device 10 adapted to be worn on an arm 12 having a predetermined circumference 14 is provided. Specifically, the bag 24 is fitted with a sleeve 80 for which a user can insert his arm 12 therein for securing the article carrying device 10 thereon. The article carrying device 10 has a bag 24 with a closure 34 for opening and closing said bag 24, a pair gusseted ends spaced apart from each other, and at least one internal compartment 46 having a second closure 54 for opening and closing a respective internal compartment 46. As in the first preferred embodiments, the internal compartments 46 are configured to store passports, coins, store credit cards, cellular phones, mp3 players, digital cameras, and the like. The bag 24 further includes an opening extending longitudinally through the bag 24 to define a sleeve 80. The shape of the sleeve 80 may be tapered to facilitate sliding the bag 24 over an arm 12 and securing said bag 24 thereon. The sleeve 80 is made of elastic material 78 to allow for expansion and contraction. Specifically, the elastic sleeve 80 can expand in order to be slid over a forearm, and then contract on the arm 12 to secure the article carrying device 10 thereon.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article carrying device adapted to be worn on an arm having a predetermined circumference, said article carrying device comprising:

a bag, said bag having a closure for opening and closing said bag; and

at least one strap disposed on an exterior surface of said bag, said at least one strap having a predetermined size for securing said bag to said predetermined circumference of said arm.

2. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bag is defined by a first sheet attached to a second sheet wherein said first sheet and said second sheet each having a sheet portion spaced apart from each other to define a cavity, said cavity being accessible by said closure, and said closure disposed between said first sheet and said second sheet.

3. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a support sheet, said support sheet being comprised of flexible material and extending outwardly from said bag to a free end.

4. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said at least one strap extends from said free end of said support sheet to said bag such that each of said at least one strap is disposed transversely across said exterior surface of said first sheet of said bag, and a strap portion of each of said at least one strap being spaced apart from said first sheet such that each of said at least one strap is adapted to fittingly receive said predetermined circumference of said arm.

5. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said support sheet has a base and two sides to define a triangle, wherein said support sheet is attached to said bag along said base.

6. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said at least one strap is attached to and extends from one of said two sides to said bag, and the other of said at least one strap is attached to and extends from the other of said two sides to said bag such that said at least one strap are attached to opposite ends of said bag.

7. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 6 wherein a detachable means is provided for each of said at least one strap, said detachable means further including an adjustable means allowing said bag to be secured along any location of said arm of the user.

8. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said at least one strap being composed of an elastic material such that each of said at least one strap is capable of expanding to receive a portion of said arm and then contract to fittingly secure said portion of said arm between each of said at least one strap and said first sheet.

9. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said bag further comprising a pair of gussets, each of said pair of gussets extending horizontally between said first sheet and said second sheet of said bag to form the respective ends of said bag.

10. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said bag further comprising a flap, said flap concealing said closure.

11. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said bag further comprising at least one internal compartment, each of said at least one internal compartment for storing articles within said bag.

12. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 11 wherein one of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store passports and paper money, another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store credit cards, and yet another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store an electronic device, said electronic device selected from the group consisting of cellular phones, Ipods, MP3 players, and digital cameras.

13. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 12 wherein each of said at least one internal compartment also having a second closure for opening and closing each of said at least one internal compartment.

14. An article carrying device adapted to be worn on an arm having a predetermined circumference, said article carrying device comprising:

a bag having an exterior surface, wherein said bag being defined by a first sheet attached to a second sheet wherein said first sheet and said second sheet each having a sheet portion spaced apart from each other to define a cavity, said cavity being accessible by a closure for opening and closing said bag, wherein said closure is disposed between said first sheet and said second sheet;

a flap concealing said closure, said flap moveable between a first open position and a second covering position;

at least one internal compartment disposed within said cavity, each of said at least one internal compartment for storing articles within said bag wherein one of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store passports, paper money, another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store credit cards, and yet another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store a cellular phone, each of said at least one internal compartment also having a second closure for opening and closing each of said at least one internal compartment;

a support sheet, said support sheet being comprised of flexible material and extending outwardly from said bag to a free end, and

at least one strap extending from said free end of said support sheet to said bag, wherein each of said at least one strap having a predetermined size for securing said bag to said predetermined circumference of said arm, each of said at least one strap being spaced apart from the other, and each of said at least one strap extending transversely across said exterior surface of said first sheet of said bag such that a strap portion of each of said at least one strap is spaced apart from said first sheet thereby allowing said article carrying device to fittingly receive said predetermined circumference of said arm therein; wherein each of said at least one strap further including a detachable means to allow a user to detach each of said at least one strap from said bag, and an adjustable means, said adjustable means allowing the user to adjust the length of each of said at least one strap such that the user can secure said bag to any location along the length of the user's arm, and each of said at least one strap being composed of an elastic material such that each of said at least one strap is capable of expanding to receive a predetermined portion of said arm and then contract to fittingly secure said predetermined portion of said arm between each of said at least one strap and said first sheet.

15. An article carrying device adapted to be worn on the arm having a predetermined circumference, said article carrying device comprising:

a bag, said bag having a closure for opening and closing said bag; and

said bag further comprising an opening extending longitudinally through said bag to define a sleeve, said sleeve being adapted to slide said bag over an arm and secure said bag thereon.

16. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 15 wherein said sleeve is made of elastic material to allow said sleeve to expand in order to be slid over said arm forearm, and contracting on said arm forearm to secure said sleeve thereon.

17. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 16 wherein said sleeve is tapered so as to conform to the shape of said arm.

18. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 17 wherein said bag further comprising at least one internal compartment for storing articles within said bag, wherein each of said at least one internal compartment further including a second closure for opening and closing said at least one internal compartment.

19. An article carrying device as set forth in claim 18 wherein one of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store passports, paper money, coins, another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store credit cards, and yet another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store an electronic device, said electronic device selected from the group consisting of cellular phones, Ipods, MP3 players, and digital cameras.

20. An article carrying device adapted to be worn on the arm having a predetermined circumference, said article carrying device comprising:

a bag, said bag having a closure for opening and closing said bag, a pair gusseted ends spaced apart from each other, and at least one internal compartment having a second closure for opening and closing said at least one internal compartment, said at least one internal compartment for storing articles within said bag, wherein one of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store passports and paper money, another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store credit cards, and yet another of said at least one internal compartment is configured to store an electronic device, said electronic device selected from the group consisting of cellular phones, Ipods, MP3 players, and digital cameras;

and said bag her comprising an opening extending longitudinally through said bag to define a sleeve, said sleeve being adapted to slide said bag over an arm and secure said bag thereon, wherein said sleeve is made of elastic material to allow said sleeve to expand in order to be slid over said arm, and contracting on said arm to secure said sleeve thereon, and said sleeve is shaped so as to conform to the shape of said arm.