WEARABLE COVER APPARATUSES FOR HAND-HELD OPTICAL DEVICES

Abstract

A wearable cover apparatus can include: a bottom wall; a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the bottom wall and defining an interior volume, wherein an upper periphery of the plurality of sidewalls defines an opening into the interior volume; a lid positionable over the opening; and a slide attachment interface affixed to an exterior surface of at least one of the bottom wall or a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to cover apparatuses, wearable systems, and methods of attaching accessory holders to cover apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Optical devices like binoculars, range finders, and cameras can be used in a variety of applications, sports, pursuits, and hobbies (like hunting). Cases are commonly used to protect and secure optical devices, particularly in the field during use. These cases can be worn on a user (e.g., against a user's chest). In this positioning, the optical device can be withdrawn from the case.

In many instances, a user of an optical device will utilize (or want quick, ergonomic access to) a combination of devices and/or accessories, such as a smartphone, satellite phone, range finder device, bear spray, radio, flashlight, animal call, weather instrument meter, etc. Users may want to have ready access to specific accessories in as little as a few seconds or less (e.g., bear spray for a charging bear, a range finder device for quickly and quietly ranging a target distance, etc.). Such devices and/or accessories may loosely hang around a user's neck (thus prone to bobbling around, becoming tangled, and/or otherwise being unsecured relative to an optics case). Alternatively, such other devices and/or accessories may be jammed into a pocket that is not properly sized and shaped to receive it—lending to poor ergonomics and/or increased difficulty, time, and/or noise for retrieval. Further—in want of an ergonomic solution and ready accessibility—some devices and accessories may be left in a backpack (out of immediate reach of the user), positioned at a less convenient location on the user (e.g., on a hip belt or pant leg), or even omitted all together. Accordingly, there is a need for a wearable case for optical devices that is more versatile and ergonomically compatible with securing and providing ready access to a variety of accessories and accessory devices.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable cover apparatus. The wearable cover apparatus can include: a bottom wall; a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the bottom wall and defining an interior volume, wherein an upper periphery of the plurality of sidewalls defines an opening into the interior volume; a lid positionable over the opening; and a slide attachment interface affixed to an exterior surface of at least one of the bottom wall or a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.

In some examples, the wearable cover apparatus can further include a pair of compartment wings extending laterally from the plurality of sidewalls. In certain examples, the slide attachment interface includes a housing defining a channel and a channel opening into the channel. In one example, the slide attachment interface includes a closed end opposite the channel opening. In at least one example, the housing defines a slot extending from the channel opening to the closed end. In a particular example, the slide attachment interface includes a flange extending away from the housing, the slide attachment interface being attached to the exterior surface via the flange. In at least one example, the slide attachment interface is flexible. In some examples, the wearable cover apparatus can include a detachable eyepiece shim positionable against an interior surface of one or more sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls, the detachable eyepiece shim configured to be straddled by respective eyepieces of a hand-held optical device when the hand-held optical device is positioned within the interior volume.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable chest cover apparatus. The wearable chest cover apparatus can include: a plurality of panels defining an at least partially encloseable volume to retain a hand-held optical device; a pair of compartment wings separate from the at least partially encloseable volume and extending laterally from the plurality of panels; and a slide connector attached to an exterior surface of at least one of a compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings or a panel of the plurality of panels.

In some examples, the wearable chest cover apparatus further includes a harness attachable to each compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings and at least one panel of the plurality of panels. In at least one example, the pair of compartment wings is foldable relative to the plurality of panels. In particular examples, when the wearable chest cover apparatus is donned, each compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings is positionable against a respective chest region offset from a central chest region. In one example, the pair of compartment wings is conformable with an upper torso.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable system. The wearable system can include a wearable chest cover apparatus that includes: a plurality of panels defining an interior volume, an upper periphery of the plurality of panels defining an opening into the interior volume; a lid positionable over the opening; and a slide connector attached to an exterior surface of at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The wearable system can additionally include a harness to secure the wearable chest cover apparatus against a chest of a user. The wearable system can additionally include an accessory holder removably attached to the wearable chest cover apparatus via the slide connector.

In some examples, the slide connector includes a female slide connector; and the accessory holder includes a male slide connector insertable into the female slide connector. In certain examples, the accessory holder is attachable to the slide connector in a first direction and detachable from the slide connector in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Further, another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an accessory holder for attaching to wearable cover apparatuses. The accessory holder can include: an attachment face; a slide connector positioned adjacent to and extending along opposing edges of the attachment face; and an accessory compartment disposed opposite of the attachment face.

In some examples, the accessory compartment includes at least one of a canister holder, an ammunition holder, or a closeable pouch. In certain examples, the attachment face includes a button snap positioned between the slide connectors, the button snap matable with a corresponding button snap on a wearable cover apparatus. In at least one example, the attachment face includes a pass-through loop positioned between the slide connectors, the pass-through loop sized and shaped to receive a harness portion tetherable to a wearable cover apparatus.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to the examples of embodiments recited above. Rather, this summary is only provided to provide an overview of various potential embodiments of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment of a wearable system in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of FIG. 1 in which the wearable cover apparatus is in a lid-open state in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIG. 1 in which the wearable cover apparatus is in a lid-closed state in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the wearable cover apparatus of the wearable system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of a slide attachment interface in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 6A having an accessory holder attached thereto;

FIG. 6D illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 6A having another accessory holder attached thereto;

FIG. 7A illustrates a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 1 along with an example accessory holder for attaching to the wearable cover apparatus;

FIG. 7B illustrates a close-up partial view of a slide connector of the accessory holder in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 1 with the accessory holder in FIG. 7A attached thereto;

FIG. 7D illustrates a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 1 with the accessory holder in FIG. 7C further attached thereto;

FIG. 7E illustrates a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus in FIG. 1 with the accessory holder in FIG. 7D and another accessory holder attached thereto;

FIG. 8A illustrates a front perspective view of another example embodiment of a wearable cover apparatus in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear perspective view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIGS. 8A-8B and an example accessory holder for attaching thereto;

FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIGS. 8A-8B with the accessory holder in FIG. 9A attached thereto;

FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIGS. 8A-8B with the accessory holder in FIG. 9B further attached thereto;

FIG. 9D illustrates a bottom view of the wearable cover apparatus of FIGS. 8A-8B with the accessory holder in FIG. 9C further attached thereto;

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an example detachable eyepiece shim in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B illustrates a front view of the detachable eyepiece shim of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a wearable cover apparatus implementing the detachable eyepiece shim of FIGS. 10A-10B;

FIG. 11B illustrates a front view of a wearable cover apparatus implementing the detachable eyepiece shim of FIGS. 10A-10B;

FIG. 11C illustrates a top view of a wearable cover apparatus having an optical device disposed therein and implementing the detachable eyepiece shim of FIGS. 10A-10B;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of example height shims in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a wearable cover apparatus implementing the height shims of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates to a wearable cover apparatus for protecting optical devices (e.g., binoculars) and electronics from water, dust, debris, etc. when carried on a user's person. In particular examples, the wearable cover apparatuses of the present disclosure can provide an innovative modular accessory connection system (e.g., with a new track attachment system and/or multi-modal securement features) that can keep a user's binoculars, gear, and accessories organized and close to the chest for ready access. Connected accessories stay securely and quietly connected while navigating dense brush or challenging terrain.

In some examples, a wearable cover apparatus can include compartment wings (e.g., integrated zip-closure side pockets) sized and shaped for a wide array of objects, such as a rangefinder, phone, electronics, and other small essentials. A wearable cover apparatus in some examples can include an outer, next-to-chest drop pocket for convenient storage. Other features, such as a harness, are adjustable and can be adapted to fit a wide range of user sizes. Materials of a wearable cover apparatus can be breathable, snag or tear-resistant, weather resistant, and/or quiet when in contact with brush or rocks.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-13. However, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment of a wearable system 100 in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2-3 respectively illustrate front perspective views of a wearable cover apparatus 101 of the wearable system 100 in which the wearable cover apparatus 101 is in a lid-open state and a lid-closed state in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B respectively illustrate a rear perspective view, a front view, and a rear view of the wearable cover apparatus 101 in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure.

In these or other examples, the wearable system 100 can also be referred to as a chest pack system, an optics carry system, a binocular harness system, etc. As shown, the wearable system 100 can include the wearable cover apparatus 101, one or more optional accessory holders (e.g., an accessory holder 102, 104), and a harness 106. Each is discussed in turn.

The wearable cover apparatus 101 can include walls 112 (e.g., panels, partitions, barriers, etc.) that have an exterior surface 113. The walls 112 can define an interior volume 118 at least partially encloseable around a device 110 (e.g., an optical device, binoculars, camera, rangefinder, spotting scope, etc.). In particular examples, the interior volume 118 can be sized and shaped to receive the device 110. In certain examples, the interior volume is conformable to the device 110 (e.g., via a reconfigurable member embedded in one or more of the walls 112. The walls 112 can include a bottom wall (e.g., bottom wall 112e) and sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls 112a-112d) extending upward from the bottom wall. An upper portion of the walls 112 can include an upper periphery 114 that defines an opening into the interior volume 118. Those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that the walls 112 can include a variety of layers and fabrics (including water-resistant fabric, quiet (non-rustling) fabric, protective fabric, padded fabric, etc.). The walls 112 can include overlapping sections, inner and outer layers, fabric shells, liners, etc. (e.g., TORAY® Primeflex waterproof nylon, DURAFLEX^®hardware, spacer airmesh liner, fleece liner, hook-and-loop surfaces, etc.). The walls 112 can additionally include a variety of pockets (e.g., exterior pockets, internal pockets, zippered pockets, stuff-it pockets, etc.). In at least one example, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a large, exterior pocket next-to-body (e.g., a pocket 400) defined at least partially by the back sidewall 112b and a panel 402 (e.g., to place a cell phone or concealed weapon therein) between the back sidewall 112b and the user's chest 108.

The wearable cover apparatus 101 can additionally include a lid 116 positionable over the interior volume 118. The lid 116 can include a variety of lids, covers, caps, coverings, hoods, tops, etc. that at least partially encloses the interior volume 118. The lid 116 can at least partially protect the interior volume 118 from water, dust, and debris. In these or other examples, the lid 116 can include a forward-opening lid, a fold-down lid, a fold-up lid, a roll-up or roll-down lid, a sealable lid, a zippered lid, etc. In certain examples, the lid 116 can be opened by a user pulling forward such that the lid 116 can be retained in the forward-opening position. In at least one example, the lid 116 can include a magnetic lid having a magnet (or ferromagnetic material) positioned along the lid periphery to magnetically connect to corresponding magnetic (or ferromagnetic) element(s) in the upper periphery 114 to induce a magnetic closure. In one example, the lid 116 can include a magnet or ferromagnetic component for inducing a magnetic connection with one or more walls 112 (e.g., to help maintain the lid 116 in an open state exposing the interior volume 118 like in FIGS. 2 and 4). In at least some examples, a magnetic lid can lend to quieter opening and/or closing of the lid 116.

In one or more examples, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a slide attachment interface, such as slide attachment interfaces 120-126. As used herein, the terms “slide attachment interface” and “slide connector” can refer to a component for connecting (and disconnecting) two or more components together in at least one of a sliding motion, translating motion, gliding motion, etc. A slide attachment interface can join multiple components together in a variety of ways. For example, slide attachment interface can interlock, interweave, interlink, mesh, fit within, or otherwise join multiple components. In specific examples, a slide attachment interface can include a track connector. In certain examples, a female slide attachment interface can include a housing, a channel defined within the housing, a channel opening extending into the channel, and a slot defined along the housing surface. In specific examples, a male slide attachment interface can include a male slide connector insertable into the female slide attachment interface. Additional structural detail of slide attachment interfaces is discussed further below.

In some examples, multiple slide attachment interfaces can be attached to the exterior surface 113. In some examples, a slide attachment interface is connected to a bottom wall of the walls 112. Additionally or alternatively, a slide attachment interface can be attached to one or more sidewalls of the walls 112. Further, a slide attachment interface can be attached to the walls 112 in various directions (e.g., parallel to or along a wall edge). In specific implementations, and as shown for the slide attachment interface 120, a slide attachment interface can run along a perimeter edge (e.g., along a substantial distance of the perimeter edge) of one or more walls 112. Slide attachment interfaces can, in certain examples, be paired together in a set of two or more slide connectors for attaching a single or multiple accessory holders (e.g., as will be shown and described below in relation to FIGS. 6A-6D, and 7A-7D).

Slide attachment interfaces can be connected to the wearable cover apparatus 101 in a variety of different positional configurations. Some or all can be utilized for coupling (e.g., quietly connecting with little or no noise, rapidly attaching, or conveniently joining) to an accessory holder, such as the accessory holder 102, 104. For example, the accessory holder 102 can be positioned laterally adjacent to the wearable cover apparatus 101 (e.g., via a connection to the slide attachment interface 120). Conversely, the accessory holder 104 can be positioned underneath the wearable cover apparatus 101 and connected thereto via a connection to one or more additional slide attachment interfaces disposed on the bottom wall (or bottom portion of the sidewalls) of the walls 112. Those of the ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize that other accessory holder configurations and slide attachment interface configurations are herein contemplated. Utilizing the slide attachment interfaces (e.g., the slide attachment interface 120) is not required, however. Indeed, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can be implemented without any accessory holder connected to a slide attachment interface.

As used herein, the term “accessory holder” can refer to an accessory mount, retaining mechanism, attachment plate, adapter, support, fixture, stand, backing, setting, base, etc. for one or more accessories. An accessory holder can include, for example, an ammunition holder, flashlight holder, radio holder, animal call holder, bear spray holder, range finder holder, hearing protection holder, eyewear holder, etc. An accessory holder in some examples can be sized and shaped in a manner specific to the accessory. In certain examples, an accessory holder can include a variety of attachment elements, including adjustable cords, tensioned loops, shaped pouches, conformable pouches, clips, clasps, carabiners, locks, etc. In at least some examples, an accessory holder can include a multimodal attachment system (e.g., a slide connector, a button snap, and a pass-through loop connector). A variety of connections are herein contemplated, however. For example, a multi-modal attachment system can include buttons, clips, clasps, pins, buckles, interlocking elements, etc.

In certain implementations, and as will be discussed below, the accessory holder 102 and the accessory holder 104 can include corresponding slide attachment interfaces. For example, the accessory holder 102 and the accessory holder 104 can include male slide connectors that are connectable to the slide attachment interfaces 120-126 that may be configured as female slide connectors. These and other aspects of a slide attachment interface (e.g., in relation to slide attachment interfaces 120-126) are discussed below.

Further shown in the figures, the wearable system 100 can include a harness 106. The harness 106 can tether to the wearable cover apparatus 101 (and in certain implementations, directly to the device 110 as well). In some examples the harness 106 can suspend the wearable cover apparatus 101 on the user via support from shoulders 107 in contact with the harness 106. In particular examples, the harness 106 can extend from the wearable cover apparatus 101, pass over the shoulders 107, across the upper back, and wrap under the arms to connect to another region of the wearable cover apparatus 101—thereby securing multiple locations of the wearable cover apparatus 101 against a chest region 108 of the user. The harness 106 can include a variety of tethers and connections to the wearable cover apparatus 101. The harness 106 can for example suspend an upper portion of the wearable cover apparatus 101 and laterally secure a side portion of the wearable cover apparatus 101. A variety of different securing positions and connection points are herein contemplated. In one example, another harness configurations can include a neck support, and in some cases, solely a neck support in lieu of shoulder straps and a back support.

The wearable system 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5B and described above can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, the wearable system 100 can be implemented with other (different) accessory holders, or no accessory holders at all. As another example, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a different structural configuration (e.g., as shown and described in relation to FIGS. 8A-9D depicting a wearable system implemented with a pair of compartment wings).

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 1-5B can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 1-5B.

Various elements shown and described above can also be implemented in method steps for performing a method of attaching an accessory holder to a cover apparatus. For example, FIGS. 6A-7E illustrate example embodiments of the structure and process to attach an accessory holder in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of the structure of the bottom wall 112e to attach accessory holders to the wearable cover apparatus 101, FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example slide attachment interface connected to a wall of a wearable cover apparatus, and FIGS. 6C-6D respectively illustrate bottom views of different example accessory holders attached to the wearable cover apparatus 101 via slide attachment interfaces. FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate rear perspective views of slide attachment interfaces to laterally attach accessory holders to the right and left sides of the wearable cover apparatus 101.

In these figures, a progression or series of steps for a method of engaging (e.g., interlocking, connecting, mating, interlinking, mating, etc.) a first slide attachment interface of an accessory holder and second slide attachment interface of a wearable cover apparatus is expressly shown and/or inferred. For example, the method can include an act of moving (e.g., translating, sliding, gliding, or guiding) at least one of a first slide attachment interface of the wearable cover apparatus 101 or a second slide attachment interface of an accessory holder (e.g., accessory holders 618, 624, 700, 722) relative to each other. Additional or alternative acts (and cover apparatus components) in such an example method can be implemented. Additionally, similar acts can be performed for disengaging slide attachment interfaces.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126 can include a particular type of slide connector, i n this case, a female slide connector. The female slide connector can include a track housing 600 (e.g., having an approximately cylindrical-shaped housing). The track housing 600 can define a channel 606 (e.g., a passageway, conduit, guide path, or track) extending through the track housing 600. The track housing 600 can include a channel opening 602 defined in a first end of the housing that exposes or allows entrance into the channel 606.

Further shown, the track housing 600 can include a slot 608 that runs along the housing surface (e.g., from the channel opening 602 to a closed end 604 of the track housing 600 opposite the channel opening 602). In certain examples, the closed end 604 of the track housing 600 can include a mechanical stop, plug, or plate about where the slot 608 ends. In these or other examples, the closed end 604 can limit the amount of translation of the accessory holder along the slot 608 and within the channel 606. The closed end 604 can also delineate a specific attachment direction and detachment direction (discussed below in relation to FIG. 7A). For example, an accessory holder may not be inserted into the channel 606 through the closed end 604. Thus, in some embodiments, the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126 may allow unidirectional attachment and unidirectional detachment (instead of bi-directional attachment and detachment). In at least some examples, unidirectionality can lend to better securement of the accessory holder to the wearable cover apparatus 101. In other examples, bidirectional attachment and detachment can be implemented (e.g., by using an open end instead of the closed 604).

The track housing 600 can additionally include a housing flange 610. The housing flange 610 (e.g., a beam, brace, strut, support, joist, etc.) that can connect to the track housing 600 on a housing surface opposite the slot 608 for connecting the track housing 600 to the wearable cover apparatus 101. For example, a first portion of the housing flange 610 can connect to the track housing 600, and a second portion of the housing flange 610 can connect to the wearable cover apparatus 101 (e.g., the bottom wall 112e).

In some examples, the housing flange 610 can be flexible. For example, the housing flange 610 can be bent, deformed, twisted, or torqued (e.g., during the attachment process and/or to provide a desired positioning of the accessory holder relative to the wearable cover apparatus 101) in various planes and directions. In certain examples, the housing flange 610 can include an elastic material (e.g., allowing stretching, elastic deformation). In specific implementations, the housing flange 610 can include spring-like qualities. For example, the housing flange 610 can be biased to a resting position, which resting position can be altered or disturbed (e.g., temporarily or for a prolonged duration) by an applied force to attach an accessory holder to the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126, set the accessory holder to a desired position relative to the wearable cover apparatus 101, conform the accessory holder to a user's body, etc. The housing flange 610 can subsequently return to a resting position when the applied force is removed.

The wearable cover apparatus 101 is not limited to slide attachment interfaces for attaching accessory holders. The wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a variety of additional or alternative attachment modes, including at the bottom wall 112e as shown. In specific examples, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include multimodal attachment—thereby providing backup attachment mechanisms to ensure an accessory holder does not incidentally separate from the wearable cover apparatus 101). Additionally or alternatively, other attachment modes can prevent or limit movement of an accessory holder in one or more directions not limited by the slide attachment interfaces.

In some examples, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a button snap (e.g., a pair of button snaps 612 positioned at opposing ends of the bottom wall 112e). In some examples, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include clips 614 and loop connectors 616 (e.g., for securing to corresponding cords 622 or eyelets of an accessory holder). Thus, in some embodiments, the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include a tri-modal attachment for securing an accessory holder to the wearable cover apparatus 101, which tri-modal attachment can include a slide connector attachment (via the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126), a button snap attachment (via button snaps 612), and a clip connector attachment (via clips 614).

In FIG. 6C, an accessory holder 618 is attached to the bottom wall 112e via cords 622 (e.g., looped eyelets, looped anchors) and, although obscured by the accessory holder 618, the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126 shown in FIG. 6A. The accessory holder 618 can include compartments 620. The compartments 620 can include cartridge compartments or shell compartments sized and shaped to fit various cartridges and shells. In particular examples, the compartments 620 can include expandable compartments, form fitting compartments, elastic webbing compartments, stretchable band compartments, etc. With the accessory holder 618, a user can have ready access to cartridges or shells without needing to separately access a backpack, gear carrier, etc.

In FIG. 6D, another accessory holder (i.e., an accessory holder 624 different from the accessory holder 618) is similarly attached to the bottom wall 112e via the cords 622 and the slide attachment interfaces 124, 126 shown in FIG. 6A. The accessory holder 624 can include a compartment 626. The compartment 626 can include an elongated pouch (e.g., for holding a bear spray canister, bug spray bottle, sunscreen, or water bottle). The accessory holder 624 can include a quick-release mechanism 628 (e.g., a tie, elastic cord, drawstring, etc.) that is easily manipulatable, adjustable, and/or removable for convenient, fast withdrawal of the item held by the accessory holder 624. In particular examples, the accessory holder 624 can include a tab 628 attached to the quick-release mechanism 628 to aid manipulation, adjustability, or removal of the quick-release mechanism 628. For instance, the tab 628 can be pulled away from a bear spray canister to correspondingly pull the quick-release mechanism 628 from off the bear spray canister for fast removal and deployment of the bear spray in a bear encounter. Other accessory holders can be utilized.

In FIGS. 7A-7D, the slide attachment interfaces 120, 122 can laterally attach accessory holders 700, 722 to the respective right and left sides of the wearable cover apparatus 101. The accessory holders 700, 722 can be the same as or similar to the accessory holders 102, 104, 618, and 624 discussed above. In these figures, however, a rear perspective view of the accessory holders 700, 722 is depicted for clarity of illustration. The subsequent description, although directed to the accessory holder 700, can be applicable to the accessory holder 722 or any other accessory holder disclosed herein.

As shown, the accessory holder 700 can include corresponding attachment mechanisms for securing to the wearable cover apparatus 101. For example, the accessory holder 700 can include an attachment face 710 that includes one or more attachment elements that can couple (e.g., secure, attach, affix, connect, join, etc.) the accessory holder 700 to the wearable cover apparatus 101. In these or other examples, the attachment face 710 can be brought at least partially into contact with the wearable cover apparatus 101. In other examples, the attachment face 710 can be positioned in close proximity to the wearable cover apparatus 101 (e.g., within a few millimeters), adjacent to the wearable cover apparatus 101, or at least partially overlapping a wall surface of the wearable cover apparatus 101. Still in other examples, and as shown in FIG. 7C for instance, the attachment face 710 can be positioned approximately parallel to and adjacent the back wall 112b.

In some examples, the attachment face 710 can include a slide connector (e.g., a male slide connector) designed to engage a corresponding slide connector of the wearable cover apparatus 101. As shown, the attachment face 710 can include a pair of slide connectors 702. One or both of the slide connectors 702 can be utilized to couple the accessory holder 700 to the wearable cover apparatus 101. In some examples, the slide connectors 702 can be positioned at opposing edges 706, 708 of the accessory holder 700.

The slide connectors 702 can include a variety of different structures. In some examples, the slide connectors 702 can include a slide connector body 704 having a portion (e.g., a cylindrical portion) sized and shaped to be inserted in the channel 606 of the track housing 600 on the wearable cover apparatus 101. Further, the slide connectors 702 of the accessory holder 700 can include a slide flange 705 (e.g., a beam, brace, strut, support, joist, etc.) that can connect the slide connector body 704 to the accessory holder 700—specifically the attachment face 710 and/or the edges 706, 708. The slide flange 705 of the slide connectors 702 can be sized and shaped to pass through the slot 608 of the track housing 600 on the wearable cover apparatus 101. In this way, the slide connector body 704 of the slide connector 702 can be retained within the channel 606 while the slide flange 705 can extend beyond the channel through the slot 608 to enable a sliding motion for attaching and detaching the accessory holder 700 to the wearable cover apparatus 101.

The attachment face 710 can include additional or alternative attachment elements for coupling the accessory holder 700 to the wearable cover apparatus 101. For example, the attachment face 710 can include one or more connectors 712 (e.g., button snaps for mating to corresponding button snaps 612 of the wearable cover apparatus 101). Additionally or alternatively, the attachment face 710 can include loops 714 (e.g., pass-through loops) or other suitable connectors or fasteners. At least one of the loops 714 can be threaded by a belt, tether, rope, connector, etc. (e.g., a harness connector or buckle, as applicable) to further couple the accessory holder 700 to the wearable cover apparatus 101. In some examples, the loops 714 can be positioned along the edges 706, 708 of the accessory holder 700 (e.g., at corner regions).

In one or more examples, the slide attachment interfaces of the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include an attachment direction 716 and a detachment direction 718. In some examples, the attachment direction 716 is exclusively a single direction (e.g., vertically downward in FIG. 7A). Conversely in some examples, the detachment direction 718 can exclusively include another single direction opposite the attachment direction 716 (e.g., vertically upward in FIG. 7A). Although the attachment direction 716 and the detachment direction 718 are shown as unidirectional, other examples of the slide attachment interfaces for the wearable cover apparatus 101 can include bidirectional attachment and detachment directions. In such examples, the accessory holder 700 can pass into and out of the slide attachment interfaces of the wearable cover apparatus 101 in either the up or down directions. Still in other examples, other structural configurations of the slide attachment interfaces may allow attachment directions and detachment directions in other directions (e.g., side-to side, diagonally, at one or more angles relative to the vertical/horizontal, etc.).

FIGS. 7A-7C expressly show the slide connector 702 of the accessory holder 700 being inserted into the channel opening 602 of the slide attachment interface 122 of the wearable cover apparatus 101. Upon insertion, the accessory holder 700 can be slid downward in the attachment direction 716 such that the slide connector 702 of the accessory holder 700 proceeds along the channel 606 of the track housing 600 for the slide attachment interface 122. The slide connector 702 can proceed along the channel 606 and through the slot 608 until at least one of the slide connector body 704 or the slide flange 705 abut the closed end 604 of the track housing 600 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7C).

FIG. 7D expressly shows a harness connector 720 routed through the loops 714 positioned on the attachment face 710. In some examples, the harness connector 720 can secure the accessory holder 700 against a user's chest when the harness connector 720 is secured to the harness 106. Then as shown in FIG. 7E, an additional accessory holder 722 can likewise be attached to the opposing side of the wearable cover apparatus 101 via the slide attachment interface 120.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 6A-7E can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 6A-7E.

FIGS. 8A-8B respectively show front and back perspective views of another example wearable cover apparatus 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wearable cover apparatus 800 can include a wearable chest cover apparatus (e.g., including wall panels 803 defining an at least partially encloseable volume to retain a hand-held optical device in a body portion 804). In the example embodiment of these figures, the wearable cover apparatus 800 can include the same or similar elements as discussed above, including slide attachment interfaces for attaching one or more accessory holders (e.g., an accessory holder 802) to the wearable cover apparatus 800. The slide attachment interfaces of the wearable cover apparatus 800 can be positioned in a variety of configurations (e.g., along an exterior surface of a compartment wing or along one or more of the wall panels 803). In particular examples, the wearable cover apparatus 800 can include slide attachment interfaces positioned along a periphery of an exterior surface of the bottom wall panel (discussed below in relation to FIGS. 9A-9B).

In addition, however, the wearable cover apparatus 800 shown in these figures includes a pair of compartment wings 806, 808. As used herein, the term “compartment wings” can refer to pouches integrally connected to a wearable cover apparatus at laterally adjacent locations to a body portion (e.g., the body portion 804 having an interior volume of a main or central compartment). A compartment wing can include side sections, annexes, extensions, etc. that are separate from the interior volume of the body portion 804 but are integrally connected to the wearable cover apparatus 800. For example, a compartment wing can extend laterally away from (e.g., left or right of) one or more of the wall panels 803 of the wearable cover apparatus 800. In some examples, a compartment wing can extend away from a central chest region (e.g., away from the user's sternum, which can be overlaid by the body portion 804). For example, a compartment wing can be disposed over a variety of chest regions offset from the central chest region. Upon donning the wearable cover apparatus 800 according to certain examples, a compartment wing can extend toward the underarm region and cover (or otherwise be positioned against) breasts, pectoral muscles, and/or certain rib cage areas that are offset from the central chest region.

In particular examples, the compartment wings 806, 808 can conform to the body shape, anatomy, and/or contours of a user. For instance, the compartment wings 806, 808 can wrap at least partially around an upper torso of a user, hugging the user's body. In some examples, the compartment wings 806, 808 can be respectively attached to the harness 106, thereby helping to tension or pull backward the compartment wings 806, 808 against the upper torso of the user. Alternatively, the harness 106 can be attached to the body portion 804 and not the compartment wings 806, 808 (e.g., allowing the compartment wings 806, 808 to pivot, move, fold, or bend relative to the wall panels 803 of the body portion 804). In certain examples, the compartment wings 806, 808 can be folded toward or back onto the wearable cover apparatus 800 (e.g., stacked over or under the body portion 804 as may be desirable for storing or stowing the wearable cover apparatus 800).

In these or other examples, the inclusion of the compartment wings 806, 808 of the wearable cover apparatus 800 can provide a comparatively increased amount of available volume for accessory devices than may be available in the wearable cover apparatus 101. For example, the compartment wings 806, 808, can be sized and shaped to receive a variety of different accessories and/or accessory devices. As another example, the compartment wings 806, 808 can be custom fit, tailored, or conformable to an outer periphery of an accessory. The compartment wings 806, 808, due to their integral connection to the wearable cover apparatus 800, can securely retain such accessories and/or accessory devices. The compartment wings 806, 808 in some examples, may not be removed or detached from the body portion 804.

As shown in FIG. 8B, at least one of the compartment wings 806, 808 and/or the body portion 804 can include a spacer 810 positionable against the user's body. The spacer 810 can include a foam spacer, mesh spacer, etc. The spacer 810 can provide a compressible portion, conformable portion, cushion portion, padded portion, etc. The spacer 810 can additionally or alternatively induce breathability, air flow, etc. between the wearable cover apparatus 800 and the user's body. In some examples, the spacer 810 and the back wall panel of the body portion 804 defines a pocket 812 (similar to or the same as the pocket 400).

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 8A-8B can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an example of attaching an accessory holder 900 to the wearable cover apparatus 800 in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown, the accessory holder 900 (which can be the same as or similar to the accessory holders 102, 104, 700, 722, etc.) can be slid laterally into slide attachment interfaces 902 on a bottom wall panel 904 of the wearable cover apparatus 800. In this example, slide connectors from the accessory holder 900 are inserted into the channel housing of the slide attachment interfaces 902. Button snaps 906 and clip connectors 908 can be correspondingly joined together (e.g., to create a tri-modal attachment between the wearable cover apparatus 800 and the accessory holder 900).

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 9A-9D can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 9A-9D.

FIGS. 10A-13 illustrate various shims positionable within a wearable cover apparatus in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10A-10B in particular illustrate a detachable eyepiece shim 1000. In certain examples, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can include multiple individual shims, such as a first shim 1002 and a second shim 1004. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can be positioned on a wearable cover apparatus 1100—particularly inside an interior volume 1102 and against an interior wall 1104.

The detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can be attached to the interior wall 1104 of the wall panels in a variety of different ways. In some examples, at least one of the first shim 1002 or the second shim 1004 can include a hook and loop attachment, a button snap attachment, or a magnetic attachment for securing the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 against the interior wall 1104. By securing the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 in place relative to the interior wall 1104, (e.g., the back wall or the front wall), the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can be straddled and remain straddled by respective eyepieces of an optical device positioned within the interior volume (as shown in FIG. 11C).

The detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can include a variety of shapes and sizes. In some examples, the first shim 1002 is rectangular (e.g., for adding increased depth). In certain examples, the second shim 1004 includes a different shape (e.g., a trapezoid shape, wedge-shape, triangular-shape, cylindrical shape, etc.) designed to maintain a positioning of the eyepieces. For example, the second shim 1004 can include a contact shim for maintaining contact with the eyepieces (e.g., eyepieces 1108, 1110), thereby inducing an amount of friction against the device surface or otherwise forcing the optical device (e.g., an optical device 1106) against one or more other interior wall surfaces.

In these or other examples, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can be positioned between the eyepieces 1108, 1110 of the optical device 1106. In at least one example, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can contact both eyepieces 1108, 1110 (e.g., to specially separate the eyepieces 1108, 1110 and/or maintain a relative positioning of the eyepieces 1108, 1110 within the interior volume 1102).

The detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can include a variety of different shims, including various materials. In some examples, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can include foam shims, rubber shims, etc. that can help keep the optical device 1106 secure and can accommodate (or conform to) many sizes of optical devices. In certain examples, the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 are removable. In some cases, the first shim 1002 and/or the second shim 1004 can be stackable or interchangeable. In some examples, one or more shams of the detachable eyepiece shim 1000 can be attached or removed to adjust a wall offset 1112 (e.g., a distance from the interior wall 1104) to accommodate a certain size of optical device. Additionally or alternatively, the wall offset 1112 can determine the ease with which the optical device 1106 is removed from the interior volume 1102.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate another example of shims 1202-1206 in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown, the shims 1202-1206 can include height shims implemented in a variety of configurations to provide a desired height at which the optical device 1106 is situated within the interior volume 1102. In certain examples, one or more of the shims 1202-1206 can be positioned against a bottom wall 1302 of the interior volume 1102 to adjust a sitting height 1300 of the optical device 1106 (where the bottom eyepiece portions abut the shims). More or fewer shims can be added to adjust the sitting height 1300. Foams, gels, and other materials can be utilized in the shims 1202-1206.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 10A-13 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 10A-13.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Indeed, various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific aspects and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. Specifically, those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including” or “includes” as used in the specification shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.” Additionally, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” should be interpreted as +/−10 percent of a given value, unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A wearable cover apparatus, comprising:

a bottom wall;

a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the bottom wall and defining an interior volume, an upper periphery of the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening into the interior volume;

a lid positionable over the opening; and

a slide attachment interface affixed to an exterior surface of at least one of the bottom wall or a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.

2. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of compartment wings extending laterally from the plurality of sidewalls.

3. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slide attachment interface comprises a housing defining a channel and a channel opening into the channel.

4. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the slide attachment interface comprises a closed end opposite the channel opening.

5. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing defines a slot extending from the channel opening to the closed end.

6. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the slide attachment interface comprises a flange extending away from the housing, the slide attachment interface being attached to the exterior surface via the flange.

7. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slide attachment interface is flexible.

8. The wearable cover apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detachable eyepiece shim positionable against an interior surface of one or more sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls, the detachable eyepiece shim configured to be straddled by respective eyepieces of a hand-held optical device when the hand-held optical device is positioned within the interior volume.

9. A wearable chest cover apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of panels defining an at least partially encloseable volume to retain a hand-held optical device;

a pair of compartment wings separate from the at least partially encloseable volume and extending laterally from the plurality of panels; and

a slide connector attached to an exterior surface of at least one of a compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings or a panel of the plurality of panels.

10. The wearable chest cover apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a harness attachable to each compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings and at least one panel of the plurality of panels.

11. The wearable chest cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pair of compartment wings is foldable relative to the plurality of panels.

12. The wearable chest cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the wearable chest cover apparatus is donned, each compartment wing of the pair of compartment wings is positionable against a respective chest region offset from a central chest region.

13. The wearable chest cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pair of compartment wings is conformable with an upper torso.

14. A wearable system, comprising:

a wearable chest cover apparatus comprising: a plurality of panels defining an interior volume, an upper periphery of the plurality of panels defining an opening into the interior volume; a lid positionable over the opening; and a slide connector attached to an exterior surface of at least one panel of the plurality of panels;

a harness to secure the wearable chest cover apparatus against a chest of a user; and

an accessory holder removably attached to the wearable chest cover apparatus via the slide connector.

15. The wearable system of claim 14, wherein:

the slide connector comprises a female slide connector; and

the accessory holder comprises a male slide connector insertable into the female slide connector.

16. The wearable system of claim 14, wherein the accessory holder is attachable to the slide connector in a first direction and detachable from the slide connector in a second direction opposite the first direction.

17. An accessory holder for attaching to wearable cover apparatuses, the accessory holder comprising:

an attachment face;

a slide connector positioned adjacent to and extending along opposing edges of the attachment face; and

an accessory compartment disposed opposite of the attachment face.

18. The accessory holder of claim 17, wherein the accessory compartment comprises at least one of a canister holder, an ammunition holder, or a closeable pouch.

19. The accessory holder of claim 17, wherein the attachment face comprises a button snap positioned between the slide connectors, the button snap matable with a corresponding button snap on a wearable cover apparatus.

20. The accessory holder of claim 17 wherein the attachment face comprises a pass-through loop positioned between the slide connectors, the pass-through loop sized and shaped to receive a harness portion tetherable to a wearable cover apparatus.