US20120292363A1

US20120292363A1 - Body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device

Info

Publication number: US20120292363A1
Application number: US13/475,035
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathan W. Crawford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-18
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Also published as: EP2709484A2; EP2709484A4; WO2012159014A2; WO2012159014A3

Abstract

A body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device may include a shoulder harness having interconnected first and second portions configured to be supported by first and second shoulders respectively of a wearer. An electronic device support pouch configured to removably receive the electronic device therein may be attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness such that it extends under one arm and along one side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer. An accessory support unit configured to removably receive one or more accessory items therein may be attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness such that it extends under an opposite arm and along an opposite side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/487,521, filed May 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for carrying and/or transporting electronic devices, and more specifically to such apparatuses worn on the body.

BACKGROUND

Numerous apparatuses and mechanisms exist for carrying and transporting portable electronic devices such as computers and hand-held electronic devices. It is desirable to design an apparatus for carrying and/or transporting a portable electronic device which can be worn on a person's body.

SUMMARY

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In one aspect, a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device may comprise a shoulder harness having interconnected first and second portions configured to be supported by first and second shoulders respectively of a wearer. An electronic device support pouch may be attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness. The electronic device support pouch may extend under one arm and along one side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer. The electronic device support pouch may be configured to removably receive the electronic device therein. An accessory support unit may be attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness. The accessory support unit may extend under an opposite arm and along an opposite side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer. The accessory support unit may be configured to removably receive one or more accessory items therein.
In another aspect, a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device, the apparatus may comprise a shoulder harness having interconnected first and second portions configured to be supported by first and second shoulders respectively of a wearer. An electronic device support pouch may be configured to releasably attach to either of the first and second portions of the shoulder harness with the electronic device support pouch extending downwardly along one or an opposite side respectively of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer. The electronic device support pouch may be configured to removably receive the electronic device therein. An accessory support unit may be configured to releasably attach to either of the first and second portions of the shoulder harness with the accessory support unit extending downwardly along the one or the opposite side respectively of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer. The accessory support unit may be configured to removably receive one or more accessory items therein. The accessory support unit may be releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness when the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness such that the electronic device support pouch is carried by the shoulder harness along the one side of the wearer and the accessory support unit is carried by the shoulder harness along the opposite side of the wearer. The accessory support unit may be releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness when the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness such that the accessory support unit is carried by the shoulder harness along the one side of the wearer and the electronic device support pouch is carried by the shoulder harness along the opposite side of the wearer.
In yet another aspect, a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device, the apparatus may comprise a shoulder strap configured to be supported by a shoulder of a wearer. An electronic device support pouch may be attached to the shoulder strap. The electronic device support pouch may define an opening configured to removably receive within the electronic device support pouch the electronic device. The electronic device support pouch may have a flap sized to extend over the opening when the electronic device is received within the electronic device storage pouch. A closure mechanism may be configured to selectively secure the flap to the electronic device support pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of one illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 1B is a magnified view of the portion of FIG. 1A within the area labeled 1B.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-10.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of still another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-14.

FIG. 16 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a further illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of yet a further illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device shown being worn and supported by a model of a human.

FIG. 20 is a right side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2-4, front, magnified, rear, left and right elevational views of one illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 10 for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown with the apparatus 10 being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a shoulder harness 20 that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by the shoulders 14A and 14B of the wearer 12. The shoulder harness 20 illustratively includes one portion 22A that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by a right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12, and another portion 22B that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by a left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions 22A and 22B are mirror images of each other, although this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the portions 22A and 22B are sized and/or configured differently from each other. The portions 22A and 22B of the shoulder harness 20 are illustratively separate from each other and are joined via an attachment member 22C as illustrated in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the portions 22A and 22B are each provided in the form of single, flexible or semi-flexible web, strap or tether, and the attachment member 22C is likewise provided in the form of a flexible or semi-flexible web, strap or tether which joins the two separate webs, straps or tethers 22A and 22B in a region of the shoulder harness 20 that extends across the upper back of the wearer 12 as illustrated by example in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the portions 22A and 22B may be formed of other suitable flexible and/or semi-flexible materials, and/or the attachment member 22C may be provided in the form of a flexible, semi-flexible or rigid ring or other conventional retaining member, coupled to and between the portions 22A and 22B of the shoulder harness 20. Alternatively still, this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the portions 22A and 22B of the shoulder harness 20 are not separate from each other, but rather together form a single, unitary structure.
In the illustrated embodiment, a number of connectors are attached to the shoulder harness 20, each of which is configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to another structure that is separate from the shoulder harness 20, e.g., to a pouch or to an accessory support or storage unit. While any number of connectors may be attached to the shoulder harness 20, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has two such connectors attached to each portion 22A and 22B, e.g., each web 22A and 22B, of the shoulder harness 20. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1A and 4, for example, one end of a front portion of the web 22A, i.e., a portion of the web 22A that extends over the wearer's right shoulder 14A and extends downwardly along the front of the right shoulder 14A and then downwardly along the right side 16A of the wearer 12, extends downwardly through a slot 23A defined through a conventional connector 24A, and then upwardly into attachment with a conventional web length adjuster 26A. The length of the front portion of the web 22A between the attachment portion 22C and the connector 24A can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the front portion of the web 22A through the web length adjusting device 26A. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, one end of a rear portion of the web 22A, i.e., a portion of the web 22A that extends over the wearer's right shoulder 14A and extends downwardly along the back of the right shoulder 14A and then downwardly along the right side 16A of the wearer 12, extends downwardly through a slot 27A defined through a conventional connector 28A, and then upwardly into attachment with a conventional web length adjuster 30A. The length of the rear portion of the web 22A between the attachment portion 22C and the connector 28A can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the rear portion of the web 22A through the web length adjusting device 30A. While two such connectors 24A, 28A are shown connected to the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20 in FIGS. 1A-4, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20 so that at least such number of webs and the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20 together form a single, unitary structure.
As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1A and 3, one end of a front portion of the web 22B, i.e., a portion of the web 22B that extends over the wearer's left shoulder 14B and extends downwardly along the front of the left shoulder 14B and then downwardly along the left side 16B of the wearer 12, extends downwardly through a slot 23B defined through another conventional connector 24B, and then upwardly into attachment with another conventional web length adjuster 26B. The length of the front portion of the web 22B between the attachment portion 22C and the connector 24B can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the front portion of the web 22B through the web length adjusting device 26B. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end of a rear portion of the web 22B, i.e., a portion of the web 22B that extends over the wearer's left shoulder 14B and extends downwardly along the back of the left shoulder 14B and then downwardly along the left side 16B of the wearer 12, extends downwardly through a slot 27B defined through another conventional connector 28B, and then upwardly into attachment with another conventional web length adjuster 30B. The length of the rear portion of the web 22B between the attachment portion 22C and the connector 28B can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the rear portion of the web 22B through the web length adjusting device 30B. Again, while two such connectors 24B, 28B are shown connected to the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20 in FIGS. 1A-4, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20 so that at least such number of webs and the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20 together form a single, unitary structure.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, an electronic device support or storage pouch 70 is attached to the portion 22B of the shoulder harness, e.g., via the connectors 24BA, 28B, such that the pouch 70 extends under the left arm and along the left side 16B of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. The pouch 70 illustratively defines a mouth or opening 72 at one end (see FIG. 1A), a closed opposite end 74, and closed, opposing sides 76 and 78 (see FIG. 3). The pouch 70 is sized and configured to removably receive an electronic device 80 therein, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
A number of connectors are attached to the electronic device support pouch 70, each of which is configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to the shoulder harness 20, e.g., to the portion 22A or the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20. While any number of connectors may be attached to the pouch 70, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 has two such connectors attached to the pouch 70. In the illustrated embodiment, and as seen most clearly in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3, for example, a strap or web 34B is attached at one end to the side 76 of the pouch 70 at, near or toward the opening 72. An opposite end of the web 34B is advanced through a slot 31B defined through a conventional connector 32B and is then attached to the side 76 of the pouch 70. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 34B may be connected between the pouch 70 and the connector 32B, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 34B may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 32B is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 24B. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the connector 24B is provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., triangular in shape, having a dual-diameter opening 25B defined through the planar member, and the connector 32B is likewise provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., also triangular in shape, having a headed protrusion 33B extending perpendicularly away from the plane defined by the connector 32B. The headed protrusion 33B and the dual-diameter opening 25B are sized such that the head of the protrusion can pass through the larger opening of the dual diameter opening 25B but cannot pass through the smaller opening of the dual diameter opening 25B. The connector 32B is connected to the connector 24B by passing the headed protrusion 33B through the larger opening of the dual-diameter opening 25B, and then forcing a shaft of the headed protrusion 33B into the smaller opening of the dual-diameter opening 25B. When so connected, the shaft of the headed protrusion 33B is trapped within the dual-diameter opening 25B, which inhibits movement of the connector 24B relative to the connector 32B in directions perpendicular to the planes defined by the connectors 24B and 32B but permits rotational movement of the connector 24B relative to the connector 32B.
In the illustrated embodiment, another strap or web 38B is attached at one end to the bottom or end 74 of the pouch 70 at, near or toward the side 76. An opposite end of the web 38B is advanced through a slot 31B defined through another conventional connector 36B and is then attached to the bottom or end 74 of the pouch 70 at, or near or toward the side 76. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 38B may be connected between the pouch 70 and the connector 36B, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 38B may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 36B is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 28B. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the connector 28B is provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., triangular in shape, having a dual-diameter opening 29B defined through the planar member, and the connector 36B is likewise provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., also triangular in shape, having a headed protrusion 37B extending perpendicularly away from the plane defined by the connector 36B. The headed protrusions 37B and the dual-diameter opening 29B are illustratively sized and configured as described with respect to the connectors 24B and 32B such that the connectors 28B and 36B can be connected together, and movable relative to each other, as described above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lengths of the two opposite ends of the web 22B can be separately adjusted via the web length adjusters 26B and 30B, as described hereinabove. Generally, a slight rearward tilt of the opening or mouth 72 from the bottom side 78 to the top side 76, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is desirable to facilitate storage and removal of the electronic device 80 within and from the pouch 70, and the angle of this tilt, relative to vertical, is set by selectively varying the lengths of the two opposite ends of the web 22B and 34B as just described. In one embodiment, the lengths of the two opposite ends of the web 22B is adjusted to provide a rearward tilt angle of approximately 15-20 degrees from vertical, although other tilt angles, forward or rearward, or a vertical orientation of the opening 72 of the pouch 70, are alternatively achievable via suitable adjustment of the lengths of the two opposite ends of the web 22B. Moreover, any such tilt angles may alternatively be achieved using more or fewer webs/connectors between the shoulder harness 20 and the electronic device support or storage pouch 70.
Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1A and 3, the electronic device support or storage pouch 70 defines an internal width, W_P, which extends between the sides 76 and 78, and an internal depth, D_P, which extends between the open end 72 and the closed end 74. The opening or mouth 72 of the pouch 70 defines an opening length, L_O, which may or may not be equal to the internal width, W_D, of the pouch 70. The electronic device 80 defines a width, W_D, and a length, L_D. In one embodiment, the length, L_O, of the opening 72 and the width, W_P, of the pouch 70 are illustratively sized to accommodate the width, W_D, of the electronic device 80, e.g., L_Oand W_Pmay be sized slightly larger than the width W_D, such that the electronic device 80 can be received within the pouch 70 with the width, W_D, of the device 80 extending between the sides 76 and 78 inside of the pouch 70. In other embodiments in which the electronic device 80 is carried by and within a carrying case, the length, L_O, of the opening 72 and the width, W_P, of the pouch 70 may be alternatively or additionally sized to accommodate a combined width, W_D, of the electronic device 80 and the overall thickness added to the electronic device 80 by its carrying case e.g., L_Oand W_Pmay be sized slightly larger than the combined width, W_D, and the overall width of the carrying case of the electronic device 80 such that the combination of the electronic device 80 and its carrying case can be received within the pouch 70 with the combined width, W_D, of the electronic device 80 and that of its carrying case extending between the sides 76 and 78 inside of the pouch 70. In such embodiments, the carrying case may include one or more closure straps that extend at least partially about the carrying case, and the opening 72 and interior features of the pouch 70 may be sized to also accommodate the one or more closure straps and/or may define one or more channels therein which is/are sized to receive the one or more closure straps therein when the combination of the electronic device 80 and its carrying case is received within the pouch 70. In one embodiment, the opening 72 is biased to an open or partially open position to facilitate receipt of the electronic device 80, or receipt of the combination of the electronic device 80 and carrying case, within the pouch 70, although other embodiments are contemplated in which the opening 72 is not biased to an open or partially open position.
In one embodiment, the internal depth, D_P, of the pouch 70 is sized to be shorter than the length, L_D, of the electronic device 80 such that one end of the electronic device 80 extends outwardly away from the opening 72 of the pouch 70 when its opposite end is received within the pouch and in contact with the closed end 74 thereof. With the one end of the electronic device 80 extending outwardly away from the opening 72 as illustrated in FIG. 3, grasping of the electronic device 80 for storage and withdrawal of the electronic device within and from the pouch 70 is facilitated.
In such embodiments, a closure strap 82 may be attached to the pouch 70 at, near or adjacent to the opening 72. In one embodiment, the closure strap 82 may be a single web or strap attached at one end to the external surface of the pouch 70 on one side of the opening 72, and having an opposite end to which a closure member 84 is mounted or attached. Another closure mechanism is, in this embodiment, mounted or attached to the external surface of the pouch 70 on an opposite side of the opening 72, and the two closure mechanisms are illustratively configured to releasably engage each other to thereby secure or lock the closure strap 82 to the pouch 70. Other embodiments of the closure strap 82 are contemplated, and an example of another such embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 in which one end of a first web or strap is attached at one end to the external surface of the pouch 70 and a closure mechanism is mounted or attached to the opposite end of the first web or strap. One end of a second web or strap is attached at one end to the external surface of the pouch 70 on an opposite side of the opening 72, and another closure mechanism is mounted or attached to the opposite end of the second web or strap. The closure mechanisms 84 are configured to releasably engage each other, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to thereby secure or lock the first and second webs or straps together. In any embodiment of the closure strap 82, the strap 82 engages the exposed end of the electronic device 80 such that the electronic device 80 is trapped and held between the closure strap 82, the closed end 74 of the pouch and the two sides 76 and 78 of the pouch 70.
In alternate embodiments, the depth, D_P, of the pouch 70 may be sized to be equal to or greater than the length, L_D, of the electronic device 80 such that the one end of the electronic device 80 is coterminous with the opening 72 or extends past the opening 72 into the interior of the pouch 80. In such embodiments, the closure strap 82 may or may not be included. In such embodiments, the pouch 70 may include an additional flap that extends over the opening 72 from one side of the opening 72 to the other, and in this embodiment a closure strap 82 or other closure mechanism may be included to secure the free end of the flap to the pouch 70. Alternatively, the pouch 70 may, in such embodiments, include a conventional zipper attached to or within the opening 72.
In one embodiment, the pouch 70 is constructed of flexible or semi-flexible material. The interior cavity of the electronic device support pouch 70 is, in one embodiment, flexible. Alternatively, the interior cavity of the electronic device support pouch 70 may be rigid or semi-rigid. In any case, the pouch 70 may further include a clip 86 attached to the bottom side 78, e.g., via a web, strap or tether 88. The clip 86 is illustratively configured to releasably engage at least one portable structure, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a water bottle, one or one or more sets of keys, solution and/or fabric for cleaning a screen of the electronic device 80, a flashlight and a mechanical tool such as a wrench, screwdriver, pliers, or the like. In alternate embodiments, the clip 86 may be omitted, and in other embodiments a plurality of clips may be attached to the pouch 70 along the bottom or top and/or along either side thereof.
In one embodiment, the electronic device 80 is a conventional tablet computer, as this term is generally understood in the art. In other embodiments, the electronic device 80 may be a so-called e-reader or e-book reader, as these terms are generally understood in the art. In still other embodiments, the electronic device 80 may be a hand-held electronic device generally, further examples of which include, but should not be limited to, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, or the like.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, an accessory support or storage unit 40 is attached to the portion 22A of the shoulder harness, e.g., via the connectors 24A, 28A, such that the support unit 40 extends under the right arm and along the right side 16A of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12 as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 4. The accessory support or storage unit 40 is illustratively configured to removably receive and store therein one or more accessory items. For example, the accessory support unit 40 illustratively defines one or more straps, pockets and/or pouches sized and configured to removably receive and store therein one or more accessory items, wherein the accessory items may, but need not, relate to the use, operation and/or maintenance of the electronic device 80.
A number of connectors are attached to the accessory support or storage unit 40, each of which is configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to the shoulder harness 20, e.g., to the portion 22A or the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20. While any number of connectors may be attached to the unit 40, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 has two such connectors attached to the unit 40. In the illustrated embodiment, and as seen most clearly in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 4, for example, a strap or web 34A is attached at one end to the top of the unit 40, i.e., the portion of the unit 40 closest to the shoulder 14A of the wearer 12, at, near or toward a front of the unit 40, i.e., the portion of the unit 40 that faces in the same direction as the front of the wearer 12. An opposite end of the web 34A is advanced through a slot 31A defined through a conventional connector 32A and is then attached to the top of the unit 40. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 34A may be connected between the unit 40 and the connector 32A, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 34A may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 32A is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 24A. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the connector 24A is provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., triangular in shape, having a dual-diameter opening 25A defined through the planar member, and the connector 32A is likewise provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., also triangular in shape, having a headed protrusion 33A extending perpendicularly away from the plane defined by the connector 32A. The headed protrusion 33A and the dual-diameter opening 25A are illustratively sized and configured as described hereinabove with respect to the connectors 24B and 32B such that the connectors 24 and 32A can be connected together, and movable relative to each other, as described above.
In the illustrated embodiment, another strap or web 38A is attached at one end to a rear of the unit 40, i.e., the portion of the unit 40 that faces in same direction as the backside of the wearer 12, at, near or toward the top of the unit 40. An opposite end of the web 38A is advanced through a slot 35A defined through another conventional connector 36A and is then attached to the rear of the unit 40 at, or near or toward the top of the unit 40. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 38A may be connected between the unit 40 and the connector 36A, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 38A may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 36A is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 28A. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the connector 28A is provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., triangular in shape, having a dual-diameter opening 29A defined through the planar member, and the connector 36A is likewise provided in the form of a planar member, e.g., also triangular in shape, having a headed protrusion 37A extending perpendicularly away from the plane defined by the connector 36A. The headed protrusions 37A and the dual-diameter opening 29A are illustratively sized and configured as described hereinabove with respect to the connectors 24B and 32B such that the connectors 28A and 36A can be connected together, and movable relative to each other, as described above.
In one illustrative embodiment, the connectors 24A, 28A, 24B and 28B are all identical, and the connectors 32A, 36A, 32B and 36B are also identical such any connector 24A, 28A, 24B and 28B may releasably engage any correspondingly configured connector 32A, 36A, 32B and 66B. In alternate embodiments, the connectors 24A, 32A, 24BA and 32B may be keyed or color coded differently than the connectors 28A, 36A, 28B and 36B to provide a visual indicator of the appropriate orientations of the electronic device support pouch 70 and accessory support unit 40 relative to the shoulder harness 20. In either such embodiment, the electronic device support pouch 70 may accordingly be attached to the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 or may alternatively be attached to the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20 such that the electronic device support pouch extends under the right arm and along the right side 16A of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12. Likewise, the accessory support unit 40 may be attached to the portion 22A of the shoulder harness 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, or may alternatively be attached to the portion 22B of the shoulder harness 20 such that the accessory support unit 40 extends under the left arm and along the left side 16B of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. In still other embodiments, each associated pair of the connectors 24A/32A, 24B/32B, 28A/36A and 28B/36B may be keyed or color coded differently than the others to provide a visual indicator of the appropriate orientations and sides of the electronic device support pouch 70 and accessory support unit 40 relative to the shoulder harness 20.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the accessory support unit 40 is illustratively configured to removably receive and carry accessories associated with an electronic device 80, such as a tablet computer. For example, the accessory support unit 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2 and 4 defines two separate storage areas 42 and 50. Referring specifically to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the storage area 42 illustratively defines an access opening 44 between a pair of opposing side panels 43 and 45. A conventional zipper 46 is coupled to the opening 44 and may be manipulated in a conventional manner to open and close the storage area 42. As illustrated by the cutaway section A in FIG. 4, the storage area 42 may define therein a number of straps 48A and 48B sized and configured to store writing instruments, e.g., pens or pencils, and/or one or more styluses. Illustratively, the storage area 42 is sized to receive and store therein one or more of a connector cable for the tablet computer, a conventional Video Graphics Array (VGA) adapter for the tablet computer, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter for the tablet computer, a battery charging apparatus and a memory card and/or reader such as a secure digital (SD) card and/or reader. Alternatively, the storage area 42 may be sized to receive and store therein more or fewer and/or different accessories.
The accessory support unit 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 further defines a storage area 50 configured to selectively store, for example, and a hand-held electronic device 56, examples of which include but should not be limited to, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, or the like. The storage area 50 illustratively defines an access opening 55 between a pair of opposing side panels 51 and 53. A closure strap 52 is attached at one end to the side panel 53, and a closure mechanism 54 is mounted adjacent to the opposite end of the closure strap 52. A corresponding, complementary closure mechanism (not shown) is mounted to the side panel 51 so that the closure mechanism 54 can be secured to the side panel 51 in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, the internal depth of the storage area 50 is sized to be shorter than the length of the hand-held electronic device 56 such that one end of the hand-held electronic device 56 extends outwardly away from the opening 55 of the storage area 50 when its opposite end is received within the storage area 50 as illustrated in FIG. 4. With the one end of the hand-held electronic device 56 extending outwardly away from the opening 55 as illustrated in FIG. 4, grasping of the hand-held electronic device 56 for storage and withdrawal of the hand-held electronic device 56 within and from the storage area 50 is facilitated. In such embodiments, the closure strap 52 engages the exposed end of the hand-held electronic device 56 such that the hand-held electronic device 56 is trapped and held between the closure strap 52 and the closed end of the storage area 50.
In alternate embodiments, the depth of the storage area 50 may be sized to be equal to or greater than the length of the hand-held electronic device 56 such that the one end of the hand-held electronic device 56 is coterminous with the opening 55 or extends past the opening 55 into the interior of the storage area 50. In such embodiments, the closure strap 52 may or may not be included. In such embodiments, the storage area 50 may include an additional flap that extends over the opening 55 from one side of the opening 55 to the other, and in this embodiment a closure strap 52 or other closure mechanism may be included to secure the free end of the flap to the storage area 50. Alternatively, the storage area 50 may, in such embodiments, include a conventional zipper attached to or within the opening 55.
In one embodiment, the storage areas 42 and 50 are constructed of flexible or semi-flexible material. In one example of such an embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 4, the side panel 43 of the storage area 42 and the side panel 51 of the storage area 50 may be of unitary construction, and the side panel 45 of the storage area 42 and the side panel 53 of the storage area 50 may likewise be of unitary construction, and the storage areas 42 and 50 may be separated by attaching the two opposing, unitary side panels together at a point 57 between the two storage areas 42 and 50 as most clearly shown in FIG. 1A. In alternative embodiments, the storage area 42 and/or the storage area 50 may be constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials. In any case, the accessory support or storage unit 40 may further include a clip 58 attached to and along a bottom portion of the unit 40, i.e., the portion of the unit 40 that faces downwardly when worn by the wearer 12, e.g., via a web, strap or tether 59. The clip 58 is illustratively configured to releasably engage at least one portable structure, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a water bottle, one or one or more sets of keys, solution and/or fabric for cleaning a screen of the electronic device 80 and/or a screen of the hand-held electronic device 56, a flashlight and a mechanical tool such as a wrench, screwdriver, pliers, or the like. In alternate embodiments, the clip 58 may be omitted, and in other embodiments a plurality of clips may be attached to the unit 40 along the bottom or top and/or along either side thereof. In other alternative embodiments, one or more straps may be attached to the bottom of the unit 40, which strap(s) may be configured to engage the wearer's clothing or clothing accessory, e.g., a belt loop or belt worn by the wearer 12, and to attach, e.g., via conventional hook and loop fabrics, to itself or to the unit 40. In such embodiments, the strap(s) may be included to anchor and secure the unit 40 to the wearer 12 via the wearer's clothing and/or clothing accessory.
It will be understood that the embodiment of the accessory support unit 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 and described hereinabove represents only one illustrative configuration of the accessory support unit 40, and that the accessory support unit 40 may be configured to receive and carry more, fewer and/or different accessories. Examples of other accessories which the accessory support unit 40 may be configured to receive and carry include, but should not be limited to, one or more tablets or notebooks of paper or other writing, drawing or painting media, one or more additional hand-held electronic devices such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, an audio storage and playback device, a calculators, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, a camera, a video recorder, a hand-held medical device or the like, one or more flashlights, one or more camera accessories such as one or more camera lenses, one or more flash packs, one or more camera batteries and one or more data storage devices, one or more rolls of coins, one or more dry cell batteries, one or more medical accessories such as a stethoscope, a thermometer, an ear, nose and throat illumination device, tissue paper, one or more sets of sterile gloves, or the like.
One independent purpose of the accessory support unit 40 may be to receive and carry one or more accessories associated with the electronic device 80, and in this regard the accessory support unit 40 may be configured to receive and carry any one or combination of the accessories described hereinabove. Another independent purpose of the accessory support unit 40 may be to receive and carry one or more accessories that are not associated with the electronic device 80 but that are used or usable by the wearer 12, and in this regard the accessory support unit 40 may be configured to receive and carry any one or combination of such accessories that are not associated with the electronic device 80, either to the exclusion of or in addition to the one or combination of accessories associated with the electronic device 80. Yet another independent purpose of the accessory support unit 40 may be to receive and carry one or more weights that match, at least approximately, the weight of the electronic device 80 in order to provide a counterbalance of comparable weight on each side of the wearer 12, and in this regard the one or more weights may be provided, for example, in the form of one or more dry cell batteries, rolls of coins or other weights, and/or any one or combination of accessories that are and/or are not associated with the electronic device 80 that may be specifically selected to provide an appropriate counterweight for the electronic device 80.
In one embodiment, the shoulder harness 20, the electronic device support pouch 70 and the accessory support unit 40 are constructed of a washable material, although embodiments are contemplated in which the harness 20, pouch 70 and/or accessory support unit 40 are constructed of non-washable materials. Examples of materials which the shoulder harness 20, the electronic device support pouch 70 and the accessory support unit 40 may be constructed include, but should not be limited to, coated or uncoated polyester fabric, canvas, nylon, leather, polypropylene, one or more other fabrics, one or more waterproof materials, recycled materials, plastic materials, and the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 front, rear, left and right elevational views of another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 10′ for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). Some of the items illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 are identical to those illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, and unless otherwise indicated, like numbers are used in FIGS. 5-8 to identify such like components of FIGS. 1A-4. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a shoulder harness 20′ that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by the shoulders 14A and 14B of the wearer 12. The shoulder harness 20′ illustratively includes a shoulder support portion 21A that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by a right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12, and another shoulder support portion 21B that is sized and configured to be worn on and supported by a left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions 21A and 21B are mirror images of each other, although this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the portions 21A and 21B are sized and/or configured differently from each other. Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the portions 21A and 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ are illustratively separate from each other and are joined via an attachment member 21C, e.g., a ring or other suitable retaining member, coupled to one strap 21D that is attached to the shoulder harness portion 21B and coupled to another strap 21E that is attached to the shoulder harness portion 21A. However, this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the portions 21A and 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ are not separate from each other, but rather together form a single, unitary structure.
In the illustrated embodiment, a number of connectors are attached to the shoulder harness 20′ which are each configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to another structure, e.g., to a pouch 70′ or accessory support unit 40′. While any number of connectors may be attached to the shoulder harness 20′, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 has two such connectors attached to each portion 21A and 21B of the shoulder harness 20′. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5-6 and 8, for example, a strap or web 22A′ is attached at one end to the front of one portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′. An opposite end of the web 22A′ is advanced through a conventional connector 24A′ and then through a conventional web length adjusting device 26A′. The length of the web 22A′ between the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ and the connector 24A′ can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the web 22A′ through the web length adjusting device 26A′. Another strap or web 22C is attached at one end to the rear of the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′. An opposite end of the web 22C is advanced through another conventional connector 28A′ and then through another conventional web length adjusting device 30A′. The length of the web 22C between the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ and the connector 28A′ can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the web 22C through the web length adjusting device 30A′. While two such connectors 24A′, 28A′ are shown connected via webs 22A′, 22C respectively to the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ in FIGS. 5-8, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ such that at least the number of webs and the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ together form a single, unitary structure.
As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5-7, another strap or web 22B′ is attached at one end to the front of the 22B′ is advanced through another conventional connector 24B′ and then through another conventional web length adjusting device 26B′. The length of the web 22B′ between the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ and the connector 24B′ can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the web 22B′ through the web length adjusting device 26B′. Another strap or web 22D is attached at one end to the rear of the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′. An opposite end of the web 22D is advanced through another conventional connector 28B′ and then through another conventional web length adjusting device 30B′. The length of the web 22D between the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ and the connector 28B′ can be adjusted in a conventional manner by advancing more or less of the web 22C through the web length adjusting device 30B′. While two such connectors 24B′, 28B′ are shown connected via webs 22B′, 322D respectively to the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ in FIGS. 5-8, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ such that at least the number of webs and the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ together form a single, unitary structure.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, another embodiment of an electronic device support pouch 70′ is attached to the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness, e.g., via the connectors 24B′, 28B′, such that the pouch 70′ extends under the left arm and along the left side 16B of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. The pouch 70′ is generally as illustrated and described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-4 as it relates to the receipt, storage and removal of an electronic device 80. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the closure strap 82 and closure mechanism 8 are as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4, but in FIG. 7 an example of an alternate closure strap 82′ is shown having one end attached to one side of the pouch 70′. One end of another closure strap 83 is attached to the opposite side of the pouch 70′, and a conventional closure mechanism 84′, e.g., a conventional hook and loop fabric arrangement, is provided at the free ends of the closure straps 82′ and 83.
A number of connectors are attached to the electronic device support pouch 70′, each of which is configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to the shoulder harness 20′, e.g., to the shoulder support portion 21A or the shoulder support portion 21B. While any number of connectors may be attached to the pouch 70′, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 has two such connectors attached to the pouch 70′. In the illustrated embodiment, and as seen most clearly in FIGS. 5-7, for example, a strap or web 34B′ is attached at one end to the top side, i.e., that facing upward toward the shoulder 14B of the wearer 12 when the apparatus 10′ is worn by the wearer 12, of the pouch 70′ at, near or toward its opening. An opposite end of the web 34B′ is advanced through a conventional connector 32B′ and is then attached to the top side of the pouch 70′. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 34B′ may be connected between the pouch 70′ and the connector 32B′, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 34B′ may vary and/or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 32B′ is conventionally configured to be releasably connected to the connector 24B′, and illustratively defines a pair of opposing channels through which correspondingly opposed connecting fingers of the connector 24B′ extend when the connector 24B′ is secured and locked to the connector 32B′.
Another strap or web 38B′ is attached at one end to the top side of the pouch 70′ at, near or toward its rear end, i.e., that facing the same direction as the rear of the wearer 12. An opposite end of the web 38B′ is advanced through another conventional connector 36B′ and is then attached to the top side of the pouch 70′. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 38B′ may be connected between the pouch 70′ and the connector 36B′, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 38B′ may vary depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 36B′ is conventional and is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 28B′. The connector 36B′ illustratively defines a pair of opposing channels through which correspondingly opposed connecting fingers defined by the connector 28B′ extend when the connector 28B′ is secured and locked to the connector 36B′. While two such connectors 28B′, 36B′ are shown connected via webs 34B′, 38B′ respectively to the electronic device support pouch 70′ in FIGS. 5-8, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the pouch 70′, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the pouch 70′ such that at least the number of webs and the pouch 70′ together form a single, unitary structure.
In the illustrated embodiment in which two webs and connectors 24B′, 32B′ and 28B′, 36B′ extend from the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ and the connectors 24B′, 28B′ are connected to the connectors 32B′, 36B′ respectively extending from the electronic device support pouch 70′, the lengths of the webs 22B′, 22D can be separately adjusted via the web length adjusters 26B′ and 30B′ to set the tilt angle of the pouch 70′ relative to vertical as described hereinabove with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4. Alternatively, such a tilt angle may alternatively be achieved using more or fewer webs/connectors between the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ and the electronic device support pouch 70′.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, another embodiment of an accessory support or storage unit 40′ is attached to the shoulder support portion 21A′ of the shoulder harness 20′, e.g., via the connectors 24A′, 28A′, such that the support unit 40′ extends under the right arm and along the right side 16A of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12 as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 8. The accessory support unit 40′ is illustratively configured to removably receive and store therein one or more accessory items. A number of connectors are attached to the accessory support unit 40′, each of which is configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly configured connector attached to the shoulder harness 20′, e.g., to the shoulder support portion 21A or the shoulder support portion 21B. While any number of connectors may be attached to the accessory support unit 40′, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 has two such connectors attached to the accessory support unit 40′.
In the illustrated embodiment, and as seen most clearly in FIGS. 5-7, a strap or web 34A′ is attached at one end to a top of the accessory support unit 40′ at or near a front side thereof. An opposite end of the web 34A′ is advanced through a conventional connector 32A′ and is then attached to the accessory support unit 40′. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 34A′ may be connected between the accessory support unit 40′ and the connector 34A′, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 34A′ may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 32A′ is conventional and is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 24A′. Illustratively, the connector 32A′ defines a pair of opposing channels through which correspondingly opposed connecting fingers defined by the connector 24A′ extend when the connector 24A′ is secured and locked to the connector 32A′.
Another strap or web 38A′ is attached to the top of the accessory support unit 40′ at or near a rear side thereof. An opposite end of the web 38A′ is advanced through another conventional connector 36A′ and is then attached to the accessory support unit 40′. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer lengths of web 38A′ may be connected between the accessory support unit 40′ and the connector 36A′, and the overall length of the one or more lengths of web 38A′ may vary or be adjustable depending upon the application. In any case, the connector 36A′ is conventional and is configured to be releasably connected to the connector 28A′. Illustratively, the connector 36A′ defines a pair of opposing channels through which correspondingly opposed connecting fingers defined by the connector 28A′ extend when the connector 28A′ is secured and locked to the connector 36A′. While two such connectors 32A′, 36A′ are shown connected via webs 34A′, 38A′ respectively to the accessory support unit 40′ in FIGS. 5-7, it will be understood that more or fewer such connectors/webs can be connected or attached to the accessory support unit 40′, and/or any number of connectors/webs can be formed integral with the accessory support unit 40′ such that at least the number of webs and the accessory support unit 40′ together form a single, unitary structure.
In one illustrative embodiment, the connectors 24A′, 24B′, 28A′ and 28B′ are all identical, and the connectors 32A′, 32B′, 36A′ and 36B′ are also identical such any connector 24A′, 24B′, 28A′ and 28B′ may releasably engage any correspondingly configured connector 32A′, 32B′, 36A′ and 36B′. In alternate embodiments, the connectors 24A′, 32A′, 28A′ and 36A′ may be keyed or color coded differently than the connectors 24B′, 32B′, 28B′ and 36B′ to provide a visual indicator of the appropriate orientations of the electronic device support pouch 70′ and accessory support unit 40′ relative to the shoulder harness 20′. In either such embodiment, the electronic device support pouch 70′ may accordingly be attached to the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 or may alternatively be attached to the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ such that the electronic device support pouch 70′ extends under the right arm and along the right side 16A of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the right shoulder 14A of the wearer 12. Likewise, the accessory support unit 40′ may be attached to the shoulder support portion 21A of the shoulder harness 20′ as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, or may alternatively be attached to the shoulder support portion 21B of the shoulder harness 20′ such that the accessory support unit 40′ extends under the left arm and along the left side 16B of the wearer 12 adjacent to the waist 18 or between the waist 18 and the left shoulder 14B of the wearer 12. In still other embodiments, each associated pair of the connectors 24A′/32A′, 28A′/36A′, 24B′/32B′ and 28B′/36B′ may be keyed or color coded differently than the others to provide a visual indicator of the appropriate orientations and sides of the electronic device support pouch 70′ and accessory support unit 40′ relative to the shoulder harness 20′.
Further details relating to the structure and function of the shoulder harness 20′, the connectors/webs and the electronic device support pouch 70′ are the same as illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-4 and will not be repeated here for brevity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, the accessory support or storage unit 40′ is illustratively configured to receive and carry a number of medical accessories and/or accessories used or usable by a medical person wearing the apparatus 10′. Referring to FIG. 8, for example, the illustrated accessory support unit 40′ includes a first pouch 102 defining an open end 104. Illustratively, the pouch 102 is sized and configured to receive and carry therein one or more elongated objects such as one or more thermometers, ear, nose and throat illumination devices, pens, pencils, or the like. The illustrated accessory support pouch 40′ further includes a second pouch 106 defining an open end 108. Illustratively, the pouch 106 is sized and configured to receive and carry therein one or more medical instruments and/or accessories used or usable by medical personnel. Examples of medical instruments for which the pouch 106 may be configured to receive and carry include, but are not limited to, one or more stethoscopes, one or more thermometers, one or more ear, nose and throat illumination devices, or the like. Examples of other accessories used or usable by medical personnel for which the pouch 106 may be configured to receive and carry include, but should not be limited to, one or more sets of sterile gloves, tissue paper, one or more hospital-specific cellular or wi-fi enabled telephones or other electronic communication devices, one or more writing tablets, notebooks and/or clip boards, one or more charts, folders or other patient record files, one or more writing utensils, or the like. Illustratively, the shoulder harness 20′, the electronic device support pouch 70′ and the accessory support unit 40′ are constructed of a washable material, although other materials may alternatively or additionally be used as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-4.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, front, rear, left and right elevational views of yet another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 10″ for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 is intended to be an inexpensively constructed, perhaps disposable, embodiment in which the shoulder support portion 21B′ of the shoulder harness 20″ is non-detachably coupled directly to the electronic device pouch 70″ via non-adjustable straps 120A, 120B, and the shoulder support portion 21B′ of the shoulder harness 20″ is non-detachably coupled directly to the accessory support unit 40″ via non-adjustable straps 110A and 110B. Referring specifically to FIG. 10, one strap 21D′ is attached to the shoulder support portion 21B′ of the shoulder harness 20″, and another strap 21E′ is attached to the other shoulder support portion 21A′ of the shoulder harness 20″ at or near the tops of the backsides of the shoulder support portions 21A′, 21B′, and the straps 21D′ and 21E′ are each provided with a suitable complementary attachment mechanism 21C′, e.g., hook and loop fabric, for securing the strap 21D′ to the strap 21E′.
Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device pouch 70″ is illustratively sized to receive and carry the electronic device 80, but not exclusively the electronic device 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the device pouch 70″ is illustratively provided with sufficient size and room to alternatively or additionally receive and carry other items such as a clip board, one or more files, one or more tablets of paper or other writing material, or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the pouch 70″ is shown with yet another example of a closure strap 82″ having one end attached to one side of the pouch 70′ and an opposite free end. The free end of the closure strap 82″ and the opposite side of the pouch 70″ illustratively include or have attached thereto a conventional closure mechanism 84″, e.g., a conventional hook and loop fabric arrangement, such that the free end of the closure strap 82″ can be attached to the side of the pouch 70″. It will be understood that any one or more of the closure strap/closure mechanism embodiments illustrated and described herein may be used in addition to, or to the exclusion of others of the disclosed closure strap/closure mechanism embodiments, with any of the embodiments of the pouch 70, 70′, 70″ and/or the storage area 50 (or 162 illustrated in FIG. 16A) illustrated and described herein.
Referring to FIG. 12, the accessory support unit 40″ is illustratively configured to receive and carry a number of accessories used or usable by a person wearing the apparatus 10″. For example, the accessory support unit 40″ includes a first pouch 130 defining an open end 132. Illustratively, the pouch 130 is sized and configured to receive and carry therein one or more hand-held objects 134 such as cellular telephone, a smart phone or other electronic communication device, one or more check books, one or more tablets of notebooks of paper or other writing material or the like. The illustrated accessory support pouch 40″ further includes a second pouch 140 defining an open end 142. Illustratively, the pouch 142 is sized and configured to receive and carry therein one or more objects such as a radio, e.g., a trunk network radio, or other electronic communication device. The illustrated accessory support pouch 40″ further includes a third pouch 150 defining an open end 152. Illustratively, the pouch 152 is sized and configured to receive and carry therein one or more elongated objects 154 such as one or more pens, pencils, or the like. Illustratively, the shoulder harness 20″, the electronic device support or storage pouch 70″ and the accessory support or storage unit 40″ are all constructed of a disposable and/or recyclable material, although other materials may alternatively or additionally be used as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-8.
Referring now to FIGS. 13-16B, front, rear, left and right elevational views, and a magnified view, of still another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 10′″ for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-16B is identical to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, except in the configuration of the accessory support or storage unit 40′″ and also in the manner in which the shoulder harness 20′″ is attached to the electronic device support or storage pouch 70 and to the accessory support or storage unit 40′″. In all other respects, the structure and function of the apparatus 10′″ is as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-4.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-16A, the shoulder webs 22A″ and 22B″ of the shoulder harness 20′″ are attached directly to the accessory support or storage unit 40′″ and the electronic device support or storage unit 70 respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the webs 22A″ and 22B″ includes a pair (front and back) of web length adjusting devices 26A, 30A and 26B, 30B respectively, and in this embodiment the two ends of the web 22A″ illustratively pass through a pair of slots, gaps or other openings defined by the accessory support or storage unit 40′″ before being attached to the web length adjusters 26A and 30A, and the two ends of the web 22B″ likewise pass through a pair of slots, gaps or other openings defined by the electronic device support or storage unit 70 before being attached to the web length adjusters 26B and 30B. In one alternative embodiment, the web length adjusters 26A, 30A and/or the web length adjusters 26B, 30B may be omitted, in which case the free ends of the web 22A″ and/or the free ends of the web 22B″ may be attached directly to the unit 40″ or pouch 70 respectively. In other alternative embodiments, the web 22A″ and/or the web 22B″, and the unit 40″ and/or the pouch 70, may includes detachable connectors of the type illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-4, and/or of the type illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 5-8 and/or other suitable, conventional connectors.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-16B, the accessory support or storage unit 40′″ illustratively includes a panel 160 carrying two separate storage areas 162 and 170. The storage area 162 is illustratively identical in dimensions and function to the storage area 50 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4 in that the storage area 162 is configured to selectively store, for example, a hand-held electronic device 56, examples of which include but should not be limited to, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, or the like. The storage area 162, like the storage area 50, illustratively defines an access opening and a closure strap 164. The closure strap is illustratively attached at one end to the panel 160, and a conventional closure mechanism 166 is mounted adjacent to the opposite end of the closure strap 164. A corresponding, complementary closure mechanism (not shown) is mounted to the side of the storage area 162 so that the closure mechanism 166 can be secured to the side of the storage area 162 in a conventional manner.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the storage area 170 illustratively defines a storage compartment 174 between the panel 160 and a front flap 175. Within the storage compartment 174, a number of securing straps 176, 178 and 180 are attached to the panel 160. The securing straps 176, 178, 180 are illustratively sized and configured to receive and store therein accessories such as one or more batteries, battery packs and/or battery charging devices for the device 80, one or more conventional Video Graphics Array (VGA) adapters for the device 80, one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapters for the device 80, one or more memory cards and/or readers for the device 80, or the like. Alternatively, the securing straps 176, 178, 180 may be sized and configured to receive and store therein other accessories that may or may not be related to the electronic device 80. In any case the flap 175 has attached thereto a conventional closure mechanism 172. A corresponding, complementary closure mechanism (not shown) is mounted to the side of the storage area 170 so that the closure mechanism 172, and therefore the flap 175, can be secured to the side of the storage area 170 in a conventional manner.
Referring now to FIGS. 17-18, front perspective and left side elevational views of still another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 200 for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). In the illustrated embodiment, an electronic device support pouch 202 is attached to opposite ends of a shoulder strap 204 that is configured to be supported by a shoulder 14A (or 14B) of the wearer 12. One end of the shoulder strap 204 is attached to, or integral with, a top of the pouch 202 at or near one side thereof, and the opposite end of the shoulder strap 204 is illustratively attached to one end of a conventional connector. One end of another web is attached to, or integral with, the top of the pouch 202 at or near an opposite side thereof, and the opposite end of the web is attached to a complementarily configured connector, such that the two connectors may be releasably connected together. In one embodiment, the connectors may be as illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 5-8, e.g., a connector pair such as 24A′, 32A′. Alternatively, the connectors may be as illustrated and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-4, e.g., a connector pair such as 24A, 32A, or may alternatively still be omitted from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17-18. In any case, a shoulder pad 206 illustratively forms part of, or is coupled to, the shoulder strap 204, and the shoulder pad 206 may be fixed in place relative to the shoulder strap 204 or may be movable relative to the shoulder strap 204. In alternative embodiments, the shoulder pad 206 may be omitted. The shoulder strap 204 may further include a conventional web-length adjusting device, e.g., such as 26A illustrated in FIG. 1A, for the purpose of adjusting the length of the shoulder strap 204. In any case, the illustrated configuration of the apparatus 200 may be worn on the right shoulder 14A such that the pouch 202 extends downwardly along the left side of the wearer at, below or above the waist 18 of the wearer 12, or may alternatively be worn on the right shoulder 14B such that the pouch 202 extends downwardly along the left side of the wearer at, below or above the waist 18 of the wearer 12.
The electronic device support pouch 202 is configured to removably receive the electronic device 80 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch 202 defines an open end 212 with closed sides and a closed bottom end opposite the open end 212. A flap 214 is attached at one end to, or is integral with, the pouch 202 adjacent to the open end 212. An opposite free end of the flap 214 is sized to extend from one side of the pouch 202, e.g., the back side, over the open end 212 and into contact with the opposite side, e.g., the front side, of the pouch 202. A conventional closure mechanism 216 is attached to the flap 214 at or near its free end, and the closure mechanism 216 is configured to selectively secure the flap 214 to the electronic device support pouch 202. In one embodiment, for example, a complementarily configured closure mechanism is mounted to the front side of the pouch 202 such that the closure mechanism 216 may releasably engage the closure mechanisms mounted to the pouch 202 to thereby secure the flap 214 to the pouch 202. A loop 218 or comparable structure may be attached to the flap 214 to provide a structure for supporting the apparatus 200 on a hook or similar protrusion.
The interior of the electronic device support pouch 202 defines a width, W_SP, between the opposing closed sides and a depth, D_SP, between the closed end and the open end 212. Illustratively, the width, W_SP, is sized to receive the electronic device 80 with or without a carrying case as described in detail hereinabove with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4. The depth, D_SP, is illustratively sized such that a portion of one end of the electronic device 80 extends upwardly away from the open end 212 to facilitate grasping of the electronic device 80 as also described in detail hereinabove with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4. The closure mechanism 216 is illustratively positioned relative to the pouch 202 such that the flap 214 extends over and in contact with the exposed end of the electronic device 80 when the electronic device 80 is received within the electronic device storage pouch 202 and the opposite end of the electronic device 80 is in contact with the closed end of the pouch opposite the open end 212. The electronic device support pouch 202 may have one or more of the properties of the electronic device support pouch 70 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4. For example, the opening 212 of the pouch 202 may or may not be biased to at least a partially open position. As another example, the apparatus 200 may be constructed from one or more of the materials described hereinabove. As with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-16B, the electronic device 80 may be a tablet computer, an e-reader or e-book reader, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (FDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, or the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 19-20, front perspective and right side elevational views of still another illustrative embodiment of a body-worn apparatus 200′ for carrying an electronic device 80 are shown being worn and supported by a model of a human 12 (“the wearer”). In the illustrated embodiment, an electronic device support pouch 202′ is attached to opposite ends of a shoulder strap 204 that is configured to be supported by a shoulder 14B (or 14A) of the wearer 12. One end of the shoulder strap 204 is attached to, or integral with, a top of the pouch 202′ at or near one side thereof, and the opposite end of the shoulder strap 204 is attached to, or integral with, the top of the pouch 202′ at or near an opposite side thereof. In alternate embodiments, the shoulder strap 204 may include a connector and/or a web-length adjusting device as described hereinabove. In any case, the illustrated configuration of the apparatus 200′ may be worn on the left shoulder 14B such that the pouch 202′ extends downwardly along the right side of the wearer at, below or above the waist 18 of the wearer 12, or may alternatively be worn on the left shoulder 14A such that the pouch 202′ extends downwardly along the right side of the wearer at, below or above the waist 18 of the wearer 12.
The electronic device support pouch 202′ is configured to removably receive the electronic device 80 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch 202′ defines an open end 212′ with closed sides and a closed bottom end opposite the open end 212′. A flap 214′ is attached via a hinge 222, 224, e.g., a fabric hinge, at one end of the pouch 202′ adjacent to the open end 212′. An opposite free end of the flap 214′ is sized to extend from one side of the top of the pouch 202′to the bottom of the pouch 202′, and to pivot relative to the top of the pouch 202′ via the hinge 222, 224. A conventional closure mechanism 216′ is attached to the flap 214′ at or near its free end, and the closure mechanism 216′ is configured to selectively secure the flap 214′ to the electronic device support pouch 202′. In one embodiment, for example, a complementarily configured closure mechanism 226 is mounted to the front side of the pouch 202′ such that the closure mechanism 216′ may releasably engage the closure mechanism 226 to thereby secure the flap 214′ to the pouch 202′. A loop 218 or comparable structure may be attached to the hinge 224 to provide a structure for supporting the apparatus 200′ on a hook or similar protrusion.
A front panel 220 of the pouch 202′ illustratively extends inwardly from the sides and bottom toward a center of the pouch 202′, but defines an opening sized to provide viewing access to the display of the electronic device 80. In one embodiment, this opening is not covered, although in other embodiments a conventional transparent material, e.g., flexible polymer or other transparent material, may be affixed to the front panel 220 at least partially about the perimeter of the opening defined by the front panel 220. Such transparent material may be selected to allow touch-screen control of the display of the electronic device 80. Alternatively or additionally, the front panel 220 may include a loop or strap 208 sized and configured to receive and store therein a conventional stylus, pen or pencil. The interior dimensions of the pouch 202′ are illustratively sized to receive and securely hold therein the electronic device 80 such that the electronic device 80 may be accessed by pivoting the flap 214′ upwardly, and operated without removing the device 80 from the pouch 202′. The electronic device support pouch 202′ may have one or more of the properties of the electronic device support pouch 70 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1A-4. For example, the opening 212 of the pouch 202′ may or may not be biased to at least a partially open position. As another example, the apparatus 200′ may be constructed from one or more of the materials described hereinabove. As with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-16B, the electronic device 80 may be a tablet computer, an e-reader or e-book reader, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless communication device for personal, medical or other use, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device, or the like.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:

a shoulder harness having interconnected first and second portions configured to be supported by first and second shoulders respectively of a wearer,

an electronic device support pouch attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness, the electronic device support pouch extending under one arm and along one side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer, the electronic device support pouch configured to removably receive the electronic device therein, and

an accessory support unit attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness, the accessory support unit extending under an opposite arm and along an opposite side of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer, the accessory support unit configured to removably receive one or more accessory items therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness and the accessory support unit is releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the electronic device support pouch and the accessory support unit are both releasably attachable to either of the first and second portions of the shoulder harness,

and wherein the accessory support unit is releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness when the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness such that the electronic device support pouch is carried by the shoulder harness along the one side of the wearer and the accessory support unit is carried by the shoulder harness along the opposite side of the wearer,

and wherein the accessory support unit is releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness when the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness such that the accessory support unit is carried by the shoulder harness along the one side of the wearer and the electronic device support pouch is carried by the shoulder harness along the opposite side of the wearer.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:

a first connector connected to the first portion of the shoulder harness and extending downwardly away from the first portion,

a second connector connected to the second portion of the shoulder harness and extending downwardly away from the second portion,

a third connector attached to the electronic device support pouch and configured to releasably connect to either of the first connector and the second connector, and

a fourth connector attached to the accessory support unit and configured to releasably connect to the other of the first connector and the second connector.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

a fifth connector connected to the first portion of the shoulder harness and extending downwardly away from the first portion,

a sixth connector connected to the second portion of the shoulder harness and extending downwardly from away from the second portion,

a seventh connector attached to the electronic device support pouch and configured to releasably connect to either of the fifth connector and the sixth connector, and

an eighth connector attached to the accessory support unit and configured to releasably connect to either of the fifth connector and the sixth connector.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:

a first adjustable length strap positioned between the first portion of the shoulder harness and the first connector or integral with the first portion of the shoulder harness and operatively connected to the first connector,

a second adjustable length strap positioned between the first portion of the shoulder harness and the fifth connector or integral with the second portion of the shoulder harness and operatively connected to the fifth connector,

a third adjustable length strap positioned between the second portion of the shoulder harness and the second connector or integral with the second portion of the shoulder harness and operatively connected to the second connector, and a fourth adjustable length strap positioned between the second portion of the

shoulder harness and the sixth connector or integral with the second portion of the shoulder harness and operatively connected to the sixth connector.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a connector for releasably interconnecting the first portion of the shoulder harness with the second portion of the shoulder harness.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device support pouch defines an opening between a top and a bottom thereof, the opening oriented toward a front of the wearer when the apparatus is worn by the wearer.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the electronic device defines a width,

and wherein the opening defines a length,

and wherein the length of the opening is sized to receive the width of the electronic device therein.

10. The apparatus of any of claim 8 wherein the electronic device defines a length,

and wherein the electronic device support pouch defines a depth between the opening and an end of the electronic device support pouch opposite the opening,

and wherein the depth of the electronic device support pouch is less than the length of the electronic device such that one end of the electronic device protrudes from the opening of the electronic device support pouch when the electronic device is received completely within the electronic device support pouch with an opposite end of the electronic device in contact with the end of the electronic device support pouch opposite the opening.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a closure strap attached at one end to one side of the electronic device support pouch and having an opposite free end configured to engage a locking structure of the electronic device support pouch, the closure strap sized to extend across the opening from the one side of the electronic device support pouch to an opposite side of the electronic device support pouch over and in contact with one end of the electronic device which protrudes from the opening when the electronic device is received within the electronic device storage pouch, the closure strap thereby retaining the electronic device within the electronic device storage pouch.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the opening is biased to a partially open position.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device support pouch comprises one of a rigid, semi-rigid and flexible interior cavity.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the electronic device support pouch is supported by the shoulder harness such that the opening defines an angle of approximately 15-20 degrees relative to vertical.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the accessory support unit comprises a storage pouch.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the storage pouch comprises a flap that is extendable over the storage pouch and a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the flap to the storage pouch.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the accessory support unit comprises a strip or pouch configured to store and carry therein at least one of a battery charging apparatus associated with the electronic device, one or more writing utensils or stylus devices, one or more paper tablets, one or more rolls of coins or one or more batteries, one or more camera accessories, one or more medical accessories, and at least one hand-held electronic device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one hand-held electronic device comprises at least one of one of a cellular telephone, a personal data assistant, a wireless communication device, an audio storage and playback device, a calculator, a GPS unit, a camera, a video recorder, a medical device and a flashlight.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the one or more camera accessories comprise at least one of one or more camera lenses, one or more flash packs, one or more batteries and one or more data storage devices.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the one or more medical accessories comprises at least one of a stethoscope, a thermometer, an ear, nose and throat illumination device, tissue paper and one or more sets of sterile gloves.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one clip attached to the accessory support unit, the at least one clip configured to releasably engage at least one portable structure.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a strap having one end attached to the accessory support unit and a free end, the strap configured to engage clothing worn by the wearer of the apparatus to anchor the accessory support unit to the clothing.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is constructed from at least one of one or more washable materials and one or more recycled materials.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is one of a tablet computer and an e-reader.

25. A body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:

an electronic device support pouch configured to releasably attach to either of the first and second portions of the shoulder harness with the electronic device support pouch extending downwardly along one or an opposite side respectively of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer, the electronic device support pouch configured to removably receive the electronic device therein, and

an accessory support unit configured to releasably attach to either of the first and second portions of the shoulder harness with the accessory support unit extending downwardly along the one or the opposite side respectively of the wearer when the shoulder harness is worn by the wearer, the accessory support unit configured to removably receive one or more accessory items therein,

wherein the accessory support unit is releasably attached to the second portion of the shoulder harness when the electronic device support pouch is releasably attached to the first portion of the shoulder harness such that the electronic device support pouch is carried by the shoulder harness along the one side of the wearer and the accessory support unit is carried by the shoulder harness along the opposite side of the wearer,

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the electronic device is one of a tablet computer and an e-reader.

27. A body-worn apparatus for carrying an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:

a shoulder strap configured to be supported by a shoulder of a wearer,

an electronic device support pouch attached to the shoulder strap, the electronic device support pouch defining an opening configured to removably receive within the electronic device support pouch the electronic device, the electronic device support pouch having a flap sized to extend over the opening when the electronic device is received within the electronic device storage pouch, and

a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the flap to the electronic device support pouch.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the electronic device defines a length,

and wherein the depth of the electronic device support pouch is less than the length of the electronic device such that one end of the electronic device protrudes from the opening of the electronic device support pouch when the electronic device is received completely within the electronic device support pouch with an opposite end of the electronic device in contact with the end of the electronic device support pouch opposite the opening,

and wherein the flap is sized to extend over and in contact with the one end of the electronic device when the electronic device is received within the electronic device storage pouch.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the apparatus is constructed from at least one of one or more washable materials and one or more recycled materials.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the electronic device is one of a tablet computer and an e-reader.