US20030164389A1

US20030164389A1 - Device for carrying articles on the wrist

Info

Publication number: US20030164389A1
Application number: US10/085,710
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Byers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-01
Filing date: 2002-03-01
Publication date: 2003-09-04

Abstract

A device for carrying articles on the wrist allows the sleeve(s) of a garment(s) to extend down the forearm and wrist to cover the wrist band. However, the article being carried is positioned generally over the wrist band, where it is readily accessible to the person wearing the present wrist band device. The wrist band has a receptacle, with a generally U-shaped article attachment bracket having one leg removably installed therein. The opposite leg of the bracket has an article (e.g., cell phone, pager, calculator, storage pouch, etc.) removably or permanently secured thereto. The two arms of the article attachment bracket define a sleeve clearance area therebetween, with the sleeve(s) of the garment(s) extending into the sleeve clearance area to cover the wrist completely while the article is disposed to the outside of the sleeve(s) for ease of access.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to holders and the like which are removably attachable to the body or clothing, and more particularly to a device which attaches removably to the wrist and which carries another article (cell phone, etc.) thereon. The present device includes a detachable extension which is outwardly offset from the wrist band, allowing the sleeve of a garment to extend between the wrist and the article being carried.

2. Description of the Related Art

The development of small, light weight electronic appliances (cell phones, calculators, pagers, etc.) has resulted in the carriage of such devices by many people during the normal course of their day. Many people find it not only convenient, but nearly essential, to have some means of personal communication available at nearly all times. In the past, the earlier cell phone devices were relatively bulky, and as a result, various belt attached holsters and the like were developed for the carriage of such devices, with women generally carrying such large and bulky cell phones in a purse.

As such electronic devices have been miniaturized further, it has become feasible to carry them in a pocket or other small container or compartment on the person. However, the carriage of a cell phone in a pocket, purse, back pack, etc. often removes much of the convenience such devices are intended to provide. Oftentimes, the phone cannot be accessed in time to respond to an incoming call, particularly if the device is stowed within a purse, back pack, or similar separate container. Even in the event that the device is carried in a pocket, it can be difficult to access that pocket beneath any outer clothing (jacket, etc.) that may be worn.

Accordingly, various means for carrying such devices externally on the wrist have been developed in the past. While these wrist attachment devices may provide some improvement in access to the electronic device, they generally result in the device being carried close to the wrist, with the sleeve of the garment(s) being worn, extending over the device. This leads to much the same problem of access, as that encountered when the electronic device is carried in a pocket, purse, backpack, etc., as it may be difficult to roll or otherwise move the sleeve up the arm to access the device, particularly in colder weather where multiple layers are being worn. Alternatively, many times the electronic device is sufficiently bulky that it is not possible to position the sleeve over the device, and the sleeve must be gathered up above the wrist in order to secure the device to the wrist. This can obviously be unsightly and uncomfortable, at best.

Accordingly, a need will be seen for a device for carrying an article on the wrist, which device spaces the article away from the wrist to allow the sleeve of an article of clothing to be positioned between the wrist and the article being carried thereon. The article being carried is thus disposed externally to the sleeve(s) of the garment(s), and is accessible at all times. Yet, the sleeve(s) may be positioned to fully cover the lower arm and wrist, precluding the gathering of the sleeve(s) above the wrist attached article and/or exposure of the lower arm and wrist to weather or other adverse conditions.

The present article carrier includes a detachable extension to which the article being carried may be temporarily or permanently attached, as desired. The extension comprises a generally U-shaped component, with one arm of the U securing to the article being carried and the opposite arm removably securing within a receptacle on the wrist band of the device. The two arms of the U define a sleeve clearance area therebetween, enabling the user of the present device to pull the sleeve (s) downwardly over the wrist band portion of the device, between the wrist and the device mounted upon the outer arm of the U-shaped extension. The present device is particularly useful for the carriage of cell phones, pagers, and the like, but may be used for the carriage and convenient access of virtually any relatively small and light weight article as desired.

A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,347 issued on Apr. 23, 1991 to Bill E. Phelps, titled “Wrist Holster,” describes a device formed of a fabric or similar material, having a pocket or pouch integral therewith. The pocket or pouch cannot be removed from the wrist band. Moreover, the pocket or pouch is secured directly to the wrist band, with no space provided between the pocket or pouch and the wristband for the passage of a sleeve therebetween.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,729 issued on Nov. 2, 1993 to Mark C. Silvernail, titled “Tool Holder,” describes a wrist mounted device for carrying a tape measure or the like. The tape measure (plumb bob, chalk line, etc.) reel is carried in a pouch on the wrist band, with the end of the tape or line being extendible from the pocket of the device. The pocket or pouch is attached directly to the wrist band portion, with no gap or space provided therebetween for clearance for a clothing sleeve. No detachability of the pouch from the wrist band is provided by Silvernail.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,571 issued on Dec. 31, 1996 to Charles Mazzo, titled “Wrist Wallet And Carrying Pouch,” describes a pouch or pocket which attaches directly to the wrist with a pair of surrounding straps. A separate wallet may be placed within the pouch for carriage. However, the pouch itself is secured directly to the wrist, with no clearance provided between the pouch and the wrist strap portion of the device. Moreover, the wallet is not actually a detachable component of the assembly, but is rather an article which may be stored within the pouch, just as a pouch embodiment of the present invention may be used for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,606 issued on Apr. 29, 1997 to Renato M. Openiano, titled “Wristwatch And Strap Enclosing A Removable Pen And/Or Probe, And Alarming The Removal Of Same After A Preset Interval,” describes a wristband having a permanently installed, immovable electronic device (wristwatch, calculator, cell phone, etc.) secured thereto. A sleeve or passage is provided through a portion of the wrist band, with a cylinder installed within the passage. The cylinder has a series of switches therein to detect the installation or removal of a pen, stylus, etc. removably placed within the cylinder. When the implement is removed from the cylinder, the switches initiate a timer function in the wrist mounted device to trigger an alarm if the implement is not returned to the cylinder within a predetermined amount of time. This precludes loss of the implement. No spacing of the electronic device away from the wrist, nor means for removing it from the wrist band, are provided by Openiano.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,934 issued on May 26, 1998 to Masamichi Yokoi, titled “Transmitting/Receiving Apparatus And Communication System Using The Same,” is essentially directed to an ear phone configuration. However, various embodiments of wrist band attached electronic devices are also generally disclosed. No means for removing the devices from their respective wrist bands is disclosed by Yokoi, nor is any sleeve clearance gap or space provided between the wrist bands and the respective electronic devices disclosed by Yokoi.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,149 issued on Mar. 9, 1999 to Neil K. Weatherill, titled “Portable Communications Device With Wireless Transmitter And Detachable Earpiece Including A Wireless Receiver,” describes an assembly comprising an externally worn earpiece and base station. The base station may be a mobile phone, radio receiver, etc., which communicates via a radio link to the earpiece to eliminate the need for wires. In one embodiment (FIGS. 4 through 6), a wristwatch and band are provided, with the wristwatch having a lower compartment for storage of the earpiece therein. Other embodiments combine the ear piece with a watch. However, Weatherill does not provide any means of separating the carrying case for the earpiece from the wrist band, nor does he disclose the spacing of the watch or any other article from the wrist band to allow a sleeve to pass therebetween.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,737 issued on Mar. 30, 1999 to Rachid M. Alameh et al., titled “Wrist Carried Electronic Device,” describes a wrist band which serves as an electrical storage cell or battery for the electronic device which is secured to the wrist by the band. The electronic device cannot be removed from the band without opening the band; therefore, the electronic device must remain in place in the band, for the band to be worn. Moreover, Alameh et al. do not disclose any means of spacing the electronic device away from the wrist so that a garment sleeve(s) may extend between the wrist band and the electronic device, as provided by the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,153 issued on Mar. 28, 2000 to Kevin D. Kaschke, titled “Hand Adaptive Telephone,” ¹describes a cell phone or the like carried upon the back of the hand by straps extending around the wrist and base of the fingers. Alternatively, the device may be attached to the back of a glove or mitt. No means is provided for separating the device from the straps, glove, or mitt, and no clearance is provided for a garment sleeve to fit between the electronic device and the wrist band, as the device is deployed on the back of the hand essentially beyond the wrist.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,803 issued on Jun. 30, 2000 to Jose I. Fernandez Martinez, titled “Personal Multifunction Wrist-Device,” describes a separate personal computer and cell phone secured to opposite sides of the wrist by a pair of conventional wrist bands. A communications cable extends between the two components. The components are secured directly against the wrist, with no intervening clearance for a sleeve or the like, and the devices are not detachable from the wrist bands.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,804 issued on Feb. 6, 2001 to Shelton E. Harrison, titled “Key Palette,” describes a number of embodiments for securing an electronic device to the forearm, with a keypad extending therefrom for manipulation by the hand of the forearm to which the electronic device is secured. The device and keypad are permanently attached respectively to a series of wrist straps and an extension therefrom. The forearm attached device is secured directly to the arm, with no intervening clearance for a garment sleeve between the electronic device and the forearm.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,253 issued on Feb. 20, 2001 to Michael L. Charlier et al., titled “Wrist-Carried Radiotelephone,” describes a device having a wristwatch configuration, with an earphone or speaker disposed opposite a receiver, control module, and microphone on a wrist band. The components are integral with the wrist band, and cannot be separated therefrom. The two components are secured directly against the wrist when the device is attached thereto, with no intervening sleeve clearance gap.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,876 issued on Mar. 27, 2001 to Juha Raussi et al., titled “Wireless Communication Device,” describes a communications set (e.g., cell phones, etc.) having two units, with at least one being secured to a wrist band or the like. The main point of the Raussi et al. U.S. Patent is a security system to lock out the operation of the device, with the mounting of the device(s) being of minor importance. No disclosure is made of any removability of the device from the wrist band, nor of any spacing or gap between the device and the wrist for clearance for a sleeve.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,985 issued on Apr. 10, 2001 to Mika Tolvanen, titled “Mobile Communicator,” describes means for folding a wrist mounted communications device for compact carriage when not in use. A wrist band is disclosed, but no means is disclosed for removing the communications device from the wrist band, nor for separating the device from the wrist by a sleeve clearance gap to place the device outside a garment sleeve with the sleeve between the device and the wrist.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,958 issued on May 1, 2001 to Peter A. Kohn, titled “Device For Holding A Pouch Against A Wrist,”! describes a device comprising a flat wrap of material with a series of straps extending therefrom. The sheet of material may be folded and secured about the wrist by the straps. No means of securing an electronic device to the wrist using the Kohn device, is disclosed, and no spacing of an electronic or other device away from the wrist is disclosed by Kohn.

U.S Pat. No. 6,272,359 issued on Aug. 7, 2001 to Seppo K. Kivela et al., titled “Personal Mobile Communications Device Having Multiple Units, ” describes a communications network using a series of different devices. One of the devices may be wrist mounted, but no means of separating the device from its wrist strap is disclosed, nor is any means for spacing the device away from the wrist for sleeve clearance disclosed in the Kivela et al. Patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,757 issued on Sep. 4, 2001 to David W. Carroll et al., titled “Interactive Devices And Methods,” describes a wrist mounted device for interfacing with one of a variety of different electronic devices (cell phones, computers, digital cameras, etc.). While the various electronic devices may be detached from the interface device, the interface device itself is an electronic component which is permanently affixed to the wrist band and integral therewith. Moreover, no means for spacing the electronic device away from the wrist of the wearer for sleeve clearance, is provided; the electronic interface device is disposed immediately adjacent the wrist and in contact therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,184 issued on Nov. 6, 2001 to Jose I. Fernandez-Martinez, titled “Bracelet Telephone Device,” describes a wrist strap mounted cell phone having an extendible earpiece. Fernandez-Martinez states that a variety of different electronic devices may be secured to his wrist band, and that they may be secured removably thereto. However, no disclosure is made in the Fernandez-Martinez U.S. Patent, of any means of removing such an electronic device from the wrist band. A review of the drawing Figs. clearly shows that removal of the electronic device, would result in opening of the band across that area, thereby precluding closure of the band. In any event, no means is disclosed for spacing the electronic device away from the wrist to allow a garment sleeve to extend between the electronic device and the wrist.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/35,443 published on Nov. 1, 2001 to Kathleen W. Jones et al., titled “Waterproof Body Pouch Band,” describes various embodiments of a relatively flat, thin pocket or pouch and means for securing it about an arm, ankle, or the like. Either a pair of straps or a continuous sleeve is provided to secure the device about a limb of the wearer. The pouch is disposed immediately adjacent the limb of the wearer, however, and is not spaced apart therefrom, as in the present invention. Moreover, the Jones et al. pouch is permanently affixed to the underlying straps or sleeve, and cannot be removed therefrom.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/36,264 published on Nov. 1, 2001 to Takashi Ito et al., titled “Wristwatch Type Wireless Telephone,” describes various embodiments of a wrist mounted telephone. In one embodiment, the phone may be removed from a receptacle in the wrist band. However, no detachable component which in turn holds an electronic device, is disclosed by Ito et al. The Ito et al. wrist band includes a microphone and speaker, with the user being required to twist or turn the band relative to the phone in order to position the speaker and microphone adjacent the ear and mouth of the user. No means for spacing the electronic device away from the wrist of the wearer to clear a garment sleeve, is disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. D-367,065 issued on Feb. 13, 1996 to Michael Wu, titled “Cellular Telephone Jack,” illustrates a design comprising a cradle with a sloped lower back surface. The design is intended to be mounted on a gimbaled attachment, and no removable attachment to a wrist band nor means of spacing the device away from the wrist for sleeve clearance, is apparent.

U.S. Pat. No. D-369,359 issued on Apr. 30, 1996 to Laura S. Wright et al., titled “Telephone Receptacle,” illustrates a design more closely resembling the telephone cradle of the '065 Design Patent to Wu, than it does the present invention. No means of removably attaching the device to the wrist, nor providing sleeve clearance between an electronic device and the wrist, is apparent in the Wright et al. design.

U.S. Pat. No. D-371,137 issued on Jun. 25, 1996 to James D. Kreigh, titled “Cellular Telephone Holder,” illustrates a design similar to the two designs discussed immediately above, but including upper and lower straps extending therefrom. No practicable means of removably attaching the device to the wrist, nor for spacing the device from the wrist for sleeve clearance, is apparent in the Kreigh design.

PCT Patent Publication No. 92/22,463 published on Dec. 23, 1992 to E. Lynn Miller, titled “Article For Retaining Objects,” describes a flexible, foldable pouch attached to a wrist band or waist band. The sides of the pouch may be folded inwardly to form a compact, essentially linear enclosure with the band or strap. The Miller device more closely resembles the wrist wallet and pouch of the Mazzo '571 U.S. Patent discussed further above, than it does the present invention. No means is provided by Miller for removably attaching a rigid holder for an electronic device thereto. The Miller device teaches away from the present invention, in that it provides only an internal enclosure immediately adjacent the wrist, and cannot space an article secured thereto away from the wrist.

German Patent Publication No. 19,956,708 published on Jul. 27, 2000 to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a wrist mounted cellular telephone. The telephone attaches directly to the outboard side of the wrist attachment and directly thereto, with no intervening gap for sleeve clearance. It is noted that while the telephone is removable, the bracket to which it attaches is a permanent part of the wrist band assembly and cannot be detached, as it can in the present invention. Moreover, a removable battery pack is provided, but the battery pack secures releasibly to the underside of the wrist mounted attachment bracket, directly adjacent the wrist when the assembly is being worn. No means for spacing the telephone away from the wrist to provide sleeve clearance, is disclosed.

German Patent Publication No. 10,032,697 published on Apr. 5, 2001 to Thomas Watzek describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a wrist attached cell phone, which is permanently attached to its wrist band. No removable components or sleeve clearance gap are apparent.

Finally, World Patent Publication No. 02/07,416 published on Jan. 24, 2002 to Katsuo Shimada et al. describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a cellular telephone assembly which may be configured to fit around the wrist. The assembly may be opened and extended from the ear to the mouth to be used as a conventional telephone handset. However, no means is provided for detaching the phone or other article from the band assembly, nor for spacing the phone or other article away from the wrist to allow sleeve clearance, as provided by the present invention.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a device for carrying articles on the wrist solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a wrist band for removably carrying an article on the wrist. The present device is well suited for the carriage of a cell phone, pager, calculator, or other electronic device on the wrist for ease of access, but may be used to carry a small pouch or the like for the carriage of various articles (loose change, identification, car keys, etc.) therein, as desired. The wrist band portion may have various configurations, from a stiff but resilient open band or bracelet, to a closed, expandable latch type band, an openable buckle type band, a spring biased or other expandable band, etc. as desired.

The present wrist band includes a receptacle having an axis parallel to the axis through the center of the closed wrist band. A generally U-shaped article attachment bracket has one end which removably attaches within the receptacle. The opposite end is used for the removable or permanent attachment of an article (cell phone or other electronic component, pouch, etc.) thereto. The semicircular connecting base of the U-shaped bracket extends toward the hand of a person wearing the present device. The outer arm of the bracket, i.e., the one to which the article is attached, extends back over the wrist to position the article generally over the wrist band, but the two arms of the U bracket define a clearance therebetween, into which the sleeve(s) of the garment(s) being worn may extend for complete coverage of the wrist and forearm. The article being carried is thus positioned to the outside of the sleeve(s), where it may be readily accessed.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a device for carrying articles on the wrist, which device permits the sleeve(s) of a garment(s) to extend downwardly over the wrist band but holds the article being carried above the sleeve(s) for ready access.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a device comprising a wrist band having a receptacle for removably securing an article attachment bracket thereto, with the attachment bracket further having an article permanently or removably secured thereto.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a device which article attachment bracket comprises a generally U-shaped component having a wrist band attachment end and an opposite article attachment end, with the two ends defining a sleeve clearance area therebetween.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a device which wrist band may comprise a semi-rigid yet flexible, open band, a closed band having an adjustable or expandable link or latch, a flexible, selectively openable band having a buckle closure, a closed, spring biased band, or other band as desired.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental side elevation view of a device for carrying articles on the wrist according to the present invention, showing its general configuration and use. [0045]
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present device, showing various details thereof with a second type of band and article attachable thereto. [0046]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present device, showing yet another type of wrist band configuration and article attachment bracket securing means. [0047]
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.[0048]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a wrist attachable band or device for carrying an article on the wrist, with the present device providing clearance for the sleeve(s) of a garment(s) to extend down the forearm and wrist beyond the wrist band while still exposing the wrist carried device externally to the sleeve so the wearer of the device (and sleeve) may readily access the device. The present article carrier may be used to carry or hold virtually any small, portable device upon the wrist, but is particularly well suited for the carriage of small electronic devices, such as cell phones, pagers, and calculators. The present article carrier may also be used to carry a small, portable pouch or container, if so desired. [0049]
FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the [0050] present article carrier 10 disposed upon the wrist W of a user of the device. The article carrier 10 of FIG. 1 has a wrist bracelet or band 12 comprising an open, semicircular band of thin, semi-rigid, flexible material. The band 12 may be formed of a resilient metal, plastic, or perhaps plastic reinforced with spring steel or other suitable material. Padding (not shown) may be provided as desired. The open ends 14 of the band 12 opposite the article attachment area 16 may be spread for placement upon the wrist W, whereupon the resilient nature of the band 12 material closes around the wrist W to secure the device 10 thereto. Other types of bands or bracelets, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described further below, may be used alternatively as desired.
The [0051] article attachment area 16 of the band 12 includes an article attachment bracket receptacle 18 extending from the outer surface 20 thereof. The receptacle 18 is secured to the bracelet or band 12 with the axis 22 of its receptacle passage 24 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 1) being disposed generally parallel to the central forearm and wrist axis 26 of the wrist band 12 when the band 12 is installed upon the wrist W of a person using the present article carrier. The open end 28 of the receptacle passage 24 is disposed toward the hand H of the person wearing the present article carrier 10, when it is secured about the wrist W of the user.
An [0052] article attachment bracket 30 removably secures within the passage 24 of the receptacle 18. The bracket 30 is generally U-shaped, with a wrist band attachment leg 32 which fits removably within the receptacle passage 24 and an opposite article attachment leg 34 spaced apart from the wrist band attachment leg 32 and generally parallel thereto. The two legs 32 and 34 are connected by a semicircular base 36, with the two legs 32 and 34 and the base 36 forming the general U shape of the bracket 30. It will be seen that as the bracket receptacle passage 24 is generally parallel to the forearm and wrist axis 26 of the article carrier 10, and the two legs 32 and 34 of the bracket 30 are generally parallel to one another, that each leg 32 and 34 is also disposed generally parallel to the forearm and wrist axis 26 of the article carrier 10 when the article attachment bracket 30 is secured to the band 12 by means of the insertion of the wrist band attachment leg 32 into the passage 24 of the article attachment bracket receptacle 18.
The [0053] article attachment leg 34 of the bracket 30 includes a portable article removably or permanently secured thereto. In the example of FIG. 1, an article retaining clip 38 is permanently secured to the article attachment leg 34 by a pair of rivets 40, with the article Al (calculator, or cell phone, etc.) removably seating within the retaining clip 38. Other means (screws, adhesives, removable attachments, etc.) may be used to mount the retaining clip 38 to the bracket leg 34 as desired, or the article Al (or other article) may be secured directly to the attachment leg 34, if so desired.
It will be seen that the [0054] leg connecting portion 36 of the article attachment bracket 30 is disposed forwardly of the wrist band 12 when the bracket 30 is secured to the band 12 by means of the attachment bracket receptacle 18, i.e., the leg connecting portion 36 of the bracket 30 is toward the hand H of the person wearing the device 10. The two bracket legs 32 and 34 define a sleeve clearance area 42 therebetween, which allows the sleeves (e.g., shirt sleeve S1, jacket sleeve S2, etc.) to extend down the forearm and over the wrist W of the wearer into the sleeve clearance area 42 between the two bracket legs 32 and 34 to cover the wrist band 12. Yet, the outer, article attachment leg 34 is positioned over the band 12 and outside of the sleeve(s) S1 (and S2, etc.) when the device 10 is placed upon the wrist W, thereby positioning the calculator A1 (or other article) where it is readily accessible to the user, without need to pull back the sleeve(s) of any garment being worn for access to the article.
FIG. 2 of the drawings provides an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present article carrier device, designated as [0055] article carrier 50. The article carrier 50 includes a closed band 52 having an adjustable, expandable over center type clasp or latch closure 54, as is known in the art. The band 52 may comprise a conventional series of metal links joined together by inelastic connectors, or may alternatively comprise links joined by resilient springs, as is known in the watch band art. Preferably, the bands 12, 52, etc. of the present invention are non-resilient, in order to provide better security for the article secured thereto.
The [0056] article attachment area 56 of the band 52 has an article attachment bracket receptacle 58 secured to the outer surface 60 thereof, generally in the manner of the receptacle 18 and band 12 of the first embodiment of FIG. 1. The axis 62 of the receptacle slot or passage 64 is generally parallel to the forearm and wrist axis 66 which passes concentrically through the band 12 when it is closed, in the manner of the relative orientation of the band 12 and attachment bracket receptacle 18 of FIG. 1. The open end 68 of the receptacle passage 64 is disposed toward the hand (not shown in FIG. 2) of the person wearing the article carrier 50 when it is secured about the wrist of the user, in much the same manner as the orientation of the receptacle 18 and receptacle passage 24 of the article carrier 10 of FIG. 1.
The [0057] article attachment bracket 70 of the article carrier 50 of FIG. 2 removably secures within the passage 64 of the receptacle 58, generally as shown in FIG. 2. The bracket 70 is generally U-shaped, with a wrist band attachment leg 72 and an opposite, parallel article attachment leg 74, essentially like the bracket 30 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The two legs 72 and 74 are connected by a semicircular base 76, with the two legs 72 and 74 and the base 76 forming the general U shape of the bracket 70. The general configuration of the article carrier assembly 50 of FIG. 2 is thus similar to that of the article carrier 10 of FIG. 1, but it will be noted that the article carrier assembly 50 is generally inverted relative to the carrier 10 of FIG. 1, in order to show more clearly certain aspects thereof.
The [0058] article attachment leg 74 of the bracket 70 includes a portable article removably or permanently secured thereto. In the example of FIG. 2, an adhesive backing 78 is provided on the article attachment leg 74, with the article A2 (a small storage container or accessory pouch, etc.) securing to the adhesive 78 of the article attachment leg 74. Alternatively, the storage container A2, or other article, could be removably secured to the article attachment leg 74 by means of conventional hook and loop fastening material (e.g., Velcro, tm), snaps, or other means as desired.
As in the example of FIG. 1, the two [0059] legs 72 and 74 of the article attachment bracket 70 define a sleeve clearance area 80 therebetween, when the attachment bracket 70 is secured to the receptacle 58 of the device 50 and the device is placed upon the wrist. This arrangement allows the person wearing the present article carrier 50 of FIG. 2, to have the sleeve(s) of any garment(s) being worn, to extend completely down the forearm and over the wrist, covering and concealing the wrist band 52 and receptacle 58 attached thereto. However, the article attachment leg 74 of the attachment bracket 70, and any article attached thereto (e.g., the storage container A2) remains positioned outside the sleeve(s), thus allowing complete access by the person wearing the present article carrier 50. The article carrier may be oriented upon the wrist as desired, with the attachment bracket disposed to the inside of the wrist, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, or inverted, generally as shown in FIG. 2.
Preferably, the article attachment bracket is removable from the wrist band receptacle, in order to allow an article which is permanently secured to the bracket to be separated from the wrist band if so desired. However, some means must be provided for securely retaining the wrist band attachment leg of the bracket within the wrist band receptacle passage. In the example of FIG. 2, the [0060] attachment bracket receptacle 58 is provided with a pair of laterally opposed, manually manipulable latches. The latches each have an inwardly extending finger 82, which engages a corresponding detent 84 in the opposite sides or edges of the wrist band attachment leg 72 of the article attachment bracket 70.
A pair of opposed, outwardly projecting [0061] buttons 86 or the like extend from the sides of the receptacle 58, with inward pressure on the buttons 86 causing the latches to pivot about their pivot pins 88 to withdraw the inwardly extending fingers 82 from the detents 84 of the wrist band attachment leg 72 of the article attachment bracket 70, thereby allowing the bracket 70 to be withdrawn from the passage 64 of the receptacle 58. The latches may include conventional biasing springs (not shown) which hold the fingers 82 securely within the detents 84 of the wrist band attachment leg 72 of the article attachment bracket 70, until the buttons 86 are depressed. Other means (e.g., a pin or pins disposed laterally through corresponding passages in the receptacle 58 and wrist band attachment leg 72 of the bracket 70, etc.) may be used to selectively secure the article attachment bracket 70 to the receptacle 58 of the wrist band 52 as desired.
FIG. 3 of the drawings provides an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present article carrier device, designated as [0062] article carrier 100. The article carrier 100 includes a flexible, open band 102 having opposed open ends, with one end having a buckle 104 and the opposite end including a series of holes or passages 105 for engaging the pin of the buckle assembly 104. This closure arrangement may be used with other embodiments of the present invention, and conversely, other wrist band configurations may be used with the article attachment receptacle, article attachment bracket, and article of the embodiment of FIG. 3, as desired.
The [0063] article attachment area 106 of the band 102 has an article attachment bracket receptacle 108 secured to the outer surface 110 thereof, generally in the manner of the receptacle 18 and band 12 of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 and receptacle 58 and band 52 of the second embodiment of FIG. 2. The axis 112 of the tapered receptacle slot or passage 114 is generally parallel to the forearm and wrist axis 116 which passes concentrically through the band 102 when it is closed, in the manner of the relative orientation of the band 12 and attachment bracket receptacle 18 of FIG. 1. The open end 118 of the receptacle passage 114 is disposed toward the hand (not shown in FIG. 3) of the person wearing the article carrier 100 when it is secured about the wrist of the user, in much the same manner as the orientation of the receptacle 18 and receptacle passage 24 of the article carrier 10 of FIG. 1.
The [0064] article attachment bracket 120 of the article carrier 100 of FIG. 3 removably secures within the passage 114 of the receptacle 108, generally as shown in FIG. 3. The bracket 120 is generally U-shaped, with a tapered wrist band attachment leg 122 to fit the tapered receptacle passage 114 and an opposite, parallel article attachment leg 124, essentially like the brackets 30 and 70 of the respective embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. The two legs 122 and 124 are connected by a semicircular base 126, with the two legs 122 and 124 and the base 126 forming the general U shape of the bracket 120. The general configuration of the article carrier assembly 100 of FIG. 3 is thus similar to that of the article carriers 10 and 50 respectively of FIGS. 1 and 2, but it will be noted that the article carrier assembly 100 is generally inverted relative to the carrier 10 of FIG. 1, in order to show more clearly certain aspects thereof.
The [0065] article attachment leg 124 of the bracket 120 includes an article retaining clip 128 which is removably or permanently secured thereto. Preferably the clip 128 is permanently attached to the bracket 120, as the clip 128 is configured to removably secure a portable article A3 (cell phone, pager or other electronic device as desired, etc.) therein. It will be noted that the electronic device A3, or other portable article as desired, may be removably or permanently secured directly to the article attachment leg 124 of the article attachment bracket 120, if so desired.
As in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, the two [0066] legs 122 and 124 of the article attachment bracket 120 define a sleeve clearance area 130 therebetween, when the attachment bracket 120 is secured to the receptacle 108 of the device 100 and the device is placed upon the wrist. Thus, the sleeve(s) of any garment(s) being worn by a person using the present article carrier 100, will extend into the sleeve clearance area 130 and over the wrist band 102 to cover and conceal the wrist band 102. Yet, the portable article A3 remains disposed outside the sleeve(s) and over the wrist band 102, where the article A3 is readily accessible by the person wearing the article carrier 100 without need to draw up the sleeve(s) of any garment(s) to access such a wrist carried article A3.
As in the example of FIG. 2, the [0067] article attachment bracket 120 is removable from the wrist band receptacle 108, in order to allow an article which is permanently secured to the bracket to be separated from the wrist band if so desired. However, some means must be provided for securely retaining the wrist band attachment leg of the bracket within the wrist band receptacle passage. In the example of FIG. 3, the attachment bracket receptacle 108 is provided with a pair of inwardly biased, laterally opposed retaining springs 132. The springs are anchored (e.g., rivets 134, molded in place, etc.) to the inner sides of the receptacle passage 114 adjacent the open end 118 thereof, with each spring having a distal protuberance 136 which engages a corresponding detent 138 in the opposite sides or edges of the wrist band attachment leg 122 of the attachment bracket 120.
The attachment bracket retaining system illustrated in FIG. 3, provides automatic retention of the wrist [0068] band attachment leg 122 of the bracket 120 within the receptacle 108 of the band 102, without need for the user to perform any other operations than merely plugging the wrist band attachment leg 122 of the bracket 120 into the wrist band receptacle 108. The spring protuberances 136 positively engage the corresponding detents 138 of the wrist band attachment leg 122 of the article attachment bracket 120 to hold the article attachment bracket 120 securely to the wrist band 102 until release is desired. For release, all that is required is for the user to tug or pull outwardly on the article attachment bracket 120 to overcome the pressure of the springs 132, forcing the springs 132 outwardly past the detents 138 of the band attachment leg 122 of the bracket 120. As noted in the discussion of the embodiment of FIG. 2, other means may be used to selectively secure the article attachment bracket 120 to the receptacle 108 of the wrist band 102 as desired.
In conclusion, the present device for carrying article on the wrist greatly facilitates the access and use of various small, portable electronic devices commonly carried upon the person. Rather than storing such a device in a pocket or purse, where access is cumbersome and time consuming, the device is carried in an exposed position to the inside or outside of the wrist, as desired, where it is readily accessible at all times. Yet, the sleeve clearance provided allows the user to extend any garment sleeve(s) (e.g., suit jacket, overcoat, etc.) to completely cover the lower forearm and wrist, without gathering and wrinkling the material, exposing the surface of the forearm and wrist to the cold and weather, etc. [0069]
The present invention provides even further versatility as a means for carrying various articles in a small portable pouch or container, which may be secured to the wrist attachment bracket of the present carrier. Such a small pouch is quite handy for carrying car keys, identification, small change or a few bills, etc. when exercising or jogging, or while on the beach, etc. The present wrist mounted article carrier may still be used in many such environments where an arm covering sleeve(s) might not be worn. However, in many such situations, a covering garment may be worn to protect a person from the sun, etc., and the configuration of the present article carrier enables the user to access any article(s) carried thereon without need to expose the surface of the arm to the sun or weather. [0070]
Even greater versatility may be provided by the present article carrier, by combining a conventional watch band and wristwatch with the article carrier receptacle of the present invention. Such a device would provide both communication and time reference literally at the fingertips of the person wearing such a device, for the utmost in convenience. [0071]
It will be seen that the detachability of the article attachment bracket from the wrist band receptacle, permits the bracket (and of course any article or device secured thereto) to be supported or carried in some other manner. For example, it is conventional for cell phones, pagers, etc. to be carried by means of a belt clip. The generally U-shaped article attachment bracket of the various embodiments of the present article carrier, permits the article attachment bracket to be hooked or looped over the belt, or trouser waistband, etc., with the article being carried thus disposed externally to the waist of the garment. The present article carrier thus provides exceptional versatility and convenience for the carriage of small, portable electronic devices and other portable articles, as desired. [0072]
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. [0073]

Claims

I claim:

1. A device for carrying articles on the wrist, comprising:

a wrist band having at least an outer surface, with a central forearm and wrist axis disposed through said wrist band;

a generally U-shaped article attachment bracket extending from said wrist band;

said article attachment bracket having a wrist band attachment leg, an article attachment leg opposite said wrist band attachment leg spaced apart therefrom and generally parallel thereto, and a semicircular base joining each said leg to one another;

each said leg being disposed generally parallel to said central forearm and wrist axis of said wrist band;

said semicircular base of said article attachment bracket being disposed toward the hand of a wearer of said wrist band when said wrist band is placed upon the wrist of the wearer; and

each said leg of said article attachment bracket defining a sleeve clearance area therebetween, for positioning an article secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket generally over said wrist band with said sleeve clearance area disposed between the article and said wrist band, for allowing at least one garment sleeve to extend therein between said wrist band and the article.

2. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 1, further including:

an article attachment bracket receptacle extending from said outer surface of said wrist band;

said article attachment bracket receptacle having a receptacle passage axis generally parallel to said central forearm and wrist axis of said wrist band; and

said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket removably installing within said article attachment bracket receptacle, for removably securing the article to said wrist band.

3. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 2, further including means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band.

4. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 3, wherein said means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of laterally opposed, manually operable latches, and inwardly biased, laterally opposed retaining springs.

5. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 1, wherein said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of semi-rigid, flexible, open bands, closed bands having adjustable, expandable latches, flexible, selectively openable bands having buckle closures, and closed, spring biased bands.

6. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 1, further including a portable article secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket.

7. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 6, wherein said portable article is removably secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket.

8. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 6, wherein said portable article is selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, pagers, calculators, and small storage containers.

9. A device for carrying articles on the wrist, comprising:

said article attachment bracket receptacle having a receptacle passage axis generally parallel to said central forearm and wrist axis of said wrist band;

an article attachment bracket, having a receptacle attachment leg and an article attachment leg opposite said receptacle attachment leg; and

said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket removably installing within said article attachment bracket receptacle, for removably securing an article to said wrist band.

10. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 9, wherein:

said article attachment bracket has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a wrist band attachment leg, an article attachment leg opposite said wrist band attachment leg spaced apart therefrom and generally parallel thereto, and a semicircular base joining each said leg to one another;

each said leg being disposed generally parallel to said central forearm and wrist axis of said wrist band, when said wrist band attachment leg is installed within said receptacle of said wrist band;

11. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 9, further including means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band.

12. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 9, wherein said means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of laterally opposed, manually operable latches, and inwardly biased, laterally opposed retaining springs.

13. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 9, wherein said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of semi-rigid, flexible, open bands, closed bands having adjustable, expandable latches, flexible, selectively openable bands having buckle closures, and closed, spring biased bands.

14. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 9, further including a portable article secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket.

15. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 14, wherein said portable article is removably secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket.

16. The device for carrying articles on the wrist according to claim 14, wherein said portable article is selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, pagers, calculators, and small storage containers.

17. A device for carrying an article on the wrist and an article therewith, comprising in combination:

a portable article, selected from the group consisting of cellular telephones, pagers, calculators, and small storage containers;

a generally U-shaped article attachment bracket extending from said wrist band;

said article attachment bracket having a wrist band attachment leg, an article attachment leg opposite said wrist band attachment leg spaced apart therefrom and generally parallel thereto, and a semicircular base joining each said leg to one another, with each said leg being disposed generally parallel to said central forearm and wrist axis of said wrist band;

said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket removably installing within said article attachment bracket receptacle, for removably securing said portable article to said wrist band;

said portable article being secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket;

each said leg of said article attachment bracket defining a sleeve clearance area therebetween, for positioning said portable article secured to said article attachment leg of said article attachment bracket generally over said wrist band with said sleeve clearance area disposed between said portable article and said wrist band, for allowing at least one garment sleeve to extend therein between said wrist band and said portable article.

18. The device for carrying articles on the wrist and article combination according to claim 17, further including means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band.

19. The device for carrying articles on the wrist and article combination according to claim 18, wherein said means for holding said receptacle attachment leg of said article attachment bracket within said receptacle of said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of laterally opposed, manually operable latches, and inwardly biased, laterally opposed retaining springs.

20. The device for carrying articles on the wrist and article combination according to claim 17, wherein said wrist band is selected from the group consisting of semi-rigid, flexible, open bands, closed bands having adjustable, expandable latches, flexible, selectively openable bands having buckle closures, and closed, spring biased bands.