Patent Application
20220183448
The present invention relates generally to the field of personal care and convenience accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multipurpose, belted waist carrier or consumer convenience and sanitary pack, also known as a fanny pack. The sanitary pack is equipped with, among other things, easily accessible pockets that are capable of carrying and stowing a variety items and a container holder. The sanitary pack of the present invention allows a user to access a compartment while decreasing or eliminating the possibility of transmitting germs, viruses, harmful microbes and the like. The outside compartment of the pack may remain in the closed position through the use of a closure mechanism, but the same may be easily opened and closed without significant effort by the user. Further, the outside compartment provides an opening for the user to remove items, such as sanitation wipes, without inserting his or her hands into a pocket. Additionally, the pack further comprises a holder that may be used to support small containers, such as hand sanitizer or other essential items, and a cell phone pocket to secure a cell phone or other smart device in order to provide access to the same while limiting contact with other items carried in the pack. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to protect themselves and family members from germs, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful substances. Standard belted fanny packs provide a means to carry certain items which are easily within reach, as the pack is generally disposed around the waste of the individual. Unfortunately, many belted fanny packs do not provide a means of accessing the pockets or compartments on a hands-free or minimal contact basis, which could lead to the spread of germs, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful substances. For example, each pocket or compartment of a traditional belted fanny pack still requires the user to insert his or her hand into the pocket or compartment and feel around or rummage for specific items before retrieving the item or items from the pocket, which may result in cross contamination. Accordingly, and in an effort to avoid such cross contamination, the individual must typically carry each item separately, thereby no longer having both hands free to engage in other activities.
Another common limitation on a standard belted fanny pack is the inability to transport or hold a bottle or container. More often than not, and particularly during a pandemic or flu or cold season, the user will desire to have a bottle of hand sanitizer in close proximity while partaking in various activities, such as walking, hiking, shopping, etc., to prevent the spread of germs and to protect themselves against infection. With a standard belted fanny pack, in order for the user to have hand sanitizer close by, he or she would need to either hold the bottle or container separately in one hand for the entire time, or place the item in a pocket if available. In addition, hand sanitizer may be placed in the general pocket of a standard belted fanny pack with all the other items, thereby rendering it inaccessible without contaminating the remaining items in the pocket when reaching for the container with a contaminated hand. However, having to hold a bottle of hand sanitizer separately becomes burdensome, tiring, uncomfortable and inconvenient. It may also interfere with the person's other activities. In addition, placing a bottle of hand sanitizer in a pant, shirt or jacket pocket risks the bottle opening and spilling on the user's clothing and staining the same, or resulting in an uncomfortable condition for the user due to the bulkiness and weight of the container.
Another limitation typically associated with a standard belted fanny pack is the user's inability to have his or her cell phone readily accessible. With a standard belted fanny pack, similar to the situation with a container of hand sanitizer, the cell phone would need to be placed in the main compartment with all of the other items, thereby rendering it inaccessible. More specifically, the user would need to insert his or her hand into the pocket and search for the cell phone. This, in turn, may cause the user to miss an important call and/or possibly contaminate the other items in the pocket.
Today, most belted fanny packs have zippers adjacent to each pocket or compartment to allow for an opening of the pocket to be opened and closed. The zipper on most belted fanny packs forces the user to use at least two fingers to grasp the zipper and reposition the zipper to open and close the pocket. This type of repeated contact increases the likelihood of transmitting germs, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful substances to or from the pack. In addition, the user must insert his or her hand into the pocket to find the item needed at the moment, which also potentially causes every item in the pocket to become contaminated (i.e., either from the user's contaminated hand or contamination existing on an item placed in the pocket). The current design of a belted fanny pack does not provide for a hands-free option for accessing certain items inside the various compartments of the fanny pack, nor does it provide for a place to hold a container of hand sanitizer.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved and multipurpose belted waist or fanny pack that allows a user to easily access certain items transported thereby without rummaging or feeling around in a pocket, and that reduces the potential spread of germs, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful substances. More specifically, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose belted waist or fanny pack device that contains a compartment that opens to the outside and allows the user to access the same without having to open a zippered pocket or other closure mechanism. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose belted waist or fanny pack device that provides a mechanism to allow the user to access a bottle or other small container (e.g., hand sanitizer) without having to reach into a compartment or risk cross contaminating other items. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose belted waist or fanny pack device that provides a mechanism to securely hold the user's cell phone or other smart device while keeping said device in an easily accessible location. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a multipurpose belted waist or fanny pack device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and both safe and easy to use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a convenient and sanitary pack device having a plurality of compartments, some having closure mechanisms and some without closure mechanisms, for quick and easy access thereto. More specifically, the device is comprised of a first compartment or pocket located on a front side (i.e., the side of the device that faces outwardly from the wearer) of the device, wherein the first compartment is accessible from at least one end of the compartment having a closure mechanism and from a front window or opening not having a closure mechanism. The first compartment is meant to hold a package of sanitary wipes, wherein individual wipes from the package may be dispensed through the front window without having to remove the package from the pocket and without having to reposition the closure mechanism located along the end opening. The novel device of the present invention may further comprise additional compartments (some having closure mechanisms, some without closure mechanisms) for carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer, a smartphone or other electronic device, valuables, etc., and a strap mechanism for removably attaching the device to an individual.
In this manner, the consumer convenience and sanitary pack device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a relatively safe, easy, convenient and cost-effective solution to allowing a user to quickly and easily access sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, a smartphone and other valuables with minimal contact and with a reduced risk of cross contamination.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present invention relates to a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device in the form of a belted waist or fanny pack device that is equipped with a relatively hands-free pocket, several more securely closed or open ended pockets, and a holder component suitable for holding small containers. As used herein, the term “container” refers to one of a cup, can, glass, mug, bottle, or the like. “Containers” are typically used for holding consumer products, both those intended for human consumption (e.g., coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, etc.) and those that are not, such as a smartphone, music player, or other device. Although the preferred use of the holder of the present invention is for small containers containing hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes, it is not so limited and may also be used for any other purpose that may satisfy the needs and/or preferences of the user.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device having a body portion and a strap mechanism for removably attaching the body portion to an individual, similar to a belted fanny pack. The body portion comprises a plurality of compartments, some having closure mechanisms and some without closure mechanisms (i.e., being open-ended) for quick and easy access thereto without having to further touch or handle a closure mechanism thereto, which could result in cross contamination.
In a preferred embodiment, the body portion is comprised of a first compartment or pocket located on its front side (i.e., the side that faces outwardly from the wearer when the device is worn as intended), wherein the first compartment is accessible from at least one end of the compartment and/or from a front window or opening that does not have a closure mechanism. The first compartment is meant to receive a package of sanitary wipes, wherein individual wipes from the package may be dispensed through the front window without having to remove the package from the pocket and without having to reposition the closure mechanism positioned along the end opening. As explained more fully below, the body portion also comprises additional compartments (some having closure mechanisms, and some without closure mechanism) for receipt of, for example, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a smartphone or other electronic device, valuables, etc. One or more of the compartments may further comprise a flap that is fastened through an easy unlatching means, such as hook and loop fasteners, thereby allowing the user to have minimal contact when opening the flap.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the body portion also includes a holder. The holder is preferably of a generally cylindrical shape and of a size that is capable of securing many different types of small containers including, without limitation, a can, glass, bottle or the like. The top of the holder is preferably open-ended but may also have a mechanism to cinch or partially close the opening to prevent the container stored therein from inadvertently falling out of the holder. The mechanism to cinch or partially close the holder can include, but is not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, rope, magnets, snaps, adhesive patches which are replaceable once the tackiness of the adhesive deteriorates, or any other similar device or combination thereof to provide a safe and secure method of securing the container in the holder. Adhesive patches as used herein may include double or single sided tape that can be applied to the exterior of the fanny pack.
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, the body portion of the device may comprise one or more additional pockets or enclosures having a more secure enclosure mechanism, such as a zipper. The additional pockets are also generally rectangular in configuration and may be located anywhere along the body portion or even the strap mechanism. Nonetheless, the opening of each of said pockets is preferably located towards the top of the fanny pack. For example, a pocket on the outer surface of the body portion may be designed to hold a smartphone or other electronic device, and has a closure mechanism to secure the device and prevent the same from falling out of the pocket.
As stated above, the consumer convenience and sanitary pack device also comprises a strap mechanism for attaching the device to an individual. In one embodiment, the strap mechanism may be comprised of a belt strap made up of two separate waist straps and a mating buckle to removably attached the two waist straps to one another. Further, one or both of the waist straps may be adjustable in length to comfortably fit the user. When the waist straps are adjusted and latched around the user, the device sits comfortably around the waist and on the anterior side of the user with the front flap facing outward (i.e., away from the wearer). The waist straps may be comprised of elastic material so that they may be stretched to accommodate different sized individuals.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device similar to a fanny pack that allows a user to easily access certain items transported thereby without rummaging or feeling around in a pocket, and that reduces the potential spread of germs, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful substances. More specifically, there is a long felt need in the art for a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device that contains a compartment that opens to the outside and allows the user to access the same without having to open a zippered pocket or other closure mechanism. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device that provides a mechanism to allow the user to access a bottle or other small container (e.g., hand sanitizer) without having to reach into a compartment or risk cross contaminating other items. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device that provides a mechanism to securely hold the user's cell phone or other smart device while keeping said device in an easily accessible location along the device. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a consumer convenience and sanitary pack device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and both safe and easy to use.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As best shown in
As further shown in
As stated above, the device 100 also comprises a belt strap mechanism 140. As best shown in
The mating buckle 141 is a mechanism that allows the outermost ends of the two waist straps 142 to be removably joined to one another to secure the device 100 around the waist or other appendage of the user 150. In a preferred embodiment, the mating buckle 141 is comprised of a male connecting portion and a female connecting portion, wherein the respective connecting portions can be matingly joined together. Once joined, the user 150 would need to depress both sides of the male connecting portion simultaneously to detach the male connection portion from the female connecting portion. Notwithstanding, the mating buckle 141 is not so limited and may be any connecting mechanism suitable for securely connecting two straps together, such as a side-release buckle, belt buckle, etc.
Each of the two waist straps 142 are adjustable through the presence of a buckle adjustment 143, or strap adjustment 144.
As best illustrated in
Further, a second zippered or closed pocket may be located above and extend behind the outer main pocket 1100 thereby providing an area between the outer main pocket 1100 and the second pocket 130 for the placement of a cell phone or other device. The additional area to hold a cell phone or other device may comprise an enclosure to secure the device while providing access with little to no risk of cross contamination with other items. Preferably, the enclosing mechanism would be made of an elastic, but it may also be comprised of any other suitable material including, without limitation, hook/loop fasteners, snaps, buttons and adhesive closures such as patches or tapes or combinations thereof, that prevents the cell phone from exiting the pocket prematurely.
As best illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front flap 1107 has an inside panel 1109, an outside panel 1111 and a fastening mechanism 1108. The fastening mechanism 1108 is preferably a hook and loop fastener, but may be any other fastening device suitable for providing easy access to the front wall opening 1102, such as a snap, clasp, adhesive or the like. Preferably, the outer edge 1110 of the front flap 1107 is the same size and shape as the outer main pocket 1100, that is the periphery of the front flap is coextensive with the shape of the outer main pocket 1100. The outer edge 1110 may be of any design or pattern that allows the front flap 1107 to lay flat against the front wall when in a fully closed position. Additionally, when in a fully closed position, the fastening mechanism 1108 lines up with the point of attachment 1104 on the front wall 1101. The fastening mechanism 1108 will attach at the point of attachment 1104 such that the front flap 1107 will remain in a fully closed position, thereby protecting the item in the outer main pocket 1100 from contamination or other elements, until the user 150 opens the front flap 1107.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the improved device 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that other configurations of the device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/125,651, which was filed on Dec. 15, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63125651 | Dec 2020 | US |
