Wrist pouch for electronic equipment

Abstract

A pouch forms a cavity for holding a portable electronic device, a front panel of the pouch defines a viewing opening through which a display screen of the electronic device can be viewed during use, and an adjustable strap or other arm-mounting coupling is used to secure the pouch and the electronic device to a user's arm. A cover panel extends from the pouch and can be moved from a closed position covering and protecting the display screen to an open position exposing the display screen for viewing during use. In a parked open position the cover is held in place with the display screen exposed for use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]The benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 807,884, filed Jul. 20, 2006, entitled WRIST POUCH FOR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT is hereby claimed, and the specification thereof is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to cases and carriers for portable electronic devices such as PDA-like devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable pouch for carrying such portable electronic devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Portable computers and communications devices have developed to the point that it is common to have a portable, small (often a few inches across by several inches long) device that can serve as a computer for accomplishing various tasks. One example of such a portable electronic device is the so called Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). These devices often are wirelessly connected to a wireles...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Briefly described, the present invention comprises a wearable carrier for a portable electronic device. The carrier includes a pouch defining a cavity for the electronic device and a coupling for mounting the electronic device in a generally fixed position on the lower arm / wrist of a user. The pouch has a front panel with a viewing opening that aligns with the display screen and any needed keys or buttons of the electronic device so that the user can view the display screen and operate the electronic device when it is in the pouch. The pouch and the viewing opening preferably are sized and shaped for holding a PDA, but can be readily adapted for holding a video recorder, camera, cell phone, or other portable electronic device. The arm-mounting coupling preferably is attached to the pouch and configured for mounting the carrier securely to the user's lower arm / wrist, but can be readily adapted for wearing on another arm part or another limb.

[0008]Advantageously, the present invention allows the user to carry a PDA or other portable electronic device on the user's wrist, instead of on a belt or in a pocket. The viewing opening of the pouch makes it easy to access the display screen and keypad to use the PDA quickly by simply turning one's head / eyes and arm, without having to remove the PDA from the carrier.

[0009]In a first example embodiment according to the present invention, the pouch has a back panel that is made of a flexible material so that, when holding a PDA with a back surface that is recessed and curved to conform to the user's arm, the pouch conforms to this shape to provide a sleek and comfortable fit. In addition, the pouch has an insertion opening through which the PDA can be inserted into and removed from the pouch, with the insertion opening being positioned typically at the top of the pouch. Optionally, the pouch has an auxiliary opening that aligns with a connection port on the PDA for connecting an auxiliary component (earphones, charger, etc.) to the PDA when it is in the pouch, with the auxiliary opening typically at one side of the pouch. The insertion opening and the auxiliary opening typically are dedicated openings that are separate from the viewing opening to provide maximum protection for the PDA and still allow the PDA to be used when in the pouch. Also, with the insertion opening at the pouch's top (or other side) and when using a PDA with an external battery mounted at its top (or corresponding side), the battery can be replaced without removing the PDA from the pouch.

[0010]Furthermore, the arm-mounting coupling is provided by an adjustable strap assembly that includes two bands that adjustably connect together, for example, by a bucket. Preferably, there is only one such strap assembly and it is attached to the pouch in an off-center position so that it is closer to the user's wrist than the center of the pouch to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. Alternatively, other conventional couplings can be used, such as flexible sleeves, clamps, collars, two or more of any of these, etc.

[0011]In addition, the carrier preferably includes a cover panel that can be moved from a closed position covering the viewing opening to an open position with the viewing opening exposed. With the viewing opening so exposed, the user can access the display screen and keypad to use the PDA in the pouch. Also, a cover closure (e.g., strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners) is provided to removably secure the cover panel in the closed position. The cover panel can be attached to the pouch with the insertion opening between the viewing opening and where the cover panel is attached, so that when the cover panel is in the closed position the cover panel extends over the insertion opening to help hold the PDA in the pouch.

[0013]In a typical commercial embodiment, the pouch has two foldable flaps that form the insertion opening, and a replacing closure (e.g., strips of mating hook-and-loop fasteners) on the flaps for securing the pouch closed. The replacing closure strips are positioned on the flaps to close the insertion opening with the front flap over the back flap, and the third cover closure strip is positioned on an outer surface of the front flap. In this way, the cover panel can be pulled open without also opening the insertion opening of the pouch. Alternatively, the cover panel and its closure can be configured in other ways to cover and protect the display screen.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, frequently handling an electronic device, when removing it for use and storing it afterwards, increases the likelihood of dropping, losing, or damaging the device.

Images