Abstract
A multi-purpose carrier constructed from single continuous sheet of material that is folded along a horizontal axis or a vertical axis in a manner so as to create opposing open top ends and a closed or open bottom end. The opposing left and right sides are folded towards the vertical or horizontal axis in the center of the sheet of material to create opposing left and right channels. The channels have a plurality of apertures located along the outer edge of the channels. A cord or torsion spring is funneled through the channels and apertures to compress the opposing sides of the device together to create a positive compression grip of the contents carried in the carrier.
Claims
1. A multi-purpose carrier comprising a. a single continuous sheet with a top and bottom side folded along a central horizontal axis of the sheet to create opposing top open ends and a closed bottom end and a left and right side folded towards a central vertical axis of the sheet to create opposing side walls with a channel at an outer edge of the each of the side walls; b. a plurality of slots along the outer edge of the channels; and c. a pair of opposing torsion springs; wherein a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the carrier is created by inserting a first spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the outer edge of a first side wall at the closed bottom end of the carrier and inserting a second spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the outer edge of the opposing second side wall at the closed bottom end of the carrier to force the opposing side walls towards each other.
2. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the pair of torsion spring each have a “W” or “M” shaped end with two opposing limbs extruding therefrom.
3. The carrier of claim 2 wherein said limbs of the torsion springs have curvatures midway in the limbs that insert into the slots of the channels thereby locking the limbs into place in the channels of the carrier.
4. The carrier of claim 2 wherein opposing ends of limbs of the torsion spring have turn back hooks that pass completely through the channels and out the open top end of the carrier to lock the spring in place.
5. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising a belt clip with legs inserted into one of the channels such that the legs rest inside the channels.
6. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising a loop of material attached to one of the opposing side walls to secure the carrier to a belt, paddle or slide on belt hanger.
7. A multi-purpose carrier comprising a. a single continuous sheet with a top and bottom side folded along a central horizontal axis of the sheet to create opposing top open ends and a closed bottom end and a left and right side folded towards a central vertical axis of the sheet to create opposing side walls with a channel at an outer edge of the each of the side walls; b. a plurality of slots located along the outer edge of the channels; and c. a cord; wherein a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the carrier is created by compressing the opposing side walls towards each other and against said item inserted in the carrier by funneling the cord through the channels and slots to weave the opposing side walls towards each other.
8. The carrier of claim 7 further comprising a belt clip with legs inserted into one of the channels such that the legs rest inside the channels.
9. The carrier of claim 7 further comprising a loop of material attached to one of the opposing side walls to secure the carrier to a belt, paddle or slide on belt hanger.
10. A multi-purpose carrier comprising a. a single continuous sheet of material with a left and right side folded along a central vertical axis of the sheet to create opposing top open ends and opposing bottom open ends and wherein the left and right sides are further folded towards the central vertical axis to create opposing side walls with a channel at an outer edge of the each of the side walls; and b. a first torsion spring; wherein a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the carrier is created by inserting the torsion spring through the channels at the outer edges of the opposing side walls at the top or bottom open end of the carrier to force the opposing side walls towards each other.
11. The carrier of claim 10 further comprising a second torsion spring interlaced with the first torsion spring at a central point of both torsion springs wherein a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the carrier is created by inserting the first spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the top open end of the first opposing side wall and the top open end of the second opposing side wall and inserting the second spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the bottom end of the first opposing side wall and the bottom end of the second opposing side wall to force the opposing side walls towards each other.
12. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the torsion springs have a “W” or “M” shaped end with two opposing limbs extruding therefrom.
13. The carrier of claim 12 wherein opposing ends of limbs of the torsion springs have turn back hooks that pass completely through the channels and out the open top and bottom ends of the carrier to lock the springs in place.
14. The carrier of claim 10 further comprising a loop of material attached to one of the opposing side walls to secure the carrier to a belt, paddle or slide on belt hanger.
15. The carrier of claim 10 further comprising a strap secured to the opposing side walls at the bottom open end.
16. The carrier of claim 10 further comprising a strip of plastic material at the vertical axis of the continuous sheet of material.
17. A multi-purpose carrier comprising a series of connected pouches, said pouches each comprising a. a single continuous sheet of material with a top and bottom side folded along a central horizontal axis of the sheet to create opposing top open ends and a closed bottom end and a left and right side folded towards a central vertical axis of the sheet to create opposing side walls with a channel at an outer edge of the each of the side walls; and b. a pair of opposing torsion springs that create a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the pouch by inserting a first spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the outer edge of a first side wall at the closed bottom end of the pouch and inserting a second spring of the pair of opposing torsion springs through the channel at the outer edge of the opposing second side wall at the closed bottom end of the pouch to force the opposing side walls towards each other to create a positive compression grip of the contents inserted in the pouch.
18. The carrier of claim 17 wherein the pouches are connected in a series.
19. The carrier of claim 17 wherein the pouches are connected in a stacked relationship.
20. The carrier of claim 17 further comprising a belt clip with legs inserted into one of the channels at the top or bottom end of at least one pouch such that the legs rest inside the channels.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the pattern for the single continuous sheet of material for one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is perspective side view of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of the inside of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a back view of the outside of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a back view of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a back view of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of a fully assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of a fully assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a back view of a fully assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary version of the torsion spring of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a front view of an exemplary version of the torsion spring of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the insertion of the torsion spring into one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the insertion of the torsion spring into one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of the belt clip used with the carrier of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15A is a perspective rear view of one position of insertion of the belt clip of FIG. 14 into the carrier of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 15b is a perspective rear view of one position of insertion of the belt clip of FIG. 14 into the carrier of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the belt clip of FIG. 14 inserted into the carrier of the present invention and clipped to a belt.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a side view of the belt clip of FIG. 14 inserted into the carrier of the present invention and clipped to a belt.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a perspective front view of two pouches of one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention in a series relationship.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective front view of two pouches of one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention in a series relationship.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective front view of three pouches of one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention in a series relationship.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of two pouches of one embodiment of the carrier of the present invention in a stacked relationship.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a front view of one embodiment of the pattern for the single continuous sheet of material for one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a front view of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 22.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a front view of a partially assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 22.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a front view of a fully assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 22.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a back view of a fully assembled carrier from the pattern shown in FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the pattern used to cut the material of the carrier 20 is shown wherein the pattern is generally “H” or “I” shaped, depending on orientation. As shown, the pattern is “I” shaped. The top portion 26 and bottom portion 28 are substantially rectangular pieces connected by a substantially rectangular connector piece 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the first substantially rectangular connector piece 30 may be reinforced with a second substantially rectangular connector piece. The top and bottom portions 26 and 28, respectively, have apertures 22 and 24. A strap portion 10 is substantially elongated rectangular shape with a curved end with a plurality of apertures.
[0045] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the top portion 26 and bottom portion 28 of the carrier 20 are folded along their interior surface to meet a medial vertical axis of the pattern to create channels 32 and 34. The apertures in the top and bottom portions create slots 22 and 24 along the edges of channels 32 and 34. The channels 32 and 34 are secured in place by stitching the folded pieces of the top portion 26 and bottom portion 28 using a seam. The second connector piece may also be stitched into place using a seam.
[0046] Turning to FIG. 5, the strap portion 10 is attached to the top portion of the carrier 20. In FIGS. 6-9 the strap portion 10 is folded back on itself to create a loop and stitched into place. Turning to FIGS. 7-9, on the strap portion 10 between the two places where it is sewn, there is what forms a channel 40 and a horizontal hole 42. The cord 600 passes through the channel 40 to create two equal lengths of cord 600 on each side. The two equal lengths of cord 600 (one left and one right side) are inserted on their respective sides, downward to the first opening 36/38 and proceed upwards through the channels towards 22/24. The cord then exits 22/24 and proceeds to the opposite sides of 22/24, then the cord goes upwards through the channels 32/34 until they exit the top of the channels 32/34. Then the cord transfers back to the opposite side (Front to backside) 32/34 opening back through channels to 22/24, then exits to transfer into the opening 22/24 going downwards till they exit 36/38. Then the cord goes back up 36/38 (Front to back side) then back upwards to 22/24 where the cord exits. Then the tails of the cord 600 pass back downwards from 22/24 and back through channel 40 where the lacing pattern began. The cords exit midway through the channel 40 and out the hole 42. Both cord ends now pass through the vertical hole 44 below the channel 40 to assist in securing/locking the cord 600 into place. A sufficient amount of cord 600 is left hanging for future adjustment.
[0047] Turning specifically to FIG. 8, the carrier in FIG. 6 is secured to a belt by threading the belt through the loop created on the backside by strap portion 10. An item is inserted into the top end and rests against the bottom end created by connector piece 30 and is compressed for a secure fit by the use of the elastic cord weaved through the channels 32 and 34, slots 22 and 24 and strap portion 10.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 10, a torsion spring with a “W” or “M” shaped end formed by portions 1005, 1006 and 1007, depending on orientation, has two opposing limbs with upper portions 1010 and 1014 and lower portions 1008 and 1009 curvatures 1003 and 1004 approximately midway between the upper and lower portions. The ends of the limbs of the torsion spring may have turn back hooks 1001 and 1002. As shown in FIG. 11, in an alternative embodiment, the torsion spring with a “W” or “M” shaped end formed by portions 1105, 1106 and 1107, depending on orientation, has two opposing limbs with upper portions 1110 and 1011 and lower portions 1108 and 1109 without any curvature midway.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 12, a torsion spring with a “W” or “M” shaped end formed by portions 1005, 1006 and 1007 with two opposing limbs with upper portions 1010 and 1014 and lower portions 1008 and 1009 curvatures 1003 and 1004 approximately midway between the upper and lower portions is inserted into the formed channels 32 and 34 on each side entering from the bottom end of the carrier and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the carrier.
[0050] Turning to FIG. 13, the curvatures 1003 and 1004 midway inserts into the slots 22 and 24 of the channels 32 and 34, locking the limbs of the spring into place in the carrier. In an alternative embodiment, the torsion spring of FIG. 11 may also be inserted into the formed channels entering from the bottom end of the carrier and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the carrier. An O-ring may be inserted at the midway point of each limb and fit within the slots 22 and 24 of the channels 120, locking the limbs into place in the carrier. When the torsion spring is in place, the opposing side walls of the carrier are compressed towards one another and also compressed against any item inserted into the interior cavity of the carrier.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 13, the ends 1001 and 1002 of the torsion spring may have turn back hooks that pass completely through the channels 32 and 34 and out the open top end of the carrier to help lock the spring in place.
[0052] While the torsion spring described herein is “W” or “M” shaped, the torsion spring may be of any shape such that the limbs can be inserted into the channels of the carrier an allows compression of the opposing sides of the carrier.
[0053] Turning to FIG. 14, a wire form belt clip 1400 for use with the carrier of the preceding Figures is shown. In one embodiment, the wire form generally has a pair of straight legs 1401; a pair of straight legs 1402; a pair of side arms 1403 connecting the straight legs 1401 and 1402; a pair of curvilinear sections 1404 extending from legs 1402 and towards legs 1401 and ending in a hook configuration with side arm 1405 bridging the two curvilinear sections 1404. In the preferred embodiment, the legs 1401 and 1402 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the side arms 1403. The curvilinear sections 1404 is substantially parallel to the side arm 1403 and substantially perpendicular to legs 1401 and 1402. Turn back hooks 1406 extend from the straight legs 1401 and are bent at about a 90-degree angle.
[0054] Turning to FIGS. 15A and B, the tips of the belt clip can be inserted into one of the channels 32/34 or 36/38 such that the legs 1410 and 1402 rest inside the channels 32 and 34 and the legs 1401 extend away from the magazine carrier between the side arms 1403 and curvilinear sections 1404. The side arm 1405 abuts the magazine carrier. A slotted space is created between the legs 1401 and 1402 of the belt clip.
[0055] Turning to FIGS. 16 and 17, a belt is shown threaded through the slotted space created between the legs 1401 and 1402 of the belt clip shown in FIG. 15.
[0056] Turning to FIGS. 19-20, an alternative embodiment of the carrier of the present invention is shown where two pouches are in a series relationship. A top portion and bottom portion of each pouch 20 are folded along their interior surface to meet a medial vertical axis of the pattern to create channels 32 and 34. The apertures in the top and bottom portions create slots 22 and 24 along the edges of channels 32 and 34. A torsion spring with a “W” or “M” shaped end formed by portions 1006 and 1007 with two opposing limbs are inserted into the formed channels 32 and 34 on each side entering from the bottom end of the pouches and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the pouches. A pair of curvatures midway through the opposing limbs may be inserted into the slots 22 and 24 of the channels 32 and 34, locking the limbs of the spring into place in the pouches. However, as shown herein the torsion spring of FIG. 11 is inserted into the formed channels 32 and 34 of each pouch entering from the bottom end of the pouches and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the pouches. When the torsion springs are in place, the opposing side walls of the pouches are compressed towards one another and also compressed against any item inserted into the interior cavity of the carrier, such as the ammunition clip 2003, the handcuffs 2100 and accessory 2000 of FIG. 20.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 21, an alternative embodiment of the carrier of the present invention is shown where two pouches are in a stacked relationship. A top portion and bottom portion of each pouch are folded along their interior surface to meet a medial vertical axis of the pattern to create channels 32 and 34. The apertures in the top and bottom portions create slots 22 and 24 along the edges of channels 32 and 34. A torsion spring with a “W” or “M” shaped end formed by portions 1005, 1006 and 1007 with two opposing limbs are inserted into the formed channels 32 and 34 on each side entering from the bottom end of the pouches and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the pouches. A pair of curvatures midway through the opposing limbs may be inserted into the slots 22 and 24 of the channels 32 and 34, locking the limbs of the spring into place in the pouches. However, as shown herein the torsion spring of FIG. 11 is inserted into the formed channels 32 and 34 of each pouch entering from the bottom end of the pouches and passing through the side channels 32 and 34 towards the top end of the pouches. When the torsion springs are in place, the opposing side walls of the pouches are compressed towards one another and also compressed against any item inserted into the interior cavity of the carrier.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 13, the ends 1001 and 1002 of the torsion spring may have turn back hooks that pass completely through the channels 32 and 34 and out the open top end of the carrier to help lock the spring in place.
[0059] While the torsion spring described herein is “W” or “M” shaped, the torsion spring may be of any shape such that the limbs can be inserted into the channels of the carrier or pouch an allows compression of the opposing sides of the carrier or pouch disclosed herein.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 22, one embodiment of the pattern used to cut the material of the carrier disclosed herein is shown. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the left portion 2301 and right portion 2302 of the carrier 2303 are folded along their interior surface to meet a medial vertical axis of the pattern to create channels 2403 and 2404 and opposing top open ends and opposing bottom open ends when the left 2301 and right 2302 sides are further folded towards the central vertical axis 2304 to create opposing side walls, said side walls 2402 and 2403 shown further in FIGS. 25 and 26 with a channels 2403 and 2404 at the outer edge of the each of the side walls 2402 and 2403. The channels 2403 and 2404 are secured in place by stitching the folded pieces of the left portion 2405 and right portion 2302 using seam 2401. The channel 2403 and edges of the side wall 2402 and 2403 create a gap, which provides a guide and protective area for the iron sights of a firearm.
[0061] As shown further in FIG. 26, a back spine portion 2601 is created. This spine may be reinforced by a portion of material 2304 shown in FIG. 23. In the preferred embodiment, the carrier is made from leather and the strip of material 2304 is made from plastic. The strip reinforces and protects the interior portion of the spine 2601 opposite channel 2403 when an item, such as a firearm with iron sights, is inserted into the carrier.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 26, a first torsion spring 2502, such as that shown in FIG. 11, is inserted through the channels at the outer edges of the opposing side walls 2402 and 2405 at the top or bottom open end of the carrier to force the opposing side walls towards each other.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 25, a second torsion spring 2501 may be interlaced with the first torsion spring 2502 at a central point of both torsion springs wherein a positive compression grip of an item inserted in the carrier is created by inserting the first spring 2502 through the channels 2303 and 2304 at the top open end of a first side wall 2402 and the top open end of the second side wall 2405 and inserting the second spring 2501 through the channels 2303 and 2304 at the bottom open end of the first side wall 2402 and at the bottom open end of the second side wall 2405 to force the now opposing side walls towards each other.
[0064] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the method (and components of the individual operating components of the method) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections might be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
