US20180153271A1

US20180153271A1 - Multi-purpose Pouch

Info

Publication number: US20180153271A1
Application number: US15/832,717
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Gene Higdon, Jr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2017-12-05
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Also published as: USD922763S1

Abstract

A multi-purpose device that can function as both a storage pouch for coins, or other material, and a personal defense weapon. The device includes a pouch that is connected to a handle by at least one flexible member. The device can be folded along the flexible member and securely stored around the belt of a user by connecting the pouch to the handle. The user can quickly disconnect the handle from the pouch and remove the device from their belt. In its open configuration, the user can either (i) access the pouch to store or remove material by opening the zipper closure; or (ii) use the device as a self-defense weapon by gripping the device at the handle and using the movement of their arm or wrist to project the weighted pouch at a person or object.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/430,802 filed Dec. 6, 2016. The entire contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a means for holding coins or other small items of a personal capacity within a pouch. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose pouch for holding coins or other small items that may also be used as a manual weapon for defense purposes.

BACKGROUND

It is useful to provide a carrying pouch which can provide easy access to coins and tokens. There are a large variety of coin purses, and the like, upon the market. However, none are adapted to a multi-purpose use specifically as a manual weapon for defense purposes.
Since the beginning of time, people have used a variety of self-defense tools. This has led to a variety of creative weapon choices. Personal defense weapons come in many shapes and sizes. In fact, just about anything used to defend oneself could be considered a self-defense weapon. Traditionally, most hand held leather weapon-like devices include a hand strap and “slapper” area filled with lead or other heavy material that are made using pure leather and a reinforced steel lining along the hand strap. These types of devices are not able to be folded and are therefore more difficult to conceal and/or wear on the user's body. These devices often have reinforcement along the handle, such as steel, thereby adding to the cost and difficulty of production of the device. As such, it would be useful to have a coin purse that is easy to construct, uses relatively inexpensive materials, and can be worn on the user such that it is not obvious it is a potential self-defense weapon. This type of device would be particularly useful in locations where it is not practical or it is prohibited to carry other known self-defense items, such as a knife or a gun

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to address several challenges in previous attempts to develop an inexpensive dual-purpose pouch that is quickly accessible and functions both as a coin purse and, when necessary, a self-defense weapon.
In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a pouch for storing coins or other material and a handle that extends longitudinally from the pouch and is connected by a flexible stem, giving the pouch an overall paddle-like shape when configured in an open position. While in the open position, the user can access the pouch by opening the zipper closure. When finished, the device can be closed and secured around the belt of the user by folding the device along the flexible stem over the belt and connecting the handle to the pouch.
In another preferred embodiment, the device is similarly configured such that the pouch and the handle are connected by a plurality of flexible members, but in this embodiment, there is an enclosed space between the handle and the pouch, which allows the user to slide his fingers around the handle to create a secure hold. Similar to the other embodiment, the device can be folded along the flexible members over a user's belt and secured by connecting the handle to the pouch.
Aside from storing coins or other weighted material, another purpose of the device is that it can be used as a personal defense weapon. Both embodiments allow the user to quickly remove the device from a user's belt by manually disengaging the handle from the pouch. When in the open position, the user can grip the device at that handle and use the movement of their arm or wrist to project the weighted pouch at a person or object. The flexibility of the members connecting the pouch to the handle create a “whip like” action of the pouch that can be used to inflict severe harm against a person or object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the zipper closure along the interior wall of the first embodiment of the present invention in the non-folded configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exterior wall of the first embodiment of the present invention in the non-folded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention in the folded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a font view of the first embodiment of the present invention folded along the belt of a user.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded configuration wherein the invention is being gripped by a user's hand and can be used as a personal weapon.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded configuration wherein the zipper closure runs along the interior wall of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exterior wall of the second embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded configuration.

FIG. 8 is an angled front view of the second embodiment of the present invention in the folded configuration.

FIG. 9 is a font view of the second embodiment of the present invention present invention folded along the belt of a user.

FIG. 10 is an angled bottom view of the second embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded configuration wherein the invention is being gripped by a user's hand and can be used as a personal weapon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIGS. 1-5, one embodiment of the coin purse is made generally from two opposing walls connected together to form a pouch 30 by using any means of attachment, including but not limited to, stitching fibers, weaving fibers, braiding fibers, riveting, gluing, welding, or any type of fasteners, including hook and loop fasteners. The pouch is connected to a grip 10 by a strip 20 which gives the overall coin purse a paddle shape where the pouch 30 is slightly wider than the width of the strip 20, although such limitation is not necessary. In this embodiment, the preferred material for the walls and the grip portion is leather, but these portions of the device can also be manufactured using any synthetic material or semi-synthetic material (e.g. plastics, rubbers, or fabric that has been woven or molded). The front wall of the pouch 30 contains a retractable opening that runs longitudinally the length of the pouch and is operated by a zipper 40, although other forms of closure devices in the prior art could be used to operate the opening, including buttons, snap button closures, or hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®. The pouch 30 allows a user to store coins or other weighted material that are inserted through the zipper 40 in the open configuration.
As shown in further detail on FIG. 1, the front side of this embodiment also contains a male half of a riveted snap fastener 50 attached to the grip 10 and a female half of the snap fastener 60 attached to the top end of the pouch 30. Different types of snaps can be attached to the front side of the coin purse, such as with a punch and die set specific to the type of rivet snaps used, sewing, or plying with special snap pliers. It is contemplated that other forms of closure devices may also be used, such as a button or hook and loop fastener.
Turning to FIG. 3, the coin purse can be folded along at the strip 20 allowing the corresponding male fastener 50 on the grip 10 to be connected to the female fastener 60 on the pouch 30, such that the top edge of the pouch is substantially aligned with the bottom edge of the grip portion.
Turning to FIG. 4, the coin purse can be attached to a belt 80 worn on or around a user by folding the strip 20 over the belt 80 and fastening the grip portion 10 to the pouch 30. In the pictured embodiment, the coin purse is fastened around the belt 80 by using snap closure pieces 50 and 60, although other closure/fastening mechanisms known in the prior art are contemplated.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the coin purse is unfolded, it creates a paddle-like structure that a user can grip at that handle and use the movement of their arm or wrist to project the pouch 30 at a person or object. In the pictured embodiment, the snap closure of the device allows the device to be easily and quickly removed from the belt by undoing the snap closure. When the pouch is filled with coins or other weighted material, it creates a force against the person or object when moved at sufficient speed towards the person or object and connects with the person or object. The strip is generally flexible due to its ability to be folded and thus create a “whip like” action of the pouch 30 by a user against a person or object. As such, the device makes an excellent self-defense weapon as well as a compact way to store coins or other material on a belt for easy access by the user.
FIGS. 6-10 represent a second embodiment of the invention, which has a slightly different configuration, but functions the same as the first embodiment. This embodiment also includes two opposing walls connected together to form a pouch 120 by using any means of attachment, including but not limited to, stitching fibers, weaving fibers, braiding fibers, riveting, gluing, welding or any type of fasteners, including hook and loop fasteners. Unlike the prior embodiment, the grip portion 90 in this embodiment includes an aperture forming an enclosed space between the pouch 120 and the grip 90 wherein the grip 90 and pouch 120 are now connected by flexible strips 100. Similar to the prior embodiment, the preferred material for the walls and the grip portion is leather, but these portions of the device can also be manufactured using any synthetic material or semi-synthetic material (e.g. plastics, rubbers, or fabric that has been woven or molded). The front wall of the pouch 120 contains a retractable opening that runs the width of the pouch and is operated by a zipper 140, although as discussed above, other forms of closure known in the prior art are contemplated.
As shown in further detail on FIG. 6, the front side of this embodiment also contains two male snap fasteners 110 attached to the grip 90 and two female snap fasteners 130 attached to the bottom end of the pouch 120. Although the embodiment includes two fasteners, the embodiment contemplates the use of at least one fastener as well as other types of snaps and forms of closure devices known in the prior art.
Turning to FIG. 8, the coin purse can be folded along at the strips 100 allowing the corresponding male fastener 110 on the grip 90 to be connected to the female fastener 130 on the pouch 120, such that the bottom edge of the pouch is substantially aligned with the top edge of the grip portion.
Turning to FIG. 9, the second embodiment of the coin purse can also be attached to a belt 160 worn on or around a user by folding the strips 100 over the belt 160 and fastening the grip portion 90 to the pouch 120. In the pictured embodiment, the coin purse is fastened around the belt 160 by using snap closure pieces 110 and 130, although, like the prior embodiment, other closure/fastening mechanisms known in the prior art could be used.
As detailed in FIG. 10, when the coin purse is unfolded, the aperture allows a user to slide his fingers around the grip 90 in order to create a secure hold on the device while also using the movement of their arm or wrist to project the pouch 120 at a person or object. Like the first embodiment, the snap closure of this embodiment also allows the device to be easily and quickly removed from the belt by undoing the snap closure. Also, when the pouch is filled with coins or other weighted material, it creates a force against the person or object when moved at sufficient speed towards the person or object and connects with the person or object. The strips 100 are also substantially flexible allowing a “whip like” action of the pouch 120 by a user against a person or object. As such, this embodiment of the coin purse also makes an excellent self-defense weapon as well as a compact way to store coins or other material on a belt for easy access by the user.
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.

Claims

1. A coin purse comprising:

a pair of opposing walls connected along their perimeter to define an interior pouch portion with a top end and a bottom end;

a grip portion extending longitudinally from the bottom end of the pouch;

wherein one wall has a retractable opening providing access to said pouch; and

wherein the top end of the pouch is removably attachable to the bottom end of the grip portion to form a closed and secure loop.

2. The coin purse of claim 1 wherein the opposing walls are connected by stitching fibers, weaving fibers, braiding fibers, riveting, gluing, or welding.

3. The coin purse of claim 1 wherein the material of the walls and grip portion are comprised of leather, synthetic materials, or semi-synthetic materials.

4. The coin purse of claim 1 wherein the bottom end of the grip portion and the top end of the pouch are removably attached using at least one snap button.

5. The coin purse of claim 1 wherein both of the opposing walls of the pouch have a retractable opening providing access to said pouch.

6. The coin purse of claim 1 wherein the retractable opening extends from the center of one of the walls along the length of the longitudinal axis to the top or bottom end of the pouch.

7. The coin purse of claim 6 further comprising a zipper wherein the zipper operates the retractable opening.

8. A coin purse comprising:

a grip portion extending longitudinally from the bottom end of the pouch wherein an aperture exists between the bottom end of the pouch and the bottom end of the grip portion;

wherein one wall has a retractable opening providing access to said pouch; and

9. The coin purse of claim 8 wherein the opposing walls are connected by stitching fibers, weaving fibers, braiding fibers, riveting, gluing, or welding.

10. The coin purse of claim 8 wherein the material of the walls and grip portion are comprised of leather, synthetic materials, or semi-synthetic materials.

11. The coin purse of claim 8 wherein the bottom end of the grip portion and the top end of the pouch are removably attached using at least one snap button.

12. The coin purse of claim 8 wherein both of the opposing walls of the pouch have a retractable opening providing access to said pouch.

13. The coin purse of claim 8 further comprising a zipper wherein the zipper operates the retractable opening.

14. A coin purse comprising:

a grip portion extending longitudinally from the pouch portion;

wherein one wall has a retractable opening providing access to said pouch;

wherein said pouch can safely and securely store and hold weighted material transforming the coin purse into a personal weapon when the grip portion is engaged to forcefully contact another object or person with said weighted pouch portion; and

15. The coin purse of claim 14 wherein the grip portion further comprises an aperture between the bottom end of the pouch and the bottom end of the grip portion

16. The coin purse of claim 15 wherein the aperture is of variable size to allow a person's fingers to pass through and tightly engage the grip portion.

17. The coin purse of claim 14 wherein the opposing walls are connected by stitching fibers, weaving fibers, braiding fibers, riveting, gluing, or welding.

18. The coin purse of claim 14 wherein the bottom end of the grip portion and the top end of the pouch are removably attached using at least one snap button.

19. The coin purse of claim 14 wherein both of the opposing walls of the pouch have a retractable opening providing access to said pouch.

20. The coin purse of claim 14 further comprising a zipper wherein the zipper operates the retractable opening.