WO2025174700A1

WO2025174700A1 - Slidable apparel system

Info

Publication number: WO2025174700A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/015276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Dean ANDERSON
Original assignee: Pax Gear LLC
Current assignee: Pax Gear LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-12
Filing date: 2025-02-10
Publication date: 2025-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-12
Also published as: US20250255402A1

Abstract

A slidable apparel system comprising a slidable apparel device and methods of making and using the slidable apparel device including a base, with at least one pair of hooks, and an elongate member which may be suspended about the waist of a wearer. The slidable apparel device base may be coupled to an article comprising a container, tool holder, or weapon holder such that the article slides along the length of the elongate member. The slidable apparel device may further comprise a substrate attached to the elongate member with catchable mating parts to tether the article to the substrate. The slidable apparel device may further comprise a harness.

Description

SLIDABLE APPAREL SYSTEM

This International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application is a continuation of United States Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18/680,675, filed May 31, 2025, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/552,230, filed February 12, 2024, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

A slidable apparel system and methods of making and using a slidable apparel system including a base having at least one pair of hooks extending from the base, and an elongate member having an elongate member first side opposite an elongate member second side disposed between elongate member ends, wherein the elongate member includes an elongate member medial portion disposed between a pair of elongate member peripheral margins extending to corresponding elongate member edges, wherein the pair elongate member peripheral margins are positionable between the base and the pair of hooks, wherein the pair of hooks slidably engage opposed peripheral margins between elongate member ends, and wherein an article can be affixed to the base.

II. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Abroad object of embodiments of the invention can be to provide a slidable apparel device, including: a base including at least one pair of hooks extending from the base, wherein terminal ends of the at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation; and an elongate member having an elongate member first side opposite an elongate member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, wherein the elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins extending to opposed elongate member edges of said elongate member first side and said elongate member second side, wherein the elongate member peripheral margins of the elongate member first side and the elongate member second side positionable between the base and the at least one pair of hooks, wherein the at least one pair of hooks slidably engage opposed peripheral margins of the elongate member between the elongate member ends. Another broad object of embodiments of the invention can be to provide a method for manufacture of a slidable apparel device, including: affixing at least one pair of hooks to a base, wherein the at least one pair of hooks extend from said base, wherein terminal ends of the at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation; and fabricating an elongate member having an elongate member first side opposite an elongate member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, wherein the elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins extending to opposed elongate member edges of the elongate member first side and the elongate member second side, wherein the elongate member peripheral margins of the elongate member first side and the elongate member second side positionable between said base and said at least one pair of hooks, wherein the at least one pair of hooks slidably engage opposed peripheral margins of the elongate member between said elongate member ends.

Another broad object of embodiments of the invention can be to provide a method for using a slidable apparel device, including: obtaining a base having at least one pair of hooks, wherein said at least one pair of hooks extend from the base, wherein terminal ends of the at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation; obtaining an elongate member having an elongate member first side opposite an elongate member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, wherein the elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins of the elongate member first side and the elongate member second side extending to opposed elongate member edges of the elongate member first side and the elongate member second side, slidably engaging said at least one pair of hooks to opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member between said elongate member ends.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, and claims. III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure l is a front view illustration of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system worn by a user.

Figure 2 is a back view illustration of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system worn by a user to slidably support an article, in this example the article being a container.

Figure 3 is a side view illustration of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system worn by a user to slidably support an article, in this example the article being a container.

Figure 4 is a side view illustration of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system worn by a user to slidably support an article, in this example the article being a container, wherein the container slides to a side position.

Figure 5 is a side view illustration of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system worn by a user to slidably support an article, in this example the article being a container, wherein the container slides to a front position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system, wherein a container is tethered to a substrate.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a slidable apparel system, wherein a container is untethered and slidably positioned along an elongate member.

Figure 8 is a back perspective view of a particular embodiment of an article of a slidable apparel system, in this example the article being a container.

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a particular embodiment of an elongate member and substrate of a slidable apparel system.

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a particular embodiment of an elongate member and substrate of a slidable apparel system, wherein the elongate member is covered with a sheath. Figure 11 is a back perspective view of a particular embodiment of an elongate member and substrate of a slidable apparel system.

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the particular embodiment of the slidable apparel system depicted in Figures 9 through 11.

Figure 13 is a side a cross section view 13-13 of the particular embodiment of the slidable apparel system depicted in Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a cross section view 14-14 of the particular embodiment of the slidable apparel system depicted in Figure 6.

IV. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Generally, referring to Figures 1 through 14, embodiments of a slidable apparel device (1) include a base (2) including at least one pair of hooks (3) extending from the base (2), wherein terminal ends (4) of the pair of hooks (3) are disposed in opposed spaced-part relation, and an elongate member (5). The elongate member (5) including an elongate member first side (6a) opposite an elongate member second side (6b) disposed between elongate member ends (8a, 8b). The elongate member (5) having an elongate member medial portion (9) disposed between a pair of elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) of the elongate member first side (6a) and elongate member second side (6b) extending to opposite elongate member edges (7a, 7b). In particular embodiments an article (11) can be releasably affixed or permanently affixed to the base (2). As illustrative examples, the article (11) can comprise or consist of: a container, a tool holder, a weapon holster, or other device. A plurality of bases (2) in association with a corresponding plurality of articles (11) can interchangeably slidingly engaged with the embodiments of the elongate member (5). The elongate member (5) can be further covered in a sheath (12). A substrate (14) may be affixed to the elongate member (5). A fastening device (13) may be coupled to opposite elongate member ends (8a, 8b) or opposite substrate ends (14a, 14b). The article (11) and the substrate (14) may include a catch (15), wherein a first mateable catch part (15a) can be affixed to the article (11) and a second mateable catch part (15b) can be affixed to the substrate (14). The base (2) and the associated article (11) can slide along the elongate member (5) to releasably engage the mateable catch parts (15a, 15b) to releasably retain the article (11) at a position on the elongate member (5). The slidable apparel device (1) can further include a harness (16) attached to the elongate member (5), or to the substrate (14). The harness (16) may comprise one or a plurality straps (17). The harness (16) and/or the harness straps (17) may be adjustable to alter dimensions of the harness (16) and/or the harness straps (17). In particular embodiments, the slidable apparel device (1) may be suspended or disposed proximate a waist (WST) of a wearer (W). The harness (16) and/or the harness straps (17) may be suspended or disposed proximate one or more of: the shoulders (SH), a neck (N), or a chest (CH) of the wearer (W). Alternate use options include but are not limited to wearing the slidable apparel device (1) suspended or disposed proximate an arm (A) or a leg (L) of the wearer (W).

Now, with primary reference to Figure 8 and 14, elements of the base (2) can include a planar or generally flat base member (18). In particular embodiments, the base member (18) can be formed of a rigid material, a semi-flexible or semi-rigid material such as: natural or non-natural rubbers, natural or non-natural leathers, plastic polymers, paper products and combinations thereof. Illustrative examples of plastic polymers include: a polyvinyl chloride, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a nylon, and combinations thereof. For the purposes of instant invention, a semi- flexible or semi-rigid material comprises a material capable of or adapted to bend or flex without breaking such that the base (2) can bend or flex around the curvature of the elongate member (5) which may be disposed about the wearer (W), such as a waist (WST), arm (A), or leg (L). Such a semi-flexible or semi-rigid material may have a Shore Hardness rating of medium soft to medium hard of about 75 to about 100 on the Shore 00 rating system, or from about 40 to about 80 on the Shore A rating system, or about 0 to about 20 on the Shore D rating system. Another measure of flexure is flexural modulus which defines material stiffness and its resistance to bending or flexing. The Young’s Modulus or stiffness rating, measured in GPa, rates materials. Semi -flexible or semirigid materials can include rubbers, plastic polymers, wood, and wood products having stiffness on the Young’s Modulus scale of between about 0.01 GPa to about 10 GPa.

Now, with primary reference to Figure 8, the base member (18) can serve as a substrate for attachment of at least one pair of hooks (3). The base member (18) can have a base length, in the horizontal direction, and base height in the vertical direction, greater than the dimensions of the pair of hooks (3). Alternately, the base (2) may be about 1.1 times, or 1.2 times, or 1.3 times, or 1.4 times, or 1.5 times, or 1.6 times, or 1.7 times, or 1.8 times, or 1.9 times, or 2 times, or 3 times, or 4 times, or 5 times, or 10 times, or 15 times, or 20 times, or more, in base length and base height as the dimensions of the pair of hooks (3). The pair of hooks (3) can be coupled to the base member (18) with terminal ends (4) disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation to allow slidable engagement with the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) which corresponding extend from opposite side of the elongate member medial portion (9) to opposite elongate member edges (7a, 7b). The distance between the terminal ends (4) of a corresponding pair of hooks (3) can be sufficient to slidably receive the elongate member medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5) between corresponding terminal ends (4) of a pair of hooks (3). The distance between the terminal ends (4) of a pair of hooks (3) and between the terminal ends (4) of the pair of hooks (3) and the base member (18) may be set by varying the configuration of a corresponding pair of hook shoulders (20), shown here being attached to the hook arms (19) at right angles, however the hook shoulders (20) may have a curved shape and/or rounded edge attaching the hook shoulders (20) to the hook arms (19).

Again, with primary reference to Figure 8, in particular embodiments, the base (2) may comprise at least one pair of hooks (3), or may comprise two pairs of hooks (3), or a plurality of pairs of hooks (3). The use of one pair of hooks, or more than one pair of hooks (3), the width of each pair of hooks (3), and the spacing between two or more pairs of hooks (3) may depend on the application for the slidable apparel device (1). If for example, the article (11) comprises a container, a tool holder, or a weapon holster affixed to the base (2), which may be small and light, a single pair of hooks (3) may be suitable. If an article (11) has greater weight and/or the article (11) has a configuration to carry heavier and/or larger objects, one or more additional pair of hooks (3) may be employed. The spacing between multiple pair of hooks may depend on, but not be limited to, several factors including dimensions of base member (18), length and/or width of the pair of hooks (3), size and/or weight of the article (11), the length or width of the elongate member (5), and/or the length or width of a substate (14) affixed to the elongate member (5).

Again, with primary reference to Figure 8, the at least one pair of hooks (3) can comprise a sufficiently rigid material to maintain slidable engagement with the elongate member peripheral margins () of the elongate member (5) with the base (2) affixed to an article (11) without bending or breaking. Suitable materials for the pair of hooks (3) may include wood, plastics, ceramics, composites, metals and alloys, and combinations thereof. Suitable materials for the at least one pair of hooks (3) can include materials with a Shore Hardness rating of at least about 75 on the Shore A Hardness scale, or at least about 25 on the Shore D Hardness scale. Suitable materials for the pair of hooks (3) can afford a stiffness of at least about 0.1 GPa on Young’s Modulus Stiffness Scale.

Again, with primary reference to Figure 8, the base (2) may be affixed to an article (11) (in the example of Figure 8, the article is shown in broken line to represent the numerous and varied possible configurations of the article (11)). Illustrative examples of the article (11) can include one or more of: a container or enclosure with flexible, semi-flexible, or hard siding; a tool holder; or a weapon holster. In the event that the article (11) comprises a container (21), as shown in the example of Figures 1 through 8, the container may be formed from flexible, semi-flexible or semirigid, or rigid material including but not limited to natural or man-made textiles, plastic polymers, wood, leather, ceramics, composites, metal, or other suitable materials depending on the application. The container (21) may be an open container with no closure devices. Alternately, the container (21) may comprise a closure device (22) including but not limited to a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, or a mateable hook and loop device, and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11, the elongate member (5) slidably engageable between the at least one pair of hooks (3) of the base (2) may be of varying length and width depending upon the application. For example, the elongate member (5) may be of suitable length to fit around the waist (WST) of a wearer (W), and therefore may be at least about 12 inches in length, or at least about 15 inches, or at least about 18 inches, or at least about 20 inches, or at least about 25 inches, or at least about 30 inches, or at least about 40 inches, or greater in length. In particular embodiments, the elongate member (5) can be configured to fit around an arm (A) or a leg (L) of a wearer (W) and can be at least about 4 inches in length, or at least about 6 inches in length, or at least about 8 inches in length, or at least about 10 inches in length, or at least about 12 inches in length, or at least about 15 inches in length, or at least about 18 inches in length or greater in length. The width of the elongate member (5) may also vary depending on the application, for example, the width may be at least about 1 inch, or at least about 2 inches, or at least about 3 inches, or at least about 4 inches, or at least about 5 inches, or at least about 6 inches.

Again, with primary reference to Figures 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11, the elongate member (5) may be formed from rigid material having limited flexibility or can be a material with sufficient flexibility to curve about, or wrap around, or conform to a waist (WST), an arm (A), or a leg (L) of a wearer (W). Materials with sufficient flexibility may include, but are not limited to a metal, a plastic, a rubber, a leather, a textile, and combinations thereof. Suitable materials can have a Shore Hardness of about 0 to about 85 on the Shore OO rating scale, or less than 60 on the Shore A Hardness scale. Such materials may have a Young’s Modulus Stiffness of less than about 10 GPa, or less than about 1 GPa, or less than about 0.5 GPa, or less than about 0.1 GPa. Materials for the harness (16), harness straps (17), and substrate (14) may also be of similar sufficient flexibility to the elongate member (5) including but not limited to a rubber, a leather, a textile including man-made and natural textiles, plastics, and polymers. Again, with primary reference to Figures 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11, an embodiment of the elongate member (5) can include an elongate member first side (6a) opposite an elongate member second side (6b). The elongate member first side (6a) and the elongate member second side (6b) longitudinally extend from one elongate member end (8a) to the other of the elongate member end (8b) and between an elongate member first edge (7a) and an elongate member second edge (7b). The elongate member (5) comprises an elongate member medial portion (9) disposed between the opposite peripheral margins (10a, 10b) of the elongate member first side (6) and the elongate member second side (7) each of the peripheral margins (10) correspondingly extending to an elongate member first edge (7a) and the elongate member second edge (7b), such that the elongate member medial portion (9) lies approximately in the center of the elongate member (5) and extends longitudinally from one elongate member end (8a) to the other elongate member end (8b). While the elongate member (5) can be made from a flexible material as described in the paragraph above, the elongate member medial portion (9) can comprise a material that can be more rigid than the elongate member peripheral margins (10) of the elongate member (5). Such a semi -flexible or semi-rigid material of the elongate member medial portion (9) may have a Shore Hardness rating of medium soft to medium hard, rating from about 75 to about 100 on the Shore OO rating system, or about 40 to about 80 on the Shore A rating system, or about 0 to about 20 on the Shore D rating system. Another measure of flexibility is flexural modulus which defines material stiffness and its resistance to bending. The Young’s Modulus or stiffness rating, measured in GPa, rates materials. Semi-flexible or semi-rigid materials may include rubbers, polymers, wood, and wood products having stiffness on the Young’s Modulus scale from about 0.01 GPa to about 10 GPa.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12, the elongate member (5) can further include a sheath (12) covering a portion or all of the elongate member (5) (as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 10). In particular embodiments, the sheath (12) may serve to protect the elongate member from wear or serve to provide a particular resistance to movement of an article (11) along the elongate member (5). The sheath (12) can comprise a flexible material as described for manufacture of the elongate member (5). Further, the elongate member (5), the sheath (12), or the substrate (14) can further include a fastener device (13) configured to couple the elongate member ends (8a, 8b) of the elongate member (5), sheath ends (12a, 12b) of the sheath (12), or substrate ends (14a, 14b) of the substrate (14). The fastener device (13) may comprise a buckle, a button, a clip, a mateable hook and a loop, a snap, a tie, and combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener device (13) comprises a buckle as shown the illustrative example of the Figure 1). The substrate (14) may further comprise loops (23), and panels (24). The substrate (14) may comprise one or a plurality of layers as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 12 including, but not limited to, the substrate outer layers (14c, 14d), a back stiffener (26), lumbar pad (27), or net slot stiffener (29). Various attachment devices including but not limited to snaps (25) (as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 13) and hook and loop fastener(s) (28) (as shown in the illustrative example of Figure 13) may be employed to tether a plurality layers within interior space of the substrate (14). Alternate means of semi -permanently or permanently attaching the plurality of layers and/or loops (23) and panels (24) to the substrate (14) include but are not limited to stitching, sewing, adhesives, snaps, ties, buttons, clips, magnets, or another other appropriate means. Materials for manufacture of these additional features associated with the substrate (14) include but are not limited to textiles, plastics, polymers, paper, wood, foam, and natural or man-made cushioning material.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 9 through 11, embodiments can include a substrate (14) to which the elongate member medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5) can be affixed whether continuously between elongate member ends (8a, 8b), at one or more points along the elongate member medial portion (9) or to the elongate medial portion (9) proximate elongate member ends (8a, 8b) allowing the elongate peripheral margins (10) of the elongate member (5) to be available for slidable engagement with the base (2) and associated article (11). In particular embodiments, the substrate (14) can comprise any fixed object to which the elongate member medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5) may be affixed; however, without limitation to the breadth of the foregoing, the illustrative examples of the substrate (14) shown in the Figures comprise a belt (14’). The elongate medial portion (9) can be affixed between belt ends (14a’, 14b’). Figures 9 and 10 depict embodiments of a front perspective view of the elongate member (5) and substrate (14) configured as a belt (14’), while Figure 11 shows a back perspective view of the substrate (14) configured as a belt (14’). The substrate (14) configured as a belt (14’) can comprise a substrate first layer (14a) joined at the edges to a substrate second layer ( 14d) enclosing an interior space in which additional layers as described above can be disposed within.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 1 through 7, the base (2) can be fixed to an article (11). As illustrative examples, the article (11) may comprise a container (21), a tool holder, or weapon holster. The container (21), the tool holder, or the weapon holster may be fashioned from a flexible, semi-flexible or semi-rigid, or rigid material. The container (21) may be selected from containing devices such as a basket, a bin, a tote, a bag, a backpack, a fanny pack, a purse, a clutch, a satchel, or the like. The container (21) can include one or more closure devices (22). The closure devices (22) can include, as illustrative examples, a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, and a mateable hook and loop. Now, with primary reference to Figures 6 and 7, the slidable apparel device (1) can include a catch (15) including mateable catch parts (15a, 15b). The first mateable catch part (15a orl5b) may be affixed to the substrate (14), elongate member (5), or sheath (12), and the second mateable catch part (15a or 15b) can be affixed to the article (11) to releasably tether the article (11) to the substrate (14) or elongate member (5). The mateable catch parts (15a, 15b) may include a knob and notch system, a magnet and a magnet receiver, a hook and loop, a clip and loop, a buckle, a button, a mateable hook and a loop, a snap, or a tie. In a particular embodiments, as shown in the figures, the mateable catch parts (15) comprise a magnet (15a) and a magnet receiver (15b).

Now, with primary reference to Figures 1 through 14, a method for manufacture of the slidable apparel device (1), described herein, includes affixing at least one pair of hooks (3) to a base (2), wherein the at least one pair of hooks (3) extend from the base (2) disposing hook terminal ends (4) in opposed spaced-apart relation, and fabricating an elongate member (5) having a elongate member first side (6a) opposite an elongate member second side (6b) disposed between opposite elongate member ends (8a, 8b), wherein an elongate member medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5) can be disposed between elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) correspondingly extending to an elongate member first edge (7a) and an elongate member second edge (7b) of the elongate member first side (6a) and the elongate member second side (6b), wherein the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) can be disposed between the base (2) and at least one pair of hooks (3) with each of the pair of hooks (3) correspondingly slidably engaged to one of elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) between the elongate member ends (8a, 8b). The at least one pair of hooks (3) may be permanently, semi -permanently or releasably affixed to the base (2). The at least one pair of hooks (3) can be affixed by pass-through of the hook terminal end (4) through the base member (18), with mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws, a nut rotatably disposed on a threaded end hook end, an adhesive, and combinations thereof. Additional pairs of hooks (3) may be affixed to the base member (18) by way of the same, similar or equivalent methods. The base member (18) of the base (2), as above described, may be fabricated, molded or formed from a metal, a plastic or polymeric, paper or wood material and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 9 and 10, the elongate member (5) can comprise a metal, a plastic or polymeric material which can produced in final form through one or more of: extrusion molding, compression molding, fabrication, machining, laser cutting, or cutting, whether as one piece or assembled from a plurality of pieces. As described above, the elongate member medial portion (9) can comprise a more rigid material than the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b). The elongate member medial portion (9) can be fabricated from the same, a similar, or a different material than the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b). For example, the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) may comprise a metal, plastic or polymeric material with greater softness and flexibility than a metal, a plastic or polymeric material used to fabricate the elongate member medial portion (9). Alternately the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) may be fabricated from a natural or man-made textile, the elongate member medial portion (9) may be fabricated from a semi-flexible or semi-rigid plastic or polymeric material. In another example, the elongate member (5) may be fabricated with an outer sheath (12) of textile material sheathing a more rigid material such as a semi-flexible or semi-rigid metal, plastic or polymeric material disposed therein.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 10 through 14, a sheath (12) may be fashioned to cover the elongate member (5). Fabrication and pairing of the sheath (12) with the elongate member (5) would necessarily depend on the materials used for either item and may include one or more methods such as molding, extrusion, and/or sewing described above. A substrate (14) may be fashioned and attached in a releasable, semi -permanent or permanent manner to the medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5). Methods of fabrication or manufacture will depend on the material chosen for the substrate (14). Attachment of the substrate (14) to the elongate member (5) may be by way of adhesive, brads, rivets and burrs, screws, sewing, pins, clips, buttons, snaps, hooks, or mateable hook and loop and combinations thereof. Additionally, and optionally, a harness (16) may be releasably coupled to the elongate member (5) or substrate (14) in a similar manner. Additional features may be fitted to or integrated into the substrate including but not limited to loops (23), panels (24), snaps (25), one or more back stiffener devices (26), at least one lumbar pad (27), one or more hook and loop fasteners (28), and a net slot stiffener (29). Materials for fabrication or manufacture of these additional features include but are not limited to metals, textiles, plastics, polymers, paper products, for example cardboard, wood, foam, and natural or man-made cushioning material.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 1 through 8, 13 and 14, an article (11) may be attached, either permanently or semi -permanently to the base (2). Such an article may include a container, formed of soft and flexible material, a semi-flexible or semi-rigid material, or rigid material. In other examples the article may comprise a tool or weapon holder. One or more closure devices (22) to releasably close an opening in the article or container (11) may be affixed to the article (11). To permanently or semi -permanently attach the base (2) to an article (11), the base may be slidably attached to the article (11), wherein one portion of the base (2) fits into an opening, strap, or slot on the article (11). The base (2) may be attached to the article (11) by way of screws, brads, rivets and burrs, pins, adhesives, and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 7, 9 and 10, embodiments can further include mateable catch parts (15a, 15b) can be corresponding affixed to the substrate (14) or elongate member (5) and to the article (11) to temporarily tether the article (11) to either the substrate (14) or elongate member (5). Mateable catch parts (15a, 15b) may include but are not limited to a hook and loop, clip and loop, knob and notch, and/or magnet and magnet pair. These mateable catch parts (15a, 15b) may be affixed to the substrate (14), elongate member (5), and article (11) via adhesive, sewing, brads, rivets and burrs, screw, pin, or other known methods of attachment.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 8 through 10, to use the slidable apparel device

(I), a user or wearer (W) may obtain a base (2) having at least one pair of hooks (3), wherein the pair of hooks extend from the base (2) and terminal ends (4) of the hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation, and the user or wearer (W) may obtain an elongate member (5) having an elongate member first side (6a) opposite an elongate member second side (6b) disposed between opposed elongate member ends (8a, 8b), wherein the elongate member (5) comprises an elongate member medial portion (9) disposed between opposed elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b) of said member first side (6) and said member second side (7) extending to opposed elongate member edges ( 7a, 7b) of the member first side (6) and the member second side (7), and the user wearer (W) may slidably engage the pair of hooks (3) with the opposed peripheral margins (10a, 10b) of the elongate member (5) between the elongate member ends (8). Further, the wearer (W) may slide the base (2), with at least one pair of hooks (3) engaged with the elongate member peripheral margins (10a, 10b), to position the base (2) between the elongate member ends (8a, 8b). The wearer (W) may releasably couple a fastening device (13) to couple the elongate member ends (8a, 8b) or substrate ends (14a, 14b) around a waist (WST), arm (A), or leg (L). The fastening device (13) may include but not be limited to a buckle, button, clip, snap, tie, or mateable hook and loop.

Now, with primary reference to Figures 8 through 10, the wearer (W) may releasably, or non-permanently, couple an article (11) to the base (2). As illustrative examples, the article (11) can be attached to the to the base (2) via, slidable attachment, a button, a snap, a clip, a hook, and/or a mateable hook and loop. Alternately, the wearer (W) may permanently couple an article

(II) to the base (2). In particular embodiments, the wearer (W) may select an article (11) from a group including one or more of a container (21), tool holder, or weapon holster. In selecting a container (21), a wearer may operate a closure device (22) on the container (21) to releasably close an opening in the container (21). The closure device (22) may be one or more of a zipper, button, snap, clip, and mateable hook and loop, and may be integrated into or attached to the container (21).

Now, with primary reference to Figures 8 through 10, the wearer (W) can releasably or permanently attach a substrate (14) to the medial portion (9) of the elongate member (5). The substrate (14) can be attached to the elongate member (5) through one or more methods including, adhesive, brads, rivets and burrs, screws, sewing, a hook, buckle, snap, tie, clip, button, and/or mateable hook and loop. The wearer (W) may use or operate a catch (15) to releasably engage a first catch part (15a) affixed to the substrate (14) with a second catch part (15b) attached to the article (11) to tether and untether the article (11) to and from the substrate (14) in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. The wearer (W) can attach a harness (17{, either permanently or semipermanently (16) to the elongate member (5) or substrate (11) via adhesive use, brads, rivets and burrs, screws, sewing, a hook, buckle, snap, tie, clip, button, and/or mateable hook and loop.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a stackable jewelry system and methods for making and using such a stackable jewelry system.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “container” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “containing” — whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “containing”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “container” and even a “means for containing”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "substantially" or “sufficiently” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled” or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directly coupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, depending upon the embodiment.

Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “integrated” or “integral when referring to two or more components means that the components (i) can be united to provide a one- piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as a one- piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole. Said another way, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connected together so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity of the piece or unit.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) the base and elongate member herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described herein, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in- part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The elements following an open transitional phrase such as “comprising” may in the alternative be claimed with a closed transitional phrase such as “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’ whether or not explicitly indicated the description portion of the specification.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

V CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A slidable apparel device, comprising: a base including at least one pair of hooks extending from said base, wherein terminal ends of said at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spacedapart relation; and an elongate member having an elongate member first side opposite an elongate member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, said elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins extending to opposed elongate member edges of said elongate member first side and said elongate member second side, said elongate member peripheral margins of said elongate member first side and said elongate member second side positionable between said base and said at least one pair of hooks, wherein said at least one pair of hooks slidably engage opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member between said elongate member ends.

2. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional pair of hooks.

3. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member is sufficiently flexible to slide between said base and said at least one pair of hooks during travel between said elongate member ends.

4. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member is sufficiently rigid to retain said at least one pair of hooks slidably engaged to opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member during travel between said elongate member ends.

5. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member comprises a plastic material.

6. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member comprises a textile.

7. The slidable apparel device of claim 6, wherein said elongate member comprises a manmade textile.

8. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, wherein said elongate member medial portion comprises a material more rigid than said elongate member peripheral margins.

9. The slidable apparel device of claim 8, further comprising a sheath covering said elongate member.

10. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener device configured to couple said elongate member ends.

11. The slidable apparel device of claim 10, wherein said fastener device is selected from a group including: a buckle, a button, a clip, a mateable hook and a loop, a snap, tie, and combinations thereof.

12. The slidable apparel device of claim 10, wherein said fastener device comprises a buckle.

13. The slidable apparel device of claim 12, further comprising a substrate affixed to said elongate member medial portion of said elongate member.

14. The slidable apparel device of claim 13, wherein said substrate is selected from a group including: a strap, a belt, a tie, and combinations thereof.

15. The slidable apparel device of claim 14, wherein said substrate is a belt.

16. The slidable apparel device of claim 15, further comprising an article affixed to said base.

17. The slidable apparel device of claim 16, wherein said article comprises a container.

18. The slidable apparel device of claim 17, further comprising a closure device integral to said container.

19. The slidable apparel device of claim 18, wherein said closure device comprises one or more of: a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, and a mateable hook and loop.

20. The slidable apparel device of claim 18, wherein said closure device comprises a zipper.

21. The slidable apparel device of claim 17, further comprising a catch device including mateable catch parts, wherein a first mateable catch part is coupled to said article and wherein a second mateable catch part is coupled to said substrate.

22. The slidable apparel device of claim 21, wherein said mateable catch parts comprise a magnet and a magnet receiver.

23. The slidable apparel device of claim 1, further comprising an article affixed to said base.

24. The slidable apparel device of claim 23, wherein said article comprises one or more of: a container, a tool holder, and a weapon holder.

25. The slidable apparel device of claim 24, wherein said article comprises a container.

26. The slidable apparel device of claim 25, further comprising a harness coupled to said elongate member.

27. A method for manufacture of a slidable apparel device, said method comprising: affixing at least one pair of hooks to a base, wherein said at least one pair of hooks extend from said base, wherein terminal ends of said at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation; and fabricating an elongate member having a member first side opposite a member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, said elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins extending to opposed elongate member edges of said member first side and said member second side, said elongate member peripheral margins of said first side and said second side positionable between said base and said at least one pair of hooks, wherein said at least one pair of hooks slidably engage opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member between said elongate member ends.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said elongate member comprises a plastic.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said elongate member comprises a textile.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said textile is man-made textile.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein said elongate member medial portion is more rigid than said elongate member first side and second side.

32. The method of claim 27, further comprising at least one additional pair of hooks.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising attaching an article to said base.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said article is selected from a group including: a container, a tool holder, and a weapon holder.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein said article comprises a container.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising affixing a closure device to releasably close an opening in said container.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said closure device is selected from a group including or more of: a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, and mateable hook and loop.

38. The method of claim 32, further comprising disposing said elongate member in a sheath.

39. The method of claim 32, further comprising affixing a substrate to said elongate medial portion of said elongate member.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising affixing a first mateable catch part to said article and a second mateable catch part to said substrate.

41. The method of claim 32, further comprising releasably coupling a harness to said elongate member.

42. A method of using a slidable apparel device, said method comprising: obtaining a base having at least one pair of hooks, wherein said at least one pair of hooks extend from said base, wherein terminal ends of said at least one pair of hooks are disposed in opposed spaced-apart relation; obtaining an elongate member having a member first side opposite a member second side disposed between opposed elongate member ends, said elongate member having an elongate member medial portion disposed between elongate member peripheral margins of said member first side and said member second side extending to opposed elongate member edges of said member first side and said member second side, slidably engaging said at least one pair of hooks to opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member between said elongate member ends.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising sliding said base with at least one pair of hooks engaged to said opposed peripheral margins of said elongate member to position said base between said opposed elongate member ends.

44. The method of claim 42, further comprising releasably coupling an article to said base.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising permanently coupling said article to said base.

46. The method of claim 42, further comprising selecting said article from a group including a container, a tool holder, or a weapon holder.

47. The method of claim 42, wherein said article comprises a container.

48. The method of claim 42, further comprising operating a closure device to releasably close an opening in said container.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein operating a closure device comprises operation of a closure device selected from the group including one or more of: a zipper, a button, a snap, a clip, and mateable hook and loop.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein said closure device comprises a zipper.

51. The method of claim 42, further comprising attaching a substrate to said elongate member.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising releasably engaging a first catch part affixed to said substate and a second catch part affixed to said article.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising releasably coupling a harness to said substate.

54. The method of claim 42, further comprising operating a fastener device to couple said elongate member ends.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said fastener device operating a fastener device comprises operating a fastener device from a group including a buckle, a button, a clip, a mateable hook and loop, a snap, and a tie.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said fastener device comprises a buckle.