Snap-on personal storage devices

Abstract

A removable storage device is provided for enabling storage of personal articles on the person of a user. The device includes a pair of snap fit elements. One element includes a recess for receiving a portion of the other element as a snap fit therein so as to permit a portion of an article of clothing worn by the user to be captured between the elements when the elements are snap fit together to thereby removably affix the elements to the article of clothing. One of the snap fit elements includes a support member or arrangement (e.g., a D-ring or a pocket) for supporting a personal article.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A removable storage device for enabling storage of personal articles on the person of a user, said device comprising: 
 first and second snap fit elements, said first element including a recess therein for receiving a portion of the second element as a snap fit therein so as to permit a portion of an article of clothing worn by the user to be captured between said elements when said elements are snap fit together to thereby removably affix the elements to the article of clothing, and one of said snap fit elements including supporting means for supporting at least one personal article thereon so that the personal article can be carried on the article of clothing.    
     
     
         2 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said supporting means comprises a member mounted on said one element so as to create a space between said member and said one element for receiving at least a portion of the personal article.  
     
     
         3 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said supporting means comprises a ring member.  
     
     
         4 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said supporting means comprises a chain member.  
     
     
         5 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said supporting means comprises a pocket affixed to said one element.  
     
     
         6 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said supporting means comprises a D-ring affixed to said one element.  
     
     
         7 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said second member comprises a front snap fit member adapted to be disposed on the outside of the article of clothing and comprising a first substantially cylindrical snap fit portion and a further, raised front portion to which said D-ring is affixed and said first element comprises a rear snap fit member adapted to be disposed on the inside of the article of clothing and including a substantially cylindrical recess for, in use, receiving said substantially cylindrical snap fit portion of said second member.  
     
     
         8 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said raised portion includes spaced raised parts defining a recessed gap therebetween and receiving opposed ends of said D-ring.  
     
     
         9 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a connecting member extending between said first and second elements and being foldable, in use, around an edge portion of the article of clothing.  
     
     
         10 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said connector member includes first and second openings in opposite end portions thereof for respectively receiving said first and second snap fit elements.  
     
     
         11 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein at least one of said snap fit elements is formed integrally with said connecting member.  
     
     
         12 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein both of said snap fit elements are formed integrally with said connecting member.  
     
     
         13 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said supporting means comprises an article supporting portion of said connecting member.  
     
     
         14 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said supporting portion comprises a backing member including one of said snap fit elements and a pocket portion affixed to said backing member.  
     
     
         15 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said pocket portion includes an elasticized edge portion.  
     
     
         16 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said pocket portion includes at least one pleat therein.  
     
     
         17 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said pocket portion includes an external pocket for holding a writing implement.  
     
     
         18 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said connecting member further comprises a tongue portion and a live hinge disposed between said tongue portion and said backing portion.  
     
     
         19 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 18  wherein said tongue portion includes window therein for receiving an identification tag.  
     
     
         20 . A storage device as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said pocket portion includes at least one pleat therein.  
     
     
         21 . A storage device for enabling storage of personal articles on the person of a user of the device, said device comprising: 
 a pocket portion for receiving personal articles, said pocket portion including a first snap fit element; and    a connecting portion hingedly affixed to said pocket portion and including a second snap fit element,    one of said first and second snap fit elements including a recess therein for receiving a part of the other of said snap fit elements as a snap fit therein so as to permit a portion of an article of clothing worn by the user to be captured between said first and second elements to thereby removably affix the elements, and thus the pocket portion, to the article of clothing.