Apparatus having a bottom opening pocket

Abstract

The invention provides a bottom opening pocket that can be attached to an apparatus such as a backpack, a vest, a wheelchair, etc. The bottom opening pocket provides a user with ready access to contents. In one embodiment, the bottom opening pocket includes a flap that opens away from the body so that it can assist in guiding the contents through the opening. Further, a size of the bottom opening pocket can be adjusted and/or additional support can be provided to accommodate items of various sizes and weights.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for holding the apparatus on the torso; and    means for attaching a pocket to the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: 
 an inner side attached to the means for holding;  
 an opening at a bottom of the pocket;  
 a flap for covering the opening; and  
 means for opening the flap away from the torso.  
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises one of a vest and a backpack.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further includes a second pocket having an opening at a top of the second pocket.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket further includes: 
 an outer side opposite the means for holding;    a left side and a right side that form a substantially rectangular holding area along with the outer side and the inner side; and    means for releasably attaching the flap to the left side and the right side.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further includes means for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flap includes at least one of: a pull string and a handle for releasing the flap.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket further includes: 
 a reflector strip; and    means for selectively exposing the reflector strip.    
     
     
         8 . An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: 
 a holding system for holding the apparatus on the torso;    an attaching system for attaching a pocket to the holding system, wherein the pocket includes: 
 an opening at a bottom of the pocket; and  
 a flap for releasably covering the opening; and  
 an adjustment system for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.  
   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket further includes an outer side opposite the holding system, and wherein the flap is permanently attached to the outer side.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the flap releasably attaches to the pocket in at least three locations.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the apparatus comprises one of a vest and a backpack.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustment system comprises at least one adjustable strap.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the adjustment system comprises: 
 a first adjustable strap for adjustably configuring a first side of the pocket; and    a second adjustable strap for adjustably configuring a second side of the pocket.    
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket is attached to the holding system in an area configured to be located on the back of the torso.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus configured to be worn on a torso of an individual, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for holding the apparatus on the torso; and    means for attaching a pocket to the means for holding, wherein the pocket includes: 
 an opening at a bottom of the pocket;  
 an outer side opposite the means for holding;  
 a left side and a right side that form a substantially rectangular holding area along with the outer side;  
 a flap for covering the opening; and  
 means for releasably attaching the flap to the left side, the right side, and at least one of: the outer side, an inner side adjacent the means for holding, and the means for holding.  
   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the apparatus further includes means for adjustably configuring a horizontal area of the pocket.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the flap is permanently attached to the outer side.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for releasably attaching comprise a hook and loop fastener.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the pocket is releasably attached to the means for holding.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the pocket further includes an opening at a top of the pocket.