Patent application title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STORING AND CONCEALING SMALL OBJECTS
Inventors:
Patty Diann Hernandez (Avalon, TX, US)
Alice Lane Compton (Midlothian, TX, US)
IPC8 Class: AA45F500FI
USPC Class:
224195
Class name: Carried by animate bearer article held by receiver receiver supported for movement around torso by rigid means fixed on belt
Publication date: 2012-05-03
Patent application number: 20120104058
Abstract:
A pocket including a front surface and a rear surface interoperably
connected to the front surface. The front surface and the rear surface
together bound an internal region. The front surface and the rear surface
each include a substantially non-binding material that facilitates
insertion and removal of an object from the internal region. The pocket
further includes an attachment member disposed on the rear surface. The
attachment member removably engages with a strap. The pocket further
includes a closure that selectively seals the internal region. The front
surface and the rear surface each include an outer layer, an interfacing
layer, and an inner lining. The interfacing layer includes
electromagnetic shielding. A position of the pocket on the strap and a
radial orientation of the pocket relative to the strap are adjustable via
the attachment member.Claims:
1. A pocket comprising: a front surface; a rear surface interoperably
connected to the front surface, the front surface and the rear surface
together bounding an internal region, the front surface and the rear
surface each comprising a substantially non-binding material that
facilitates insertion and removal of an object from the internal region;
an attachment member disposed on the rear surface and that removably
engages with a strap; a closure that selectively seals the internal
region; wherein the front surface and the rear surface each comprise an
outer layer, an interfacing layer, and an inner lining; wherein the
interfacing layer comprises electromagnetic shielding; and wherein a
position of the pocket on the strap and a radial orientation of the
pocket relative to the strap are adjustable via the attachment member.
2. The pocket of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front surface and the rear surface is contoured to substantially match a bodily region.
3. The pocket of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a plastic zipper that impedes infiltration of water into the internal region.
4. The pocket of claim 1, comprising a secondary pocket disposed on the front surface.
5. The pocket of claim 1, comprising a secondary pocket disposed within the internal region.
6. The pocket of claim 1, wherein: the outer layer is formed of a bio-compatible material; the interfacing layer impedes infiltration of water into the internal region; and the inner lining is formed of the substantially non-binding material.
7. A pocket system comprising: a first pocket bounding a first internal space; a closure disposed in the first pocket and that impedes infiltration of liquid into the first internal space; a second pocket that receives the first pocket, the second pocket comprising a biocompatible material; an attachment member disposed on a rear surface of the second pocket and that is engagable with an article of clothing; and wherein a position of the pocket system on the article of clothing and a radial orientation of the pocket system relative to the article of clothing are adjustable via the attachment member.
8. The pocket system of claim 9, wherein the closure is waterproof and comprises a plastic zipper.
9. The pocket system of claim 9, wherein at least one of a front surface and a rear surface of the second pocket is contoured to substantially match a bodily region of a wearer.
10. A pocket system comprising: a first pocket contoured to fit an anterior aspect of a shoulder region; a second pocket contoured to fit a posterior aspect of the shoulder region, the second pocket being interoperably connected to the first pocket; and an attachment member disposed on at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket that facilitates engagement of the pocket system with a strap of a brassiere.
11. A pocket comprising: a front surface; a rear surface interoperably connected to the front surface, the front surface and the rear surface together bounding an internal region, the front surface and the rear surface comprising a substantially non-binding material that facilitates insertion and removal of a cellular telephone from the internal region; an attachment member disposed on the rear surface that removably engages with a strap; wherein a position and a radial orientation of the pocket are adjustable via the attachment member; and a closure for sealing the internal region.
12. A pocket comprising: a rear surface; a sleeve formed in an upper aspect of the rear surface; a front surface operatively coupled to the rear surface, the front surface and the rear surface together defining a pocket; a spacer defined by a portion of the rear surface not coupled to the front surface; wherein the sleeve receives a belt of a wearer; and wherein the spacer separates the pocket from the belt.
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/407,093, filed on Oct. 27, 2010.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to pockets for storage of small objects and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to pockets that are removably attachable to or insertable in an article of clothing.
[0004] 2. History of the Related Art
[0005] Devices such as, for example, cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and other small electronic devices have become staples of daily life. In particular, cellular phones are relied upon by many individuals as their primary means of communication. Indeed, many employers now expect employees to be reachable by cellular phone at all times. It, therefore, often becomes necessary for such individuals to have easy access to a cellular phone at all times. This is often problematic when an individual is engaged in activity such as, for example, jogging, swimming, travelling, and the like. Furthermore, for personal security, it is often desirable to conceal a cellular phone carried by the individual.
[0006] To address issues of security, security pockets have been developed for concealing small objects such as, for example, credit cards, passports, money, and the like. These security pockets are, in some cases, integrally formed into an article of clothing such as, for example, a shirt, jacket, undergarment, and the like. Many of these security pockets are designed to be worn underneath several layers of clothing. Such pockets, therefore, often restrict accessibility and usability of the security pocket.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention relates generally to pockets for storage of small objects. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pocket. The pocket includes a front surface and a rear surface interoperably connected to the front surface. The front surface and the rear surface together bound an internal region. The front surface and the rear surface each include a substantially non-binding material that facilitates insertion and removal of an object from the internal region. The pocket further includes an attachment member disposed on the rear surface. The attachment member removably engages with a strap. The pocket further includes a closure that selectively seals the internal region. The front surface and the rear surface each include an outer layer, an interfacing layer, and an inner lining. The interfacing layer includes electromagnetic shielding. A position of the pocket on the strap and a radial orientation of the pocket relative to the strap are adjustable via the attachment member.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a pocket system. The pocket system includes a first pocket bounding a first internal space and a closure disposed in the first pocket and that impedes infiltration of liquid into the first internal space. The pocket system further includes a second pocket that receives the first pocket. The second pocket includes a biocompatible material. The pocket system further includes an attachment member disposed on a rear surface of the second pocket. The attachment member is engagable with an article of clothing. A position of the pocket system on the article of clothing and a radial orientation of the pocket system relative to the article of clothing are adjustable via the attachment member.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a pocket system. The pocket system includes a first pocket contoured to fit an anterior aspect of a shoulder region and a second pocket contoured to fit a posterior aspect of the shoulder region. The second pocket is interoperably connected to the first pocket. The pocket system further includes an attachment member disposed on at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket that facilitates engagement of the pocket system with a strap of a brassiere.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a pocket. The pocket includes a front surface and a rear surface interoperably connected to the front surface. The front surface and the rear surface together bound an internal region. The front surface and the rear surface include a substantially non-binding material that facilitates insertion and removal of a cellular telephone from the internal region. The pocket further includes an attachment member disposed on the rear surface that removably engages with a strap. A position and a radial orientation of the pocket are adjustable via the attachment member. The pocket further includes a closure for sealing the internal region.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a pocket. The pocket includes a rear surface and a sleeve formed in an upper aspect of the rear surface. The pocket further includes a front surface operatively coupled to the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface together define a pocket. The pocket further includes a spacer defined by a portion of the rear surface not coupled to the front surface. The sleeve receives a belt of a wearer. The spacer separates the pocket from the belt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a brassiere with a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a brassiere with a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 1D is a front view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4C are front views of a pocket according to exemplary embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 4D is a rear view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a rear view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5C is a rear view of the pocket system of FIG. 5B according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a brassiere with an integrated pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8A is a photographic perspective view of a pocket for use with a boot according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 8B is a perspective of a pocket for use with a boot according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 11A is a front view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0031] FIG. 11B is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0033] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 10 includes a front surface 12 and a rear surface 14. The front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 are joined to each other by way of a seam 16; however, in various other embodiments, the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 may be of unitary construction. In a typical embodiment the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 are constructed of a material that is designed to prevent or minimize skin irritation. Such material is known as a biocompatible material. The seam 16 extends at least partially around a perimeter 18 of the pocket 10. In a typical embodiment, the front surface 14 and the rear surface 16 together define an internal space for receiving an object 28. The internal space is typically bounded by a non-binding material having a substantially low coefficient of friction to provide ease of insertion and removal of the object 28 therefrom. As used herein, the term "non-binding material" refers to a material that exhibits a coefficient of friction of 0.5 or less. In a typical embodiment, the front surface 12, the rear surface 14, and the seam 16 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, leather, spandex, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. An attachment member 20 is located on at least one of the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14. By way of example, the attachment member 20 is shown in FIG. 1A as being attached to the rear surface 14. The attachment member 20 includes a strap 22. The strap 22 is secured to the rear surface 14 via a fastener 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the fastener 24 is shown by way of example as a snap. However, in other embodiments, the fastener 24 may be, for example, a button, a hook and pile fastener, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like. In a typical embodiment, the attachment member 20 secures the pocket 10 to an article of clothing such as, for example, a brassiere, a belt loop, a boot, a swimsuit top, a purse, and the like. The attachment member 20 allows a radial orientation about the fastener 24 to be adjustable thereby allowing a wearer to rotate the pocket 10 to a desired orientation with respect to, for example, a strap of a brassiere. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 10 is sized to hold the object 28 that is generally the size of for example, a cellular phone, a PDA, a media player, and the like. In some embodiments, the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 may be contoured to match a bodily region so as to provide additional comfort to a wearer.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a brassiere with a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. The pocket 10 is selectively attached to, for example, a brassiere 812. The attachment member 22 is secured around, for example, a strap 814 of the brassiere 812. By way of example, the pocket 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1B as being secured on a left side of the brassiere 812; however, in other embodiments, the pocket 10 may be attached to a strap 814 on either the left side or a right side of the brassiere 10.
[0035] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a brassiere with a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 10 is selectively attached to, for example, the brassiere 812. In a typical embodiment, the attachment member 22 is secured around, for example, the strap 814 of the brassiere 812. By way of example, the pocket 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1C as being secured on an exterior portion of the brassiere 812. In other embodiments, the attachment member 22 may be utilized to selectively position the pocket 10 at various locations on the strap 814. For example, the attachment member 22 may, for example, crimp or pinch the strap 814 allowing the pocket 10 to be placed higher or lower on the strap 814 as desired by the wearer.
[0036] FIG. 1D is a front view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 10' includes the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14 (shown in FIG. 1A) and is similar in construction to the pocket 10 discussed above. The pocket 10' includes a secondary pocket 23 on the front surface 12. In a typical embodiment, the secondary pocket 23 facilitates storage of small objects such as, for example, pills, keys, credit cards, or the like. In various embodiments, the secondary pocket 23 may be disposed, for example, on either the front surface 12 or the rear surface 14. Likewise, the secondary pocket 23 may, in some embodiments, be disposed on either an interior portion or an exterior portion of the front surface 12 or the rear surface 14.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 210 includes a front surface 212 and a rear surface 214. The front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 are joined to each other by way of a seam 216. The seam 216 extends at least partially around a perimeter 218 of the pocket 210. The front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 together define an internal space for receiving objects. The internal space is typically bounded by a non-binding material having a substantially low coefficient of friction. The non-binding material allows ease of insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 210. In a typical embodiment, the front surface 212, the rear surface 214, and the seam 216 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, spandex, leather, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. An attachment member 220 is located on the rear surface 214. The attachment member 220 includes a section of a hook and pile fastener. A hook portion 222 of the attachment member 220 is affixed to the rear surface 214 and a pile portion (not explicitly shown) is affixed to an article of clothing such as, for example, a jacket lining, a purse lining, a bag lining, a coat lining, an undergarment lining, or other similar article. The term "hook and pile fasteners," as used herein, is a recognized structure to one skilled in the art and is often sold under the trademark Velcro®. The front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 are depicted by way of example in FIG. 2 as being joined by the seam 216; however, in various other embodiments, the front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 may be of unitary construction.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 310 includes a front surface 312 and a rear surface 314. The front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 are joined to each other by way of a seam 316. The seam 316 extends at least partially around a perimeter 318 of the pocket 310. The front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 together define an internal space for receiving objects. The internal space is typically bounded by a non-binding material having a substantially low coefficient of friction. The non-binding material allows ease of insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 310. In various embodiments, the front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, leather, spandex, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. An attachment member 320 is located on the rear surface 314. The attachment member 320 includes a V-shaped strap 322. The V-shaped strap 322 facilitates attachment of the pocket 310 to an article such as, for example, a strap of a purse, a bag, a briefcase, an undergarment, or other similar article. Fasteners 324 such as, for example, a button, a snap, a hook and pile fastener, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like, secure the V-shaped strap 322 to the rear face 314. In a typical embodiment, the V-shaped strap 322 passes around a strap of, for example, a purse, a bag, a briefcase, an undergarment, or other similar article. The front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 are depicted by way of example in FIG. 3 as being joined by the seam 316; however, in various other embodiments, the front surface 312 and the rear surface 314 may be of unitary construction.
[0039] FIG. 4A is a front view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 410 includes a front surface 412 and a rear surface 414 (shown in FIG. 4D). The front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 are joined to each other by way of a seam 416. The seam 416 extends at least partially around a perimeter 418 of the pocket 410. In a typical embodiment, the front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, leather, spandex, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber or other waterproof material. The pocket 410 includes a flap 422 that is connected to the rear surface 414. During operation, the flap 422 folds over an outside area of the front surface 412 and is secured to the front surface 412 by a fastener 424. In a typical embodiment, the flap 422 is closed to the front surface 412 to secure an object within the pocket 410. By way of example, the fastener 424 is shown in FIG. 4A as a snap; however, in other embodiments, the fastener may include a button, a hook and pile fastener, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 410 includes an interior region lined with a non-binding material. In a typical embodiment, the non-binding material is a fabric having a low coefficient of friction such as, for example, polyester, silk, rayon, satin, cotton, nylon, or other similar material, thereby allowing easy insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 410. In other embodiments, the pocket 410 includes an attachment member on the rear surface 414 such as, for example, the attachment member 20 of FIG. 1A.
[0040] FIG. 4B is a front view of a pocket 450 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pocket 450 is similar in construction to the pocket 410 described above with respect to FIG. 4A. However, the pocket 450 also includes a attachment member 452. In various embodiments, the attachment member 452 is secured to the rear surface 414 (shown in FIG. 4D) of the pocket 450. The front attachment member 452 passes over the seam 416 and is secured to the front surface 412 by way of a fastener 454. By way of example, the fastener 454 is shown in FIG. 4B as a snap; however, any appropriate fastening device may be utilized. By way of example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B includes two fasteners 454; however, in various other embodiments, any number of fasteners 454 could be utilized. During operation a strap such as, for example, a strap of a brassiere is secured between the fasteners 454. In other embodiments, the pocket 450 includes an additional attachment member on the rear surface 414 such as, for example, the attachment member 20 of FIG. 1A. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 450 includes an interior region lined with a non-binding material as described hereinabove that allows easy insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 450. The flap 422 is closed to the front surface 412 to secure the object within the pocket 450.
[0041] FIG. 4C is a front view of a pocket 470 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pocket 470 is similar in construction to the pockets 410 and 450 described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B. However, the pocket 470 includes a securement strap 472 in lieu of the flap 422 (shown in FIG. 4A). The securement strap 472 is attached to the rear surface 414 (shown in FIG. 4D). The securement strap 472 passes over a top of the pocket 470 and is secured to the front surface 412 thus securing articles stored within the pocket 470. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 470 includes an interior region lined with a non-binding material as described hereinabove that allows easy insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 470. The pocket 470 is secured to an article of clothing via the front attachment member 472 in similar fashion to the attachment member 452 described above.
[0042] FIG. 4D is a rear view of a pocket 490 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pocket 490 is similar in construction to the pockets 410, 450, and 470 described above. A pocket 490 includes an attachment member 492 affixed to the rear surface 414. The attachment member 492 includes a fastener 494 such as, for example, a hook and pile fastener. However, in other embodiments, the fastener 494 may be, for example, a button, a snap, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like. The attachment member 492 secures the pocket 490 to an article of clothing such as, for example, a brassiere, a belt loop, a boot, a swimsuit top, a purse, and the like. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 490 includes an interior region lined with a non-binding material as described hereinabove that allows easy insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 490.
[0043] FIG. 5A is a rear view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 510 includes a front surface (not explicitly shown) and a rear surface 514. The front surface and the rear surface 514 are joined to each other by way of a seam 516. The seam 516 extends at least partially around a perimeter 518 of the pocket 510. In various embodiments, the front surface and the rear surface 514 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, leather, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the front surface and the rear surface 514 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 510 includes an interior region lined with a non-binding material as described hereinabove that allows easy insertion and removal of objects from the pocket 510. The pocket 510 includes a sleeve 520 disposed on the rear surface 514. The sleeve 520 allows a wearer to secure the pocket 510 on, for example, a belt 522. In some embodiments, the sleeve 520 may allow attachment of the pocket 510 to, for example, a purse strap, or backpack strap.
[0044] FIG. 5B is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5C is a rear view of the pocket system of FIG. 5B according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket system 550 includes a front surface 552 and a rear surface 553. In various embodiments, the front surface 552 and the rear surface 553 are formed of a material such as, for example, cotton, nylon, leather, or the like. However, in various other embodiments, the front surface 552 and the rear surface 553 may be formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. A sleeve 560 is formed in an upper aspect of the rear surface 553. In a typical embodiment, the sleeve 560 allows a wearer to secure the pocket system 550 to, for example, a belt 522. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the front surface 552 includes a length (l) that is approximately one-half of a length (h) of the rear surface 553; however, in various other embodiments, other ratios could be utilized. A pocket 551 is formed by joining the front surface 552 and the rear surface 553 to each other by way of a seam 554. The seam 554 extends at least partially around a perimeter 556 of the front surface 552. An opening 555 is formed in an upper aspect of the pocket 551. A closure 557 is disposed on the rear surface 553 above the opening 555. During operation, the closure 557 is secured to the front surface 552 to at least partially close the opening 555. A spacer 558 is formed by a portion of the rear surface 553 that is not joined with the front surface 552. In a typical embodiment, the spacer 558 causes the pocket 551 to be positioned away from, for example, the belt 522. The spacer 558 prevents items placed across a waist of the wearer such as, for example, a vehicular seatbelt from interfering with the pocket 551. Such an arrangement improves access to the pocket 551 and improves comfort for the wearer.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a brassiere with an integrated pouch according to an exemplary embodiment. A brassiere 612 includes a pouch 614 formed therein. As will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the pouch 614 is integrally formed within the brassiere 612. In a typical embodiment, the pouch 614 is sized to receive a device 616 such as, for example, a cellular phone, a multimedia device, a personal data assistant (PDA), or other similar device. In various other embodiments, the pouch 614 can be sized to receive, for example, credit cards, a passport, a photo identification card, currency, or other articles.
[0046] Still referring to FIG. 6, the pouch 614 is disposed in a generally upper aspect of a cup region 618 of the brassiere 612. The pouch 614 is disposed underneath a strap 615. The pouch 614 is disposed between the cup region 618 and a wearer's skin. However, as will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the pouch 614 may be located in any appropriate position to be easily accessible by a user.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the brassiere of FIG. 6. In a typical embodiment, the pouch 614 is formed between an outer lining 718 and an inner lining 720 of the brassiere 612. In various other embodiments, a closing member (not explicitly shown) may be included to facilitate closing and securing the pouch 614.
[0048] FIG. 8A is a photographic perspective view of a pocket for use with a boot according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a pocket for use with a boot according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 1000 includes an attachment member (not explicitly shown). The attachment member secures the pocket 1000 to, for example, a pull loop 1002 of a boot 1004. Thus, the pocket 1000 allows a wearer to store, for example, a cellular-phone-sized object inside an interior portion of the boot 1004 while wearing the boot 1004.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 1100 includes multi-layered construction. An outer layer 1102 is disposed on an exterior aspect of the pocket 1100. The outer layer 1102 includes a non-abrasive, biocompatible material such as, for example, spandex, nylon, rayon, cotton, and the like so as to prevent irritation and/or blistering of a wearer's skin during use. An inner lining 1104 is disposed on an interior aspect of the pocket 1100. In a typical embodiment, the inner lining 1104 exhibits a low coefficient of friction thereby preventing the inner lining 1104 from binding to articles placed within the pocket 1100. A low coefficient of friction allows articles to be inserted and removed from the pocket 1100 with ease. An interfacing layer 1106 is disposed between the outer fabric layer 1102 and the inner lining 1104. In a typical embodiment, the interfacing layer 1106 is constructed of a water-resistant material. Such water resistance prevents infiltration of liquids such as, for example, water or sweat. In other embodiments, electromagnetic ("EMF") shielding may be utilized with the interfacing layer 1106 to protect a wearer from any potential adverse health effects believed to be associated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly electromagnetic radiation associated with cellular telephones. In various embodiments, the EMF shielding is easy to cut and sew and includes a material such as, for example, cotton or polyester blended with stainless steel fibers. In a typical embodiment, the EMF shielding includes, for example, Staticot® available from Less EMF, Inc.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket system 1200 includes a first pocket 1202 and a second pocket 1204. The first pocket 1202 and the second pocket 1204 are coupled to each other by a spacer 1206. The first pocket 1202 includes a flap 1208. During operation, the flap 1208 folds over an outside area of a front surface 1210 and is secured to the front surface 1210 by a fastener 1212. By way of example, the fastener 1212 is shown in FIG. 10 as a snap; however, in other embodiments, the fastener may include a button, a hook and pile fastener, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like. Similarly, the second pocket 1204 includes a flap 1214. During operation, the flap 1214 folds over an outside area of a front surface 1216 and is secured to the front surface 1216 by a fastener 1218. By way of example, the fastener 1218 is shown as a snap; however, in other embodiments, the fastener may include a button, a hook and pile fastener, a zipper, an elastic strap, a waterproof closure, or the like. In a typical embodiment, an attachment member (not explicitly shown) is disposed on at least one of the first pocket 1202 and the second pocket 1204 to facilitate attachment of the pocket system 1200 to, for example, a strap of a brassiere. During operation, the pocket system 1200 is secured to the strap of the brassiere proximate a shoulder region of a wearer. In a typical embodiment, the first pocket 1202 is worn on an anterior aspect of the shoulder region while the second pocket 1204 is worn on a posterior aspect of the shoulder region. Thus, the pocket system 1200 allows the wearer to store articles such as, for example keys, or a cellular phone, in the first pocket 1202 while storing less-frequently-used items such as, for example, identification, in the second pocket 1204. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the pocket system 1200 may be free standing when not in use.
[0051] FIG. 11A is a front view of a pocket according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket 1300 includes a front surface 1302 and a rear surface (not explicitly shown). The front surface 1302 and the rear surface are joined to each other by way of a seam 1306. The seam 1306 extends at least partially around a perimeter 1308 of the pocket 1300; however, in other embodiments, the front surface 1302 and the rear surface may be of unitary construction. In various embodiments, the front surface 1302 and the rear surface are formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. In a typical embodiment, the pocket 1300 includes a waterproof closure 1310 such as, for example, a plastic zipper closure such as, for example, a Ziploc® closure. In a typical embodiment, an attachment member (not explicitly shown), of similar construction to those discussed hereinabove, is located on at least one of the front surface 1302 and the rear surface. In a typical embodiment, during operation, an object such as, for example, a cellular phone, is placed within the pocket 1300. The waterproof closure 1310 is sealed thereby preventing infiltration of water into the pocket 1300.
[0052] FIG. 11B is a front view of a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment. A pocket system 1350 includes a second pocket 1352 and a first pocket 1354. In a typical embodiment, the second pocket 1352 is of similar construction to any pocket discussed hereinabove. In a typical embodiment, the first pocket 1354 is disposed within the second pocket 1352. The first pocket 1354 is formed of a waterproof material such as, for example, neoprene, treated fabric, rubber, or other similar waterproof material. The first pocket 1354 includes a waterproof closure 1356 such as, for example, a plastic zipper closure similar to a Ziploc® closure. The first pocket 1354 provides a waterproof enclosure for articles stored within the pocket system 1350. In a typical embodiment, during operation, an object such as, for example, a cellular phone is placed within the first pocket 1354. The waterproof closure 1356 is sealed to prevent infiltration of water into the first pocket 1354. The first pocket 1354 is then placed within the second pocket 1352. The second pocket 1352 is secured to an article of clothing via, for example, a fastener as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1-4D.
[0053] Advantages of the preceding embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, a pocket such as, for example, the pocket 10 allows a wearer to modify an article of clothing such as, for example, a brassiere to accommodate storage of a cellular-phone-sized object. Thus, a pocket such as, for example, the pocket 10 provides the wearer with discreet, secure, and accessible storage of the cellular-phone-sized object.
[0054] Although various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is cable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein. For example, while each of the pockets described hereinabove are illustrated by way of example as being of a generally rectangular shape, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pockets described hereinabove could have various contours, curves, or other features to facilitate use in close proximity to a human body and, in particular, a breast region of a wearer. Such curves or contours increase comfort and make the pocket more discrete. The embodiments described herein are intended to be exemplary only.
User Contributions:
Comment about this patent or add new information about this topic: