GARMENT WITH REMOVABLE PANEL FOR FORMING A POCKET
A garment is provided with a removable pocket formed by a removable panel. The removable panel has at least a portion of its outer perimeter folded about itself, and an upper edge and a lower edge extending from the upper edge. A first coupling mechanism extends continuously along the lower edge for removably coupling the panel to the garment, while a second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the upper edge for removably coupling the panel along the upper edge of the garment. A pocket is formed between an outer surface of the garment and the removable panel. An attachment feature secures the removable panel to the garment independent of the first and second coupling mechanisms. An additional pocket is attached to the garment and at least partially encompassed by the removable pocket.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/016,148 filed Dec. 21, 2007 and entitled “Pants With Removable Pocket,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe field of the invention relates generally to garments with removable pockets, and, more specifically, to pant garments that include removable pockets and aesthetic features.
A popular trend with pants (e.g., denim jeans) is to decorate the pockets with various embellishments (i.e., aesthetic features). Embellishments may include rhinestones, rivets, patches, stitching, embroidery, sequins, studs, or a seemingly endless number of other options. Individuals often purchase multiple pairs of the same style of pants which differ only in the aesthetic features displayed on the pockets of the pants.
To enable persons to limit the number of pants purchased, at least some known pants include removable pockets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,355 to White, employs hook and loop fasteners coupled to portions of the edges of a panel and to the desired location on the pants, as well as snap fasteners placed at each corner of the panel. The hook and loop fasteners and snap fasteners are positioned along portions of the edges of the panel, and the edges are then folded over and secured to the panel. Accordingly, the accuracy of the placement of the hook or loop fasteners and the snap fasteners on the edges of the pocket and the pants is critical, thus resulting in substantially increased manufacturing costs. Moreover, securing the panels to the garment is a difficult and tedious affair, as each of the snaps positioned at the corners of the panel must be properly aligned with the corresponding portion of the snap positioned on the pants to ensure a proper fit between the panel and the pants.
Furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,062 to Dobell a removable breast pocket for a blazer is provided, however the edges of the pocket are not folded over upon themselves. In addition,
Moreover, in such systems, the pocket may inadvertently become detached from the garment, resulting in the possible loss of objects that had been held in the pocket, as well as the pocket itself. Accordingly, a garment is needed that prevents the inadvertent complete separation of a removable pocket from a garment and the loss of the objects contained therein, while reducing the costs associated with manufacturing the product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONCertain exemplary aspects of the invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
According to a first aspect, an article of clothing is provided that comprises a pair of pants, a pocket assembly, and an attachment feature. The pair of pants includes an outer surface. The pocket assembly includes a panel, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism. The panel includes an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces is defined by an outer perimeter. At least one of a portion of the panel along the outer perimeter is folded such that at least a portion of the inner surface is positioned against itself and a portion of the outer surface is positioned against itself. The outer perimeter is defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from the upper edge. The first coupling mechanism extends continuously adjacent to the lower edge for use in removably coupling the panel to the pants along the lower edge. The second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of the panel along the upper edge to the pants, such that a pocket is defined between the pants outer surface and an inner surface of the panel which is substantially sealed along the panel lower edge.
In another aspect, a garment is provided comprising a first pocket and a pocket assembly. The pocket assembly includes a panel having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of the outer and inner surfaces defined by an outer perimeter. At least a portion of the panel is folded along the outer perimeter such that at least one of a portion of the inner surface is positioned against itself and a portion of the outer surface is positioned against itself. The outer perimeter is defined at least by an upper edge and lower edge extending from the upper edge. A first coupling mechanism extends continuously adjacent to the lower edge for use in removably coupling the panel to the garment along the lower edge. A second coupling mechanism is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the panel for use in removably coupling a portion of the panel along the upper edge to the garment, such that a pocket defined between an outer surface of the garment and an inner surface of the panel is substantially sealed along the lower edge of the panel. The pocket assembly also includes an attachment feature for securing the panel to the garment independently of the first and second coupling mechanisms. The first pocket is at least partially encompassed by the panel.
In the exemplary embodiment, embellishments 14 can be formed thereon, and/or can be integrated into the removable panel 12. Such embellishments 14 may include, but are not limited to, rhinestones, rivets, patches, stitching, embroidery, ink, paint, sequins, and studs. Moreover, such embellishments 14 may form ornamental designs, and may include logos, names, and/or pictorial representations of various objects. The stitching or embroidery may form ornamental designs.
In the exemplary embodiment, each removable panel 12 is a fabric panel that may be removably coupled or attached to the pair of pants 10 with coupling members 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling members 16 are positioned along the outer perimeter 32 of each of the panels 12. Accordingly, when panels 12 are coupled to pants 10, the panels 12 define a cavity 13 between an outer surface 40 of the pants 10 and an inner surface 30 of the panels 12. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, because of the position of the coupling members 16 relative to the panel 12, when panel 12 is coupled to pants 10, an opening (not shown) is defined along an upper edge 18 of each cavity 13.
Each removable panel 12 is formed with an outer surface 28 and the opposite inner surface 30. Surfaces 28 and 30 are defined by an outer perimeter 32. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of panel 12 along outer perimeter 32 is folded such that within a portion 17, inner surface 30 is positioned against itself. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a portion of the outer perimeter 32 is folded such that a portion of outer surface 28 is positioned against itself. In both embodiments, the surface 28 or 30 is secured against itself via any suitable attachment method (e.g., adhesive bonding, stitching, etc.). Outer perimeter 32 is defined by at least upper edge 18 and a lower edge 34 that is coupled to upper edge 18 at a pair of opposite corners 19 and 21. In the exemplary embodiment, lower edge 34 extends continuously from corner 19 to corner 21.
Because removable panel 12 is folded upon itself in at least portion 17, edges 18 and/or 34 of the panel 12 in portion 17 are significantly reinforced. More specifically, in portion 17 a thickness T (as shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, coupling members 16 are fastener devices such as, but not limited to, hook and pile fasteners. In an alternative embodiment, a strap flap portion is extended through a slot formed in the panel 12. Moreover, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which facilitates securing panel 12 to pants 10, such as, but not limited to, mechanical fastening devices, such as buckles, interlocking devices, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, lacing system, buttons, zipper, clips, and/or any combination thereof.
In the exemplary embodiment, coupling members 16 include at least a first coupling mechanism 36 and a second coupling mechanism 38. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 includes snaps located adjacent to each corner 19 and 21 of panels 12 and the first coupling mechanism 36 positioned along panel lower edge 34. However, any number and combination of first and second coupling mechanisms 36 and 38, respectively, can be used that enables panel 12 to be secured to pants 10.
In the exemplary embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 extends continuously adjacent to pocket lower edge 34, for use in removably coupling panel 12 to pants 10 along lower edge 34. In the exemplary embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 is a hook and pile fastener that includes a pile portion 24 coupled to an outer surface 40 of pants 10, and a corresponding hook portion 26 coupled to panel inner surface 30. In other embodiments, portions 24 and 26 can be reversed such that pile portion 24 is coupled to panel 12 and hook portion 26 is coupled to pants 10. As such, in the example embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 extends along panel lower edge 34 and generally circumscribes a portion of panel 12. In each embodiment, first coupling mechanism 36 is secured to either pants 10 or to panel 12 with any suitable fastening mechanism that enables panel 12 to function as described herein, such as via adhesive bonding or stitching. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiments, the panel portion 17 of the panel 12 is folded onto itself and first coupling mechanism 36 may be secured to panel 12 such that panel portion 17 is secured in the folded configuration (i.e., first coupling mechanism 36 may be secured to panel 12 with the same stitching used to fasten panel portion 17 to itself).
In the exemplary embodiments, and as best seen in
Second coupling mechanism 38 is positioned adjacent to panel upper edge 18, for use in removably coupling panel 12 along upper edge 18 to pants 10. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 is a snap fastener system that utilizes a pair of snaps adjacent to corners 19 and 21. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, second coupling mechanism 38 includes at least one socket member 20 secured to pants outer surface 40 and a corresponding stud member 22 secured to panel 12. As shown in
During use, when panels 12 are coupled to pants outer surface 40, a removable pocket 23 is defined on pants 10. To an observer, pocket 23 appears to have been coupled to pants 10 via stitching (as seen in
In the exemplary embodiment, attachment feature 54 includes a stud 56 (as shown in
Accordingly, when panel 12 is attached to pants 10, pocket 66 is at least partially encapsulated or encompassed by or within removable pocket 23. Thus, in the event that panel 12 is inadvertently or otherwise separated from pants 10, objects contained in pocket 66 will not be separated from pants 10.
The above-described removable pockets are cost-effective and provide a highly desirable alternative for individuals who desire to alter the appearance of the pockets of their pants. Instead of purchasing many different garments (e.g., jeans) with corresponding different designs on the pockets, individuals may instead purchase a single garment, and selectively remove and exchange the panels forming the pockets for other panels with different designs. Further, the systems described herein provided additional securing features that secure the removable panel to the pair of pants independent of the other connection mechanisms. The removable panel is thus prevented from inadvertently separating from the garment. An additional pocket is also provided which is at least partially encapsulated by the removable panel. The additional pocket is sized to store small objects, and is not removable from the garment.
Exemplary embodiments of pants and removable panels for forming pockets are described above in detail. The pants and removable panels are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
1. An article of clothing comprising:
- a pair of pants comprising an outer surface;
- a pocket assembly configured to removably couple to said pair of pants, said pocket assembly comprising:
- a panel comprising an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces is defined by an outer perimeter, at least a portion of said panel along said outer perimeter is folded such that at least one of a portion of said inner surface is positioned against itself, and a portion of said outer surface is positioned against itself, said outer perimeter defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from said upper edge;
- a first coupling mechanism extending continuously adjacent to said lower edge for use in removably coupling said panel to said pair of pants along said lower edge; and
- a second coupling mechanism positioned adjacent to said panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of said panel along said upper edge to said pants, such that a pocket defined between said pants outer surface and an inner surface of said panel is substantially sealed along said panel lower edge; and
- an attachment feature coupled to at least one of said pair of pants and said pocket assembly for securing said panel to said pair of pants independently of said first and second coupling mechanisms.
2. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said inner surface is secured against itself via an adhesive.
3. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said inner surface is secured against itself via stitching.
4. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first coupling mechanism comprises a hook and pile fastening assembly.
5. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 4, wherein a first portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said panel inner surface and a second portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said pair of pants.
6. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 4, wherein a hook fastening portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said pair of pants and a pile fastening portion of said hook and pile fastening assembly is coupled to said inner surface of said panel.
7. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said attachment feature has a first end coupled to said pair of pants and a second end coupled to at least a portion of said panel.
8. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature first end is coupled to said pair of pants via stitching.
9. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a toggle mechanism.
10. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a snap mechanism.
11. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via a magnetic closure mechanism.
12. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 7, wherein said attachment feature second end is coupled to at least a portion of said panel via an expanded head and stud assembly, wherein said expanded head is sized for insertion in a slit formed into said panel and said stud is coupled to at least a portion of said pair of pants.
13. An article of clothing in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a secondary pocket defined against said pair of pants, said secondary pocket being at least partially encapsulated by said panel.
14. A garment comprising:
- a first pocket;
- a pocket assembly configured to removably couple to said garment, said pocket assembly comprising:
- a panel comprising an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, each of said outer and inner surfaces defined by an outer perimeter, at least a portion of said second panel said outer perimeter is folded such that at least one of a portion of said inner surface is positioned against itself, and a portion of said outer surface is positioned against itself, said outer perimeter defined by at least an upper edge and a lower edge extending from said upper edge;
- a first coupling mechanism extending continuously adjacent to said lower edge for use in removably coupling said panel to said garment along said lower edge; and
- a second coupling mechanism positioned adjacent to said panel upper edge for use in removably coupling a portion of said panel along said upper edge to said garment, such that a pocket defined between an outer surface of said garment and an inner surface of said panel is substantially sealed along said panel lower edge; and
- an attachment feature for securing said panel to said garment independently of said first and second coupling mechanisms, said first pocket is at least partially encompassed by said panel.
15. A garment in accordance with claim 14, wherein said garment has an inner surface facing a wearer of the pair of the pants and an opposite outer surface.
16. A garment in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first pocket is disposed on the inner surface of said garment and said garment has an opening formed therein configured for permitting access to said first pocket.
17. A garment in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first pocket is disposed on the outer surface of said garment.
18. A garment in accordance with claim 14, wherein said attachment feature has a first end coupled to said garment and a second end coupled to at least a portion of said panel
19. A garment in accordance with claim 18, wherein said second end of said attachment feature includes a third coupling mechanism and said panel includes a fourth coupling mechanism configured for releasable attachment to the third coupling mechanism.
20. A garment in accordance with claim 18, wherein said panel is configured to receive a fifth coupling mechanism coupled to said second end of said attachment feature.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 17, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 25, 2009
Inventors: Jeffrey Ronald Medolla (Richmond Heights, MO), Julie Tate Drochelman (St. Louis, MO)
Application Number: 12/337,430
International Classification: A41D 1/06 (20060101); A41D 27/08 (20060101); A41D 27/20 (20060101);