INTEGRATED GARMENT POCKET SYSTEM

Abstract

A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket, such as a cargo pocket. The pocket insert provides means for organizing items stored in the pocket. The insert is removable for easy access and for use as a stand-alone pouch or carry-all.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional App. Nos. 61/160,944 filed Mar. 17, 2009 and 61/182,532 filed May 29, 2009, both of which are entitled “Integrated Pocket System, and both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to an insert for use in the pocket of a garment, particularly an organizing insert that can be employed in a large volume pocket generally the type employed on cargo or military and tactical style trousers.

Often pockets in certain garments, such as cargo-type pockets generally provided on cargo or military-style pants or trousers, are quite large and deep. These pockets generally are not segmented. Because of the relatively large volume of the pockets, items placed in the pockets can be difficult to locate and retrieve when needed, particularly if the user is in a hurry, such as in a combat or trauma setting. The items within the pocket are typically not organized, which may require the user to ferret through items deep within the pocket to find a needed item. It would be advantageous, therefore, to have an insert that may be employed in a standard, large volume cargo-style pocket that more conveniently organizes the items stored in the pocket for easy location and retrieval.

SUMMARY

A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket, such as a cargo pocket. The pocket insert provides means for organizing items stored in the pocket. The insert is removable for easy access and for use as a stand-alone pouch or carry-all.

As is common, the garment pocket comprises a panel having an outer surface and a pocket flap operable to close the pocket. A first pocket fastener is positioned on the outer surface of the pocket panel and a second pocket fastener on the pocket flap inner surface. The first and second pocket fasteners are positioned on the pocket panel and the pocket flap to be matable with each other to hold the pocket flap in the closed position.

The insert comprises a front panel defining a bottom edge, side edges, and a top edge and a rear panel defining at least a bottom edge and side edges. The front and rear panels are joined together to define an insert compartment. A first closure element is positioned on the outer surface of the front panel. A flap extends above the front panel top edge and is operable to close the insert compartment. The flap including a second closure element on an inner surface of the flap and a flap fastener on an outer surface of the flap. The second closure element is matable with the first closure element to hold the flap in a closed position. The flap fastener is positioned on the outer surface of the pocket flap to be mated with the pocket second fastener to secure the insert flap to the pocket flap.

In accordance with one aspect of the pocket insert, the insert flap is sized and shaped to be aligned with the pocket flap when the insert is received in the pocket. To this end, the flap comprises a first side edge, a second side edge opposite the first side edge, and a top edge. The first side edge of the insert flap and an edge of the pocket insert define an obtuse angle. The second side edge of the flap can comprise a first portion which extends from a side edge of the insert and an second portion which extends from the first side edge portion. The first and second portions of the second side edge of the flap define an obtuse angle such that the second portion of the second side edge is generally parallel to the first side edge of the flap.

In accordance with other aspects of the pocket insert, the insert can comprise means for organizing items stored in the pocket insert; a carrying strap on the flap outer surface; at least one belt loop on the rear panel; and at least one organizing strap extending across one of the front and back panels which is adapted to hold an implement against the panel. The organizing strap can include bar tacks to separate the organizing strap into discrete sections, such that the organizing strap can hold multiple implements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a removable pocket insert with a closure flap in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the pocket insert with the flap in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the pocket insert with the flap in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of military style trousers having a cargo pocket with a pocket flap open;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo pocket of FIG. 4 with the pocket insert received therein, the pocket insert being in an open configuration;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in an open position;

FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the alternative embodiment of the pocket insert;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the pocket insert;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a second alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in an opened position; and

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in an opened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning initially to FIGS. 4-6, certain garments G, such as cargo pants, have cargo pockets P which are closed by a flap F. As is known, cargo pockets can define a large volume. The top edge of the pocket P, and hence the flap F, may not be straight (i.e., horizontal), especially if the pocket P is positioned on a thigh portion of the legs of the pants. The flap F and pocket P can be provided with hook and loop closure elements 25, 27 (FIG. 4) to hold the flap F closed. The hook and loop element 25 is poisoned on an outer surface of the pocket P and the hook and loop element 27 is positioned on an inner surface of the flap F.

The novel integrated pocket system (IPS) is designed to be an insert and a stand alone carry pouch. In general, in one aspect of the IPS, the IPS 10 can be inserted into the cargo pocket P as a secondary pocket. The IPS 10 can also to be removed from the pocket P with its contents and is transportable. Hence, in one aspect, the IPS 10 is designed to be used also as a stand alone carry pouch In a further aspect, the IPS includes belt loops so the unit can be carried on a belt.

The IPS 10 has a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14, which are generally formed from the same sheet of material, such as a durable, waterproof nylon or similar material. The front panel 12 is shown to be generally rectangular in shape. The material can be folded and the peripheral edges of the walls are joined by stitching a strip of fabric 16 along the edge to form a pocket having an inner compartment 18. However, any method of forming the IPS is acceptable. For example, the folded piece of material can be seamed along its edge, to thereby eliminate the need for the strip 16 of fabric. The IPS can be formed from separate panels of material, in which case, the two panels can be seamed along their edges, or strips 16 of fabric can be used to join the two panels together. Other conventional construction methods for forming the IPS would be acceptable as well. Furthermore, the sides of the IPS may include gussets G, as seen in the IPS 10′, 10″ of FIGS. 7-10 and 11-13, to increase the volume and versatility of the IPS 10. The rear panel 14 includes an integral upper flap 20 that can be folded over to close the inner compartment 18. The upper flap 20 is shaped and configured to correspond generally to the shape, configuration, and orientation of the flap F for the pocket P into which the IPS is to be inserted. In this manner, the IPS flap 20 will be aligned with the pocket flap F when the IPS is inserted in the pocket P. To this end, as seen in FIG. 2, the flap 20 has an upper edge 20a and side edges 20b and 20c. The upper edge 20 is not parallel to the upper edge 12a of the front panel 12. The first side edge 20b forms a right angle with the flap upper edge 20a and an obtuse angle with a side edge 13a of the IPS. The second edge 20c has a first part 20c-1 which is colinear with, and essentially a continuation of, a side 13b of the IPS and a second part 20c-2 which is generally parallel with the flap edge 20b, and which forms an obtuse angle with the first part 20c-1. Hook and loop closure elements 22, 24 are positioned on the inner surface of the flap 20 and on the outer surface of the front panel 12 to secure the flap in a closed position when used outside a pocket. When the IPS is inserted in a cargo pocket P, closure 22 can attach to complementary hook and loop closure 25 (FIG. 4) on the cargo pocket P to close the IPS 10.

The pocket insert 10′ (FIGS. 7-10) is generally similar to the pocket insert 10 (FIGS. 1-3), but with the addition of the gusset G in the pocket insert 10′. The pocket insert 10″ is similar to the pocket insert 10′ inasmuch as it also includes a gusset. However, as seen in FIGS. 11-13, the pocket insert 10″ includes a flap 20″ that is narrower than the flap 20 of the pocket inserts 10 or 10′. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 11, when the pocket insert flat 20″ is closed, the bottom edge of the flap 20″ is generally parallel to the sloped upper edge of the insert, as opposed to being generally parallel to the bottom edge of the insert, as is the case in the inserts 10 and 10′. Hence, the insert flat 20″ is generally in the shape of a parallelogram.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is a hook and loop fastener element 26 on the outer surface of the IPS flap 20 that corresponds to complementary hook and loop fastener 27 on the inside of the cargo pocket flap F to secure the IPS 10 within the cargo pocket. The hook and loop fasteners insure the pocket contents remain secure. Furthermore, the user can grasp the flap F of the cargo pocket to pull open the flap F of the cargo pocket P and thereby also open the flap 20 of the IPS 10 at the same time. An outer strap 28 may be provided on the outer surface of the IPS flap 20 to facilitate easy removal of the IPS from the cargo pocket. As shown, the outer strap 28 extends between the hook and loop fasteners 26. In the IPS 10′ of FIGS. 7-10, a second, inner, strap 29 extends between the hook and loop fasteners 22 on the inner surface of the flap 20.

It will be noted that the overall peripheral configuration of the IPS conforms generally to the overall configuration of the cargo pocket P of the garment G in which the IPS is to be inserted. The IPS can be undersized relative to the cargo pocket of the garment so that the IPS can fit within the garment pocket. This allows for items to be stored loose in the pocket P externally of the IPS. However, the size of the IPS may vary depending upon intended use of the IPS.

Although one aspect the IPS has been described and illustrated using hook and loop fastener material for securing the IPS in place or closed, any type of fastening device may be used. By way of example and not limitation the IPS could include buttons or snaps or any other fastener means.

It will be appreciated that the IPS may include any number and style of compartments, equipment holders or the like. For example, the inner compartment 18 of the IPS may be subdivided into separate compartments or pockets, such as a knife pocket or other convenient compartment or space. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2, there may be horizontal organizing straps 30 across front wall 12 with bartacks to be used with M.O.L.L.E (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) compatible systems. In any event, the designs and configuration of sub-compartments and other equipment securing and storage features of the IPS are nearly limitless and intended to be within the scope of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in one aspect of the IPS there are two wide webbing belt loops 32 on the back wall of the IPS to enable the IPS to be worn on the belt as a separate pouch, if desired.

Instructions for Use of the Integrated Pocketing System

Insertion

• • 1. Insert the IPS 10 into cargo pocket P so bottom of the IPS fits to bottom of cargo pocket P.
  • 2. Fold the flap 20 of IPS 10 so that the hook and loop element 22 on inside of the flap attaches to hook 25 on the cargo pocket P.
  • 3. Close the pocket flap F of cargo pocket P so loop and pile element 27 on cargo pocket flap F attaches to hook and pile element 26 on exterior of IPS flap 20.

Open IPS and/or Removal from Cargo Pocket

• • 1. To remove the IPS 10 from the cargo pocket P, lift the cargo pocket flap F to open the cargo pocket P. When the cargo pocket flap F is lifted, the IPS flap 20 may also be lifted, thereby opening the IPS compartment 18 to facilitate access to the equipment within the IPS compartment.
  • 2. Grasp either the outer strap 28 or inner strap 29 on the IPS 10 to pull the IPS from cargo pocket. The IPS 10 can then be carried by either the outer strap 28 or the inner strap 29.

The IPS was described above primary for use in cargo pockets of cargo style or military trousers. However, it will be understood that the IPS 10 may be used in any type of pocket and in the pocket of any garment such as hunting trousers or hunting coat pockets, hiking pants or shorts, outdoor wear of any type including coats, shirts and trousers, ski pant or jackets, and in smocks and scrubs worn by healthcare personnel or any other application. The scope of the claimed invention is not limited to cargo style pockets or cargo or military style pants or trousers.

Claims

1. A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket the insert comprising:

a front panel defining a bottom edge, side edges, and a top edge; said front panel including a first closure element on an outer surface thereof

a rear panel defining at least a bottom edge and side edges; said front and rear panels being joined together to define a compartment;

a flap extending above said front panel top edge; said flap having an inner and outer surface and being sized and shaped to be folded over to close said compartment; said flap including a second closure element on an inner surface of said flap; said second closure element being matable with said first closure element to hold said flap in a closed position; said flap further including a third fastener on said outer surface to secure said insert in a pocket.

2. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said front and back panels are formed from a single piece of material.

3. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising means for organizing items stored in the pocket insert.

4. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said fastener comprises one of a hook and loop fastener.

5. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising a carrying strap on said flap outer surface.

6. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising at least one belt loop on said rear panel.

7. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising at least one organizing strap extending across one of said front and back panels; said at least one organizing strap being adapted to hold an implement against said panel.

8. The removable pocket insert of claim 6 wherein said organizing strap includes bar tacks to separate said organizing strap into discrete sections, such that said organizing strap can hold multiple implements.

9. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said flap comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge; said second side edge being opposite said first side edge; said first side edge and said an edge of said pocket insert define an obtuse angle.

10. The removable pocket insert of claim 9 wherein said second side edge of said flap comprises a first portion which extends from a side edge of said insert and a second portion which extends from said first portion; said first and second portions of said second side edge of said flap defining an obtuse angle; said second portion of said second side edge being generally parallel to said first side edge of said flap.

11. In combination, a garment having a pocket and an insert removably receivable in said pocket;

said pocket comprising: a panel having an outer surface and a pocket flap operable to close said pocket; said pocket flap having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a first pocket fastener on said pocket panel outer surface and a second pocket fastener on said pocket flap inner surface; said first and second pocket fasteners being positioned on said pocket panel and said pocket flap to be matable with each other to hold said pocket flap in said closed position; and

said insert comprising: a front panel defining a bottom edge, side edges, and a top edge; said front panel including a first closure element on an outer surface thereof a rear panel defining at least a bottom edge and side edges; said front and rear panels being joined together to define an insert compartment; a flap extending above said front panel top edge; said flap having an inner and outer surface and being sized and shaped to be folded over to close said insert compartment; said flap including a second closure element on an inner surface of said flap; said second closure element being matable with said first closure element to hold said flap in a closed position; said flap further including a flap fastener on said outer surface; said flap fastener being positioned to be mated with said pocket second fastener to secure said insert flap to said pocket flap.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said insert flap is sized and shaped to be aligned with said pocket flap when said insert is received in said pocket.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said flap comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge; said second side edge being opposite said first side edge; said first side edge and said a edge of said pocket insert define an obtuse angle.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said second side edge of said flap comprises a first portion which extends from a side edge of said insert and a second portion which extends from said first portion; said first and second portions of said second side edge of said flap defining an obtuse angle; said second portion of said second side edge being generally parallel to said first side edge of said flap.

15. The combination of claim 11 further comprising means for organizing items stored in the pocket insert.

16. The combination of claim 11 wherein said fastener comprises one of a hook and loop fastener.

17. The combination of claim 11 further comprising a carrying strap on said flap outer surface.

18. The combination of claim 11 further comprising at least one belt loop on said rear panel.

19. The combination of claim 11 further comprising at least one organizing strap extending across one of said front and back panels; said at least one organizing strap being adapted to hold an implement against said panel.

20. Combination of claim 19 wherein said organizing strap includes bar tacks to separate said organizing strap into discrete sections, such that said organizing strap can hold multiple implements.