Specialized clothing capable of securing electronic devices

Abstract

The present invention comprises a novel class of clothing which may be worn as described herein. The various embodiments of such clothing share the common attribute that a pocket for accepting various devices or other items is sewn or otherwise embodied within the article of clothing. The clothing is easily manufactured and the pockets may be deployed in various configurations to accept and retain a wide variety of devices and other objects. Further, the pockets are designed to provide a secure and snug fit around the device to lessen movement during various activities such as exercising. The pockets may also contain a specially configured tab for accepting and routing wires and cords associated with, for example, electronic devices for playing music.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to apparel and more specifically to apparel designed and customized to securely restrain personal electronic devices and related items.

2. Background of the Invention

In today's society, electronic devices, and especially portable electronic devices, are ubiquitous. These devices perform a myriad of functions and exist in a practically unlimited number of shapes, sizes and configurations. Examples of such portable devices include compact disc (CD) players, radios, MP3 players, wireless telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and various devices that combine some or all of these functions.

These devices are typically carried in some manner with the user during much of the business day and beyond. Many people carry cell phones with them at all times for business or personal communication; others require almost continous access to portable music devices, which can be used while waiting for buses and subway trains, while walking from place to place, while exercising—in fact, the general trend is that Americans, especially in urban environments, expect to have continual access to communication and entertainment devices, no matter what activity in which they are engaged.

One of the problems that has not been adequately addressed is the manner of holding or securing the electronic device during typical user activities. When exercising it is highly desirable from the user point of view not to have to hold the electronic device so that hands and arms are free to participate in the activity without constraints. For example, when running, it is preferable for the user to not have to hold the device in his or her hand. However, absent acceptable solutions, many users do hold the electronic device in their hands while exercising or engaging in other activities. When working with weights in a gym environment, the user needs to keep his or her hands and arms free to use in connection with the particular exercise. Even while engaged in activities such as walking, or in simple waiting, it is important to secure electronic devices so as not to interfere with other activities.

Various solutions have been proposed. Some electronic devices are equipped with belts, bands and other strap-type or similar attachment features that permits the user to secure the device to the user's arm, waist or head, for example. Other users simply attempt to use conventional clothing, and the pockets typically designed for such clothing, to hold the devices. However, neither of these solutions—specially designed strap-on devices, and conventional pockets—adequately address the problem. In the case of conventional pockets, the pockets are not sized appropriately for the devices, and are not secure, so the devices tend to bounce around, or fall out, particularly in environments where strenuous physical activity is being undertaken. In some cases, the holding areas can be so large that the device is at risk of falling out and/or becoming damaged. Additionally, in some cases such as in the case of CD players, device operation can be impaired or fail as a result of too much movement resulting from activities such as running.

Other drawbacks are also associated with existing solutions for holding portable electronic devices. By way of example, arm bands and waist bands can constrain the user's movement as well as restrict blood flow which has obvious implications to the safety and effectiveness of exercising. Many people find such bands around the arm or waist uncomfortable or awkward. Also, existing carrying solutions can make it difficult for the user to adjust controls such as power, volume and track selection buttons while in the carrying device. Yet another problem is that many of the electronic devices employ headphones with a wired attachment to the electronic device. These headphone wires can become unwieldy and can get in the way of various exercises and other activities not to mention the unsightly look of the wires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution for portable electronic devices and other items which is designed to overcome the above stated problems, drawbacks and deficiencies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which assures the secure containment of a wide variety of personal electronic and other devices and items.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution that permits an individual to move about freely without occupying the user's hands, legs or other element of his or her body.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which avoids problems associated with wires connecting headphones to the electronic devices.

It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which may be readily adjusted and configured to accept a wide variety of devices and other items of various shapes and sizes.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which allows ready access to the devices contained therein as well as the various controls associated therewith.

These and other objects of the present invention are obtained in connection with a novel class of clothing which may be worn as described herein. The various embodiments of such clothing share the common attribute that a pocket for accepting various devices or other items is sewn or otherwise embodied within the article of clothing. The clothing is easily manufactured and the pockets may be deployed in various configurations to accept and retain a wide variety of devices and other objects. Further, the pockets are designed to provide a secure and snug fit around the device to lessen movement during various activities such as exercising. The pockets may also contain a specially configured tab for accepting and routing wires and cords associated with, for example, electronic devices for playing music.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clothing of the present invention comprises at least one pocket for accepting and securing a device or other item. In one embodiment, pockets are specifically sized and shaped to accept a particular device or item of known size or shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, pockets are designed to be adjustable to devices and items of various sizes ensuring that all items meeting particular size and shape constraints will fit securely and snugly within the pocket such that movement within the pocket is minimized or eliminated.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a garment with a pocket according to the present invention in a preferred embodiment thereof;

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are illustrations showing the detail of a flexible sizing element for a pocket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing another embodiment of the present invention wherein multiple pockets are located upon a single garment; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a detailed view of a pocket in the opened position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now discussed to provide the reader with a detailed description of the novel class of clothing of the present invention. It will be understood that while the following discussion addresses particular embodiments and applications of the present invention, the claimed invention is not necessarily limited thereto and other embodiments and applications exist and the present invention is limited only by the specific claims appended hereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the novel carrying solution of the present invention is shown in one form according to a preferred embodiment thereof. In this case, a pocket 120 is located on a t-shirt 110 for carrying a portable electronic device, some other device or any other item that would benefit from being carried by the wearer without the need for the wearer to hold the item or to otherwise use a separate component for securing the device or item. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, t-shirt 110 is merely one example of an article of clothing to which the teachings of the present invention may be applied. For example, in addition to t-shirts, pockets for holding devices and items may also be applied to sweatshirts, jackets, coats, vests, pants, shorts, hats, gloves, and various other articles of clothing and other items worn on or attached to the body.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, pocket 120 includes a covering flap 130 which is secured in place by a button 140 located on pocket 120 itself such that button 140 passes through a properly sized slot or opening on flap 130 in order to secure flap 130 in the closed position. Alternative methodologies for securing flap 130 in the closed position once the device or item has been inserted into pocket 120 are also available. For example, multiple buttons 140 with multiple associated slots on flap 130 may be used to provide additional security in maintaining flap 130 in the closed position. This solution may also be beneficial if multiple smaller items are to be held in pocket 120 so that they don't slip out on either side of a single button 140 closure. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a zipper may be used to selectively close and open pocket 120. Alternatively, velcro or some other velcro-like material may be used to secure flap in the closed position when desired but also to permit flap to be opened as required.

Pocket 120, in a preferred embodiment is sewn on to t-shirt 110 or another article of clothing as applicable. Pocket 120 may be sewn on the two sides and the bottom, leaving the top portion open for insertion of the item to be carried. Flap 130 is preferably sewn on the top portion only such that flap 130 falls on top of and covers the top opening of pocket 120.

Pocket 120 and the associated flap 130 may be located at various spots on the article of clothing. One particular advantage of locating pocket 120 in the center of t-shirt 110 or another article of clothing worn over the torso is that the device to be carried is fixed in position in a spot that is generally easier to reach with both hands so that the wearer can more easily remove and insert the item from pocket 120 as well as access controls on the device as desired. Aesthetically, a central pocket is more pleasing as well. In some cases, such as with a garment that closes via a zipper up the middle of the garment, a central pocket is not possible in which case, it is preferable to locate pocket 120 on one or both sides of such a central zipper.

Pocket 120 may be formed in a practically infinite number of sizes and shapes. In particular, it is expected that pockets may be specifically manufactured to tight sizing and shaping requirements to fit specific electronic devices or other items. Although not shown in FIG. 1, pocket 120 may be located in various locations instead of or in addition to the center of t-shirt 110 or another article of clothing. Multiple pockets 120 may also be positioned in various places on the article of clothing as is discussed in greater detail below.

Instead of stitching pocket 120 on the garment, it is also possible to attach it to the garment in other ways. For example, pocket 120 may be attached to t-shirt 110 or another article of clothing via velcro or a velcro-like material or via a zipper with one “rail” of the zipper located on the garment and the other located upon the pocket. In this way, pocket 120 can be selectively removable from the garment as desired. Additionally, a set of pockets of various sizes may be interchangeably attached to the garment one at a time depending upon the size and shape of the device or other item which the wearer desires to carry. In this manner, a single garment may function to accept multiple pockets each of which has been specifically sized and shaped to fit a specific device or other item.

It is important, however, that in whatever manner of attachment is used, the supporting garment material be strong enough to generally support the weight of pocket 120 and the weight of the device or other item intended to be carried in pocket 120 without a large degree of sagging. This can be addressed by, for example, reinforcing pocket 120 and the portion of t-shirt 110 or other garment to which pocket 120 is attached. Reinforcement may be via, for example, a stronger cloth or rubberized material in place of the base garment material.

In one embodiment of the present invention an optional slot or hole 115 may be included on the outer surface of pocket 120. Slot 115 may be included to provide ready access to, for example, the controls of a portable electronic device without requiring the wearer to open flap 130 on pocket 120. Slot 115 may be sized and located on pocket 120 in a specific manner to accommodate, for example, a particular electronic device and the location of the controls thereupon.

Turning now to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), an additional feature of the present invention is discussed. In this case, pocket 220 may include an element designed to be adjustable in relation to the size and shape of the inserted device. For example, in FIG. 2(a) an electronic device 250 can be inserted into pocket 220 and a flexible securing element 260 located at the bottom of pocket 220 enhances the fit of device 250 ensuring that it is snug in the pocket. For example, flexible securing element 260 may comprise a small, flexible, accordion-like component which expands and contracts as device 250 is removed and inserted, respectively. Flexible securing element 260 may be, for example, manufactured from plastic which has the desired compression and expansion characteristics to flex and accept device 260 and ensure a snug fit within pocket 220. Flexible securing element 260 may be secured within pocket 220 using, for example, glue to secure it to the bottom of pocket 220. Other materials may also be used to form flexible securing element 260 such as, for example, bubble wrap or any other suitable flexible and cushioning material,

While FIG. 2(a) shows a single flexible securing element 260 located at the bottom of pocket 220, in an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 2(b), a pair of flexible securing elements 270 may be located on each of the sides of pocket 220.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the present invention wherein garment 310 includes two pockets 320 and 375. Pocket 320 may be sized and shaped to accept, for example, a specific CD player which may be securing in place using flap 330 and button 340. Similarly, pocket 375, below pocket 320 may be configured to accept and securely hold one or more compact disks for use with the CD player. In various embodiments, CDs may be carried within pocket 375 using thin, appropriately sized plastic bags to keep CD's from rubbing against one another. Alternatively, separate slots for each CD may be used within a single pocket provided that the material comprising the pocket should be selected such that it does not scratch or otherwise damage CD's which are subject to moving somewhat within the slots. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single pocket may be used to provide storage for both the CD player and CDs wherein, for example, one or more slots for storing CDs are located behind or in front of the pocket which holds the CD player.

From a marketing perspective, garment 310 and/or pockets 320 and 375 may be labeled and imprinted with various logos, trademarks, photos, and other identifying and/or branding information correlating to the specific types of devices contained within the apparel, and for which the apparel has been specifically designed. For example, garment 310 may comprise a sweatshirt marketed to Brittany Spears fans having her name 370 and/or likeness imprinted thereon, as well as her CD's, and a book containing such CDs. Pockets 320 and 375 may also be imprinted with photos, text and/or any other kind of branding desired. Various other marketing concepts can be employed in connection with the features of the present invention. For example, a book which is shaped and sized substantially the same as a compact disk or a compact disk case could be included in connection with a sale of a garment and/or made available separately from the garment. Such a book may contain a pocket within which a CD is placed and the book may also contain liner notes including lyrics, photos and various text. In a preferred embodiment such a book is “hardcover” although this is not required.

Turning now to FIG. 4, yet another feature of the present invention is described in connection with the Figure. In this case, pocket 420 is imprinted with branding information for Jessica Simpson and her husband Nick Lachey and one of Jessica Simpson's album names. Further, flap 430 contains matching velcro strips 480 and 485 for selectively closing and opening flap 430. It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that other methodologies for closing and opening flap may be used such as, for example, a conventional zipper. As can be seen in FIG. 4, pocket 420 also contains two holes 490 and 495 located on flap 430 and pocket 420 respectively. In one embodiment holes 490 and 495 line up when flap 430 is closed. In this way, a cord, such as a headphone cord for a portable music device, can be routed out of pocket 420 in a neat and orderly way. Although not shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible for the garment material to include a hole somewhere on the garment within the area covered by pocket 420. This hole effectively creates a path for routing a cord from a portable device on the inside of the garment through the hole and then up and out of the garment via, for example, the neck area of a shirt. Using such an embodiment, the majority of the length of such a cord can be hidden inside of the garment and the cord will only be seen from the neck and above to the ears.

As a general matter, the novel clothing and related pockets described above can be used to securely hold a practically unlimited variety of devices and other items. Particular examples include cell phones, portable MP3 players, portable CD players, portable radios, CDs, tapes, books and other portable musical devices although this invention is by no means limited thereto. In order to provide additional protection, the pockets of the present invention may include padding either internal to the pocket or on the outside surface of the pocket. Such padding is particularly helpful when electronic devices or other sensitive items are placed within the pocket.

It will also be recognized by one of skill in the art that although all of the teachings provided above with respect to the garment and associated pockets of the present invention have been referenced in terms of a pocket appearing on the exterior of the garment, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the teachings provided herein may be similarly applied to a pocket that is located on the interior portion of the garment, perhaps between the garment and the body of the wearer. Although this can provide an added level of assurance that the item will remain in place, access to the item is more difficult than if the pocket is located on the exterior of the garment.

The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims, and by their equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment for securely holding an item comprising:

a pocket fastened to the exterior of said garment, said pocket further comprising a flap which may be selectively opened and closed;

wherein a front face of said pocket further comprises an access port permitting ready access to said device without requiring said flap to be opened.

2. The garment of claim 1 wherein said access port is located on a said flap rather than on said front face of said pocket.

3. The garment of claim 1 wherein said garment comprises a shirt.

4. The garment of claim 1 wherein said garment comprises a jacket.

5. The garment of claim 1 wherein said garment comprises pants.

6. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket is substantially square.

7. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket is substantially rectangular.

8. The garment of claim 1 wherein said flap is selectively closed and opened via a zipper.

9. The garment of claim 1 wherein said flap is selectively closed and opened via at least one button and a corresponding slot.

10. The garment of claim 1 wherein said flap is selectively closed and opened via corresponding pieces of velcro.

11. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket further comprises an internal divider capable of holding at least two items and wherein said at least two items are separated from one another via said internal divider.

12. The garment of claim 11 wherein said internal divider is comprised of the same material as the exterior portion of said pocket.

13. The garment of claim 11 wherein said at least two items comprise a portable music device and at least one storage medium for storing music.

14. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket includes at least one aperture for routing a cord out of said pocket and along an interior portion of said garment.

15. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket includes at least one aperture for routing a cord out of said pocket and along an exterior portion of said garment.

16. The garment of claim 1 wherein said pocket further comprises at least one flexible component for promoting a tighter fit of said item within said pocket.

17. The garment of claim 16 wherein said at least one flexible component comprises a flexible plastic piece formed in an accordion-like manner.

18. A customizable solution for securing at least one electronic device to a garment comprising:

(a) a garment, said garment comprising an attachment means for selectively attaching and detaching at least one pocket to and from said garment;

(b) said at least one pocket comprising an means for selectively attaching and detaching said pocket to and from said garment; and

(c) said at least one pocket being specifically configured to securely hold a particular one of said at least one electronic devices.

19. The customizable solution of claim 18 wherein said at least one pocket further comprises at least one access port for readily accessing one or more controls on said electronic device.

20. The customizable solution of claim 18 wherein said means for selectively attaching and detaching said pocket from said garment comprises a zipper.