Garment for receiving wires of earphones of a portable electronic device

Abstract

The present invention includes a garment for receiving wires of headphones from a portable electronic device comprising a first section having an interior surface and an exterior surface configured to be located on an upper torso of a user, wherein the first section of the garment comprises a first material. The first section defines an opening through the garment and the opening is generally centrally located on the first portion below and spaced from an upper edge of the first section. The opening is sized so that friction contact exists between headphone wires and a garment edge defining the opening. The garment includes a pattern section on the exterior surface of the first section.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to garments that accommodate the wires of earphones of a portable electronic device.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years portable electronic devices (PEDs) have become small, lightweight and powerful. Based on their decreased size and weight, PEDs are easily transportable and therefore may be carried by people when performing physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, or manual labor. In some cases, the devices are held in the user's hand, while in other cases the devices are worn by the user in attachable holster devices, freeing the hands of the user. Devices that fall under this category include cell phones and media players, e.g. a music player, such as a digital music player (MP3 player).

A problem associated with earphone wires and headset wires (hereinafter referred to collectively as “earphone wires”) of PEDs is that they can continually get “caught”, e.g., by the swinging of the arms during exercise or by passing tree branches and the like. These problems are inconvenient to users and also represent safety hazards. They are usually addressed by temporary methods such as tucking or taping the wires to garments. These methods are ineffective and cumbersome.

Complicated pocket devices exist which focus on the placement of the PED which control or direct earphone wires. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2005/0235398 describes a pocket system that can be used in conjunction with a shirt to hold the PED and direct the placement of the earphone wire. Further, devices that adjust or direct the earphone wires exist, e.g. U.S. Publication No. 2007/0053523; see also, U.S. Design Pat. No. D534,065.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a need in the art for apparel that is fashionable, promotes safety of the exercising individual and focuses on the restraint and placement of the earphone wires during general movement or exercise while also providing a simple, easy-to-use and economical solution to these problems. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need is addressed by the development of apparel that is designed for the guidance and restraint of earphone wires while allowing the movement necessary for working or exercising. The present invention is directed to apparel that eliminates the problems related to earphone wires but also increases durability of the apparel and includes features for safety when using a PED.

The present invention includes a garment for receiving wires of earphones from a portable electronic device including a first section having an interior surface and an exterior surface configured to be located on an upper torso of a user, wherein the first section of the garment includes a first material. The first section defines an opening through the garment and the opening is generally centrally located on the first section below and spaced from an upper edge of the first section. The opening is sized to provide frictional contact between the first section defining the opening and earphone wires when wires are located in the opening. The garment includes a pattern section on the exterior surface of the first section.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a garment for receiving earphone wires having an adjustable spreader from a portable electronic device. The garment includes a first section having an interior surface and an exterior surface configured to be located on an upper torso of a user, wherein the first section of the garment includes a first material. The first section defines an opening through the garment and the opening is generally centrally located on the first section below and spaced from an upper edge of the first section. The opening is sized so as to impede passage through the garment by an adjustable spreader device on wires of earphones of a portable electronic device and so as to allow passage of wires of a portable electronic device therethrough. The garment includes a pattern section on the exterior surface of the first section.

Other embodiments, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the garment according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated on a PED user;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged area (FIG. 2) of the first section of the garment according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred configuration of the opening;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged area of the first section of the garment according to an alternative embodiment having an opening as shown;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the garment according to an embodiment of the present invention having a passageway and anchor tabs;

FIG. 3B is a front plan view of the garment according to an embodiment of the present invention having a passageway and pocket;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the garment according to another embodiment illustrated on a PED user; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged area (FIG. 5) of the first section of the garment according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, words such as “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “central” and “rear” and words of similar import refer to location or directions in the drawings for better understanding of the invention and are not meant to be limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a garment generally referred to herein as garment 10 is shown which is configured to receive the wires 1000 of earphones 1002 of a portable electronic device (PED) 2000. The garment 10 has a first section 12 having an interior surface 14 and an exterior surface 16, located on an upper torso T of a user U. The first section 12 of the garment 10 is preferably made so as to include a first material that can be of any suitable material or combination of materials recognized for a particular garment, e.g. a t-shirt could be made of cotton, linen, wool, rayon, polyester, blends, etc. The material will vary depending on the garment, e.g. t-shirt, sweater, coat, poncho etc. The first section 12 defines an opening 18 through the garment 10 and the opening 18 is generally centrally located on the first section 12 spaced below an upper edge 20 of the first section 12. The centralized location of the opening 18 limits the amount of “slack” which avoids the wires 1000 getting “caught” on passing tree limbs or objects or by the arm motion of the user while working, running or exercising. The opening 18 is sized to provide frictional contact between the earphone wires 1000 and the first section 12 at the location of the opening 18. Therefore, the opening 18 defined by the first section 12 would, most commonly, take the form a “slit” so that contact of the wires 1000 and the first section 12 of the garment 10 at the opening is maintained. This design results in a substantial amount of the surface area at a given point on the wires 1000 being in contact with the first section 12 at the location where the wires 1000 traverse the opening 18. Further, this design allows some movement of the wires 1000 so as to permit “turning of the head” of the user but also secures the wires 1000 to limit “slack” through the opening 18. This design also eliminates “pulling” which would cause the earphones 1002 to pull from the ears, and specifically the ear buds 1004, from within the ears of the user.

The first section 12 includes a defined pattern section 22 on the exterior surface 16 of the garment 10 which can be of various shapes and sizes. The defined pattern section 22 preferably includes a second material which may be the same or different from the first material and can be selected for various functions. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, the defined pattern section 22 includes a reinforced edge 24 that surrounds the opening 18 and therefore functions as additional structural support of the underlying garment 10 and resists fraying and tearing. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the reinforced edge 24 is closer to and conforms to a shape similar to that of the opening 18, wherein it functions to support the underlying garment 10 and also to contribute to the control of the wires 1000. In a first embodiment, the reinforced edge 24 is preferable formed by embroidery thread sewn onto the first section 12. However, it is recognized by one skilled in the art, the reinforced edge 24 can be of various materials attached in-various ways known in the art. Further logos, names and slogans or product trademarks can be incorporated in the design.

The second material of the pattern section 22 can be light reflecting and therefore will function to improve safety by identifying the user, for example, by passing motorists. This light reflecting characteristic of the second material in the pattern section 22 has greater significance based on the impaired hearing of the user when using any PED 2000 and therefore, reducing the ability to appreciate warnings of potential dangers, i.e. the sounding of a passing motor or the horn from a motorist. There is no specific limitation of the second material so long as it is not contrary to or otherward inhibits the functioning of the present invention.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the first section 12 defining the opening 18 includes a reinforcing material 25 configured so as to conform to the shape of the opening 18. The reinforcing material 25 can be of various materials including, for example, a layering of the first material of the garment 10, e.g. layered cotton or linen or can be embroidery thread, leather, polyester or synthetic. The second material can be attached in various ways known in the art such as sewing, pasting thermo transfer, adhesive, etc. Recognizing the first section 12 defining the opening 18 will have contact with the wires 1000 of the earphones 1002 while the earphones 1002 are in the opening 18, the reinforcing material 25 helps to prevent fraying and increase the life of the garment 10. It can also satisfy aesthetic design choices and provide an easier visual target for wire insertion for the user.

Referring to FIG. 3, the garment 10 is illustrated with an optional routing passageway 26 (shown in phantom) positioned so as to be near and in communication with the opening 18 extending from the interior surface 14 of the first section 12. The passageway 26 allows increased restraint of the wires 1000 so they do not “catch” or “tangle” with the torso and stomach area of the user or the user's undergarment causing a pulling on the placement of the earphones 1002. Is it recognized that the routing passageway 26 can be in communication with an optional pocket 28 (also shown in phantom) attached to the garment 10. The pocket 28 includes a closure device 30, e.g. an elastic band, or other known enclosure device in the art, to secure the portable electronic device 2000 within the pocket 28. Though the passageway 26 is illustrated as extending longitudinally through the garment 10 in FIG. 3, it is recognized that the passageway 26 could extend diagonally or transversely from the opening 18. Also the optional pocket can be moved so as to communicate with the passageway accordingly. Further, it is understood that the passageway 26 could terminate without communication with a pocket allowing the wires 1000 access to the PED 2000 in a holster device (not shown) attached to the belt, or similar article, of the user or simply handheld. It is appreciated that a second opening (not shown) could exist at the location of the termination of the passageway that will allow the wires 1000 to traverse the garment 10 when the garment is tucked into another garment, such as the pants or shorts of the user, to be accessible to a holster device. This second opening can be included with or without the inclusion of the passageway but its approximate location on the garment would remain the same.

It is well understood that the pocket 28, as described herein, could be located near the pattern section 22 on the exterior surface 16 of the first section 12, as best illustrated in FIG. 3A. This would allow the pocket 28 to easily receive the ear buds 1004 (shown in phantom) when not in the ears of the user while the wires 1000 of the earphones 1002 traverse the opening 18. In this location, the pocket 28 would have no functional relationship with the passageway, e.g. as a holder of the PED 2000, but would be of the same design.

Additionally, a first anchor tab 32A and a second anchor tab 32B could be attached to the garment 10 for additional securing of the wires 1000. The tabs 32A, 32B could be placed anywhere on the garment 10 but are preferably attached at or near the upper edge 20 of the first section 12 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The tabs 32A, 32B could be attached to the garment 10 by a variety of means, i.e. snaps or Velcro®. The first anchor tab 32A is illustrated in an “open” position showing a first mating surface 34 and a second mating surface 36, which mate and close to secure the wires 1000. The second anchor tab 32B is illustrated in the closed position. The mating surfaces 34, 36 can be of numerous design, e.g. Velcro® strips. Further, it is recognized that a single centrally located anchor tab (not shown) attached to the garment 10 can be used to secure the wires 1000. The single tab would most commonly be on the upper edge 20 of the first section 12 preferably aligned longitudinally with the location of the opening 18 which would receive the wires 1000.

Garments which could incorporate the present invention and features discussed herein include shirts having collars, running shirts having unshaped collars, and e.g. tank top designs. Any garment which may be worn while using a PED can be configured by one of skill in the art to incorporate the concepts of the present invention and related features including, but not limited to, those illustrated herein.

An additional embodiment will now be described wherein like numbers denote like features.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, another embodiment of the invention includes a garment 110 for receiving earphone wires 1000 having an adjustable spreader device 3000 from a PED 2000. The spreader 3000 can be of any of a variety of designs known in the art. For illustration, the garment 110 will be described with an adjustable spreader device 3000 of earphones 1002 of a music player from the iPod® series manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif. The earphones 1002 of the iPod® series have a spreader device 3000 and a stationary piece 3002. The wires 1000 are shown in phantom after they traverse the opening 118, as is the stationary piece 3002, to depict the location of the wires 1000 and the stationary piece 3002 between the user and the interior surface 114 of the first section 112. However, it is recognized that any standard earphone having a 3.5 mm jack can be used with the present invention.

The garment 110 includes a first section 112 which defines an opening 118 sized so as to impede passage through the opening 118 by an adjustable spreader device 3000 on wires 1000 of earphones 1002 of a PED 2000 and so as to allow passage of wires 1000 of a PED 2000 therethrough. However, the opening 118 is further sized so as to allow passage of the spreader 3000 of a PED 2000 therethrough only if additional force is applied, e.g. directing the spreader 3000 with the finger of the user of the garment 110. It is recognized that the opening 118 can be of a variety of configurations, i.e. round, square, cylindrical, etc. without departing from the spirit of the invention requiring the opening to be of a size to impede but not prevent the traversing of the opening 118 by the spreader 3000.

A reinforced edge 124 on the pattern section 122, is configured to confirm to generally the shape of the opening 118 and impedes the spreader 3000 from traversing the opening 118. In any of the various configurations of the opening 118, the function of the reinforcing edge 124 remains the same. The size of the reinforcing edge 124 maybe designed for a variety of spreader devices 3000. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art based on this disclosure, the reinforced edge 124 will be sized to impede a spreader 3000 having a width (measured transversely on the garment) of about 0.23 to about 0.27 inches, which corresponds, roughly to the size of most spreader devices 3000, including the spreader 3000 of the iPod® series. As in the previous embodiment, the spreader will traverse the reinforced edge 124 and opening 118, if additional force is applied.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the spreader device 3000 and the stationary piece 3002 remain on opposite sides of the opening 118 of the garment 110. The design of the garment 110 allows the wires to traverse the opening 118 but movement of the wires 1000 is limited based on the wire 1000 length between the stationary piece 3002 and spreader device 3000 which do not traverse the opening (without additional force).

As in the previous embodiment, the opening 118 can be sized so that there is frictional contact between the earphone wires 1000 and the first section 112 defining the opening 118. The function of the reinforced edge 124 remains the same; to impede the spreader device 3000 from traversing the opening 118.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment for receiving wires of earphones from a portable electronic device comprising:

a first section having an interior surface and an exterior surface and being configured to be located on an upper torso of a user, wherein the first section of the garment comprises a first material, wherein the first section defines an opening through the garment and the opening is generally centrally located on the first section below and spaced from an upper edge of the first section, wherein the opening is sized to provide frictional contact between the first section defining the opening and ear phone wires when wires are located in the opening; and

a pattern section on the exterior surface of the first section.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the pattern section comprises a reinforced edge.

3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the reinforced edge surrounds the opening.

4. The garment according to claim 3, wherein the first section defining the opening further comprises a reinforcing material.

5. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the pattern section on the exterior surface of the garment comprises a second material.

6. The garment according to claim 5, wherein the second material comprises embroidery thread.

7. The garment according to claim 5, wherein the second material comprises a light reflecting material.

8. The garment according to claim 5, wherein the garment further comprises a routing passageway near the opening in the first section.

9. The garment according to claim 8, wherein the routing passageway extends from the interior surface of the first section and is in communication with an interior of a pocket.

10. The garment according to claim 9, wherein the pocket comprises a closure device.

11. The garment according to claim 10, wherein the closure device comprises an elastic band.

12. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the garment comprises a wire anchor tab.

13. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is a shirt.

14. The garment according to claim 11, wherein the garment is outerwear.

15. The garment according to claim 14, wherein the outerwear is a sweater, coat, poncho or vest.

16. A garment for receiving earphone wires having an adjustable spreader from a portable electronic device comprising:

a first section having an interior surface and an exterior surface and being configured to be located on an upper torso of a user, wherein the first section of the garment comprises a first material, wherein the first section defines an opening through the garment and the opening is generally centrally located on the first section below and spaced from an upper edge of the first section, wherein the opening is sized so as to impede passage through the garment by an adjustable spreader device on wires of earphones of a portable electronic device and so as to allow passage of wires of a portable electronic device therethrough; and

a pattern section on the exterior surface of the first section.

17. The garment according to claim 16, wherein the pattern section comprises a reinforced edge.

18. The garment according to claim 16, wherein the pattern section on the exterior surface of the garment comprises a second material.

19. The garment according to claim 16, wherein the opening is sized so that when earphone wires are in the opening, frictional contact exists between the earphone wires and the first section defining the opening.

20. The garment according to claim 19, wherein a second material forms a reinforcing edge surrounding the opening defined by the first section.