GARMENT-ATTACHABLE HOLDER

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to garment-attachable holders for the temporary holding of personal effects. In one embodiment, a garment-attachable holder is comprised of a piece of rectangular sheet material having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface may include adhesive on various portions thereon. At least one edge of the second surface may include a reinforcement.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/301,321 entitled “Garment-Attachable Holder” filed Feb. 4, 2010.

FIELD OF INVENTION

At least one feature pertains to removable holders for personal effects.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many women and men prefer to socialize in bars, dance clubs and similar establishments. As alcoholic beverages are sold at many of these establishments, admission is often limited to those 21 years of age (at least in the United States). Because these establishments can suffer severe legal consequences for allowing minors (i.e., those under 21 years of age) into their establishments where alcohol may be sold, these venues generally require the showing of a valid identification verifying that the person is over 21 years of age before entering the venue. The process of verifying identification is often referred to as “carding.” As a result, those wishing to attend these types of venues must carry an identification card for “carding” purposes with them in the establishment at all time. Additionally, means to pay for beverages, food, and other sundries, i.e., money or credit cards, must also be carried if the person wishes to make these purchases.

In these types of establishments, men generally carry these items in pants pockets, either loosely or in a wallet. Women generally carry these items in a purse. However, a purse can be cumbersome and subject to being lost or stolen in these types of establishments. Therefore, women often do not like to be burdened with carrying a purse all night long in such establishments.

One method to avoid carrying a purse is to sew one into a garment. This can be time consuming to sew onto every garment and can often be seen from the exterior of the garment. Another method is to wear a pouch strung around the neck and let it hang against the body. Often, though, the string is visible around the neck and can be cut, and the pouch may add significant bulk thereby defeating the purpose of not carrying a purse. Another method is to tape the items to the clothing or body, but that is only available usually for one-time use and needs new tape if the user wants to replace the item after using it. Further, sticking items like credits cards or cash directly against the skin is uncomfortable, unsanitary, and could make the skin perspire.

Consequently, a holder for an identification card, money, credit card and other sundries which alleviates problems with prior art holders and methods is needed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A garment-attachable holder, comprising: (a) a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; and (b) at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material is herein provided.

The sheet material may form a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto. A fourth edge may include a reinforcement material adjacent thereto, the reinforcement material may be integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

A combination, comprising: a wearable item selected from the group consisting of apparel, a shoe or a carrying bag, the wearable item adapted to receive a garment-attachable holder, the garment attachable holder consisting of: (i) a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; and (ii) at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material is herein provided. The sheet material may form a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto. A fourth edge may include a reinforcement material adjacent thereto, the reinforcement material integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

A method of carrying items on the inside of a garment, comprising: (a) removing a garment-attachable holder from protective backing wherein the garment-attachable holder comprises: (i) a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, and (ii) at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material; (b) attaching the garment-attachable holder to a surface; and (c) placing one of an identification card, a credit card or money bills therein is herein provided. The inner-facing surface may be attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of a garment-attachable holder according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates of a plurality of garment-attachable holders according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to garment-attachable holders for the temporary holding of personal effects. In one embodiment, a garment-attachable holder is comprised of a piece of rectangular sheet material having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface may include adhesive on various portions thereon. At least one edge of the second surface may include a reinforcement.

FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of a garment-attachable holder according to an embodiment of the invention. Garment-attachable holder 100 may be a piece of rectangular sheet material 102 having a first surface 104a, or outer-facing surface, and a second surface 104b, or inner-facing surface; however, other suitable geometric configurations are within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, garment-attachable holder 100 may be about three and one-half (3.5) inches by four (4) inches in width/length. In one embodiment, edges 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d define the perimeter of sheet material 104. When garment-attachable holder 100 is attached to a surface, a “pocket” is formed between the surface and the inner-facing surface 104b (explained in more detail below). In one embodiment, inner-facing surface 104b includes a strip of reinforcement material 106 adjacent edge 102a. In an alternative embodiment, a flap (not shown) on garment-attachable holder 100 may be included to keep items in the “pocket” extra secure.

In one embodiment, inner-facing surface 104b of sheet material 102 includes natural or synthetic pressure-sensitive adhesive material strips 108b, 108c and 108d adjacent edges 102b, 102c and 102d, respectively. The adhesive material may contain at least an elastomer and a tackifier such as those known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Sheet material 102 may be made of a natural or synthetic material such as cotton, polyester or any other suitable material. In any embodiment, the material should be made from a material which will not irritate the skin of an average person.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of garment-attachable holders according to embodiments of the invention. According to embodiments of the invention, a garment-attached holder can be affixed to a wearable item such as apparel, shoes or a carrying bag to form a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto.

According to embodiments of the invention, a garment-attachable holder as previously described may be attachable to any surface by removing the protective backing on the adhesive strips and attaching the holder to the inside of the chosen surface for a temporary amount of time. The surface may be the inside of a garment, a boot, a bag or any other piece of outerwear or innerwear. The “pocket” formed by attaching the holder to a garment functions as a temporary storage “pocket” to hold a driver's license or other identification card, a credit card(s), money, a key and/or any other suitable item.

Advantageously, the reinforcement strip adjacent the opening keeps the opening of the “pocket” rigid and free from fraying as items are taken in and out of the “pocket.” Generally, the garment-attachable holder as previously described solves the problem of not having pockets, or pockets in the right places, in many items of women's (or men's) clothing. Additionally, the holder provides a secret or secure place to store valuables, such as credit cards and money. Additionally, the holder may be used to store small medical devices, such as insulin-delivering machines, that need to be kept close to the body.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A garment-attachable holder, comprising

a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; and

at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

2. The garment-attachable holder of claim 1 wherein the sheet material forms a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto.

3. The garment-attachable holder of claim 2 wherein a fourth edge includes a reinforcement material adjacent thereto, the reinforcement material integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

4. A combination, comprising:

a wearable item selected from the group consisting of apparel, a shoe or a carrying bag, the wearable item adapted to receive a garment-attachable holder, the garment attachable holder consisting of: a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; and at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the sheet material forms a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein a fourth edge includes a reinforcement material adjacent thereto, the reinforcement material integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material.

7. A method of carrying items on the inside of a garment, comprising:

removing a garment-attachable holder from protective backing wherein the garment-attachable holder comprises: (i) a piece of rectangular sheet material defined by four edges and having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, and (ii) at least three adhesive strips adjacent first, second and third edges on the inner-facing surface of the sheet material, the at least three adhesive strips integrally adhered to the inner-facing surface of the sheet material;

attaching the garment-attachable holder to a surface; and

placing one of an identification card, a credit card or money bills therein.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the sheet material forms a pocket when the inner-facing surface is attached to a surface by applying pressure thereto.