Pants Pocket for Touch Screen Mobile Devices

Abstract

A garment pocket formed in a pair of pants or shorts which are made from textile fabric and worn by a user. The garment pocket is configured to house a touchscreen operated electronic device such as a smartphone or pad computer and allow normal operation thereof through a transparent frontwall configured to communicate user touches to the touchscreen. Conduits for electrical connections are provided from the pocket housing portion to the waistband. Extra stitching can be provided to communicate the weight of a device in the pocket to the waistband of the shorts or pants. An antenna on the shorts is configured to communicate RF to the electronic device in the pocket and an RF barrier on the backwall of the pocket blocks RF from the user's body.

Description

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/435166 filed on Jan. 21, 2011, and Provisional Application No. 61/435198 filed on Jan. 21, 2011 which are both respectively incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to securing electronic devices to clothing. More particularly, it relates to a garment, preferably pants or shorts, with a pocket configured for storage and transport of electronic devices such as smartphones, pad computers, and PDA's and concurrent user employment of such devices using a touch screen.

2. Prior Art

The use of electronics and especially handheld electronic devices are becoming more and more part of the average consumers everyday life. These devices are incorporated into our work, play, social lives, and day to day interactions with others. Many individuals maintain handheld electronic communication devices, such as a smartphone, GPS unit, or similar device close at hand throughout the day. Conventionally, when not in use, handheld electronic devices such as phones, beepers, music players, tablets, GPS units, and smartphone devices, are stored in a pants pocket, or purse. There user can essentially take their device any and everywhere they go. Further, many phone and accessory manufacturers produce accessories to hold the device on a belt or other location for quick retrieval.

It is clear that with the advancing technology, the use of these devices has grown from simply making a phone call or listening to music, to also browsing the web, sending emails, video chatting, and social networking. As such, the frequency of use of what has evolved into smartphones is predominantly growing in our day and age. Users thus are continually retrieving and replacing the device from and to the conventional pants pocket, belt holder, or purse over the day. This is not only a nuisance, but the risk of dropping or damaging the device becomes more prevalent each time the device is retrieved. Further, the price of replacing or repairing these devices is very costly especially with the advancement in touch screen and other technologies in combination with smartphones.

Furthermore, conventional pants pockets do not adequately accommodate modern electronic devices in that the pocket can be too big, where the electronic device sloshes about the interior of the garment which can cause chafing and is overall uncomfortable to the user. Further, if the user has loose change, keys, or other abrasive material in the pocket the device can be additionally damage. Alternatively, pants pockets can be too small, insofar as to restrict the initial housing of an electronic device rendering the pocket itself useless for transport and storage of the electronic device. And if a user is finally able to insert an electronic device into an overly small or tight pocket, retrieving it can be quite difficult and is a nuisance, and further increases the chance of dropping or otherwise damaging the expensive device.

In addition, many accessories employed to secure the electronic device out of a users pocket are more cumbersome then beneficial. Further, such accessories are often unfashionable and therefor undesirable to the many fashion conscious consumers. Additionally, prior attempts to accommodate such devices in combination with worn clothing have failed to address radiation concerns while concurrently providing RF signal enhancement and accommodation for power and communications wires to such devices in a manner which protects them from breaking during clothing stretching.

These matters have driven the need to secure such devices to a user's clothing such as pants or shorts in a fashion allowing for swift and effortless retrieval and re-storage.

Prior art has addressed this need and can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,941 to Mei et al., and US Pub. No. 2006/0028430 to Harary et al. However, such prior art does not provide adequate engagement for security of the electronic device to the garment, nor adequately allow the user to easily interface with and employ a touch screen operated device.

As such, there is a continuing unmet need for an improved clothing device which will securely engage handheld electronics such as smartphones and PDA's to garments such as pants and shorts. Such a device should secure such electronic devices at a location rendering them easily accessible to the user without being cumbersome or unsightly. Further, such a device should not negatively interfere with reception or transmission quality of the electronic device while protecting the user from RF radiation. Still further such a device should provide conduits for cabling if necessary which protect such wires and cables from breakage. Similarly such a device and method of employment should provide a means for the user to employ the ever-changing pace of handheld technology specifically with that of touch screen interface electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described overcomes the shortcomings of prior art and achieves the above-mentioned goals through the provision of a electronic device pocket formed below the waistband of a pair of pants or shorts, at or adjacent the thigh area of the wearer. In accordance with all preferred modes of the device there is provided an opening through which a user may insert a handheld touch screen interface electronic device into a pocket into an as-used position therein. In the as-used position, the user can maintain the electronic device in a secured stored position when not in use and employ the electronic device as intended during periods of use. This completely eliminates the need to retrieve the electronic device from the formed pocket and the chance of dropping or damaging it in the process as is a particular problem with current electronic devices making the transition from a storage pocket to an as-used position outside the pocket.

It is preferred that the pants and pocket architecture of the disclosed device is formed of reinforced webbing, elastic or other means to prevent the device and pocket from shifting position during the sometimes rapid or bumpy movements by the user. Such would allow the user to perform day to day tasks without the thought of possibly jarring or damaging the electronic device.

In addition, channeled pull straps or re-enforced stitching about the perimeter of the pocket as well as throughout the body of the garment can be employed to provide additional securement of the electronic device in the engaged position. This is a preferred mode of the disclosed device as additional structural support is imparted to the garment which will support the user-perceived weight of the electronic device, and avoid garment stretch, by communicating a portion of that weight to be supported from the waist and thigh of the user. This re-distribution of weight severs as a means to reduce fatigue to the user after wearing the device for an extended period of time as well as prevent stretching of the fabric of the clothing and over time, wear on the fibers of the fabric.

Additionally preferred, the material housing the electronic device may provide means to thermally and electronically insulate the device housed from the user's body, and thereby provide a means to shield the wearer from potential harmful EMF radiation generated by the device or heat from a discharging battery.

A transparent window membrane provides a means for the user to view the display upon the enclosed electronic device. In accordance with at least one preferred mode, should the electronic device employ a touch screen technology, the membrane may be formed of material which is compatible with and therefor allow operative use of touch screen technology device while the device is maintained in the secured as used position.

The stored electronic device in the as used position is thus capable of use in a conventional fashion through the employment of icon-based touch screen interfacing through the transparent membrane without the need to remove it. The transparent membrane also provides a secondary means for securing the touch screen device to the garment and a means to prevent moisture from contacting the smart device during use.

Additionally, in another preferred mode of the device, the structural support provided by the elasticized or otherwise re-enforced pocket to the touch screen operated electronic device is of such a significance to allow for the temporary or permanent removal of the transparent membrane, to allow a means for direct finger contact with the touch screen device for shorter or longer durations if needed. This aspect may deem a more favorable operational mode for electronic devices with extremely sensitive touch screens.

In yet another particularly preferred mode the disclosed device will incorporate a protective flap to overlap the touch screen device and covering the transparent window membrane. This provides a protective means for more security and protection against damage from abrasion, impact, or moisture. The protective flap may be sewn into one side of the pocket, and can be lifted to expose the electronic device. The flap may also be secured to the sleeve by hook and loop type fasteners. The fastener type should not be considered limiting while this example was simply given for demonstration purposes, other means for such securement as would occur to those skilled in the art such as a snap fit of fasteners of the like, should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In yet another particularly preferred mode the protective pocket of the disclosed device may be removably engaged to the garment on all but one edge, preferably the edge adjacent and parallel to the garment waistband, by a removable engagement means such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fits, or fasteners of the like. The removable engagement means of the protective pocket allows for the user to disengage all but one edge from the garment and lift it up to a position perpendicular to the wearers leg in order to view the electronic device in the standing position. This may be desirable should the user want to view the electronic device while in a standing position where attempting to view the electronic device secured to the thigh region would be difficult.

Alternatively, the pocket housing may be removably engaged in its entirety allowing for temporary handheld protective means when desired by the user. This would provide the user with omnipotent control of the electronic device as needed due to its complete removal from the pants. Furthermore the pocket housing may be adaptively engageable with existing custom cases already in the market.

Finally, a channeled conduit for wires which may lead to and from the device, is preferably provided. This allows the user to thread any wires being employed, through a zig zag configured channel to protect the wires against stretching of the fabric and to hide unsightly wires from view.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device for operative storage and transport of graphic display based electronic devices. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is an object of this invention to provide a means for a secure and accessible engagement of electronic devices to a garment worn from the waist down such as pants or shorts through the provision of a pocket proximate to the thigh of the user below the waistband.

It is another object of the invention to provide a shielded RF and/or thermal barrier to the wearer from potentially harmful radiation and/or heat produced by electronic devices.

It is yet another object of the invention to incorporate a touch screen compatible transparent window membrane to allow for unhindered accessability and operation while in the as-used position and still protect the device against moisture and dust.

A further object of this invention is the composition of material comprising of reinforced webbing, elastic fabric or other means to prevent the electronic device once inserted from shifting or dislodging from the pocket during fast movement or impact.

Still yet another object of this invention is the provision of a draw string, re-enforced stitching, or other type fastening means to supply added support and security to the electronic device.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide distribution of weight of the engaged electronic device to the waist and thigh of the user by the provision of supporting stitching or reinforcing or securement material to transfer some weight to the waist of the garment.

Still another object of the present invention is to allow for removable engagement of the protective pocket from all but one edge of the garment to provide a temporary perpendicular viewing means.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of wire channels which will hid and protect unsightly wires from catching of things during movement, and protect the conduit housed wires from stretching of the fabric using a zig zag conduit.

These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a view of a particularly preferred mode of the device with protective flap engaged about the pocket.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a mode of the device showing the protective pocket with protective flap in the open position.

FIG. 3 depicts a wideband antenna which may be positioned within the flap and in a communication with the antenna on an electronic device engaged within the conventional apparel pocket.

FIG. 3a depicts a view of the protective pocket employing an additional flap having a secondary antenna engaged thereon providing symbiotic communication with the phone and wideband antenna for improved reception/transmission.

FIG. 3b shows a view of the protective pocket with the additional flap with secondary antenna in the as used position.

FIG. 4 shows yet another particularly preferred mode of the device without the incorporation of a protective flap and showing the material and architecture of the invention providing a distribution of weight.

FIG. 5 shows the partial removable engagement of the pocket of the device providing a perpendicular viewing means when in the standing position.

FIG. 6 shows a particularly preferred mode of the device where the pocket housing is removably engaged to the garment.

FIG. 7 depicts a mode of the device including a zig zag channel formed upon or in the garment providing a passaged communication for a wire such as an earphone wire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-7, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a preferred mode of the device 10 depicted as formed upon a garment 50, preferably a pair of pants or shorts and preferably located on or near the waistband 52 in the thigh 54 area of a wearer and user. In a particularly preferred mode of the device 10 the pocket 12 is formed as a unitary component with the garment 50. This may be accomplished by either forming the pocket 12 as part of the garment 50, or by an engagement to the waistband of the garment through the employment of sewing or other means of engaging the components forming the device 10 and pocket 12 thereof to the garment 50 during manufacture of the garment 50.

The device 10 depicted in the various figures should not be considered limiting in any fashion as to the pocket 12 location and consequently it may be employed on either the right or left side of the waistband 52 although the device 10 is shown on right leg portion of the waistband 52 in depictions in this disclosure. Similarly, the positioning of the pocket 12 on the device 10 along or immediately adjacent to the waistband 52 of the garment 50 may be different due to user preference or the actual electronic device 100 to be housed in the pocket 12 of the device 10 herein disclosed.

The disclosed device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is depicted in the closed mode, wherein a protective flap 17 is engaged over the membrane 24 (FIG. 2) and pocket 12 within. In this closed position, as shown, a pull tab 18 provide means to maintain the flap 17 in a closed position and covering the membrane 24. It must be noted that those skilled the art may recognize other means for protective covering of the membrane 24 while the provision of a flap 17 with pull tab 18 is provided merely for demonstrative purposes, wherein other such means as would occur to those skilled in the art such as a loop, or clip, or projection, or aperture or recess, are anticipated.

The pocket 12 of the disclosed device is comprised of an upper portion 14 with aperture 15 and lower portion defined by the pocket housing 16. As a note, one skilled will recognize that the two portions are essentially one pocket. In a particularly preferred mode the upper portion 14 and aperture 15 provide a means to insert an electronic device 100 (FIG. 3) to engage into the pocket housing 16 portion. The pocket housing 16 provides means for secured engagement as well as allows for operative use of the electronic device 100 while in the stored position. Such and electronic device is anticipated to be any of a cell phone, smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, or similar device which is configured to receive portable electronic communications and employ a display and/or touch screen for user input and review of communications.

Re-enforced stitching 20 shown provides means to support the weight of an electronic device 100 and distribute it to about the thigh 54 area of the user and up to the waistband 52. Thus the stitching 20 resists this stretching from the force of the weight of the electronic device 100 placed in the pocket housing 16, and provides a means to maintain garment length and resist stretching. Additional re-enforced stitching 22 communicating from the pocket housing 16 about the thigh 54 area of the garment 50 further provides a means to achieve the above noted goal of maintaining garment length and resisting stretching. Although only few of such re-enforced stitching 22 is shown in the figure, a plurality may be employed in varying configurations to further enhance the provision set forth and is anticipated in this application.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the device 10 with protective flap 17 in an open position and unsecured on at least three side edges such that it will rotate away from the inner thigh 54 of the user. This gives the user access to employ the electronic device 100 and to view any display thereon through the transparent membrane 24. When closed as in FIG. 1, the protective flap 17 is secured about at least one side edge, and preferably the perimeter 19 of the pocket housing 16, by means of one or a combination of hook and loop fastener, snap fasteners, or other fasteners of the like as would occur to those skilled in the art. In the closed position the flap 17 protects the transparent membrane 24 and the screen of the electronic device 100 from abrasion and impact damage. Padding such as bubble pack or gel, or other means of padding may be included in the flap 17 structure to enhance this protective quality.

The pocket housing 16 is defined by a front wall shown as the window membrane 24 as depicted in FIG. 2, and a rear wall 26 depicted by the hatched lines. The rear wall 26 is depicted behind the window membrane 24 due to the transparent nature of the window membrane 24. The front wall is provided by window membrane 24 which is composed of a material which allows communication of the conductive element required to operate the enclosed touch screen and thereby allows the wearer to access the touch screen capabilities to operate the electronic device 100. Many touch screen displays employ modes of resistance and/or capacitance as a means for the electronic device 100 to ascertain user input with a touch or dragging of icons projected on the display. The membrane 24 is adapted to allow this electrical communication to occur and concurrently with its substantially transparent structure, allow a viewing of the screen.

Additionally, the membrane 24 continuously provides a means to secure the electronic device 100 within the pocket and into the pocket housing 16, while affording protection to the electronic device 100 from contact with moisture such as rain, which can cause serious harm to the electronic device 100, as well as from impacts and scratching from abrasion.

The electronic device 100 in FIG. 3 is seen inserted into the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12, through the open aperture 15 near the garments 50 waistband 52. The protective flap 17 when secured thereover, provides a means to cover the view of a housed phone 100 as well as provide protection to the transparent window membrane 24 from abrasion and to protect the delicate screen of the electronic device 100 from impact damage.

Further depicted is an RF shield 28 shown as the rear wall 26 of the pocket housing 16. The shield 28 may be incorporated into any version or mode of the device herein and is preferred. Material which lends itself to being flexible yet shielding RF include mylar, nickel or copper or silver coated polyester or nylon mesh, and other fabrics having conductivity yet being flexible.

Also depicted is a particularly preferred mode of the device 10 herein wherein a wideband antenna 30 is positioned on or within the flap 17 and configured for an electronic communication with the antenna of the enclosed electronic device 100 such as a cell phone or PDA. The antenna 30 is of a wideband transmit and receive construction and adapted for transmission and receipt on the frequencies employed currently by cell phones and computer devices including the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands, and Wi-Fi in the 1710-2700 MHZ frequency range. Wider band antennas are conventionally available such as those available from Mwave Wireless of Temecula, Calif., and any wideband antenna configured to receive the frequencies for contained electronic device, that would occur to those skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this application.

The antenna 30 could be hardwired to the electronic device 100 with the appropriate lead wire 32, or in a particularly preferred mode, the antenna 30 will be in a parasitic electronic engagement to the antenna of the electronic device 100. Such parasitic engagements are well known and can be adapted to a particular electronic device 100 to enhance both transmission and reception thereof. This is because the antenna 30 in the flap 17 may be made larger than that of the electronic device 100 and omni directional, as well as frequency favoring or specific. Consequently, the electronic device 100 performance can be enhanced, particularly when the electronic device 100 has a poor antenna design which is easily blocked or inhibited when held in the hand.

Configuring the device 10 with a parasitic antenna engagement can be optimized wherein an antenna lead (not shown) is positioned to be proximate to the antenna of a device inserted into the pocket. Again, the protective flap 17 is secured to the thigh 54 area on at least one edge, in a manner to allow it to rotate away from the pocket housing 17 to expose the underlying transparent window membrane 24. At least the opposite edge and preferably all other edges of the flap 17 and the pocket housing 16 allow for removable securement by means of hook and loop type fasteners or other fasteners as would occur to those skilled in the art about the perimeter 19 of the pocket housing 16.

FIG. 3a shows a view of yet another particularly preferred mode of the device 10. In this mode the pocket housing 16 employs an additional flap component 31 extending from the perimeter 19 within the housing 16 into the upper portion 14. As can be seen the flap 31 includes an operatively engaged symbiotic antenna 33. In the as used mode shown in FIG. 3b, the flap 31 is positionable within the housing 16 of the device 10 such as to allow the antenna 33 to be positioned on either side of a housed phone as needed. During use, the symbiotic antenna 33 is preferably configured for symbiotic or parasitic communication within the frequencies of the phone 100 engaged within the pocket 16. Further, the antenna 33 additionally communicates with the wideband antenna 30 located on the protective flap 17 for improved wideband transmission and reception characteristics with a cell tower or the like.

Another particularly preferred mode of the device 10 is seen in FIG. 4. In this mode the protective flap 17 has been removed or rendered temporarily removable by employment of a fastener on the rotational edge such as hook and loop fabric. Also in this mode, the electronic device 100 is inserted directly into the pocket housing 16 in the as-used position through an opening aperture 34. A means to enclose the housing 16 at the aperture 34 may be accomplished through the provision of hook and loop fastener, snap fits, or other means.

Securement of the electronic device 100 within the pocket housing 16 is provided via drawstrings 36, a window membrane 24, and fabric 38. The fabric 38 employed may be an elastic fabric, reinforced webbing, or fabric of the like as described earlier to provide a means to disperse the perceived weight of the electronic device 100 about a larger area of the garment 50 of the user and is integrated into the material of the thigh 54 area below the waistband 52. This mode may be preferred if extended use of the touch screen device 100 in the as-used position is desired and where continual use of the protective flap 17 becomes a nuisance.

In this particularly preferred mode of the device 10, a drawstrings 36 is channeled about the perimeter 19 of the pocket housing 16. This drawstring 36 when pulled tight by the user, provides a means to further secure the electronic device 100 in the as-used position.

FIG. 5 shows still yet another particularly preferred mode of the device 10 with the upper portion 14 and pocket housing 16 of the pocket 12 removably engaged to the thigh 54 by a removable engagement means such as hook and loop fabric 39, on all but one edge 40 proximate the waistband 52. Other removable engagement means such as snap fit fasteners or fasteners of the like may also be employed yet hook and loop fasteners are shown merely for demonstrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. This mode allows the user to temporarily employ the pocket 12 including electronic device 100, housing 16, and membrane 24 in a handheld manner perpendicular to the users leg and is preferred when in the standing position. It can then be easily secured back to the thigh 54 area of the garment 50 when desired. Alternatively, just the pocket housing 16 may be employed to achieve a perpendicular orientation without also removing the upper portion 14. It must be noted that such removable engagement means may be employed in all modes of the device 10 previously presented. The removable pocket 12 may be engaged to the thigh 54 either under or over the protective flap 17 if a protective flap is used. In all modes of partial removable engagement of the pocket 12, the functional control of the electronic device 100 is maintained.

It should be further noted, that it is especially preferred that the present device 10 in all modes employ electromagnetic shielding 42 material between the pocket housing 16 and the user's skin similarly shown as the rear wall 26 of the pocket housing 16. It provide a means to protect the wearer against potentially dangerous EMF radiation generated by such electronic device 100 and noted above. Further, the shielding 42 or an insulating material may be employed as a means to protect the user against the annoyance or injury from heat generated by the dissipating battery operating the electronic device 100 in the as-used position. Metallic based shielding 42 will, when positioned, at the rear wall or adjacent to the rear wall of the pocket, act as a heat sink for such heat as well as a shield. However, bubble pack, gel, or other insulating fabrics may be used in addition to the shielding 42.

FIG. 6 further depicts a particularly preferred mode of the device 10 where the pocket housing 16 is removably engaged to the garment 50 by a removable engagement means such as hook and loop fasteners 44, although other means for removable engagement such as snap fits, clips, magnets, or the like can be similarly employed. It must be noted that such removable engagement means of this particularly preferred mode may be employed in all modes of the device 10 previously presented. In all modes of removable engagement of the pocket housing 16, the functional control of the electronic device 100 is maintained.

FIG. 7 depicts a mode of the device 10 including a channel 51 formed upon or in the garment providing a passaged communication for a wire 53. The wire 53 may be threaded through the channel 51 between its communication with the interior of the pocket 12 and an exit aperture at or near the waistband 52. This channel 51 may be so formed by using a cover layer 57 of fabric in-between two parallel zig zag shaped stitches 59. As shown, the parallel stitches 59 preferably zig zag in their formation of the channel 51 which is particularly preferred. This is because textile fabrics forming garments are knitted or woven in general and prone to stretching when the user moves.

However, metal wires 53 such as an earphone or microphone or other wire 53 do not conventionally stretch, and therefor could break if the formed channel 51 were linear rather than zig zag. By forming such a zig zag shaped channel 51, when the user moves, and the fabric forming the garment stretches along the linear line “L” for instance, of the woven fabric, the individual segments of the zig zag channel 51 move to accommodate that fabric stretch and protect the contained wire 53 therein from breaking. This allows the user to thread a wire 53 through the channel 51 for any of an earphone, microphone, or remote power supply, and accommodate a communication of the wire between the electronic device 100 and a remote location at the other end of the wire 53, and provide a means to prevent breaking of the wire 53 when the textile fabric forming the garment stretches, especially during movement of the user such as when walking or running or sitting where the textile stretches. The channel 51 may be hidden as is expected by forming it on an interior surface of the garment if desired. Exiting at an aperture adjacent to or near the waistband, a wire 53 can then communicate to a power pack for extra power which is waist-mounted, or to the hears or head of the user to allow for a headphone or microphone or combination thereof to communicate with the electronic device 100.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the Pant Pocket for Touch Screen Mobile Devices system have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions as would occur to those skilled in the art, are included within the scope of the disclosed system and apparatus herein as defined, but not limited, by the following proposed tentative claims.

Claims

1. A garment pocket in a pair of pants or shorts formed of textile fabric and configured for user operation of touchscreen-operated electronic devices positioned in an as-used position therein by a user, comprising:

said pocket having a housing portion, said housing portion having a front wall and a rear wall, said front wall communicating between an upper edge of said housing portion and an opposite lower edge of said housing portion;

said front wall having two opposing side edges communicating between said upper edge and said lower edge;

an opening proximal to said upper edge of said housing portion, said opening sized for insertion of a touchscreen-enabled electronic device therethrough, and into said as-used position within said housing portion;

means for secured engagement of said touchscreen operated device within said housing portion;

a portion of said front wall formed of substantially transparent material configured to communicate a touch of said user's fingers to operate said touchscreen of said electronic device therethrough; and

whereby said touchscreen operated device, engaged in said as-used position within said housing portion of said pocket positioned on leg section of said pants or shorts, is operable by in a conventional manner while walking or standing by said touch of said user's fingers upon said substantially transparent portion of said front wall through which said touchscreen is viewable.

2. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 1 further comprising:

said opening in a communication with a lower end of said pocket formed in said pants or shorts; and

an aperture at an upper end of said pocket, higher in elevation than said lower end, said aperture providing means to communicate said touchscreen operated device into said as-used position.

3. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 1 further comprising:

said portion of said front wall formed of substantially transparent material being viewable and positioned for said touch by said user, at a position upon a frontal-positioned surface of said textile fabric on one of the leg portions of said pair of pants or shorts.

4. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 2 further comprising:

said portion of said front wall formed of substantially transparent material being viewable and positioned for said touch by said user, at a position upon a frontal-positioned surface of aid textile fabric on one of the leg portions of said pair of pants or shorts.

5. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 1 further comprising:

stitching communicating through said textile fabric between said housing portion and a waistband of said pair of pants or shorts;

said stitching providing a means to communicate a portion of a force of the weight of said touchscreen operated electronic device in said as-used position, to said waistband.

6. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 2 further comprising:

stitching communicating through said textile fabric between said housing portion and a waistband of said pair of pants or shorts;

said stitching providing a means to communicate a portion of a force of the weight of said touchscreen operated electronic device in said as-used position, to said waistband.

7. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 3 further comprising:

stitching communicating through said textile fabric between said housing portion and a waistband of said pair of pants or shorts;

said stitching providing a means to communicate a portion of a force of the weight of said touchscreen operated electronic device in said as-used position, to said waistband.

8. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 4 further comprising:

stitching communicating through said textile fabric between said housing portion and a waistband of said pair of pants or shorts;

said stitching providing a means to communicate a portion of a force of the weight of said touchscreen operated electronic device in said as-used position, to said waistband.

9. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 2 further comprising:

a conduit formed for a distance in said textile fabric communicating with said housing portion of said pocket at a first end, to an opening adjacent to a waistband of said pants or shorts; and

said conduit providing means to communicate a wire from said housing portion to said opening.

10. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 9 further comprising:

said conduit formed in a zig-zag pattern for at least a portion of said distance; and

said zig-zag pattern providing means to prevent a wire communicating through said conduit from breaking during a stretching of said textile fabric.

11. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 8 further comprising:

said conduit formed in a zig-zag pattern for at least a portion of said distance; and

said zig-zag pattern providing means to prevent a wire communicating through said conduit from breaking during a stretching of said textile fabric.

12. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 1 further comprising:

a portion of said rear wall formed of, or engaged with, planar metallic material;

said planar metallic material providing means to block RF energy emitted by said touchscreen operated device from communication with a portion of the body of said user adjacent to said pocket.

13. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 2 further comprising:

a portion of said rear wall formed of, or engaged with, planar metallic material;

said planar metallic material providing means to block RF energy emitted by said touchscreen operated device from communication with a portion of the body of said user adjacent to said pocket.

14. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 11 further comprising:

a portion of said rear wall formed of, or engaged with, planar metallic material;

said planar metallic material providing means to block RF energy emitted by said touchscreen operated device from communication with a portion of the body of said user adjacent to said pocket.

15. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 12 further comprising:

a portion of said rear wall formed of, or engaged with, planar metallic material;

said planar metallic material providing means to block RF energy emitted by said touchscreen operated device from communication with a portion of the body of said user adjacent to said pocket.

16. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 14 further comprising:

a secondary antenna positioned upon said pair of pants or shorts; and

means to communicate RF signals from said secondary antenna to a receiver of said touchscreen operated device in said as-used position.

17. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 15 further comprising:

a secondary antenna positioned upon said pair of pants or shorts; and

means to communicate RF signals from said secondary antenna to a receiver of said touchscreen operated device in said as-used position.

18. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 16 wherein said means to communicate RF signals from said secondary antenna to a receiver of said touchscreen operated device in said as-used position is a wire engaged at a first end with said secondary antenna and having a second end proximate to or engaged with said touchscreen operated device.

19. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 17 wherein said means to communicate RF signals from said secondary antenna to a receiver of said touchscreen operated device in said as-used position is a wire engaged at a first end with said secondary antenna and having a second end proximate to or engaged with said touchscreen operated device.

20. The garment pocket for touchscreen operated devices of claim 19 additionally comprising:

said wire having a portion thereof formed in a zig-zag pattern; and

said zig-zag pattern providing means to bend said wire during a stretching of said textile fabric and prevent a breaking of said wire.