Runner number pocket for runners

Abstract

A jersey, jacket or similar garment features a built-in transparent pocket on the front of the garment for a runner number. The pocket may be affixed to the garment by the manufacturer, or it may be provided as an after-market modification in an iron-on version. The pocket is sized to securely hold a runner number or similarly sized document, and features an aperture at the lower edge with a secure closure, such as a zipper lock or a flap with a hook-and-loop fastener strip.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/886,979, filed Oct. 4, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to running equipment and accessories and in particular to a runner number pocket for runners. A broad variety of specialized gear and apparel for runners has been developed, and several skill levels of running competition are now in place, with races occurring every weekend across the country. Amateur runners wear runner numbers in the form of large tags or bibs which identify them for the judges and timekeepers, as well as the spectators. Unfortunately, the runner may not secure the runner number adequately to the fabric of the jersey, particularly when registering and receiving a runner number in the final minutes before the race begins. This results in the runner number falling off, and the runner loses precious seconds recovering the runner number and then reattaching it to the jersey. The runner number may be securely and safely affixed with safety pins, but this usually results in damage to the jersey. A jersey, jacket or similar garment, featuring a built-in transparent pocket on the front of the garment for a runner number, would resolve this problem. The pocket may be affixed to the garment by the manufacturer, or it may be provided as an after-market modification in an iron-on version. The pocket is sized to securely hold a runner number or similarly sized document, and features an aperture at the lower edge with a secure closure, such as a zipper lock or a flap with a hook-and-loop fastener strip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a runner number pocket for runners. A jersey, jacket or similar garment features a built-in transparent pocket on the front of the garment for a runner number. The pocket may be affixed to the garment by the manufacturer, or it may be provided as an after-market modification in an iron-on version. The pocket is sized to securely hold a runner number or similarly sized document, and features an aperture at the lower edge with a secure closure, such as a zipper lock or a flap with a hook-and-loop fastener strip.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

The FIGURE shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the garment 10, the pocket 11, the aperture 12, and the closure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a runner number pocket 11 for runners. A jersey, jacket or similar upper body garment 10 features a built-in transparent pocket 11 on the front of the garment 10 for a runner number. The pocket 11 may be affixed to the garment 10 by the manufacturer, or it may be provided as an after-market modification in an iron-on version.

The first exemplary embodiment consists of a jersey, jacket or similar garment 10, featuring a transparent rectangular pocket 11 affixed to the front. The pocket 11 is sized to securely hold a runner number or similarly sized document, and features an aperture 12 at the lower edge with a secure closure 13, such as a zipper lock or a flap with a hook-and-loop fastener strip. The pocket 11 is waterproof, and the fabric of the garment 10 is breathable to enable the garment 10 and pocket 11 to be laundered normally, and machine dried on a low heat or no heat setting. The garment 10 and pocket 11 are treated with a chemical agent to retard the growth of fungus.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user puts on the garment 10. When the runner number is acquired, the user inserts the runner number into the aperture 12 on the lower edge of the pocket 11, and secures the closure 13. The user may then compete in a race.

The garment 10 is preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable fabric that is machine washable and breathable, such as cotton or a cotton-rayon blend. The pocket 11 and closure 13 are preferably manufactured from flexible, durable materials, such as plastic and nylon. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A garment with a runner number pocket comprising a garment; said garment being an upper body garment; a transparent pocket; said transparent pocket being affixed to the front of said garment.

2. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 1 wherein said transparent pocket is affixed to said garment at the time of manufacture.

3. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 1 wherein said transparent pocket is provided as an aftermarket addition to said garment.

4. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 1 wherein said transparent pocket is of waterproof material and said garment is of permeable material.

5. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 2 wherein said transparent pocket is of waterproof material and said garment is of permeable material.

6. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 3 wherein said transparent pocket is of waterproof material and said garment is of permeable material.

7. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 1 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.

8. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 2 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.

9. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 3 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.

10. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 4 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.

11. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 5 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.

12. The garment with a runner number pocket of claim 6 wherein said transparent pocket is accessible via a reclosable aperture in its lower edge.