GO POCKET SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A go pocket system and method. A front panel and attachable fastening means provides on-the-go individuals with receptacle storage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of articles of clothing and more specifically to articles of clothing for forming pocket systems and methods.

Exercise enthusiasts such as runners, hikers, bikers, etc., typically carry smart phones so they can communicate and/or listen to music while they exercise. If the clothing worn during exercise includes a pocket, the smart phone is inserted therein for storage until the exercise activity is completed. If the clothing has no pocket, users simply hold the smart phone in hand for the duration of the exercise.

After a few minutes of holding the device, however, the user's hand may become either sweaty or uncomfortable and may even begin to cramp causing the user to either drop or damage the smart phone or to prematurely shorten the duration of exercise that the user is engaged in.

Similarly, during a shopping activity, a shopper without a pocket might hold a credit card in hand to pay for purchased products or services. Holding a credit card in hand would become uncomfortable after a prolonged shopping duration.

It is within the aforementioned context that a need for the present invention has arisen. Thus, there is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a pocket system and method can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the pocket system includes a front panel; and a fastening means that is attachable to a flat surface such as a clothing material or interior of a reusable shopping bag. The fastening means may have two tacky surfaces that attach to both the front panel and the clothing material to form a receptacle for receiving items for storage.

Among other advantages, the pocket system is strong yet temporary; it provides a relatively simple and easy way of storage for on-the-go individuals. With the present pocket system, an exercise enthusiast can remain hands-free and avoid possible cramps that can result from holding smart phones or the like for the duration of an exercise activity. With the present pocket system, a shopper without a pocket can also avoid the discomfort of holding a credit card in hand to pay for purchased products or services.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a pocket system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front panel according another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pocket system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a single pocket system on a shirt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a multiple pocket system on a shirt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a fastening means of FIG. 1A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrate a plan view of the fastening means of FIG. 4A when viewed from position F of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fastening means attached to the interior of a front panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the one embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates pocket system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1A, pocket system 100 might be used to carry items during the course of an activity where the user wishes to remain hands-free. As an example, user 106 may be an exercise enthusiast wishing to carry a smart phone or mp3 player during an exercise activity.

Of course, one skilled in the art will realize that pocket system 100 may be used in other type activities consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, during a shopping activity, user 106 may use pocket system 100 in conjunction with a reusable shopping bag to carry a credit card or similar type items.

As shown in FIG. 1A, pocket system 100 comprises front panel 102A and fastening means 104 that attaches along the interior periphery of front panel 102A. In FIG. 1A, front panel 102A itself might be a mesh fabric, elastic material, polyethylene material or any suitable material that forms the exterior of a receptacle or pocket. Fastening means 104 might be a double-sided adhesive strip or other comparable fastening means sized and configured to align with the size and shape of front panel 102A.

In operation, user 106 begins by pulling the liner off the exposed side of fastening means, possibly with use of a pull tab along the interior sides and bottom periphery of front panel 102A. A second exposed side of fastening means 104 is then fixedly attached to user 106's clothing (or other material) creating a receptacle with opening 105 for receiving smart phones, iPods™, credit cards, etc. Pocket system 100 is shown attached to a shirt in FIG. 3A; the pocket system will be further described with reference to FIG. 1B to FIG. 5 below.

FIG. 1B illustrates front panel 102B according another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1B, front panel 102B is U-shaped similar to front panel 102A of FIG. 1A. Here, front panel 102B may incorporate intricate designs such as flower design 108. In fact, front panel 102B may also incorporate company logos such as GOPOCKET logo 110.

As in FIG. 1A, front panel 102B may be mesh fabric, elastic material, a polyethylene material or any suitable material for use as an exterior or shell of a receptacle or pocket. Preferably, front panel 102B is mesh fabric to prevent excess moisture from reaching items stored within pocket system 100.

The dimensions of front panel 102B may vary and might depend upon items stored within pocket system 100. As an example, length y of front panel 102B might be about 7″ while width x may be substantially 4″, said dimension being configured to store an iPhone 6.0 smart phone, for example. The thickness of front panel 102B is sufficient to avoid tearing or dislodgement of items within the pocket particularly after prolonged use.

User 106 may place front panel 102B on different materials depending upon use. Front panel 102B may be placed on athletic tops or T-shirts preferably about two inches below the breast area for women; placement may also be on a user's hip or other convenient areas.

Other examples of placement areas are the interior of reusable shopping bags to hold change and receipts; on the side of amplifiers for musicians to hold picks and business cards, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that front panel 102B may be placed on a variety of materials, different areas of the body or different articles and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates pocket system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, unlike the pocket system of FIG. 1A, pocket system 200 is rectangular shaped with pointed corners 201. Here, pocket system 200 is adapted to hold items such as credit cards, business cards and the like. Pocket system 200 includes front panel 202A having opening 204 for receiving items for storage. Unlike front panel 102A (FIG. 1A), front panel 202A is attached onto clothing along its entire periphery namely edges 207A, 207B, 207C and 207D.

Specifically, the interior of edges 207A, 207B, 207C and 207D includes adhesive strips (not shown) for attaching front panel 202A onto a clothing or accessory. This configuration has the advantage that upper front panel area 205A above opening 204 operates as a cover to securely retain items within pocket system 200. Although not shown, front panel 202A may have a second opening above opening 204 via which an earphone wire may be connected to a media device in pocket system 200. Lower front panel area 205B receives a substantial portion of any item that is stored.

FIG. 3B illustrates multiple pocket system 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3B, multiple pocket system 300 is shown attached to a shirt. Here, multiple pocket system 300 includes at least two front panels namely front panel 310 and front panel 312. Front panel 310 forms an opening 311 with material 313 to which front panel 310 is attached. A first item for storage can then be received via opening 311.

An advantage of this embodiment is that multiple pocket system 300 includes at least two pockets. Thus, second front panel 312 forms another opening 314 with front panel 310 to which front panel 312 is attached. A second item for storage may then be received via opening 314. In this manner, the present embodiment allows different items to be compartmentalized for storage in different pockets.

FIG. 4A illustrates fastening means 104 of FIG. 1A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B also illustrates fastening means 104, but shows a plan view of the fastening means when viewed from position F of FIG. 4A.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, fastening means 104 is U-shaped, although other shapes consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention are possible. Fastening means 104 is double-sided, with first side 412 and second side 414. In one embodiment, the width of fastening means 104 is no more that 1 inch.

In one embodiment, first side 412 comes attached to the interior surface of front panel 102A, 102B. Second side 414 has removable liner 422 that is removable by user 106 to expose tacky surface 420 for attaching the front panel to a flat surface material to form a receptacle or pocket. This flat surface material may be a user's clothing or reusable shopping bag, for example. The receptacle or pocket once formed can receive and store various user items including iPods™, credit cards or the like.

In an alternate embodiment, first side 412 does not come attached to the interior surface of front panel 102A, 102B. First side 412 is adapted for attachment by user 106 to the interior surface of front panel 102A, 102B. Second side 414 is adapted to attach to a flat surface material to form a receptacle or pocket. This flat surface material may be a user's clothing or reusable shopping bag, for example. The receptacle or pocket once formed can receive and store various user items including iPods, credit cards or the like.

First side 412 may have adhesive or tacky surface 416, which is itself covered by liner 418. Removing liner 418 exposes the adhesive or tacky surface 416, which is highly sticky to the touch and is capable of adhering to and creating a strong but temporary bond with another surface. This temporary bond will hold for a few washes, where the pocket system is attached to clothing.

Second side 414 (FIG. 4B) of fastening means 404 may have adhesive or tacky surface 420, which is itself covered by liner 422. Removing liner 422 exposes the adhesive or tacky surface 420, which is also sticky to a user's touch and is configured to adhere to and create a non-detachable bond with another surface.

Thus, fastening means 104 is sized and configured to align with the size and shape of front panel 102A. An example of fastening means 104 is 3M Double Coated Tape 9795 obtainable from 3M™ of St. Paul, Minn. Although not shown, each fastening means for each of the embodiments of the present invention may include a pull tab for dislodging the respective fastening means.

FIG. 5 illustrates fastening means 104 attached to the interior of a front panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Attachment of fastening means 104 and front panel 102A (of FIG. 1A) and formation of pocket system 100 (of FIG. 1A) will now be described.

In operation, in the embodiment where first side 412 of fastening means 104 (see FIG. 4) comes pre-attached to the interior surface of front panel 102A (or 102B or 310), user 106 (FIG. 1) simply peels off liner 422 to expose adhesive or tacky side 420 (FIG. 4). Front panel 102A is then picked up such that the outside of front panel 102A is on user 106's palm and the exposed adhesive or tacky side 420 is applied to a clothing or accessory as shown in FIG. 1A.

In the alternate embodiment where first side 412 of fastening means 104 does not come pre-attached to the interior surface of front panel 102A (or 102B or 310), user 106 begins by placing front panel 102A, 102B or 310 on a flat surface as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, the exterior of front panel 102A is placed downwards on a flat surface. User 106 next removes liner 418 (FIG. 4B) to expose adhesive or tacky side 416 (FIG. 4B).

This exposed adhesive side 416 is then aligned with the periphery of the interior of front panel of 102A as shown in FIG. 5. That is, exposed adhesive side 416 is pressed against the interior edges of front panel 102A. Pressure is then applied on lining 422 of second side 414 (FIG. 4) and along the edges of front panel 102A so that fastening means 104 is fixedly attached to front panel 102A.

After fastening means 104 has been fixedly attached to front panel 102A, the second lining 422 is then removed exposing adhesive or tacky side 420 (FIG. 4). Front panel 102A is then picked up such that the outside of front panel 102A is on user 106's palm and the exposed adhesive or tacky side 420 is applied to a clothing or accessory as shown in FIG. 1A.

In this manner, user 106 can use pocket system 100 to carry articles or items such as a smart phone, credit card, etc. when the user 106 is on-the-go. Pocket system 100 is strong but temporary and can withstand a few washes on any clothing or accessory. Without limitation, user 106 may be an exercise enthusiast, such as a runner, or a shopper carrying a reusable shopping for use with pocket system 100.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A pocket system comprising:

a first front panel; and

a fastening means,

wherein said fastening means includes a first side and a second side, wherein the first side attaches to an interior periphery of the first front panel and wherein the second side attaches to a flat surface material to form a receptacle or pocket for receiving items for storage.

2. The pocket system of claim 1 wherein the first side has a tacky surface that is pre-attached to interior periphery of front panel.

3. The pocket system of claim 1 wherein the second side has a tacky surface that is covered by a peelable liner.

4. The pocket system of claim 3 wherein the second side with the tacky surface exposed is attached to the flat material surface by applying pressure on the first front panel.

5. The pocket system of claim 1 wherein the first front panel is temporary.

6. The pocket system of claim 1 wherein the flat surface material is a user's clothing.

7. The pocket system of claim 1 wherein the flat surface material is an interior of a reusable shopping bag.

8. The pocket system of claim 1 further comprising a second front panel attached to the first front panel to form an opening that receives an item for storage.

9. A method for forming a pocket comprising:

providing a first front panel;

providing a fastening means, wherein said fastening means includes a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is attachable to an interior periphery of the first front panel and wherein the second side is attachable to a flat surface material to form a receptacle or pocket for receiving items for storage.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first side has a tacky surface that is covered by a peelable liner.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the second side has a tacky surface that is covered by a peelable liner.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the first side with the tacky surface exposed is pre-attached to the interior periphery.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the second side with the tacky surface exposed is attached to the flat material surface by applying pressure on the first front panel.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the first front panel is temporary.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein the flat surface material is a user's clothing.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein the flat surface material is an interior of a reusable shopping bag.

17. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing a second front panel attachable to the first front panel to form an opening that receives an item for storage.