POCKET DESIGN FOR GARMENTS TO ALLOW MOBILE DEVICE USERS HANDS FREE RECORDING OF VIDEO, AUDIO AND OTHER DATA

Abstract

This invention is a pocket that is incorporated into a garment to hold a mobile device safely and securely on the wearer with its sensors exposed such that the mobile device functionality relative to data collection or utilization (audio, video, photographic and other data) is possible in a hands free nature. This will allow a user, without the need for special cases or harnesses, to do hands free POV (Point of View) video recording, photographs, audio recording, and other application driven data collection such as GPS trip mapping, environmental data collection, and two way voice activated communication. The intention is to have the pocket to be a part of many types of clothing consumers wear, so the mobile device is easily put to use for the described functions, is readily available when needed and is a convenient and inexpensive alternative to special harnesses, holders or carriers. The invention also carries out the functions of a standard mobile device holster or harness such that the user can access the device for playing music or other functions in a hands free manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

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

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of POV (Point Of View) video recording has been growing rapidly with the rise of social media and with the introduction of wearable technology capable of taking high quality video recordings. Those devices are priced in a range that many people wishing to participate are unable to afford yet a far greater number of people are already carrying a high definition recording device in the form of their mobile device such as a smartphone. As technology has enhanced the capability of mobile devices to gather high quality photographs, video and audio their ability to bridge the gap between purpose built recording devices and the smartphone functionality and adaptability makes them an ideal candidate for utilization. Because of their wide spread use these mobile devices offer their users enhanced opportunities to record audio and video provided that the user has a way to access the device as needed and in a way that allows them to carry on the activity they are trying to record. This, in many cases, means utilizing some form of hands free method to hold the phone in a way that it can be used to record. Purpose build harness systems are manufactured for accomplishing this but they are something that a user has to wear as an accessory which does not lend itself to spontaneous use. This invention offers a method to carry and use the mobile device in an everyday normal manner without needing special harnesses, accessories or attachments and the invention allows the user to access the device to use to record in hands free mode from a secure holder built right into their clothing in an unobtrusive and convenient manner. It also serves as the method in which the user can normally carry their mobile device without the need for a holster or other carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of clothing, such as a jacket, coveralls, shirt, coat, pants or the like which includes a pocket built into the garment to hold a mobile device in a manner that allows use of its functionality to record video, audio and other data while the garment is worn. To hold a mobile device safely and securely on the wearer such that the mobile device functionality relative to data collection or utilization (audio, video and other data) is possible in a hands free nature. In use the invention will allow a user to do hands free POV (Point of View) video recording, audio recording, photographic and depending on other accessories, data collection such as application driven GPS trip mapping, environmental data collection, and two way voice activated communication. The invention also carries out the functions of a standard mobile device holster or harness such that the user can access the device for playing music or other functions in a hands free manner.

The pocket, in combination with any garment that incorporates it in order to provide the functions as described herein is the invention. This invention differentiates itself from all other pocket designs in that it is specifically made to provide the functions detailed herein.

The invention is designed to allow the essential recording sensors of a mobile device access to the outside of the apparel so that a user can take advantage of mobile device functions while the mobile device is being carried in the invention.

The term sensors includes those input devices that are either part of the mobile device or attached to it that collect photographic, video, audio, or other data.

As envisioned, the functionality of this invention includes, but is not limited to, audio and video recording and/or playback as well as other functions that could be, but not limited to, app driven functions on the device.

For the purposes of clarity the pocket and the garment it is in may be discussed as separate items but should be understood to be the combination of the two into an item of clothing that becomes an embodiment of the invention.

The terms garment, apparel, clothing, clothes can mean any item of clothing other than special harnesses or accessory type carriers specially designed to carry mobile devices and use them in a hands free manner.

The term pocket used in reference to this invention can be in the form of a shaped bag like portion of the garment or any combination of straps, elastic, or similar support structure that carries out the form and function of the invention so long as it is integral to the garment and carries out the function as described in the invention. Any mention of the term pocket in this document should be understood to be an inclusive but not limiting term to help define the invention in its many possible embodiments.

The design of the pocket may vary depending on the nature of the garment and the desired outcome for functionality with guiding elements in design being to ensure functionality, security and accessibility.

The profile edge of the outside portion of the pocket or garment through which the device projects out to expose its sensors may be varied to provide best performance for as wide a range of mobile devices as possible or it may be purpose designed for a particular mobile device. It can also be designed to accommodate add on devices to the sensors like camera lenses.

The interior of the pocket may be varied in order to provide the best positioning of the mobile device. In its simplest embodiment this can be a simple friction fit in an elastic strap inside the pocket but various other methods using straps, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasterners or the like could be used alone or in combination with other methods to provide security and positioning.

The pocket component of the invention might be located on the inside of the garment or sewn on the outside of the main body of the apparel as an external pocket.

With a pocket sewn on the inside of the apparel the design of the invention is such that the outside layer of the garment has an opening to permit the mobile device to have its sensors exposed to allow use. The access opening may be a simple slit type opening in the garment that allows the mobile device while in the pocket to project up through the slit to the outside of the garment or it may have an elastic, gusset, stretch fabric or some similar enhancement in the garment to allow easier access and adaptability.

As an external pocket sewn to and being part of the garment the pocket incorporates both the pocket and an opening in the body of the pocket itself allowing the mobile device sensors access to the outside of the pocket.

The opening for the mobile device sensors may or may not incorporate a flap or other closure or cover to protect the exposed portion of the mobile device when the sensors are not in use.

The invention may have a number of adaptations allowing greater flexibility of use and those will be apparent from disclosures made herein and to anyone familiar with the art.

As an example:

Access to the pocket component of the invention can be made in several ways and is linked to the design of the garment component. In use this would mean that when placing the mobile device in the invention it could be inserted from the outside of the garment directly into the invention or the user could open the garment to gain access to the pocket from the inside or they could access the invention from the outside through a specialized opening to gain access to the mobile device (e.g. a zippered access on the side of an external pocket or in the main garment allowing access to the pocket without the need to open or otherwise disturb the garment). Using any one of these access options does not preclude the use of any other. For instance, a user may own the invention in the form of an inside access configuration but can at their discretion insert their mobile device directly into the invention simply by sliding the mobile device straight into the invention from the outside through the opening that the mobile device is exposed through for sensor use.

It is another object of the invention to provide, in some embodiments, an article of clothing, such as jackets, diving and surfing exposure suits, or the like, that includes the pocket in a water-resistant or water proof form to protect the mobile device from damage due to water or sweat while allowing functionality of the device as previously described.

In an embodiment of the invention used for garments associated with water sports the invention can be adapted to accommodate mobile devices that are protected in water proof cases.

The invention provides a method of protecting and utilizing a mobile device to gather data in a hands free mode during everyday activities including sports and work activity. The method comprises: placing the mobile device into a pocket of an article of clothing that incorporates this invention and wearing said article of clothing.

Such method of protecting and utilizing the mobile device may further include securing such mobile device in said pocket by any securing or closure means provided, such as a zipper, flap, button, magnetic flap, or hook and loop.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Likewise, elements and features depicted in one drawing may be combined with elements and features depicted in additional drawings. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an article of clothing (e.g. a jacket) of the present invention showing one of the embodiments of the invention wherein a pocket is positioned on the chest of the wearer.

FIG. 2 is an inside view of an embodiment of an article of clothing (e.g. a jacket) of the present invention showing the invention utilizing the pocket component as an inside pocket in the garment.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention in a garment that does not have easy access to the inside (e.g. a pullover sweater or hoody) with an access opening in the garment specifically for use of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in a garment that does not have easy access to the inside (e.g. a pullover sweater or hoody) where the user inserts their mobile device into the invention directly through the opening in the garment where the mobile phone is exposed for use.

FIG. 5 shows an outside view of the pocket and an embodiment that has an example of a pocket edge cut to accommodate a wide range of sensor locations for mobile devices in the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view from inside a garment with an embodiment having an inside pocket access.

FIG. 7 shows an inside view of a pocket that uses one embodiment of a device retention and positioning strap made from elastic material inside the pocket.

FIG. 8 is a detail of the present invention showing an external closure or securing means, for example, a zipper or a flap to secure and protect the mobile device when not in use.

FIG. 9 shows the closure detailed in FIG. 4 in an open position exposing the mobile device for use.

FIG. 10 is a view from outside the pocket of an alternative embodiment wherein the invention has an added feature allowing adjustment of the mobile device while in the pocket to allow for different sizes of mobile devices.

FIG. 11 is a view of the inside of the pocket of an alternative embodiment wherein the invention has an added feature allowing adjustment of the mobile device while in the pocket to allow for different sizes of mobile devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, modifications to described elements below may be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

In the drawings, like reference numerals or letters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The following is a list of the letters used to designate parts throughout several views:

A—A mobile device

B—The part of the pocket that is inside the garment

C—The main body of the garment the pocket is attached to

D—The exterior face of the pocket as that portion of the pocket facing out from the garment.

E—The edge of the pocket on the outside of the garment. In various embodiments having a designed edge to allow sensors access to the outside of the garment from the pocket.

F—An opening designed in a garment to allow access to the pocket from the inside without opening the garment.

G—The opening through which the mobile device sensors project from the pocket to allow functionality

H—A hook and loop type fastener is illustrated but as per the description of the invention other fasteners can be used.

I—Elastic retention strap.

J—An embodiment of a cover flap for the pocket opening

K—An adjustable strap to retain and position a mobile device in the pocket

L—A slit opening in the back panel of the pocket as an illustration of potential embodiments using an adjustment strap.

Referring to FIG. 1 an example of an article of clothing incorporating the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the article of clothing is a jacket. The pocket is shown as being integrated into the jacket and in this embodiment is located on the chest of the garment such that the camera of the mobile device (A) is exposed and positioned for use in a hands free mode. The design of the pocket and apparel is such that the edge of the pocket (E) is cut so that portion exposed of the camera will suit most mobile device locations for cameras that are located either top left, top right or center of the camera. Other pocket edge designs can be used to provide optimal functioning with the mobile device sensors across various makes and models of device.

In FIG. 2 a garment that incorporates the invention is shown in an embodiment where the invention can be accessed from inside the garment (e.g. a jacket with a zipper front). The mobile device (A) is inserted into the inner portion of the pocket (B) and then the device is positioned through the opening to the outside of the garment (G) such that the sensors on the device are outside the garment and in a position to be used for the functions described herein. The lower portion of the device in this embodiment riding down in the main section of the pocket and the upper portion with the sensors on it riding up and out of the pocket cavity on the outside of the garment and held securely in a position to be used for the functions described herein.

Referring to FIG.3 in this embodiment the garment has a purpose designed and incorporated opening (F) meant to allow access to the invention. In this illustration a small zippered opening to the interior of the garment is shown whereby access to the inside pocket embodiment of the invention can be carried out. The opening can be in the form of an open access or secured by zipper, buttons, hooks, snaps , hook and loop or other like fastener. The device (A) can be inserted into the inner opening of the pocket though this access opening or optionally can be directly inserted into the pocket from the outside though the opening in the garment into the pocket meant for the device to project out of the garment from. While illustrated as an opening into the inside of the garment the same approach can be used to secure access to the invention if it is in the outside pocket configuration with the opening gaining access through the side of the outside pocket rather than to the interior of the garment.

FIG. 4 Illustrates an embodiment of the invention there is no outside extension of an inner pocket nor is there an outside pocket operating as the invention. In this case the outside layer of the garment (C) is only broken by the cut-out that the device projects through to allow outside access by its sensors and to function as described herein. The device (A) is inserted into the pocket from the outside of the garment though the opening (G) and is slid down into position. In this embodiment the edge of the pocket (E) is designed to give an unobstructed view for the sensors once the mobile device is in position in the pocket.

FIG. 5 Illustrates the invention in an embodiment that has a pocket that is either an outside pocket on a garment (C) with no access to the inner part of the garment or it can have the external pocket portion as illustrated with a back access as an inner portion of the pocket that allows access from inside the garment. The device (A) is inserted into the pocket and positioned as a result so that its sensors are exposed. In this embodiment the pocket edge (E) has an edge design meant for usage for a broad range of devices with varying locations of the sensors meant to be used for the functions described herein. The outer portion of the pocket in this embodiment projects out from the face of the garment (C).

FIG. 6 Is a side view of the embodiment described in FIG. 5. The invention projects both outside (D) the main garment (C) and inside the garment (B). The device (A) can be inserted in the embodiment from the outside of the garment directly into the pocket or can be slid in from inside the garment and then positioned so its sensors are exposed.

FIG. 7 is a view of the inside of the invention in an embodiment where a band of elastic material (I) has been incorporated in order to position and secure the device(A). In this example the elastic material is incorporated into the inside of the pocket and is not attached to the main garment

(C).This is but one example of many methods to carry out these functions and is used as an example only and is not meant to limit the invention to any one method, material or system.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the current invention that uses a flap (J) to cover the opening and protect and secure the device in the invention. The flap projects down and over the pocket front (D). Hook and loop fasteners (H) are attached to the flap and to the main garment (C). The flap is designed to cover the opening and can be used in combination with an inside pocket configuration or an outside pocket. If the user is using the invention in such a way that the mobile device is inserted into the pocket through the opening that the mobile device extends through the flap does not interfere with that function. The flap can be secured in both its open or closed position using snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener or any other of the like to secure the flap. A flap is not necessary for the operation of the invention but is shown in this context as an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment from FIG. 8 with the flap (J) lifted and fastened into position by hook and loop fasteners. As with other examples given the invention may utilize any number of other types of fasteners to accomplish the same function. In this example only the upper fastener is illustrated as holding the flap up to the main garment (C) and fasteners could be attached to the outer layer of the pocket (D) in order to secure the flap closed. This embodiment shows the invention with an outer layer projecting from the main garment but the same systems and techniques can be applied to the invention embodiment that does not have a projection of the pocket to the outside of the garment.

FIG. 10 shows a view from outside the invention in an embodiment that has a system for adjusting the device in the pocket. The device (A) is placed into the pocket of the invention so that its sensors are positioned properly in the opening (G) of the garment (C). The one end of the adjustment strap (K) is passed out of the back of the pocket through a slot (I) and adjusted for length to position the device and then fasted to a hook and loop fastener (H) on the outside of the pocket. The details of the embodiment are more completely explained and illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is an inside view of the invention in its embodiment referred to in FIG.10 to adjust a device in the invention to optimize its position for best functionality. This is an embodiment of the current invention where a hammock like piece of cloth, operating as an adjustment strap (K), is sewn to one side of the inside of the pocket or to the inside part of the garment (C) that might serve as the one side of the pocket of the invention and then passed down and under the mobile device coming up on the other side and passed through an eyelet type opening (L) on the pocket. The end of the strap has a piece of hook and loop fastener then is matched with a patch of the proper fastener material (H) on the outside of the pocket and the user can then adjust the height of the mobile device in the pocket by either pulling or loosening the strap portion and refastening it to the attachment tab. Shortening or lengthening the strap will cause the hammock to lift or drop within the pocket and thereby adjust the point at which the mobile device (A) is supported in the pocket to optimize positioning in the garment opening (G). While a hook and loop type material is used for illustration any form of fastening system that will allow the repositioning of the strap may be used. This embodiment can be used in combination with other positioning and security methods, materials and systems as shown in this illustration in combination with an elastic strap (I) holding the device in position.

The inventions illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising”, “including,” containing”, etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the inventions embodied therein herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A pocket that is incorporated into a garment to hold a mobile electronic device in a manner that allows use of its functionality to record video, audio and other data while the garment is worn.

2. The pocket of claim 1 provides access to the outside of the apparel for the essential recording sensors of a mobile device so that a user can take advantage of functions while the mobile device is being carried in the invention.

3. The pocket of claims 1 and 2 provides a method and system that allows a user to do hands free POV (Point of View) video recording, audio recording, and depending on other accessories, data collection such as application driven GPS trip mapping, environmental data collection, and two way voice activated communication.

4. The pocket of claims 1 through 3 provides a method and system to hold a mobile device safely and securely on the wearer and ready to use in the functions detailed herein as well as serving as a method of everyday carry for the device.

5. The pocket of claims 1 through 4 is a part of the garment and may be in the form of:

a. an inside pocket with an access for the mobile device sensors through the fabric of the garment.

b. an outside pocket sewn to the garment forming a complete garment incorporating the pocket and with sensor access through the cloth of the pocket or