OBJECT RETAINING ARTICLE

Abstract

An object retaining article is provided. The object retaining article includes a first layer having a first length and a second layer having a second length and being coupled to the first layer to form an object compartment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to articles and, more particularly, to object retaining articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/400,798, filed Sep. 28, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Athletic and other physical activities involve frequent movement of the body and often require maximum freedom of movement. Participants in such activities may also carry personal items, such as one or more keys, electronic devices, money, credit or identification cards, or other objects, while performing such activities. However, clothing and accessories designed to carry or retain such objects may add unnecessary weight or bulk, restrict freedom of movement, and/or not sufficiently secure the object to the participant during the activity. As such, participants in such activities often sacrifice performance in order to carry such objects, may experience discomfort due to the object(s), clothing, and/or accessory, or may simply forego carrying such objects due to the shortcomings of conventional athletic and workwear clothing and accessories.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an object retaining article that securely carries and/or retains one or more objects while minimizing weight and/or bulk and maximizing freedom of movement of the article wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an object retaining article is provided. The article includes an inner layer of elastic material having an inner layer compartment portion and an extension portion configured to wrap around an object positioned adjacent the inner layer compartment portion, and an outer layer of elastic material having an outer layer compartment portion and coupled to the inner layer to form an object compartment defined by the inner layer compartment portion and the outer layer compartment portion.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an object retaining article is provided. The article includes an inner layer of a first material having a first length, an outer layer of a second material having a second length and being coupled to the inner layer to form an object compartment, and at least one gripping member coupled to the inner layer and configured to substantially fix the object retaining article against movement.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an object retaining article is provided. The article includes a first layer of elastic material configured to wrap around a wear surface, a second layer of elastic material at least partially defining an object compartment and being configured to wrap around the first layer, and a third layer of elastic material contacting a second layer outer surface and cooperating with the second layer of elastic material to retain an object in the object compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an object retaining article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an object retaining article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an object retaining article 10 in accordance with one embodiment. The object retaining article 10 includes a first, inner layer 12 and a second, outer layer 14. The outer layer 14 is configured to at least partially wrap around the inner layer 12. The inner layer 12 includes an inner layer compartment portion 26 and an extension portion 22. The outer layer 14 is coupled to the inner layer 12 to form an object compartment 30. The outer layer 14 includes an outer layer compartment portion 28. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the article 10 in a first configuration in which the inner layer 12 remains extended against a wear surface 16 of a wearer 18. In the first configuration, the object compartment 30 is accessible to the wearer 18 to allow the wearer 18 to place one or more object 24 in the object compartment 30. In one embodiment, the outer layer 14 is sized such that the object compartment 30 fully covers the object(s) 24 in order to secure the object(s) in the article 10. In another embodiment not shown, the outer layer 14 and/or the object compartment 30 is/are sized such that the object compartment 30 only partially covers the object(s) 24.

The inner layer 12 is coupled to the outer layer 14 along opposing ends 44 of the object compartment 30 to at least partially define the object compartment 30 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although two ends 44 of the object compartment 30 are shown, any number of coupling ends 44 may be included to define one or more object compartments 30 or otherwise join the inner layer 12 to the outer layer 14. No coupling ends 44 are included in one embodiment of the article 10. In one or more embodiments, one or more ends 44 extend axially relative to the article 10 and/or vertically relative to the article 10 being worn on a vertically-extending limb of the wearer 18. In an embodiment, two or more ends 44 are substantially parallel. In non-limiting examples, the inner layer 12 is sewed, stitched, glued, fused, made integrally with, or otherwise attached or joined to the outer layer 14. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, the inner layer 12 is joined with the outer layer 14 at a coupling portion 46 that is separated from the extension portion 22 by the inner layer compartment portion 26. The coupling portion 46 of the illustrated embodiments at least partially defines the one or more object compartments 30 and joins the two layers 12, 14. In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the coupling portion 46 defines the bottom of all compartments 30.

In an embodiment, the inner layer 12 and the outer layer 14 are both flexible, elastic, or otherwise made from a material to allow conformity to the shape of the object 24. In additional embodiments not illustrated, one or both of the inner layer 12 and the outer layer 14 are not flexible or elastic. In an embodiment, the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 is/are made from a mesh or netting material that allows visible inspection of the object(s) 24 in the object compartment 30. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the mesh or netting material further allows a user to touch and/or operate electronic devices, such as smart phones and other touch screen devices to name non-limiting examples. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner layer 12 and the outer layer 14 are configured to conform to the wear surface 16 of the wearer 18 of the object retaining article 10. In one or more non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 is/are made from spandex, Lycra®, elastane, and/or a compression garment fabric and/or another synthetic or organic fiber material known by those having ordinary skill in the art to have elasticity and/or flexibility. In one embodiment, the inner layer 12 includes a different material than the outer layer 14 and, in another embodiment, the inner layer 12 includes the same material as the outer layer 14.

The article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 includes the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 formed as a continuous loop, cylinder, sleeve, ring, or other structure defining an opening therethrough. In one or more embodiments, a wearer 18 positions a hand, limb, or other body part into the opening 32 such that the inner layer 12 of the article 10 is positioned along, adjacent to, or against the wear surface 16 of the wearer 18. In one non-limiting example, the wearer 18 positioned his/her arm into the opening 32 of the article 10 and allows the flexible or elastic material of the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 to remain against the wear surface 16 of the wearer's arm. In additional embodiments, the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 is/are formed as a strip, patch, or other non-continuous structure that does not define an opening threrethrough.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the article 10 in a second configuration in which the inner layer 12 is folded, rolled, or otherwise repositioned such that the inner layer 12 partially overlaps itself forming a third layer 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the extension portion 22 is configured to wrap around the outer layer 14 and/or an object 24 positioned adjacent the inner layer compartment portion 26. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the third layer 20 contacts at least a portion of a second layer outer surface 42 and cooperates with the second, outer layer 14 to secure, retain, or otherwise hold the object 24 in the object compartment 30.

The third layer 20 is formed by the extension portion 22 of the first, inner layer 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In an embodiment, the third layer 20 is integral with the first, inner layer 12. The third layer 20 is a separate layer in another embodiment. The third layer 20 is made from the same elastic or flexible material discussed above with regard to inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 in one or more embodiments and is made from a different material than the inner layer 12 and/or the outer layer 14 in another embodiment. The first, inner layer 12, the second, outer layer 14, and/or the third layer 20 are configured to conform to the shape of the wear surface 16 and form a substantially cylindrical shape when conforming to the shape of the wear surface 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner layer 12 has a first length 34 and the outer layer 14 has a second length 36. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first length 34 is greater than the second length 36 to allow the extension portion 22 to extend at least partially cover the object 24. In another embodiment not shown, the first length 34 is less than the second length 36 such that the outer layer 14 includes an extension portion that extends inwardly to at least partially cover the object 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in particular embodiments, the third layer 20 contacts a predetermined contact length 40 of the second layer outer surface 42 to secure the object(s) 24 in the object compartment 30. In an embodiment, the predetermined contact length 40 is greater than 0.5 inch, the predetermined contact length 40 is greater than 1.0 inch in another embodiment, the predetermined contact length 40 is between 0.5 inch and 5 inches in another embodiment, and the predetermined contact length 40 is between 1 inch and 3 inches in another embodiment. In additional embodiments, the predetermined contact length 40 is less than 0.5 inch and greater than 5 inches. The predetermined contact length 40 is between 10% and 90% of the second length 36 in one embodiment and between 20% and 60% of the second length 36 in another embodiment. The predetermined contact length 40 is less than 10% of the second length 36 in an embodiment and greater than 90% of the second length 36 in another embodiment. The article 10 includes the predetermined contact length 40 in order to securely lock objects 24 in the object compartment 30. It will be appreciated that articles 10 of a larger size include the predetermined contact length 40 that would be greater relative to the predetermined contact length 40 of articles 10 of a smaller size.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the article 10 of one or more embodiments further includes one or more gripping members 50 coupled to the inner layer 12 to substantially fix the object retaining article 10 against movement. The gripping member(s) 50 is/are made from a material that sticks, rubs, or otherwise grips the wear surface 16, such as silicon in on non-limiting example. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize the various materials suited for gripping the skin or other surface of the wear surface 16, and such materials form part of the present disclosure. The gripping member(s) 50 secure the gripped portion of the article 10 against movement relative to the wear surface 16 and/or relative to other portions of the article 10. Further, the structural and material aspects of the gripping member(s) 50 prevent gathering, bunching, or other unintended movement of particular portions or ends of the article 10.

The gripping members 50 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 include a first gripping member 52 at least partially circumferentially extend along the inside surface of the inner layer 12 at a first gripping portion 54 and a second gripping member 56 at least partially circumferentially extending along the inside surface of the inner layer 12 at a second gripping portion 58 of the object retaining article 10. The first gripping member 52 substantially fixes the first gripping portion 54 relative to the second gripping portion 58, and the second gripping member 56 substantially fixes the second gripping portion 58 relative to the first gripping portion 54. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first and second gripping portions 54, 58 are substantially aligned with the ends of the outer layer 14. Such positioning allows the extension portion 22 to fold over the outer layer 14 to the point of the gripping members 52, 56. In one embodiment, the gripping member 52 acts as a hinge for the inner layer 12. In one or more embodiments, the coupling portion 46 attaches one or more gripping members 50 to the article 10. In the second configuration illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, gripping members 52 are positioned at opposite ends of the article 10 in such a configuration. The gripping member(s) 50 may include only a single gripping member 50 covering only a single point, a line, or another geometry against the wear surface 16, including covering the entire inside area of the inner layer 12, to substantially fix one or more portions of the article 10 against movement.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 include a sleeve or similarly structured article 10 adapted for minimal coverage of the wear surface 16. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the article 10 of an embodiment includes the inner and outer layers 12, 14 described above and further includes a wear extension 60. The wear extension 60 of one or more embodiments includes a full sleeve, a partial sleeve, a full or partial pants sleeve, or other type of extension to allow the wearer 18 to increase coverage over a larger wear surface 16. For example, the embodiment of the article 10 having the wear extension 60 enables the wearer 18 to perform activities outdoors when the outdoor temperature is relatively cool.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the article 10 of an embodiment includes a glove article 62 or any other type of hand or wrist covering. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4, are included in the glove article 62 to secure an object 24.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the article 10 of an embodiment includes a shirt article 64 or any other type of chest, back, torso, or upper body covering. The shirt article 64 includes one or more articles 10 as described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 at such non-limiting locations as a limb opening, a neckline, a waistband, or one or more cuffs. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above, are included in the shirt article 64 to secure object(s) 24. In particular embodiments, any article of clothing, including a portion of clothing having an opening or partial opening, incorporates the article 10 to allow secure placement of one or more objects 24.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the article 10 of an embodiment includes a sock, shoe, or footwear article 66 or any other type of foot or ankle covering. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above, are included in the footwear article 66 to secure one or more objects 24.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the article 10 of an embodiment includes a pant article 68 or any other type of leg, ankle, knee, waist, or mid or lower body covering, including shorts, underwear, kneepads, or leg, knee, or ankle wraps. The pant article 68 includes one or more articles 10 as described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above, are included in the pant article 68 to secure object(s) 24. In particular embodiments, any article of clothing, including a portion of clothing having an opening or partial opening, incorporates the article 10 to allow secure placement of one or more objects 24.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the article 10 of an embodiment includes a brassiere article 70 or any other type of female upper body covering. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above, are included in the brassiere article 70 to secure one or more objects 24.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the article 10 of an embodiment is sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to be positioned at the wrist or forearm of the wearer 18. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the inner and outer layers 12, 14, as well as any features described above with regard to one or more other embodiments, are included in the article 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 12 to secure one or more objects 24.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure include the article 10 forming part of a hat, headband, or other headwear, another article of clothing or an accessory, and/or a tool, piece of equipment, animal, vehicle, or other object carried by or accompanying a person wishing to access the one or more objects 24 during an activity. Further, any particular aspect, function, or feature of any embodiment described above is combined with another aspect, function, or feature of another embodiment described above to form one or more embodiments additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments provided in the present disclosure provide the article 10 that tightly and securely retains, carries, or otherwise holds one or more objects 24, such as personal items like a key, electronic devices, money, credit or identification cards, or other objects of varying size and shape. As one non-limiting example, due to the structures and materials of the embodiments disclosed herein, a single key is held just as safely and securely on the wear surface 16 of the wearer 18 as a large electronic device while the wearer 18 engages in one or more activities. Further, the simplicity of the article 10 provides such secure retention of objects 24 without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. The ability for one or more portions of the article 10 to flex or otherwise conform to the shape of the wear surface 16 further allows full range of movement with little to know restriction. The gripping member(s) 50 further enhance the ability of the article 10 to remain substantially fixed on the wear surface 16 and maintain its form. The sum of the features and functions described above allow participants of activities, such as exercising, participating in sporting events, and engaging in physical labor in a few non-limiting examples, to securely and safely carry one or more objects 24 without sacrificing performance or experiencing undue discomfort.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. An object retaining article comprising:

an inner layer of elastic material having an inner layer compartment portion and an extension portion configured to wrap around an object positioned adjacent the inner layer compartment portion; and

an outer layer of elastic material having an outer layer compartment portion and coupled to the inner layer to form an object compartment defined by the inner layer compartment portion and the outer layer compartment portion.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer at a coupling portion, the coupling portion being separated from the extension portion by the inner layer compartment portion.

3. The article of claim 1, further comprising at least one gripping member coupled to the inner layer and configured to substantially fix the object retaining article against movement.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein the at least one gripping member includes a circumferentially extending gripping member.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the inner layer has a first length, the outer layer has a second length, and the first length is greater than the second length.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is formed as a continuous loop defining an opening therethrough.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer forms a waistband of an article of clothing.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer forms a limb opening of an article of clothing.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer forms a neckline of an article of clothing.

10. An object retaining article comprising:

an inner layer of a first material having a first length;

an outer layer of a second material having a second length and being coupled to the inner layer to form an object compartment; and

at least one gripping member coupled to the inner layer and configured to substantially fix the object retaining article against movement.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein the at least one gripping member comprises:

a first gripping member at a first gripping portion of the object retaining article; and

a second gripping member at a second gripping portion of the object retaining article, the first gripping member substantially fixing the first gripping portion relative to the second gripping portion, and the second gripping member substantially fixing the second gripping portion relative to the first gripping portion.

12. The article of claim 10, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is configured to conform to a wear surface of a wearer of the object retaining article.

13. The article of claim 10, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

14. The article of claim 10, wherein the first material is the same material as the second material.

15. The article of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first material and the second material is elastic.

16. An object retaining article comprising:

a first layer of elastic material configured to wrap around a wear surface;

a second layer of elastic material at least partially defining an object compartment and being configured to wrap around the first layer; and

a third layer of elastic material contacting a second layer outer surface and cooperating with the second layer of elastic material to retain an object in the object compartment.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the third layer is integral with the first layer.

18. The article of claim 16, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are configured to conform to the shape of the wear surface.

19. The article of claim 16, wherein the third layer contacting the second layer outer surface forms a predetermined contact length to retain the object in the object compartment.

20. The article of claim 16, wherein the first layer is coupled to the second layer along opposing ends of the object compartment to at least partially define the object compartment.