Abstract:
The present invention comprises a novel class of clothing which may be worn as described herein. The various embodiments of such clothing share the common attribute that a pocket for accepting various devices or other items is sewn or otherwise embodied within the article of clothing. The clothing is easily manufactured and the pockets may be deployed in various configurations to accept and retain a wide variety of devices and other objects. Further, the pockets are designed to provide a secure and snug fit around the device to lessen movement during various activities such as exercising. The pockets may also contain a specially configured tab for accepting and routing wires and cords associated with, for example, electronic devices for playing music.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to apparel and more specifically to apparel designed and customized to securely restrain personal electronic devices and related items.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     In today&#39;s society, electronic devices, and especially portable electronic devices, are ubiquitous. These devices perform a myriad of functions and exist in a practically unlimited number of shapes, sizes and configurations. Examples of such portable devices include compact disc (CD) players, radios, MP3 players, wireless telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and various devices that combine some or all of these functions.  
         [0005]     These devices are typically carried in some manner with the user during much of the business day and beyond. Many people carry cell phones with them at all times for business or personal communication; others require almost continous access to portable music devices, which can be used while waiting for buses and subway trains, while walking from place to place, while exercising—in fact, the general trend is that Americans, especially in urban environments, expect to have continual access to communication and entertainment devices, no matter what activity in which they are engaged.  
         [0006]     One of the problems that has not been adequately addressed is the manner of holding or securing the electronic device during typical user activities. When exercising it is highly desirable from the user point of view not to have to hold the electronic device so that hands and arms are free to participate in the activity without constraints. For example, when running, it is preferable for the user to not have to hold the device in his or her hand. However, absent acceptable solutions, many users do hold the electronic device in their hands while exercising or engaging in other activities. When working with weights in a gym environment, the user needs to keep his or her hands and arms free to use in connection with the particular exercise. Even while engaged in activities such as walking, or in simple waiting, it is important to secure electronic devices so as not to interfere with other activities.  
         [0007]     Various solutions have been proposed. Some electronic devices are equipped with belts, bands and other strap-type or similar attachment features that permits the user to secure the device to the user&#39;s arm, waist or head, for example. Other users simply attempt to use conventional clothing, and the pockets typically designed for such clothing, to hold the devices. However, neither of these solutions—specially designed strap-on devices, and conventional pockets—adequately address the problem. In the case of conventional pockets, the pockets are not sized appropriately for the devices, and are not secure, so the devices tend to bounce around, or fall out, particularly in environments where strenuous physical activity is being undertaken. In some cases, the holding areas can be so large that the device is at risk of falling out and/or becoming damaged. Additionally, in some cases such as in the case of CD players, device operation can be impaired or fail as a result of too much movement resulting from activities such as running.  
         [0008]     Other drawbacks are also associated with existing solutions for holding portable electronic devices. By way of example, arm bands and waist bands can constrain the user&#39;s movement as well as restrict blood flow which has obvious implications to the safety and effectiveness of exercising. Many people find such bands around the arm or waist uncomfortable or awkward. Also, existing carrying solutions can make it difficult for the user to adjust controls such as power, volume and track selection buttons while in the carrying device. Yet another problem is that many of the electronic devices employ headphones with a wired attachment to the electronic device. These headphone wires can become unwieldy and can get in the way of various exercises and other activities not to mention the unsightly look of the wires.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution for portable electronic devices and other items which is designed to overcome the above stated problems, drawbacks and deficiencies.  
         [0010]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which assures the secure containment of a wide variety of personal electronic and other devices and items.  
         [0011]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution that permits an individual to move about freely without occupying the user&#39;s hands, legs or other element of his or her body.  
         [0012]     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which avoids problems associated with wires connecting headphones to the electronic devices.  
         [0013]     It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which may be readily adjusted and configured to accept a wide variety of devices and other items of various shapes and sizes.  
         [0014]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying solution which allows ready access to the devices contained therein as well as the various controls associated therewith.  
         [0015]     These and other objects of the present invention are obtained in connection with a novel class of clothing which may be worn as described herein. The various embodiments of such clothing share the common attribute that a pocket for accepting various devices or other items is sewn or otherwise embodied within the article of clothing. The clothing is easily manufactured and the pockets may be deployed in various configurations to accept and retain a wide variety of devices and other objects. Further, the pockets are designed to provide a secure and snug fit around the device to lessen movement during various activities such as exercising. The pockets may also contain a specially configured tab for accepting and routing wires and cords associated with, for example, electronic devices for playing music.  
         [0016]     According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clothing of the present invention comprises at least one pocket for accepting and securing a device or other item. In one embodiment, pockets are specifically sized and shaped to accept a particular device or item of known size or shape. In another embodiment of the present invention, pockets are designed to be adjustable to devices and items of various sizes ensuring that all items meeting particular size and shape constraints will fit securely and snugly within the pocket such that movement within the pocket is minimized or eliminated.  
         [0017]     These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is an illustration showing a garment with a pocket according to the present invention in a preferred embodiment thereof;  
         [0019]     FIGS.  2 ( a ) and  2 ( b ) are illustrations showing the detail of a flexible sizing element for a pocket according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is an illustration showing another embodiment of the present invention wherein multiple pockets are located upon a single garment; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is an illustration showing a detailed view of a pocket in the opened position according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     The present invention is now discussed to provide the reader with a detailed description of the novel class of clothing of the present invention. It will be understood that while the following discussion addresses particular embodiments and applications of the present invention, the claimed invention is not necessarily limited thereto and other embodiments and applications exist and the present invention is limited only by the specific claims appended hereto.  
         [0023]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the novel carrying solution of the present invention is shown in one form according to a preferred embodiment thereof. In this case, a pocket  120  is located on a t-shirt  110  for carrying a portable electronic device, some other device or any other item that would benefit from being carried by the wearer without the need for the wearer to hold the item or to otherwise use a separate component for securing the device or item. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, t-shirt  110  is merely one example of an article of clothing to which the teachings of the present invention may be applied. For example, in addition to t-shirts, pockets for holding devices and items may also be applied to sweatshirts, jackets, coats, vests, pants, shorts, hats, gloves, and various other articles of clothing and other items worn on or attached to the body.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , pocket  120  includes a covering flap  130  which is secured in place by a button  140  located on pocket  120  itself such that button  140  passes through a properly sized slot or opening on flap  130  in order to secure flap  130  in the closed position. Alternative methodologies for securing flap  130  in the closed position once the device or item has been inserted into pocket  120  are also available. For example, multiple buttons  140  with multiple associated slots on flap  130  may be used to provide additional security in maintaining flap  130  in the closed position. This solution may also be beneficial if multiple smaller items are to be held in pocket  120  so that they don&#39;t slip out on either side of a single button  140  closure. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a zipper may be used to selectively close and open pocket  120 . Alternatively, velcro or some other velcro-like material may be used to secure flap in the closed position when desired but also to permit flap to be opened as required.  
         [0025]     Pocket  120 , in a preferred embodiment is sewn on to t-shirt  110  or another article of clothing as applicable. Pocket  120  may be sewn on the two sides and the bottom, leaving the top portion open for insertion of the item to be carried. Flap  130  is preferably sewn on the top portion only such that flap  130  falls on top of and covers the top opening of pocket  120 .  
         [0026]     Pocket  120  and the associated flap  130  may be located at various spots on the article of clothing. One particular advantage of locating pocket  120  in the center of t-shirt  110  or another article of clothing worn over the torso is that the device to be carried is fixed in position in a spot that is generally easier to reach with both hands so that the wearer can more easily remove and insert the item from pocket  120  as well as access controls on the device as desired. Aesthetically, a central pocket is more pleasing as well. In some cases, such as with a garment that closes via a zipper up the middle of the garment, a central pocket is not possible in which case, it is preferable to locate pocket  120  on one or both sides of such a central zipper.  
         [0027]     Pocket  120  may be formed in a practically infinite number of sizes and shapes. In particular, it is expected that pockets may be specifically manufactured to tight sizing and shaping requirements to fit specific electronic devices or other items. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , pocket  120  may be located in various locations instead of or in addition to the center of t-shirt  110  or another article of clothing. Multiple pockets  120  may also be positioned in various places on the article of clothing as is discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0028]     Instead of stitching pocket  120  on the garment, it is also possible to attach it to the garment in other ways. For example, pocket  120  may be attached to t-shirt  110  or another article of clothing via velcro or a velcro-like material or via a zipper with one “rail” of the zipper located on the garment and the other located upon the pocket. In this way, pocket  120  can be selectively removable from the garment as desired. Additionally, a set of pockets of various sizes may be interchangeably attached to the garment one at a time depending upon the size and shape of the device or other item which the wearer desires to carry. In this manner, a single garment may function to accept multiple pockets each of which has been specifically sized and shaped to fit a specific device or other item.  
         [0029]     It is important, however, that in whatever manner of attachment is used, the supporting garment material be strong enough to generally support the weight of pocket  120  and the weight of the device or other item intended to be carried in pocket  120  without a large degree of sagging. This can be addressed by, for example, reinforcing pocket  120  and the portion of t-shirt  110  or other garment to which pocket  120  is attached. Reinforcement may be via, for example, a stronger cloth or rubberized material in place of the base garment material.  
         [0030]     In one embodiment of the present invention an optional slot or hole  115  may be included on the outer surface of pocket  120 . Slot  115  may be included to provide ready access to, for example, the controls of a portable electronic device without requiring the wearer to open flap  130  on pocket  120 . Slot  115  may be sized and located on pocket  120  in a specific manner to accommodate, for example, a particular electronic device and the location of the controls thereupon.  
         [0031]     Turning now to FIGS.  2 ( a ) and  2 ( b ), an additional feature of the present invention is discussed. In this case, pocket  220  may include an element designed to be adjustable in relation to the size and shape of the inserted device. For example, in  FIG. 2 ( a ) an electronic device  250  can be inserted into pocket  220  and a flexible securing element  260  located at the bottom of pocket  220  enhances the fit of device  250  ensuring that it is snug in the pocket. For example, flexible securing element  260  may comprise a small, flexible, accordion-like component which expands and contracts as device  250  is removed and inserted, respectively. Flexible securing element  260  may be, for example, manufactured from plastic which has the desired compression and expansion characteristics to flex and accept device  260  and ensure a snug fit within pocket  220 . Flexible securing element  260  may be secured within pocket  220  using, for example, glue to secure it to the bottom of pocket  220 . Other materials may also be used to form flexible securing element  260  such as, for example, bubble wrap or any other suitable flexible and cushioning material,  
         [0032]     While  FIG. 2 ( a ) shows a single flexible securing element  260  located at the bottom of pocket  220 , in an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 ( b ), a pair of flexible securing elements  270  may be located on each of the sides of pocket  220 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows an example of the present invention wherein garment  310  includes two pockets  320  and  375 . Pocket  320  may be sized and shaped to accept, for example, a specific CD player which may be securing in place using flap  330  and button  340 . Similarly, pocket  375 , below pocket  320  may be configured to accept and securely hold one or more compact disks for use with the CD player. In various embodiments, CDs may be carried within pocket  375  using thin, appropriately sized plastic bags to keep CD&#39;s from rubbing against one another. Alternatively, separate slots for each CD may be used within a single pocket provided that the material comprising the pocket should be selected such that it does not scratch or otherwise damage CD&#39;s which are subject to moving somewhat within the slots. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single pocket may be used to provide storage for both the CD player and CDs wherein, for example, one or more slots for storing CDs are located behind or in front of the pocket which holds the CD player.  
         [0034]     From a marketing perspective, garment  310  and/or pockets  320  and  375  may be labeled and imprinted with various logos, trademarks, photos, and other identifying and/or branding information correlating to the specific types of devices contained within the apparel, and for which the apparel has been specifically designed. For example, garment  310  may comprise a sweatshirt marketed to Brittany Spears fans having her name  370  and/or likeness imprinted thereon, as well as her CD&#39;s, and a book containing such CDs. Pockets  320  and  375  may also be imprinted with photos, text and/or any other kind of branding desired. Various other marketing concepts can be employed in connection with the features of the present invention. For example, a book which is shaped and sized substantially the same as a compact disk or a compact disk case could be included in connection with a sale of a garment and/or made available separately from the garment. Such a book may contain a pocket within which a CD is placed and the book may also contain liner notes including lyrics, photos and various text. In a preferred embodiment such a book is “hardcover” although this is not required.  
         [0035]     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , yet another feature of the present invention is described in connection with the Figure. In this case, pocket  420  is imprinted with branding information for Jessica Simpson and her husband Nick Lachey and one of Jessica Simpson&#39;s album names. Further, flap  430  contains matching velcro strips  480  and  485  for selectively closing and opening flap  430 . It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that other methodologies for closing and opening flap may be used such as, for example, a conventional zipper. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , pocket  420  also contains two holes  490  and  495  located on flap  430  and pocket  420  respectively. In one embodiment holes  490  and  495  line up when flap  430  is closed. In this way, a cord, such as a headphone cord for a portable music device, can be routed out of pocket  420  in a neat and orderly way. Although not shown in  FIG. 4 , it is also possible for the garment material to include a hole somewhere on the garment within the area covered by pocket  420 . This hole effectively creates a path for routing a cord from a portable device on the inside of the garment through the hole and then up and out of the garment via, for example, the neck area of a shirt. Using such an embodiment, the majority of the length of such a cord can be hidden inside of the garment and the cord will only be seen from the neck and above to the ears.  
         [0036]     As a general matter, the novel clothing and related pockets described above can be used to securely hold a practically unlimited variety of devices and other items. Particular examples include cell phones, portable MP3 players, portable CD players, portable radios, CDs, tapes, books and other portable musical devices although this invention is by no means limited thereto. In order to provide additional protection, the pockets of the present invention may include padding either internal to the pocket or on the outside surface of the pocket. Such padding is particularly helpful when electronic devices or other sensitive items are placed within the pocket.  
         [0037]     It will also be recognized by one of skill in the art that although all of the teachings provided above with respect to the garment and associated pockets of the present invention have been referenced in terms of a pocket appearing on the exterior of the garment, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the teachings provided herein may be similarly applied to a pocket that is located on the interior portion of the garment, perhaps between the garment and the body of the wearer. Although this can provide an added level of assurance that the item will remain in place, access to the item is more difficult than if the pocket is located on the exterior of the garment.  
         [0038]     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims, and by their equivalents.