Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to articles of clothing, and more particularly to a protective pocket for electronic devices that can be incorporated into any type of clothing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    Within the health and fitness industry, it is well documented that listening to music provides many benefits to individuals performing an exercise routine. Although most major health clubs play music through loud speakers, many individuals prefer to listen to their own combination of songs and artists. In this regard, many users create customized playlists to provide motivation and/or provide a rhythm during their strenuous exercise activity. 
         [0004]    Although personal media devices such as an IPod® or MP3 players are a common sight, recent trends have seen a huge spike in the number of people who are utilizing their smartphones for this purpose. One of the major reasons for this trend is the popularity of online streaming music providers which utilize the connective abilities of a smartphone or other internet capable device to provide music on demand. 
         [0005]    While exercising, many women typically store their cellular telephone within their sports bra and many men simply place the phone within the lower pocket of their shorts. However, such placement is inherently dangerous, as the electronic signals generated by the phone itself can cause breast cancer and/or fertility problems. Moreover, such placement is often uncomfortable to the user, and the lack of a secure enclosure often results in the phone becoming dislodged and sustaining damage. Finally, when placed against the body, the phone can become damaged from the users&#39; perspiration. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there remains a need for a protective pocket capable of securely housing any type of electronic device without suffering from the drawbacks described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to clothing with a protective electronic device pocket. One embodiment of the present invention can include a protective pocket having a main body that includes a plurality of surfaces that define an interior space. A sleeve can be positioned within the main body and can provide access to the interior space. A connector can selectively position the sleeve between an open and closed configuration. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the pocket can be secured to any type of clothing such as a shirt, pants, shorts and the like. The pocket can preferably be positioned along an inside facing portion of the clothing, and the sleeve can be accessible via an opening located on the outside facing surface of the clothing. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention can include a layered construction having a moisture wicking outside layer, a radiation shielding middle layer and a high grip interior layer for receiving and engaging an electronic device. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include an aperture that is located along the pocket and allows ingress and egress of headphone wires. 
         [0011]    This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a frontal view of a protective electronic device pocket that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a partial cutout cross section view of a layered construction of the main body of the device pocket, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is an outside perspective view of the protective pocket secured onto a shirt, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is an inside perspective view of the protective pocket secured onto a shirt, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an outside perspective view of the protective pocket in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an outside perspective view of the protective pocket secured onto a pair of pants, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0020]    Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate various embodiments of a protective electronic device pocket  10  that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Although the illustrations presented throughout this document show the pocket in conjunction with a shirt and pants, those of skill in the art will recognize that the inventive concepts disclosed herein can be provided with any type or article of clothing, regardless of the manufacturer and/or intended use of the same. 
         [0022]    In either instance, the pocket  10  can be specially constructed to securely house an electronic device such as a cellular telephone, for example, and can be further designed to shield a user wearing the clothing from the harmful electromagnetic radiation that is produced by such devices. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a protective electronic device pocket  10 . In one embodiment, the pocket can include a main body having a substantially rectangular shape that includes a front surface  11   a , a rear surface  11   b,  and a plurality of side edges  11   c,    11   d,    11   e  and  11   f.  As shown, a sleeve  12  can be provided along one surface for accessing an interior space  13  that is defined by each of the body segments  11   a - 11   f.    
         [0024]    A connector  14  can be disposed along the sleeve  12 , and can function to allow a user to selectively position the sleeve into an open or closed orientation, so as to control access to the interior space  13 . In one preferred embodiment, the connector  14  can include a zipper, however any number of other devices capable of repeatedly securing the sleeve between an open and closed orientation are also contemplated. Several non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, opposing polarity magnets and/or magnetic elements, opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e., Velcro®), and/or compression fittings such as buttons and snaps, for example. Each of these items can be permanently secured to the main body  11  by a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for example. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the pocket  10  can further include an aperture  15  which can be located anywhere along the main body, and preferably along one of the sides  11   c - 11   f.  As will be described below, the aperture  15  can function to allow headphones to pass therethrough, so as to allow a user to listen to the electronic device while the same is securely positioned within the pocket. 
         [0026]    In the preferred embodiment, the main body  11  can include a layered construction, wherein each layer performs a different and specific function. As illustrated in cross sectional  FIG. 2 , the main body  11  can preferably include an outside facing layer  21 , a middle layer  22  and an inside facing layer  23 . In various embodiments, the outside facing layer  22  of the main body  11  can be constructed from a substantially identical material as the article of clothing to which it will be secured; however, the use of a material that is different from the material of the clothing is also contemplated. 
         [0027]    To this end, in one embodiment, the outside facing layer  21  can be constructed from a wicking fabric such as high tech polyester, for example, that actively draws moisture and odors away from the body, and further includes an antibacterial coating. Of course, the outside facing layer can also include or comprise any number of other materials that are suitable for direct contact with the human body, such as cotton and wool, for example. Additionally, the pocket can be stretchable in nature, and can also include spandex or other such materials that do not irritate human skin. 
         [0028]    The middle layer  22  can function as an anti-radiation shield to prevent emissions from an electrical device stored within the interior space  13  from reaching a user. In one embodiment, the middle layer can include or comprise silver fibers which may be interwoven with a secondary material such as rayon, for example, that functions to repel electromagnetic and radio frequencies. Moreover, the presence of silver within the pocket cuts down on body odor by inhibiting bacterial growth. Of course, any number of other materials capable of performing the above described features are also contemplated. 
         [0029]    The inside facing layer  23  can line the interior space  13  and will, therefore, be in direct contact with an electrical device that is located within the pocket. In the preferred embodiment, the inside facing material can include or comprise a high grip non-adhesive material such as synthetic rubber, for example, which can securely grip the electronic device to prevent the same from shifting within the pocket during use. Of course, any number of other materials capable of performing the above described features are also contemplated. 
         [0030]    Although described above with respect to a rectangular shape, a particular material(s), and three layers, this is for illustrative purposes only. To this end, those of skill in the art will recognize that the protective pocket  10  can include any number of different shapes and sizes, and can further be constructed utilizing any number of different layers and/or materials, without limitation. In either instance, it is preferred that the pocket  10  be constructed so as to capable of withstanding the rigors of being laundered (i.e., being repeatedly washed and dried via a conventional washing machine and dryer), without affecting the above described functionality. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate one embodiment of the device  10  incorporated into an article of clothing. In the present example, the clothing comprises a female exercise shirt  30 , having an outside facing portion  30   a,  an inside facing portion  30   b,  and a pocket opening  31 . In the preferred embodiment, the front surface  11   a  of the pocket can be positioned against the inside facing portion  30   b  of the shirt. The protective pocket is most preferably stitched  16  along the top left side of the shirt, so as to allow the pocket to rest below and to the side of where the users&#39; breasts will be located. As shown, the sleeve  12  can be positioned within the pocket opening  31 , so as to allow a user to access the interior space at all times. 
         [0032]    In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket  10  is positioned onto the shirt at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. This orientation is preferred as it allows the user to easily access the pocket, and further prevents any devices located within the pocket from falling out in the event that the zipper  14  is inadvertently left in the open orientation. Of course, the pocket can be positioned at any number of other angles. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the protective electronic device pocket  10  in operation with the shirt  30  described above. As shown, an electronic device  1  such as a cellular telephone, for example, can be secured within the interior space of the protective pocket  10 . At this time, headphones  2  can be routed through the collar of the shirt, and through the aperture so as to connect to the device  1 . 
         [0034]    As noted above, the device is not limited to use with any type or manufacture of clothing. As such,  FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the protective electronic device pocket  10  in operation with exercise pants  50 . 
         [0035]    Accordingly, the above described clothing with a protective electronic device pocket  10  can allow users to easily listen to any type of electronic device, while being shielded against the harmful effects produced by such devices. Moreover, by positioning the pocket along the side portion of the shirt and/or pants, the device is less likely to ever make contact with weights and other such items normally handled during an exercise routing. 
         [0036]    As described herein, one or more elements of the protective pocket  10  can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means. Moreover, although the main body has been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such as the front surface  11   a , for example, may be formed as an integral feature of the article of clothing that incorporates the pocket. 
         [0037]    As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
         [0038]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0039]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Category: 1