U.S. patent application number 10/076611 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for security pocket assembly.
Invention is credited to Lipscher, Bernard N..
Application Number | 20020157170 10/076611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22451859 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lipscher, Bernard N. |
October 31, 2002 |
Security pocket assembly
Abstract
An improved security pocket assembly is disclosed for the secure
storage of conventional items such as a cellular phone, a personal
data assistant and different forms of currency and identification.
The pocket assembly includes a front panel attached to a rear panel
to form a pocket for retaining items and optionally may include a
flap with a closure or a pleated pocket for additional storage.
Furthermore, the flap contains a pocket on the underside for the
storage of identification. Finally, a slit may be cut into the
garment and flap for storage of a writing instrument.
Inventors: |
Lipscher, Bernard N.;
(Wheeling, WV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
1425 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
22451859 |
Appl. No.: |
10/076611 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10076611 |
Feb 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
29131978 |
Nov 1, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/250 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20130101;
A41D 27/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/250 |
International
Class: |
A41D 027/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A security pocket assembly for retaining articles, said security
pocket assembly being attached to an exterior surface of a garment
and being accessible by the wearer of said garment, said pocket
assembly comprising: a rear panel; a front panel secured to said
rear panel on all sides except for a top side to form a space
therebetween so as to construct a first pocket, said top side
forming a first pocket opening through which an article can be
inserted into said first pocket; a flap of sufficient area to close
said pocket opening; a fastener for securing said flap to the
pocket; and a second pocket being located on an underside of said
flap, said second pocket being accessed through a first slit
located on the underside of said flap, said slit and second pocket
being concealed by said flap when the flap is secured to said front
panel; and wherein said pocket assembly is attached to a side
region of said garment.
2. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein a third pocket
is attached to the exterior of said front panel and sealed on all
sides except for a top side so as to enable additional storage of
an article.
3. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said third
pocket is pleated.
4. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein a second slit
provides access to an opening into the first pocket, said second
slit is located on said front panel.
5. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a zipper.
6. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a button.
7. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a velcro fastener.
8. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a snap.
9. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said side
region of the garment is under an armpit region of the garment.
10. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said flap is
dimensioned to secure a standard identification card.
11. The security pocket assembly of claim 3, wherein said pleated
pocket is expandable in size so that said pleated pocket may secure
a larger item.
12. The security pocket assembly of claim 11, wherein said pleated
pocket is dimensioned to secure a cellular telephone.
13. The security pocket assembly of claim 1, wherein said second
slit is dimensioned to secure a standard writing instrument.
14. A security pocket assembly for retaining small articles and
being accessible by the wearer of said garment, said pocket
assembly comprising: a rear panel; a front panel secured to said
rear panel on all sides except for a top side to form a space
therebetween so as to construct a first pocket, said top side
forming a first pocket opening through which an article can be
inserted into said first pocket; a flap of sufficient area to close
said pocket opening; a fastener for securing said flap to the
pocket; and wherein said pocket assembly is attached to an interior
surface of a garment on a side region of said garment.
15. The security pocket assembly of claim 14 further comprising a
compartment being attached to and located on an underside of said
flap, said compartment being accessed through a first slit located
on the underside of said flap, said slit and compartment being
concealed by said flap when the flap is secured to said front
panel.
16. The security pocket assembly of claim 14, wherein said side
region of said garment is under an armpit region.
17. The security pocket assembly of claim 14, wherein said flap is
dimensioned to secure a standard identification card.
18. A method of manufacturing a security pocket assembly on a
garment comprising the steps of: providing a garment; sewing a
front panel to a back panel on all sides except a top side whereby
a space therebetween or pocket is created for storage of articles;
creating a flap of sufficient area and sewing said flap onto said
pocket where said flap covers the top side of the pocket; cutting a
first slit into said flap and front panel of said pocket; securing
said flap to the pocket using a closure; sewing a pleated pocket
onto the front panel on three sides except for a top side for
additional storage of articles; and sewing pocket assembly onto a
side of said garment underneath an armpit region wherein said
pocket assembly is sewn onto the exterior of said garment or
interior of said garment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of patent
application Ser. No. 29/131,978, filed Nov. 1, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed generally to a security
assembly for concealing items in garments, more particularly in a
shirt. Specifically, the invention relates to an improvement in a
security pocket assembly located on the exterior or interior
surface of the garment under the armpit where it is accessible only
to the wearer.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Several different designs and types of pockets which are
incorporated into various articles of clothing are known. Concealed
pockets or pouches formed from normal components of the garment
itself, notably, the hem, are disclosed. Some pockets are not
concealed; on the other hand, some pockets are designed to be
concealed in order to hide valuable personal property. Inventions
pertaining to pants pocket structures providing a hidden chamber to
conceal valuable objects such as billfolds are known in the art.
Many pockets are formed in garments such as jackets or vests with
openings positioned in different locations, usually the front area.
Pockets in swim-wear have solved the problem of storing articles
while at the pool, on a cruise ship or at the beach. In attempting
to secure valuables from theft, several inventions disclose a means
for providing the valuable itself, such as a wallet, with its own
loss prevention means. For instance, a wallet may have a removable
clip which permits the wallet to be attached to the person's belt
or waistband. Furthermore, garments exist where two pockets at each
side of a garment are accessible at or near the sides at a common
entry seam.
[0006] These pocket arrangements have a number of undesirable
features, such as creating a visible pocket line, or are considered
non-functional for today's small valuables, such as cell
phones--personal data assistants--, pens, keys and key-cards as
well as different forms of identification and money. Travelers must
carry a number of different types of articles which are of
considerable value including passports, an additional form of
identification, airline tickets, hotel reservations and different
currencies. Usually, it is preferable to have these items at hand,
rather than packed away since it is necessary to access these items
often. Therefore, a continuing need exists for a new and improved
security pocket assembly for the retaining of articles in garments
which can be used to insure that the contents of a garment pocket
are secure from theft and accessible only to the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved security pocket assembly that is adapted for
attachment to the side of a garment such as a shirt, underneath the
armpit in order to assure safe keeping of articles. The location of
the present invention allows for one's upper arm to constantly be
in contact with the articles in the pocket of the garment.
[0008] According to the present invention, the pocket assembly is
attached to the exterior surface of a garment underneath an armpit
and includes a rear panel and a front panel which are preferably
sewn together to form a space between so as to form a pocket. A
flap is attached to cover the pocket and slits and additional
panels may be secured to the pocket to create an assembly of
pockets for additional storage of items.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention is a pocket assembly
attached to the interior surface of a garment underneath an armpit
and includes a rear panel and front panel which are preferably sewn
together to form a space between so as to form a pocket.
Optionally, no flap or additional pleated pocket panel is attached
in order to ensure a clean, polished and less cumbersome look to
the apparel.
[0010] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other and further objects thereof, reference is made
to the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the
appending claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a garment having a pocket assembly
underneath the armpit in accordance with the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pocket assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the pocket assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the pocket assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the underside of the
flap of the pocket assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the additional pocket
shown on the pocket assembly in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of a garment having a pocket assembly
in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of the pocket assembly shown in FIG.
7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of a garment having a pocket assembly
in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the pocket assembly shown in FIG.
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] This invention comprises an improvement in garment security
pockets. Referring in more detail to the drawings, particularly
FIG. 1., a garment 1 is disclosed which includes a security pocket
in accordance with the present invention. The security pocket
assembly is located underneath the armpit region of the garment. As
a result of this location, one's upper arm is in constant contact
with the stored articles. In a preferred embodiment, the garment 1
is a shirt. The shirt may be any kind of shirt such as, for
example, a work shirt, a dress shirt, a golf shirt, a t-shirt, a
uniform shirt or the like. The garment 1 includes a pocket assembly
2 which preferably includes a front panel 3 and a rear panel 5 sewn
together on all sides except for the top side to form a space in
between or a pocket 6, so as to enable one to secure articles
within the pocket 6. Generally, articles to be carried in the
pocket 6 include any suitably small items such as, for example,
loose change, bills, travelers checks, a comb, business cards,
credit cards, but are not limited to these articles. A flap 7
optionally may cover the opening of the pocket 6. The flap 7 is
sewn to the garment panel thereby covering the edges of the pocket
6. Depending on the type of garment, a flap 7 provides the garment
with a more casual look where the absence of a flap 7 provides a
polished, neat and less-cumbersome appearance. A closure means 9
for securing the flap 7 to the pocket 6 is also provided and may
include, but is not limited to, buttons, velcro closures, snaps and
zippers and the like. The pocket 6 may optionally include a pleated
pocket 11 which enables expansion to include larger items such as,
for example, a cellular telephone or eyeglasses case.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pocket assembly 2 shown in FIG.
1 and further illustrates the preferable location of the pocket
assembly 2 at a side region of the shirt and, most preferably,
under the section of a garment where a sleeve is attached to the
garment, e.g., the armpit region of the garment. FIG. 2 further
illustrates that the front panel 3 of the pocket 6 includes a
pleated pocket 11. The front panel may optionally include a second
slit 13 which is secured on all sides except for the top side 23 in
order to provide a pocket for securing a writing instrument 29 such
as, for example, a pen or pencil, as shown in FIG. 4. This optional
second slit 13 can be accessed from the flap 7 so it is possible to
obtain the writing instrument without opening the flap 7. In this
particular embodiment, the flap 7 preferably has a velcro-closure
to secure the flap 7 to the pocket 6.
[0023] In FIGS. 3 and 5, the flap 7 is illustrated in an open
position enabling access to a pocket 31 where a first slit 15 is
cut into the underside of the flap 7 and extends from the bottom
edge 17 of the flap 7 to the top edge 19 of the flap 7. All sides
except for the top side 21 of the first slit 15 are sewn to
construct a pocket and enable entry of an article such as, for
example, a driver's license, a state identification card, a
military identification card and the like. Furthermore, the second
slit 13 may be accessed from the closed flap 7 if it is necessary
to access writing instruments quickly without opening the flap
7.
[0024] The pocket assembly 2 is preferably constructed having
suitable dimensions to carry items having a wide variety of sizes
and shapes. In one embodiment, the pocket assembly 2 is
approximately 3 inches in length and approximately 2 inches in
width and can conceal smaller items of interest such as loose
change, currency, travelers checks, a comb, business cards, credit
cards and the like. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
4, the pocket assembly 2 has an overall rectangular shape in the
range of 7 to 9 inches in length and approximately 4 to 6 inches in
width in order to conceal larger items such as, for example, a
standard cellular phone 25 or eyeglasses case to fit in the
expandable pleated pocket 11. A side view of the pocket assembly
including the pleated pocket 11 is illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0025] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the exploded view of the underside
of the flap 7 illustrates the first slit 15 having dimensions
preferably in a range of approximately two to four inches in length
and two to three inches in width in order to secure a military
identification, a driver's license 27, a college or university
identification card and/or a state issued identification card. Of
course, the slit 15 can be constructed having larger or smaller
dimensions to accommodate particular items of interest.
[0026] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate garment 1 including a pocket
assembly wherein the front panel 3 and rear panel 5 are sewn to the
interior surface of the garment 1 preferably located underneath the
armpit. Since the pocket assembly is located preferably underneath
the armpit region, this allows for a person's arm to be in contact
with the items, thereby assuring security, a characteristic of all
embodiments of the present invention. This particular pocket
assembly 2 may also include a pleated pocket 11 as described above.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the front panel 3 and rear panel 5 are
sewn together on all sides except the top side to form a space
between on the interior of the garment 1. This enables storage of
articles such as a ball-marker, golf tees, and even a rule
book.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the flap 7 is visible from the
outside of the garment 1, but the pocket assembly is not visible
from the outside. Rather, the pocket assembly 2 is formed on the
inside of the garment 1.
[0028] FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of the present invention,
preferably a shirt worn in the military. The garment 1 includes a
pocket assembly which preferably includes a front panel 3 and a
rear panel 5 attached together on all sides except for the top side
so as to form a space thereby creating a pocket 6. Preferably, no
flap is attached to the pocket 6 in order to ensure the garment 1
maintains a flat appearance with minimal stitching. Optionally, as
in FIG. 10, the pocket assembly 2 is located underneath the left
armpit since a member of the armed forces salutes with his or her
right hand. Generally, articles to be carried in this particular
embodiment include military identification, currency, photographs,
but are not limited to these articles.
[0029] The pocket assembly 2 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is preferably
manufactured onto a garment 1 in the following manner. A particular
garment 1 is supplied. The pocket assembly 2 is formed by sewing a
rear panel 5 to a front panel 3 on all sides except for the top
side in order to create a space in between which forms a pocket 6.
A flap 7 is sewn onto the garment 1 so that it provides coverage
over the top edge of the pocket 6. A closure 9 is a means for
securing the flap 7 to the pocket 6. Another means for securing an
article to the underside of the flap 7 is assembled by making a
slit 15 into the fabric of the underside of the flap 7. A space is
created. The slit 15 optionally may extend from the top edge 19 of
the flap 7 to the bottom edge 17 of the flap 7. An additional panel
may optionally be sewn on three sides except for the top side to
the exterior of the front panel 3 of the pocket 6 forming an
additional pocket. This pocket may be pleated 11 in order for
expansion in size. Another slit 13 may be cut through the flap 7
and front panel 3 in order to create another pocket of sufficient
dimension to store a writing instrument 29. The completed security
pocket assembly 2 is sewn to the exterior of a garment 1 on the
side of the garment 1 underneath the armpit. This particular pocket
assembly manufactured as above may be sewn to the interior surface
of a garment 1 for a more clean, polished appearance where only the
flap 7 is on the exterior of the garment 7 but the pocket is inside
the garment 1.
[0030] While there have been described what are believed to be the
preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in
the art will recognize that other and further changes and
modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit
of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and
modifications as fall within the true scope of the invention.
* * * * *