U.S. patent application number 10/888184 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for apparel item and method of making and using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Potts, Jerry R.. Invention is credited to Holden, Perriann M..
Application Number | 20040237166 10/888184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33458565 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040237166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holden, Perriann M. |
December 2, 2004 |
Apparel item and method of making and using same
Abstract
A novelty apparel item generally includes a perspiration barrier
having a moisture resistant, skin compatible adhesive on one of its
surface areas that facilitates attaching the pocket construction to
a desired skin area of a user and a water resistant adhesive on
opposite one of its surfaces that facilitates securing a pouch to
the perspiration barrier, whereby the contents of the pocket remain
dry under heavy perpetrating or even submersion under water.
Inventors: |
Holden, Perriann M.;
(Prescott, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JERRY RICHARD POTTS
3248 VIA RIBERA
ESCONDIDO
CA
92029
US
|
Assignee: |
Potts, Jerry R.
Escondido
CA
|
Family ID: |
33458565 |
Appl. No.: |
10/888184 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10888184 |
Jul 10, 2004 |
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10695223 |
Oct 28, 2003 |
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10695223 |
Oct 28, 2003 |
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09910641 |
Jul 20, 2001 |
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60220357 |
Jul 24, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2200/10 20130101;
A45C 1/00 20130101; A45C 1/04 20130101; A45C 11/18 20130101; A45C
2001/022 20130101; A45F 3/00 20130101; A41D 27/20 20130101; A45C
11/22 20130101; A41D 27/208 20130101; A45F 2200/055 20130101; A45F
5/00 20130101; A45C 13/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 001/00; A41B
001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A pocket construction, comprising: a perspiration barrier having
a skin compatible adhesive on one of its surface areas to
facilitate attaching the pocket construction to a desired skin area
of a user and a water resistant adhesive on opposite one of its
surfaces to facilitate securing a pouch to said perspiration
barrier.
2. The pocket construction according to claim 1, wherein said pouch
is a foldable pouch.
3. The pocket construction according to claim 1, wherein said pouch
is an expandable pouch.
4. The pocket construction according to claim 1, wherein said pouch
includes a closure flap.
5. The pocket construction according to claim 4, wherein said pouch
includes a fastening arrangement, said fastening arrangement being
partially disposed on said flap and partially disposed on an inside
surface of said pouch to help secure said flap to an outside
surface of said pouch.
6. The pocket construction according to claim 1, wherein said pouch
includes a transparent window for viewing inside pouch
purposes.
7. The pocket construction according to claim 6, wherein said
fastening arrangement is a strip of hooks and a strip of piles for
engaging one another for flap closing purposes.
8. The pocket construction according to claim 1, wherein said pouch
is composed of a material selected from a group of materials
including: cotton, linen, denim, leather, vinyl, polyester,
spandex, plastic, rayon, wool, or other synthetic materials.
9. The pocket construction according to claim 8, wherein said skin
compatible adhesive is a moisture resistant adhesive.
10. A method of pocket construction, comprising: providing a pouch;
providing a perspiration barrier having a skin compatible adhesive
on one of its surface areas and a water resistant adhesive on
opposite one of its surfaces; and securing said pouch to said
perspiration barrier.
11. The method of pocket construction according to claim 10,
wherein said step of providing a pouch includes providing a
transparent window in an outer wall portion of said pouch to
facilitate pouch content viewing purposes.
12. The method of pocket construction according to claim 10,
wherein said step of providing a pouch includes providing said
pouch with a closure flap.
13. The method of pocket construction according to claim 12,
wherein the step of providing a closure flap, including providing a
fastener on said flap.
14. A novelty fashion wear item, comprising: a perspiration
barrier; a waterproof adhesive disposed on one side of said
perspiration barrier, wherein said waterproof adhesive is a skin
compatible adhesive; an anchoring adhesive disposed on another side
of said perspiration barrier; and a fashion wear item secured to
said perspiration barrier via said anchoring adhesive; whereby said
fashion wear item can be positioned and secured to a user selected
body part for fashion decoration purposes.
15. The novelty fashion wear item, according to claim 14, wherein
said fashion wear item is a pocket.
16. The novelty fashion wear item according to claim 15, wherein
said pocket includes a closure movable between an open position and
a close position.
17. The novelty fashion wear item according to claim 16, wherein
said closure is a flap integrally connected to said pocket.
18. The novelty fashion wear item according to claim 16, further
comprising: an elongated strip of material extending from a right
side portion of said pocket to a left side portion of said pocket
for forming a latch for removably securing said flap in said close
position.
19. The novelty fashion wear item according to claim 18, wherein
said pocket is an expandable pocket.
20. The novelty fashion wear item according to claim 18, wherein
said pocket is a foldable pocket.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part patent
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/695,223 entitled
"Protective Attachment", filed on Oct. 28, 2004, which is a
divisional patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/910,641, entitled
"Protective Attachment", filed on Jul. 20, 2001, which is a
continuation-in-part patent application of provisional patent
application U.S. 60/220,357 filed on Jul. 24, 2000 relating to
protective attachments in the form of a pad or pads which can be
removably adhered to the bottoms of the feet and other parts of the
body and are of a disposable nature, which applications are
incorporated herein as though fully set forth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is sometime desirable to carry on one's person keys,
money and identification documents when walking at the beach or
poolside in a bathing suit. It is also desirable when one wants to
adventure into the ocean or pool water that such valuable items not
be left unprotected on the sand or pool deck but rather be carried
for security purposes. In still other situations when one is
dancing or swimming, it would be desirable to carry such documents
and make certain they stay dry. Therefore, it would be highly
desirable to have a new and improved apparel item that is not only
fun to wear on one's body at the beach or at the poolside, but also
that keeps dry and secures small personal items to the body so they
can be easily carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The apparel item of the present invention provides
protection to small valuable items such as money, keys and
identification documents by enabling such items to be removably
attached to a user selected portion of the body of the user in a
snug tight fit that conforms to the contour of the body part
covered. The apparel item generally includes a perspiration barrier
having a skin compatible water resistant adhesive on one of its
surface areas to facilitate attaching the apparel item to a desired
skin area of a user and a water resistant adhesive on opposite one
of its surfaces to facilitate securing a pouch to the perspiration
barrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The above-mentioned features and steps of the invention and
the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the
invention itself will be best understood by reference to the
following description of the embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an apparel item, which is
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of another apparel item, which is
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparel item of
FIG. 2;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of yet another apparel item, which
is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the apparel item of
FIG. 4;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of still yet another apparel item,
which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the apparel item of
FIG. 6;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another apparel item, which
is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the apparel item of FIG.
1,
[0014] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a perspiration barrier,
which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate different size and construction
configurations of other apparel items which are constructed in
accordance to the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of the steps performed in
assembling the apparel item of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG.
1 thereof, there is illustrated an apparel or novelty fashion wear
item 10, which is constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The apparel item 10 is adapted to be removably attached
in a sung tight fit to a user selected body part, such as the torso
T of a user U as illustrated in FIG. 1. Although in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention the apparel item 10 is shown
being worn on the torso of a user, there is no intention of
limiting the wearing of the apparel item 10 to only this part of
the body. Other parts of the body are just as well suited for
supporting the novelty fashion wear item, such as an arm area, leg
area, hip area or even the buttock area of the user.
[0018] The apparel item 10 provides a solution to a long felt need.
That is, many active people, young and old, would like to carry
valuables such as identification, hotel key cards, credit cards,
money and keys when sun bathing at a sandy beach or at a pool side,
but are reluctant since such items can only be carried in large,
bulky, and clumsy garment bags. Moreover, if a person wants to
adventure away from his or her selected spot on the sandy beach or
poolside location, the person must either take and carry the
garment bag or in the alternative take and carry the individual
items themselves to assure their safety. The present invention
solves this problem providing a user with a dose of fun by giving
the user the knowledge that the valuable items are now secured to
their person and carried in a highly visible, very attractive
fashion wear item. Also when desired the carried items may also be
concealed.
[0019] Considering now the apparel item 10 in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, the novelty apparel item 10 generally
comprises a pocket construction 12, and a moisture resistant
perspiration barrier 14, that is adapted to be attached to a user
selected body part, such as the torso T of a user U. The
perspiration barrier 14 is a key feature of the apparel item 10, in
that the barrier 14 is designed to adhere in moist environments and
maintains a strong cohesive strength even when wet. In this regard,
if a user engages in a strenuous activity such as dancing, the
perspiration barrier 14 functions not only to keep the contents in
the pocket construction 12 dry even though the body of the user U
may be profusely sweating, but also keeps the pocket construction
12 tightly secured to the body of the user, even though the user is
sweating profusely.
[0020] As best seen in FIG. 9, the perspiration barrier 14
generally comprises a single sided polyurethane transfer tape or
backing 20 that is sandwiched between two adhesive layers, one
adhesive layer being a water resistant laminating adhesive 22, that
has an extremely high peel-bond strength with a high temperature
tolerance for bonding the perspiration barrier 14 to the pocket
construction 12, and the other being an acrylate adhesive 24, which
is water resistant and non skin irritating for bonding the
perspiration barrier 14 (with the pocket construction 12 affixed
thereto) to a selected skin area of the user U.
[0021] The water resistant laminating adhesive 22 is a two-sided
adhesive tape with a polyurethane backing disposed between the two
adhesive layers and is manufactured and sold by 3M through its
Bonding Systems Division located at 3 M Center, St. Paul, Minn.
55144-1000 as laminating adhesive 9472 LE, which is a solvent free
adhesive. A specification sheet for the laminating adhesive 22 is
available from 3M at the address indicated. An alternate two-sided
adhesive tape sold by 3M is sold as a 9485 PC tape.
[0022] The water resistant non skin irritating acrylic adhesive 24
is also sold by 3M as a Medical Specialties single sided tape for
skin bond, as acrylate adhesive tape identified as MSX 5527.
[0023] From the foregoing, it should be recognized that the
adhesives 22, 24 were selected to accomplish three specific
purposes. One that the skin bonding adhesive 24 be non skin
irritating and water proof as this adhesive makes direct contact
with the skin of the user U, which under strenuous activities will
sweat, which moisture could, without the use of the special
adhesive characteristic, easily lose its skin boding capacity.
Secondly, the bonding strength of the adhesives 22, 24 was chosen
so that separation of the fashion wear item 10 from the skin of the
user U occurs at the skin T rather that at the pocket construction
12, during removal. Finally, the laminating adhesive 22 was chosen
to make certain moisture would not penetrate the pocket
construction 12 so that the contents carried within the pocket
construction 12 remain dry, even against the sweating skin of the
user U.
[0024] Considering the perspiration barrier 14 in still greater
detail, the layer of skin compatible, water resistant adhesive 24
completely covers one surface of the transfer tape 20 to facilitate
removably attaching the pocket construction 12 and the perspiration
barrier 14 to the body of the user. To facilitate attaching the
pocket construction 12 to the perspiration barrier14, the layer of
water resistant anchoring adhesive 22, completely covers the other
surface of the transfer tape 20. In this regard, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the pocket construction 12 is
permanently fixed to the perspiration barrier 14 via the anchoring
adhesive 22 which coats the one surface area of the transfer tape
20.
[0025] In order to protect the skin compatible adhesive 24 until
such time as the user is ready to attach the novelty item 10 to his
or her person, the novelty item 10 is further provided with the
removable protection sheet 16 which overlays the skin compatible
adhesive 24. In this regard, when the user U is ready to attach the
novelty item 10 to his or her person, the user U simply inserts the
item or items to be carried into the pocket construction 12,
removes the protective sheet 16 from the perspiration barrier 14 by
lifting and pulling a peel tab 18 until the protection sheet 16 is
completely removed from the perspiration barrier 14 and then grasps
the pocket construction 12, pressing it into engagement with a user
selected body part by pressing the exposed adhesive layer 24
disposed on the perspiration barrier 14 onto the user selected body
part. In this manner, the apparel item 10 is removably secured to
the user U allows the user U to carry his or her valuables disposed
in the pocket construction 12 in a hands free manner. Although the
preferred embodiment is described as having a peel tab, it is
contemplated that the peel sheet 16 split as best seen in FIG. 14
step 14. Also, since the skin compatible adhesive is a pressure
adhesive, it is also contemplated that a user could first attach
the pocket construction 12 to his or her body and then insert the
valuables for pressing the construction 12 against the body for
extra pressing pressure.
[0026] Considering now the perspiration barrier 14 in greater
detail with reference to FIG. 9, the perspiration barrier 14 is
thin, flexible and water resistant, The pocket construction 12 and
perspiration barrier 14 are sufficiently flexible to conform to the
contoured shape of a user selected body part. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the most preferred transfer
tape 20 is a water resistant sheet of acrylate having a thickness
of between about 1 millimeters and about 3 millimeters, Although
acrylate has been discussed as the most preferred water resistant
material, other thin, flexible water resistant materials are
contemplated within the true scope and spirit of the present
invention.
[0027] Considering now the pocket construction 12 in greater detail
with reference to FIG. 1, the pocket construction 12 generally
comprises a sheet of construction material 30 that has been cut and
formed into a desired pocket or pouch 32 having desired length and
width dimensions and a closure flap 34 that facilitates closing the
pouch 32 thereby securing any contents disposed therein. The pocket
construction 12, further includes a closure, such as a snap
fastener 36 that secures the closure flap 34 to a front portion of
the pouch 32.
[0028] Considering now the construction material 30 of the pocket
construction 12, in greater detail, the construction material is a
matter of design choice and is selected from a fabric group
including cotton, linen, denim, leather, vinyl, polyester, spandex,
rayon, and other synthetic fabrics and materials.
[0029] Considering now the method 1400 of making the novelty
fashion wear item 10 in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14,
the method of making the novelty fashion wear item 10 begins at
step 1401 wherein a piece of construction material 30 is cut to a
desired length and width, such as a length of 8.5 inches and a
width of 4.5 inches, to form a desired pocket construction shape.
It should be noted that the cut piece of construction material 30
is considered to have a right side 40 containing any pattern design
and a wrong side 42, which is the side opposite the pattern design
or right side 40.
[0030] The cut piece of construction material 30 is then placed
wrong side 42 up as shown in step 1403 to measure and mark a pair
of fold lines 44 and 46 respectively. In this regard, the first
fold line 44 is marked on the wrong side 42 at about 2.75 inches
from a top edge portion 43 of the construction material 30 to help
facilitate forming the flap 34. The second fold line is marked on
the wrong side 42 at about 3 inches from a bottom edge portion 45
of the construction material 30 to help facilitate forming the
pouch 32.
[0031] Next, at step 1405, a fastener spot designator 49 is marked
on the wrong side 42 at about 13/8 inches from the top edge portion
43 and about 2.25 inches from a side edge portion 47. This spot
marks the location where one part of the snap fastener 36 will be
placed. It should be noted at this point that although in the
preferred embodiment of the present invention a snap fastener has
been described, it is contemplated that other types and kinds of
fasteners would work equally well. For example, a Velcro fastener,
a plastic zipper lock fastener, a hook and eye fastener, or even a
magnetic fastener could be accommodated with equal effect.
Accordingly, at step 1405 after marking the spot for the fastener,
a desired portion of a selected fastener is attached on the spot by
either sewing or gluing the fastener part to the wrong side 42 of
the material 30.
[0032] Next the material 30 is turned over so the right side 40 is
facing up at step 1407, thereby allowing another fastener spot
designator or indication mark 51 to be marked on the bottom half of
the right side 40 at about 13/8 inches from the bottom edge portion
45 and about 2.25 inches from the side edge portion 47.
[0033] Next a sheet of the laminating adhesive tape is cut into a
pad 52 having a length dimension of about 2.75 inches and a width
dimension of about 4.0 inches. Once the pad is cut to the desired
shape and dimensions, a protective peel sheet 54 disposed on one
side of the pad 52 is removed exposing the adhesive layer 22. The
pad 52 is then placed on the right side 40, centered at about 0.25
inches from each of the side edge portions and at about 3.0 inches
from the bottom edge 45, which is just above the bottom fold line
46. This causes the pad 52 to be firmly secured to the right side
40.
[0034] At step 1411, the material is once again turned over, so the
wrong side 42 is now facing up allowing the material to be cut
inwardly from each respective side edge portion along the top fold
line 44 by about 0.25 inches.
[0035] Next in order to create the flap 34, at step 1413, the side
edge portions of the material above the top fold line 42 are folded
inwardly to create a pair of side hems 54 and 56 respectively, each
having a width dimension of about 0.25 inches. The top edge portion
43 is folded down onto the two folded side edge hems to create a
top hem 58. It should be noted that the flap hem can be folded
twice in one-eighth inch increments as opposed to the full quarter
of an inches to conceal any raw edges of the material. In this
regard, some materials fray and some materials do not fray when
cut. Accordingly, when the material frays the one-eighth inch folds
should be made and when the material does not fray, the quarter
inch folds should be made.
[0036] At step 1415 the hems 54, 56 and 58 can be sewed or glued
into place against the flap material to fully form the flap 34.
[0037] Next in order to form the pouch 32, at step 1417, the bottom
half of the material below the fold line 46 is folded right side to
right side to form another hem 60 having a width of about 0.25
inches. At step 1417 the hem 60 is glued or sewed along the
respective side edges of the material.
[0038] The bottom portion of the right side of the material is now
grasped and folded right side to right side to move as best seen at
step 1421 to form side hem portions 62 and 64 respectively creating
the construction alignment as seen. The side hems 62 and 64 formed
from overlaying the side edges are then sewed or glue together
along their entire lengths.
[0039] The resulting hemmed construction is now turned inside out
at step 1423 so all the pocket seams are inside the pocket and the
right side of the material is outwardly facing.
[0040] At step 1425 the top flap 34 is folded down allowing the
fastener 36 to be engaged, thereby completing the construction of
the novelty fashion wear item 10. In this regard, when a user U is
ready to use the novelty item all he or she need do is peel the
protective sheet 18 from the backside of the perspiration barrier
14 to expose the adhesive as illustrated in step 1427.
[0041] It is contemplated within the true scope and spirit of the
present invention that modifications may be made to the
construction of the pocket 12 and the perspiration barrier 14 to
provide other types of apparel items. For example in FIG. 8 apparel
item 810 is shown that includes a transparent window pocket 820 in
the front and a concealed rear pocket 830 in the rear.
[0042] As other examples FIGS. 2-3 illustrate a novelty apparel
item 210 having a flap 234 and a flap fastener loop 242 that allows
the flap 234 to be secured in a closed position against the pouch
portion 232 of the novelty item 210.
[0043] FIGS. 4-5 illustrate yet another novelty apparel item 410
which is constructed in accordance to the present invention, that
generally includes a construction material 430 having a highly
decorative design that can been seen on the pouch 432 and the flap
434. In this embodiment, the flap is secured by a pair of spaced
apart Velcro pads indicated generally at 442.
[0044] FIGS. 6-7 illustrated still yet another novelty apparel item
610 with a transparent window 620 to expose the interior portion of
the pouch 632. In this construction example, the novelty apparel
item 610, which includes a closure flap having a plastic zipper
lock 642 that can be pressed together to close the opening to the
pouch 632. Moreover, a clasp "knob" 643 as best seen in FIG. 7 can
be provided to assist the user in opening and closing the zip lock
with ease.
[0045] As still other examples, FIG. 11 illustrates a foldable
novelty apparel item 1110, which is constructed in accordance to
the present invention, while FIGS. 12-13 illustrate expandable
novelty fashion wear items 1210 and 1310, which are also
constructed in accordance to the present invention.
[0046] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG.
10 thereof there is illustrated another novelty item 1010, which is
constructed in accordance to the present invention. The novelty
item 1010 is similar in structure to the novelty item 10 except for
its perspiration barrier 1014. In this regard, the perspiration
barrier 1014 generally comprises a double layer of adhesives 822
and 824 which are separated from one another by a thin polyurethane
sheet 820. The adhesive layers 822 and 824, are protected by peel
sheets 1016 and 826 respectively. The adhesive layer 824 is a water
resistant skin compatible adhesive, while the adhesive layer 826 is
a water resistant, extremely high peel-bond strength adhesive with
a high temperature tolerance. In this regard, when the adhesive
layer 826 is in an unprotected state, with the peel sheet 828
removed, it can bonded to a brightly decorated flexible sheet of
construction material 30 that can be conformed to the shape of a
desired body part. The flexible sheet 30 has a rear perspiration
barrier-receiving surface 40 and a front pocket bearing surface 42
as best seen in FIG. 10. With this unique adhesive, which is a
laminating adhesive sold by 3M Company a highly decorated pocket
(not shown) can be affixed to the pocket bearing surface 42 and
maintained in a secured manner.
[0047] Based on the foregoing, numerous modifications and
variations of the present invention are possible in light of the
above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the
scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein.
* * * * *