U.S. patent application number 11/789954 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for garment design for use with knife.
Invention is credited to Steve Tempini.
Application Number | 20080263741 11/789954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39885246 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080263741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tempini; Steve |
October 30, 2008 |
Garment design for use with knife
Abstract
Garment designs are provided that facilitate ready access to a
knife. The garments are particularly adapted for wear and use in
connection with outdoor-related activities, e.g., fishing, hiking,
climbing and the like. Ready access to the knife is facilitated by
a releasable pocket flap that retains and covers the knife, while
permitting instantaneous access and removal of such knife
therefrom. The pocket flap is secured with respect to a garment
surface along at least one edge of the flap. However, the pocket
flap is not secured with respect to the garment surface along the
lower edge thereof which features a releasable engagement
mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements. The releasable
engagement mechanism secures the knife below the pocket flap until
needed and permits ready removal of the knife through a
substantially downward motion relative to the pocket flap, thereby
disengaging the releasable engagement mechanism and allowing
withdrawal of the knife therefrom.
Inventors: |
Tempini; Steve; (Fairfield,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH , LLP STAMFORD OFFICE
FINANCIAL CENTRE , SUITE 304A, 695 EAST MAIN STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2138
US
|
Family ID: |
39885246 |
Appl. No.: |
11/789954 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ; 2/247;
2/250; 2/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/201
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 ; 2/250;
2/252; 2/247 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. A garment, comprising: (a) at least one garment surface; (b) a
pocket flap mounted with respect to said at least one garment
surface along or adjacent to a portion of at least one pocket flap
edge, said mounting being along or adjacent to an edge other than a
bottom edge of said pocket flap; and (c) a releasable engagement
mechanism positioned adjacent the bottom edge of said pocket flap,
said releasable engagement mechanism being configured and
dimensioned to releasably secure a knife relative to said at least
one garment surface and said pocket flap.
2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one garment
surface is associated with a garment selected from the group
consisting of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker,
overalls, pants, shorts and skirt.
3. A garment according to claim 1, further comprising a second
pocket flap and a second releasable engagement mechanism positioned
on said at least one garment surface.
4. A garment according to claim 1, further comprising a knife
positioned between said pocket flap and said at least one garment
surface.
5. A garment according to claim 4, wherein said knife includes a
handle that defines at least one aperture or opening that
cooperates with the releasable engagement mechanism.
6. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the pocket flap is
secured with respect to the at least one garment surface along at
least a portion of a top edge thereof.
7. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the pocket flap is
mounted with respect to the at least one garment surface by
stitching.
8. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one garment
surface includes water repellant functionality.
9. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the releasable
engagement mechanism includes hook-and-loop fasteners.
10. In combination: (a) a garment that includes: (i) at least one
garment surface; (ii) a pocket flap mounted with respect to said at
least one garment surface along or adjacent to a portion of at
least one pocket flap edge, said mounting being along or adjacent
to an edge other than a bottom edge of said pocket flap; and (iii)
a releasable engagement mechanism positioned adjacent the bottom
edge of said pocket flap, said releasable engagement mechanism
being configured and dimensioned to releasably secure a knife
relative to said at least one garment surface and said pocket flap;
and (b) a knife releasably engaged by said releasable engagement
mechanism
11. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the at least one
garment surface is associated with a garment selected from the
group consisting of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker,
overalls, pants, shorts and skirt.
12. A combination according to claim 10, further comprising a
second pocket flap and a second releasable engagement mechanism
positioned on said at least one garment surface.
13. A combination according to claim 10, wherein said knife
includes a handle that defines at least one aperture or opening
that cooperates with the releasable engagement mechanism.
14. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the pocket flap is
secured with respect to the at least one garment surface along at
least a portion of a top edge thereof.
15. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the pocket flap is
mounted with respect to the at least one garment surface by
stitching.
16. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the knife is a
line-cutting knife adapted for fishing applications.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to an advantageous
garment design that facilitates ready access to a knife and, more
particularly, to a garment design that includes a pocket-like
feature for releasably securing a knife. The disclosed garment
design has particular application for outdoors-related activities,
e.g., fishing, mountain climbing or the like.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Specialized garments for outdoor-related activities are
commonplace. Many garments are designed with water repellant
functionality, with reinforced zones, and with enhanced
"breathability". For certain outdoor activities, tight fitting
garments are preferred, whereas in other applications, loose
fitting garments are desired. In certain instances, bright colored
garments are prominent, e.g., for safety reasons, whereas in other
instances camouflage styling is preferred. Thus, as is readily
apparent, garment manufacture is highly specialized in the outdoor
industry, with designs being developed to accommodate specific
needs and environmental factors.
[0005] In various outdoor-related activities, it is desirable to
have a knife readily accessible to the activity participant. For
example, fisherman are frequently confronted with the need to cut a
line, e.g., when an aggressive fish needs to be cut loose. Indeed,
in offshore salt water fishing, an inability to quickly cut a line
can pose a safety issue for the fisherman. Similarly, there are
instances in climbing/hiking activities where ready access to a
knife is highly beneficial, e.g., when it is desirable to cut a
rope, vine or the like.
[0006] Knives for outdoor activities take many forms. Many knives
are sheathed and require sheath removal prior to use. A Swiss Army
knife offers various tools, including a blade surface, that are
pivotally housed within an outer casing. In the offshore salt water
fishing field, a line-cutting knife is generally available to
fishermen. The line-cutting knife is of limited quality and is
unsheathed so as to permit ready blade access and use. Experienced
fishermen generally keep a line-cutting knife close-at-hand when
fishing offshore. However, current practice allows for a risk that
a line-cutting knife will not be within reach when needed, thereby
placing the fisherman at risk of being pulled overboard by a strong
fish.
[0007] Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for
systems/designs that facilitate ready access to a knife, e.g.,
ready access to a line-cutting knife for offshore fishing
applications. In addition, a need remains for systems/designs that
offer ready access to an unsheathed knife for individuals involved
in outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing activities. These and
other needs are satisfied by the disclosed garment design, as
described in detail herein below.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides advantageous garment designs
that facilitate ready access to a knife. The disclosed garments are
particularly adapted for wear and use in connection with
outdoor-related activities, e.g., fishing, hiking, climbing and the
like. In exemplary implementations of the disclosed garment design,
ready-knife access is facilitated by a releasable pocket flap that
retains and covers the knife, while permitting instantaneous access
and removal of such knife therefrom. The disclosed pocket flap is
advantageously secured with respect to an underlying garment
surface along (or in proximity to) at least one edge of the flap.
However, the pocket flap is not secured with respect to garment
surface along the lower edge thereof. Rather, the lower edge
advantageously features a releasable engagement mechanism, e.g.,
hook-and-loop fastener elements (e.g., a Velcro fastening
mechanism). The releasable engagement mechanism defines the
releasable aspect of the disclosed pocket flap and serves two
principal functions: first, it secures the knife below the pocket
flap until needed, and second, it permits ready removal of the
knife through a substantially downward motion relative to the
pocket flap, thereby disengaging the releasable engagement
mechanism and allowing withdrawal of the knife therefrom.
[0009] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
disclosed releasable pocket flap is positioned in the chest region
of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls or the
like. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the releasable pocket
flap is positioned in the torso region of a shirt, sweatshirt,
vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls or the like. It further
exemplary embodiments, the releasable pocket flap is positioned in
the torso region of pants, overalls, shorts, skirt or the like. In
further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, symmetric
pairs of releasable pocket flaps are provided on a garment to
facilitate use by right-handed and left-handed individuals.
Alternatively, garments may be fabricated as right-handed versions
(with pocket flap on left side of garment) and left-handed versions
(with pocket flap on right side of garment).
[0010] The disclosed pocket flaps are particularly adapted to offer
ready access to an unsheathed knife for individuals involved in
outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing activities. In exemplary
embodiments/combinations of the present disclosure, a conventional
line-cutting knife that features an aperture/opening in the handle
thereof is positioned below the flap, with the releasable
engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements,
aligned with the knife's aperture/opening and the blade extending
upwardly relative thereto. In such combination, the knife handle is
exposed and accessible below the releasable pocket flap. The knife
is releasable secured with respect to the garment through
interaction between the releasable engagement mechanism and the
noted aperture/opening in the knife handle.
[0011] When an individual requires the knife, he/she grasps the
exposed handle and pulls substantially downward and/or outward
relative to the garment. In response to such pulling force, the
releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, are
disengaged and the knife comes free of the garment. Convenient
positioning of the pocket flap facilitates ready access to the
knife, e.g., an unsheathed line-cutting knife. Moreover, by
associating the releasable pocket with a garment that is
particularly suited to the outdoor activity of interest, e.g.,
offshore fishing, the individual is assured of having access to a
knife without any required forethought on his/her part. In this
way, enhanced safety is offered to users of the disclosed specialty
garment(s).
[0012] Additional advantageous features, functions and applications
of the disclosed garment designs will be apparent from the
description which follow, particularly when read in conjunction
with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURE(S)
[0013] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the
disclosed garment designs, reference is made to the accompanying
figures, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary jacket that includes
a releasable pocket flap and unsheathed knife according to the
present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of an exemplary garment
that shows an exemplary releasable pocket flap according to the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary pocket flap pivoted
"open" so as to show underlying elements of the disclosed garment
design; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary, conventional knife
(prior art) for use with the disclosed jacket/pocket flap.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0018] Advantageous garment designs are provided herein, such
garment designs including, inter alia, a releasable pocket flap
that facilitates storage/retention of a knife and ready access
thereto. The disclosed garments are particularly adapted for wear
and use in connection with outdoor-related activities, e.g.,
fishing, hiking, climbing and the like. The releasable pocket flap
is secured with respect to an underlying garment surface along (or
in proximity to) at least one edge of the flap other than the
bottom edge. Thus, the releasable pocket flap is the antithesis of
a true pocket, which is necessarily secured with respect to a
garment along a bottom edge thereof. The pocket flap is positioned
on an outer surface of the garment, which can take a variety of
forms, e.g., a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker,
overalls, pants, shorts, skirt or the like. The releasable pocket
flap may be located in an anatomically convenient location and, in
exemplary embodiments, symmetric pairs of releasable pocket flaps
are provided on a garment to facilitate use by right-handed and
left-handed individuals. Alternatively, garments may be fabricated
as right-handed versions (with pocket flap on left side of garment)
and left-handed versions (with pocket flap on right side of
garment).
[0019] A releasable engagement mechanism is advantageously
positioned in proximity to the lower edge of the packet flap, e.g.,
hook-and-loop fastener elements (e.g., a Velcro fastening
mechanism). The releasable engagement mechanism is generally sized
and configured to cooperate with a knife element, e.g., a knife
handle that includes an aperture/opening defined therein. The
releasable aspect of the disclosed pocket flap functions to secure
the knife below the pocket flap until needed, and permits ready
removal therefrom. The releasable engagement mechanism is overcome
(i.e., released) by moving the knife in a substantially downward
and/or outward direction relative to the pocket flap. The noted
knife motion is advantageously imparted by grasping the handle,
which is exposed relative to the pocket flap, and pulling the knife
from the garment. The noted structural arrangement permits rapid
and unimpeded access to a knife in times of need.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary garment 10 is
depicted with a releasable pocket flap 12 positioned in a chest
region thereof. Exemplary garment 10 takes the form of a hooded
jacket, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
Rather, garment 10 may take a variety of forms, including without
limitation, a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker,
overalls, pants, shorts, skirt or the like. As shown in FIG. 1,
pocket flap 12 is positioned in the left chest region of garment
10. So positioned, the pocket flap 12 and associated knife 14 are
conveniently positioned for access by a right-handed user. An
exemplary, prior art knife 14 for use with the disclosed garment is
depicted in FIG. 4. Symmetric pairs of releasable pocket flaps 12
may be provided on garment 10 to facilitate use by right-handed and
left-handed individuals, with a second pocket flap 12 (not
pictured) positioned in the right chest region. Alternatively,
pocket flap 12 could be repositioned on garment 10 with the pocket
flap in the right chest region of garment 10, or in a variety of
alternative anatomical locations, e.g., in an upper arm sleeve
and/or torso region of garment 10.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a knife 14 is positioned below pocket
flap 12 and includes a handle 15 that extends from a bottom edge 21
of the releasable pocket flap 12. Handle 15 of knife 14 defines an
aperture/opening 16 that extends into the obscured region below
pocket flap 12. The knife blade (not pictured) is positioned in the
region between the outer surface of the garment 10 and the
undersurface of the pocket flap 12. In an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure, knife 14 takes the form of a conventional
line-cutting knife for fishing applications.
[0022] Pocket flap 12 is secured with respect to garment 10 along a
top edge 17. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, pocket flap 12
is secured to garment 10 by stitching 18. However, alternative
means for securing pocket flap 12 with respect to garment 10 may be
employed, e.g., glue, melt-bonding, buttons, zippers and the like.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, pocket flap 12 is secured to
garment 10 along a single edge thereof. However, it is contemplated
that the pocket flap 12 may be secured along alternative edges,
e.g., side edges 19 or 19', or multiple edges, e.g., top edge 18
and side edge 19, or along partial edge(s), e.g., only along a
portion of top edge 18, provided that bottom edge 21 is
substantially free from (i.e., not secured with respect to) garment
10.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 3, pocket flap 12 is depicted in an
upwardly pivoted/rotated position so as to expose underlying
features of the disclosed garment 10 and pocket flap 12. In
particular, releasable engagement mechanism 24, 26, which according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form
of cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners. Thus, one aspect of
releasable engagement mechanism 24 is secured or mounted to the
underside of pocket flap 12, adjacent or in proximity to bottom
edge 21, and the other aspect of releasable engagement mechanism 26
is secured or mounted to the outer surface of garment 10. Aspects
24, 26 are positioned such that they will align or substantially
align when pocket flap 12 is pivoted/rotated downward into
overlying relation with garment 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). Although
both aspects 24, 26 are shown as discretely sized elements, it is
contemplated that one or both of aspects 24, 26 may be of enlarged
dimension so as to reduce the criticality of alignment to achieve
releasable engagement thereof.
[0024] In use and with initial reference to FIG. 3, a knife (not
pictured) is positioned relative to aspect 26 of the releasable
engagement mechanism such the perimeter of an aperture/opening
formed in the handle of the knife surrounds aspect 26. Pocket flap
12 is then pivoted/rotated downward such that aspect 24 of the
releasable engagement mechanism releasably engages aspect 26. In
this way, the knife is secured relative to garment 10, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The blade extends upward relative to garment 10 and
is protected between garment 10 and pocket flap 12.
[0025] When the knife is needed, an individual need only pull the
handle of the knife down and/or away relative to the garment. Such
pulling force easily overcomes the engagement between aspects 24,
26 of the releasable engagement mechanism, thereby releasing the
knife therefrom. The knife is easily replaced below pocket flap by
repeating the placement process described herein.
[0026] Various modifications may be made to the exemplary
embodiment disclosed herein. For example, reinforcement elements
may be positioned in the knife receiving region of the garment.
Thus, a lining (e.g., leather) may be positioned on the garment
and/or the underside of the pocket flap to provide enhanced
knife-related protection. It is also contemplated that the pocket
flap may be positioned above a conventional pocket, thereby
providing both functionalities in the same garment location.
[0027] As noted herein, the disclosed pocket flaps are particularly
adapted to offer ready access to an unsheathed knife for
individuals involved in outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing
activities. Thus, a conventional line-cutting knife that features
an aperture or opening in the handle may be readily accessed and
disengaged from a garment for immediate use. When an individual
requires the knife, he/she grasps the exposed handle and pulls
substantially downward and/or outward relative to the garment. In
response to such pulling force, the releasable engagement
mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, are disengaged and the
knife comes free of the garment. Convenient positioning of the
pocket flap facilitates ready access to the knife without any
required forethought on the individual's part, e.g., by locating
and positioning a knife for ready access.
[0028] Although the garment designs of the present disclosure have
been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the
present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments
and/or implementations. Rather, the garment designs of the present
disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and
applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the
art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly
encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or variations of
the disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *