U.S. patent application number 12/722710 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for integrated garment pocket system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALTANCO INC.. Invention is credited to Bryan DeHart.
Application Number | 20100235966 12/722710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42736174 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100235966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeHart; Bryan |
September 23, 2010 |
INTEGRATED GARMENT POCKET SYSTEM
Abstract
A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket, such as a
cargo pocket. The pocket insert provides means for organizing items
stored in the pocket. The insert is removable for easy access and
for use as a stand-alone pouch or carry-all.
Inventors: |
DeHart; Bryan; (Canton,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Polster, Lieder, Woodruff & Lucchesi, L.C.
12412 Powerscourt Dr. Suite 200
St. Louis
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
ALTANCO INC.
Marietta
GA
|
Family ID: |
42736174 |
Appl. No.: |
12/722710 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61160944 |
Mar 17, 2009 |
|
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61182532 |
May 29, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/252 ;
2/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/252 ;
2/272 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/20 20060101
A41D027/20; A41D 27/04 20060101 A41D027/04 |
Claims
1. A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket the insert
comprising: a front panel defining a bottom edge, side edges, and a
top edge; said front panel including a first closure element on an
outer surface thereof a rear panel defining at least a bottom edge
and side edges; said front and rear panels being joined together to
define a compartment; a flap extending above said front panel top
edge; said flap having an inner and outer surface and being sized
and shaped to be folded over to close said compartment; said flap
including a second closure element on an inner surface of said
flap; said second closure element being matable with said first
closure element to hold said flap in a closed position; said flap
further including a third fastener on said outer surface to secure
said insert in a pocket.
2. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said front and
back panels are formed from a single piece of material.
3. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising means
for organizing items stored in the pocket insert.
4. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said fastener
comprises one of a hook and loop fastener.
5. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising a
carrying strap on said flap outer surface.
6. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising at
least one belt loop on said rear panel.
7. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 further comprising at
least one organizing strap extending across one of said front and
back panels; said at least one organizing strap being adapted to
hold an implement against said panel.
8. The removable pocket insert of claim 6 wherein said organizing
strap includes bar tacks to separate said organizing strap into
discrete sections, such that said organizing strap can hold
multiple implements.
9. The removable pocket insert of claim 1 wherein said flap
comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge;
said second side edge being opposite said first side edge; said
first side edge and said an edge of said pocket insert define an
obtuse angle.
10. The removable pocket insert of claim 9 wherein said second side
edge of said flap comprises a first portion which extends from a
side edge of said insert and a second portion which extends from
said first portion; said first and second portions of said second
side edge of said flap defining an obtuse angle; said second
portion of said second side edge being generally parallel to said
first side edge of said flap.
11. In combination, a garment having a pocket and an insert
removably receivable in said pocket; said pocket comprising: a
panel having an outer surface and a pocket flap operable to close
said pocket; said pocket flap having an inner surface and an outer
surface; and a first pocket fastener on said pocket panel outer
surface and a second pocket fastener on said pocket flap inner
surface; said first and second pocket fasteners being positioned on
said pocket panel and said pocket flap to be matable with each
other to hold said pocket flap in said closed position; and said
insert comprising: a front panel defining a bottom edge, side
edges, and a top edge; said front panel including a first closure
element on an outer surface thereof a rear panel defining at least
a bottom edge and side edges; said front and rear panels being
joined together to define an insert compartment; a flap extending
above said front panel top edge; said flap having an inner and
outer surface and being sized and shaped to be folded over to close
said insert compartment; said flap including a second closure
element on an inner surface of said flap; said second closure
element being matable with said first closure element to hold said
flap in a closed position; said flap further including a flap
fastener on said outer surface; said flap fastener being positioned
to be mated with said pocket second fastener to secure said insert
flap to said pocket flap.
12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said insert flap is sized
and shaped to be aligned with said pocket flap when said insert is
received in said pocket.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said flap comprises a first
side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge; said second side
edge being opposite said first side edge; said first side edge and
said a edge of said pocket insert define an obtuse angle.
14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said second side edge of
said flap comprises a first portion which extends from a side edge
of said insert and a second portion which extends from said first
portion; said first and second portions of said second side edge of
said flap defining an obtuse angle; said second portion of said
second side edge being generally parallel to said first side edge
of said flap.
15. The combination of claim 11 further comprising means for
organizing items stored in the pocket insert.
16. The combination of claim 11 wherein said fastener comprises one
of a hook and loop fastener.
17. The combination of claim 11 further comprising a carrying strap
on said flap outer surface.
18. The combination of claim 11 further comprising at least one
belt loop on said rear panel.
19. The combination of claim 11 further comprising at least one
organizing strap extending across one of said front and back
panels; said at least one organizing strap being adapted to hold an
implement against said panel.
20. Combination of claim 19 wherein said organizing strap includes
bar tacks to separate said organizing strap into discrete sections,
such that said organizing strap can hold multiple implements.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of, and claims
priority to, U.S. Provisional App. Nos. 61/160,944 filed Mar. 17,
2009 and 61/182,532 filed May 29, 2009, both of which are entitled
"Integrated Pocket System, and both of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates generally to an insert for use in the
pocket of a garment, particularly an organizing insert that can be
employed in a large volume pocket generally the type employed on
cargo or military and tactical style trousers.
[0003] Often pockets in certain garments, such as cargo-type
pockets generally provided on cargo or military-style pants or
trousers, are quite large and deep. These pockets generally are not
segmented. Because of the relatively large volume of the pockets,
items placed in the pockets can be difficult to locate and retrieve
when needed, particularly if the user is in a hurry, such as in a
combat or trauma setting. The items within the pocket are typically
not organized, which may require the user to ferret through items
deep within the pocket to find a needed item. It would be
advantageous, therefore, to have an insert that may be employed in
a standard, large volume cargo-style pocket that more conveniently
organizes the items stored in the pocket for easy location and
retrieval.
SUMMARY
[0004] A removable pocket insert for a large volume pocket, such as
a cargo pocket. The pocket insert provides means for organizing
items stored in the pocket. The insert is removable for easy access
and for use as a stand-alone pouch or carry-all.
[0005] As is common, the garment pocket comprises a panel having an
outer surface and a pocket flap operable to close the pocket. A
first pocket fastener is positioned on the outer surface of the
pocket panel and a second pocket fastener on the pocket flap inner
surface. The first and second pocket fasteners are positioned on
the pocket panel and the pocket flap to be matable with each other
to hold the pocket flap in the closed position.
[0006] The insert comprises a front panel defining a bottom edge,
side edges, and a top edge and a rear panel defining at least a
bottom edge and side edges. The front and rear panels are joined
together to define an insert compartment. A first closure element
is positioned on the outer surface of the front panel. A flap
extends above the front panel top edge and is operable to close the
insert compartment. The flap including a second closure element on
an inner surface of the flap and a flap fastener on an outer
surface of the flap. The second closure element is matable with the
first closure element to hold the flap in a closed position. The
flap fastener is positioned on the outer surface of the pocket flap
to be mated with the pocket second fastener to secure the insert
flap to the pocket flap.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the pocket insert, the
insert flap is sized and shaped to be aligned with the pocket flap
when the insert is received in the pocket. To this end, the flap
comprises a first side edge, a second side edge opposite the first
side edge, and a top edge. The first side edge of the insert flap
and an edge of the pocket insert define an obtuse angle. The second
side edge of the flap can comprise a first portion which extends
from a side edge of the insert and an second portion which extends
from the first side edge portion. The first and second portions of
the second side edge of the flap define an obtuse angle such that
the second portion of the second side edge is generally parallel to
the first side edge of the flap.
[0008] In accordance with other aspects of the pocket insert, the
insert can comprise means for organizing items stored in the pocket
insert; a carrying strap on the flap outer surface; at least one
belt loop on the rear panel; and at least one organizing strap
extending across one of the front and back panels which is adapted
to hold an implement against the panel. The organizing strap can
include bar tacks to separate the organizing strap into discrete
sections, such that the organizing strap can hold multiple
implements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a removable pocket insert
with a closure flap in a closed position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the pocket insert with the
flap in an open position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the pocket insert with the
flap in the open position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of military style
trousers having a cargo pocket with a pocket flap open;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cargo pocket of FIG. 4
with the pocket insert received therein, the pocket insert being in
an open configuration;
[0014] FIG. 6 is another perspective view thereof;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the pocket insert with the flap in a closed position;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the alternative embodiment of
the pocket insert with the flap in an open position;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the alternative embodiment of
the pocket insert;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the pocket insert;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a second alternative
embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in a closed
position;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the second alternative
embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in an opened
position; and
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the second
alternative embodiment of the pocket insert with the flap in an
opened position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Turning initially to FIGS. 4-6, certain garments G, such as
cargo pants, have cargo pockets P which are closed by a flap F. As
is known, cargo pockets can define a large volume. The top edge of
the pocket P, and hence the flap F, may not be straight (i.e.,
horizontal), especially if the pocket P is positioned on a thigh
portion of the legs of the pants. The flap F and pocket P can be
provided with hook and loop closure elements 25, 27 (FIG. 4) to
hold the flap F closed. The hook and loop element 25 is poisoned on
an outer surface of the pocket P and the hook and loop element 27
is positioned on an inner surface of the flap F.
[0023] The novel integrated pocket system (IPS) is designed to be
an insert and a stand alone carry pouch. In general, in one aspect
of the IPS, the IPS 10 can be inserted into the cargo pocket P as a
secondary pocket. The IPS 10 can also to be removed from the pocket
P with its contents and is transportable. Hence, in one aspect, the
IPS 10 is designed to be used also as a stand alone carry pouch In
a further aspect, the IPS includes belt loops so the unit can be
carried on a belt.
[0024] The IPS 10 has a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14, which
are generally formed from the same sheet of material, such as a
durable, waterproof nylon or similar material. The front panel 12
is shown to be generally rectangular in shape. The material can be
folded and the peripheral edges of the walls are joined by
stitching a strip of fabric 16 along the edge to form a pocket
having an inner compartment 18. However, any method of forming the
IPS is acceptable. For example, the folded piece of material can be
seamed along its edge, to thereby eliminate the need for the strip
16 of fabric. The IPS can be formed from separate panels of
material, in which case, the two panels can be seamed along their
edges, or strips 16 of fabric can be used to join the two panels
together. Other conventional construction methods for forming the
IPS would be acceptable as well. Furthermore, the sides of the IPS
may include gussets G, as seen in the IPS 10', 10'' of FIGS. 7-10
and 11-13, to increase the volume and versatility of the IPS 10.
The rear panel 14 includes an integral upper flap 20 that can be
folded over to close the inner compartment 18. The upper flap 20 is
shaped and configured to correspond generally to the shape,
configuration, and orientation of the flap F for the pocket P into
which the IPS is to be inserted. In this manner, the IPS flap 20
will be aligned with the pocket flap F when the IPS is inserted in
the pocket P. To this end, as seen in FIG. 2, the flap 20 has an
upper edge 20a and side edges 20b and 20c. The upper edge 20 is not
parallel to the upper edge 12a of the front panel 12. The first
side edge 20b forms a right angle with the flap upper edge 20a and
an obtuse angle with a side edge 13a of the IPS. The second edge
20c has a first part 20c-1 which is colinear with, and essentially
a continuation of, a side 13b of the IPS and a second part 20c-2
which is generally parallel with the flap edge 20b, and which forms
an obtuse angle with the first part 20c-1. Hook and loop closure
elements 22, 24 are positioned on the inner surface of the flap 20
and on the outer surface of the front panel 12 to secure the flap
in a closed position when used outside a pocket. When the IPS is
inserted in a cargo pocket P, closure 22 can attach to
complementary hook and loop closure 25 (FIG. 4) on the cargo pocket
P to close the IPS 10.
[0025] The pocket insert 10' (FIGS. 7-10) is generally similar to
the pocket insert 10 (FIGS. 1-3), but with the addition of the
gusset G in the pocket insert 10'. The pocket insert 10'' is
similar to the pocket insert 10' inasmuch as it also includes a
gusset. However, as seen in FIGS. 11-13, the pocket insert 10''
includes a flap 20'' that is narrower than the flap 20 of the
pocket inserts 10 or 10'. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 11, when
the pocket insert flat 20'' is closed, the bottom edge of the flap
20'' is generally parallel to the sloped upper edge of the insert,
as opposed to being generally parallel to the bottom edge of the
insert, as is the case in the inserts 10 and 10'. Hence, the insert
flat 20'' is generally in the shape of a parallelogram.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, there is a hook and loop fastener
element 26 on the outer surface of the IPS flap 20 that corresponds
to complementary hook and loop fastener 27 on the inside of the
cargo pocket flap F to secure the IPS 10 within the cargo pocket.
The hook and loop fasteners insure the pocket contents remain
secure. Furthermore, the user can grasp the flap F of the cargo
pocket to pull open the flap F of the cargo pocket P and thereby
also open the flap 20 of the IPS 10 at the same time. An outer
strap 28 may be provided on the outer surface of the IPS flap 20 to
facilitate easy removal of the IPS from the cargo pocket. As shown,
the outer strap 28 extends between the hook and loop fasteners 26.
In the IPS 10' of FIGS. 7-10, a second, inner, strap 29 extends
between the hook and loop fasteners 22 on the inner surface of the
flap 20.
[0027] It will be noted that the overall peripheral configuration
of the IPS conforms generally to the overall configuration of the
cargo pocket P of the garment G in which the IPS is to be inserted.
The IPS can be undersized relative to the cargo pocket of the
garment so that the IPS can fit within the garment pocket. This
allows for items to be stored loose in the pocket P externally of
the IPS. However, the size of the IPS may vary depending upon
intended use of the IPS.
[0028] Although one aspect the IPS has been described and
illustrated using hook and loop fastener material for securing the
IPS in place or closed, any type of fastening device may be used.
By way of example and not limitation the IPS could include buttons
or snaps or any other fastener means.
[0029] It will be appreciated that the IPS may include any number
and style of compartments, equipment holders or the like. For
example, the inner compartment 18 of the IPS may be subdivided into
separate compartments or pockets, such as a knife pocket or other
convenient compartment or space. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2,
there may be horizontal organizing straps 30 across front wall 12
with bartacks to be used with M.O.L.L.E (MOdular Lightweight
Load-carrying Equipment) compatible systems. In any event, the
designs and configuration of sub-compartments and other equipment
securing and storage features of the IPS are nearly limitless and
intended to be within the scope of the invention. Referring to FIG.
3, in one aspect of the IPS there are two wide webbing belt loops
32 on the back wall of the IPS to enable the IPS to be worn on the
belt as a separate pouch, if desired.
Instructions for Use of the Integrated Pocketing System
[0030] Insertion [0031] 1. Insert the IPS 10 into cargo pocket P so
bottom of the IPS fits to bottom of cargo pocket P. [0032] 2. Fold
the flap 20 of IPS 10 so that the hook and loop element 22 on
inside of the flap attaches to hook 25 on the cargo pocket P.
[0033] 3. Close the pocket flap F of cargo pocket P so loop and
pile element 27 on cargo pocket flap F attaches to hook and pile
element 26 on exterior of IPS flap 20.
[0034] Open IPS and/or Removal from Cargo Pocket [0035] 1. To
remove the IPS 10 from the cargo pocket P, lift the cargo pocket
flap F to open the cargo pocket P. When the cargo pocket flap F is
lifted, the IPS flap 20 may also be lifted, thereby opening the IPS
compartment 18 to facilitate access to the equipment within the IPS
compartment. [0036] 2. Grasp either the outer strap 28 or inner
strap 29 on the IPS 10 to pull the IPS from cargo pocket. The IPS
10 can then be carried by either the outer strap 28 or the inner
strap 29.
[0037] The IPS was described above primary for use in cargo pockets
of cargo style or military trousers. However, it will be understood
that the IPS 10 may be used in any type of pocket and in the pocket
of any garment such as hunting trousers or hunting coat pockets,
hiking pants or shorts, outdoor wear of any type including coats,
shirts and trousers, ski pant or jackets, and in smocks and scrubs
worn by healthcare personnel or any other application. The scope of
the claimed invention is not limited to cargo style pockets or
cargo or military style pants or trousers.
* * * * *